Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

A girlfriend has been telling me for years that I would look great with a short haircut and this year I decided to go for it! The cut looks great but none of my old accessories seem to look as good on now. Any advice?

Signed,

Short Hair Accessories

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Dear S.H.A.,

Its rather hard to believe that any accessory would fall prey to a haircut, especially when short hair seems to highlight any accessory worn, not diminish them. However, i

f your case is the rare exception, and you plan to maintain this cut for a year or more, then the solution isn't to buy more but wear less.

This new short hair allows your face to be more open, lengthens your neck and brings attention to your décolletage, so plan to highlight that in ways you didn't before.

Clothing that has built-in-bling, for example, will be all the eye needs as far as accessories are concerned. This lets your haircut stand out while your outfit still has sparkle.

Once you're used to your lopped locks new look, you will find that you can start to reincorporate accessories like scarves, necklaces and even headbands without them appearing out of sync with your hair. Keep your earrings to a simple stud for daily wear unless you feel comfortable with wearing a tear drop design. For dressy occasions, try to find a dress that opens up around your neck and collar bone. Remember: less hair means more of an opportunity to show more skin but in a demure and sophisticated fashion.

It is also advisable to consult a cosmetic representative of your favorite brand to recommend new moisturizers, concealers or even a new color palate since your face is now much more visible than before.

Consider this haircut as the precursor for a new chapter in your life.

From Twiggy and Mia Farrow's iconic short do's to the likes of Halle Berry, Sharon Stone and Michelle Williams, the short haircut has become a women's answer to feeling and looking rejuvenated. It could be the weight off the shoulders or just more of a metaphor for beginning anew, but e

very woman should

try a short haircut once in her life. Consider yourself one shear ahead of the game.

Even short hair requires a little mane-tenance. A few quick tips is all you need to ensure a healthy shorn look.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 27-year old woman who stands at a staggering 4' 11". After college, and several jobs where I was referred to as, "hey you, kid!", I really began obsessing over my height. I'm beginning to feel as though its starting to take its toll on me personally and professionally. Is there a way to appear taller that doesn't involve fun house mirrors or vertical stripes?

Signed,

Height Priority

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Well H.P.,

You may not like what I'm about to say, but you're just going to have to embrace every inch of yourself and let go of your hang-ups. It sounds like you've already tried these tips so there's really not much more to be said.

It's funny though that you mention "fun house mirrors." Just about everyone is guilty of trying to mask some "imperfection" with 'fashion' fun house mirrors - body shapers, hair extensions, color contacts, etc. - and in your case, at the end of the day, when the vertical stripes are put away, the hair is laid flat and you're enjoying your nightly foot soak compliments of the skyscraper heels you opt for, you're right back where you started.

What exactly do you feel is interfering with you "personally and professionally": how tall you are, or your complex about how tall you are not? It sounds like your height isn't the issue here - more than anything, it sounds like you need to elevate your self-esteem to the height you would like to be and strut through each day with that mentality.

So I'm going to encourage you to purchase some form of ballet flats - and I mean flats; platforms do not count! - and test them out one weekend. Have fun with your shortcomings and accept that we all have body image issues to work through. Let go of all that negativity towards your self-image and learn not to sweat the small stuff. As for others' negative comments, you just have to let them roll off your back, or, if I may, go right over your head.

For some of you other ladies, you may also want to tread lightly in your heels.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com