|
Dear Robin,
Are the higher waist jeans coming back in style this year?
--Longing for a Higher Calling/Kentucky
Dear Longing,
Your prayers have been answered. The higher waist jeans are popping up everywhere at market. You'll see a lot of the higher waist, skinny jeans and capris for Spring to pair back with the tunic tops that have been so popular. Happy Shopping!
Robin
Dear Robin,
I love the bigger bags that are shown in all of the fashion magazines and on your site but I'm not sure if I can pull it off. I'm only 5'3" tall and whenever I try one on I feel like I'm being swallowed up by my handbag. Is it me or am I just being too self-conscious?
--Bag Lady/Illinois
Dear Bag Lady,
Yes, size matters. (In handbags, anyway! :O) You are probably being swallowed up by these big handbags and I would stear you into something more proportional to your size. For your size I would recommend a handbag no larger than 14" wide and 14" high. Also, you want the bag to fall inbetween the hip and breast area for optimal fit. Don't make the mistake of buying a bag just because it's the "In Bag" of the season. The "In Bag" might look great on your 6' tall girlfriend, but look silly on you. Go with your gut - there are so many fun and functional choices in all sizes that I know you'll find your perfect fit. How about the Tano Mona Lethal or Betty Trubble? Both of these bags have the fun Tano construction but in a smaller size. Here's the link: http://www.sebgalena.com/c-54-tano.aspx
Robin
Dear Robin,
I have a hard time finding jeans that really fit me. I'm about 5'7", weigh approximately 140 pounds, am a little heavier through my thighs and butt area and have long legs. Why is it so hard to find a jean that doesn't gap in the back or feel to tight in the leg? I would appreciate any suggestions you may have to make my denim shopping a bit more pleasant.
--Should Have Kept My Thighmaster/Georgia
Dear Should Have,
Figuring in your height and long legs, it sounds to me like you're short-waisted, but it's hard to tell without knowing the measurements and what type of pants you've been looking at. (See question below if you're not sure) If this is the case, you should look for jeans that have a lower rise (approximately 8") to balance out your legs and give your torso more length. I would also recommend a straight leg or a boot cut (no tapered leg) with a semi-fitted cut (not too fitted, not too baggy) to give you a nice straight leg from thigh to bottom of hem. Avoid tapered hems and jeans that are too tight as they will make your butt and thigh area appear larger than they actually are. A semi-fitted cut (see below) will also fit around your waist nicely and still be roomy enough for your butt and thigh area. For proper inseam: Use a pair of pants that fit you well. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. If your measurement falls between 30"-32" than you will be looking for a Normal length pant. If your measurement is between 32"-34" than you will be hunting for jeans in a Long length. Lastly, I would recommend a slight stretch fabrication for better fit and added comfort. About 2-3% is plenty, any more and your jeans will grow at least one size larger throughout the day and you'll lose the proper fit your looking for. Hope this helps... and for the record, I didn't keep my thighmaster either. :)
Robin
Semi-Fitted: Follows the natural contours of your body without actually hugging you. Semi-fitted items should feel slightly loose but not billowy, with little or no binding or straining of the fabric.
Dear Robin,
How can I tell if I'm short-waisted or long-waisted?
--Waisted in Indiana
Dear Waisted,
To determine if you're long-waisted or short-waisted, measure yourself from the top of your head to your natural waist, and then from your natural waist to the floor (you'll probably need to enlist help to get an accurate measurement). If you're longer from head to waist than from waist to floor, you're long-waisted, and if the opposite is true, then you're short-waisted.
Robin
Hello Robin, I have no fashion sense as my wife will attest to. How closely should a couple coordinate their holiday attire for parties 'n such?
Thanks, --Dressed 4 Trainshow (aka... my husband being funny...)
Dear Dressed 4 Trainshow,
Yes, your wife will attest to the fact that you have no fashion sense, and would have deleted the question had it not been a valid one. :) There's a reason why I choose the red shirt, black pants and coordinating black and white tie for you to harmonize with my black and white dress. Simply put, It's esthetically pleasing for a couple to coordinate their attire in a tasteful manner by choosing colors that compliment each other and styles that blend, further showing the couple is "on the same page". Please don't mistake this for going out and buying matching reindeer sweaters. Keep it simple and elegant. You will have to do a little communicating and homework before your next holiday event, but it's worth the effort when the night arrives and you show up looking like you belong together. Plus, it eliminates the last minute "what should I wear?" or that puzzled look on your wife's face while she's asking the dreaded, "Is that what you're wearing?!" Hope that helps... now, about that trainshow... No. You cannot have the allegheny until our kitchen is done, but thanks for the participation. :O
Robin (aka "Wifey")
I'm frustrated with my wardrobe. I always feel like I don't have anything to wear, yet my closet is full. Am I buying the wrong things? Help!
--Nothing to Wear
Dear Nothing to Wear,
First, I want to let you know that you're not alone. I hear this complaint all the time. Second, take a deep breath because I have some solutions for you, but it will require a little work on your part. Before you go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, I want you to start by cleaning out your closet from top to bottom. Are you still with me?! ( I usually lose a few here, but stick with me - it will be worth it - I promise.) Often times the problem doesn't lie within the clothes themselves, but how they are arranged and/or organized in the closet. I want you to take everything out, weed through the things you no longer want, fit or are just out of style, and either take to a re-sale shop, give away to friends or family, or donate. There. That feels better already. We've cleared out the "clutter" pieces, as I call them, and can now build a wardrobe for you. Now is the time to spruce up your space too, like a fresh coat of paint, a closet organizing system if needed and a good cleaning. You're now ready to put your clothes and accessories back into your closet but I want you to arrange them by category. For instance, all your blouses will hang together, pants, jackets, tanks/shells, skirts, etc. If you have a suit, break it up and seperate so that each piece stands alone. This will give you an immediate visual for more wardobing options. Fold bulkier or more causal items such as sweaters, jeans, sweatshirts and t-shirts neatly and lay on a shelf so that they are visible. Next, organize your accessories by category as well. How about some fun baskets or fabric boxes to "pretty-up" the space and make it more inviting? Put all your handbags together, belts in a basket or hung, scarves hung for easy color coordination, etc.. Are you getting the hang of it? Shoes can be organized with an over-the-door organizer or neatly placed under your clothes. The key is to have them visible also, for easy grasp. Now that you have your current selections in your closet and everything is easy to view, you can fill in with key items that you may need. These items are usually pretty obvious... like a new pair of black pants (that really fit), or a new, crisp, white blouse to wardrobe back to your favorite jackets. I know this is a lot of work, but I promise it will pay off in the long run, and you will see your wardrobe in a whole new light.
Robin
Dear Robin,
Thank you for your recent Fashion Tip of the Month on hats. I was wondering, when is it proper to leave your hat on? Also, when/where is it proper never to wear a hat?
--Brimless in Columbus
Dear Brimless,
The rules for men and women vary, but for women, traditional customs assume that a dressier hat be left on. This rule set in long ago when women wore elaborate hats that required hat pins to stay secure and were often doned with ribbons and bows. Today, women are not expected to remove hats that go with dinner suits or dinner dresses throughout the evening and hats can be worn to theaters or concerts, but should be removed if they are blocking anyone's view. A casual daytime hat would be taken off as dusk sets in and an "all-weather" hat is proper to remove once indoors to shed water/snow but is not required. The exception to the rule is our National Anthem, where men are always expected to remove their hats and women should follow suit, if the hat is casual, such as a baseball hat.
Robin
HAVE A FASHION QUESTION OF YOUR OWN? WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESION. IF WE USE YOUR QUESTION ON OUR SITE,
YOU WILL RECEIVE A $20 SIMPLY ELEGANT BOUTIQUE GIFT CARD AS OUR THANK YOU.
|
