Talking Fashion

Every other week, washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett joins forces with Sunday Source TrendSpotters Holly E. Thomas and Michelle Thomas to answer questions on everything from what influence Michelle Obama will have on fashion to how to make the runway trends work for you.

They were online Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Good morning, everyone, and happy two days before Thanksgiving. Got family dinners, office parties, weddings and other occasions to dress for? Michelle and I are here with suggestions. For makeup advice, read my story on holiday looks from Armani makeup guru Tim Quinn, and don't forget to see this weekend's Sunday Source fashion guide with wardrobe solutions for three holiday parties. And, as usual, we've got goodies. Today, they're a three-in-one shampoo, bath and shower gel from Philosophy and an eyeshadow palette from Shu Uemura.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm attending a holiday dinner for my professional society next week. I want to wear my emerald green silk dress but it is sleeveless (as are most party dresses these days, even winter ones). What can I wear (other than a wrap) with it so that I can be warm?

Michelle Thomas: For a professional holiday dinner, I'd suggest pairing your dress with a cropped cashmere cardigan. Look for one that has festive details, like a ruffly trim or subtle beading. J.Crew has some very cute embellished options. And don't forget to check out the topper options in this week's Sunday Source holiday fashion guide!

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D.C.: I need cocktail dress help. I'm looking for a dress to wear at a swanky NYC office Christmas party, that can double as a dress for a rehearsal dinner (I'm the bride). Lately I've been salivating over brightly colored short dresses (Peacock blue! Indigo! Mustard yellow! Shimmery gold!), but they seem a little to high or low cut for an office bash, and the trend seems to be either bandage-tight or tent-loose, neither of which flatter my curves. Can you suggest any dresses that have caught your eyes lately?

Much obliged!

Michelle Thomas: Hands down, my most coveted cocktail dresses this season come from Karen Millen in Georgetown. The boutique's offerings lean very feminine, with figure-flattering shapes and in vivid jewel tones.

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Christmas Shopping Help: I'm thinking about buying my wife a black dress for Christmas. Her old black dress is falling apart and so I was leaning towards trying to find a black dress for her -- not too formal, but versatile -- good to wear to nice dinners and parties. She's 27, normal sized, and won't be wearing it to work. Any advice on what is fashionable? What stores should I look in and what should I plan on spending? Thanks for the help!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Aren't you sweet! Are you thinking, I hope, of taking her with you? Believe me, it will be far easier. I know of only one man who can buy his wife dresses without her being there to try them on. But, suggestions for where to go -- Banana Republic has a black sequin shift dress as well as a black lace dress in the $200 range. J. Crew also has a very cute black chiffon dress for $295. And by all means, if you've got the patience, try Loehmann's or Filene's Basement.

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Metro Center: Hi there! I have long hair that is just straight across at the bottom... the same cut I've had for years! I've recently started a new job downtown and would love to go to a salon here rather than my one in the 'burbs (I feel like I'll be "cheating" on my stylist but I'm craving a change.) A change for me might only mean long layers, but I think a change in salon would be great! I'm looking for somewhere close(ish) to Metro Center and priced under $60... is that doable?

Michelle Thomas: I've been a fan (and loyal customer) of Bang salon for years -- The Verizon Center salon is near Metro Center, and women's cuts are a very reasonable $42. Give it a try!

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for an unusual but beautiful dress for a fancy New Year's Eve party. I love the sort of thing Karen Millen has, and in my dreams I could afford to buy something by Catherine Malandrino. Realistically though, I'm looking for places/designers that would have something suitable for $150 tops. Any ideas?

Janet Bennett Kelly: You know I just looked at the Saks Fifth Avenue web site, and they had some Catherine Malandrino dresses selling for as low as $120. I don't know if they'd be as dressy as you require, but you should by all means take a look-see. Have you looked at Reiss in Georgetown -- I like their selection. Also, Sangaree might have something, although they tend to be on the expensive side. The good news is that Friday is Black Friday, so expect huge sales, along with the crowds. Another suggestion: Annie Creamcheese, if vintage is your thing.

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Farragut North: Good morning! I'm meeting the boyfriend's entire family, all at once, for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm not sure what to wear, and, the boyfriend, being male, isn't much help.

I was thinking smart casual -- cute three-quarter sleeve blazer, dark jeans, and boots. What do you think?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I like the idea of smart casual. Is your boyfriend going to wear jeans? The only thing I might change in your ensemble is the denim; I'd take it up a notch and wear a skirt.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanksgiving outfit dilemma: I have these super cute polka-dot black flats and a black dress to wear for Thanksgiving but really really don't want to wear my black footless tights with that (too funereal). I have grey cable knit, but I'm trying to think of what other types of tights I could wear and where I could buy them between now and tomorrow?

Michelle Thomas: Colored tights were everywhere this season, so this seems like the perfect opportunity to try out a new hue! Shy away from super-bright or primary shades, though. I'd try a deep, rich tone, like burgundy or eggplant.

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Arlington, Va.: Good morning, I've never really worn much make-up except for special events (weddings, family photos, etc...). Any suggestions as to where to go/who to see to get the basics for every day use and easy changes to 'punch up' for nights out? If it helps, late 20s, not really into the club scene but have more and more 'adult' functions I have to attend.Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Any cosmetic counter in a department store would be happy to help. For a little more individual attention, make an appointment at Bluemercury -- they've got branches in Georgetown, Bethesda and Dupont Circle and frequently have makeup artists from big companies who do free consultations. The catch is, of course, that there is a certain amount of pressure to buy the stuff. Nars, Trish McEvoy and Bobbi Brown are names you might want to try.

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Vintage necklace: I've been drooling over a vintage necklace for several weeks now. It has three strands of sparkly purple beads which alternate with textured gold beads. It's very reasonably priced ($30). Does this sound like a hip seasonal accessory? (I'm not revealing where this piece is...!)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Sounds like a find to me, and what a great price for an item that can spark up lots of different outfits. I think you can get lots of use out of it this winter and on into spring. Sure you don't want to tell us where you found it?!

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Black Tie Event: I have a black tie holiday party in December. I don't have a long dress, so was planning on wearing a short, satin, black dress. My question is what type of hose do I wear? Opaque black? And then the shoes? I can't wear black hose with strappy formal shoes, so am at a total loss on how to put together the whole look. A friend suggested I just go barelegged and deal with the cold, but I feel like a short dress and bare legs would really be pushing it for black tie. Thanks!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Opague black hose might be a tad heavy-looking for the dress and no hose at all could be very cold. How about sheer black hose or something with a fun pattern or shine to it? Wolford, which is admittedly expensive, had a great pair of black hose with sparkle in it.

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Cambridge, Mass/: Good morning! I have a just-above-the-knee cream-colored skirt that I have been dying to wear but can't quite pair with the right legwear. Dark tights make me look a bit stumpy, and cream-colored tights seem a bit unflattering. Should I just stick with no tights or try a nude shade of hose? Is there a combo I'm overlooking? Thanks!

Michelle Thomas: Try looking for a chocolate brown pair that has a retro-ish texture, like a herringbone pattern. The semi-sheer texture/pattern might keep you from looking stumpy as in opaque tights. Last season, DKNY had a great flesh-toned textured pair, so you might take a look at the brand's current selection. I'd keep looking for the right tights over nude hose, though. It's a much fresher look.

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Northeast D.C.: My sister loves Ann Taylor. For Christmas, I was thinking about getting her a gift card for some place with similar-type clothes, but try to expand her horizons a little bit. Any ideas for somewhere with clothes similar to Ann Taylor but different?

Janet Bennett Kelly: How about J. Crew? The clothes there are on the preppy, conservative side but in my opinion they have more attitude and style.

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tMake-up advice: Also, for the 20s girl who's interested in makeup, I also like Sephora and Ulta. The workers at Ulta are less pushy, but Sephora obviously has a huge selection of makeup. They're now selling that mineral makeup line that looks really natural, but you can do a ton of things that will punch it up!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Here's a makeup suggestion for the chatter who was looking for a place to get a consult on makeup. Thanks for the suggestions.

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Baltimore, Md.: Hi there. I bought a copper-colored shimmery Vera Wang skirt at Kohl's recently. It was one of those buys -- "I'll find something to wear with it later." Well, it's later and I have no idea what colors/styles to wear with this simple cut, shimmery copper skirt. I would like to dress it for for holiday parties, dates, etc. What colors/styles should I stick with? Black? Gold? Be monochromatic and find a copper top? Thanks.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hey, Baltimore,

If it's any consolation, that's something all of us do from time to time. But in this case, I don't think it's hopeless at all. I wouldn't try to match up the skirt with anything gold or copper, though. I'd go with a sleeveless black silk top, maybe with a little ruffle. Your skirt is the star of this outfit, so be careful not to overwhelm it.

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Re: Ann Taylor substitutes: What about Club Monaco? There are enough conservative options to make her feel comfortable, but the trendy and stylish looks put together by the store may inspire her to try something new...

Janet Bennett Kelly: Absolutely. Club Monaco is a great suggestion for an alternative to Ann Taylor. I think they do a good job putting outfits together. Check out their Web site.

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Woodbridge, Va.: There's a GOOD chance I'll be attending an Inagural Ball. I've NEVER been to one before! What do I wear? Can I get something used? I'm exercising a lot now so I look great. Plus, I'm a guest of my husband (through his boss), so I want my husband to be proud.

Janet Bennett Kelly: That's great -- have a ball (ha, ha). Yes, you could definitely go vintage. Check out places like Nana, The Remix, Meeps, Annie Creamcheese and see what they're offering. Since there's likely to be a crush of people, personally I'd wear something short -- for ease of getting around.

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Logan Circle: So, we are now well and truly into Holiday Party Season, and I need a few stunning dresses. Ideally these dresses would be somewhat edgy (my aesthetic is more runway than ruffles) while remaining wearable; under $500 or so; and natural/breathable fabrics (I've seen some gorgeous stuff in polyester, but I'll sweat like a pig wearing it.) Where to look? Recommendations in Georgetown appreciated, as I can bribe myself with a post-shopping trip to Baked and Wired. (Despite their best efforts, I am 5'11" in flats and skinny, if that helps with recommendations.)

Michelle Thomas: Reiss on Wisc. Ave had some really stunning options -- We saw a fab purple dress with a sculpted bodice that could be great for you. Other sure bets for runway-approved looks on M Street: Barney's Co-Op and Cusp.

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JCrewville: Speaking of J. Crew, what's up with not being able to buy something for less than $50? Five years ago, I used to shop at J. Crew almost exclusively. Now I consider J. Crew purchases to be a splurge. Luckily, Banana Republic came to my rescue.

Janet Bennett Kelly: You're right. J Crew has become more expensive in recent years and they have an exclusive line which is very expensive. But they've also upped their style quotient and quality of the materials they use in their clothes.

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D.C.: A slight variation on the Ann Taylor question: I know it's everyone's favorite store to mock -- but their clothes fit me so well! I think the pants, skirts and dresses there are cut well for a curvy woman (not overweight, but with hips). Other stores like J. Crew just don't fit as well. Any suggestions of other places I should try?

Janet Bennett Kelly: As an option to Ann Taylor, as another chatter suggested, there's Club Monaco. And, although I haven't tried on their clothes, I'm liking what I see at Tommy Hilfiger in Gtown.

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Chinatown: It's annoying that Club Monaco sends me two emails a week about great sales or new lines but they don't sell online. Same with Benetton. Is there some reason they don't offer online shopping? I would totally buy a ton of stuff online.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Alas, I don't know why they don't sell online. I would like to buy some things I see online as well. Maybe they will in the future. We can always hope.

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Wilmington, Del.: Hello! I have two requests for advice: 1. Can you recommend an interesting petite dress coat style? I'm slender with an hourglass shape. I tend to look better in coats with defined waists, and tend to disappear in coats that are too long/puffy. And I want to stay away from basic black. I've already checked out my usual go-to stores (J.Crew, Bluefly.com, and similar) without finding anything I love. Any suggestions?

2. My firm's holiday party is black tie. I already have a dress (knee-length black lace over gray) and want to do something fun with tights/shoes. Maybe colored tights (navy blue?) and strappy sandals? What do you think?

Thank you in advance!

Michelle Thomas: Zara offers plenty of stylish toppers with reasonable price tags. You might look there for belted styles to show off your shape. As for your holiday party -- Black and navy is a modern combo, but I think it might be wrong for this event. If you want to do a colored tights, I'd try a plum and pair them with a closed-toe black shoe, like a patent pump.

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M Street: Hi ladies, love the chats! I'm going to go out on a limb here and ask a question about menswear. My boyfriend has started to embrace fashion, probably since I'm always running my mouth about shoes, dresses, and the like. However, he is just starting to develop his taste. He bought a light brown tweed sportcoat this weekend and asked me for advice about what to wear with it. And while I'd love to offer a suggestion, I'm kind of at a loss. Khakis, jeans? What color dress shirt? I'm starting to think I need a subscription to Men's Vogue.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hooray for your boyfriend! A light brown tweed sportcoat would look swell with a blue shirt. He could definitely mate that with jeans for a smart, casual look. Khakis are too predictable.

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Re: Edgy dresses: For the Logan Circle poster seeking edgy dresses for under $500, it might be worth your while to check out Muleh right near you for cocktail dresses. They always carry a nice selection of gorgeous, high quality dresses. Their prices are a little high for me this year, but $500 should do very nicely. Have fun shopping!

Michelle Thomas: Of course! I can't believe I forgot about Muleh, which carries designer lines like Philip Lim, Ports 1961 and Vivienne Westwood. Good suggestion.

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Baltimore (again): One more question. I have this lovely charcoal gray dress with pleats. I am a pretty conservative dresser, usually scared to try to latest in fashion trends. However, I would like to venture into colored hose. What color shoes do I wear when I pair colored hose with this gray dress?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I applaud your willingness to expand your fashion horizons. Look for a pair of tights in an eggplant color or navy or a maroon or any jewel tone on the subtle side.

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Georgetown, D.C.: Do we know if Karen Millen will have a sale going on Friday?

Michelle Thomas: I'm not sure what the store's plans are for Friday, but Karen Millen did have sale signs up when I visited last week, and it's rumored to have good sales. It seems just about everyone is having major markdowns this year, so you may be in luck!

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Bethesda, Md.: My mom is a pretty simple lady, but I'd love to splurge on something nice for her for Christmas. I was thinking of getting her a nice fragrance that's not too overpowering or musky. Any suggestions? She usually just uses scented lotions but I feel like there are a lot of perfume options out there right now and I'd like to take advantage, thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Nice idea, Bethesda. But a note of caution: it's hard to buy scent for someone else because they all smell different on different people. Are you thinking of taking your mom along on your buying trip? Jo Malone fragrances may be the answer -- they're not overpowering or too musky and they've got lots of different options.

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Bowie, Md.: Is it ever appropriate to ask a salesperson when the store will be having its next sale? Or are associates generally in the dark about this? I'd love to better plan out my shopping trips instead of popping in incessantly.

Michelle Thomas: I think it's certainly appropriate to ask. A lot of stores are eager to promote their sales. And it can be smart to develop a relationship with a sales associate at your favorite stores -- he or she may be able to clue in loyal shoppers to less-publicized sales. That's definitely a tactic used by some bargain-hunting fashionistas.

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Silver Spring, Md.: To looking for a wrap to wear with a sleeveless dress.

I wouldn't shell out for cashmere sparkles although I think the short sweater is a keeper fashion-wise.

I would go to Kohl's and check out the Vera Wang short jackets. They'll all be marked down to a price appropriate for something you'll wear just a few times.

Michelle Thomas: A vote for Simply Vera's toppers. And I agree -- the Kohl's line has some chic choices.

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Charlottesville, Va.: I have a cashmere question. If there are two sweaters at two different stores and both are labeled 100% cashmere, would you expect the quality to be the same? It seems like prices on cashmere differ greatly so I am not sure if I should shop by price or by percentage of cashmere. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good question, Charlottesville. Not all cashmere is created equal. Single-ply cashmere is the thinnest and the most inexpensive, and I've found that it doesn't hold up particularly well. So, if you're going to buy, it makes sense to look for quality in my opinion.

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To Logan Circle: I was on the hunt for an inaugural ball dress as well, and I ended up finding a BCBG long column jersey dress with a beaded neckline for a VERY reasonable sale price online at bloomingdales.com. I usually check there as well as Saks and Neiman's online stores because they usually have a number of formal dresses on sale and sometimes discount them even more every couple weeks or so. With the total discount, I ended up getting the dress for 40% off the sales price. Hope this helps!

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter looking for a dress to wear to an inaugural ball, this chatter found something online for a sizeable discount at bloomingdales.com. That sounds like an option worth exploring!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi! I'm looking for a pantsuit, preferably separates, in a color other than black, for not a fortune (I'm a grad student interviewing for jobs, so I don't have a ton of cash). I've tried Ann Taylor Loft and a few other places without a lot of luck. Part of my problem is that I need petite-sized pants but a regular jacket. Any advice on where to look would be great!

Michelle Thomas: Take a peek at discount stores like Loehmann's or Filene's Basement. Loehmann's "Back Room" (which is actually upstairs at the Chevy Chase store) has tons of quality suit separates for much less than retail. You might have luck there. Otherwise, don't forget to check local consignment stores like Dupont's Secondi or Clarendon's Current Boutique. They often have a good selection of professional wear.

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Rockville, Md.: For the person who is looking for a makeover, I recommend Philosophy. I went to the counter at Nordstroms at Montgomery Mall for a "facial" during an event, and then Diana did my makeup. If you're new to makeup, it's not overwhelming because they have tons of skincare products and limited makeup. For example, I think that they only have one set of eyeshadow, but it looked really good. I met my mom for dinner afterward and she kept squinting at me with a funny look on her face until I told her I had my makeup done. The sad part is that I already had most of that makeup that she used, but it always looks better when done by a professional!

Michelle Thomas: A makeover suggestion!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Going to a wedding this Saturday afternoon. Will be wearing a sleeveless plum-colored dress from Banana Republic. Should I wear tights or nude colored pantyhose? Black pumps or something strappier/more interesting? The longest jacket I have is, coincidentally, a grape-y purple trench coat also from Banana... too much purple? Help! Thanks! :)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, Philadelphia,

I'd wear black or plum tights with a shoe that has some embellishment -- crystals or something on it to give it some dash. It's hard to say whether or not to wear that trench coat -- is it the same color as the dress? If not, find a dressy sweater or shrug to top your frock.

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Black Friday: Ok ladies, here is the money question. If you could go to one mall, or one group of stores on Black Friday, where would that be? I'm undecided about my route!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think I'd go to Tysons -- there's Tysons and then there's the Galleria. That way you can cover a lot of territory. Take your vitamins. Michelle, where would you go?

Michelle Thomas: I think the crowds at Tysons would scare me. Also, I don't have a car. If I had all day, I'd probably go to Georgetown, where I could hit the most chain, designer and boutique stores in one go. (However, in reality, I'm planning to visit Bethesda Row briefly on Friday morning, where Ginger and Urban Chic will be offering 50-percent-off storewide for early-risers. Can't resist!)

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Re: makeup help: I would definitely recommend the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom in Pentagon City. They spent over an hour with me on different makeup options for my wedding with absolutely no pressure to purchase anything. While I did end up buying some of the makeup, she did such a good job explaining her techniques that I was able to replicate it on my wedding day.

Janet Bennett Kelly: This chatter recommends the Laura Mercier makeup counter at Nordstrom Pentagon City for makeup consulation.

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Club Monaco: A sales associate at the Pentagon City store told me last week that they will start selling online sometime next year.

Michelle Thomas: Good to know!

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Vintage look: My mom gave me a bunch of great clothes from the '50s: some suits, which I can wear to work (they're not obviously vintage), and several party dresses. (Think mid-50s Hollywood.) Problem is, I might be too old (50) for the vintage look and my personal style has always been sort of sober and no-nonsense, so I'm not sure I could pull it off anyway. But I can't bear to part with them! Is there any help for me?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Wearing all vintage is best left to younger folks. However, that doesnot mean that you can't wear your mom's cache of clothes. You'll just need some tweaks -- belt the jackets, e.g. -- to make the clothes look more modern. Separate the suit jackets from the skirts. If the party dresses have very poufy skirts, that might be too Mad Men to pull off.

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Washington, D.C.: For the cream-colored skirt, you could also try pairing it with a pair of nude fishnets - Hue makes a great pair that have great texture and are work-appropriate, without looking too trampy.

Michelle Thomas: A suggestion for nude textured tights. The DKNY ones I mentioned are similar to fishnets but with a more intricate pattern.

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Rockville, Md.: I'm about 30 and have never really worn makeup, but I'd like to start. However, I have no idea what would look good on me. Is there a way for an adult to learn how to wear makeup? I can go to the mall, but I always feel like I need to buy from the first place that puts sample makeup on me.

Janet Bennett Kelly: There is pressure to buy, but you don't have to. Make it clear that you're in it to learn. If you like something, ask and see if they'll give you a sample!!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi -- I'm suddenly randomly craving a vintage fur coat -- ideally a short black mink. Where is this craving coming from? Does it make me a bad person? And most importantly, do you or your readers know a good shop to get one from? What should I be looking for when I'm buying it? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Don't torture yourself, D.C. And if you are, consider the fact that you're craving vintage, not new fur! I'm not sure where you can find one, though. Maybe Inga's Once Is Not Enough on MacArthur Blvd. in the District.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: You all are great -- thanks for joining us today. And now for the spoils: the edgy dress poster who recommended Muleh for cocktail dresses gets the Philosophy bath/shower gel and the chatter who recommended Vera Wang jackets from Kohl's will receive the Shu Uemura eye shadow palette. Send your name and address to trendspotter@washpost.com and we'll get those right out to you! We'll be back in two weeks on Dec. 9 and then we'll do another special holiday chat on Dec. 16. See you then!

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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.