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Dear Shopaholic:

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Annoying pockets, embracing your assets, fashion no-nos...

GOT A QUESTION? Can't find the perfect gift for the person who seems to have it all? Need a boost to your wardrobe but don't know where to start? It seems to look good, but you'd like a second opinon? If you have a pressing question about fashion, 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 recently bought a pair of great fitting pants at the Gap. They are cream-coloured cords. However, due to the colour and lightness of the fabric, I can see the front pocket linings when I put them on. I really like the pants, but I can't stand the look of having two white rectangles on my thighs. Should I return them or should I make the effort to remove the front pocket linings? Thanks for reading this.
N. B.

Dear N. B.,
There is actually a really simple solution. Take them to the tailor and have the pockets sewn up and have the inner lining that makes the pocket removed. That way it will look like a fake pocket, and by having the actual pockets removed you will not see those annoying rectangles.

Dear Shopaholic,
Is it ever OK to wear brown with black? I have a brown jacket that I want to wear with a black skirt.
Pamela

Dear Pamela,
It is absolutely OK. Black with brown is a really sophisticated look. My only suggestion would be to keep it monochromatic underneath. If you are going to wear your brown jacket with a black skirt then wear either a black or brown top underneath. Introducing another colour will just complicate the outfit and lose the classic look you are trying to achieve.

Dear Shopaholic says: For the right fit, buy a pair of boots with a stretch in the leg, like these delicious Franco Sarto Snuggles.

Dear Shopaholic,
I have just bought a pair of knee-high boots that I really love. The problem is that I have very skinny calves and although the boots are quite narrow, they are not narrow enough and don't look good on my leg. Is there any way to get them taken in on the leg?
A. C.

Dear A. C.,
I know you really love the boots but unfortunately taking in dress boots is quite difficult. I would visit a really great shoe repair store and see what they tell you. When you were purchasing your boots, you should have looked into buying something that had stretch in the leg. That way, it would have moulded around your calf and leg and you would not have the problem you are having now. For the future, Franco Sarto makes a gorgeous black high-heeled dress boot called Snuggle, and it is by far my most favourite - and so comfortable.

Dear Shopaholic,
I bought a fabulous folkloric Russian-style boho skirt to add to my fall wardrobe. It's brown with yellow/gold embroidery and orange/gold rhinestones, a thick waistband, and gold sequins sprinkled throughout the skirt. I have the perfect pair of metallic gold roman style sandals, but I can't figure out what kind of top would go best. I've been to several stores and I can't find the right top for this skirt…any ideas? Thanks!
Laura

Dear Laura,
With all the colours you mentioned, I could see how finding a top to match would be a problem. I would suggest purchasing a plain brown top, since the skirt is brown with yellow, gold and orange. Re-introducing brown as a top will keep the busy-ness to a minimum and will bring out more of the brown in the skirt.

Dear Shopaholic,
I am very self-conscious about my rather large chest area and have been hiding under sweatshirts and baggy t-shirts most of the time. But there is a big wedding I have to attend, and I've been looking everywhere for something that will look classy but sexy. And I hate it when everyone stares at my chest, and believe me - it's not all in my head. What should I be looking for?
M G.

Dear M. G.,
Well, I think that it is important to embrace what God has given you, so let me first tell you that when you hide under oversized sweatshirts and baggy t-shirts you are only accentuating your chest. By wearing oversized clothing you create a square-like shape, which turns the emphasis to your chest and not on your curvy figure or great legs. So first things first, get out of the sweatshirts and baggy t-shirts and start wearing clothing that accentuates what you do like and feel comfortable about with your body. Now, for the big wedding that you are going to attend. I would stay away from anything that has a spaghetti strap. You need something that is sleeveless or short sleeves so you can wear a proper bra under it. I would look for something that cinches at the waist and is flowy and flounced at the bottom, as it will balance out your chest. Try and avoid something that is low cut. A round neck or a higher V-neck could be really nice. Most importantly, pick a dress that makes you feel good about yourself, even if it is a dress that shows a bit of cleavage.

Dear Shopaholic,
What is your worst fashion no-no?
I. W.

Dear I. W.,
Do I have to pick just one fashion no-no? Well, if I had to pick just one, then it would be women who tuck their tops into their pants and wear a belt in their belt loops. These are the same women who complain that they do not like the way they look. When you tuck a blouse or top into your pants, unless you have a supermodel's figure, you shorten your body and create a choppy look. You have taken the long line of your body and shortened it by tucking your shirt in. You then accentuate every negative flaw you may have: a larger bottom, bigger hips or thighs, or even a larger or smaller bust. And then by adding a belt, you draw more attention to your waist and further shorten your body. By leaving your sweater untucked and wearing it over your dress pants, jeans, or casual pants, the sweater then follows the natural curves of your body and creates a continuous long line, which makes you look thinner. ¤ Erin