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Dear Shopaholic:

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Sexy business attire, ballet flats meltdown, jewelry (for him)...

GOT A QUESTION? Have second thoughts about the bright green dress you bought? Can't seem to find the perfect pair of shoes for that outfit? Haven't updated your wardrobe since the last New Kids on the Block album? If you have a pressing fashion dilemma, e-mail our resident Shopaholic at help AT happygrrls DOT com. Don't worry, she won't laugh at your fashion faux pas - at least not to your face.

Dear Shopaholic,
I’m a law student and will be in court for four weeks straight. I only have one 3-piece (pants, skirt, jacket) suit in basic black. I’ve been looking for something that is fashionable, court appropriate and not super expensive to add to my wardrobe so I don’t have to wear the same suit four weeks in a row (can we say “eww”). PLEASE help.
Veronica

Dear Veronica,
Because you have invested in a three piece suit, there are several things you can do. First off, I would invest in a separate jacket, something that can be paired with your black skirt or pant, but I would stay with something that is conservative so that it is appropriate for court. By all means choose colour, but stick with a classic style. The other thing to do is to invest in some great blouses; solid colours are easily worn again and again, even casually with jeans.

Dear Shopaholic,
What are some must-have essentials for the summer?
N. W.

Dear N. W.,
For spring, a must-have is a white jacket. For work or for play it is a key player in your wardrobe. Paired with any dark pant, jeans, or a great pencil skirt, adding white injects a fresh summer feeling. Accessories are a big trend for spring. Great belts, big hoop earrings, scarves, and long necklaces are all great ways to jazz up a casual outfit like jeans and a t-shirt.

Dear Shopaholic,
I recently purchased the cutest white dress shirt and intended to wear it on its own. However, I discovered that the material is very sheer, and you can see all sorts of unmentionables when in direct sunlight. How can I wear this dress without violating some obscenity law?
Demure Damsel in Distress

Dear Demure Damsel in Distress,
Very simply just go out and buy yourself a white slip. If you can see your bra very clearly as well as everything on the bottom, go with a full piece. If you are just worried about your bottom half, buy a slip skirt.

Dear Shopaholic says: If you're tired of the ballet slipper this summer, try a playful gladiator sandal or a cheeky wedge instead.

Dear Shopaholic,
I notice that everyone is still sporting the ballet slipper this spring, but I don’t particularly like the style and I’ve been having a hard time finding something that suits me. What are some of the alternatives I could try out?
Stepping Out

Dear Stepping Out,
Yes, ballet flats are still in for the spring/summer and are very comfortable and cute, but if they are not your thing I have a couple of other suggestions. Why not try a wedge or embrace the gladiator trend that everyone is sporting? You can do both in a mid-level heel or even a flat, if you prefer.

Dear Shopaholic,
I’ve recently started a new job in a pretty conservative office. I own several suits, but they make me feel dowdy. What can I add to my wardrobe that screams “climbing the corporate ladder” and “feminine” at the same time?
Dressing to Impress

Dear Dressing to Impress,
Like I always tell my clients, you need to look at what your boss is wearing and dress like him or her. Being conservative is considered appropriate office attire but an easy way to add a little femininity to your power suits is by wearing a solid coloured sweater underneath, in a v-neck. Do something colourful and bright and be aware of the neckline – you don’t want to go too low. That, paired with a great necklace, would funk things up a bit. Also, why not try a print? Do something subtle at first, like a tone-on-tone print, or maybe something that brings out the stripe in your favourite pinstripe suit. Or why not try a blouse with a little frill? I know the corporate uniform can be boring, so shake things up on the weekend.

Dear Shopaholic,
My boyfriend and I will be celebrating our three-year anniversary next month, and I’m thinking of buying him jewelry. Trouble is, he doesn’t currently wear any jewelry, and I’m afraid of getting him something that he’ll end up thinking is too gaudy or flashy. What do you think?
R. B.

Dear R. B.,
Jewelry for men can definitely be difficult. I would suggest doing an ID bracelet. A lot of men really like those. You don’t necessarily have to put an inscription on the bracelet, but a lot of the ones I have seen are really nice, and they come in all sizes and styles. The other option is a watch, but make sure you purchase it from somewhere reputable so that if he chooses to exchange it, he has plenty of selection. ¤ Erin