MaryElise.com :: Fashion > Fashion Q&A Archive

Fashion Q&A Archive
By: Mary Elise Chavez
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*Q&A is posted from present to archived items.

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JULY 2005

Question: Recently I saw a beautiful pleated skirt in Elle magazine, and if the price wasn't so high, I would've purchased it. Any hints as to where to find a snazzy pleated skirt that doesn't cost a small fortune?–Audrey B., Atlanta, GA

Answer: You may be surprised, but one of my favorite pieces for this season comes from Kohl's, which is a discount clothing store, comparable to Mervyn's. Recently spokeswoman Daisy Fuentes launched her own line of affordable fashions inspired by today's most popular designers. The skirt featured to the right was inspired by one quite similar, with an astronomical price of $675.00. At only $26.99, this is a deal no one can beat!

One of the best things about this skirt is the fantastic use of color, simply slip this skirt on and you'll be in the spring spirit in no time! Extremely versatile, this skirt looks great paired with casual metallic flip-flops and a white tank, or spruce it up with a silver top & heels...make it your own! MaryElise

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FEBRUARY 2005

Question: I've always been a fan of relaxed, but still glam fashion. What's the best way to work this look into my Spring wardrobe?

– Lolli C., Hartford, CT

Answer: Lolli, you will love what this season has in store for you! Spring '05 is all about chic bohemian, designers like Roberto Cavalli have taken this look and mastered it beautifully. You can achieve this sizzling look by picking up a mid-calf, to floor-length flowy skirt, in any color you choose. The skirt should be the main focus of the ensemble, vibrant coppers, burgundys, or rich ocean blues are the ticket. Typically, cotton is the best fabric for this look, it moves smoothly, and is extremely comfortable.

Next, find some embellished sandals, preferably with metallic tones. You can tie the metallic together with a low-slung gold or silver, thick, hip-hugging belt. Slip on a thin, form-fitting tunic or double v-neck tank, and don't forget, Spring '05 is all about accessorizing your heart out. The more the better. Chunky coral and turquoise necklaces, layered necklaces, big bangles, and exotic earrings will send you sailing into the warmer months high above the rest! MaryElise

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DECEMBER 2004

Question: What is a good way to incorporate fur into a normal, everyday, wardrobe? – All Furred Up in Fresno

Answer: Fur is taking over the world, it's everywhere you look. Before you know it, a designer will put some fur on a telephone and call it chic! But what a great fashion statement it is, many are against it, many are for it. But that's what faux fur is for, fur has an elegance and richness to it. You can take a plain jane outfit, spritz on a dab of fur, and suddenly turn yourself into the next Sarah Jessica Parker!

It's easy to integrate this fantastic trend into your everyday wardrobe. Keep your shoulders toasty with a ladylike caplet, grab a great purse with a fur accent, or look for a cardigan with a luxurious fur collar. This trend is found EVERYWHERE, so whatever your price range, you can afford it. Look for bright hued furs: blue, purple, and green tinted furs are huge this season!

But please, steer away from the dreadful sheepskin and fur-covered boot trend, if we were meant to wear fur on our feet, men wouldn't shave them! Now why in the world would any one want their stems to mimic an animal's...well that's beyond me! Enough said! MaryElise

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AUGUST 2004

Question: I love the look of frayed jeans, BUT, I want them to still look fashionable rather than trashman-esque. What is the best way to fray and tatter denim? – Allison T. San Francisco, CA

Answer: The 'tattered' look can definitely still be completely adorable while maintaining a stylish flare. That is, as long as the tattering isn't too extreme or out of place. The best way to tatter denim is to first tear sporadic holes, not too many, followed by a washing in the machine. The wash cycle will fray the denim. You can also follow that by finding a sharp knife and doing a back-and-forth motion lightly on the denim to tatter it, but still keep it clean. Sewing a bit of silver or gold thread through some of the tattering can give your jeans that special 'umpf.' Often times it takes a few tries to get the jeans just how you like them, but best of luck! MaryElise

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JUNE 2004

Question: I am a tall girl and can NEVER find jeans that are long enough! I’ve searched everywhere it seems like but have had no luck. I live in a small town that has very few shopping options. Could you possibly recommend a good brand I could find online?

– Kelli W. Centennial, CO

Answer: As a tall girl myself, I have suffered this problem. But suffer no more! I have fallen in love, twice, with my favorite jeans of all time. Both ‘7 For All Mankind’ and ‘Citizen of Humanity’ are FANTASTIC jeans. The COH’s tend to have a longer inseam, about 33-34 inches, while Seven’s have 32-33 inch inseams. Both are made from gorgeous denim. They run anywhere from $110.00-$185.00. They can be found at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks, and other similar department and speciality stores. MaryElise

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