Talking Fashion

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.

They were online Tuesday, April 29, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions and share your own great tips, ideas and yes, even a gripe or two.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Good Tuesday morning, everyone, and welcome to Talking Fashion. Have you recently found a smart solution to a fashion problem or have a great tip for other chatters? Let's hear from you then because Suzanne and I have goodies to offer: Crabtree & Evelyn's "60 Second Fix for Hands" gift set and a trio of Philosophy lip glosses. We've got some sharing to do, too -- the scoop on trendy shoes for the season and cutting-edge hair styles. Links to follow.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Please, please take my question!

Last night, my favorite, not inexpensive Ralph Lauren brown sweater developed a noticeable hole on the left elbow (I guess for too much wear in that spot). Is there anywhere I can take it to get it fixed (reknitted)?

Maybe I can get them to also add the retro-style elbow patches to the sweater to reenforce the area.

Thanks

Suzanne D'Amato: You may be able to get it rewoven, but it depends on the size of the hole. It would need to be pretty small -- say, half the size of a dime or so? Parkway Custom Drycleaning is my best suggestion for where to take your piece, but they are not inexpensive.

Patches are a great idea, though! That might be an easier way to go, and it would add some style to your classic sweater. I love all of the grandpa cardigans with elbow patches that keep popping up in stores.

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Washington, D.C.: I walk 2 miles to and from work each day, for a total of 4 miles per day. Needless to say, if I walked in my work pumps, I would destroy my shoes and my feet. However, I feel frumpy if I wear sneakers and I feel like a college kid if I wear flip flops. Is there a fashionable shoe that would be comfortable and supportive for my 4-mile daily walk?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cole-Haan has teamed up with Nike for a shoe -- it's called the Cole Haan Nike Air collection that has good support and also looks good. Have you seen their selection? They feature pumps as well as more casual options such as flats and wedges.

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Alexandria, Va.: What would you consider the perfect black little dress, and where do you think you could find it for the right price?

Suzanne D'Amato: Tough question! My perfect little black dress is a printed cotton day dress from the '50s that I bought at Annie Creamcheese. Very Donna Reed -- and yes, that's a good thing. But that's a very specific style, definitely not for everyone -- and more to the point, there are so many chic iterations of this fashion classic that it's hard for me to advise you where to start shopping. Give me some more details. How would you describe your style? What's your budget? Where would you like to wear said dress? Based on your answers, I might steer you anywhere from Club Monaco to Creatures of Comfort.

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Graduation outfit?: I'm a woman in my early 30s who will receive her master's degree next month. I'm not sure if I should wear a suit or dress. And it has to look okay under those hot polyester gowns. Help!

Janet Bennett Kelly: My guess is you would probably be more comfortable in a dress because it would be less bulky. What color are the gowns -- not much of your dress will show, right?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there! I love your chat. So onto my Q. Lately I've been putting on some weight and my clothes do not fit quite right. I am doing everything I can to keep it off -- healthier foods, more activity, returning to that place we call the gym. In the meantime, I'm bored with the same outfits (black pants and solid top, black skirt and soild top, brown pants and solid top -- you get the picture?) day after day. Do you have any suggestions for an update without making a huge investment while I slowly return to my old shape? Quality and not expensive is a must as I have three kids who pretty much blow all my money!

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd stop buying clothes for the time being and spend your bucks on some bright, trendy accessories. A wide woven belt in an of-the-moment color, like yellow or grass green, could be a good purchase. Hoop earrings, cuff bracelets, or chunky, artsy necklaces are other options to consider. Whatever you choose, go large: As a general rule of thumb, bigger accessories make the rest of you look smaller.

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Crocs: Love the chats!

I have broken out my summer wardrobe and now temps are in the low 50s. Sigh...

Some fashion humor (because these have to be a joke, right?): have you seen the high-heeled Crocs? They're just hideous.

Janet Bennett Kelly: We feel your pain, but you know what they or rather T.S. Eliot said about April being the "cruellest month." Did you break out a dress to wear on Friday and Saturday when it was in the 80s? In my opinion, the only people who look cute in crocs are toddlers. Save us from more styles, please.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a baby shower to attend this Saturday and am not sure what to wear. It is going to be pretty low key, late afternoon, outdoor bbq format. Any thoughts?

Suzanne D'Amato: This Saturday is supposed to be cloudy with some rain later on, and it's supposed to rain Friday night too. That said, I'd suggest flat shoes or very low wedges -- you don't want your kitten heels aerating anyone's soggy lawn. Clothing-wise, what about something easy -- wide-legged denim trousers with a pretty printed blouse? I'd choose a cotton, short-sleeve blouse that has some coverage at the shoulders -- it'll look more polished than a spaghetti-strap tank, and keep you from getting too much sun. A colorful cotton day dress would also be a nice choice, as long as you don't mind wearing a dress with flats.

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B-more: Hi! I know it's rather late in the season, but do you know if any stores are still stocking trench coats? Or better yet, have sales on trench coats (I'm on something of a budget)? Thanks so much -- I love your discussions.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I noticed that Macy's and Bloomie's both have trench coats on sale now, but I bet if you wait until the end of May (Memorial Day sales), you can get a really good deal. I realize that May may be too late to get much wear out of it this spring, but with this weather you never know and then you'll have it for all of next year. Delighted you like our chats!

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Reston, Va.: Ladies, I have asked you several times if you could suggest a tailor in the Reston area . . . but possibly you do not like responding to we Virginia residents?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Anyone have a good suggestion for this Reston chatter ISO a tailor in her neighborhood?

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Washington, D.C.: It looks like it may rain for the Gold Cup this weekend, any suggestions on how to picnic stylishly with umbrellas instead of sun hats?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd wear cotton rather than anything silk or polyester, which will feel sticky and cling like crazy if there's even the slightest hint of humidity. Don't waste your time fighting your hair's natural texture -- if your tresses are normally wavy or curly, they'll be even more so, so either go natural or just pull it all back with a chic fabric headband so you can forget about it. Shoe-wise, flats or LOW heels are the way to go. I wouldn't wear any shoes that you couldn't stand to see ruined in a sudden downpour. And maybe throw an extra pair of shoes, or a clean, dry top, in the car? It can't hurt.

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washingtonpost.com: TrendSpotter: Pumps

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washingtonpost.com: \Making the Cut

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Parkway Custom Drycleaning : I took several hole-y sweaters there on your recommendation and they were able to fix them. One of them had a worn elbow, just like the previous poster and it wasn't a problem.

Also, it wasn't expensive at all -- $30 for 3 sweaters.

"Reweaving" is apparently a much more involved and expensive process for things like wool suits, but that doesn't apply to sweaters. Sweaters just get simple and affordable mending.

Suzanne D'Amato: That's great that your fixes were so affordable. And of course I'm glad to know that someone is actually taking our suggestions! Re: mending versus reweaving, it actually depends on the kind of hole. If it's a rip (more of a vertical line than a round hole), you might be able to mend. More of a moth hole tends to call for reweaving, which can get quite pricey for things like cashmere sweaters. But...it depends. In any event, I'm glad Parkway worked out for you.

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Virginia: Hello, style gurus. I have a shoe question for you: I've never treated my leather-soled shoes any differently from any other pumps, but a friend of mine always takes her new shoes to the cobbler to have a thin rubber sole attached over the leather -- only on the part that touches the ground, not on the arch. Is this a common practice? Is it smart? I admit, I don't particularly like the way it looks, especially when the leather is tan and the rubber is black. But I'm also not crazy about how worn my leather soles get.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I know folks who are fans of that practice -- for the same reason: saving soles. The other thing you can do, of course, to save them is not wear them so frequently. You could also buy pumps that already have rubber soles. I find it distressing how quickly shoe soles wear out, too.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you still wear quilted patent leather shoes into the summer?

Suzanne D'Amato: If they're black, I'd suggest putting them aside until later in the year. That's not to say black shoes are a no-go in the summer, but black plus patent plus quilting can add up to sort of a heavy look.

But are they cream, camel, grey, scarlet, even navy? If so, anything goes.

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Fashion Tip: I've recently bought a lot of tops that are a bit low-cut. I don't like the feel, however, of wearing a full tank top underneath--it makes me feel bulky and hot on warm days. (Where are those warm days, by the way?)

Anyway, the perfect solution for me has been little shelf bras from Target. The are just like tank tops, but they only go down a bit past my bra. They stay in place, keep my bust covered, are not at all bulky or hot, and only cost about $6. I have several in black and white, but they also come in colors and patterns.

Suzanne D'Amato: Sounds like someone who wants to win one of today's beauty giveaways... thanks for the tip.

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Washington, D.C.: My graduation is next week, and I still haven't found a dress! I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what to get. I'm most concerned about trying not to look like I'll be attending a cocktail party, yet not too casual like a sundress and something that will go well with black shoes. I am VERY open to suggestions. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you looked at Diane von Furstenberg or BCBG's selection of dresses? I've seem some at Saks and Bloomie's that I think would fill the bill of not being too cocktail-looking or too casual. Or perhaps Tory Burch?

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Chicago, Ill.: I recently bought a beautiful black satin skirt that has a band of periwinkle/light lavender at the bottom. I have no idea what colors to wear with it on top. Any suggestions?

Suzanne D'Amato: Your skirt does sound lovely. I don't think you want to try to match the periwinkle -- instead, I'd suggest a cream or pale gray blouse, in chiffon so the texture contrasts with the satin. Silver could also be a lovely choice for a dressier occasion, or you could play it simple and choose a black top with high-design details such as chiffon ruffles. The last option wouldn't be my first choice, but it may be the easiest one to pull off as you likely already own some version of what I'm describing.

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Boston, Mass.: Hi! I ALWAYS read your chats and mostly agree with all your advice. As a stylist, I can't believe I'm stumped on which shoes to wear for an outfit I purchased for a party next week, so I'm turning to you: Snagged a FABULOUS silk dress- looks like two pieces but is one, white, sleeveless ruffled top, gun-metal gray pencil skirt. It was only $90, but seriously looks like a $300 ensemble. The problem? Shoes! I'm not afraid to color a little outside the lines when it comes to shoes- pairing fire-engine red heels with yellow or green dresses, turquoise heels with a brown dress, but white and gray? My tootsies would greatly appreciate a color recommendation!!!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your kind words. I think you have a lot of options here -- burgundy, for one, which would look subtle and sophisticated. Grass green would be surprising and of the moment. If you want to invest in a drop-dead pair of shoes, Christian Louboutin makes these sheer, ruched gray chiffon pumps that would look absolutely killer with your dress. And something dreamy and pastel -- pink satin d'Orsays, perhaps -- would be sweet, too.

The only colors I wouldn't recommend, basically, are black and metallics. You can do better than that.

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Baltimore, Md.: I had a baby about a year ago and slowly losing the pregnancy weight (though I still have a pouch). I have been walking just about everyday and losing a little weight, but I fluctuate about 5-10 lbs (depending on time of the month, how many brownies I ate, etc.). My clothes, particularly pants and skirts are a little too big (yeah!). My question is should I have them tailored to fit, or just buy new clothes. I hope to continue to loose weight (maybe another 10-15 lbs). Currently I am a size 12-14 (12 on top, 14 on bottom) and want to get down to a size 10. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, Baltmore,

I wouldn't go out and buy new clothes until I reached my weight-loss goal. Losing 10-15 more pounds can make quite a difference -- probably a size or two. If easy alterations -- moving a button on a pair of pants, for example, are possible at the moment, I'd go with that.

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Washington, D..C: I am attending a museum cocktail party tomorrow night and don't have anything to wear. Any suggestions? I don't want to spend any more than $200 but would like something I could wear for future events.

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd buy a knee-length dress of some sort from a good-quality vintage store, such as The Remix or (as I mentioned earlier) Annie Creamcheese. Whatever you choose will be unique, and probably better-made than a lot of what crowds store racks today! And not everyone would agree with this tip, but I'd steer clear of department stores. The styles tend to be more generic, and I think you want something truly special for an art-crowd event. Not to mention, your $200 won't take you nearly as far as one would hope!

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Headed to Paris...: Help! I'm going to France tomorrow and bought a good pair of walking shoes -- red patent leather Ecco Maryjanes. My question is this: besides black, white and khaki, what colors can I wear red shoes with? Yellow? Blue? Green? (Though that seems too Christmas-y.)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Lucky, you! Have a great trip. Red shoes limits you a little because you don't want your clothes to compete with all that color at your feet. You're best to stick with neutrals for clothes, and that will also make coordinating outfits easier if you stick to the colors you're thinking about. I think a navy blue would go fine with your shoes; I'd probably avoid green and bright yellow.

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New Haven, Conn.: For Chevy Chase, the best place to get knit garments altered or repaired is called Knit Alterations and Design. (Web site is: Knit Alteration and Design) I have used them several times to do sweater repairs and alternations. You'll have to wait to get the garment back, but they do wonderful work.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the tip, New Haven. We'll have to check them out.

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Jewelry: Hi, I've never been a big jewelry wearer -- it's just one more complication in the morning -- but recently have bought some inexpensive colorful bangles to wear. I always wear my watch (gold) and wedding ring (also gold) and the same small gold hoop earrings, but what is the best way to introduce more jewelry -- bracelets and particularly necklaces? I always feel so showy wearing anything!

Suzanne D'Amato: Spend some time looking at jewelry in department stores and boutiques, to acquaint yourself with what styles are out there and what you're drawn to. I'd stick with gold tone pieces if that's what you're used to, and then look for a necklace that has a little something extra -- maybe a long chain that combines gold and a colorful stone. Start with that, then work your way up to bigger, chunkier pieces. Don't spend too much on any one item at first -- you're bound to make mistakes, and it's easier to accept that when you're talking about a $9.99 necklace from Target, as opposed to something made of genuine stones. And...have fun! That's sort of the whole point with accessories.

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Cole Hahn Alternative : I too walk a lot, and I love the Indigo by Clarks collection. While the style veers toward retro, they have plenty of cute options that are oh so comfortable. I usually order mine from endless.com.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the woman who walks 4-plus miles to work, here's another suggestion.

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Arlington, Va.: Okay, I need winter-warm but summer-looking sweaters/tops to cope with the office weather (65-70) when the real weather is 85-90... where could i find that?

Janet Bennett Kelly: How about light cashmere? I noticed that J. Crew has a collection on their Web site, called "summer cashmere."

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Arlington, Va.: What are good hosiery options for spring? I hear that nude is out-dated, but black and brown tights seem too dark for spring. I have short, rather heavy calves, so patterns aren't flattering. I'd love to find some semi-opaque stockings in lighter shades but haven't had any luck.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Do you feel you have to wear hose? When the weather warms up more, I think you'd be more comfortable with bare legs. I use a self-tanner so they don't look so white.

Suzanne, any suggestions?

Suzanne D'Amato: There are some pale gray, cream and taupe options in stores (the Macys downtown always seems to stock a wide variety of these), but I agree with Janet -- bare legs are a thousand times more comfortable, and they're perfectly appropriate in most workplaces. If you can't stand the smell of some self-tanners, consider trying a leg spray like Sally Hansen's -- it'll camouflage imperfections just like a self-tanner, but it's not meant to make you look more tan, and you wash it off at the end of the day. It's leg foundation, basically.

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Arlington, Va.: I have an unusual question. Is there any common sense guidance as to selecting a nail polish color? I'm wearing a navy dress to a wedding next week with silver peep-toe wedges, and I'm trying to decide what color to paint my toes. I'd think anything too red or too pink is probably out, so that leaves a purple-ish shade? But will that look weird against a navy dress?

Am I thinking too much about this? Should I just go with a clear coat and call it a day?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Personally, I wouldn't go with a purple because I like to give my toes a little pop. There are a couple of shades I really like from Essie -- one's called Watermelon; the other is Wife Goes On. Not too pink, not too red.

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Washington, D.C.: For anyone on a budget looking for some great linen slacks to take you through the summer, make sure to check out H and M. I've had my white linen blend slacks for 3 years, and I love them! They don't need much ironing, they're perfect for day/night summer looks, they're the lightest weight possible, boot cut and flattering, and quite stain resistant. I'm so excited to break them out this weekend when I head to warm-weather Miami!

Suzanne D'Amato: White linen slacks that don't need ironing *and* are stain-resistant? I think I know where I'm going on my lunch break today... thanks for the tip!

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Reston, Va.: I have a nice pair of leather boots that are a medium shade of brown ("cognac" according to the box). They have a few scuff marks on them. Can I use regular brown shoe polish to fix this, or will that be too dark? Thanks for any advice!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm thinking cordovan might be better than brown. Do the boots have a little bit of red in them?

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Austin, Tex.: At my wedding this summer, I'm changing into an ivory cocktail dress for dancing. My dance shoes are white satin. Do I need to get the shoes dyed to match, or is close enough good enough? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: If the shoes are that blinding blue-white, you probably want to get them dyed. Especially in photographs, you will be able to see the difference.

Sorry...I bet that wasn't what you wanted to hear!

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For Graduation Girl: Ann Taylor has lots of lovely summer dresses that are suitable for graduations and other celebrations. I own several that I wear to weddings, parties, etc. They are summery without being "sundresses" and can easily be dressed up (and made warmer for evenings) with a cardigan or wrap.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the graduation girl, this chatter says Ann Taylor offers options for the occasion.

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Museum Cocktail Party : Zara has some fun designs that would be good for an event like this.. I recently purchased a brush-stroke inspired blouse from the newly opened store in Montgomery mall that I wore to a gala. It reminded me so much of the runway trends recently focusing on bright colors and florals, but only cost $40 and looked bright and fun without being flashy. I pared it with a muted grey full skirt and cinched the shirt with a skiny patent leather belt from Target. Wearable art!

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, Zara, H&M and Forever 21 are all good options for an event like this -- or any night when unique chic is the goal.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I lost about 10 pounds after a prolonged illness and surgery, and every attempt to gain it back as failed, so now I'm just resigning myself to either buying new clothes (my tops still fit, but not my skirts or pants, pants being the bigger problem) or having everything altered. I'm not sure which option is more economically fesible. My clothes are stylish (I think!), but they just don't fit any more.

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd try getting one or two pairs of pants altered and seeing if you're pleased with the results. A local tailor will typically charge about $10-15 a pair -- which can add up if you're getting your whole wardrobe taken in, but it's certainly less pricey than starting from scratch and buying it all new. You can fake a good fit with skirts and dresses more easily than with pants, but with pants, I think it's worth going the alterations route. Good luck!

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Thick Ankles: Hi, Suzanne and Janet,

I have heavy thighs and rather think ankles, although the rest of my body is fairly slim. What shoes (color, cut, heel, etc.) would minimize the unshapeliness of my legs? I've heard that nude shoes are good, but can never find a pair that I like, and also that I should avoid ankle straps and kitten heels.

Beyond that, I've always struggled a bit. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Janet Bennett Kelly: There's no question that high heels elongate the leg, but you also have to be able to walk in them, so try out a few pairs and see how they look and whether you feel comfortable wearing them. Agreed about ankle straps -- they cut off your foot and stop the illusion of one long line. I'm not sure the color really matters, but as for the cut, I wouldn't get a pair with a high vamp that covers too much of the foot. Hope that helps.

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I noticed that J. Crew has a collection on their Web site, called "summer cashmere.": Good suggestion, but.... J Crew's cashmere t-shirts are like $100...

Janet Bennett Kelly: That's the rub. My office is far too air-conditioned in the summer as well, and I beat the cold by always having a thin scarf handy to wrap around my neck.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I am in search of the perfect black pant. You know, the one that's not too tight, not too wide legged, that I can wear just as well to the office as out to dinner. Do you have any suggestions for brands? I'm willing to spend some money for something that will be a staple. Ann Taylor is not really meeting the mark - I find their stuff starts to stretch out too much and then just fit weird.

Also, when you say denim trouser -- do you mean jeans?

Suzanne D'Amato: For black pants, I love Theory, Tevrow &Chase, Joseph and Chloe. Yes, these are all pricey brands, but perfectly-fitting black pants are also one of the soundest fashion investments you'll ever make.

Denim trousers look a lot like jeans, but they don't have any of that pesky whiskering/topstitching/fading that makes jeans look casual. They tend to be made of a finer, thinner fabric, and they often don't have pockets. The result is sort of a hybrid between your basic blues and your suit pants, and it's one of my favorite go-to pieces for summertime.

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Trench Coats on Sale: To the woman looking for a good trench on sale, I just purchased one for about $35 at MNG in Tysons Corner. It's not canvas but more of a nylon fabric, and its cream colored. Perfect for rainy days or the more mild spring weather. They had other styles and cuts as well and a pretty good selection!

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter looking for a trench coat ...

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McLean, Va.: This is for the poster who asked the question about buying clothes after gaining weight. Target (pro: Tar-zhay) and Chico's are great locations for inexpenisve, trendy and very good looking accessories. (Chico's clothing is for an older crowd....their accessories are for everyone.)

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the tip on Chico's accessories. Some of the places you might not think of, clothes-wise, do turn out to have great extras. I recently discovered that Hot Topic is a great resource for belts and jewelry (and my style is definitely more J. Crew than Joan Jett). Who knew?

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Settling a raging question: One of your fellow The Washington Post chatters has been waging a long war against pleated pants. Just wanted to get your take on it, as I prefer pleats and can't make this person see the light of day. Thoughts?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think the reason pleated pants are out of favor is that they don't flatter people except the tallest and thinnest among us. If you're one of those people who look good in them, then by all means, wear them. No argument here.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks so much for joining us today. I hope Janet's and my suggestions proved helpful! We're pleased to announce the winners of our little beauty giveaway. To the chatter with the tip on Target's shelf bras, we offer the Philosophy lip gloss trio. And for the chatter who suggested H&M's white linen slacks, we have the Crabtree &Evelyn gift set. Please e-mail me at trendspotter@washpost.com with your full name and mailing address, and we'll get your goodies shipped out to you.

And to everyone else, see you again in two weeks! Janet and I will be back on Tuesday, May 13th.

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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.