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 certain celebs just can't seem to find a dress that fits? They're here to help.

They were online Tuesday, June 10, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, all,

Welcome to Tuesday's Talking Fashion. We've got some cool giveaways for you -- a pair of Farmhouse soaps in Fresh White Lilac and a set of ultra-bright, campy nail polishes from Essie. And some sad news for us. My trusty partner in this chat, Suzanne D'Amato, is heading for New York City to be features editor at Domino magazine. So, if you have any questions specifically for Suzanne, ask them now! Let's get started.

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Washington, D.C.: Love the chat! I think I've gone overboard with the maxi dress trend for this year. Help me stop or at least make me feel better about the purchases! Do you think they'll be around next year?

Suzanne D'Amato: Well, what do you mean by overboard? One maxi dress is a great addition to any closet this summer; two is probably the max you'd want on such a trendy style; three or more makes me wonder about your shopaholic tendencies.

I do not know if the style will be as trendy next summer, but the great thing about a long dress is that a snip or two turns it into a short dress.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a fantastic pair of deep red Jimmy Choo snakeskin shoes that I love to pieces and treat them with only love and care. However, flakes of the leather are starting to come off and I think I need to go to a shoe maker to dye the holes to match the rest. Is this the best solution? Who do you recommend as an shoe maker up to the task of mending my precious shoes?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Shoes sound delectable. I would call or go over to the Jimmy Choo store in Chevy Chase and ask what they recommend you do. They should be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck with that.

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Bethesda, Md.: What does one wear to a bris in NYC? I've never been to one before. A summer dress? White pants and heels? No clue.

Thanks!!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: A bris is a religious ceremony, followed by a reception. So, I suggest you dress on the conservative side. If you choose a summer dress, pick one that's not revealing or have a jacket on hand to cover up. White pants and a blouse and heels sound fine.

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Washington, D.C.: So I have this red and white sleeveless blouse I am looking forward to wearing but can't decide what to wear with it! I was thinking a white skirt or maybe navy pants, but don't want to look too "marine" (so last year, right?) Should I just stick with black?

Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Who knew marine was "so last year"? That's a new one on me.

Moving on: I think you can wear any of the pieces you're describing here. The white skirt strikes me as the most potentially costume-y of the bunch, but so long as you get the shoes right (no red or white ones, please!), you should be fine. Denim trousers also would be a great way to go.

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Greensboro, N.C.: What should I wear to a cousin's wedding the last Saturday in September, in a church, at noon, in NC? Will still be hot here.

Suzanne D'Amato: Well, without knowing more about your budget, age, lifestyle and fashion proclivities I'm at a bit of a loss here, but one safe style that suits many women is an A-line, knee-skimming dress with a thick strap or cap sleeve, in a dusky (not sugary-sweet) hue such as gray-blue or plum. Fabric-wise, consider cotton over satin: The latter will leave you feeling sticky in the September swelter. Bare legs are a must with this look; shoe-wise, go as high (or low) as you like. And bring a wrap if you'd like to cover up a bit more during the ceremony.

Good luck!

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Washington, D.C.: Re: the maxi dress, I am from Florida, grew up on the beach, and can safely affirm that maxi dresses always have been and always will be a stylish beach cover-up and staple, so she should sit pretty knowing that at the very least, her vacation wardrobe is secure!

Suzanne D'Amato: Very true! Three years from now, the maxi dress may not look so right on M Street, but on Ocean Drive, you can be sure it'll still be a hit (and so much chicer than all those g-strings -- yikes).

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22205: Speaking of maxi dresses, I have been looking everywhere for a maxi dress, and I'm having no luck. Where can I find a maxi dress that won't make my credit card sigh? I looked at Cusp in Tysons, but they didn't really have what I wanted.

Suzanne D'Amato: Honestly, I'm surprised you're having this problem. It seems that everywhere I turn, a maxi dress is waiting, ready to give my AmEx a workout. Some spots to check out: Express, H & M, Anthropologie and (surprise!) the Victoria's Secret Web site. I also saw a dreamy one by Missoni at Neiman Marcus a few weeks back...a bit out of your price range, I'm guessing, but expect the knockoffs to arrive in fast-fashion stores shortly.

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Virginia: I just wanted to say that Suzanne D'Amato will be missed, but I can't wait to see her input to Domino magazine; it is one of my faves.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks very much! I certainly will miss contributing here, but I'm excited to learn how to apply my fashion know-how to the world of interiors.

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Alexandria, Va.: Are expensive shoes worth it? I've been more of a Nine West, Kenneth Cole Reaction type of person, but they just don't seem to last more than two seasons. Will spending more for designer brands get me higher quality shoes? Are they more comfortable? I'm thinking of a range of $100-$150, but maybe it needs to be more?

(I do love and get the most compliments on my only shoe splurge ever -- a pair of tall Camper brand boots, but at close to $300, I'd only get one pair of shoes a year at bonus time!)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, Alexandria,

Expensive shoes can be worth the investment, but like all shoes, it depends how much you wear them and how you treat them. Spending more may get you a designer shoe and better-quality construction and fit, but it's hard to say whether they'll last longer than your Nine Wests.

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Washington, D.C.: I bought a wide brown leather woven belt a week or so ago and really like it, but am unsure how to wear it without looking too country/hokey. I'm a big fan of the belted trend (it's so flattering!), but need a little guidance on what to wear with this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, I love the chats!!

Suzanne D'Amato: Don't wear your belt with a polka-dot dress, anklet socks or saddle shoes and you'll do just fine. Seriously, this piece is extremely versatile. It'll add punch to minimalist urban separates and ground bold tropical prints. It works with any hemline, any fabric, and just about any color (with the possible exception of matchy-matchy brown). You've made a smart investment!

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What's a maxi dress?: Guess I'm out of touch.

Suzanne D'Amato: Don't worry! Here at Talking Fashion, we cater to the fashion-obsessed, the fashion-apathetic and everyone in between.

A maxi dress is an ankle-skimming frock that's a popular trend for this summer. It's often spaghetti-strapped and fitted around the bodice -- you need something to balance all of the volume down below. Other than that, there are no rules for what makes a maxi: You'll spot them in solid colors and wild Op-Art prints, cotton jersey and floaty chiffon.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: I have a couple of silk blouses for work that have the buttons set a little further apart than normal, and so they are constantly giving everyone a peek at the girls (and no, the blouses themselves are not too small - I have a small chest and so the shirts may even be a little on the larger side). Any recommendations for double-sided tape to keep them shut? Where should I buy the tape?

Suzanne D'Amato: Sunday Source recently reviewed a product that sounds like it would work well for you: Matchsticks, which are double-sided tape strips that resemble tiny Band-Aids. They can be used on hems, necklines and more, and a pack costs $10 at Doublesticktricks.com. If you try them, let us know what you think!

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Mt. P, DC: I read Sunday that Suzanne D'Amato is leaving the Post. Thanks for all the great insight you have provided- who will be coming in to fill your Manolos?

Suzanne D'Amato: My Nine West ballet flats will be filled by Michelle Thomas and Holly Thomas, whose bylines you may be familiar with from Sunday Source's Trend Spotter page. They'll continue to produce shopping, fashion and beauty stories for that page, and it sounds like they'll be guesting on some future Talking Fashion chats as well. Please welcome them when they do!

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Louisville, Ken.: I bought a beautiful Dooney & Bourke purse in mid-spring. It's a green leather bag with brown trim. When I bought the purse most of my wardrobe was brown, tan and white. I've since lost weight and bought new clothes that are mainly black and white (oops). I live on a budget and the purse was a splurge. I'm looking for any suggestions on how to wear it or do I just have to retire it until it better coordinates with my clothing?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Your purse sounds lovely. A purse is just an accent, and in most cases I don't think it has to coordinate perfectly with your clothing. I have a persimmon-colored handbag that I wear with practically everything in my wardrobe. Yes, brown and green works well with tan, but you can wear it with a white blouse and a black shirt or vice versa. It's a little hard to tell without seeing the bag and your wardrobe, but if I were you I would not retire that handbag.

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Washington D.C.: I'm 23 and have saved up a few hundred to splurge on an investment bag. Any suggestions? I think black leather would complement most all of what I have, but I can't decide whether or not to make this a purse purchase or a work bag/tote for all times. Help!

Suzanne D'Amato: I know black sounds safe, but I'd encourage you to be a bit more adventurous with this purchase. Choose a classic shape -- a leather satchel, top-handle Kelly style or doctor bag would work well here -- but in a bold color such as grass green, amethyst or ruby red. It'll actually work with more of your current wardrobe than a plain black bag, because you'll be able to wear it with both brown AND black. Plus, you'll love all of the compliments you receive.

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Northern Va.: Wondering if you could recommend any good consignment shops in the area. I prefer the personal and tangible "shopping experience, " vs. just finding good deals on line. Any place to find Manolos on a miser's budget?

thanks

Janet Bennett Kelly: Nana's on U Street has a combination of new and consignment clothes. If you haven't been shopping there yet, give it a go. Manolo Blahnik has a sale every year in New York City. That's about the only time I've seen these shoes reduced in price.

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Silver Spring: Fashion Divas, I have a pressing question! I bought a camel-colored (I think that's the color, like a deep caramel brown) suit to wear to an important interview tomorrow. But what color shoes should I wear? I have dark brown with brass accents, which I think would look ok, but I don't want to look like a fashion disaster. Will my existing shoes work? Or should I bit the bullet and purchase new ones? And if so, what color? I'm totally lost on this one.

Suzanne D'Amato: To some extent, it depends on what kind of job you're interviewing for. Are you applying to be a hedge fund manager or a gallery assistant? Depending on your answer, my suggestions would vary wildly.

That said, your shoes sound like a fine, somewhat conservative choice to me. If you wanted something a bit more surprising, you could try pumps in cranberry, eggplant, navy or hunter green. Look for fall colors, not summer brights or spring's pastels.

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Washington, D.C.: Another great idea for the maxi-dress obsessed shopper, make money on your dress purchase and sell it to one of the local DC consignment shops. There are several in the area always looking for gently worn trendy/designer items and you can use the money you make to purchase next year's big trendy piece. I'm a huge fan of Mustardseed and Current Boutique (no affiliation). They've both motivated me to clean out my cluttered closets so I can make some money on the items I no longer wear!

Suzanne D'Amato: Sounds like someone who wants to win our beauty giveaway... thanks for the tip!

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Washington, D.C.: Have you seen any great belts lately that are under $50? I am looking for ideas to "spruce" up my wardrobe. My mother rocked the belt look in the 1980s (she has this fab turquoise snakeskin skinny belt). Also, are there any rules re color about wearing belts? Thanks.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I haven't seen any recently under $50, but I did see a couple of great patent leather ones for $69 at Club Monaco. You might be able to score ones for less at Zara, Filene's or Loehmann's, if you're willing to dig. No written rules I can think of about wearing belts and color. Did you see Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City?" She a terrific-looking wide black belt over a hot pink sheath dress. The outfit was a knockout.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi ladies, I have a patent leather purse that is in need of some repair. A part of the strap was once attached inside a metal cap. I'm guessing super glue isn't the best to take to my beloved work bag, but what kind of places around the area might service this repair? Thanks so much!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Since you're in Bethesda, I'd recommend Fortuna on Woodmont Avenue. They do good work, and if they don't think they can repair it, they'll tell you.

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Washington, D.C.: Please help us settle a debate with my wife. She's been looking at gladiator sandals. I say they're a trend that's nearly peaked.

What do you say?

At least they're not wretched Crocs, though!

Janet Bennett Kelly: That may be true, but you're talking to a fan. I love them for summer with feminine dresses. They're a far cry from Crocs, which, I agree, are wretched, and should only be worn by very small children.

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Washington D.C.: So I'm going to switch gears for a second and ask a beauty question. How do you feel about the bright pink lipstick trend thats been going around? I have fair skin and dark brown hair and would love to wear a bold shade of lipstick. I know the key to this would be toning down the rest of my pallete, but can you suggest a shade? This would be more for out on the weekends vs. in the office. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Love the beauty questions! I wish we got more...

With few exceptions, bright pink tends to be unflattering on women with fair skin (and you and I have similar coloring, so I know whereof I speak). I'd suggest either a sheer, watermelon-hued pink on you, or a true red if you're craving something truly bright. Leave the shocking pinks to women with more olive and/or dark skin tones.

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Jewelry: I have about $1,000 I would like to spend on a really great piece of jewelry, probably a necklace. Do you have any suggestions? Looking for design as well as materials (i.e. gold/silver/semi-precious stones).

Suzanne D'Amato: Jewelry is such a personal item that my answer can't help but be, well, personal. If I were you, I would splurge on a fabulously luxe statement piece from Tom Binns or Lanvin. (Okay, okay, so the $1000 would probably only cover the down payment on one of those designers' baubles, but still.)

Janet, what about you?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love the look of Lanvin necklaces, and I have seen one or two that are in that price range. You could have luck on e-Bay. Other than that, though, Tabandeh, located in Mazza Gallerie, has one of the best collections of real and costume jewelry that I've seen in this town. Take a look there and also at Barneys Co-op. Also, search for creations from Thea Grant and Wendy Mink.

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Re: belts: Banana Republic and J. Crew had many of their belts on sale when I was there recently. Got one at BR for $22.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in search of a belt, try Banana Republic and J Crew. I think Rugby also carries some good-looking ones that may be on sale now.

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for the job interview: Your shoes should look professional and neat. Nothing else matters for the interview. If fact, I doubt any of the interviewers could tell you the next day what color your shoes were. If the shoes were badly scuffed or inappropriate (tennis shoes, stilettos) they'd notice, but otherwise, it's all about your experience and personality.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your advice, and in some ways I wish I agreed with you that experience and personality trump all else in every instance. But I just gotta say...I'm guessing you've never worked at a fashion magazine! Or, to put it another way: Every office has its own rules.

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Washington D.C. re belts: This is the person who submitted the belts under $50 question. The pink sheath with the biker belt! Yes, that was my favorite outfit in the SATC movie. Do you have any ideas about who made that dress? Thanks for answering my question.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Haven't found out yet. I'm with you, though, that it was one of the best in the movie.

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Smithsonian: Congrats on the Domino magazine gig... I love that magazine!!

My question is about a Marc Jacobs bag I bought from Bluefly.com a year ago. The lining is beginning to come apart and I don't want to return it or my money back. I love the bag and I just want to find a place to get it repaired.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your congrats! Now, for the bag: Just call Marc Jacobs and explain the situation. (You don't need to tell them you bought it on Bluefly, incidentally.) They might tell you where to send your bag for repairs, or they might offer you a brand-new bag (as happened to a friend of mine). But they're probably the best place to start.

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Colesville, Md.: I am a very fair woman. When I go on vacation it is best if I wear a hat outdoors. Where can an adult find a hat that isn't a baseball hat or one that looks like a little house on the prairie straw bonnet?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Helen Kaminski hats provide both beauty and shade and are sold at major department stores. And I think you can also find them at Proper Topper, which has a big selection of wide-brim hats. My fair-skinned niece recently scored a lovely white hat with navy trim at Vineyard Vines in Georgetown.

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Washington, D.C.: I found a great vintage black strapless dress with a black/white patterned center panel to wear to a wedding this summer. But I can't decide what kind of shoes to wear. Black, white, and silver all seem too boring. Do you have any more exciting suggestions?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd agree that black, white and silver are too boring, because you could choose almost any color and make it work with this dress. Lemon yellow calfskin? Why, of course. Cerulean-blue satin? No doubt. The brighter, the better -- but beyond that just about anything goes, so have fun with this look.

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Washington, D.C.: Is there any justifiable reason that maybe I don't understand, for the exorbitant price of nylon bags like Longchamp and Herve Chapelier? I admit they are good quality (for nylon) - but seriously? nylon???

Suzanne D'Amato: They're status bags, pure and simple. It's all about the logo, not the fabric or (in some cases) the quality. But seriously, can't the same be said of Marc Jacobs T-shirts, Hermes keychains, Chanel sunglasses and approximately 9,000 other items crowding store shelves? Very often, we're paying a high price for the name, the packaging and so on.

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Suzanne D'Amato: And with that, Janet and I need to call it a day. Thanks so much for joining us! On to the prizes: For the beauty chatter ISO bright lipstick, we have Essie's nail polishes. And for the woman who suggested turning over your maxi dresses to consignment stores once they've worn out their welcome, we have the Farmhouse Soaps duo. To both of these chatters: E-mail me at trendspotter@washpost.com with your full name and mailing address, and we'll get those products shipped out to you.

Well, this is it for me, folks. I hope you've enjoyed these chats as much as I have. Janet will be back in two weeks to talk still more shop with you all; she'll have a guest chatter from Sunday Source along as well. Happy summer!

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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.