ASK IRENE
Dear Irene
Q: I am trying to lose weight, but it is taking so long.
What can I wear besides black to look slimmer?
A: Congratulations you are on the right road to staying
trim doing it slowly. Choose fabrics that dont cling.
Create strong vertical lines to look taller and smaller and
use accessories to draw attention to your face, i.e., scarves,
earrings, etc. Accent your best features.
Keep up the good work.
Q: I am just starting out in the work world. What do I need to have in my closet? All I have are jeans!
Nothing in my closet
A:
To begin with, try and plan your wardrobe around three neutral colors like black, white, khaki, navy or brown. Buy more solids than prints to begin with it is easier to mix and match you can add your prints gradually.
Q: I never know what shoes to wear and usually wear black. What is a rule of thumb that can assist me in choosing a pair of shoes that will coordinate with my outfit?
A: Emphasize a color in your outfit by picking up the color in your shoes and perhaps a matching belt or jewelry. Walnut brown or camel color shoes can also give your outfits a different look and can be worn with most colors. To pick up the color of your shoes, your accessories
can help give the total look -- scarf, jewelry, belt, or purse.
Q: I'm starting a new job where I will need to be more business casual rather than casual (jeans) where I am now. I have a very limited budget but need a new wardrobe. Where can I shop?
A: Don't despair. You can find good bargains at a Marshall's or T.J. Maxx. If that is more than your budget will allow, find a good consignment shop. Most have clothes that are like new at an affordable price. Another place to shop is your Good Will store. Yes, they have wearable clothes and they are clean and pressed. You'll be surprised at what you can purchase. Just remember, look for basics that suit you.
Q: I am on a limited budget, but still like to stay in fashion. I need new shoes for casual outings. Is it possible to find something that can also double for special dates too?
A: Shoe designers are becoming more helpful in putting out shoes for your situation. A pair I have seen at the stores, and in magazines, is the slide with a wide clear strap and a Lucite wedge heel. This can take you to the beach in your shorts or bathing suit. Throw on a little dress and you're ready for a night on the town. This shoe also comes in a medium heel. Have fun!
Q: I am in a quandary. I am tired of what is in my closet. I need something for a special occasion. I can't afford a new outfit. I have the basic black dress that I wear for practically everywhere.
A: You at least have your dress. There are blouse-jackets in terrific new sheer fabrics, with great colors, which can double as either a blouse or jacket. Or buy a shawl in the new sherbet colors for that smart new look with your black dress.
Q: I have a high school reunion coming up and I haven't got a thing to wear. I want something fabulous, but I will also want to be able to wear it for more than one occasion.
A: A great look is a sharkskin blazer with matching flat front Capri pants. Colors to look for are a steel blue or gray. Buy a pair of leather slides with a bit of a heel and you will look like a million dollars. Good Luck and have fun.
Q: I need a good Fall jacket. What should I get?
A: A leather jacket always looks good. If that is a bit pricey for you there are fabulous buys on suede jackets. There is even washable suede out now. The colors to look for are camel and brown.
Q: If I am planning to wear navy pants and don't have any navy shoes, do you recommend wearing black or brown shoes.
A: I have actually done both. If this is for business, I would wear black. You can't go wrong. If you have in your shoe wardrobe a very dark chocolate brown, it can look very chic with dark navy. If you don't have a pair of dark brown shoes, try to include that in your shoe wardrobe.
Q: I have seen women in satin and velvet tops that I usually wear only for the evening. What gives?
A: Yes, we're all getting more use of the clothes normally reserved for a night out. Try it; it can give your tweed suit that extra zip. The trick is to avoid wearing anything tight-fitting, low-cut or that glitters during the day.
Do you have a fashion question?
Email Irene today for her personal - and free -
suggestion.