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Dear Shopaholic:

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Retro finds, thinning closets, thongs exposed...

GOT A QUESTION? Are you wondering what your next purchase should be? Have a big job interview and need to dress to impress? Is your wardrobe trying to catch up to the 21st century? If you have a pressing fashion dilemma, grand or miniscule, e-mail our resident Shopaholic at help@happygrrls.com. Don't worry, she won't laugh at you...at least not to your face.

Dear Shopaholic,
I hate bulky sweaters and turtlenecks, so how do I stay warm this winter without looking like a big lump of coal?
Lumpy Lump

I love wearing turtlenecks for the winter, because it keeps me very warm. I suggest looking for fine knit sweaters; they won't make you look bulky with the light-weight comfort. I also suggest layering up by putting together a fitted t-shirt and a zip up fleece top. That should keep you pretty warm for the outdoors and you can peel off the layers when you come in from the cold.

Dear Shopaholic,
My friend's birthday is coming up, and I know she loves retro clothes. What's something I could get her without perusing my mother's closet?
L. H.

Look for a purse that has a ring handle to fit your friend's style. Or look for a paisley flare sleeve top that screams hippie. Le Château, a trendy and affordable store, should make your shopping a little easier.

Dear Shopaholic,
What's your biggest pet peeve about the upcoming trends?
R. W.

I'm finding that there's not much that's new in fashion. It's just a recycling of the things we already have. There are little alterations here and there with the cut of the garment being slightly different, so we all have to go out and get the new item with the new detailing. Keeping up with recycled trends is pretty expensive. Check out Michelle's Vintage Vibe for more affordable finds.

Dear Shopaholic,
I donated some clothes to charity, and when I looked in my closet, I found that I had no clothes left. What basics can I purchase to bulk up my closet again?
Closet Freak

First, start with your basics. You'll need a good pair of black pants, jacket, and dress that can be mixed and matched with anything new you add to your closet. Denim is also another must-have. Choose a pair of stretch denim pants (hip hugger with a flare). For footwear, try a nice pair of pointed-toe boots. Now, you can start collecting pieces here and there to throw into the mix.

Dear Shopaholic,
My boyfriend likes thongs, I like comfortable underwear. Some might even call them "granny" undergarments. I refuse to wear thongs. What's a compromise for us?
J. C.

Thongs are actually quite comfortable after you give them a try. Thongs do take a little getting used to but you'll soon find that you want more. I suggest trying g-strings too. They're skimpier than a thong but there's less material between your cheeks, so therefore you're more comfortable and your boyfriend's definitely happier. If you really can't take thongs, try low-rise panties, now that should get your boyfriend pretty excited too.

Dear Shopaholic,
I received a pair of brown slacks for Christmas. I just don't know what to wear with them - everything I own is basically black and white. What do you suggest?
E. N.

In my opinion, only three colours go well with brown…black, white, or beige. So you only have to add one additional colour to your wardrobe. ¤ Phan