Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I seem to be having quite a bit of trouble these days finding good jeans - I know, we all are, I get it. So instead of asking if you know of anywhere I might find jeans to fit my crazy, unporportionate hips, I’ll concentrate on the bigger problem, seeing as for the former there are always tailors…

It seems like everywhere I look every jean has rips, studs, hideously fake and obvious fading and cheap looking fabrics or washes. I like jeans but am a girly girl, I like things that are sexy while still classy and “romantic” looking. All I want is a nice, comfortable, form fitting jean (no skinnies) in a nice medium wash (this is way harder to find than a classy dark jean) with a nice fabric, and no distressing. I have literally scoured the internet and my local shopping malls for far to long now, so I am reaching out for help.

A. I totally get your distaste for all things distressed, shredded, destroyed, etc. in lieu of a jean in a clean, classic wash. But why the aversion to dark denim? Dark denim is not only slimming, but it can easily be dressed up or down - and it looks fantastic with everything from a classic white shirt to a romantic feminine top. That being said, you clearly prefer a lighter medium wash, which is difficult to find these days without any fading or distressing in styles that don’t look like “mom” jeans. Never fear, though, we found some affordable options for you to check out (no skinny styles included!):

Q. I have noticed that military jackets seem to be becoming quite popular. Or so I think. I love the look but sadly do not own one yet. Do you know where someone could find a not-so-expensive military style jacket? Preferably around $100. Thank you!

A. You’re not seeing things, military jackets are most definitely in style this season. Featuring rows of buttons, epaulettes and military embellishments, these tailored jackets look great with jeans. We found several chic options for less than $100:

Q. I’ve been out of work for a few months and finally have a really promising interview. Since I’ve had to cut corners lately, I don’t really have a lot to spend on an interview outfit. Can you recommend something affordable that I can get more than one wear out of?

A. It’s a lot easier to dress to impress a potential employer on a budget than you might think. We consulted Ryan Kohnen, the 29-year-old entrepreneur and author of the new book Young Professional’s Guide To Success and he offered these top 5 ways to dress for a job interview for less than $100:

1. Go monochromatic. Dressing in one color is always polished and can make up for the fact that your suit isn’t Armani.

2. Develop a relationship with a tailor. Even a $20 pair of Gap dress pants are interview-worthy if they fit right.

3. Discount retailers and off-season sales are your friends. Last season’s perfectly fashionable castoffs can be yours for often one quarter of the price.

4. Separates are an option, especially in neutral colors. A navy cardigan can replace a navy jacket-especially when paired with a navy pencil skirt.

5. Limit jewelry. It can tend towards expensive or showy, and neither will do you any favors while you’re looking for work.

What we say: Simple is better. Unless you are interviewing for a position in the fashion or style industry, it’s best to keep your look simple and classic. Avoid anything overly trendy or detailed, especially when you’re looking for clothes on a budget.

A simple seasonless sheath dress or pencil skirt in a basic color are perfect foundation pieces for your interview and work wardrobe. Add interest and dimension with jackets, cardigans, belts and jewelry to change up your look. Invest in rich looking accessories like a chic work tote and great looking shoes. They don’t have to be designer, but the materials should be of the best quality you can afford. Be sure to wear hosiery if you are interviewing at a conservative corporate office. If you’re unsure, it’s best to be safe and wear pantyhose or tights.

Below are some mix and match options that are affordable, classic and seasonless, so you’ll get a lot of wear out of them when you finally land the big job!

Layered Jet/Glass-Pearl/Crystal Necklace $58 - White House

Ak anne klein skirt $49 - Dillard’s

Elliott Lucca Palermo Tote $268 - Endless.com

Jones New York Lang Suede & Patent Pump $39.94 (sale) - DSW

Skinny Round Buckle Belt $4 - Forever 21

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Reversible Leather Belt $58 - Nordstrom

Knitted Short Cardigan $50 - Topshop

Signature Two-Way Stretch Collection: Sheath Dress $59 - Spiegel

Q. I am going on a date and bought this great dress from Kenneth Cole (but in a black color). What should I accessorize with (shoes, bag, earrings) to avoid looking too trendy, clubby, etc and just look great for the evening out? Any advice? I am a huge fan of bold earings and bracelets…should I avoid this since the dress has an interesting pattern?

A. Great dress! To tone down the dress and keep it classic, not trendy, let the pattern on the dress do the talking. Go for chic yet subtle accessories like the selections shown below.

Wire Wrapped Cuff $18 - Arden B

Bead And Swag Hoop Earring $22 - Express

Large metallic-leather gallery hobo $129 (sale) - J.Crew

Gloss Croco Patent Handbag $68 - White House

Antonio melani “dazzle” $79 - Dillard’s

BCBGirls Women’s Lemon High Heel Sandal $98 - Endless.com

Draped Drop Neck Dress $158 - Kenneth Cole

Q. I have fallen in love with the Tayla shoe by Steve Madden. I am, however, unsure about what kind of outfit they would look good with. Any advice?

A. When it comes to shoes with thick ankle straps, it’s always best to show as much leg as possible. The sexy Tayla shoe looks great with short dresses and skirts, like those shown below:

Faille Pencil Skirt $100 - Ann Taylor

ABS by Allen Schwartz Fitted Mini Dress $240 - Bloomingdale’s

BCBGMAXAZRIA Shimmery Jersey One-Shoulder Dress $188 - Bloomingdale’s

Tayla Grey Suede $119 - Steve Madden