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3279-442574-d.jpg.jpegQ. I was wondering what I can wear with these ankle boots and if there was anyway I can wear them this summer without looking TOO ridiculous.

A. These are great boots that you will get a lot of wear from, however, they really are too heavy to wear in the summer. Tuck them away and take them out at the end of September to wear with everything from dresses to skinny jeans (check out this article for ideas on how to wear them).

Q. I am 53 1/2 yrs old. I am the classic apple shape with a 34”waist and 39” hip with no butt ,slim thighs no hips but a big waist in comparison. I have the classic “muffin” top going if I get my jeans to fit my bottom 1/2. I am a size 6/8 on the hips/thighs and a 10/12 on the waist. What can I do? I have been looking for jeans, not low rise but just above the hips. I am at my wits end with this problem. Please help me to find a great jean!

A. Finding jeans to fit the classic apple shape can be a challenge, though not impossible. To start, look for higher waist jeans with stretch that will help “contain” your tummy and waist, rather than spilling over and creating the dreaded “muffin top”. Not Your Daughter’s Jeans is a company that specializes in higher waist “control” jeans designed to slim the lower abdomen and lift the rear without the feeling of being stuffed in binding, tight and uncomfortable material. Look for skinny or straight leg styles that will flatter your slim hips and legs.

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In addition to high waist control top or stretch jeans as a flattering option, we’ll let you in on a little secret: maternity jeans . There are so many great fitting, stylish maternity jeans that are specially made with a super comfortable elastic panel. This allows you to buy the size 6/8 jeans that fit well through your hips and thighs while the panel conforms to your size 10/12 waist. Wear a top that covers the stretch panel and it will be your little secret! It sounds crazy, but there are many women who continue to wear jeans that were bought for early in their pregnancy because the stretch panel is unbelievably comfortable - perfect for running around after little ones. There is even something called a “post pregnancy” jean which may be an even better option for you than a maternity jean.

Consider having jeans custom made for you. It sounds extravagant, but sites like makeyourownjeans.com will create a pair of jeans just for you for as low as $50. Just plug in your sizes, choose your style and wash preferences, and you’ll have a perfect fitting pair of jeans in a few weeks.

If none of the above work for you, another option for controlling muffin top is to wear a longer length torso trimming tank, like those from Yummy Tummie. You can tuck the tank into your jeans and feel confident that everything is being sucked in.


Q. I found a very simple cut rayon tank dress with a very small floral print at a thrift shop and it hits about mid-thigh. Can I wear this as a belted tunic over skinny jeans? What would be the most updated way to use this dress? Accessory ideas, shoes, etc. would also help.

Also, I have a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses from 1987. Would I look dated if I wore them? They are good quality sunglasses and they just sit there. It seems the big glasses are back in again, am I right?

I like to be Thrifty but stylish.

A. Sounds like your floral tank dress was a great find! A classic shape in a classic print that just also happens to be very in style this season. You can certainly belt the dress and wear it with skinny jeans, or of course wear it as a dress with flat summer sandals or feminine heels or wedges. We’ve shown some ideas below using two floral tank dresses that can be found on the racks now.

As for your original Ray-Bans - not only can you wear them now, but people are paying big bucks for vintage originals and the new “original” reissues.

Q. Can I wear a turquoise silk/satin dress with hot pink platforms of the same fabric? I really don’t want to wear gold or silver shoes, so boring and expected. I think the contrasting colors look fun and sexy together. And, if I can get away w/ these colors, the real question is, what color wrap can I wear w/o looking like a crayon?

A. You can definitely wear your hot pink shoes with a turquoise dress, in fact, mixing colors is a big trend this season. The key to mixing colors successfully is to pair bold colors with other bold colors and pale colors with similarly pale colors. In other words, a pale pink shoe would not work as well as a bright pink shoe with your bright blue dress. Mixing in a third color can be tricky, so it’s best to keep your wrap neutral: ivory, white, gold, silver, nude, etc.

91P1003_10_b.jpegQ. I’ve been eyeing the Siwy camilla cut-off shorts in white, but they are very heavily distressed and I am concerned that they won’t hold together after more than a few washes in the washing machine. Do you have any thoughts on the heavily distressed denim trend? Is the trend likely to last? Will heavily distressed denim fall apart super fast?

A. These cut-off shorts are super hot right now, having been worn by such celebs as Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Vanessa Hudgens. A cute, casual style, they look great with loose tees and blouses.

True, heavily distressed denim is very trendy right now, but it doesn’t show signs of fading (ha!) any time soon. We say, if you’ve been eyeing these shorts, then go for it. And when they do eventually go out of style, they’ll still look great worn to the beach.

As for caring for your distressed denim, most items are specially treated so they won’t fall apart with normal wear. When washing them, it’s best to turn them inside out and wash on delicate cycle (or better yet, hand wash) and hang them dry. Don’t put them in the dryer!

Siwy Camilla Cut Off Shorts in White $159 at chickdowntown.com. Get 10% off with coupon code: VIP10

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