Questions & Answers

Having a fashion crisis? Need a question answered? Email perkette.imageenvy@blogger.com.

Q: I am trying to figure out what exactly is black tie attire for a woman. I was thinking a floor length or long gown. Can you give me some more input? Also, it is very hard to find something that is long and modest with out looking over 4o, any suggestions? - Kaci
A: Black tie and modest seem to be two things that never intertwine. Most evening wear comes with sleeves in the form of a shawl - something to add some warmth but doesn't detract from the dress itself. This presents some problems for modest dress-wearers. However, they can be found - and never think you have to wear a dress as-is. There are excellent tailors and alterations. You can find them through their associations (ctda.com is one of them) or by word of mouth.
Black tie is definately long and floorlength. The more leg you show, the more it becomes defined as "cocktail." Stay away from poofy, and stick with fabrics and silhouettes that complement your body and drape beautifully. Be careful on color - black is always safe, but can get monotonous or boring. Going flashy with a red will make you stand out - but limits how often you can wear the dress - people are sure to remember you as "the girl in the gorgeous red dress." Black dresses seem to get the frumpiest the quickest once you add sleeves on them. Shop the internet, shop specialty stores, and shop boutiques - the little known stores often have the best finds! Don't underestimate department stores either - each department store has a different inventory and some are better than others!
Try these websites to give you some ideas of where to look at all price ranges: Shopzilla Bluefly

Q: What's the best outfit to wear to a casual interview for a man? - SonofStarley
A: The hardest part to decide on is the tie - always wear nice slacks with a button-down, collared shirt. I would wear something that is patterned: stripes, checked, or a solid color that is not white. You need to look professional but presentable. Ties get iffy - if its really casual you can bet your interviewer isn't wearing a tie. But remember - it's better to be overdressed than underdressed!

Q: Where do you usually shop for your shoes? Any favorite stores? I am looking for some brown peep toe pumps. - The Perkins Clan
A: Favorite stores-that's a hard question to answer! For heels, my favorites are Nordstroms and Dillards. But remember, I have funky feet and they sell brands that fit (Steve Maddens I will sadly never be able to wear)! If you're looking for brown peep-toe pumps, I would recommend shopping now. A lot of stores are getting new merchandise in for back to school and thus putting most of their inventory on sale. Dillards was having a great sale last Saturday in their shoe department. Also, DSW Shoe Warehouse usually has a good selection of all kinds of shoes, and usually you can get a pretty good deal on the price. Remember - I'm available for personal shopping, and I'll be in town on Wednesday. :)

Q: What are some of your favorite "haunts" for clothes hunting? You know, hunting season is almost here. ;) - The Perkins Clan
A: I'm assuming this is another question about my favorite places to shop. As always, it depends on what you're looking for. My best advice to be able to get the best price possible, is simply to stalk your store. Pick a store that you love and go there as many times as your time frame can allow. (DON'T buy something every time you go!!) You'll be able to recognize new merchandise, you'll see how often they get new shipments, how often they markdown - then you're on your way to becoming a shopping guru! Subscribe to their magazine if they have one! If you shop frequently at one store long enough, they usually have rewards programs. So the answer to the question is not where are my favorite haunts - it's where would you like to set up camp?