Styledash http://www.styledash.com Styledash http://www.styledash.com/feedlogo.gif Styledash http://www.styledash.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Ask Styledash: Dandruff reliefhttp://www.styledash.com/2008/05/07/ask-styledash-dandruff-relief/http://www.styledash.com/2008/05/07/ask-styledash-dandruff-relief/http://www.styledash.com/2008/05/07/ask-styledash-dandruff-relief/#commentsFiled under: ,


One of our dear readers wrote in to ask for advice about dandruff, a little discussed but common ailment. For some people it's a minor irritation, a few embarrassing dry flakes. To those who suffer more severely, with oily scalps and painful itching, it's a frustrating affliction.

The best first step is always education. Cool Nurse has a great primer on the different kinds of dandruff and causes, as well as some treatment suggestions.

Gallery: Relief from dandruff, one way or another

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff ShampooPantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Anti-Dandruff ShampooTea Tree Essential OilPure & Basic Tea Tree and Rosemary Anti-Dandruff ShampooRene Furterer Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With Melaleuca

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]]>color treated hairColorTreatedHaircool nurseCoolNursedandruffdermatologistdry scalpDryScalpfeaturedhair treatmentHairTreatmentitchingitchyoily scalpOilyScalpscalpCat Lincoln2008-05-07T14:07:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: What should I wear with these shoes for a wedding?http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/28/ask-styledash-what-should-i-wear-with-these-shoes-for-a-wedding/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/28/ask-styledash-what-should-i-wear-with-these-shoes-for-a-wedding/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/28/ask-styledash-what-should-i-wear-with-these-shoes-for-a-wedding/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear StyleDash,

I have a daytime, dressy-casual family wedding to attend in June, in a Catholic church. I have great shoes to wear, but I don't know what to wear with them. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Caitlin

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: What should I wear with these shoes for a wedding?

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]]>adviceaskcatholicchurchcolordaytimedressetiquetteshoesstyleweddingKristen Seymour2008-04-28T12:24:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: Clothes for grandmas and morehttp://www.styledash.com/2008/04/16/ask-styledash-clothes-for-grandmas-and-more/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/16/ask-styledash-clothes-for-grandmas-and-more/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/16/ask-styledash-clothes-for-grandmas-and-more/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear StyleDash,

I'm 77 years young and having trouble finding fashionable clothes. I dress casually and cannot wear the tees and blouses because I have the roll around the middle. I can wear a size 10 in pants as long as the waist is elastic, but tops show my roll so I tend to buy XL, which don't really fit. Where can I find nice-looking clothes that aren't old and dowdy? I hate shopping because I cannot find anything that makes me feel good.

Maggie

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: Clothes for grandmas and more

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]]>ageage-appropriateclothingfitmaturemiddle ageMiddleAgeseniorsenior citizenSeniorCitizenshoppingwomenKristen Seymour2008-04-16T12:12:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: What do I wear with my fabulous new gladiators?http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/01/ask-styledash-what-do-i-wear-with-my-fabulous-new-gladiators/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/01/ask-styledash-what-do-i-wear-with-my-fabulous-new-gladiators/http://www.styledash.com/2008/04/01/ask-styledash-what-do-i-wear-with-my-fabulous-new-gladiators/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After a post on one of the seasons hottest trends -- gladiator sandals -- StyleDash received the following comment:

Not sure what to wear with my new gladiator sandals. They come up to the knee, and they're the Stuart Weitzman gold ones. Sharp!



Gallery: What to wear with knee-high gladiator sandals

Sweetees Lanora Black Dress, $139TIBI Mirage Dress, $396LAROK Legion Tunic, $311What Comes Around Goes Around Indigo Pataya Dress, $33412th Street by Cynthian Vincent Bronze Bubble Hem Dress, $276

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: What do I wear with my fabulous new gladiators?

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]]>ask styledashAskStyledashgladiatorgladiator sandalsGladiatorSandalsgoldhow toHowTokatie holmesKatieHolmesknee-highmary kate olsonMaryKateOlsonmetallicspringstuart weitzmanStuartWeitzmantrendwhat to wearWhatToWearKristen Seymour2008-04-01T15:13:00 00:00Ask Styledash: I'm really tall and curvy -- what should I wear?http://www.styledash.com/2008/03/07/ask-styledash-im-really-tall-and-curvy-what-should-i-wear/http://www.styledash.com/2008/03/07/ask-styledash-im-really-tall-and-curvy-what-should-i-wear/http://www.styledash.com/2008/03/07/ask-styledash-im-really-tall-and-curvy-what-should-i-wear/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After a recent post on how to flatter various figures, I received comments from two girls with the same issues -- they're quite tall (about six feet tall), and curvy, but not overweight.

At about 5'8" with broad shoulders, I run into issues with fit, often having to find long lengths in pants or letting hems out when long lengths aren't offered, and sometimes having to go up a size in jackets to accommodate my shoulders. These girls have it worse because they'll run into problems like that nearly every time they go shopping.

Gallery: Clothing for the very tall and curvy

Flirty and femLong and leanTie one onEveryone needs a little sweaterDon't dress like a big girl

For girls in this predicament, I offer the following advice:

Continue reading Ask Styledash: I'm really tall and curvy -- what should I wear?

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]]>advicebustycurvyfigurefitflatterhelphourglasshow-toplus-sizequestiontallKristen Seymour2008-03-07T13:27:00 00:00How old is too old when it comes to glitter?http://www.styledash.com/2008/02/26/how-old-is-too-old-when-it-comes-to-glitter/http://www.styledash.com/2008/02/26/how-old-is-too-old-when-it-comes-to-glitter/http://www.styledash.com/2008/02/26/how-old-is-too-old-when-it-comes-to-glitter/#commentsFiled under: ,

glitter faceI have a female friend that is 35 years old and every time she goes out, she insists on splashing glitter all over her face. I told her that a little on her eyes would be okay but that she is too old to be putting glitter all over her face. She looks like a circus clown. My question is, at what age do you think women should stop wearing glitter?

Yikes, there is no right age for looking like a glitter coated circus clown and kudos to you for telling your friend she looks like a fool because it sounds like she does. But to more clearly answer your question, I would say that 29 is the cut off for a face full of glitter. To me once you turn 30 you should have definitely mastered the application of glittery cosmetics.

Now glitter is the trend in cosmetics for Fall 2008 so chances are that your friend is going to get her hands on some. Steer her in the direction of some glitter eyeliner -- it's fun and doesn't end up all over your face. I can almost bet that she will get twice as many compliments with that than her disco fever face.

Good luck!
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]]>beautyglitterglitter cosmeticsGlitterCosmeticsmake upMakeUpLauren Messiah2008-02-26T08:03:00 00:00You could hire an image consultant, but why?http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/you-could-hire-an-image-consultant-but-why/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/you-could-hire-an-image-consultant-but-why/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/you-could-hire-an-image-consultant-but-why/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

before and after an image consultantApparently, actors and rockstars aren't the only people who use stylists. Everyday people like you and me use them, too, but we call them "image consultants."

An image consultant will do exactly what you see on those "makeover" reality TV shows: invade your privacy closet, throw out what doesn't work, keep the (ostensibly few) things that do work, spend all your hard-earned cash to buy the many things you absolutely have to have to look better, send you to a hairstylist, and give you a makeover with beauty products that are probably "in partnership" with the consultant.

Do I sound too harsh? Maybe. It's just that $160 an hour sounds like a bit of a frivolous expense to hire someone else, or even an entire team of people, to help makeover your image. For one thing, your image probably isn't all that bad to begin with, or at least not so bad that it requires $160 an hour. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure that doing some research yourself, and asking friends, you can achieve pretty close to the same, if not better, result.

Heck, at the very least, you can email us at Styledash!
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]]>image consultantsmakeoversstylistsSarah J. Gim2008-01-27T11:39:00 00:00Answer Styledash: Help our super dry skin all over!http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/answer-styledash-help-our-super-dry-skin-all-over/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/answer-styledash-help-our-super-dry-skin-all-over/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/27/answer-styledash-help-our-super-dry-skin-all-over/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lotions and creams for super dry skin
Here on Styledash, we frequently receive emails from readers asking for advice, suggestions, or help in finding a specific look or product. Recently, a reader wrote in bemoaning a problem that a lot of us have this time of the year with dramatic changes in temperature from outdoors to inside, and hot air blowing from heater -- super dry skin. For someone like who already has desert-dry skin even when on vacation in the Tropics, I feel you, and have the same question myself: "What can I use to help my cracked, dry, chapped skin?"

I put the question out to my network, and reader Ingar generously shared her solutions for both face and body:

For face: Ingar uses DHC Q10, which is line of skin care products from Japan that use the natural power of olive oil. The Essentials Set contains DHC Q10 Lotion which is actually a toner with the consistency exactly of water and really adds that moisture back to the skin without grease or heaviness, DHC Q10 Milk, which is a lightweight moisturizer, and DHC Concentrated Eye Cream which gets rid of fine lines.

For body: Skin gets even more dehydrated when it gets pounded too long with hot water in the shower. ATOPALM's shower gel restores moisture to sensitive or dry skin with essential amino acids. In fact, ATOPALM Body Wash can be used to calm hives, dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, itchy skin and eczema.

A little bit of luxury: Freeze 24/7 is a little pricey but definitely worth the $65 for the exfoliator. The Ice Crystals exfoliate dead skin cells and according to Ingar, leaves overall skin feeling way less haggard. It also decongests acne prone skin and diminishes the appearance of age spots, blemishes, skin discoloration and scarring.
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]]>atopalmbeautybeauty productsdhcdry skinDrySkinexfoliatorsfacial scrubsfreeze 24 7ice crystalsq10skincareSarah J. Gim2008-01-27T10:34:00 00:00Ask Styledash: What to wear to a Casablanca themed event?http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/07/ask-styledash-what-to-wear-to-a-casablanca-themed-event/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/07/ask-styledash-what-to-wear-to-a-casablanca-themed-event/http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/07/ask-styledash-what-to-wear-to-a-casablanca-themed-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Stop Staring dress from Red Dress Shoppe, inspired by 1940s Chanel haute coutureStyledash recently received this plea for help:

I am attending an event themed after Casablanca the movie ... I live in Florida and the event will take place in early February in a 1920's mansion on the bay. I want to dress like Ingrid Bergman in the movie, however, I have no idea where to find anything even close to her style ... Please help!

Lucky for you, Casablanca just happens to be one of my all-time favorite movies, not to mention that I'm a bit of a vintage junkie. Bergman wears a number of styles in this 1942 classic, ranging from feminine two-piece suits to glamorous gowns.

To get the look from the final scene of the movie ("We'll always have Paris"), I recommend searching eBay for "1940s suit". It could take some patience and digging, but when I searched I found some great suits from the right time period here, here, here, and here. If you can't find the perfect suit in the right size (always a problem in the world of vintage), you might also try purchasing a vintage suit pattern on eBay or elsewhere and having a local seamstress make it for you. This way you can have your pick of fabrics and make sure the fit is sublime. Top the whole thing off with this Ingrid Bergman inspired hat from BoringSidney, don your date in a classic trench coat, and you'll be good to go.

Alternately, you could go for an old Hollywood glamour look and emulate Bergman's dress in the "As Time Goes By" scene. Pair an ivory dress, such as the Flutter Ashley Dress by Trashy Diva, with a vintage rhinestone brooch and earrings, and all you need to complete this look is a pair of classic neutral pumps.

Finally, while I'm not sure that this look is an exact movie replica, this fabulous dress by Stop Staring (available at Red Dress Shoppe) is inspired by 1940s Chanel haute couture and it brings to mind classic film stars like Ingrid Bergman. This dress is truly timeless, so it's something you could wear again and again to dinner parties or other corporate functions.
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]]>1940scasablancaChanelclassiceBayIngrid BergmanIngridBergmanOld HollywoodOldHollywoodretrovintagevintage inspiredVintageInspiredMallory Whitfield2008-01-07T14:14:00 00:00Ask Styledash: What do I do about my splotchy hair?http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/24/ask-styledash-what-do-i-do-about-my-splotchy-hair/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/24/ask-styledash-what-do-i-do-about-my-splotchy-hair/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/24/ask-styledash-what-do-i-do-about-my-splotchy-hair/#commentsFiled under: ,

hair dyeReader Jenna wrote in for hair help from Styledash bloggers. She writes:


I have a natural hair color of mousey brown and after having highlights done at a hairdressers, started dying my roots myself. I have done this several times now but it appears to be slightly patchy and coppery-colored in places. I'm not sure what I should do next. Any advice you have would be much appreciated.

Here is my advice, Jenna. Go to your stylist right away before you get pulled over by the hair police. She (or he) will have enough trouble sorting out what you've done when left to your own devices. There are thousands of chemical and product combinations that you can apply to your hair to change the color and texture, but that doesn't mean that you should. Leave it to your stylist to make any permanent changes to your hair, okay? It's what she went to school for. Ask her to give you a style that requires less maintenance, which may mean highlights closer to your natural hair color. I'm sure you're the only one who thinks your natural color is mousey, and you clearly don't like to hit the salon more than you absolutely need to, so try keeping it natural for a change. Send before and after pics. And bring your stylist some flowers. Hope that helps!

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]]>Drew Noble2007-11-24T09:35:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: Shoes for a white dresshttp://www.styledash.com/2007/11/11/ask-styledash-shoes-for-a-white-dress/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/11/ask-styledash-shoes-for-a-white-dress/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/11/ask-styledash-shoes-for-a-white-dress/#commentsFiled under: ,

white dress sweater dressStyledash received this email:

I need fashion help bad. See I love being "in fashion," but hate shopping and I usually end up buying nothing because I cant ever decide on what I want. I have to present my grandfather on court at a Spurs NBA basketball game. I think I picked out the dress I want to wear (the one pictured). But now...shoes? I'm lost! I'm only 5'1 so heels are ok. Any suggestions?

Great dress and lucky for you because you've got options. Since you seem like a girl who doesn't like complicated answers, I will break it down by look:

Sweet and innocent: Because it's your grandfather's event you might not want to walk center court in a pair of sky-high heels. Gold flats like a pair from Olivia Morris will look great with bare legs or black tights (yes, you can wear black tights with a white dress).

Back in black: For someone who can't be bothered with buying new shoes or the stress of it just kills you, do this: wear your best pair of black heels (the ones that make your legs look like a million bucks) with a pair of black opaque tights. You will look high fashion and your legs will look miles long (no one will even be looking at your shoes).

Whatever you do, DO NOT:
  • wear boots -- you will look sloppy and casual.
  • wear white shoes. I am not going to lecture you about wearing white shoes after Labor Day because that rule is old and tired, but a stadium full of people won't be as understanding.
Good luck and have fun out there.
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]]>sweater dressSweaterDresswhite dressWhiteDressLauren Messiah2007-11-11T11:27:00 00:00Ask Styledash: Where to find nude shoes?http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/04/ask-styledash-where-to-find-nude-shoes/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/04/ask-styledash-where-to-find-nude-shoes/http://www.styledash.com/2007/11/04/ask-styledash-where-to-find-nude-shoes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

find shoesStyledash reader Heather wrote in, asking where to find shoes like the ones worn by the model in one of our Dress of the Day posts. The shoes are a grayish-nude colored suede wedge with an ankle strap. We love these shoes not only because a wedge heel is more comfortable than a standard high heel, but "nude" shoes that are almost the same color as your skin makes your legs appear three miles long.

Unfortunately, Shopbop doesn't have those shoes anymore (so i couldn't figure out what they were), but we do have some suggestions for other shoes in the "nude" category. The gallery has brands, styles, prices, and where-to-buy for a dozen pairs.

Gallery: Nude Shoes

Miss Dior Patent Peep Toe in BeigeMichael KorsChristian LouboutinChristian Diordaniblack
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]]>bootshigh heelnude shoesNudeShoesshoesSarah J. Gim2007-11-04T11:06:00 00:00Ask Styledash: How high before it's a stiletto heel?http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/15/ask-styledash-how-high-before-its-a-stiletto-heel/http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/15/ask-styledash-how-high-before-its-a-stiletto-heel/http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/15/ask-styledash-how-high-before-its-a-stiletto-heel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bruno Frisoni Gold-Tipped StilettoStyledasher Devin recently wrote in asking:

At what point is a heel considered "stiletto?"

Glad you asked because the stiletto heel, which is usually 2" or more, is my favorite kind! First, let's be clear that "stiletto" refers to an entire style of the heel, not just the height. Anything above two inches would be considered stiletto, though most of the time, we seem to see stiletto heels stretching it out to a good four inches!

There are plenty of heels out there that tower at four to five inches, but the stiletto also refers to the shape. The name actually comes from the stiletto dagger, which is very narrow before it comes to its sharp point, thus the stiletto heel itself is quite narrow, coming to a point on the ground that is 1 cm in diameter or less.
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]]>heelsshoesstilettoSarah J. Gim2007-10-15T18:10:00 00:00Ask Styledash: What are the best leggings on the market?http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/09/ask-styledash-what-are-the-best-leggings-on-the-market/http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/09/ask-styledash-what-are-the-best-leggings-on-the-market/http://www.styledash.com/2007/10/09/ask-styledash-what-are-the-best-leggings-on-the-market/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear Styledash: Who makes the best leggings?

The best is never easy to quantify, but I think we've come close. Since not everyone can afford a $100 pair of leggings, I thought it would be helpful to come up with a best for three different price points: under $10, under $50, and under $100.

Under $10
Xhilaration Leggings from Target: Sure, they're technically juniors, but I have at least two pairs that have lasted me more than a year's worth of wear and washing. Best part? They only cost $5.99.

Under $50
Wolford Velvet de Luxe Leggings: As far as I'm concerned, Wolford makes the best hosiery in the world, so naturally, the Velvet de Luxe leggings were my pick for this category. The material is thick enough to not give you the dreaded sheer patches on your knees, but thin enough to not add bulk. Price: $38.

Under $100
Three Dot Leggings: Slightly thicker than the Wolford leggings, these Three Dots are more like pants than hosiery. Oh yeah, they're also machine washable. Price: $78.
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]]>best leggingsBestLeggingsleggingsTargetThree DotThreeDotWolfordAnne Metz2007-10-09T12:27:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: Stylin' at 60-plushttp://www.styledash.com/2007/08/22/ask-styledash-60-style/http://www.styledash.com/2007/08/22/ask-styledash-60-style/http://www.styledash.com/2007/08/22/ask-styledash-60-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

St. John suit from NordstromA Styledash reder recently emailed in with the following question:

Can you give me information on stylish lines of clothing for women and men for the 60+ crowd? I'm looking for lines that design with "mature" figures in mind, but still have a great sense of style.

Great question! Why should the young people have all the fun? Kudos to you for caring about your sense of fashion at 60 plus -- if only everyone your age could feel the same way. But I digress ...

There are some great lines out there that cater to an more mature crowd and they are nothing you would see standing in line for senior citizen discount at Denny's.

High End- There are a few high end designers you can look to either to purchase clothing from or just to grab some inspiration from. All brands can be found at Nordstrom.com as well.

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: Stylin' at 60-plus

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]]>coachlongchampmature fashionMatureFashionst johnStJohntory burchToryBurchLauren Messiah2007-08-22T10:31:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: Pants for thin women?http://www.styledash.com/2007/03/06/ask-styledash-pants-for-thin-women/http://www.styledash.com/2007/03/06/ask-styledash-pants-for-thin-women/http://www.styledash.com/2007/03/06/ask-styledash-pants-for-thin-women/#commentsFiled under:

pants for thin womenIf it's Tuesday, it's time to check Styledash's mailbag! We've gotten quite a few questions from readers over the last few weeks, and girls, do we have some answers.

Styledash reader Kay asks: "I like to inquire about pants that will fit skinny girls like myself. Size zeros or even double zeros (from banana republic) still too big. It is really hard to find pants these days."

Skinny girl? Size zero is too big? Yes, I realize that not being able to find clothes because you are "too something" is a problem no matter what that something is, but, um, okay, so Kay, honey, you have what I would call a "high-class problem."

Now then, on to solving that high-class problem! You need styles that add shape to your figure. Stay away from anything that makes you look even skinnier, like the dreaded skinny jean.

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: Pants for thin women?

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]]>jeanspantspetitespleated pantsskinnywomenSarah J. Gim2007-03-06T10:21:00 00:00Ask StyleDash: A double duty beach bag?http://www.styledash.com/2007/02/22/ask-styledash-a-double-duty-beach-bag/http://www.styledash.com/2007/02/22/ask-styledash-a-double-duty-beach-bag/http://www.styledash.com/2007/02/22/ask-styledash-a-double-duty-beach-bag/#commentsFiled under: , ,

beach bagsStyleDash reader Sara recently sent us an email, asking for our help in preparation for a cruise she's taking in May: "I'm looking for a bag that I can use as a carry on, beach bag, etc. while on the trip." With all the options out there, that's easy, but Sara also threw in one narrowing factor - since she's spending all that money on the cruise, the bag has to be affordable!

Well, Sara, I did a little poking around and came up with a few bags, since I'm not totally sure what your personal style is like.

From Land's End, there's the Lighthouse Tote, which is perfect for the beach because its 1680-denier nylon is water-resistant, and works well for travel because of its durable construction. The bag comes in multiple colors, and is available from the Land's End website for $29.50.

Maxwell Silver makes a fetching tote with a slightly flip-flopped design from a standard bag -- the single handle goes of the top of the bag like basket. The bag is made of 100% cotton and linen in a print called garden jonquil. The bag is $190.

Continue reading Ask StyleDash: A double duty beach bag?

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]]>bagsbeach bagspursestote bagstotesSarah J. Gim2007-02-22T18:33:00 00:00Ask Styledash: Affordable yet stylish messenger bag?http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/29/ask-styledash-messenger-bag/http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/29/ask-styledash-messenger-bag/http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/29/ask-styledash-messenger-bag/#commentsFiled under: , ,

instant messenger bagsLast week, I answered Styledash reader Sara's inquiry about an affordable yet stylish bag for her daughter. I pointed her to a leather camera bag that can be slung across the body like a messenger bag the way Jessica Biel has been seen carrying a similar Kenneth Cole camera bag. For whatever reason, this past week I came across a whole slew of "messenger-style" bags. So if you're still, looking, Sara, here are a few more! (left to right, top to bottom)

Inspired by a recent article about Etsy's new Brooklyn Lab, I poked around the Etsy site and came upon Seabreeze Studios. The first bag is Seabreeze Studios' Small Messenger Bag in Brown Cherry. The bag is 10" wide, 6¾" deep, and 2½" wide, has a front foldover flap and fastens with a magnetic snap. The fabric is a heavy-weight cotton imported from Japan. This bag might be the best deal, since it's only $35.

Though the first thing we think of when we hear "Zappos" is shoes, the online store is a great resource for handbags as well. Cruising through there on my daily shoe trail, I found Kathy Van Zeeland's Casual Friday Messenger bag. The bag is made of canvas and though it's a messenger, has all the shiny details of a regular handbag. The bag is $92.

There was a time when the seatbelt bag was the must-have item for every girl. Though the height of its popularity has waned, Harveys Seatbelt Bag is no less functional and fashionable. The Mini Messenger is only $138, and though the Harvey's website doesn't have the blue color, you can find it on Zappos.

Continue reading Ask Styledash: Affordable yet stylish messenger bag?

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]]>Sarah J. Gim2007-01-29T10:02:00 00:00Ask Styledash: A messenger bag for my daughter?http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/23/ask-styledash-a-messenger-bag-for-my-daughter/http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/23/ask-styledash-a-messenger-bag-for-my-daughter/http://www.styledash.com/2007/01/23/ask-styledash-a-messenger-bag-for-my-daughter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

jessica biel with kenneth cole messenger bagStyledash reader Sara recently emailed the Styledash team and asked about a bag for her daughter:

"Can you recommend an affordable messenger-style (she swears if she can't throw it over her shoulder, she's not interested) bag that says 'I'm a creative professional and I have style and a purse that works for me?' "

We looked around a bit, and unfrotunately, those things that are actually called "messenger bags" look, well, either way too "corporate" like laptop bags, or they simply look like messenger bags -- boxy, boring, and usually very utilitarian.

Luckily, we came across some photos of actress Jessica Biel sporting the Kenneth Cole New York Jet Stream Leather Tote with a lengthened strap to carry across her body. The bag itself (we are guessing it's the "camera bag" size as the "travel tote" seems a little too big to carry as a purse) is a little expensive ($425), but the idea of a camera bag certainly works. Tignanello's "Venezia" leather camera bag is a sweet $125 and comes in the standard brown, black and navy, as well as a fierce red.
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]]>camera bagsjessica bielkenneth colemessenger bagsMessengerBagspursesshoulder bagstote bagsSarah J. Gim2007-01-23T10:01:00 00:00Ask Styledash: Dressing your agehttp://www.styledash.com/2006/11/14/ask-styledash-dressing-your-age/http://www.styledash.com/2006/11/14/ask-styledash-dressing-your-age/http://www.styledash.com/2006/11/14/ask-styledash-dressing-your-age/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear Styledash: Please help! I am a 39 year old female who is single and looking, but I look a lot younger than I am. Naturally, the only guys that are interested in me are 25-30 year olds. I feel very lucky to look so young, but when it comes to dating it's starting to get old. I think it might be the way I'm dressing. -- Lisa

Woah, Lisa, talk about a problem that I wouldn't mind having! Just kidding -- not all attention is good attention, and while I'm sure it's flattering to have such an effect on men, you seem to be looking for someone with more life experience than say, Justin Timberlake.

Gallery: Celebs who don't dress their age


That having been said, yes, changing your wardrobe is probably a very good place to start. Since I don't know exactly what you wear on a daily basis, I think that I can still make a few helpful suggestions.

First of all, if you have any jeans with embroidery or embellishments on them, ditch them, pronto. Nothing says "I'm entry-level" like a big butterfly on your butt. For that matter, you might want to do a major purge of pants collection. I would suggest getting a few pairs of trouser jeans and chinos. Trouser-style pants have a classic, sophisticated look, which is sexy but not 23-year-old sex-kitten sexy. Personally, I'm a big fan of J.Crew's Heritage chino.

As for tops, I would suggest moving away from bright colorful patterns towards more subdued monochromatic pieces. It might sound a little boring at first, but I think that a well-tailored white blouse or a sleek black cashmere turtleneck could help your cause. If you feel stiffled, go for some fun jewelry or other accessories.

You might also want to consider trying a different haircut. Obviously, none of what I've said is true universally, but I generally think that shorter hairstyles tend to look more mature. If you are still holding onto your post-college ponytail, you should really think about hacking it off. Right now, bobs are an extremely popular haircut. If you're scared, remember, your hair will always grow back.

Also, do you wear makeup regularly? If you do wear makeup, consider the formulas and finish of the products. Does your lip gloss contain glitter? If it does, get rid of it! In fact, if any of your makeup is particularly shimmery, I would ditch it.

I hope this has been helpful. With any luck, a couple of wardrobe changes will let your wisdom and life experience shine through, not just your young-looking face.
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]]>ageask styledashAskStyledashtrouserAnne Metz2006-11-14T16:55:00 00:00