A couple readers have asked me whether or not Louboutinbox.com is legit after seeing this website's ads appear on my blog (and elsewhere) via the google ad network. My personal opinion? There's NO WAY these shoes are real. Louboutinbox claims to sell Christian Louboutins for around $200 a pair, but as we all know, Louboutins usually cost 50-70% more than that. I wanted to let everyone know that I personally would not shop at this site, and that I'm in the process of trying to figure out if there's a way to block louboutinbox.com from my google adsense account. Remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you'd like to spend $200 on shoes, browse the sale section at shopbop.com (lots of other great shoe designers out there!). And if you want Louboutins, treat yourself to the real deal from one of the following authorized merchants:

Where to Buy Authentic Christian Louboutin Shoes

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  Net-a-Porter: You might not find a deal, but you'll always find the latest and greatest styles at this fashion mecca.
  


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  theoutnet.com: Net-a-porter's outlet site has blink-and-you-might-miss them deals on Louboutins, like these metallic flats, on sale for $212.
  


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  Bluefly.com: Score deals including these Christian Louboutin espadrilles for $192.79 at this designer discount giant.
  


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  Barneys.com: Fashionistas swear by Barneys' shoe sales, you just have to be patient (and lucky!) These Christian Louboutin "Simple Pumps" in magenta are on sale now for $269.25.
  


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  SaksFifthAvenue.com: Check the sale section often to find deals like these Christian Louboutin Etrier Patent Sandals on sale now for $324.10.
  


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  NeimanMarcus.com: Keep an eye out for sales here, too, like these Patent Ankle-Wrap Espadrilles for $332.

I'm a 43 year-old hip woman and mom who enjoys your site. What I'd like is advice about getting a maxi dress. I'm rather busty (38D) and like the look but spaghetti straps just won't do. I need some substantial straps without any seams that either shape or support the bust because they simply won't fit! —Hip Mom from Calgary, Canada

The maxi-dress trend is still going strong, and regardless of your shape or height, the key to pulling off this look will be finding the right cut and style for your figure. Since you have a larger bust, you'll want to avoid spaghetti straps (as you wisely noted) and look for a style that will let you wear a supportive, full-coverage bra underneath. You'll also want a maxi-dress that cinches beneath the bust, then drapes to skim over the tummy and create a flattering line. A v-neck is especially flattering, but you'll want to steer clear of plunging necklines that can lead to overexposure. Now let's find that dress!

First up, I'd like to introduce you to Rachel Pally White Label, a plus-size line from designer Rachel Pally whose known for feminine shapes and sumptuously soft and fluid jersey knits. This label is not cheap, but for those rare occasions when you want to splurge and you can't find what you're looking for anywhere else, I highly recommend checking it out. Here's one example of a brilliant blue maxi-dress from the Rachel Pally White Label line that will accentuate and support a larger bust and show off your curves ($248 at Nordstrom.com):



Next up: This Knot Front Maxi Dress from Lane Bryant features a centered knot detail which creates a cascading effect down the front of this flowing maxi dress finished with a wide ruffle hem. Dress it up or down with your favorite accessories. ($79.50 at LaneBryant.com)



Kmart has a great selection of maxi dresses for summer and carries most sizes, including harder-to-find plus sizes. I was a little iffy about this halter-style maxi-dress but a guest on the Kmart site gave the dress 5 stars and says she has a 38D bra size, so I'll take her word for it! Besides, the island-inspired print is to die for. If nothing else, you can always layer a white tank underneath this dress which will give it more of a fashion-y edge. (Attention Mini Stripe Halter Maxi Dresses, $24.49 at Kmart.com)


Finally, leave it to Target to deliver the right style at a great price. This is my personal favorite, I actually saw it in the store and was so bummed it didn't come in my size. It's just $39.99 and features a subtle tie-dye print in a deep ink blue hue. Bohemian yet contemporary!


What tips would you share for large-busted ladies looking to rock the maxi-dress trend? Where have you found the best styles to fit your figure?

I am a teenager, and am attending my cousin's wedding in July. I really have no idea of what type of dress to wear to a wedding. I have to take into consideration my age (teen) and it will probably be very hot. What are some dresses that I could wear? —Kathryn

A wedding is a family affair, so think fun, festive and semi-formal when picking a dress. Unless the invitation specifies black tie (in which case you'll need a floor length gown) or a beach wedding (in which case you'll want a flirty maxi dress and sandals), the following three outfit ideas should work for your cousin's wedding and beyond. P.S. I'm loving all the dresses at Lulus.com right now, so for anyone else out there looking for the perfect dress to wear to a summer wedding, definitely check them out. Click any set for details on the individual items shown.


[1] A yellow satin dress with red accessories is flirty and classy—perfect for a summer wedding.


[2] A chic black dress is always right for a formal occasion. Wear it over and over again by changing up the accessories.


[3] This brilliant blue dress with floral detailing mimics the happy mood of a wedding celebration. Pair with nude accessories and a pink cocktail ring for a look that's sexy yet sophisticated.

Some of my former colleagues will be taking the trip of a lifetime this summer, namely, a 15-day Mediterranean cruise, and they've asked me for some suggestions as to what to pack. Um, how about me? Will I fit in your suitcase? But I digress. Here's a guide to help you pack for a summer vacation or summer cruise so you'll be sailing and sightseeing in style.

The plan:
1) First, pull out all your favorite pieces of clothing, shoes and jewelry that you've been wearing right now (under 10 items). Give yourself 60 seconds to conduct this little exercise, no more. If you love wearing these items at home, you'll love wearing them overseas. Avoid the temptation of digging through the back of your closet and unearthing outdated pieces you haven't worn in months. Launder your fave pieces so they're ready to go.

2) Now it's time to map out some actual outfits and fill in the gaps with versatile pieces that can work double-duty. You can either map out outfits by occasion, or go day by day. I prefer to map out outfits by occasion (ie., day of sightseeing, dinner and dancing) and be very hands-on by laying them out on the bed and moving pieces around to see how everything will work.

3) Edit, edit, edit. You want to make trekking through the airport as painless as possible, so try not to overpack. Ditch the boyfriend jeans and denim capris and pack one pair of perfect, dark-wash boot cuts. Besides, you'll want some free space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Pack a nylon tote or other lightweight bag for additional souvenir space.

I was wondering if you knew of any places that have cute, dressy cardigans? —My

Forever 21's "luxe" line Twelve by Twelve consistently offers the most fashion-forward cardigans by using unique colors, prints and shapes plus pretty details like lace, fancy buttons and contrasting trim. The dip-dye cardigan shown here is just $29 and also comes in coral.


I will be heading to the lake this summer and would love to find the perfect sarong that will go with several of my bathing suits. … Do you have any recommendations? —emy

Check out Sassy Sarongs (www.sassysarongs.com) for solid, printed, and plus-size sarongs as well as tips on how to tie a sarong. You can also enter to win a giveaway in partnership with Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle for a $50 Sassy Sarongs Giveaway!


I would love some nude sandals that are affordable, preferably under $20.00. —Nicole

For tan, beige, taupe, light brown or nude sandals around $20, check out Charlotte Russe. This jeweled gladiator flat ($18.99) is perfect for casual occasions, while these braided rope wedges ($22.99) should carry you through dressier occasions.