Fashion Advice

Emmy Rossum, Liv Tyler and Lauren Conrad all love their black ballet flats.
Solid black ballet flats are everywhere, on everyone, and have been for a while now. They're a classic style that matches almost everything and can morph to suit your personal style, from downtown chic to impish gamine and beyond. Yet while this simple black flat seems innocuous enough, I've discovered that many fashionable gals have very bitter feelings towards it.

Personally, it's been a love/hate relationship. For years, I avoided this shoe like the plague. I thought it was too delicate, too flat, too much like a slipper. Then, slowly but surely, the look started to grow on me more and more, until I finally caved, and bought the most adorable, buttery leather black flats from--of all places--the Gap, for $40 (just last week, so they might still be in stores.)

Here's the thing: The right style can make your ankles look graceful, your legs longer and your feet smaller. The wrong style, however, can make your feet look like saucers, and your body look squat and schlumpy. Cheap versions of this shoe can also kill your feet, causing blisters and pain from lack of arch support. My recommendation is to buy the best quality flat you can afford, as they will actually serve their function by providing a stylish slip-on that's comfortable to wear.

Is the black ballet flat an essential part of your wardrobe?

When it comes to finding fashionable sunglasses, I don't think price matters. You can buy shades from H&M, Forever 21 or Target for under $10 that look great, won't break, and if you lose them while leaning over the edge of some national monument during your summer roadtrip, no one's crying.

But when it comes to your health - that is, protecting your precious eyes from the sun's harmful rays - which is the best route to take? Budget brands or the pricier, designer brands?

When you're on a tight budget, it's important to buy versatile items that will go the distance in your wardrobe and take you from day to night and beyond. Inspired by this reality, and by a spread titled "One Dress, Three Ways" in the August 2008 issue of InStyle (pp. 108-109), I decided to see how I could stretch one simple PLEATED SHIFT (which I purchased for $14 at Target!) in three different directions. Here are the results.

1. Sweet Charm Simple and chic for a day of shopping and lunch with friends. SHOES Dark brown faux-leather gladiator flats, Forever 21, $19. PURSE Blue Patent Leather, Sigred Olsen. BELT Brown faux-leather, Forever 21, $13.50. BRACELETS (featured in all three looks) Gilded rubber bangles, Urban Outfitters, $5


2. Downtown Diva An edgy look for work or girl's night out. SHOES Black leather peep-toe Mary Janes, Aerosoles, $19.99. JACKET, Zippered biker jacket, Bebe, $39. LEGGINGS Twelve by Twelve, $18.


3. All Glammed Up Dolled up for dinner and dancing. SHOES Metallic leather slingback heels, Nine West via Marshalls, $28.99. NECKLACE Vintage faux pearls, Rummage sale, $1. PURSE Quilted Eggshell Leather Clutch, BCBG Max Azria via Marshalls, $80. BRACELET Black leather & gold cuff, Givenchy via Filene's Basement. BELT Thin black suede belt, Forever 21. BLACK TIGHTS.

So yoga pants/jersey cropped pants and such have replaced sweats, and they're nothing new, but it looks like they're not going away anytime soon so I figured, what the hey, I might as well get you ladies to weigh in on these uber trendy, ultra popular albeit controversial pants: Are they hot or not? Sure, they're comfortable as all get out, but they have elastic waistbands, for godsakes. Personally, though it makes me cringe to admit this, I think they can look pretty cute on certain women, especially when paired with a long tank or tee that extends below the waistband (which should hit right below the belly button, not over), a jersey cardigan, and some stylish flip-flops. There, I said it. Just please make sure you have absolutely no visible panty lines, and do not push your luck by trying to wear these casual pants to work. They are good for running errands, going to the gym (hey, there's a novel idea!), doing YOGA (ha, yeah right), walking the dog, etc. Please don't sass them up with heels and a tube top and try to pass yoga pants off as club wear. Ok, I'm done. Now's your chance to speak up!

Featured above from left: Rachel Pally cropped beach pant at Standardstyle.com, $172 (yowzers!); Splendid lightweight slub crop pants at Shopbop.com, $83 (ouch!). If you guys give these a yea, I will look for budget friendly versions.

What should I wear with one of those cute maxi dresses that are so popular for summer?

Keep your look chic and effortless by pairing an ankle-skimming maxi dress with metallic or embellished flat sandals, a beachy straw tote and plenty of exotic bangles. Here are some budget-friendly finds to help you get started:


[1] Floral-print halter dress at Newport-News.com, Was $69.00 Now $39.00
[2] Deep Blue V-Neck Braided Halter Dress at Target.com, $19.99
[3] Limited-Edition Straw Bucket Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] Resort-inspired maxi dress at OldNavy.com, Was $34.50 Now $19.99
[5] Mosaic Bangles at Forever21.com, $8.90
[6] Triangle lacquer metal bangle at Forever21.com, $6.80
[7] Embellished Leather Sandals at OldNavy.com, $19.50
[8] Martha Stewart Collection Straw Beach Tote at Macys.com, Was $60.00 Now $29.99
[9] Patricia Field for Payless Empress Sandal at Payless.com, $25

Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

• White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.
  
• White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?
  
• White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.
  
• White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.
  

Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80