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? Why certain celebs just can't seem to find a dress that fits? She's here to help.

They were online Tuesday, August 5, at 11 a.m. ET.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, everyone,

Thanks for joining Holly Thomas and me for Talking Fashion on this hazy summer morning. Anyone planning a vacation and having packing withdrawal like I do? Check out some solutions in our Summer Fashion and Beauty special (link below). For your most creative suggestions and ideas, we've got summer-appropriate goodies -- a trio of AloSun spa products (hair mask, body lotion and exfoliator) and a MAC bronzing leg spray. So, let's get going.

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washingtonpost.com: Summer Fashion and Beauty: Six Easy Pieces

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Kensington, Md.: The person looking for bow ties should look at Beau Ties of Vermont, Beau Ties Ltd.. It's where we get all of my husband's ties.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Was anyone looking for bow ties two weeks ago? If so, here's a suggestion of where to find them, and thanks.

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22205: HELP! I'm a jeans-and-T-shirt kind of girl who's been invited to a black-tie wedding. In two weeks. In D.C. I have no idea what to wear -- I've procrastinated on figuring out my dress for months at this point, and now I'm panicked. What does black tie even mean? I know my date is getting a tux -- does this mean I actually have to wear (gasp!) a gown? I've never worn a gown, not even for homecoming or prom. I don't even own a cocktail dress, although at 24, I probably should. What is appropriate? Where does one even go to get a dress for an event like this?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Guess you have to expand your wardrobe! Black tie means formal, but it doesn't necessarily mean you need a long gown. You might want to check with the bride and/or other guests about what they're wearing. In any case, time to go shopping. The good news is that you're in sale season big time, and all the department stores -- Bloomies, Saks, Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. have lots of items (including gowns and cocktail dresses) drastically reduced from their original prices). They'll have the biggest selection, so start there -- and soon! Good luck hunting.

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Fort Washington, Md.: Good morning Janet and Holly. I look forward to your tips, comments and suggestions. I am a shoe-aholic. I love shoes, shoes and more shoes. What do you think is the big fashion trend in shoes and boots for this fall/winter?

Thanks.

Holly Thomas: The fall runways seemed to signal a return to traditionally "sexy" clothes, and the season's shoes and boots are on the same page, at least when it comes to vamping it up. Designers used a heavy hand when it came to vintage accents (especially on the abundance of mary janes and booties out there) and menswear-inspired detailing. The minimalist heeled boots of past seasons are nowhere to be found, either -- look for buttons, buckles and ruching galore.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Shoes are great, aren't they? What struck me the most as I've been looking around are the abundance of booties out there. All the designers seem to have gotten the same memo.

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Falls Church, Va.: While I know you generally try and advise people to make good fashion choices, can you please recommend any stores in the area to get '80s clothing? The Legwarmers are performing this weekend, so I need an outfit!

Holly Thomas: I'd hit up Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown first, or perhaps Mustard Seed in Bethesda. If you don't have any luck there, you might try The Remix on Capitol Hill, though this shop's merchandise seems to skew a bit more '50s,'60s and '70s vintage.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I agree with Holly on her Annie Creamcheese suggestion. Then I might try Meeps on 18th Street.

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Not to be a jerk but...:"Thanks for joining Holly Thomas and I ..."

Come on. You're a writer!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: And I studied Latin, too. Thanks for pointing out that major grammar gaffe.

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Boston, Mass.: Hi, I would like some lipstick advice. I have medium- brown skin and don't like my lipstick to standout too much. Any recommendations for shades? I'm tried of always going with brown shades. They tend to blend in nicely but I want to be a bit more adventurous.

Holly Thomas: To add a little more interest without going overboard, you could try brown-based tones that have shots of plum or red, such as a deep mulberry or brick red. If you want some expert advice, I would comb through a few glossy magazines or websites and look for celebs with the same skin tone as yours and check out their lip shades. If you see any you like, take a few examples to your favorite makeup counter and have them try to match the look.

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Springfield, Va.: What are some of the must-brings for a weekend trip to sunny L.A. in Sept.? I only want to bring a carry-on luggage.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd bring a knit or a jersey dress in a solid color that you can dress up or down with a chunky cuff or necklace or both. Leave the stilettos home and opt instead for a pair of espadrilles. Pack a wrap or a big scarf in a color and a pair of cropped trousers or bermudas. A long cardigan could also work and a belt if you're the tailored type.

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Beltsville, Md.: Hi! I have awful tan lines from running outside. My wedding is in three months and I'm wearing a strapless dress. What can I do to get rid of these bad tan lines?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If I were you, I might try running on a treadmill for the next couple of months. For sure, the tan lines will be gone by the time of your wedding.

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Shoeless in cleveland: Are gladiator sandals still "in"?! I'm dying to buy another pair but I'm not sure if they'll be awfully outdated next year!

Holly Thomas: I was a fan of the gladiator look this season, too, though I must confess that while I tried on many, I never actually coughed up the cash to buy a pair. If you want a pair that will carry you through next summer, I would look for a style that doesn't scream "gladiator" -- Cynthia Vincent and Corso Como both have options that play on the trend without looking Forum-ready. You can find those on Piperlime.com.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I have a closet full of pointy shoes and capri pants, which I am observing are now apparently horribly out of style. Do I pop them in the donation bin or hold out hope that one day they'll make a comeback?

Holly Thomas: I'd say this depends on the style of pointy shoe and capri pant. If you're holding onto a classic, pointy-toed pump that's still in good shape, I'd say hang in there a bit longer. Slingbacks and mules are much more dated styles, so those are more viable candidates for donating, consigning or eBay-ing. For capris, you'll never go wrong with a pair of timeless, Audrey Hepburn-esque cigarette-style cropped pants. If yours are flared, boot-cut or cargo-style, I'd opt for donating them.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I've seen plenty of pointed pumps around, so I agree with Holly about not getting rid of them too soon. Rounded pumps are what I'm seeing much less of. And if you've got tapered capri pants, keep them!

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hi ladies, thanks for taking my question. The good news is that I lost a few pounds, the bad news is that now none of my work pants fit and I need to buy some new ones. What kind of leg should I be looking at? Tapered, wide, etc., and how does that differ if I'm wearing heels vs. flats? Also, is it possible to pull off high-waisted pants with flats or must they go with heels? Thanks!

Holly Thomas: For fall, a wide-leg, menswear-inspired trouser is a safe bet. These look great paired with a crisp, slim-fitting white blouse and a cardigan, or with a blousy tunic in a jewel-tone color tucked in. Personally, I think this style looks best with a mid- to high heel, unless you're very tall and slim, in which case you might be able to rock a pretty, embellished flat. As far as high-waisted pants go, keep in mind that they aren't the most forgiving style -- something to consider if you're up for investing in a nice pair.

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Arlington, Va.: Speaking of vacation, can you give some tips on where to buy clothes that are good for travel? I mean lightweight, pack easily, wrinkly resistant, washable and somewhat fashionable! Chico's has some stuff, but their clothes are a bit old for me. Any other thoughts? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I saw a couple of Ralph Lauren jersey dresses at Nordstrom that would be ideal for travel. Take a look in their Savvy department as well.

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Vienna, Va.: I think shoes are usually the most bulky item to pack, especially for a weekend getaway. I almost always take a pair of nice ballet flats with me, since they are comfortable, versatile and can spruce up a casual jeans look. Most of all, they are lightweight and don't take up much room in the suitcase. Bonus points if you can find jewelry to match your flats, since jewelry is portable.

Holly Thomas: Good tip -- bonus points if you can find a pair of chic flats with a jewelled or embellished toe to carry you from an afternoon of sightseeing through a nice dinner out.

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Vienna, Va.: I really need a black cardigan for work and going out, but I can't find one anywhere that is a good sleeve length, and isn't the old fashioned matronly cardigan that my grandmother would wear! I feel like this should be easier to find...any suggestions??

Also, are shrugs still in style? I don't see them around as much anymore but I still have several from last year that I'm not sure if I should wear or not..Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Dear Vienna,

Long cardigans are very in for the fall -- and I've seen lots around. For the best deal, try Richard Chai's ebony cardigan at Target. I've seen them at J Crew, and I'd bet that Zara would have them as well.

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Donating clothes: I have a couple of suits and other professional clothes I'd like to donate to a cause that gets low-income women into the workforce. Does D.C. have a chapter of Bottomless Closet? (My Web search didn't come up with anything.) Or something similar?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think www.suitedforchange.org is exactly the site you're looking for. They provide suits for low-income women just entering the workforce.

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washingtonpost.com: Suited For Change

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Pennsylvania: I have a "clearing out" question (perhaps inspired by the recent Home and Garden series on clearing out one's attic -- could you all do the same for our closets?).

I have at least ten tubs of clothing that I no longer wear (some pieces go back to high school, even). I have managed to part with three tubs of clothes, but seem incapable of getting rid of the rest, which is a mix of vintage 1950s/1960s and modern designers (I should say that NONE of it fits anymore). Is there some trick to detaching myself from this clothing? I hate to abandon my younger, hipper, more svelte self...

Holly Thomas: If your vintage pieces are in good shape, there are several consignment/vintage store owners in the area who make house calls to go through large amounts of clothing. I'd try calling Meeps, Annie Creamcheese or The Remix first. If you're hanging onto high-end items a la Halston and Chanel, you might try Inga's Once is Not Enough on MacArthur Boulevard.

And as far as detaching yourself goes, I've found that having a little extra "consignment cash" to treat yourself to something new always helps.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I feel your pain. It's just so hard to get rid of clothes that you once loved even if they don't fit and you can't see yourself wearing them ever again! Maybe you should think about all the room in your closet you'll have for new purchases when you do some clearing out of the old. Trust me, throwing things out can be very liberating.

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Re: Donating Clothes: Dress for Success is another good option: Dress for Success

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks!

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Tan lines and running: Another idea is investing in a long-sleeved, lightweight running top. If you get a good wicking fabric, it won't be too hot to wear outdoors and will protect your skin. Just wear sunscreen on your neck and face, or wear a hat and visor as well.

Janet Bennett Kelly: That's a good idea for tan lines on arms and shoulders, but what about legs?

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Planning a major haircut change but have lost track of styles. Are bangs still in?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cleveland Park,

If you're planning a major hair change, better to keep in mind whether bangs look good on you or not, not whether they're in style.

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Fuchsia top and makeup: I have a silk fuchsia shell and matching jacket (mandarin style) which I love, especially the rich color. But I'm stymied about makeup and lipstick to wear with it. I'm a fair, blue-eyed blonde who generally wears no makeup, but I don't want to look washed out in this top. Plus, a little polish wouldn't hurt. Fuchsia lipstick seems like overkill. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Holly Thomas: A bright, cool color such as fuchsia has definite wash-out potential, so I would use a subtle bronzer with a bit of shimmer to accentuate your cheekbones, and a sheer-but-bright lip gloss (not lipstick!) for a bit of color. Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Fuchsia Poplin is a great, ultra-wearable choice, and it's available at Sephora. If you're wearing this outfit out at night, you might add a black or brown eyeliner and a bit of mascara to dress it up.

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Wide hips, Va.: Hello ladies, I just fell in love with a DVF strapless tricolor dress for a wedding in september but I have hips and a skinny waist. Do you think that sort of color blocking would work in favor of my wide hips or against it?

Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Without seeing the dress on you, it's hard to say exactly, but I would think a color-block dress would cut you off and accentuate your hips.

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Alexandria, Va.: Has anybody tried the new Armani cosmetics line yet, available at Saks?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, I've tried a few products. The foundation -- at least the one I have -- is kind of heavy, but provides good coverage. Because of the consistency, I only use it in winter months.

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Shaw, D.C.: I'm moving to a new place soon and the closet is half the size of the one I have now. I'm using this chance to get rid of clothes and streamline my wardrobe. I will donate most of it but I'm wondering: are there good consignment shops or vintage stores that will buy some of the better stuff? Also, what are some rules of thumb for weeding out a closet? What do you keep? What do you get rid of? What are some staples to hold onto?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Inga's Once Is Not Enough on MacArthur Blvd. takes higher-end designer clothing. As Holly mentioned, other good consignment/vintage shops are Remix, Annie Creamcheese and Mustard Seed, as well as Meeps. When it comes to cleaning out closets, keep classic items that don't go out of style. Case in point: I still have a taupe Banana Republic cardigan I must have bought 10 years ago.

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Wedding Help!: So I have two questions: First, I'm going to a small wedding of a close friend on Coronado Island in 3 weeks. I do not have heels yet for the occasion. My dress is a bright yellow (the cross-back cotton jumper from J.Crew) and I'll be wearing gold earrings, and a big gold/coral bauble ring. I'm thinking tan/brown/gold high heels? But gold shoes would be hard to match. Secondly, what color nail polish is the trend right now? I'm sticking with the bright pinks/orangey-corals, but should I branch out for this wedding? Let's not mention the bridesmaid dress I'm wearing later this year. I'm the shortest person in the wedding party (5'1, and the tallest is 6'6").

Holly Thomas: I would opt for a more understated shoe in this case, since your dress is a bright hue and you're sporting eye-catching accessories. Try a tan or nude peep-toe pump or heeled sandal. For nail polish, juicy tangerine shades are a major trend for summer, as well as every iteration of neon under the rainbow, but I wouldn't try the latter at a wedding. I'd stick to a pretty magenta or coral -- better yet, what about a soft baby pink if you want your ring to do the talking?

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Atlanta, Ga.: I love the chats I always wear my bulkiest pair of shoes and try to carry no more than 2 pairs ( I occasionally will toss one pair of the 2 in my purse -- I carry a Big Buddha bag which I highly recommend). I roll all of my clothes tightly -- no wrinkles and the space saving is fab. I have been on week-long trips where most guys had a bigger suitcase than the one I was carrying.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good for you, Atlanta. There's a Web site devoted to how to pack and rolling is one thing it advocates!

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Dresses!: Hi ladies! I am in dire need of a fun cocktail dress for an artsy event coming up. I'm petite (5', 105 lbs) and was thinking something short with a halter ring neck. Any suggestions? I am not a J.Crew type of girl, more BCBG styles. I've tried everything at Pentagon City with no luck. Department stores rarely work for me because I'm so small. Any boutique suggestions for something a little more quirky than mainstream?

Holly Thomas: South Moon Under might have some good options for you, and since it's a chain you might have better luck procuring a small size from another location if you find a style you love but can't find your size. Otherwise, you can try scouting the wares at Sugar and Urban Chic on Wisconsin Avenue, Green and Blue in Dupont Circle, or Circle Boutique on 14th Street.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a really large shoulder bag that I carry daily, but it's basically like a big black hole, and I can never find my things. I've heard that there are purse organizers to sort your things within your purse. Any ideas about where I could find something like that?

Holly Thomas: The Purseket is the first thing that comes to mind, and you can find one at Purseket.com. I've also seen organizers like this at Linens 'N Things and The Container Store, if I recall correctly.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: I recently went on a week-long vacation and was very concerned with packing all my things and keeping my bag under 50 lbs for the airport. I ended up using the roll method which really helped save space and combat wrinkles. I'm rolling my clothes from now on!

Janet Bennett Kelly: With the airlines' new regs on bags, we're all going to have to learn how to pack much more efficiently. Thanks for the tip.

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Washington, D.C.: For the person looking for a dress, you might consider the store White House Black Market -- there's one in Georgetown. That's where I found a cute, simple, formal black dress (my LBD) for half the price as boutiques in the area.

Holly Thomas: Thanks for the advice. It is a reliable shop to find an LBD on a relatively tight budget.

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Chantilly, Va.: The question from the runner worried about strap marks made me think about all of the wedding pictures of women in strapless wedding gowns. That style is not always the most flattering, but it seems to be everywhere. Is it going out of style anytime soon?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Just went to the Filene's Basement Bridal Sale, and if the styles there are any indication, I'd say that strapless is still very much in vogue. Sorry.

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Buffalo, N.Y.: I have always found that picking a two-color scheme works well like black and white for summer or black and beige for colder weather. Add a bright color to the mix like a red handbag or fuschia scarf and you are all set! I have also found that rolling my clothes lenghthwise eliminates wrinkles and the need to iron everything upon arrival.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good point, Buffalo. I'm with you about keeping the color scheme simple.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Is the maxi summer dress more than just a trend? I'm 38 and don't typically jump on trend bandwagons for more reasons than I can name. But I've got the height (at 5'9") to pull off the look. Is it the worth the buy?

Holly Thomas: In my opinion, a maxi dress in a solid color is a relatively safe investment, especially for those with taller frames. Steer clear of bright prints and patterns, and instead look for ones that flatter your bustline and can be cinched with a wide belt for a little variety.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm not a fan of maxis in general, but since you've got the height, I'll make an exception.

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washingtonpost.com: Purseket

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Arlington, Va.: Good Morning Janet! I love following the chats and today I could use your help. I'm honored to be a bridesmaid in a wedding this weekend, but unsure what makeup would be best for the occasion. I'll be wearing J.Crew's cotton candy dress in fresh clover and silver strappy heels for a 6 p.m. wedding. I'm fair (Irish) with light brown/reddish hair and green eyes. I usually wear powder, blush, lip gloss, light eyeshadow (cream and light brown) and chocolate eyeliner. For this occasion, though, I'm thrown. What goes with a green dress? Lilac eyes? What kind of eyeliner? I want my makeup to look great for the wedding and I would like my eyes to pop in the photos, but not sure what would look best. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Holly Thomas: If you want your green eyes to really stand out, I would set aside the lilac shadows and opt for some variations of bronze shadows, which make green eyes practically glow. LORAC's Starry-Eyed baked eyeshadow trio is a great palette of three bronze shadows, and would look great with your regular chocolate eyeliner.

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For medium brown skin: I love Tenderheart from Clinique. A splash of color, but very subtle for my conservative office.

Holly Thomas: Thanks!

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Janet Bennett Kelly: We gotta run, but not before we call out Vienna for her packing tip on ballet flats. She gets the AloSun spa products. And to the person who recommended a long-sleeve, lightweight running top for getting rid of tan lines, the MAC leg bronzer. Please write to www.trendspotter@washpost.com, and we'll send out your goodies ASAP. Also, this Thursday at 1 p.m., a guest expert will be talking about

Green Cosmetics and Grooming Products.

Don't forget to tune in.

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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.