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Q. I am in a wedding later this month in which I am part of the “house party” or, as I like to call it, the “B-Team Bridesmaids.” Luckily, we can pick out our own dresses - the bride just asks that they all be solid black, around knee-length, and free of anything too flashy like beading or sequins. This will be the first time I see my ex after a terrible break-up six months (and 30 lbs) ago, so I really want to look GREAT. Please help me find a simple, stylish, and extremely flattering LBD! I definitely don’t want to show too much skin at my friend’s wedding, but I’d love to find something a bit sexy, like a one-shoulder, strapless, or halter neckline. What do you think? Where is the line between looking hot at a wedding and looking inappropriate?

A. Congrats on the dramatic weight loss! Here are some little black dresses to “wow” your ex - sexy, yet tasteful enough to wear to your friend’s wedding:


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Q. I’m attending an anniversary party and would love to wear this dress I found at Express. I’m not sure what accessories (shoes, bag, jewelry) I should wear though. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Great dress! Let the bold graphic design dictate your color palette: yellow, black, white, gold - any of these colors would look great with the dress. We opted for black strappy heels, a lemon yellow clutch, a chunky gold necklace and bangles.

A white or gold bag would also look great, as would gold shoes. You can also substitute great dangling gold earrings instead of the chunky gold necklace or add a skinny black patent belt to change the look.


Q. I recently bought a vintage Ralph Lauren navy boyfriend blazer. I am interning at an art museum this summer and would love to wear it then. However, I’m a bit unsure of how to incorporate it into my ‘business casual’ wardrobe. The only look I’m familiar is with boyfriend blazer is wearing them with skinnies and shorts—but can’t wear those at the museum!

A. The soft, slouchy, slightly boxy boyfriend blazer can be tricky to pull off in the workplace where “neat” always looks better than overly relaxed or sloppy. Yes, a boyfriend blazer looks great with skinnies and shorts, but at the office, you are better off with pencil skirts, slim trousers and shift dresses. Just remember to keep the rest of your look clean, unfussy and tailored close to the body. Below are a few ideas for inspiration:

Q. What type of shoe can be worn with sundresses and the great new maxi length if you can’t wear sandals or strappy shoes. I just don’t seem to have the feet for them. I appreciate any suggestions!!!

A. Bohemian-inspired maxi dresses and pretty, feminine sundresses generally call for summery pedicure-flaunting shoes. Long (maxi) dresses can look especially dowdy with most closed-toe styles, so some sort of sandal or wedge is usually called for. 

When you say “you don’t have the feet” for sandals, I’m not sure if you mean that you find them uncomfortable or if you just don’t like to expose your foot for some reason. Below are some dresses with shoe options that aren’t too strappy or sandalish, so hopefully there is a shoe style that you feel comfortable with (click each image for purchasing info):

Q. I am a stay at home mom with 2 small children - my day to day life consists of running between preschool, classes, parks and playdates. My uniform is often jeans and some sort of comfortable top. The problem is I am having trouble finding a t-shirt or top that is flattering. After two children I am left with the dreaded pouch and protruds out and could be mistaken for an early pregnancy. All I am left with are tighter fitting tees or buying too big and therefore looking big all over. I was wondering if there were some good options out there for those of us who are home. Please keep in mind that most of us are on budgets or can’t imagine spending $80 on a shirt that will most like get snot, dirt, or food on it from our darling children.

A. It’s time to think outside of the basic t-shirt box and look for blousy cotton tops or a-line shapes that won’t cling to your tummy - they have a bit more style than the classic tee but are just as easy to wash and wear, and look great with jeans, shorts or casual cropped pants. Here are several options for you, all machine washable and under $50:


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