Talking Fashion

Every other week washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett Kelly is here to talk fashion. Want to know where to find perfect black slacks? Which new designers are rocking the runway? She's here to help.

She was online Tuesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions. Michelle Thomas, Sunday Source Trend Spotter contributor, was her guest.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining Michelle Thomas of Sunday Source and me to Talk Fashion this week. I just got back from Beijing (wow!) and am slightly jet-lagged, but I'm eager to hear what's on your mind. As always, rewards go to the most innovative suggestions and ideas. The lucky winners will receive a Lorac bronzer and a Malin + Goetz Geranium body wash. Sounds yummy.

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Bethesda, Md.: Dear Ms. Kelly,

I have just started using a personal shopper at Nordstrom. She is great. However, I have some uncertainty about whether it is expected or desirable for me to tip her (and if so, how much)?

Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: You know I'm not sure how the personal shopper thing works, but I would imagine that she gets a commission on what you buy. So, I don't think tipping is necessary. Did this personal shopper lay out the guidelines before you started working with her??

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Olney, Md.: I'm dying to find a nice pair of straight leg, dark grey, jeans. I'm going to Paris this summer and want to look chic w/o having to be too dressy. I figure skinny/straight leg dark gray jeans would look nice. Problem is, I can't find dark gray jeans anywhere! Where can I go to find them? Do they mostly come out in the fall? Have you heard of Hello Skinny jeans? Thanks in advance!

Michelle Thomas: Great idea! Gray jeans sound like the perfect choice for your trip. You may be right that more of this style will probably surface in the fall, but you could try checking the brand Cheap Monday, which is sold at Barneys Co-Op and some Urban Outfitters. Other good bets: Dupont Circle's Terra stocks lots of edgier denim, or you could go straight to jeans heaven: Denim Bar (in Pentagon City and Bethesda).

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning ladies! I can't believe that as hot as it is here in D.C. right now the stores are already putting out fall clothing. I'm seeing a lot of jumpers again this year, as well as some earth tones. What do you think will be the fall "must have" item and color palette?

Janet Bennett Kelly: A shirt with some femme details looks as if it would be a good addition to a fall wardrobe for wearing under a jacket or by itself with a pair of pants. For the fall color palette, I'm seeing a lot of purple, navy, burgundy and gray.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Not very fashionable, but it has to do with clothes and has been driving me nuts. What are good types of clothes that do not show the outline of a bra? Or, what types of bras do not show through a shirt? I'm so tired of buying a normal, cotton polo or T-shirt and wearing a normal, probably correctly sized bra and having lines all over the place. I've found that prints help hide things, but it can be hard to find flattering prints. Thanks for any tips.

Janet Bennett Kelly: The thinner the fabric of the T-shirt or blouse you wear, the easier it is to see the lines of your bra. I would recommend that you go to a lingerie store and bring some tops to see what bras work best for you. What I've learned is that white bras show more than beige ones.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello ladies! I know you've gotten a lot of questions about pantyhose and sandals but this is a question about pantyhose and heels. I am a law student and starting in August I will be interviewing for positions at law firms for next summer. I mostly wear skirt suits because I find them more flattering but I am wondering if I need to wear pantyhose with them. I know the legal profession generally embraces a more conservative style of dress but it can be so miserably hot in D.C. that time of year. Thoughts?

Michelle Thomas: Every workplace is different, but pantyhose is no longer as necessary as it used to be -- especially in the swelter of the D.C. summer! Going bare is a much more modern choice. Smoothing on a tinted lotion can help even out your skin tone, or try a spray-on "hose" like Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi - I really enjoy your chats. What happened to the woman who usually co-hosts the chats with you?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think you mean Suzanne D'Amato. Sadly for our chat, but happily for her, she has moved to New York City and is working for Domino magazine.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a standard strapless, corset-top, bridesmaid dress I need to wear in a few weeks. The dress fits great except for the top. The top does okay if I don't move but any sustained movement (i.e., walking) means the top slips down a little. I don't know if the top just isn't the right shape or is just too shallow but I have a feeling there isn't much a tailor can work with. I have a good strapless bra. Is fashion tape my best option?

Michelle Thomas: I just experienced a similar problem with the strapless bridesmaid gown I'm wearing for my brother's wedding. My tailor reworked the darts of the bodice, and voila -- no more gapping. I definitely recommend taking this to a tailor (you don't want to end up tugging at your dress during the ceremony, after all!) but plenty of fashion tape might work if alterations aren't an option. I swear by Hollywood Fashion Tape ($6.95 at hollywoodfashiontape.com). Just try it out well before the wedding to make sure it'll hold.

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Washington, D.C.: So my husband and I are stumped about men's casual summer fashion. Everywhere you look on the weekend you see women in cute sundresses walking next to a guy in sloppy shorts and a t-shirt. Other than linen pants, what can men wear this summer that's cool, casual, and looks on par with a woman in a sundress?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Shorts don't need to look sloppy -- I've seen several chino pairs on www.jcrew.com that look quite presentable as well as comfortable. Substitute that T-shirt for a polo, and he'll be your well-dressed partner.

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Pregnant and Showing: Hi, I have a maternity fashion question for you. I can no longer squeeze into my old clothes and am looking for stylish but not too expensive maternity wear. I've found a lot of polyester, yuck. Any recommendations on where to find nice maternity wear? And what's the different between all the different types of belly panels? Thanks for your help!

Michelle Thomas: I can't help you with explaining belly panels -- but for fashionable maternity wear, try the relatively new boutique Bella Mamma (Wisconsin Ave in upper Georgetown) or one of two Appleseed locations (Old Town Alexandria and Gaithersburg).

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Law firm interviewing: I've worked at a couple big firms here and I say pantyhouse are a MUST when interviewing, unfortunately. Once you're working there, you're mostly off the hook though.

Michelle Thomas: An opinion from a chatter who's been there...

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Washington, D.C.: This summer I have to go to this wedding in NYC, swanky club kind of place. I was thinking about wearing this brown, blouson BCBG silk dress that I have. It's very pretty and I love it, but it's a few years old. Can I update this dress? It has an elastic waistband, covered by a sash. Could I put a belt around it instead? Is there any jewelry I should wear to make it look more modern? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Love the chats. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Wedding in New York sounds fun! Without seeing the dress, it's hard to know whether a belt rather than a sash would work. But jewelry and shoes are always a good way to update an outfit. Depending on the dress neckline, how about one of those chunky necklaces, which are going to be very popular for fall. Also, a shoe in a fun color and style would be sure to add spark to your look.

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Bethesda, Md.: I'm looking for a preppy seersucker or madras sundress for this weekend, under $50, that I want to pair with an espadrille wedge. But i'm typically not too preppy, so I hope you can help!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Tickled Pink just opened a store in Bethesda, and as you know, they specialize in preppyish styles. Whether you'll be able to snag one for under $50 is the question. Last time I was there, though, there were plenty on sale.

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Rave -- Vegan Bag: I just bought a beautiful and chic "vegan" handbag by MZ Wallace. It's part of the fall line -- black with gold-toned hardware and red details on the outside and shocking pink lining -- but because it's fabric, it doesn't read as too heavy for summer.

I love it. I'm not a diehard vegan shopper (love those goat skin shoes), but I do like my bag more knowing that it's a little greener than leather.

Michelle Thomas: Sounds cute! Another chic option for vegan purses -- Matt & Nat, whose stylish, leather-free handbags are sold at Cusp.

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Washington, D.C. for the pregnant shopper: When I was pregnant, I was totally into Target's maternity line which is reasonably priced and stylish. If you are willing to spend and travel -- try Pickles and Ice Cream in Richmond (I heard they are also in Arlington).

Michelle Thomas: More stylish maternity choices.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for a good, nude-colored nail polish. For a point of reference, I'm fair-skinned. Any suggestions? Also, what do you think of the nude-colored lipsticks that seem to be popping up around town? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm a big fan of the Essie colors, and my absolute favorite shade is Mademoiselle. It has a slight touch of pink, but mostly it looks neutral and makes your hands look very clean. If that doesn't work, I know there are several more nude shades to choose from.

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Annandale, Va.: I'm seeing a lot of professional women wear their nails short, natural with no polish. I like short nails, but I do polish. What is the fashion trend on nail polish?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good question. I just read in a magazine that Chanel is coming out with something in a gold tone, so I'm interested to see what that actually looks like. It might be okay with short nails. Personally I don't like red on short nails. My best recommendation is to pick a color that goes with your skin tone.

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Re: Seersucker dress: J.Crew has all of its summer dresses on sale right now. I was able to score a linen solid colored dress for $35. It wasn't seersucker but you may find one or something similar. Last summer, my roommate also got a seersucker dress at Target. Just a few suggestions..

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in search of affordable sundresses, here's someone who's had luck at J Crew.

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Detroit, Mich.: For men -- plenty of summer options can be found here or at the store in Georgetown: Vineyard Vines.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, Vineyard Vines has many options for casual men's clothes on the preppy side, as does J Crew, Ralph Lauren and Sherman Pickey.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any suggestions for looking chic on an intern's (tight) budget?

Michelle Thomas: We wrote about finding work-appropriate duds in unexpected -- and generally less expensive -- stores in May (link to follow). If you have the patience to dig through racks of less viable mini-skirts and camisoles, fast-fashion stores like Forever 21 and Zara can be worth the effort.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hello ladies! As a bridesmaid in a wedding this weekend, I'm wondering if it is tacky to change into flip-flops for dancing (not the first few dances, but later on), or if I should wait until the real after-party begins to change out of my heels. Any advice?

Janet Bennett Kelly: My two cents says yes, it would be tacky to change into flip-flops. By all means, wait until after the official wedding party ends.

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Washington, D.C.: For the lady with the bra lines -- this may not be the best option in the hot D.C. summer, but I've taken to wearing tank tops under my everyday shirts. Even the thinnest of tank tops will smooth out a lot of those ridges.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter concerned about bra lines, here's a possiblity:

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www.washingtonpost.com: Trend Spotter

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NW D.C.: In last week's chat, someone asked for the best mascara that won't smudge. I have tried every high- and low-end mascara on the planet, and trust me, this is it: Kanebo Mascara. It's Japanese; thus a bit pricey ($30 a tube) but it absolutely DOES NOT come off. You can find it online through several outlets, including Bliss's Bliss. The second best thing about it is that it washes off easily with hot water.

Michelle Thomas: Thanks for the beauty tip! I've never tried Kanebo, but my absolute No. 1 go-to mascara is Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara. I can wear it all day without a single black smear, and it wipes away with a gentle makeup remover. Love it!

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Westford, Mass.: For Bumpy Bra Lady -- Flexees does a fabulous super light weight one piece cami/bodysuit that really works on reducing VBL. They are sold at Kohl's but I picked up a few at Marshall's for under $10!

Janet Bennett Kelly: More ideas for the chatter with the bumpy bra -- try Flexees from Kohl's or Marshall's. Another possiblity would be the bras from Spanx -- the site says their products banish bra lines and fit like a second skin. I've never tried their bras, but their panty hose does the trick of hiding vpl.

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Annandale, Va.: Is there really a difference in brands of nail polish? Do more expensive brands last longer than less expensive?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think there is a difference in staying power. That's not to say I would pay $15 for a bottle of nail polish, but I have paid $8 for Essie's.

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Springfield, Va.: Hi! Do you have any rules of thumb for buying clothes online? I usually don't and I'm scared that it will be a waste of money and time (especially if it doesn't fit and I need to ship it back). I'm interested in a few things from Spiegel and Fossil, which don't have stores in the vicinity. Thanks.

Michelle Thomas: I buy most of my clothes online these days because it's so easy to get an amazing bargain. A few stand-by tips: Always know your measurements, and check the size charts available on the store's site. Some stores (Nordstrom, for example) let you chat live with a sales associate to get more info. Another good tactic is to sign up for e-mails from your favorite e-tailers-- many stores e-mail coupon codes for free shipping and private sales.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm curious to know if there is any kind of guideline for how much a person should spend on wardrobe. I know this would be a relative number based on many variables, but I'm really just curious. I am a mid-level professional in a conservative industry (as in, I should wear suits when seeing clients). Are there any guidelines one should follow? I'm especially interested in hearing from other chatters. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Any chatters want to help out here -- are there guidelines for wardrobe spending?

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Capitol Hill: re: pantyhose and heels

I would definitely wear pantyhose with closed-toe shoes when interviewing at D.C. law firms. Generally, it's best to err on the conservative side.

The best possible thing is to have inside information. It's never too soon to learn networking! Depending on where you are interviewing, many law schools have alumni contacts and/or intern coordinators who can obtain the firm's written dress code on your behalf. That way you can be right on target.

Michelle Thomas: Many chatters think otherwise about pantyhose...

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Silver Spring, Md.: My eyelashes are almost invisible. What do you suggest I try to lengthen and thicken without looking clumpy.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm a fan of Shu Uemura mascara. In my opinion, it works without that nasty clumping up you get with so many other brands.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi - I really find your chats very helpful. I am hoping that you can help me today. I recently had a baby and am still struggling to lose excess belly fat. In the meantime, I am wondering if you can recommend some styles for work that would hide my bulge. Baby doll knit shirts seem too informal. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you tried some of the styles by Ella Moss? This designer gets kudos for post-pregnancy wear.

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Flip-Flops: I am giggling very hard at this as part of the gifts I've received as a bridesmaid have been flip-flops for the reception. And let's be honest, most bridesmaids dresses are already quite tacky with the matching shoes and uncomfortable bras, so I don't think it's really all that big of deal post photos and wedding.

Plus, in one case, I had busted foot and 'had' to change out of my heels.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Okay, okay. But I think, as one chatter mentioned, ask the bride.

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Bowtie?: Hello Janet, I am in transition from traditional neck ties to wearing bowties. Do you have any stores in mind that have a nice selection of bowties? Also to me it seems a little much to wear a pocket square with a bowtie. What is your opinion? Thanks

Janet Bennett Kelly: I would try someplace like Sherman Pickey or Vineyard Vines, and I agree that a pocket square and a bow tie is overdoing it.

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Bethesda, Md.: Okay, so flats are my lifeline. They allow me to zip around slow moving pedestrians, hustle to work when I'm running late, and feel casual and cool at the same time. But they're starting to take a toll on my knees/feet.. just like heels! I know something without a lot of arch support will eventually damage your feet, but even some of the higher end flats are constructed as such. So I guess my question is, how do you find the balance? Is it worth investing in a pair of Cole Haan/Nikes or is there one brand of inserts you've had absolute luck with?

Michelle Thomas: My colleague Holly Thomas loves her Cole Haan flats and says they are very comfortable. Have you checked out Taryn Rose shoes? It's a pricey brand, but the designer is a former orthopedic surgeon.

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Washington, D.C.: Welcome back Janet! My question is about make up for fall. I'm a fair skinned, dark haired girl... so needless to say, all of the teracotta shades of summer look ridiculously obvious on me. I'm intrigued by the darker shades of lipstick and smoky bronzed eyes that seem to be popping up. How do I transition these runway looks to everyday? I don't want to look too goth, but I'd love to look fresh and standout this fall while embracing my natural color. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: If dark shades of lipstick and smoky eyes suit your coloring, go with them. If you're too heavy-handed, yes, you could wind up looking slightly goth. My suggestion would be to go to a makeup counter at a department store and experiment. The folks behind the counter would be happy to help. Tell them you want a natural look and see what they come up with. By the way, despite any pressure they may put on you, you're not obligated to buy. And if you feel guilty, buy one small thing.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm an attorney at a government agency, and I also supervise a number of law student interns. I would say nylons, and close-toed shoes, are a must for an interview. Lighten the look with a white or pastel shirt, but presenting yourself as polished is key. Or wear a summer-weight pants suit.

Michelle Thomas: Last one about pantyhose... Chatters say hose is a must for law interviews!

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Tan?: Hi, guys -- I need people's opinions on fake tans/sprays, etc. I'm a Northern girl who takes a while to tan, and I'm going to a wedding soon in San Diego (specifically -- an island). How can I look... not computer paper white... in time for dancing in a cute summer dress?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Jergens has a moisturizer that slowly gives you a glow after several applications. This sounds as if might work for you because it's subtle.

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Washington, D.C.: To the chatter's question about flats, I am a huge fan of the Cole Haan Nike Air shoes. Although they can be a little pricey, you can usually catch them on sale at the end of the season at Bloomingdale's. You can also find them for much cheaper at the Cole Haan outlet in Leesburg, Va., and that store tends to have a good selection.

Michelle Thomas: Another fan of Cole Haan flats...

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for chiming in today on panty hose at law firms, bras without line, unclumpy mascaras and more. Our winners today are the chatter who recommended the guaranteed-not-to-smudge Kanebo mascara -- she gets the Lorac bronzer. And to the chatter who told us about Flexees, you're the lucky winner of the Malin + Goetz body wash. We gotta jump. See you in two weeks.

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