Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I need you to settle a debate that my roommate and I are having. She recently had a job interview and asked if she could borrow a pair of heels to wear. I told her sure, but being who she is, she chose the most expensive pair I own - my first, and might I add only, pair of black Louboutin pumps! When she returned them they seemed a bit stretched and I noticed a few scuffs. I told her she should reimburse me for them and keep them since they don't fit as well anymore and the scuffs irk me. She argues that she'll pay for the damage to be repaired but not for the shoes. Who's right? Should she own up and pay me for the shoes or should I lighten up and let her pay for the repairs and live with them?

Signed,

Red Hot Over Red Soles

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Dear R.H.O.R.S.,

Treating this as if it were "Fashion Court", you both have an argument. Looking at it from your vantage point, your prized footwear was damaged and deemed, in your opinion, "unwearable" where as she believes the shoes could be returned and worn once repaired.

A judicious suggestion would be to have her take the shoes to a quality shoe repair shop and have them fix all that ails you about the shoes and see if you can once again love them. If you still can't find it in you to love your old soles then try listing them on a site like eBay, Craigslist or take them to a local high-end designer consignment shop and gauge which refurbished route will garner you the best financial return. Now that the shoes have been repaired to "like new" condition you may get back most of what you originally paid for them.

Once the shoes have sold, see if your roommate will either cover the remaining cost of a new pair of Louboutins or split the remaining balance in half with you. Since you did tell her that she could borrow a pair of shoes for the interview, and failed to mention that there were pairs off limits, you have to take ownership of your part in this shoe debacle.

Going forward, it would serve you well to create some boundaries for your wardrobe/accessories to avoid having a calamity like this happen in the future.

In the case of roommate vs roommate, the ruling has been delivered. Fashion court is adjourned.

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 44-year old single mother of three girls who was blessed with a great post babies body. In fact, having kids gave me a great set of "twins" and a few more curves that I didn't have before. But as my children get older they are telling me I dress too sexy. I think at my age if you've survived a divorce and raised three girls if you still got it, flaunt it!

I like to wear low cut tops, tight dresses and stilettos because I feel sexy so I want to look sexy. Some of my friends have told me this is what's holding me back from a career in entertainment but again, I've met so many people in the industry - a lot of men especially - who I believe wouldn't have given me a second look if I didn't wear revealing clothing. So my question is who should I believe, my friends and family who think I dress too provocatively or just own it? And if they're right, what can I wear to appear less sexual but still look and feel sexy?

Signed,

Sexy Mom

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Dear S.M.,

Despite your sexiness, it sounds like your closet is unbalanced. There is a time and place for every outfit and without age-appropriate clothing the perception you're giving off is counterproductive, especially if you are legitimately trying to break into the entertainment industry. With that said, you could probably stand to have a makeunder.

Take a girlfriend and/or your daughters with you shopping with the intention of finding age-appropriate/business casual wear for your future dealings with your entertainment contacts. If you're really serious about breaking into the industry, then you'll have to rely on something other than your looks to get you past the velvet rope.

And toning it down doesn't mean you have to be completely covered up. Your clothing can still be body conscious but if the dress is low cut, then it should at least be knee length. If the dress is above the knee then try to cover up the "twins" for the sake of leaving something to the imagination. But again, these are the "time and place" pieces that should only be worn when you aren't trying to impress upon someone your desire to break into an industry that hundreds of women dressed similarly to you, who are using the same line as you, but only to finance their Mrs. degree.

As a single mother of three girls you most certainly don't want your daughters growing up to believe that they need to dress a certain way to get ahead in life. There's a certain je ne sais quoi about a woman who knows she's sexy and conveys that sex appeal through her actions and energy and doesn't rely on the obvious.

Dressing for success instead of, well, sex will get you further along than you think. And I'm sure your daughters will be proud of their mom for the change.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Going to the Chapel, as a guest, in Style Pt. 1

Every year around this time men and women alike get invited to one of the most important events in their friend's lives: their wedding. And with the invitations come the scramble for what to wear. Typically, the type of wedding determines that, but the range for women can extend beyond the odds of catching the bouquet. For this weeks trend report, I will break down the most common types of weddings and give you ladies an idea of what's appropriate to wear to each. (But don't fret fellas, next week its all about you!)

Formal

Most formal weddings are held in a church or holy sanctuary so your best bet is to choose something knee length and dare it be said, conservative. This is not to say that you shouldn't choose something that makes a fashion statement, but make it subtle and classy. Try to channel the likes of first ladies Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

Antonio Melani “Piano” Dress, Dillards

Cocktail

For those of our friends who embrace the idea of a "nontraditional" wedding, you still want your dress to be appropriate for the big day, even if said nuptials are being held at a museum, warehouse or even the restaurant they had their first date. One problem you may encounter is that with this type of wedding the bridesmaids dresses could have a very cocktail feel so if you have the opportunity, ask someone in the wedding party what they're wearing to have a better idea of what style would be appropriate.

Jones New York Shutter-Pleat Dress, Dillards

Destination

This type of wedding is usually set someplace tropical or held in a large outdoors area. What’s great is that unless specified, there is no specific look to cater to when getting ready. But that doesn't mean you should just throw caution to the wind when looking for a dress to wear. Look for something flirty and fun - like the nature of the wedding! - but still has that air of sophistication. After all, you want still want to look like you've shown up to a wedding.

Donna Morgan Strapless Dress, Dillards

These are just a few of the general types of weddings that you might encounter while on the wedding circuit this season. But whatever you decide to wear, always remember to resist the urge to wear white! The bride should have her day - and color - to herself!

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Gender Bending 101: Bow Ties and Detachable Collars for Women

A trend that has been on the revived-rise for women of late is starting to make its way from the runway to the streets: menswear inspired accessories!

Bow ties are a prime example. One of the few male accessories around since the dawning of fashion time, this season its becoming a staple in a woman’s wardrobe to add a certain finishing touch.

Diane Kruger

Janelle Monáe

This masculine accessory can complete - and compliment - just about any outfit you deem bow tie-worthy. What's great about the bow tie is that there is a lot of room for interpretation.

The bow tie plays into another, more pronounced trend for women: the detachable collar.

Sherbet Orange Collar, Pixie Market

Again, if you want to dress up what could have been a bland outfit, or use it as a make-shift choker, this accessory should be looked at as an investment piece that could serve as an accent to your wardrobe for years to come.

Leopard Printed Calf Hair with Crystals, Eleven Objects

Poppy Silk Faille Collar, Eleven Objects

Tan Lace with Noir Collar Stand, Eleven Objects

Tan Calf Hair with Brass Studs, Eleven Objects

Between the bow ties and the collar pieces, you now have two great accessories that will definitely spice up your outfit with an eccentricity that would make Annie Hall proud.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a mom with a demanding career and a demanding home life so when I leave my house in the morning I travel heavy: a gym bag, my work tote, purse and miscellaneous extras for the kids, inclement weather accessories, etc. I recently started seeing a chiropractor because of lower back, shoulder and neck pain. I attribute it all to the many bags I carry but I can't seem to find a way to lighten the load. And before you say it, my doctor recommended the bag on wheels but I've tried them and they can be bulky and cumbersome, not to mention unfashionable.

Any good suggestions on a great bag to handle all my demands without breaking my back?

Sincerely,

Mom on the Move

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Dear M.O.T.M.,

It sounds like you've got a lot resting on your shoulders - literally and figuratively. What's amazing is that you believe that in order to have it all you have to carry it all...at once. And you are not alone. There are women walking in the same stiletto-heeled shoes as you that teeter on the brink of being recognized as a stylish Sherpa.

We could talk bags but you, more than anything, sound like you need a distribution strategy versus a bigger bag that will only lead you to believe that you have room to pile more things in. You are better served by using your routine's resources to your advantage. Keep what you need for the kids in the car; keep what you need for work at work; acquire a gym locker - and utilize their laundry service - to store your workout clothing and accessories.

Buy travel sized items to further lighten the load in case you have to transport a few things on your person that day. But the only thing you should carry from this point on is your purse and work tote and even those shouldn't be stuffed to the gills. You may still want to see your chiropractor to help repair or reverse what damage you've done by carrying so much for so long. With any luck you should see - and feel - a difference in less time than it takes to unpack your current day-to-day baggage. Overnight, you'll go from a bag lady to a lady who carries a bag. Sounds much more chic, n'est-ce pas?

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I'm noticing a trend of women wearing nude pumps. Are they a solid investment or just a fad?

Signed,

Nude Heels Hot or Not

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Dear N.H.H.O.N.,

Consider nude pumps to be the equivalent to black pumps. In that vein, nude or camel heels are more than just a solid investment: they should be considered a footwear staple. As of late, they are being manufactured in a multitude of nude hues, materials and textures so you can base the pair you purchase on your skin tone or find a traditional camel colored pair that are just as appealing. With either option, you're guaranteed a leg-lengthening silhouette stemming from a shoe that manages to coordinate with just about everything in your closet.

For fall and winter, a closed-toe pump or boot would work best to combat the elements and still guarantee you the same desired leg-lengthening-can-be-paired-with-just-about-everything appeal. Nude pumps would transition well into spring, but for summer if you are still in the mood to go nude, try finding a pair of strappy sandals that will elongate your leg but allow your toes - and pedicure - the much needed reprieve from close-toed footwear.

These additional tips are great footwear food for thought if you're still having doubts about the power of the nude heel. But trust in that you truly can't go wrong with a shoe that even though they're considered nude, reveal nothing but your gams potential to be considered for fashion's R Rating. The R is for Ravishing which means your look may contain strong sexy legs, adult language expressed by onlookers and of course, brief nudity...of the shoe. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

What kind of boots should a woman wear with a skirt or dress. Does the skirt have to be a certain length to wear with a certain height of boot?

Sincerely,

Willing to try it

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Dear W.T.T.I.,

There was a time when the shaft of your boot dictated what length skirt or dress you wore, but that rule is no longer being applied, at least for this season. Ankle boots are being paired with bare legs and shorts or mini skirts; thigh high boots with skinny jeans and knee high boots with every look in between those mentioned and then some.

Although, if you want to wear boots in a more traditional capacity, then relegate your ankle boots to just being worn with jeans or long pants. If pairing them with a skirt, knee-length is best, provided you add a pair of tights the same color as the booties in question. This will give your legs a lengthy silhouette; pairing them with colored tights should have the same effect, but also add the elements of color and playfulness to the look.

Knee high boots can be paired with jeans, or again, knee-length skirts or dresses. The beauty of these boots is that with or without tights or stockings they only bare a little leg so the decision is yours as to whether you want to add them or not.

Over the knee, or thigh high, boots aren't for everyone, but they worked for Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" so they could be something to try your hand at - the boots, not the call girl service, of course. They work well with shorter skirts at night or jeans and leggings if you want to take them for a daytime stroll.

Nancy Sinatra once famously sang: "These boots are made for walkin', and thats just what they'll do." So no matter the height or style, if you care for your boots properly they're guaranteed to last you for as long as you'd like and through as many outfit pairings as you can imagine. "Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!"

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am getting married in a few months on a shoe string budget and I need to find a hairstylist and makeup artist that I can afford. So far I haven't found anyone yet - any suggestions? I'm freaking out!

Signed,

Bride on a Budget

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Dear B.O.A.B.,

A bride in your financial position has to be resourceful. And the best resource for you would be to contact a local cosmetology school. There are pluses and minuses to this suggestion but it must be said that this is a vastly untapped resource of raw talent that could work to your advantage as long as you know what - and who - you are looking for.

You need to find a student in their final year of studies that would be willing to do your hair for whatever your budget can bare and/or in exchange for giving them permission to use your photo in their look book. Just be sure to test their skills by way of a hair trial appointment to make certain that they're up to the task of creating the perfect 'do for your I do's.

You could find a capable makeup artist in the same place as your ingénue hairstylist, but another suggestion would be to sit down with a makeup artist in a beauty department. You may be encouraged to make a purchase even if it is the consultation for the big day so if it comes down to the budget then stick with the student who would more than likely be willing to work with you price-wise. You will still want to have a consultation with them as well as a trial run the same as you would the hairstylist.

For both instances you want to take pictures from multiple angles to use when recreating the look you're going for. And don't be afraid to speak up if the hair or makeup isn't exactly how you imagined. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to cheat yourself out of what you've envisioned for your day.

If you start looking now you should be able to find someone to do your hair and makeup within your budget and with your exact vision in mind. Though to be honest, no one will be as concerned with your hair and makeup as how you look in your dress, the meal served at the reception and if there's an open bar and dance floor. Those are the elements of a wedding that guests will remember most. So take a deep breath and relax.

No one likes a frizzy, err, frazzled bride-to-be.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My boyfriend is starting to sleep over more and I'm thinking I need to invest in some real pajamas. I'm a petite girl in height and weight and usually wear a tank top and boy's boxers to bed. I want to be a little sexier but not wear lingerie to bed every night.

Signed,

Pajama Girl

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Dear P.G.,

Before buying pajamas you want to consider your unconscious comfort level. Think about your sleep pattern: do you get warm in the middle of the night - either by nature or because of your boyfriend's body heat? Toss and turn? Back and forth to the bathroom? Or perhaps you're a light sleeper? In addition to helping you decide what pajamas you'd be most comfortable in, your answers may also be helpful in determining how much sleep you're getting a night and if it's enough.

But lets not count the sheep before they jump the fence to get to the mall. Now that you're armed with your sleep study results you can begin your search for the perfect pj's. Start with department stores since their inventory of sleepwear tends to run the gamut from babydoll cami's with matching panties to flannel onesies. Look for natural materials that breath in addition to being comfortable and pleasing to your (boyfriend's) eye. Cotton, silk and satin are your best material bets.

Even after you have an idea of what looks good and feels good on, still take the time to explore the many variations of sleepwear offered. After all, pajamas have diversified from being just for the bedroom. Under the guise of "lounge wear" many consumers have adopted comfortable, yet fashionable, ensembles that can be worn around the house - with an emphasis on around the house. Look for coordinates that range from shorts and tanks to pants and tops, keeping in mind what's most important: the materials used, the fit and of course its appeal...to sleep in.

But as a word of caution, once you buy a set of pajamas its hard to ignore the multitude of sleep wear accessories and sleep aids. What's a set of pajamas without the matching bathrobe? Or what about slippers? Then of course there are earplugs, sleeping eye masks, sound machines and need it be said: a quality mattress with high thread count sheets and firm pillows.

Your boyfriend sleeping over may cost you more than you bargained for, but in the long run it could be the best thing that ever happened to you and your bed. Investing in the relationship you and he has is important but so is the investment you're making in your relationship with sleep. A boyfriend in the bed sounds great, but a good night's sleep sounds just as sexy.

Want to know what you and your partner's sleep position says about your relationship? Use this guide to help decode your current sleeping arrangement or take this quiz to determine if you're compatible to really sleep together.

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

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,

A younger co-worker told me that women do not wear hose any longer. I can see that this is true in the summer, but what about in the winter? Is this true only in the warmer places in the south?

Signed,

Hung-Up on Hosiery

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Dear H-U.O.H.,

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Older women will be more pron to scoff at the idea of no hose since they were required in most professional job settings. Younger women, like your colleague, would think otherwise because she is of the generation that ushered in a more relaxed dress code. One that embraced bare-legged fashion and adopted trousers as an acceptable addition to the women's professional work wardrobe, all but eliminating the need for pantyhose.

Wearing hose dates back just before the fifteenth century, and throughout all of its incarnations, has served as the buffer between bare legs and the elements. In our culture they were thought to provide warmth, conceal a host of imperfections, as well as smooth the appearance of skin, making it easier for women (and their thighs) to wear a skirt.

Unfortunately, pantyhose have also received their fair share of criticism. In addition to being un-recyclable and having the accessory lifespan of a fruit fly, they've been linked to a number of health risks including urinary tract infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and heat exhaustion. These are mostly attributed to the synthetic materials used not allowing proper airflow or moisture absorption, which can make wearing them not only uncomfortable but a breeding ground for a host of bacteria.

Today's woman is now armed with an arsenal of tools to remove unwanted leg hair and if necessary, spanx to tame the tummy and thighs without the hassle of hose. Pantyhose and stockings (and while we're at it, knee and ankle-highs) have been all but replaced by the recent popularity of tights and footless leggings. Since women today prefer bare legs in the summer, tights and leggings are worn more so out of necessity in colder weather with skirts or dresses to protect and cover would-be bare legs. In addition to warmth they also come in a variety of materials - namely cotton and other natural fibers (e.g. wool, silk or cashmere) that allow air circulation - colors and patterns, making them functional as well as fashionable. Not to mention they're usually much more durable than your typical nylon pantyhose.

So if women wear pantyhose today its a tell-tell sign that she's either of a generational mindset that wouldn't dare go bare down there or she's a trendy hipster in opaque tights or fishnets. Yet don't take this as a deterrent from wearing them. If pantyhose are an accessory you'd like to wear just know you're still in good company. As long as there are British women, drag queens, pop stars and the occasional fetishist, there will always be a place for pantyhose to run on someone's parade.

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

------------

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