true 2 4 <div class="question"> <p class="question_title">Question:</p> <p>My friends and I are escaping our smaller city for NYC this weekend and I am excited to wear my Natalia's out on Saturday night. I'm loving the tribal and mixed print trend and have a black and white leafy/zebra-y patterned dress that I'd like to pair with them, but afraid it might be "too much." Also, it's a tiny dress and it's not exactly warm yet in the Mid-Atlantic. Am I being overly ambitious?</p> <p class="source">Devon D., Baltimore, MD</p> </div> <div class="answer"> <p class="answer_title">Answer:</p> <p> <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/NataliaOnZebra.jpg" /> Overly ambitious for the local mall? Maybe; but for stepping out in NYC? Not a chance! Both patterns are in the same color palette, so you're well on your way to creating a great, print-mixing look! If you're worried the combo might be 'too much' for the eye and 'too little' for the weather, solve both issues at the same time with a solid, dress-length coat! A solid piece will give the eye a place to rest amidst the visual excitement of racing zebra stripes and racy snakeskin. Chartreuse and deep teal go great with these patterns and will even accent Natalia's bright red sole! When mixing patterns and textures, look for complementary intensities and color palettes rather than identical prints. Finally, be sure your makeup is fierce! A more dramatic face will let others know that your fashion risk is deliberate and that you're confident in the results. Mix it up and enjoy your night! </p> </div> 2010-03-03T15:52:31-08:00 2010-03-03T11:00:00-08:00 24 overly_ambitious 2010-03-03T16:00:00-08:00 2010-03-03T16:22:34-08:00 181180 true 2 2 <div class="question"> <p class="question_title">Question:</p> <p>Question: I'm 27 and a college educated professional, but I look like I am 18. When I dress close to how I think those my age should dress, I look like I am trying too hard. I have trouble finding going out clothes, recently realized my wardrobe is 95% work clothes, and although I am 5'3, I shy away from heels. Help! I love fashion and am really good at helping others, but always feel a mess when I try to create my own personal style. I'm tired of jeans, flats, and t shirts :(</p> <p class="source">Lakeya C., Rancho Cucamonga, CA</p> </div> <div class="answer"> <p class="answer_title">Answer:</p> <p> Looking young is a blessing and a curse. If you dress your chronological age, you look like you're playing dress-up; if you dress like your apparent peers, you might as well bring your lunch pail! As a result, it's easy for your fashion to funnel into work clothes and all-too-basic basics. My advice: spice up the comfort looks with vintage pieces that, while mature by definition, add one-of-a-kind flare to separate you from the mall crowd. Skip the t's and seek out vintage knits and dresses with beaded details; these pieces will bring charm to looks that feature flats and sophistication to outfits you create when you step up to higher heels. Translated into modern trends, retro style is a great way to forge your own personal look. What's old can be new again; and more importantly, it can be totally you! </p> </div> 2010-02-24T13:44:20-08:00 2010-02-24T10:00:00-08:00 22 gettting_in_gear 2010-02-24T13:00:00-08:00 2010-02-24T13:45:16-08:00 181180 true 2 4 <div class="question"> <p class="question_title">Question:</p> <p>I am a work at home mom-I run a daycare in my home . I had a baby last Spring, and my style has just gone Kaput! I live in jeans and t-shirts, but would love to have a casual-chic look for playgroups and weekends. I have not worn heels in years, but I am ready to update my wardrobe. Where do I start?</p> <p class="source">Tabitha, Virginia Beach, VA</p> </div> <div class="answer"> <p class="answer_title">Answer:</p> <p> Start small! Don't be so quick to ditch the denim for rejuvenated style. Instead, look for washes and fits that differ from those you wear now. If you usually go for flared cuts, go for straight legs; if your jeans are usually mid-rise, aim for something higher. The trick is to go for the most change without making yourself feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. So not chic! So keep your t's, but skip anything with words or logos. Stick with solids; even a plain white V-neck looks great with chunky necklaces and bangles. For additional, casual chic, you might even consider replacing your traditional diaper bag with a trendy, high gloss tote. As you ease back into heels, don't be ashamed to shop for sturdy mids in bright colors or funky animal prints that will ramp up your style while keeping it playful for your play date!</p> </div> 2010-02-17T16:52:34-08:00 2010-02-17T15:00:00-08:00 17 ok_to_play_safe 2010-02-17T16:00:00-08:00 2010-02-17T16:53:35-08:00 181180 true 2 6 <div class="question"> <p class="question_title">Question:</p> <p>I absolutely love the Coco and ordered them for my selection this month. My question is: what do I wear with them? Please help me get in style!</p> <p class="source">Carrie, Albany, NY</p> </div> <div class="answer"> <p class="answer_title">Answer:</p> <p>Coco is a great choice! She might initially guide you toward more conservative style, but don't forget that she has a sexier side, as well. If you need a clean, classic look with a modern twist, try pairing Coco with a solid button-up and a pencil skirt in a graphic pattern. When you're ready to get a little more daring, some liquid leggings and a sheer-as-you-dare ruffled blouse will make for one hot outfit. Finish either look with a tuxedo jacket and prepare to be complimented!</p> <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/CorrectCocoInspiration.jpg" class="no_wrap"/> </div> 2010-02-09T15:26:28-08:00 2010-02-09T15:15:00-08:00 9 complementing_coco 2010-02-09T15:00:00-08:00 2010-02-11T13:44:00-08:00 181180 true 2 5 <div class="question"> <p class="question_title">Question:</p> <p>I am in love with how platform pumps look but I am horrible when it comes to heels. I am so envious when I see girls strutting around in those pumps and they look so comfortable! Are there any tips on how to make them more comfortable?</p> <p class="source">Radhika, Cincinnati, OH</p> </div> <div class="answer"> <p class="answer_title">Answer:</p> <p>Radhika, when it comes to platform pumps (and heels in general), I don't recommend taking a "just go for it" approach! Most likely, those strutting girls only appear comfortable because they are accustomed to their heels; not because the heels are comfy. So rather than attempting to endure an entire evening in pumps and in pain, try spending a little time in the shoes before you actually wear them out and about. Start with something easy, like an hour, and gradually increase the time you spend 'practicing.' By the time your plans come around, you'll be primed and ready to do a little strutting yourself. </p> </div> 2010-02-08T14:01:26-08:00 2010-02-08T13:00:00-08:00 6 heel_better 2010-02-08T13:00:00-08:00 2010-02-08T14:01:26-08:00 181180