Questions Answered

Q: Every winter I invest in one really special pair of shoes to wear to holiday parties. Can you recommend something that I can wear with a black cocktail dress?

A: What a smart strategy! A great pair of heels can turn even the simplest black dress into a festive holiday ensemble.

Our favorite shoe this season is the “Ginger” pump by Oh Deer. This art deco-inspired mix of suede, leather and sequins will give you the “wow factor” you’re looking for. Pair the Ginger with your favorite black dress, add a gold clutch, and you’re ready for any holiday party.

Life & Style featured this super special pump in their story “Steal the Spotlight with Sequins.” It’s also appeared in the New York Post’s fashion pages. We love this shoe so much that we built an outfit around it for the holiday fashion show at Merle Norman Cosmetics last week.

The Ginger is available now at Runway! Happy shopping!

Q: I am in the market for a colorful, lightweight coat to beat the upcoming winter blues - any suggestions?

A: Fine-wale corduroy coat is perfect for southern winters; it’s warm without being bulky. Check out the new pinwale cord jacket by Kensie Girl in “blush,” a beautiful soft pink that will cheer you up on gray days.

Another great mid-weight option is sweatshirt material. Designers are using this casual fabric in all sorts of innovative ways this season. Check out the new trench coat by BellaChic for a fresh take on a classic. It’s available in gray and orange (my pick for beating your winter blahs!).

Both styles are available at Runway. Happy shopping!

Q: I LOVE the skinny jeans look but havent been able to find a pair that isn't "low-rise." Any suggestions?

A: There are two great mid-rise skinny options out there!

Lucky Brand, famous for its amazing "everybody" fit, has just launched a new skinny jean. The "Mia" is a mid-rise, skinny-but-not-too-skinny jean in a flattering, dark wash. Mia is perfect with heels or tucked into boots. J Brand, the originator of the skinny jean craze, now offers its signature cigarette jean in a mid-rise. The "844" has the same great skinny leg as the original J Brand cigarette jean, but features a higher rise to make you more comfortable in your skinnies.

Both the Mia and the 844 are available at Runway. Happy shopping!

Q: Is it true when they say, "the bigger the better" when it comes to purses?

A: Well, it is certainly true in my case. But that's because I am always hauling around a ton of stuff: makeup bag, laptop, flip-flops, dog treats, a planner, etc. I love the oversize bag trend because it works with my life!
My favorite new bag this fall is the faux-leather frame handbag by Amici. Its generous size and ladylike shape make it ideal for day, and its short handles look great worn over the arm. The bag is available in two spot-on colors for fall: gray and eggplant.

Lifestyle and trends aside, the size of your bag should be in proportion to your figure. Taller women can pull off larger bags that might overwhelm smaller-framed women.

Q: Should tights be the same color as your shoes or should they match your outfit more?

A: Either way!

Wearing opaque tights with pumps of the same color will lengthen your legs, while brightly colored or patterned tights will lend a trendy edge to your outfit.

For a date, pair a patterned (maybe animal print!) or jewel-toned dress with black tights and black patent leather pumps. For the office, pair a simple black dress with patterned or gray tights and tall black boots. Both are cute ways to incorporate tights into your fall wardrobe.

Q: During the “in-between" season I find myself in a fashion rut. It is still hot outside but I am already over summer colors. How would you suggest I get out of my rut?

A: Shake up your wardrobe with a few lightweight basics in richer colors that can transition into fall, like eggplant and artichoke. Michael Stars makes great tops in lightweight, machine-washable fabrics that can be worn alone now and layered in cooler weather. My favorite Michael Stars piece is the Shine Scoop Tee. The fabric has a subtle sheen that makes it work for day or night, and it comes in great fall colors like “merlot” (a lighter shade of eggplant) and “overcast” (a smoky greenish gray). Both colors look terrific with white denim or khaki shorts now, and will be perfect with dark or gray jeans for fall.

And speaking of gray jeans…

Gray skinny jeans are another great transition piece. Wear them now with a white tank and gold gladiator sandals, and pair them with tall brown boots and that Michael Stars merlot tee later. Try them with black heels and a black top for an edgier evening look that works in any season. J Brand makes their classic 912 pencil-leg jean in an amazing lightweight gray denim that’s perfect year-round.

Michael Stars and J Brand are available exclusively at Runway. Happy shopping!

Q: What colors and trends are going to be big for fall? What do you think of the Botkier line for Target? Also, can a pencil skirt be worn with wider hips? I am an hourglass shape, but I have wide hips.

A: Whoa, that's three questions!

#1. First things first. Gray and black denim are going to be huge for fall! Every girl needs a great pair of classic, dark boot-cut denim...but you have that already, right? So branch out this fall in a pair of gray or black narrow jeans (and yes, they must be skinny or straight! Any wider than 16" at the bottom and you'll look dated.). J Brand is the go-to designer for this look: check out J Brand's gray cigarettes and black straight-legs. Pair gray or black denim with cowboy boots for an urban cowgirl look, or channel your inner punk with a plain tank, necklaces and high-heeled ankle boots. You can even add a blazer and chunky high-heels (like the Blair by Oh...Deer!) for a "Gossip Girl" twist.

#2. The Botkier line for Target is the latest in designer diffusion, the increasingly common trend of a high-end designer creating a lower-priced, mass-produced collection for a major retailer. Designer Monica Botkier's leather bags typically retail for around $600. Botkier's Target line definitely captures the original designer aesthetic, but at a much, much, MUCH lower price point (about $50). Of course, the bags are PVC, not leather. If you dream of a Botkier bag but can't afford one, you'll love the Target version. Pair your Target bag with designer skinny jeans and great heels to create a fashion-forward "high-low" look.

#3. Pencil skirts can definitely work for girls with wider hips. Just make sure the skirt is fitted (the point is to show your curves, right?), and pair it with a body-conscious sweater or button-down and super-high heels. Oh...Deer! and Lovely People make amazing heels that work just as well with jeans as they do with pencil skirts.

I'm glad I am not the only one who's excited for fall fashion!

Q: What is the proper fit/tailoring of slacks around the waist? I heard that they are supposed to hang from the narrowest part of the waist, but some say you can wear them riding the hips. I know it's okay to wear jeans this way, but what about slacks?

A: As is usually the case, the answer is somewhere in the middle. High-rise trousers (those that "hang from the narrowest part of the waist") are trendy right now, but this is not a look that flatters most women. If you love this look, make sure that the leg of your trouser is fairly wide--you need to balance out that high waist with some volume on the bottom.

Most women look best in mid-rise trousers (those with a rise of 8-9 inches). A rise that's too high can accentuate your belly and cut off your torso, and a rise that's too low can accentuate fullness around your hips (neither one is a good idea). A mid-rise trouser is classic and universally flattering. Depending on your body type, the right rise for you may need to be closer to 8 inches than 9 inches, or vice versa. Here's a good test: you should be able to tuck a shirt into your trousers and not worry about it coming untucked as you move around. Whatever rise works best for you, please, please make sure that your trousers are slightly boot-cut (not tapered, not flared).

As for what's "proper," it's completely fine to wear dressier trousers lower on your waist, as long as the trousers are cut that way. Take your cue from the rise: a trouser meant to be worn lower will have a rise of 6-7.5 inches. Retailers like BCBGeneration make modern suits with more fitted jackets and lower-waisted trousers. As long as this look works with your body, it's totally appropriate.

Q: HELP! Can you wear a burgundy top with black pants and dusty rose sandals?

A: I don't believe that accessories must match your outfit exactly, so I am reluctant to answer this question with a "no." Outfits with one or two unexpected elements are much more interesting than matchy-matchy combinations. Experimenting can yield some surprisingly great fashion, so don't be afraid to venture into uncharted territory.

Having said that, it's hard for me to picture your outfit. Why don't you bring your it to Runway and we'll take a look at it? If you can't come by and you're still unsure about the combination, try paring your pants and top with a metallic shoe. Metallics truly do look good with everything.

Q: What is the best way to wear a jumper top?

A: Jumper tops are everywhere right now, but this look can come off as frumpy if you're not carerful. Here three pieces of advice:

1. Because they add volume to your top half, jumper tops look best with skinny jeans, slim trousers, or straight shorts.

2. If layering is part of your look, a fitted tank underneath your jumper top looks more grown-up than a long sleeve tee.

3. Jewelry can make this look more sophisticated. A long necklace or two (or three!) will weigh your down your jumper top (reducing some of that volume) and add a sophisticated twist to your outfit.

Q: What is the name of the most famous american female fashion icon of the 1960s?

A: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis gets my vote. When I think of women's fashion in the 1960s, the "Jackie look" is what comes to mind: the matching dress and jacket combos she favored, the triple strands of pearls she wore, her bouffant hairdo. Of course, one of the most enduring images in American history is Jackie Kennedy on the day President Kennedy was assassinated: her pink wool Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat are instantly recognizable almost 45 years later.

Though she is widely identified with 1960s fashion, Jackie remained one of the most stylish women in America until her death in 1994. Her wardrobe was built on fashion classics that endure today: shift dresses, skinny turtlenecks, Chanel suits, belted trench coats, oversize sunglasses and pearls. Even when she went casual, Jackie was impeccably put-together: boat-neck tops, Jack Rogers sandals, white pants, and Hermes scarves. Her look was modest and simple, and at the same time elegant and glamorous.

Who gets YOUR vote for most famous American fashion icon of the 1960s?

Q: I love the skinny jeans look, but I'm on a budget. I need to buy one pair that will look cute now and that I will also be able to wear through fall and into winter. Are there any styles out there that look current now and will also work later in the year?

A: Skinny jeans look great no matter the season. You can wear them in the spring and summer with cute flat sandals, and you can wear them in the fall and winter under knee-high boots. To stretch your budget, go for a pair with a dark, uniform rinse and minimal stitching and embellishment. J Brand makes the perfect pair: the 912 in Bruiser. J Brand is known for the great fit of their skinny jeans; in fact, J Brand is widely credited with establishing the skinny as a lasting trend.

Pair your 912s with a flowy top and gladiator sandals now, then pull your knee-high boots or UGGs over them when the weather gets cool. The 912 is also dressy enough to wear with heels; the skinny leg pools at your ankle to show off your shoes. The dark Bruiser wash will look perfect all year round, and the clean, simple pockets ensure that these jeans work with any look. J Brand is available exclusively at Runway. Happy shopping!

Q: I've got several beach trips planned this summer, and I am looking for some cute, but inexepensive, bikinis. Does run*way carry bikinis, and if so, how much do they run?

A: Great question! Runway carries a great selection of super-cute bikinis by Marina West and Glamour. I’ve attached a few pictures so that you can view some of our styles. My favorites include a zebra print bandeau bikini (with removable halter tie) and a brown and white polka dot bikini with yellow ruffles.

Our bikini pieces are sold separately, allowing you to get a custom fit. You can even mix and match printed tops with solid bottoms. All bikini pieces are $21.50.

Q: I just bought some white J Brand jeans for summer. They're perfect! My question is, how do I keep them looking white?

A: Congratulations on buying THE must-have denim for spring and summer! Here are some basic instructions for laundering your white denim:

1. Wash your jeans separately or with other white items.
2. If your jeans are looking dull, soak them overnight with a pretreater, like OxiClean, rather than using bleach. Bleach weakens the denim fibers and causes the fabric to yellow over time.
3. After pre-treating your denim, wash with detergent in warm water. I recommend putting your white denim through two rinse cycles, just to make sure all the detergent is rinsed out.
4. Dry at a cool temperature. High heat, like bleach, may cause yellowing.
5. Avoid fabric softeners. They tend to cause yellowing in white fabrics when stored for several weeks.

With the right care, your white denim will look bright for years. Enjoy your J Brands!

Q: What is the most sought after color this summer?

A: This summer's must have color is...white! White’s crisp, clean simplicity makes it the perfect counterpart to all the prints we’re seeing for summer. There are several ways you can incorporate white into your wardrobe.

Denim – Pair white denim with a bright print top and gold sandals for the perfect summer look. My favorite white denim is made by J Brand. It’s lightweight, super stretchy, and comes in a higher rise.

Cotton Sateen - White is also showing up in cotton sateen, which is crisper and dressier than denim. Paige Premium Denim has reissued their popular Laurel Canyon jean fit in cotton sateen, and also offers a cute mini in this material.

Dresses – White dresses aren’t just for graduation. This summer’s white dresses feature sculptural effects like embroidery, ruffles and ruching. The effect ranges from sophisticated (like BCBGeneration’s halter dress with rough-cut fabric overlays and grosgrain trim) to sweet (like Kensie Girl’s eyelet version with a ruffled hem).

Accessories - Whether you go for a tote, clutch, or frame bag, you must have a white bag for summer. The best white bags are oversize and toughened up with gold or silver chain hardware. You can also incorporate this trend into your wardrobe by dressing up your favorite black dress with a white belt and a stack of white bangles.

Q: I am a college senior and receiving advice from one of my professors to wear panty hose and one-inch heels in the work place. This seems so boring and outdated. I know there must be a better way to look professional and incorporate some of my current wardrobe - help!

A: Aside from the obvious fashion “don’ts” (anything too shiny, too short, too tight, or too wrinkled), workplace dress-code is completely dependent upon the field. Workplaces in traditional fields, such as finance and law, may still require women to wear pantyhose and close-toed shoes (good luck finding one-inch heels, by the way!). Offices in other fields typically have less strict guidelines.

Unless you work in a truly creative, collaborative environment--think fashion magazine, record label or non-profit--you should be prepared to dress professionally for work. This can be achieved without pantyhose, pearls and matching a skirt suit.

If you must cover your legs, opaque tights are much more modern than sheer pantyhose (bonus: they’re much more slimming as well). A suit is never a bad choice for the office, and there are lots of options out there that won’t make you look like you’re playing dress up in your mother’s clothes. Go for boot-cut (not tapered) pants or a fitted pencil skirt and a jacket with a nipped-in waist. Break the pieces up. Pair the pants with heels, a slim (not sloppy) button-down shirt and layered necklaces. Pair the skirt with a v-neck sweater, a skinny belt and round-toe pumps for a cute retro look. Pair the jacket with knee-length shorts (BCBGeneration’s version in black suiting material is perfect) and heels for casual Friday.

Got a great printed camisole? Wear it under your suit. An amazing piece of ethnic jewelry? Try it with a simple black sweater and black pants. Cropped, ankle pants (like the gray tweed version by BCBGeneration) will showcase a pair of jewel-colored heels. Incorporating your favorite trendy pieces with more traditional, basics will keep you professional while letting your personality shine through.

Q: What's the best way to wear a sweater dress?
A: I love this style! Sweater dresses were among my best-sellers at run*way last year, and they're definitely going to be back for fall.

You've got several options. Try pairing a knee length sweater dress with a wide belt, opaque tights and tall boots. Shorter styles look cute with tights and ankle boots. For a more casual look, try leggings and ballet flats. A long chain necklace is a great way to add some interest to this simple style. A note on sizing: it's totally normal to go up a size (or even two) when buying a sweater dress. Depending on the knit, this style can be super clingy.

Happy shopping!

Q: I need to update my wardrobe for spring. What are the essentials this season?

A: Incorporate these three essentials into your spring wardrobe for an updated yet timeless look.

White Denim - White denim is back, and it looks so fresh this season. You've got lots of options, including a classic bootcut pair from J Brand and a tailored, trouser style from Hudson. You could also change it up with a white mini from Paige. Pair your white denim with a top in a bright, saturated color or lively print.
Metallic Thong Sandals - Invest in the gold "Jitney" thong sandal by Oh Deer. This subtly metallic, Grecian-style sandal will be your go-to shoe for spring and summer. Wear your Jitneys with your white denim, a spring dress, cocktail shorts…basically everything.
Polo Shirt - The preppy "logo" polo shirt is definitely a spring essential. For an updated version of this classic style, check out the polos by One Eye Toad. Southern twin sisters created this line specifically for women. Their design features slightly puffed sleeves and a curved hem for a really feminine fit, and the bright colors (cotton candy pink, turquoise) fit right in with this spring's color scheme.

Q: What would you recommend to wear with some cotton tuxedo light grey and dark grey fitted pants??

A: Those sound like some very unique pants!

In general, I love neutrals, like gray, paired with a bright, saturated color, like yellow, turquoise, or fuchsia. A shot of color really livens up a muted palette! Beyond that, it’s difficult for me to make a specific recommendation without seeing the pants. Why don’t you bring them into run*way and we can look at several different options?

Q: There are a lot of hip hugger / low rise jeans out…but I can't wear them because every time I sit down my "unmentionables" show. Are there any new jeans coming out that will help with that?

A: Lucky for you (and the rest of us, trust me), denim designers are moving away from the super-low trend. In fact, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans are my bestsellers at run*way.

Try the 805 style by J Brand (with classic, plain pockets) or the Pamela style by Chip & Pepper (with super-cute logo pockets). Both styles will flatter your waist, elongate your legs and ensure that your “unmentionables” don’t make a surprise appearance when you sit down.

Q: How can a woman dress "slightly flirtatious" without going too far?

A: The look you’re going for is subtle, sophisticated, and just a little sexy. Here are a few tips.

Layer touchable fabrics, such as a satin camisole under a slim-cut cashmere cardigan, for a pretty, feminine look that doesn’t reveal too much. Try a mini-dress, one of the most popular styles this season. The shorter length shows off your legs, but the swingy cut and higher neckline keep it cute and playful, not tacky. For a holiday party, pair a strapless dress with a cropped jacket for a festive, flirty look. These three outfits strike the right balance between subtle and sexy.

And finally, be comfortable and confident. If your outfit makes you feel self-conscious, you'll be too nervous and distracted to be flirtatious. So put on clothes that make you feel your best!

Q: Sometimes I feel like I over accessorize. Is there a limit when it comes to accessorizing?

A: Webster’s defines an accessory as “an object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else.”

The perfect mix of accessories will elevate your outfit to new heights. At the same time, piling on a distracting jumble of “extras” will confuse your look. Do you go overboard on jewelry? To get the balance right, think of your jewelry as a movie. Choose one piece to “star,” and relegate your other pieces to supporting roles. Also, matching jewelry sets can be overwhelming. Break them up, and you may discover that the individual pieces look more interesting on their own. In terms of handbags, shoes and scarves, limit yourself to one animal print or metallic piece at a time. And there’s no need for your bag and shoes to match exactly—just make sure they complement each other. Of course, some clothes don’t need accessories at all. A jeweled-neck top definitely doesn’t require a necklace or dangly earrings, and a sequined dress provides all the sparkle you need for one outfit. If you’re still unsure that your accessories strike the right balance, follow this famous advice from the legendary Coco Chanel: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

Q: I see many people wearing ballet flats with many different syles. Some look good and some don't. What are the best jeans to wear with ballet flats AND how versatile can ballet flats be??

A: Ballet flats are one of the best trends to come along recently. Besides being super-chic, they're also comfy and perfect for running around town.
Ballet flats look best with styles that show off your ankles; they can get lost under boot-cut or wide-leg pants. For winter, pair your flats with leggings or skinny jeans. If you're not into skinnies, cuffed straight-leg jeans also work. For warmer weather, try your flats with capri pants, bermuda shorts, or a knee-length dress or skirt (a long dress or skirt will hide your flats).

Q: How do I tell my wife she doesn't dress well without hurting her feelings?

A: Simple--you don't. Telling your wife she "doesn't dress well" will surely result in hurt feelings.

Is your wife not dressing to flatter her figure? Is she dressing inappropriately for her age? Is she hanging on to outdated styles? She probably just needs a gentle nudge in the right direction. Try pointing out some styles (in magazines or on TV--not on one of her friends!) that you think would look great on her…and then offer to treat her to a new outfit. Schedule a "date" for the two of you, and give her a chance to show off her new look. Shower her with compliments. She'll feel great about herself AND you, and chances are she'll begin paying more attention to what she wears.
Ultimately, style is about self confidence. Compliment your wife often, and let her know it's okay for her to treat herself to a new outfit every now and then. And don't forget to update your own wardrobe--sometimes the best way to lead is by example.

Q: I am a 45 year old woman. I really like trendy clothes but I don't want to look like I'm trying to be 21. I want the trendy look while still looking appropriate for someone my age. Can you let me know the best ways to achieve this??

A: What a great question!

For an age-appropriate look that’s still fashionable, work trends into your wardrobe with accessories. I’m assuming you already own several good-quality, classic grown-up pieces (if you don’t, that’s another question for the expert!). Looking current is as easy as mixing your reliable staples, such as a black suit, knee-length skirt, boot-cut jeans, and a classic white button-down shirt, with trendy accessories. Read on to learn how to incorporate four of this season’s trends into your existing wardrobe.

Trend 1: tights. Tights, which look much more current than sheer pantyhose, are showing up everywhere this season in bold colors and intricate textures. Steer clear from bright colors and eye-catching patterns; instead, pair opaque brown, black or gray tights with a classic skirt suit or shift dress.

Trend 2: quilting. Instead of a quilted puffer jacket (too much!), opt for a quilted lady-like frame handbag with gold hardware.

Trend 3: metallics. Avoid head-to-toe gold, silver or sequins and go for small details. For evening, metallic heels or a metallic clutch will take your classic little black dress up a notch.

Trend 4: jewel tones. Punch up your business suit with a pair of suede pumps in a rich color (ruby and royal blue look great with black and gray) for the office. Put the finishing touch on your holiday party look with a jewel-tone satin clutch.

Now, for the best part. Many trends this season are incredibly wearable, no matter what your age. For example, trouser jeans are huge right now. This classic shape works for office, evening, and weekend, and flatters just about every body type. Flat knee-high boots are another trend that works for any age. Wear them with tights and a knee-length skirt or under boot-cut jeans. This season’s popular vintage jewelry makes your basics special. Add a stack of colorful deco-inspired bracelets to your trusty jeans-and-white-button-down-shirt combo for the weekend. All three looks are age-appropriate, on trend, and available at run*way!

Q: I'm a tall African American woman with a medium build and curves. I have such a hard time finding jeans that are long enough and that fit perfectly. If they're long enough then I run into the problem of "gapping" in the back. Every time I sit down, my under-garments show…What is the best line or fit for my body type??

A: Beyonce and J. Lo have proven that curves are definitely sexy…but finding the perfect pair of jeans can be challenging for ladies blessed with hourglass figures. Because your waist is smaller your hips and thighs, jeans that fit your bum may gape in the waist, and—oops!—reveal too much when you sit down.

Don’t try to hide your curves under baggy jeans! What you need is a fit that complements, rather than covers, your body. Choose a jean with a lower-rise waist to avoid the waistband gap. A boot-cut or slightly flared leg will balance out your silhouette. Bonus: the wider leg opening will draw attention downward. This is the perfect style to wear with killer shoes! And choose a simple, dark rinse instead of a complicated distressed finish. A uniform rinse will accentuate your shape, rather than chopping it up.

As far as a specific brand, Lucky Brand makes great-fitting jeans for curvy girls of all heights. I think Lucky’s “Sweet Dream” jean, which comes in three different lengths, would be perfect for you. Sweet Dream’s features include a lower-rise, dark rinse, and slightly flared leg. Best of all, it’s available in an extra long 36” inseam!

A more conservative option for you is Paige Premium Denim's "Hollywood Hills" style. The classic, boot-cut fit and creased, dark rinse lengthen your legs. Though this style's rise is higher than that of the Sweet Dream, it still manages to work beautifully with your curves.

Happy shopping!