Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly
Deputy Editor, Sunday Source, Fashion and Beauty Editor, washingtonpost.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2008; 10:00 AM
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'll be online Tuesday, Jan. 22, 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.
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Suzanne D'Amato: Good morning, everyone. It's freezing today, no? If you're as cold as I am, check out Janet's story on ski-inspired fashion. It's full of ideas for bundling up stylishly, with chic ski clothes that will work on and off the slopes. (Link to follow...)
And, of course, we want to hear your tips on looking cool and staying warm in winter. Do you load up on layers? Invest in thick tights? Or just stay home and crank up the heat? (Ah, I wish...) Share your thoughts!
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Janet Bennett Kelly: Here's the link for stylish clothes on and off the lift: Slopeside Style.
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Arlington, Va.: I graduated college last May and I'm having trouble managing my wardrobe with my less than stellar salary. Do you have any advice for buying affordable and chic clothes around the D.C. metro area?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I think H&M and Zara are both good bets for finding affordable and current fashions. Zara makes it easy for you by dividing their racks into color combos, so you can easily see what to match with what. My only caveat is that the quality of what you find is not consistently high and that some of the very trendy items you find may not be around for very long.
Suzanne, any suggestions?
Suzanne D'Amato: One new store in Arlington that you might check out is Gossip on 23rd. The boutique features the work of L.A. designers, and you'll find a lot of great dresses that could be work-appropriate. Best of all, everything except denim is under $100, and quite a bit of the merch is far less than that (there's some earrings I love that are $7.) Check it out and let us know what you think!
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Washington, D.C.: I am 54 years of age. I like fashion and still want to look stylish. My problem is in the summer when it's time to bare your legs and feet. My legs have begun to have age spots which I absolutely hate. Any suggestions.
Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm wondering whether a self-tanner would camouflage those spots. I've also seen makeup that you can use for legs. I'd try Sephora if I were you and then maybe Bluemercury to see what they'd advise.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: So, I've lost some weight over the past year. Great, right? Except my clothes just don't fit me anymore. I mean a too-big shirt I can work with. But pants? There's only so much cinching a girl can do before a little something I like to call "the crotch pocket" begins to emerge.
So can you name like six gotta-have work pieces that will help me start from scratch? (I'm most concerned about work clothes because that's where I just can't fake it till I make it.)
Suzanne D'Amato: Congratulations on your weight loss! That's quite an accomplishment, and you deserve some nice clothes that let you show off your new shape.
Now, where to start? Six gotta-have-it pieces might be sort of a lot, because I'm going to suggest that you invest in quality clothes that will stand the test of time, rather than trendy things you'll tire of in six months.
So, maybe start with two pairs of slacks (Theory has some great, classic options, though they're quite pricey); one jacket and one skirt (pencil or A-line is up to you, though personally, I find the latter more versatile).
Then, see if you can't make some of your old blouses and sweaters work for awhile longer. The fits on these tend to be less precise, so often you can fake it with a big belt.
Happy hunting...
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Flats That Don't Fit: I love flats (memories of h.s. in the 80s) so I am thrilled that they are back. I keep trying them on and keep walking out of stores empty-handed. What is going on? Is it me or are other women having trouble finding the right fit? I like my shoes a bit on the tight side but I just can't find a pair that fit. I relocated to a metro area with a pop. of only 100,000 a couple of years ago but the shopping is usually fairly decent.
Janet Bennett Kelly: If your feet are narrow, that may be the problem. Shoe departments no longer seem to carry narrow widths. And sometimes the problem with flats is, well, they're too flat, meaning they have no support and work better if you don't intend to wear them outside. Have you tried Nine West -- they do have cute styles. On the high end of the scale are Delman and Sigerson Morrison.
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Washington, D.C.: Hi gang, love your work! What is the Bag of Spring this year? (The largish one, appropriate for work -- not the pretty little evening one.)
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your nice words! The "it" bag has sung its swan song, it seems. This season, no one style dominates. Instead, you'll see a lot of bags that quietly announce their status: They're beautifully crafted out of leather and feature high-design details such as pleating, topstitching or ombre, rather than being laden with logos, chunky hardware and other assorted bling. I've seen great styles by Mulberry, Chloe and Cole Haan. If you're on a budget, you might also check out the line Loeffler Randall created for Target. There's one Bottega Veneta-inspired style I can't wait to get my hands on.
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Washington, D.C. : I received the D.C. Scout e-mail today and must say that the Post has stepped up their "style eye." Two tips on what I would consider, local high quality boutiques with unique selection, Caramel and Carbon, were offered. Is it me, or do you think D.C. is starting to hold its own in the style world?
Suzanne D'Amato: I agree. The D.C. retail scene has changed pretty dramatically over the last few years. There are just so many more options -- Terra, Circle Boutique and the District Line being a few of my newish favorites. And a couple of older stores that carried some clothing have expanded their wares quite a bit -- Muleh, for example.
Now, will all these stores still exist five years from now? Fingers crossed...
Janet Bennett Kelly: My fingers are crossed, too, that stores like the ones Suzanne mentioned, and others like Sangaree and Reiss will continue to attract buyers. We've come a long way from Talbot's.
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Arlington, Va.: Since it's so cold, I need a sweet looking grey wrap sweater -- I go for the sort of ballet-inspired cardigans. Any suggestions on where to find a good, reasonably priced (and warm) one?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I seem to recall seeing some Vince sweaters that fit that description. They were on sale at Saks and Barneys, so start searching. Try Loehmann's and Filene's, too!
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Arlington, Va.: I'm going to a formal event in Boston in March. I found a great BCBG Grecian style brownish copper dress, but I don't know what to wear over it as a coat. I'm in my late 20's so I don't want to look matronly. Any ideas?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Congratulations on what sounds like a great find. My question is: is the dress long or short? If it's short, I'd try to find a light trench coat in a metallic tone. If it's long, a little faux fur shrug would be perfect. You might be able to find one at a vintage store -- maybe Annie Creamcheese in Gtown.
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NW, D.C.: Good Morning,
I got a really cute belt in Argentina but need to get a new more holes put into it. Where can I get this done in NW D.C. or the Bethesda Area?
I really appreciate your suggestions!
Janet Bennett Kelly: What fun for you to go to Argentina. Did you learn to tango? Anyway, about the belt, there's a shoe repair shop on 7835 Woodmont Ave. in Bethesda called Fortuna -- and I'm sure they can accomplish putting a few more holes into a belt.
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Silver Spring, Md.: How do you suggest I maximize the value I've seen at stores like Steve and Barry's with lines such as Bitten, Dear, etc., that offer affordability but also have the risk of you wearing what everyone else is wearing because the costs are so low?
Suzanne D'Amato: I think you just have to avoid wearing a head-to-toe look from any of these places. Mix a trendy Bitten top with the classic slacks you already own, then finish with a piece of vintage jewelry to lend some individuality. These lines are great because the prices are almost unbeatable, but often the quality isn't that high, so buy in small doses.
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Affordable work clothes: For the poster above, I've found that lately New York and Co., has had a decent selection of work appropriate clothes (including separates that make nice suits) for pretty reasonable prices. I never think to go there, but popped in recently and was pleasantly surprised.
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your tip. I haven't been to this store in awhile because they seemed to have taken up permanent residence in Frumpytown. But I hope you're right, and that they've made a turnaround.
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Washington, D.C.: I know skinny jeans are on the way out, but I would still like to get a pair. Does anyone make relatively inexpensive (under $100) skinny jeans that don't have a crazy low-rise?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I just saw on Barneys Web site that they have a pair of skinny jeans from Citizens of Humanity. They're called High Skinny Oslo and are on sale for $69. You might want to go the Co-op in Gtown or Chevy Chase and try them on to see if they're what you want. I noticed others on sale, though, too, that were skinny and had higher rises.
Suzanne D'Amato: Quite a few skinny-jeans makers seem to be putting their wares on sale right now. This could be a sign that the trend is on its last legs, but if you like the cut, I say go for it! Shopbop.com has a nice array of options -- I'd definitely check them out, as well as Urban Outfitters.
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Silver Spring, Md.: What's the time frame for spring/summer weight clothing to arrive in the stores? My office over-compensates for winter weather by pumping in too much heat, so I find myself in the odd position of needing cotton and linen as soon as possible. Of course, this probably means that I'll need my winter clothes in the summer when they crank the A/C, but that's much easier to deal with.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Spring clothes are already arriving in stores, but much more will start coming in another few weeks.
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Washington, D.C.: Hey! Could you suggest some trendy but affordable places for an 18- year-old female college student to shop in D.C.? I would love to try some different places besides the typical Forever 21 when I come home for spring break? Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: I'd put Redeem, Pop, Gossip on 23rd, ShoeFly, Meeps, Commander Salamander and -- of course -- H&M on your list of places to visit. (Some of these shops are more expensive than Forever 21, but I've included them either because a portion of their inventory is cheapish, or because they have good sales.)
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For the flats-seeker: I find Nine West flats, while super-cute, rarely fit comfortably. I've had much better luck with Steve Madden and Seychelles flats (and the later seem to be a bit more supportive/constructed, too, as opposed to the standard thin leather sole).
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the suggestion. I have seen Seychelles and Steve Madden but I hadn't tried any on, so now I will!
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Location Location Location: Where are these places?
Caramel and Carbon
Terra
Circle Boutique
District Line
Suzanne D'Amato: Dearest LLL: You're tech-savvy enough to participate in an online chat, and yet you haven't mastered the art of a little thing called Google? Ah well, here you go:
Caramel
1603 U St NW
Carbon
1203 U St NW
Terra Boutique
1226 Connecticut Ave NW
Circle Boutique
1736 14th Street NW
The District Line
1250 Wisconsin Ave NW
Now as for phone numbers, you're on your own.
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Waldorf, Md.: Could you recommend a good tailor? I live in Southern Maryland, but work in D.C. I'd be willing to go to D.C. for good tailoring. I have a few pants that need some work. How much can pants be taken in? I would like them taken in a whole size, is that possible?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I don't know the exact address but there's a good tailor next to Pines of Rome on Hampden Lane in Bethesda. Now, on the subject of taking pants in a whole size. I would not recommend that course of action. Far better to find something that's a better fit!
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San Diego, Calif.: Thanks for having this chat. I think your opinions are right on. I am a lawyer in San Diego -- in the colder months I wear black tights with my skirts. In the warmer months most, if not all, women wear bare legs. I have never been comfortable wearing open toed shoes to work but bare legs with some of my more formal black shoes seems a bit much.
Any advice? Thank you
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your kind words! Janet and I truly appreciate them. I think you already answered the key part of your question for yourself, when you say that you've "never been comfortable" wearing open-toe shoes to work. If that's the case, you shouldn't wear them. You might try bare legs with a closed-toe pump in a more spring-y hue (petal pink? grass green? gray or brown, even?). Or pair your classic black pumps with sheer black hose.
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Alexandria, Va.: Know of any cute boutiques that carry clothes for us larger ladies? It's a sad world now that Macy's has taken over.
Janet Bennett Kelly: My friend Jennifer Barger at Express to the rescue. Here's a link to her story: Real Women Have Curves with shopping suggestions.
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Maryland: Hi -- enjoyed the slope style article, but would have liked to have seen some snowboarding apparel too (a very different, but just as cool look). Just sayin'...
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks, and yes, forgive me for that omission!
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Jeans: If skinny jeans are on their way out, any idea of what's on its way in?
Suzanne D'Amato: Wide-leg trouser jeans have been the biggest trend to emerge in denim. Other than that...dresses! Seriously, jeans as a whole don't seem to be thrilling the fashion design world these days. (This is not to say that basic dark blues don't have a place in every closet, just that they don't seem nearly as "trendy," or as much of a design obsession, as they once were.)
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Pennsylvania: Good morning. I'm trying to find a source for plus-sized silk knit shirts (like T-shirts). They're great for layering under sweaters --warm but not bulky. I have a couple that I have worn to pieces, but I can't seem to find any to replace them. Any thoughts?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Try Torrid, Old Navy or Target.
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Washington D.C.: I'm about six months into my first post-college job and in need of some fashion advice. I have no problem dressing everyday and even managed to decide on an appropriate office Christmas party outfit with ease. Next week, however, I'm set to attend a red carpet VIP event where the scene will be a bit different. I know our guests will be in club/cocktail attire but I still question what the appropriate look would be for me. I've asked some other women in my office what they wore last year and it seems to truly run the gammut. I found a muted grey/silver corset dress (like the D and G ones that have been making the rounds recently but a little more subdued and without the bralette top). With a black jacket over top, do you think that would be too risque? Any other suggestions? Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: Unless you work in advertising, fashion PR, or some other similarly creative industry, a corset dress might be pushing it. I'd suggest something slightly less form-fitting, with pretty high heels to jazz it up a little. On the other hand, a jacket sounds like a good idea, provided that it's black-tie appropriate and not the jacket you wore to the office meeting that morning. Good luck!
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Boston, Mass.: I have a pair of shearling mittens that I adore, but the stitching that holds the left thumb on is coming apart! Where might I be able to get them fixed (shoe repair?)? Or, alternately, where might I be able to find replacements (ideally that are less than $50). I was trying to look online, but it seems like mitten-buying season is over now that we're smack in the middle of mitten-wearing season.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Would you settle for some faux shearling mittens. L.L. Bean's Web site has a pair for sale for less than $15.
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Comfy flats: It's nearly impossible to find a wearable flat with a wide foot, but Born makes some that have some sole structure too. Zappos is your friend.
Janet Bennett Kelly: For the woman in search of flats that fit, a suggestion from a fellow chatter.
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Alexandria, Va.: Hey there. I'm mid-thirties, hour-glass-shaped, and size 16. Because I'm busty and bottomy but have a small waist, it's important to me to wear things that are fitted rather than boxy so I don't look larger than I am. I don't have a job that requires a "professional" look so I can suit myself -- no suits! Any tips on fun mid-range clothes cut for curves, not fire hydrants?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Here's a link to Jennifer Barger's Express story: Real Women Have Curves.
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Arlington, Va.: I'm part of a bridal party this summer and need to order the dress. The only problem is the store that the we're buying the dress from is in Baltimore. I can buy it over the phone if I can give them my measurements but where can I go to get my measurements done without actually buying the dress? ( I want to have them taken by someone who knows the right place to measure.)
Janet Bennett Kelly: Good question. My first suggestion would be to find a dressmaker -- maybe someone at G Street Fabrics. Any chatter out there have any ideas?
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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm 5'9" tall and I'm a woman who LOVES high heels despite the fact that I'm already tall. One day maybe I'll be able to afford Christian Louboutin, but until that time what would you suggest is a fab heel that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars and is a must have in my closet.
Janet Bennett Kelly: It's hard to compete with Christian Louboutin or even come close. But Via Spiga may be an option. I've seen some of their shoes at Bloomie's and Nordstrom.
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Reston, Va.: Suzanne,
In your Sunday Source column, a mom asked you to recommend some less expensive non-Mom jeans, citing that $70/pair is just too high for her budget. You recommended some that are $65 a pair. Did you really think that was in her price range, a whole $5 less? If your answer was that there aren't really any cool jeans less than $70 a pair than you just should have said that and not offered the token $5 savings. While I respect your fashion sense, I often wonder if you and Janet ever set foot inside of stores that sell any item of clothing for less than $50. Those of us on a fashion budget would appreciate it if you did. We can't all afford the high-priced items and aren't willing to rack up the credit card debt just to have them. If you do shop in more modest stores, could you tell us about them sometime?
Suzanne D'Amato: Dear Reston, Thanks for your thoughtful question; I appreciate it. Price is definitely a concern for many of our readers, as it is for me personally. (Journalism is not a quick path to riches, I'm afraid.)
To respond to the jeans question specifically, I understood the reader's inquiry as, she wanted jeans that were under $70 a pair. As such, the $65 jeans I suggested seemed to be in keeping with her budget. That's not to say that I won't suggest cheaper options when I know of them: I'm a big fan of Target, and I'm no stranger to Goodwill and Value Village either.
Still, your comment speaks to something that I think is on the minds of a lot of readers. I try to keep prices in mind, but I'm sure I could do a better job. Thanks for writing in and reminding me!
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Tailor recommendation: Custom Design and Alterations
Address: 9419 Georgia Ave Number 204, Silver Spring, Md. 20910
Phone: (301) 588-3772
The tailor at this shop is great! I've had several pieces altered there. He's also much less expensive than the legendary Voula at Prestige Cleaners across the street.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks. Nina Garcia says in her new book on style that a good tailor is an essential. We'll have to work on creating a list!
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Tip: curvy knits for XLs: Your "Curves" article mentions Kiyonna -- love their stuff! I've also found similarly flattering cuts from Svoboda. Expensive but they have great sales. Nordie's carries some of their styles.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the tip!
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What is black tie?: I'm attending a black tie wedding in Texas in March. I'm hoping to be able to wear a dress I already own -- strapless with a fitted bodice, floor length with pouffy gathers (I fondly call them curtains) in a blue/purple iridescent. Does this seem reasonable or "too much"?
Thank you!
Suzanne D'Amato: This sounds perfectly reasonable to me. I'm sure you'll see some women in knee-length frocks because "cocktail" and "black-tie" are more or less interchangeable these days. But if you have this dress and love it, by all means wear it.
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Ohio: Just an opinion on the "bare legs" in a business or dressed-up setting. I don't think they look very good. Most of our legs are not smooth and tanned, i.e. summertime,this time of year and going without hose looks very unfinished in a work setting orout and dressed up. Hoisery might be a nuisance, but it does look smooth and finished whether one has thin, shapely legs or ankleslike tree stumps, hose makes them look better.
Just an opinion.
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for adding your take. I think many women, particularly those who work in conservative office environments, would agree with you.
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U Street, D.C.: Hi Suzanne and Janet,
I bought the cutest skirt/jacket combo (my first suit, and for $30!) but I have very little occasion to wear a suit in my business casual office, so I've been wearing them as separates. The material is very textured, 60s style tweed-like fabric, kind of like the Chanel suits Jackie O used to wear. The color is winter white, with hints of grey/black. It's adorable.
My question is what kind of tights should I pair it with -- I've been going with basic black because textured tights seem to compete with the skirt -- but I was wondering would a colored tight be okay? Are colored tights really okay in the office anyway? I was thinking a nice navy tight would look nice.
Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: Speaking of fashion for less -- where did you find a suit for $30?? Please, share your source with our chatters!
Now, for tights -- basic black or gray would probably look fine. I'd steer clear of anything busier or bolder than that because your suit already has a bit of texture and you don't want your tights to compete for attention.
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Washington, D.C.: I am a 40-year-old woman heading back into the workforce after being home with two little kids. I definitely need a wardrobe overhaul, but I think I have a handle on that. What I really need help with is makeup. I've never worn any. To look more put-together, I know I should start, at least for interviewing and work. Where can I go to get started? I need serious guidance, but don't want to feel subtly mocked about my lack of experience or end up overdone in a pseudo-Botox sort of way. Thanks!
Janet Bennett Kelly: Get thee to a makeup counter. If I were you, I'd try Trish McEvoy or Bobbie Brown or Nars. They're fairly subtle to begin with. You just have to explain to the makeup artist what you're looking for. Bluemercury in Gtown Bellacara in Alexandria also might be able to help get you started.
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Rockville, Md.: I just purchased a two-button camel hair blazer with front patch pockets from Brooks Brothers. I love it because it is warm and very luxurious. I am a new mom and the jacket also is very forgiving of the extra baby weight (translate: belly flab) that I am still carrying. My problem is that the jacket doesn't look very hip or trendy (e.g., I saw an old man wearing a similiar jacket yesterday). I am wondering if you can offer a suggestion of styles with which I can pair it (i.e., blouse and skirt) to make it appear more current. Thanks!
Janet Bennett Kelly: How about pairing it with a short (slightly above the knee), soft-pleated skirt and great pair of boots. That will make it look a lot hipper.
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Tights: I'd like to dress up my cold weather gear (blacks and greys) with some colorful tights. But I'm fairly short, and the effect is always something like brightly colored sausage casings. Are there any tips (boot height, skirt length, tight color, etc.) for pulling off this look?
Suzanne D'Amato: One trick is to match your tights to your skirt or your shoes to fake a longer look. But this can look a little strange for, say, electic blue tights -- unless you answer to the name of Smurfette! So, that in mind, I'd say to go for something more subtle -- a black skirt with gray ribbed tights and black-and-gray spectator pumps will look coordinated but not too matchy-matchy. And the vertical lines in the tights, plus the heels themselves, will help add a little height.
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Dallas: I'm getting married on a July afternoon in Texas. We're trying to walk the line on what the etiquette books say the groom should wear (cutaway coat, gray striped pants) and what I've seen the groom wear at the last five afternoon weddings I've attended (black tuxedo, with either vest or cummerbund and bowtie).
What's acceptable, and what's recommended? Thanks!
Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd forget what the etiquette books say and wear what you've seen at the past afternoon weddings you've attended. In my opinion, a cutaway coat is far too formal for an afternoon wedding.
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U Street, D.C.: Unfortunately to D.C. bargain hunters, my fab $30 suit was bought in Massachusetts -- a local bargain/discount chain called "Frugal Fannies" -- it sounds like a funny name, but if you're ever in Massachusetts, check it out because if you dig, there are some great finds.
Suzanne D'Amato: Oh, that's too bad for all of our D.C. chatters. Still, thanks for sharing! I'll have to check out this spot the next time I'm in MA.
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I've been to Texas parties: Honey, there is no such thing as "too much" at a black-tie party in Texas.
Suzanne D'Amato: You certainly have a point there.
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Hose: I understand the ways that they can be important. But oh, how the squish me! Can you recommend any brands that won't give me a horrible stomach ache by the end of the day? I don't buy control-top as is, and I'm decently slim -- am I just not buying a "large enough" size for my long-ish legs?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you tried Spanx? And by all means, find the size that fits you. If you have long legs, the problem may well be that you're buying hose that's a size too small.
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Black Tie again: Glad you approve. Please tell me your answer doesn't change when you learn this was my prom dress from 2000. . .
Suzanne D'Amato: Hmm. You kept some pretty vital information to yourself there, didn't you?
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Janet Bennett Kelly: Well, that was a fast hour! Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and we'll see you again back online in two weeks. In the meantime, keep warm!
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