Talking Fashion

Every other week Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source Suzanne D'Amato and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett are here to talk fashion. Want to know where to find perfect black slacks? Which new designers are rocking the runway? Why Britney just can't seem to find a dress that fits? They're here to help. They were online Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions. They invite you to submit questions and share you own great tips, ideas and, yes, even a gripe or two.____________________

Janet Bennett Kelly: My friend Mary and I have a tradition of hitting the Georgetown boutiques the first week in January -- in time for prime pickings of the sale merch. The usual result is that she walks away with several shopping bags and if I'm lucky, I bring away one lonely bag. Just last week, though, the tables turned. I was the one with an embarrassment of riches that I had to figure out how to widdle it all down. "It's your year," said Mary, summing up the situation. So, how about you? Was it your year? Did you like the trends Suzanne gave a thumbs-up to -- jewel tones, natty neutrals, slimmed down suits for guys -- in her Sunday column? Any trends you thought were hideous?

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Have you noticed how many women forget (or simply don't know) to pick the basting stitches out of suit jackets, skirts, and so on after purchasing them? For example, I saw a lady in a very cute pleated skirt, but with all the pleats sewn up! Hey, fellow office drones, those stitches are just to protect the clothes in transit -- you can take them out now!

Janet Bennett Kelly: That is amusing. Everyone out there listening?

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Good morning! I pretty much wear the same 5 pairs of pants to work each week -- black, gray and various shades of khaki/brown. I tend to wear more colorful tops (button downs, cardigans) with nice jewelry but this seems pretty boring. Could you please suggest other types of pants I could add into my wardrobe, and stores where I can find a good pair of pants for around $75-125?

Suzanne D'Amato: You say your wardrobe is boring because you have all these pants, and then you suggest remedying the situation by adding...more pants! I'd suggest a skirt or even (gasp!) a dress if you want to mix it up. There will be a good number of full skirts in stores this Spring, and this is one of the simpler silhouettes to wear -- it pairs well with pumps or flats and is work-appropriate. That said, if you'd really like to stick with pants, try a higher-waist, full-leg trouser in a subdued color and a classic fabric. Better to mix up your pants wardrobe with a new cut such as the one I mentioned, instead of a wacky fabric like plaid or some such -- because your style sounds fairly conservative. As for where to buy them -- it's difficult for me to answer this question without knowing anything about your body type. Are you petite? Plus sized? Hippy? Leggy? Let me know and I'll try to help!

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Lately I've been trying to find a large roomy leather tote for carrying to work, but I am debating if it's really worth the back pain for such a heavy load. Is the large tote trend going to die down this spring? Is it more valuable to invest in a medium size bag in a bright fun color, than a huge blah tote?

Suzanne D'Amato: It really depends on you and your schlepping needs, I'd say. Do you want to carry magazines, files, bottled water and gym clothes with you every day? Then a big tote is essential. If not, a smaller bag might be right for you. The gargantuan bag (a la Chanel's Cabas style) is heading "out" of fashion, but if you need a big bag I say go for it. One thing to note in the back pain category: These bags are often fairly heavy on their own because of the structure and or/hardware involved in their design. I once purchased a Luella bag online and had to return it -- the chunky hardware and stiff leather meant it was a no-go for my back, even when empty. So it's best to buy these in person...

_______________________Washington, D.C.: On a recent episode of one of those makeover-type shows on TV, the host cited the statistic that 85 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra because they have never been been properly fitted for one. Do you know of any lingerie specialty stores in the area that are known for offering quality bras and this type of service? Do you really believe this statistic? It seemed awfully high to me.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have no idea whether that statistic is right or wrong, but I know from my own experience that it's not so easy to find the right bra size and salespeople at most dept. stores are not well trained enough to help. Sylene in Chevy Chase and Underwraps in Bethesda are two good lingerie specialty stores. Trousseau in Vienna also has a good rep.

_______________________Washington, D.C.: In honor of the warm weather today: I have a skirt I purchased at H and M two years ago that I am hesitant to wear. It is plaid like a Catholic school girl would wear, but goes down to my knees. Can I still wear it? I promise I won't pair it with a white button down shirt. Thanks.

Suzanne D'Amato: I think it's fine to wear this season -- plaid is a fashion classic. But I actually think it's better suited to wintry weather than spring temps. (I say "actually" because you mention today's warm weather, and I don't think plaid works as well with bare legs and flats as it does with wooly tights and boots.)

_______________________Alexandria, Va.: I am stuck in an Ann Taylor rut. Can you recommend other stores for quality, well made pieces and suits with reasonable prices. I always get overwhelmed by department stores like Macy's or Lord and Taylor which seem to blend good pieces with a bunch of mediocre stuff; so, I tend towards smaller, label stores. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: One solution would be to mix up your Ann Taylor basics with some vintage styles that you can find at places like Alex and Remix in D.C. Have you tried Reiss or Sangaree in Georgetown?

 _______________________Boston, Mass.: Regarding the comment about not removing the basting stitches on pleats -- I see the same thing in outer wear! Women will be wearing a beautiful coat with a back vent, and the back vent is still stitched together. Thank you for giving us a forum to sound the alert!Janet Bennett Kelly: In our eagerness to wear our just-bought clothes, I can see how we can run out the door with our stitches showing. But since we've sounded the warning bell ...

_______________________McLean, Va.: Hello! I was hoping you could help me figure out the best shoes to wear with wide leg jeans. What do you suggest? I feel that round toe shoes look best...something about pointed toes don't look right to me. Thank you for your thoughts!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Whether you choose round or pointed, just make sure your shoes have a little substance to them. Wedges or shoes/boots with clunky heels work with wide-legged jeans.

_______________________West Lafayette, Ind.: I was excited about the different styles of dresses for this winter.

Suzanne D'Amato: I was excited before I actually went to the stores -- because when I got there, everything was short as can be. (Higher than mid-thigh? No thanks.) Seriously, though, I thought a number of them were quite cute for going-out wear -- but if you, you know, have a job, they're basically unwearable.

_______________________Arlington, Va.:: Good morning ladies! I recently purchased a long, black, boyfriend-style cardigan from H and M. It ends about two inches above my knee with buttons going down the front and has 3/4 length sleeves. My question is, can I wear it as a dress if I wear something underneath it with tights or should I pair it with jeans? I was so excited to find/buy it but now don't know what to do with it!

Suzanne D'Amato: You could try a dress if it's a slinky, Calvin Klein/Helmut Lang-type sheath style, cut from a thin T-shirt fabric. Any dress with a more structured fabric or built-in details such as embroidery, elaborate pintucking, etc. will look lumpy under the cardigan. Alternately, I'd try wearing the cardigan as a dress on its own, or layering it over skinny jeans (Yes, I know that last suggestion is just *so* last year, but you gotta get the proportion right here.)

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Spring is in the air! What are the top 5 pieces we should be focusing on for spring? What are the hot colors and bag shapes? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Dearest D.C., if you'd read my column (there's a link in Janet's introduction, above) you'd know the answer to this question! But not to worry, I imagine some of you have other matters on your minds this morning...I keep hearing about some little business in New Hampshire? So! If you were going to buy 5 trendy things this Spring -- and would you really want to do that? that's another question -- I'd suggest the following: 1. A full-skirted dress. 2. A sheer but not scandalously transparent blouse -- try a pretty camisole in a contrasting color underneath. 3. Some candy-colored shoes with a lot of detail and interest -- because shoes are the new It bags. 4. Something floral print. A scarf? A skirt? A top? Your call, but make sure it's modern, not mumsy. 5. Hmm. Janet, any suggestions on a fifth item here?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think you couldn't go wrong with something in navy. Blue will still be going strong for spring. The same for khaki.

_______________________Bra Question: I would also recommend Full Cup in Old Town Alexandria. Be sure to make an appointment though -- they don't take walk-ins.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the suggestion!

_______________________Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for a good place to go and get my hair cut and colored. Any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love the way Paul Bosserman cuts hair; he's an expert. My colleagues love Bang at the Verizon Center. For color and cut, I've heard and seen good results from Easel in Georgetown. That said, not every stylist is good for every head of hair, so it somewhat depends on what kind of hair you have --curly, straight as a stick, in between.

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Would Sylene, Underwraps, and Trousseau also work for those of us unable to find correct fitting underwear?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Are you talking about undergarments like Spanx? I know Sylene and Underwraps carry lingerie that can help smooth out the, ahem, bumps we all have. Is that what you're talking about?

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Bag question: I currently bring a Manhattan portage bag to and from work everyday. It is embarrassing, I feel like the bags are from the 90's. But I'm at a loss for a replacement bag that I can wear over my shoulder and across my chest, yet still fit in my lunch, a book, my iPod, phone, etc., etc. Tips? I don't wear any brown, if that helps, only black and gray pants, skirts and accessories. Thank you!

Suzanne D'Amato: Nothing wrong with Manhattan Portage, but I understand why you're ready to upgrade. I saw some great leather (or maybe they were pleather?) messenger bags at Target last weekend. They cost between $30-$40 each and were nice and roomy, with some cool, understated hardware that distinguished them from the pack. I'd also suggest scouring the men's furnishings dept at department stores -- they often stock more of these styles than ladies' bag departments. If you *really* want to upgrade, consider a style from Jas M. B. or Mulberry.

_______________________Washington, D.C.: What about trends for the plus-size girl? Where should I be shopping and what are the most flattering trends right now?

Suzanne D'Amato: Full skirts were made for you. I'd suggest avoiding the sheath dress trend that seems to be rearing its bony little head this season. Skintight styles are generally better for women looking to add the curves that many plus-sized ladies are already blessed with. As for where to shop -- I'm not sure that I have any suggestions that rise above the obvious. Chatters, any ideas?

_______________________Not ready for mom jeans: I hear that not-so-low-rise jeans are in our imminent future. And that's good for me. I love the low-rises, but after a kid, that muffin-top look precludes me from the low rise section. However, I live in fear that I will end up in mom-jeans. So do tell, where should we still 30-somethings look for lean cool jeans that won't break the bank? Because that's the thing -- once you have a kid, spending upwards of $70 on a pair of jeans is ... sometimes just out of the question. Thank you, o fashion forward ones!

Suzanne D'Amato: There's a brand called Cheap Monday that is decidedly un-momlike and (as the name would suggest) fairly cheap. I think you can buy them at Urban Outfitters and Barneys Co-Op; they retail for about $65 a pop. The only thing you might consider is that they tend to be TIGHT -- I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for? But they do have some nice higher-waisted options. Janet, any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cheap Monday jeans do tend to be tight, I agree. But with jeans, you just have to keep trying them on to find a fit that works for you, and there are low-cost options. Dare I say this -- what about the Gap??

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Just a note to the person who was looking for a bra measurement: I've been to Sylene and Trousseau but I found the best service and expertise at Dorne Corset Shop in Silver Spring. They will alter the garment to fit you (and right there, on the spot) if you are between sizes to ensure proper fit.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Well, then, that sounds like a great option. Thanks for the recommendation.

_______________________Alexandria, Va.: It is okay to wear knee-high black boots with a skirt (that comes down below your knees) and not wear tights?

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, it's okay! If you don't feel like wearing tights, then don't. I will not show up at your house and force you to shimmy into a pair, I promise.

_______________________Bethesda, Md.: I have a belt question. Prior to having two kids, I wore trouser/slacks that fit around the smallest part of my waist, and so my belts fit there, too. Those pants don't fit anymore, so now, I'm wearing newer pants slightly below my waist; what type of and where do I get a belt for these pants? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Nordstrom has a very good, very wide selection of belts, and for reasonable prices. I found some Ralph Lauren belts there that were priced well and did the job for pants that fell below the waist.

_______________________Washington, D.C.: Aside from your wonderful columns, blogs, etc., what are the best sources to keep up with the trends? Any particular blogs or magazines to recommend?

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the kind words! In addition to our admittedly great contributions, I'd suggest The Sartorialist, Pandahead, Facehunter, Nylon and the "Look Book" feature in New York Magazine. The New Yorker doesn't regularly cover fashion, but when they do the results can be dazzling -- John Colapinto's profile of Karl Lagerfeld still gives me shivers.

_______________________Falls Church, Va.: Hi, Suzanne and Janet -- For the woman stuck in the Ann Taylor rut, she might try the Classiques Entier or GarfieldMarks lines at Nordstrom, or in general, their t.b.d. and Studio 121 departments. I was in an Ann Taylor rut for years and Nordstrom has cured me of it. And a question -- four of us girls (late 20s and early 30s) are going to the KenCen for the ABT's production of Sleeping Beauty on a Sat. night in February. Some of them want to get 'really' dressed up, but I'm trying to convince them that if we show up in long dresses, we'll probably be outnumbered. Isn't a LBD or nice dress pants and evening top more appropriate there these days?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, there, Falls Church, Thanks for the suggestions about alternatives to Ann Taylor. Apparently, a lot of us are addicted to Ann Taylor. As to what to wear to the KenCen in Feb., I would advise against wearing a long dress. It's just not that formal an occasion and you'll be far more comfortable and look much chicer in a short dress or pants and a dressy top. _______________________Washington, D.C.: For the woman looking for nice, reasonably priced jeans -- how about Levi's? I bought two pairs at the store in G'town last year. They are not too low-rise, dark rinse, stretch, and cost less than $60. Just an idea! Janet Bennett Kelly: And a good idea at that. Levi's are no mommy jeans. _______________________Washington, D.C.: I'm wearing a Nicole Miller leopard print dress to a cocktail party on Friday. Would you suggest I wear a pashmina or jacket to ward off the chill? Also, should my accessories be understated and neutral, like golds and browns? I'm also wondering about bare legs this time of year. Should I wear Spanx and closed-toed shoes or are open-toed sandals (gold) acceptable?

Suzanne D'Amato: Some answers, in order: 1. Yes! A cropped jacket of some sort would be more chic than a pashmina, which is a perfectly acceptable but not terribly fashion-forward choice. Velvet might be a bit much with leopard print, but you could always try a thin, dressy wool or (faux) fur? 2. Yes, matte bronze or even dark burgundy would look great here. If you choose gold, make sure it's nothing too sparkly-bright. 3. Bare legs and open-toe shoes are perfectly acceptable. And if this weather keeps up, they'll be practical, too!

_______________________Maryland: I hate shopping, I know women are supposed to love it but I don't. Please tell me where to find decent clothes at a reasonable price. I am sick of paying $100 a pair for dress pants for work. I am a fifty-year-old professional career woman that doesn't want to try to look twenty again but also doesn't want to look eighty. Where are our clothes? It seems everything out there is junior size or smaller. This is part of the reason I hate to go clothes shopping. My husband goes with me and just shakes his head. He says why can't they do women's clothing like men's

Janet Bennett Kelly: It's not easy finding stylish, not childish, clothes, but this fall/winter was filled with styles that you didn't have to be Lindsay Lohan to wear. For affordable options, hit discount stores like Loehmann's and Filene's Basement. Shopping does require patience, I'm afraid.

_______________________Washington, D.C.: I have a gray corduroy blazer but I cannot figure out what shoes to wear it with -- I was thinking of pairing it with a crisp white shirt and dark blue jeans. Can I wear black skinny-heeled shoes or boots or should I do ballet flats?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I would choose boots or ballet flats over skinny-heeled shoes.

_______________________Allentown, Pa.: Any spring predictions? Hot colors? Neutrals? Patterns vs. prints(s)? How long do you think the retro swing jackets will survive or are they dead already? Is it true that dress(ier) cropped pants with tall boots/sandals depending on season are passe'?

Suzanne D'Amato: I hope we've already answered your first set of questions to some extent, so I'll move on to the other two: Retro swing jackets -- I'm not sure if you're talking about something cropped? If so, I think we'll be seeing a good amount of those come Spring. I just saw the most beautiful YSL suit, featuring a swingy cropped jacket with a pencil skirt, in -- of all places -- Oprah's magazine! Cropped pants and tall boots -- I think that look has been out for a year at least. But maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.

 _______________________Washington, D.C.: Hi Suzanne and Janet! I have a new pair of dark brown knee-high boots that I'm completely in love with, and I've been trying to work my wardrobe around them. I have a brown cashmere sweater dress, but brown on brown feels kind of boring. I love the mod dress look with knee high boots, but I'm having a hard time finding affordable long-sleeved mod dressed with fun motifs. Any suggestions? Other ideas for what else to wear the boots with before it starts getting warmer?

Janet Bennett Kelly: How about a dress or a skirt in a lighter shade of brown than your boots? Or wearing your boots over jeans or pants that are skinny?

_______________________Need an upgrade: My clothing style tends to be very bohemian -- lots of scarves over dresses and such. Any tips for keeping things sophisticated? I want to avoid looking like a junior high art teacher.

Janet Bennett Kelly: If your clothing is bohemian, keep your hair style simple. And don't overdo it with the scarves and long skirts. Tone down the flow.

_______________________Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks so much for joining us today -- I hope you had as much fun as Janet and I did. We'll see you again in a couple of weeks. In the interim, if you'd like to talk about trendy shoes, mom jeans or anything else related to fashion and style, please join my discussion group, TrendSpotter & Co. Link to follow... _______________________washingtonpost.com: Trend Spotter and Co. Discussion Group ______________________________________________Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third