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In search of stylish spring and summer jackets

May 7, 2010

Q. I work in San Francisco where it is sunny but Cool and windy in the Spring/Summer. Do you have any suggestions on outerwear/jackets/coats to wear during the summertime to keep warm, look put together and fashionable?   

A. This summer, opt for a lightweight boyfriend blazer, safari-inspired jacket, lightweight trench, or a summer leather jacket to ward off the chill indoors or out. For casual weekends, our favorites are the hot-again denim jacket (ideal for dresses and skirts) or a military jacket (paired with shorts, skinny pants and dresses). Here are some affordable and stylish options for you:

  

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How to dress up a monochromatic dress for a wedding

May 5, 2010

Q. I bought this dress to wear to a June wedding. The wedding is at 11 am in a church, and the reception outside in a garden I believe. I didn’t want something too flashy or colorful, as the wedding will be conservative and indoors. My question is, how to dress it up to look a bit more fancy? Thanks!

A. Don’t you love a dress that can be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions? The most obvious way to make this look more fancy and appropriate for a daytime wedding is with your shoes and jewelry. Look for a striking statement necklace to add interest to the otherwise simple and monochromatic dress. Finish it off with a bold cocktail ring and dressy shoes. Here are some suggestions:


Mango Crystal And Stone Teo Cocktail Ring $27 - Asos
Kenneth Jay Lane Cream And Black Adjustable Cocktail Ring $143 - Asos
Jones New York Frenchman Pump $79 - DSW
Tasha Flower Statement Necklace $58 - Nordstrom
Pearl & Ribbon Statement Necklace $48 - GUESS
Sm Luxe Ozzy Jeweled Satin Sandal $119 - DSW
Textured Sheath Dress $158 - Ann Taylor

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How to keep your cool while dressing for a summer interview

May 3, 2010

Q. I have a job interview coming up at the end of May. Due to the nature of the job, it’s important that I look very professional, but at that time of year it is already going to be very hot and humid. What’s my best option to look professional but keep comfortable in the weather? I’m terrified of showing up sloppy and with pit stains!

A. We women are lucky when it comes to dressing for work in the summer - we can get away with showing a bit more skin than our suit-and-tie wearing male counterparts. Depending on the field you are interviewing for you have several options:

  • First and foremost, choose lightweight fabrics that breathe like silk, cotton and cotton blends. You may want to avoid linen since it tends to wrinkle fairly easily and you don’t want to arrive looking sloppy.

  • Personally, I hate wearing hosiery in the warmer months and avoid it at all costs. For all but the most buttoned-up corporate positions, you can go bare legged to an interview as long as the rest of your look is professional. A knee length dress or skirt worn with pumps ensures that just the lower part of your legs are shown and keeps you from looking too risque. Of course, your legs should be smooth and unbruised or unblemished, and a touch of self tanner wouldn’t hurt.

  • If you aren’t comfortable going bare legged, wear lightweight trousers with pumps and no socks. The sliver of ankle shown will not be an issue and you’ll feel more comfortable than if you were wearing socks or hosiery.

  • Go sleeveless - not to the interview, but on your way to the interview. Carry your blazer or cardigan with you to slip on once you’re safely in the air conditioned office.

  • If your hair style allows, pin it up into a loose bun during your commute and then take your hair down after you arrive. Wearing your hair up will help keep you cool and will also keep your strands from getting greasy or wet should you perspire.

  • Arrive early. This may be the smartest thing you can do to ensure that you’re calm, cool and collected before the interview. It will give you time to relax, cool down before the interview and freshen up in the ladies room if you must. Carry some blotting papers or a little translucent powder with you to erase any shine that may have accumulated.

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In search of white blazers to wear to the office in the summer

April 30, 2010

Q. I would love to find a white boyfriend blazer for the summer, as DC summers are miserable but require professional dress. I haven’t been able to find very many in stock anywhere online, and would really appreciate some help. I’d prefer single breasted, maybe in a cotton sateen, and under $125.

A. We found several affordable blazers for you in a range of fabrics suitable for the office in the summer. In addition to boyfriend styles, we found a few “girlfriend” styles as an option.


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How to keep button-down shirts from gaping across the chest

April 28, 2010

strip-shirt_300.jpgQ. My button front shirts always gap across my boobs. I wear minimizers, so what else can I do?

A. Wearing the right bra is part of the equation, but it’s often not enough to help prevent shirts and blouses from puckering between the buttons, a common problem for women with larger chests. Here are a few tricks for making a button-down shirt work for you:


  • Find a button-front shirt that fits well and doesn’t pull across your chest, even if it’s too big everywhere else. Take it to a tailor to have the rest of the shirt properly fitted. Your new “custom” shirt will be well worth the extra $10 or $20 for a proper fit.

  • If your shirt fits fairly well across your chest but still gaps, use invisible double stick clothing tape to help prevent the puckering. Or for a more permanent solution, you can try sewing a small piece of velcro in between the buttons.

  • Try wearing a pretty camisole under your shirt. Unbutton the buttons that are gaping for a quick and stylish solution.

image via realsimple.com

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