Talking Fashion

Janet Bennett Kelly and Holly Thomas
Fashion and Beauty Editor, washingtonpost.com and Style Shopper
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 11:00 AM

washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett joins forces with Style's Shopper fashionistas 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, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your fashion and style questions.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, everyone and thanks for joining the conversation one week before the country's big celebration. Now that we've discussed what Michelle Obama would and should wear, what about you? Got any great ideas? Let us know, and as always, we've got goodies: a Kiehl's pear-scented exfoliating body scrub and a peachy-pink blush from Chanel.

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Washington, D.C.: Where can the six-foot-and-over crowd find tights that won't slowly....slowly creep downward as we walk down the street?

Holly Thomas: I'd recommend browsing BareNecessities.com, which has a Tall category under the Hosiery section and stocks options from Donna Karan, DKNY and Ellen Tracy for the extra-leggy crowd. I'm fairly tall as well and have had good luck with tights from Hue, which you can find at most department stores and discount retailers like Filene's Basement.

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U Street: Hello, fashion chatter! For an inaugural ball, I have a short black dress and a long black dress and both are fairly simple. Do I wear the long? Does it make a difference if BF is wearing a tux? Also, are opera-length pearls okay with a sleek, strapless dress? I'm not sure how to wrap them... Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hello, U Street. Because this promises to be a night that will require a lot of schlepping, it makes more sense to me to wear a short black dress, even if your BF is wearing a tux. And, yes, opera-length pearls sound perfect with a strapless dress. Wrap them so you can wear as a choker and then a longer strand. Keep the earrings on the simple side.

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Question about makeup: My question is fashion related: makeup. I've read that you should throw out your eye shadow after a year or two. I realize I have some eye shadows that are past that expiration date but it hasn't cause me any eye problems/infections. I also have some shadows that look practically new -- may have used it once or twice. Should I still throw my eye shadows out (whether I've worn them once or multiple times) or can I hope to get some more wear out of them? I don't want to be wasteful -- both with the materials and with the money it costs to buy new shadows. Thank you for taking my question!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hate to break it to you, but you should probably throw out your old eyeshadow after a few months. The same goes for mascara. I've heard dermatologists say this a lot -- the stuff breaks down, and it's just not wise to use on your eyes. What's cool about this kind of new, vibrating mascara from Estee Lauder is that after three months, the battery dies, which is a signal you shouldn't use it anymore. You can't anyway because you can't replace the battery. I don't know whether mineral-based eyeshadows need to be replaced as often. I will check it out.

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Porter St. NW, Herve Leroux: Amid the shiny glitz at the Golden Globes Sunday, I was completely drawn to the draped silk jersey dress worn by Anna Paquin designed by Herve Leroux. How long has Herve Leger been designing under his new company's name?

Red Carpet Arrivals: Anna Paquin (In Style Magazine, Jan. 12, 2009)

Holly Thomas: That was a lovely dress, and I love that she didn't choose something frothy and pastel. In a daytime-soap-worthy saga, the designer Herve Leger sold his company (and the commercial use of his name) to BCBG back in 1998, and designer Max Azria started replicating Leger's famous bandage dresses in 2007. The real Leger changed his name to Leroux in 1999 and started designing collections under his new moniker.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm wearing a silk, wine-colored cocktail dress to a wedding in February. It has a little beading on the jacket collar. Would silver shoes be the right choice? Any other reasonable choices? And can I wear pantyhose or tights? I'm in my late 30s, and am uncomfortable having bare legs with formal wear (not to mention it will be COLD).

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think silver shoes would work or else look for some shoes with some jewel detail on them or pair a pair of black satiny shoes with some black lace-detailed hose. I've seen them around, and I think they look quite festive.

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Richmond, Va.: What is the definitive professional outfit for an administrative assistant to a senator? I need help! In other words, how would you dress someone playing that role in a movie (50 year old, plump, blonde...).

Janet Bennett Kelly: Before I answer that, I'd like to know what the prevailing dress code is in the office.

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D.C.: I need to find a dress for my sister's wedding next fall. She gave me tons of leeway in deciding what type of dress to buy (I'm the maid of honor in small wedding). She requested the women wear hats?! So I was thinking a vintage-style dress with a teardrop cocktail hat would work. However, I am trying to find dresses of that ilk but am having no luck. Any suggestions on where to look? I'm interesting in vintage-style (doesn't have to be actual vintage) dresses from the 40s/50s.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you looked at the selection at Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown? I don't know exactly what eras they're strongest it, but it's certainly worth a go-see. Plus, it's great fun shopping there.

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McLean, Va.: I went to an event last weekend and had on some cropped slacks with some shoe booties (at least I think that's what they're called) but a person at event made the comment "I didn't know we'd be digging clams tonight or else I would have worn my pants too." Are cropped pants out of style or did I just not get the joke? If they are, please let me know so I can take them out of the rotation.

Holly Thomas: Cropped, blousy slacks were all over the spring runways, so I wouldn't say they're out of style. Even if yours are more slim-cut, I'd say you're right on target, so long as the fabric is winter-appropriate and the rest of your outfit was formal. On another note, I think the guest who commented on your outfit was a bit rude, but that aside, this is definitely a fashion-forward look that will probably make you stick out a bit in a more traditional "formal event" setting.

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Smart Casual in Virginia: Ladies, thanks for taking my question. I'm going to an inaugural bash and the dress code is smart casual. Does that mean jeans or something dressier? It's the same day as my 30th birthday so I'd like to look cute. Any suggestions for a cute top with sleeves (I have flabby arm syndrome)?

Holly Thomas: Happy almost-birthday! I'd steer clear of jeans, and take the "smart casual" opportunity to try out a pair of flattering, tailored trousers. Whether you opt for a skinny style or a wide-legged pair, try topping them with a simple tee and a swing jacket or cropped-sleeve blazer. If you decide to go with jeans, make sure they're a dark rinse and a trouser-style cut.

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Seventh Avenue: Oy! all that praise for Tom Cruise and his Golden Globe tux -- I thought it looked all right in a studio chief sort of way but I thought Cruise kind of looked like he was being swallowed by the lapels? Maybe I need to stop playing drinking games when I watch these awards shows?

washingtonpost.com: Tom's tux (The Daily Mail Online, Jan. 13, 2009)

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm with you. In fact, as I mentioned in a Golden Globes photo gallery yesterday, I thought Cruise looked more gangster than great. The lapels were way too wide and so was his shirt collar.

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Wake up!: Gold shoes with wine colors or even brown, but silver? I think not!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I was thinking not so much silver, as one of those pewter colors you see a lot of in shoes.

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Homespun: I don't really agree with all this trying to get Michelle to play up her youth with flirty clothes thing. I don't want to hear about a first lady being a clothes horse in these tough economic times. It just sends the wrong message. Frankly, I thought Michelle was going to be the knit -and-sew type first lady, and I'm a bit disappointed.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I wouldn't say she's a clothes horse just because she has a sense of style and knows what she likes and what looks good on her. And hello, this is the 21st century; it's not likely we're going to have a knit-and-sew type first lady. Have we ever had one? Kind of doubt it.

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Arlington, Va.: I bought a fabulous dress that apparently has wonderful geometric construction. At least that is what was told to me at the vintage store where I purchased it. What exactly does that mean? I would love to be able to use that description, but don't really know the definition of geometric construction. On another note, you can register your inauguration ball dress here. This way you can check to see if anyone else will be wearing your dress!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Without seeing the dress, it's hard to say what the vintage store meant when they said that. But if you take a look at clothes from Balenciaga (black cocktail dress for fall) and the new Calvin Klein collection for spring, you'll notice the angular way the clothing is put together.

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Washington, D.C.: I am attending an inaugural ball. I purchased a one-shoulder black full-length BCBG gown. Will this be appropriate? It is not a fancy material. I was thinking I could dress it up with big earrings, maybe something similar to those worn by Amy Adams at the Golden Globes (but not real, of course!) Any other ideas? Thanks so much, I always enjoy your chats!

washingtonpost.com: Red Carpet Arrivals: Amy Adams (In Style Magazine, Jan. 12, 2009)

Holly Thomas: The one-shoulder dress is definitely an of-the-moment piece, and I think a few well-chosen accessories can make up for the fact that the material is not fancy (I'm going to assume it's silk or cotton jersey). Try a pair of jeweled chandelier earrings -- I've seen pretty pairs at Banana Republic and Forever 21 -- and either a chunky cuff bracelet or a few delicate bangles. Personally, I'd avoid a necklace just to keep the focus on the interesting neckline, but you might play with a thick, collar-style necklace and see how that looks. A metallic clutch and high-heeled sandal would finish off your Grecian-inspired look nicely.

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Washington, D.C.: I bought a pair of high-end jeans, but need to get them altered. Is there a go-to place around town for hemming jeans? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I go to Georgetown Valet, which is actually in Chevy Chase -- they do a good job in keeping the original hem.

Anyone else have a place they like?

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Alexandria, Va. -- Shorts: Hello, ladies. It may be a little early to ask this question, but what is the appropriate length for shorts for someone in her early 30's?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, Alexandria,

Question -- appropriate for where? Shorts are a big trend this spring, but I wouldn't wear them, for example, to your office. And, let's face it, some shorts are too short for just about anywhere. That said, if you find a pair that is flattering and you feel comfortable wearing them, then that's appropriate for you.

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U Street: Hi ladies, thanks for taking my question. BF and I are going to the American Indian Inaugural Ball and the invite says "Black-tie or other formal attire is recommended." Should BF wear a tux? I'm wondering if because so many people will be coming from out west that the ball will be a bit more casual or have a western-style note. He owns a navy suit and a light grey suit so he'll either have to rent a tux or invest in a new dark suit. Please help! Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: It's tough to say what other folks will be wearing, but if you BF doesn't want to rent a tux, what about that navy suit with a dark tie and a white shirt, maybe even a pair of cufflinks if the shirt has french cuffs.

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Alexandria, Va.: Am I missing something? I didn't think 44 was old (especially 44 with an oldest child of 10). Is it wrong to still want to wear clothes that flatter your figure at that age? Should Tina Turner be wearing ankle-length skirts instead of showing off her awesome legs at 69? What is the appropriate age to stop accentuating yourself?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm with you, Alexandria. I don't think 44 is old either, and you should always want clothes that flatter your figure, no matter what age you are. Perish the thought of Tina Turner wearing ankle-length skirts!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi! I'm looking for a salon where I can get a new hairstyle -- where they will take everything into account like the shape of my face, texture of my hair, etc., to create a look. I'm sick of the same old hair cuts I've been getting! Could you recommend a salon or stylist in D.C. that could help me? Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm partial to two salons in Georgetown: Ury on M Street NW and Paul Bosserman on 32nd St. My colleagues here go to Bang at the Verizon Center and are very pleased with their results.

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Building a Better Wardrobe: I've seen a lot of guidance for women to complete a core of wardrobe essentials. I haven't seen much for men though. Any ideas on what would be included to make a guy's closet complete?

Holly Thomas: I just flipped through my desk copy of the "What Not to Wear" TV hosts' book, "Dress Your Best," and there's a decent number of pages dedicated to men's fashion. Details magazine and the website AskMen.com have both published menswear guides, and a quick Google search for "men's wardrobe essentials" turned up quite a few lists. I'd do a little book/online research and make a list of what seems to be missing from your wardrobe. Then hit up a few stores and try on those items -- just be sure to ask "Do I really see myself wearing this?" to make sure you're buying something you actually need.

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Arlington, Va.: I am apple shaped and my waist is about the same size as my hips. My pants always slip down when I move around, even if the waistband is snug. Is there anything I can do, or is wearing a belt the only option?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If I were you, I would consider having my pants tailored. It really makes a difference.

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Geometric Construction: Janet, thanks for the clarification. My dress is silver and also a one-shoulder dress. But the neck is very angular and makes a dramatic cut under the armpit. It's fabulous. It's entirely silver -- do you think turquoise jewelry would be too informal and/or summery? I am in between doing a minimal jewelry look or doing a more dramatic earring/bracelet combo.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think because the neckline is so dramatic, you may want to leave it alone and focus on statement earrings and a bracelet.

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Washington, D.C.: Re: shelf life of makeup -- three months for mascara and eye shadow is significantly shorter than most recommendations I've seen. Here's a complete list in this article and this one.

Janet Bennett Kelly: The linked articles mentioned four months for mascara, and much longer for eye shadow. I'll check with our washingonpost.com Skin Sense dermatologist and ask her opinion on that subject!

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uncomfortable having bare legs with formal wear (not to mention it will be COLD): You forgot to answer this part of the question!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm pretty sure I said to look for some lacy hose to accompany your dress.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for this weekly chat! After receiving a dozen sweaters and many button down shirts for Christmas (my family knows me too well, I really needed work clothes for my job on the Hill), I'm looking for bottoms. I'm 5'5 (about 130 pounds) and want to find a few skirts that would look equally professional and flattering with heels or flats. Do you recommend a specific shape (i.e., A-line or pencil)? I'm not very good at finding clothes that are flattering, I generally just pick what looks cute in the J. Crew catalog, which doesn't always translate well to my height and shape. Could you recommend some reasonably priced lines and stores that sell the shape I should be wearing?

Holly Thomas: It's tricky to find a skirt that works with both heels and flats, especially if you're aiming to flatter your figure -- playing with proportions is key here. A-line skirts tend to work well with flats and high-heeled boots, and you might find a few that play nicely with your pumps. If you want to maximize your legs, try a dark sweater and dark pencil skirt combo with a pump in nude or taupe. It's tough to prescribe The Perfect Store without knowing your taste, but I'd hit up Zara and Club Monaco for well-tailored, affordable basics.

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Foggy Bottom: It took me years to find a hairdresser in the D.C. area, but now I'm partial to PR at Partners. They have all new clients fill out information about their lifestyle and what they are looking for, and every time I go in, my hairdresser always sits down with me and gives a consultation before she gets started. Plus there are lots of locations so it's easy to find one close to you. Just my 2 cents!

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter looking for a new hairstylist, here's a rave for PR at Partners.

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For American Indian inaugural ball: Western formal wear is indeed more casual. In New Mexico and Texas, this means a cowboy hat (black), cowboy boots (black), tux jacket, white shirt, bolo tie, and pressed jeans. Visualize what Larry McMurtry wore to the Oscars when he won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Brokeback Mountain. I heard a lot of criticism because he wore jeans, but he was formally dressed according to Western standards.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter attending the American Indian inaugural ball ...

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Tights, D.C.:

Try www.stockingirl.com for the tights.

I want the blush!!! Pick me!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, D.C.,

Thanks for sending that link. Lots of options for tights!

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Washington, D.C.: Wouldn't a pair of black patent leather pumps work with the wine color dress? I wore a satin-y plum color dress to a wedding this fall with patent leather pumps and got lots of complements, plus they're closed toe so your feet won't get cold like they will with strappy shoes!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, patent leather pumps would work, but I think they're less dressy than some other choices. It depends on the occasion.

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Washington, D.C.: Go to the NEW Bang that's at 15th & P. It's so much nicer than all the others, smaller and Angela is one of the reasons I won't move out of D.C..

It's not quite as teeny-bopper as some of the other Bang locations, which is nice if you're over 35.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for telling us about the new Bang. For the chatter looking for a new stylist, maybe Angela is your woman!

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Janet Bennett Kelly: We gotta fly, but not before announcing our prize winners. The chatter who clarified Western formal dress will receive the Kiehl's exfoliating scrub and to the chatter who clued us in about PR at Partners, the peachy Chanel blush. Write us at trendspotter@washpost.com, and we'll get those right out to you. Enjoy the inaugural balls. We'll see you again Feb. 3.

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