Talking Fashion

Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly
Deputy Editor, Sunday Source, Fashion and Beauty Editor, washingtonpost.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:00 AM

Every other week Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source Suzanne D'Amato and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett Kelly 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.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Good day, everyone. Janet and I are here to talk about the do's and don'ts of spring fashion. And because you'll want your makeup to be as chic as your wardrobe, don't miss Janet's recent piece on right-off-the-runway beauty looks (link to follow).

As always, we have a couple of beauty giveaways today: a set of creamy Benefit eyeshadows and a trio of Essie nail polishes in pale hues that are perfect for the coming season. At the end of the hour, we'll give these goodies to the two chatters with the best/most useful/just plain funniest questions or tips.

So, let's get started!

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washingtonpost.com: Shades of Spring ( Spring Fashion and Beauty)

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St. Louis, Mo.: What are some good online stores to shop for a woman's suit? As a poor college student, reasonable prices are a must. I'm looking for something simple and classic. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Banana Republic offers several suit options online as does J. Crew. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you have that ability on Zara.

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Arlington, Va.: Thanks for the chat! What shoes work best with wide-legged trousers for work? Can platforms, clogs or kitten heels work, or does it have to be flats? (I'm short!) Thanks.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Since I've recently been trying on my wide-legged pants to see what shoes to wear with them, I can tell you that flats are not the best option. Instead, look for something with a clunkier heel. Platforms and/or wedges are a good option for wider legs.

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Washington, D.C.: Who are the best men's tailors here in D.C.? I'm looking to get some suits and dress shirts altered... not looking for full bespoke garments.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Parkway Custom Cleaning in Chevy Chase gets high marks from most for their tailoring abilities. Chatters, anyone you recommend for tailoring men's shirts and suits?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm in love with some green open-toe spectator pumps, but what to wear them with? An all green outfit says "church lady" to me, plus how would you ever get the perfect green to match? But all black or white with green shoes says "look at my big size 10 feet"!

(I usually stick to black or brown shoes.)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Those green open-toe spectator pumps sound great -- and pretty neutral. I wouldn't wear them with all green, though. They'd look great with khaki for sure and a deep navy. Without seeing them, it's hard to be definitive, but there really aren't many colors that you couldn't wear them with. So, enjoy your new purchase -- or have you not bought them yet?

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Washington, D.C.: I am having a mini-debate with my mother over what to wear to a wedding. I'm going to a formal wedding (6 p.m. start) at a resort in North Carolina in June. I have a dark complexion, and with this "summer of color" thing going on, I really want to use this as my excuse to buy a yellow dress. My mother doesn't think it's appropriate. But if I can't do it now, when can I? Oh, and what color shoes should I wear with a yellow dress?

Suzanne D'Amato: A yellow dress is perfectly appropriate, though you might feel more comfortable if yours is in an evening-ish fabric such as silk or chiffon, rather than summer-picnic cotton. Still, I'd caution you not to spend too much on this dress. Yellow was "the color" last summer, and it is again this year...I doubt it's going to have legs beyond this season.

That said, if you're determined to go this route, I'd suggest a bronze-y metallic shoe, which would really stand out with your skin tone.

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Bethesda, Md.: I enjoyed the 4/06 Sunday Source article "Style RX." My question --are there people who can do that for me, too -- sort of a personal "exterior" designer? What are they called? Clothing consulants? Style doctors? How do I find them? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Style Rx ( Post, April 6)

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your kind words! Yes, Holly Thomas and Michelle Thomas did a bang-up job on that story -- so much so that we're considering making it a regular feature in the Sunday Source. But until we do that, here are places where you can get professional styling help: A department store would be one place to start -- many of the more upscale ones offer personal shoppers for free. Some swish boutiques, such as Intermix and Urban Chic, also offer this kind of personalized service. And if you willing to spend a bit more, consider a freelance personal shopper. I've written about Alison Lukes' services before, and I've also heard good things about Margaret Lilly of Lilly's Closet.

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Middleburg, Va.: You probably get this question a lot -- but where can I get a pair of comfy "skinny" jeans for a size 8 girl? I'm not petite, and my legs are not pencil thin, but I'd like to try some slim jeans for summer. Where do I go?

Suzanne D'Amato: You might consider a straight-leg style, rather than going the skinny-minnie route. It's a little more modern-looking (and a lot more comfortable), while still having that slim look you crave. APC, J. Brand, and Delia*s all make these -- as do about 1000 other retailers that don't currently come to mind. My advice: Commit a day to a place like Tysons, then try on all the straight-leg denim you can find.

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Vienna Va.: G'day -- thanks for taking my question -- ur Plea! I'm tall -- really tall -- 6 ft and am lean (size 4 or so -- but w/hips -- small on top) But the real challenge is finding clothes that fit me but that aren't too young (i.e., too low-cut too tight too too) Geez -- I'm 44 years old and frankly don't want to look like 16 or 22 , but , yes, want to look good.

Suzanne D'Amato: This spring brings a bounty of options for women who want to dress like women, rather than looking like little girls. The season's sheath dress styles would be lovely on you, for one. The cut will skim your curves without swallowing you up in too much fabric, and the style is decidedly mature -- like nothing you'd see on the rack at Forever 21. Top yours with a colorful cardigan and a slim belt.

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Small sizes: I have recently lost a little weight, and am having a lot of trouble finding clothes. J. Crew's petite size zero fits, but I am finding size zero in many stores to be too large (Ann Taylor, this means you!). Also, I do not like to spend a lot of money on clothes -- I only buy from J. Crew when they have really good sales, for instance.

Other than secondhand stores, which I do frequent when I can, what are some good sources of small clothes that are interesting and yet professional? I'm having a particularly hard time with pants and skirts. I don't really have the budget to tailor everything!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Rugby is Ralph Lauren's hipper, less expensive line, and I think the clothes are less expensive than J. Crew's. What I do know is that they carry very small sizes and they have very good sales. There's a store in Georgetown.

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Fashion faux pas?: Is there a fashion faux pas specific to D.C.? Since I work near many government agencies, my vote would go for buying cheap clothes and wearing them too long.

Janet Bennett Kelly: My vote for fashion faux pas would be wearing your security card around your neck -- when you go out of the office.

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Kensington, Md.: Hoping for some guidance on an upcoming black tie optional spring gala I'm attending with my husband at his new law firm. He will wear a tux, I'm not sure what length dress I should be aiming for. Any advice would be appreciated and also advice on where to shop, I'm new to D.C. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: If it's a choice between short and long, I'd say go short. You'll get much more use out of it than you would a long dress -- in the er -- long run. I'd look in at Bloomie's in Chevy Chase; they seem to have some different looks than everyone else around the Beltway.

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Small Sizes: BCBG has good sales and they make a size '00'.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in need of small sizes, try BCBG!

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Arlington, Va.: Honest question here. I've never been into clothes, fashion, and it is expensive. I'm no frump. It doesn't make me a better persion, doesn't put money away for retirement, nor get me a pay raise. Why should I care about fashion?

Suzanne D'Amato: You are correct that fashion does none of those things on its own. And personally, I find trends expensive and maddening most of the time. What fashion does do is communicate something quite powerful about who you are to the outside world. For better or worse, clothes say something about a person's values, sense of self and social position (be it desired or actual). There is a lot of history behind this -- look back to the sumptuary laws of ancient Greece, which permitted only women of a certain social station to wear embroidered robes or jewelry.

These days, I'd argue that clothes certainly have a connection to professional advancement. No, you don't need to sport Gucci and Prada to do well at work, but one doesn't tend to see many sweatpants in the corner office.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello!

I need a new spring/summer purse that I can take to the office. I'd really like to find a green one, but everywhere I look I only find black, white or orange (which seems like a fall color to me). Should I stick with an off-white? My budget is about $60-80.

Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hmmm. Have you looked at Filene's Basement or Loehmann's? Last time I was at both places, I noticed a large selection in lots of different colors. If you have been to those places, try again. Also, what about DSW -- they carry bags as well as shoes.

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For the taller poster: I'd recommend trying Club Monaco. They tend to have some sophisticated pieces and are friendlier toward the taller, thinner crowd.

Suzanne D'Amato: Dress-wise, Club Monaco still seems to be on the babydoll bandwagon, but they do have a number of pieces that would work well for tall and thin frames. And the styles are quite sophisticated for the price!

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D.C.- specific fashion faux pas: There is one glaring one we call all agree on -- even if you're one of the offenders -- a sleek business suit, pantyhose, and RUNNING SHOES AND SWEAT SOCKS! Stop it, people. Just stop. With all of the cute athletic-INSPIRED footware, there's no reason to be wearing your ratty gym shoes with your beautiful Anne Klein or Tahari suit.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I agree. That trend started years ago during a New York City subway strike when people were actually walking to work. Assuming you're not doing the shoeleather express, eliminate this look from your wardrobe. Or change your shoes when you get to work.

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Washington, D.C.: As a short woman with a large chest, I find it really hard to find appropriate but not matronly (I'm in my early-30s) clothes to wear in a casual office environment during D.C.'s steamy summers. Any ideas? It's tough to find a flattering silhouette and proportion when all of the stores are offering strappy flimsy sundresses!

Suzanne D'Amato: I think separates would be a better choice for you -- if your body is disproportional in any way, a top and skirt are often easier fits than a dress. There are a lot of work-appropriate skirts in stores right now -- maybe something A-line or tulip-shaped to balance out your chest? A pencil shape might make you seem a bit top-heavy...

Pair your skirt with a wide-strap tank and a cardigan, or a blouse that fits well. Rebecca & Drew is one brand you might try -- they size their shirts by cup size rather than S-M-L, which is a genius idea for women with larger chests.

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Re: "skinny" jeans for a size 8 girl: I too am a size 8 girl getting over the skinny jean trend... and I just bought a great pair of True Religion "billy" straight-leg jeans with a little bit of stretch in them since I don't have stick legs either. I'm not usually one to splurge on high-priced denim, but after wasting enough money on a few cheaper pairs that didn't fit perfectly, I thought it was time for an investment. I got them at Nordstrom and would definitely recommend them since it sounds like we have the same shape!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for sharing your tip! Buying jeans is tough -- it seems that the only thing you can do is try, try and try (on) again. So if you can find a pair you love, I agree -- it's definitely worth investing.

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M Street, Washington, D.C.: Good morning ladies! As it fluctuates between chilly and warm here in the D.C. area, what do you think about footless tights? I like to wear them under skirts with flats because they are longer and more light weight than the ever-popular leggings. Yet, in the office elevator the other day, my coworker asked me if I was on my way to an 80s-themed party. What do you think?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think your co-worker has a point. I'm not a fan of either footless tights or leggings, though. Moreover, footless tights doesn't strike me as professional; okay for the weekend but not for the office. For cooler days, there are plenty of fun tights in patterns and colors that will give your outfit a more finished look.

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Winston-Salem, N.C.: Do you have any suggestions for shoes that I could wear with capri pants for a trip to NYC over Memorial Day weekend? I will be doing a lot of walking and don't want to look like a frumpy tourist!

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd suggest a chic little ballet flat -- say no to flip-flops or chunky platform styles, both of which will kill your feet over the long haul. If you need more arch support than your basic ballet flat offers, I've heard good things about the Cole Haan/Nike Air styles.

And -- need it be said? -- no sneaks!

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For the size 0: I'm tiny myself, and I shop at the Junior Department at Nordstrom. The clothes run small, they're more sophisticated than you'd expect, and the prices are reasonable.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the petite chatter, the suggestion is to shop Juniors at Nordstrom.

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D.C. Classic: To the person who doesn't care about fashion -- in my mind you don't have to care about fashion, the latest trends, etc., if you adopt a quasi French mentality. Buy the best quality you can afford, in cuts that fit and flatter your body, and adopt a style that makes YOU feel good.

Suzanne D'Amato: Quality over quantity: These are words to live by. Now if only I could keep myself from popping into H&M once every ten days...

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Green Bag: I just came across this cute green bag on the South Moon Under website. A steal, too.

South Moon Under

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter ISO a green bag ...

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Alexandria, Va.: Where can I find nice solid color sweatpants WITHOUT STRIPS DOWN THE SIDES?I walk a lot and I am just looking for nicesolid color sweat pants with no stripes!

Janet Bennett Kelly: The active department at Nordstrom's always carries a large selection of sweat/running pants. Also, Gap has some without the stripes in navy and gray.

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Washington, D.C.: I've a hankering for a springy, colorful yet relatively work-friendly new pair of shoes. I've got plenty of metallics, two pairs of red, and enough black and beige for a lifetime. Yellow is definitely not my color, and I don't think I could pull of pink work shoes. So, blue it is. Any cute yet wearable suggestions? What could I pair them with?

Suzanne D'Amato: What about a shoe that incorporates more than one color? They're actually more versatile than a basic one-hue bright because they'll coordinate with more of your clothes. Not to mention, they're a very modern option for this season. I saw a great style by Via Spiga that incorporates yellow, green, blue and brown into one gorgeously strappy platform pump. I believe they're at Zappos.com -- check 'em out.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm going to an evening wedding and was planning on wearing a black, A-line shirt dress. I wanted to dress it up a bit with accessories? What would you suggest? Maybe big silver jewelry and a bright colored shoe?

Suzanne D'Amato: Sorry to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't suggest a shirtdress for an evening wedding, period. Almost without exception, this is a daytime style -- maybe you could dress it up for a casual dinner party, but a wedding? I'd go with something more special.

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Northern Va. - Fashion help!: I love your chats and especially your taste. I'm 48 years old, wear a size 2 misses or a 3/5 in juniors (which fit me best). Because of my size, I'm having the worst time finding trendy but reasonably priced styles that work for my age group. Much less, finding things in my size. Any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: One chatter just mentioned that Club Monaco carries stylish clothes that tend to be more fitted and will work for small sizes. They're not overly trendy, which in my book, is a boon.

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Potomac, Md.: I just got a pair of bright yellow designer shoes. I want to build an outfit around them, but I am having trouble not looking costume-y. I was thinking gray and white, but do you have any thoughts?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Gray and white would work well with yellow, as would navy blue. If you have a lot of color going on with your shoes, you want to keep your color choices for clothes on the subtler side.

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Falls Church, Va.: I'm a plus-sized girl with a knack for dressing those like myself, as well as men of all sizes. I really want to get into fashion consulting/personal shopping, with a plus-size niche. There are a lot of larger ladies who could do so much better! Any ideas on how to get started?

Suzanne D'Amato: It seems that there are many ways to do this. A lot of department store personal shoppers started out as regular old salespeople -- they had great suggestions for shoppers, developed a following, and eventually one of the powers-that-be noticed. If you don't want to go that route, I'd suggest getting in touch with the Association of Image Consultants International (www.aici.org). They have a list of resources on their website for people who want to enter this field. Good luck!

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Washington, D.C.: Is it too warm today/too late in the season to wear a knee-length persian lamb coat?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think you missed your window of opportunity for that coat. But if it snows one day in the next few weeks, well, maybe then ...

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Washington, D.C.: Regarding the blouse-busting-open problem mentioned in an earlier chat, I like Hollywood Fashion Tape strips. Disposable and you can cut them to size if you need to.

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, I've heard good things about this product -- though I'd rather just buy a shirt that fits than have to worry about a half-dozen tape strips getting unsticky during a big meeting. Thanks!

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Re: new spring/summer purse : I found a great light green patent leather purse and Nordstrom for work. It's a satchel style and was about $90. Maxx New York makes it and it actually might be on sale now or at least available online.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the info. I've found Maxx New York to be a good line for reasonbly priced, yet stylish, purses. I've seen several in the recent past at Loehmann's.

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The best shoes ever...: Regarding the post mentioning the Cole Haan Nike air styles. I have to chime in and agree that they are, in fact, fantastic. I bought a pair of the mahogany snake aurora style last week, have been wearing them almost daily, and am now obsessed with finding a pair in the yellow color (which sadly seems to be sold out everywhere). Seriously, it is like wearing slippers that look like killer pumps. And no, I do not work for Cole Haan (or Nike).

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, people seem to love them -- a very fashion-forward friend of mine from college is obsessed, and she doesn't work for CH either. The one caveat is that they are expensive -- $150 a pair and up, I believe? Still, to my mind that's a small price to pay for shoes that don't make you want to scream by lunchtime.

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New England: This cold-weather New England girl is going to a late August wedding in San Diego. I'd like to purchase a bright-colored dress for the wedding (have been perusing J.Crew, etc.) but it's almost impossible to think about wearing clothes for that weather right now. I'm petite and don't mind wearing high heels, though I'd like to be comfortable for what will most likely be a friendly/beachy casual wedding. Any style suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think some of the maxi dresses stores are selling now would be just beachy casual enough for a California wedding this summer. Some designers to look for: Diane von Furstenburg, Tibi, BCBG.

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Washington, D.C.: I really love the cropped leather jacket trend, both the biker inspired and the blazer style. Do you think either would be worth investing in? I'm 23 and would love for it to go from work wear to weekend... but don't want to look to Lindsay Lohan-esque. I saw a cute cream colored one at Gap the other day, but didn't know if buying leather from there would be worth it. Any thoughts?

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes! You could pull off this look beautifully. And with everyone from Rick Owens to Mike & Chris doing their takes on the style, it's a perfect time to invest in something cropped yet slouchy.

Now, I take no issue with the Gap, but I do wonder if that cream color is the way to go. You do know that it's really hard to keep pale leather clean, yes? Like, REALLY hard?

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Winston-Salem, N.C.: What are your thoughts on the designer accessory collections for Target? I have been pleased by some (Subversive) but disappointed by others (Gryson -- OK, bitterly disappointed). I fear what a PVC Botkier will look like next!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Agreed. It's been hit or miss and you really have to go to the store yourself and check out the quality. Some accessories look fab online but when you see them, it's a definite no-no. Last summer I had my eye on some Libertine bermudas with red skulls on them. I was dubious but when I tried them on, they fit and looked great. So, there's no telling what Botkier will look like until it gets here and you get your hands on the merch.

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Chicago, Ill.: Regarding the spring/summer purse thing -- is white still an acceptable choice in this "summer of color"? I'm trying to transition from the old messenger bag to something more current but practical for work. Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: If your clothing is filled with a lot of color, then a white bag could be the best counterpoint. I've seen some lovely white bags at Kate Spade and elsewhere.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm headed to a music festival in California next week with an uber-hip friend that I haven't seen in a couple of years. Any suggestions for what to wear? I'm in my mid-30s, a size 2, and tend to wear more skirts and dresses. Not sure how to dress down for this type of thing anymore.

Suzanne D'Amato: Hmm -- are you headed to Coachella, by chance? If so, know that it's going to be *very* hot and sunny during the day and cooler than you'd expect at night. Pack plenty of light layers. Fashion-wise, some people get incredibly hipstered out for this sort of thing -- but I don't think there's much point in spending hours perfecting your faux-hawk so you can then go drink beer in a polo field. Go for something easy and cool instead: Try a loose sundress over a tank, with some flat sandals you can walk in, sunglasses and (please!) tons of sunscreen.

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Boston, Mass.: Is it okay to still wear tall, flat boots? They are brown, nice leather, riding style and cute! How would you recommend wearing them this spring? It is still chilly up north -- barely breaking 60 on a good day, so still cold at night. Thank you!!

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes -- it's perfectly okay. I think they'd look great with a fluttery, cream-colored day dress. Sort of a bohemian-Brit look (Sienna and Kate have gone this route before). You might also try them with leggings for a tidy, equestrian-inspired ensemble.

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Washington, D.C. : Are leggings really back as an acceptable fashion choice? Really?

Suzanne D'Amato: Many high-fashion types continue to turn up their noses at leggings, but they're still out there -- and they seem to be taking a turn for "fashion classic" territory. I'm not saying this is a good thing, mind you -- just reporting the facts!

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No question: Just wanted to say thanks for all the great suggestions!

Suzanne D'Amato: Aw, Mom -- I didn't know you were reading this chat!

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Janet Bennett Kelly: We gotta run, but before we do, the chatter who recommends adopting a quasi French mentality when clothes shopping gets a set of Benefit's creamy eyeshadows, and to the chatter who suggested True Religion's Billy straight jeans for getting over the skinny jean fad, you will receive a trio of Essie pale nail polishes. E-mail Suzanne at trendspotter@washpost.com with your name and address and we'll get your prizes right out to you. See you in two weeks -- April 29, same time, same place!

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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 parties.