Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I’m in New Orleans and find myself hard-pressed to find unique items that I’m looking for. Some of my favorite boutiques are still closed, so I’ve really gotten more involved in online style searching and purchasing. I do find it more difficult, however, to find specific articles that I’m looking for when I don’t have a particular brand in mind.

Right now, I’m dying for a cute, very sheer, beach tunic for a trip I’m taking to Belize at the end of June. Do you have any sites and/or designers you could recommend for finding some of these?
-Fashion-starved since Saks closed   

A. Love the summer heat and I, too, can’t wait for the beach.  Here are a few of sheer tunic cover ups to consider:

long, sheer and gorgeous
print tunic with sequins from Delfina Swimwear
$191.99 (sale) at vivre.com

a little sexy

La Blanca by Rod Beattie Crochet Tunic
$86 at nordstrom.com

something simple
Washed Guaze Back-Tie Tunic
$29.99 (sale) at jcrew.com

wear it on the beach or out to dinner

Lilly Pulitzer ‘Plum’ Tunic
$188 at nordstrom.com

Q. I love the latest Bermuda shorts trends! I recently bought a great pair of denim Bermudas. I’d like to know what’s the best way to dress them up for a night out and dress them down for a casual outing. What types of tops and shoes go with denim Bermudas?
-Savvy Shorts 

A. For nights out, look for camisole tops paired with little jackets or vest-like tops and for day, choose longer length t-shirts or striped tops and layer cotton tops and tanks.  As for your feet, wear wedges and heels or strappy sandals at night and cute flats or espadrilles during the day.

The look at left is the a great way to wear your denim shorts at night (from nordstrom.com). For daytime, the cotton top at right (from anthropologie.com) is a fresh look.

Q. Where can I find a one-piece or tankini with underwire?  I am a size 16 and with D breasts, so I just can’t go without the wire.  I am only 28, so I don’t want a “grandma” suit, but I can’t wear a string bikini either.  Please help!
-A Southern Sunbather

A. Some of the best styles that give lift and support with no “grandma” concerns are halter-top swimsuits.  Look for ones with built in cups for the best lift and there are many swimsuits with discreet features like extra Lycra to flatten tummies and slim hips.  I love Miraclesuit, and they offer specific styles for D and double D cups. Below are a few of my suggestions and be sure to check out our latest Swim Style style recipe for more options.

Solid-Color Wrap Miraclesuit
$102 at eddiebauer.com

D-cup Solid V-neck Halter Tank Swimsuit
$68 at landsend.com

Venezia Sport rhinestone-accent halter tank
$89.50 at lanebryant.com

Q. When is it ok to wear capri pants in terms of time of year? I live in Canada and it’s now spring so is it ok to start wearing them?
-Cropped Pant Craving 

A. Go for it! Plenty of gals all around the country are sporting them.  But here’s my tip for the best fit and fashionable function: capris look best on women who are 5’4“ and taller; capris on petite girls will only make them look shorter or stunted.  To pull off the cropped pant for shorter heights, look for lengths that hit just above mid shin and higher up to a walking short length and pair them with wedges or heels.  And no matter what height, avoid a baggy leg.  As for season, some cropped pants (depending on color and fabric) can be worn all year long when paired with knee high boots and a sweater during the cooler months.

Q. I have been very frustrated by my inability to find fashionable jeans that fit those of use who wear bigger — but not “plus” — sizes. I am generally an 8 or a 10 but I find that I can’t fit into the biggest size made by most premium denim brands, generally a 32. If I can even get them over my admittedly large hips and thighs, the waist inevitably gaps by many inches, far too much to fix through alteration. No one who looks at me would say I’m obese, but I certainly felt that way after spending a good 2 hours in an upscale department store recently. Must I resign myself to Gap or Lee jeans from here on in? I’d really like to have a pair of sharp jeans that I can wear in a professional situation, and Wranglers just don’t cut it.
- Jeans Disjointed 

A. I feel your pain - jeans and swimsuits are THE HARDEST items to shop for and the most disappointing when you can’t find your dream purchase.  I have left many dressing rooms feeling like a reject when I couldn’t find a pair that fit me. 

First, make sure you are trying on the most flattering fit for your figure. Look for jeans with a slight flare to balance out your hips and thighs and avoid tapering or skinny jeans at all costs.  Be sure the jeans have pockets. Also, think about denim with stretch— or Lycra—one of the greatest inventions put into women’s clothes. Don’t bring a girlfriend with you unless she is super stylishly savvy and honest. And don’t assume that expensive jeans are more worthy - I have jeans in my drawer from Old Navy for $20 to Citizens of Humanity for nearly $200 and plenty of price points in between. I love them all for different reasons, whether it’s the fit, the length or the wash. It’s more important to find the right fit that looks good on your body than spending the big bucks for the latest “hot” jean. 

As for designers to look for, there are so many brands out there, it’s hard to keep up with the claims. Before you become hardened towards jeans, go shopping at these stores:  Lucky Brand Dungarees (they have claimed they can find you a great fitting pair in four try-ons) and Levi’s, where you’ll find a wealth of sizes and fits with knowledgeable salespeople. Or, head to a store that has a designated area just for the jeans with pros on staff that know all the styles. In New York we have Barneys with their Jeans Bar - I adore the guys at Barneys co-op, they are honest and can remember the difference between my first pair and my fifteenth.

Most importantly, be patient. Even if you have to try on 50 pairs to find the perfect one, it will be worth it!