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Dear Shopaholic:
Skinny jeans, pantyhose woes, taking care of leather...
Dear Shopaholic,
GOT A QUESTION?
I once read that there are only a handful of websites authorized to sell Louis Vuitton bags. Which ones are they and do you know anything about ShopCandyCouture? Thanks for your help.
MaureenDear Maureen,
What you heard is true. Designer labels very rarely allow other retailers to carry their merchandise. I have not heard anything about the website you mentioned. If you are in the market for a Louis Vuitton bag and do not want to pay full price, I would suggest checking out e-Bay. If price is not an issue for you, then go directly to a Louis Vuitton store or a department store like Neiman Marcus or Holt Renfrew that carries the line.Dear Shopaholic,
I’ve been reading everywhere that one of the hot new trends of the season is skinny jeans. Unfortunately, I don’t do skinny jeans. Is there a fashionable alternative that will keep me trendy but away from the emaciated pants look?
No Jeans For MeDear No Jeans For Me,
I am in the same boat as you. The skinny jean is definitely a hot trend but it is just that – a trend. Go for a boot cut or trouser-style jean. That way you still get a fashion-forward look but it is more suitable for your body type.Dear Shopaholic,
I have a question concerning the issue of whether or not to wear pantyhose with sandals. My wife and I have been married for 18 years now and since I met her when she was 20 and we began dating, she has always worn pantyhose with dressy strappy sandals. It's usually with a very nice dress and we will usually go out to dinner or dancing or something along those lines. My point is, these days I've noticed so many women don't wear pantyhose anymore and I hear it is a no-no from some people to wear them with sandals to begin with. Why? Could you help me understand this? My sister refuses to wear them, period, yet my wife would not be seen in a dress without them. What's all the fuss about? My wife loves them and thinks they are sexy and gives her legs a more flattering look. I would have to agree with my wife that her legs do look great in pantyhose. She has shapely feet and her nails are always perfectly polished so why not wear sandals with her pantyhose? She usually wears a color that matches her skin exactly, a light nude I think she calls it. I think she looks great! On the other hand, my sister never even wore them to prom or even when she got married. And here I am caught in the middle. Help! Why does my sister, and so many other women these days, not like to wear pantyhose?
SteveDear Steve,
There is a generation of younger women who absolutely hate pantyhose and will not wear them, and then there are those women who will not leave home without them. Some women find them itchy or uncomfortable. As well, with a generation of low-rise jeans and bare midriffs, pantyhose just never made it into their fashion mindset.To answer your question: if you are wearing a dressy dress with open-toed sandals, a stocking is all right as long as it is a nude shade and you purchase a sandal-toe stocking (meaning there is no reinforced toe). If your legs are tanned and the dress is an appropriate length, at or just above the knee, I do not see the need for stockings. Some women like the extra support that pantyhose gives them but want a bare leg. For them, I suggest a great line called Spanx, who offer great tummy and butt support but in a bicycle short style which stops above the knee.
Dear Shopaholic,
Dear Shopaholic says: To freshen up a worn leather jacket, pick up a specialty cream sold at most leather stores.
I have a leather jacket that I’ve loved for many years. It’s been with me through high school parties, college all-nighters, first dates, and now it’s starting to look worn and torn. Is there any way that I can freshen up my leather jacket?
Raggedy AnnDear Raggedy Ann,
Most leather stores sell a product that comes in a cream form, and you can use a piece of paper towel to apply the cream to your jacket. It will help to refresh the leather if certain areas are looking worn. If that doesn’t work, don’t retire your jacket – people pay big money for the worn vintage look and you have invested years in achieving that status.Dear Shopaholic,
My brother just graduated from business school, and I’ve been trying to find him a nice suit for a graduation gift. I’ve found some very sophisticated suits that I think would look great, but I’m having trouble finding a nice tie. Do I match the tie to the suit? Do I go for a complementary colour? Daring pattern? And what do you think about pinstripes?
Looking for a Suit-able GiftDear Looking for a Suit-able Gift,
You have to choose a shirt and tie based on the colour of the suit. With your brother graduating from business school, I would assume he is a pursuing a career in a more conservative field. In this case I would stay with a plain white or blue dress shirt, or you could do a plain cuff or for a more sophisticated look. Choose a French cuff, which allows your brother to wear cuff links. For the tie, go ahead and choose something colourful that works with both the shirt and the suit. In ties, stripes are always a winner among men.Dear Shopaholic,
Who do you think are the best- and worst-dressed celebrities around?
JohannaDear Johanna,
What a great question, and I have never been asked that. Some of my favourite celebrities are those that make fashion look effortless – people like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, or Halle Berry. Of course, they make some fashion mistakes while trying to be different and daring, but for the most part they have an understanding for fashion and know how to dress their assets.Some of the worst dressed celebrities in my opinion are Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Paris Hilton. These are women who wear clothing that is too tight, unflattering, and leave nothing to the imagination. Their stylists should be ashamed. ¤ Erin