Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

Whenever I go out with friends I always dress in black. I just think it makes for a great silhouette, makes it really easy to get ready and I worry less about someone spilling something on my outfit or stepping on my shoes. My friend's say I should incorporate some color and I'm starting to wonder if they're right. What do you think?

Sincerely,

Black on Black

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Dear B.O.B.,

Your head is in the right place. You most certainly want to wear things out on the town that can take a licking, especially if you patron crowded bars, dance clubs or just have one too many cocktails. And there's nothing wrong with wearing black for evening affairs every now and again, but your friends are right: if you don't mix it up you run the risk of being mistaken for a trendy ninja.

First, we have to get you to look at buying color. The next time you go shopping, find exactly what you want in black...and then try it on in a different shade. If they don't have your size in the color that best suits you, choose another color that could work just as well on you. Under no circumstances are you to buy said item in black. This "clothing corporal punishment" is retraining your eye not to immediately go to the black option. You could even come to appreciate the detailing of the item that much more, now that its more visible and pronounced. (Word of advice: You may want a friend to tag along so you actually try on - and purchase - said items in a shade not favored by the grim reaper.)

Next, you want to ensure that your new color rich items have the same "party-proof" faculties as your "black out" wardrobe. Look for footwear made of leather and canvas to have a multitude of cleaning options should something happen and require a little TLC. As for clothing, the best route to take would be either 100% cotton materials or a machine washable blend. You may want to abstain from anything that requires dry cleaning or would be hard to treat for stains like silk, suede or wool.

Accessories are another route to take in your bid against the black. There's not enough space on the internet to outline all of the color options and combinations that you could create just by donning accessories.

The next time you go out you should be all set to embrace a little color. You can still wear your black pieces, just be sure to leave room for a little color variation. Dressing in all black every time you go out sounds so depressing. If nothing else learn to not always appear so serious when you're going out to have a good time. Spin the color wheel and take a few risks; throw caution to the wind. In other words, lighten up.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 26-year-old on the hunt for the perfect job. I have a couple of interviews coming up and I want to look business savvy but fashionable at the same time. I've been having the hardest time finding something that meets this criteria. I kind of waited last minute and am scrambling for an outfit. Any suggestions on how to look business savvy/fashionable without looking like a "young kid"?

Please help!

Business Savvy

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Dear B.S.,

When interviewing there's nothing more "adult" or non-"young kid" looking than a suit. To come across as a "young professional" you should opt for a freshly laundered-and-pressed collared shirt, suit jacket, coordinating skirt or pants, heels no more than 3" and minimal jewelry, makeup and hair styling. You want the focus of the interview to be your resume and work ethic, not your choice of wardrobe and accessories.

Its best to stick to the "interview aesthetic" and not let your outfit outshine - or derail - your chances of landing the job. You want the employer to be assured that you are the best applicant for the position. The only way to do that is to come through the door professional and polished. The only way to ensure that is to suit up. Just by wearing a suit you've already left a good impression.

A suit also acts as a barometer for assessing the office dress code. If your potential colleagues are dressed for business in business attire, or for casual Friday on a Monday morning, you'll have an idea of how to dress for your first day.

Good luck on your interviews and remember the key (read: cliché) phrases from job hunting 101: "it's all about who you know, so network", "5 minutes early is on time; on time is late" and last but not least: "dress for the job you want, not the job you're interviewing for".

Check out this site for more tips on what to wear - and avoid wearing - to a job interview.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I recently moved to NYC. As winter quickly approaches I would like to start preparing for the cold, but I don't own ANYthing suitable. I am a woman but have a more masculine fashion sense (i.e. I haven't bought girl clothes in almost 10 years). Where are some good places to shop/things to buy that I can stay warm for not a TON of money??

Signed,

Thin Blooded Southern Belle

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Dear T.B.S.B.,

First, you're going to want to try layering what you already have. Once it starts to get really cold your first purchase needs to be of several pairs of thermal underclothing - and that includes socks. As long as you have these on you'll never need as many layers on, which will help decrease the bulkiness of your outfit but still amp up your warmth.

Next, you're going to need to invest in a goose down jacket. Most brands that carry this type of jacket have a large selection of cuts, colors and styles, but look at going up one size to accommodate for layering. I would also advise to err on the side of caution and get one that hits at least to your knees. (Trust me on this. You'll thank me later.)

Last but not least, you'll want to purchase a few accessory essentials: namely, a scarf, hat, gloves and galoshes. My personal suggestion on the scarf, hat and gloves would be to stay away from dark neutrals like black and gray so its easier to be spotted in a crowd. The galoshes will be good for walking to work and running errands on the weekends. They'll preserve your shoes from unnecessary damage and its as simple as rinsing them off if they ever start to look a little weathered from the weather.

There are a lot of things I love about New York, but the winters aren't one of them. But if you can make it through this winter you'll have made it through one of the toughest cities, during one of its toughest seasons. If you can do that you just may earn the privilege of calling New York home.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am an education grad student with one year left before graduation. I went through an "emo" phase in undergrad and have a few tattoos in obvious places - my forearms, expressly. I've already let go of my "snake bite" facial piercings and ear gauges. My fear is that my past personal expression may not land me the job that I want. I looked into tattoo removal but its painful, costly and I don't want to get rid of them if I don't have to, which is why I'm writing to you. What's your sartorial take on this? What are my options in this situation - body make-up? long sleeves?

Signed,

Ex-Emo Educator

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Dear E-E. E.,

I believe it was Robert Frost who was once quoted as saying, "I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

You can't allow your actions or persona as an adolescent to define who you are today. However, your fears are valid. Some potential employers may see you and the profession you chose as an oxymoron. But like Frost, those who choose to take "the road less traveled" are better for it. As a future educator, your perspective will be refreshing and inspiring to a generation that is on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we as a society look at gender, sexuality and even tattoos and piercings.

You, yourself, are apart of an age group that represents change and growth in our country. Our children need to see that change reflected in places other than television. They need to see that tattoos and the like can be associated with a career other than rapping, acting, athletes and/or soccer moms who've turned over a new leaf.

Now let me be clear: this does not mean I'm advocating for young adults to go out and get "tatted up". The lesson for them to learn is that tattoos are permanent and will follow you through your personal and profession lives, so choose the design - and the location - wisely.

Another lesson learned from this should be that your outward appearance does not, or rather, should not define who you are as a person. You want to be an educator and that's more important than upholding some stuffy, antiquated "appearance" guideline.

It sounds like you're going to make a great teacher one day, one that kids can learn life lessons and lesson plans from. So for interviewing purposes I would cover the tattoos by wearing a suit with a long-sleeved button down shirt. But either in the follow-up interview or a conversation thereafter, you should mention that you have these tattoos and - provided that they're not deemed "provocative" - should be allowed the same luxury of short sleeves just like every other teacher.

And if you should happen to receive a few form letters that knock you down, look at it as a blessing in disguise. You wouldn't want to work for someone who doesn't realize the positive message it would send to add a little diversity to the teacher's lounge. Be prepared for a little rejection, and maybe even a little ridicule, but, I leave it to Frost to impart some words of wisdom: "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on."

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just came back from my first ever dog birthday party - true story. Everyone else seemed to get the memo to bring dog clothing as a gift, whereas I brought chew toys and dog treats; silly me, right? What's your take on dog clothes? Should I have gotten the birthday dog in question something to wear instead of something he'd enjoy?

Signed,

Doggy Clothing Curious

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Dear D.C.C.,

My personal opinion on dog clothing has varied over the years. On the one hand, you have an owner, excuse me, "pet companion", who loves their four-legged friend so much that they begin to regard them as "part of the family" or even as their "child" - and you wouldn't let your child run around naked would you? On the other (saner, heavier) hand, to see an animal in a tutu can be hilarious and absurd all-at-once. What really burns me up is seeing a pooch in clothing when it's already hot outside. Brings new meaning to the expression, "dog in heat".

Unfortunately, we may be on the loosing end of this debate D.C.C., but I can almost assure you that if you put a chew toy or treat in front of a dog next to a pile of clothing he's going to go for the treat. My suggestion is the next time you're invited to a dog's birthday bash to stick to your guns, break with the new canine convention, and give that dog what he really wants: a snack and a good scratch behind the ears. Call it non-progressive if you wish, but if I were a dog I'd appreciate your gift that much more than clothing, paws down. Just because dressing your dog has become de rigueur doesn't mean you have to conform to societies new barking orders.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just landed my first corporate job, which means I have to wear a suit every day. I should be good on the suiting, but what shoes should I wear? In the past I've always worn a square-toed shoe for my dressier looks but I'm not sure if they're appropriate for this setting. Do you have any suggestions on what shoes I should wear instead?

Signed,

Corporate Square Toes

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Don't worry C.S.T.,

I'm going to help you get back on your feet - and in the best shoes for the job. You're going to want to invest in a pair, or two, of oxfords. The oxford shoe is vastly viewed as one of the more traditional and yet, stately-looking shoes a man can wear for business and still be taken seriously.

You'll want to invest in two pairs to start: one black and one in cordovan. Wear the black pair with your black and gray suits and the cordovan's with your navy, earth tone and again, gray suits, depending on your belt. (In case you've been misinformed: in the corporate world, matching your shoes to your belt is the only, if not safest, route to take. You can take it one step further and coordinate your briefcase, but it's not necessary.)

The added advantage of investing in a good oxford is that as you build your collection to include less traditional styles and colors (teal oxfords, anyone?) they can be worn with a suit during the week and jeans on the weekends for the dressier end of casual. (Be wild and wear a pair one weekend sock-less with shorts and a casual button-down, un-tucked with rolled-up sleeves when the heat index forces hemlines to your knees.)

Just remember you get what you pay for, so invest well and wisely into brands that, in-turn, invest the time and quality materials it takes to produce a well-soled shoe. It won't take long before

you realize that you've taken a step in the right direction by opting to wear oxfords. They're just

the perfect finishing touch to a professional head-to-polished-toe box look.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just bought a pair of red suede pumps that I absolutely love - or should I say loved - until I went out a few nights ago and, a few drinks later, tripped on the side walk and got a few smudges on them! So, Shopping Savage, how do I clean my new suede shoes?

Signed,

Smudge On Suede Shoes

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Dear S.O.S.S.,

Suede can be a persnickety material to clean, which is why most would recommend handing your problem over to a professional. However, that could get costly, and there's not much more of a guarantee that they'll do a better job than what I'm about to advise you to try.

First, you need to access the damage. Use a suede brush - or old toothbrush in a pinch - to clear away any loose dirt or debris and to restore the nape of the suede as much as possible. (Note: do not rub vigorously or with too much force. You want to avoid pushing the stain further into the affected area and/or cause discoloration. The purpose of this is to "loosen up" the stain.)

If this doesn't completely clear the area then you need to treat it with a suede cleaner. Wet the stained area and use the suede brush to apply the cleaner. If the bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle then either transfer its contents to an empty spray bottle with a trigger for more control, or use the cap as a measuring tool and either pour it directly onto the brush or dip the brush into the cap. Now, with light effort, apply the solution to remove the stain. Repeat until the stain - or all stains - are lifted.

Now that you've effectively removed the stain you need to wet both shoes entirely to ensure color consistency. Use the brush to apply water evenly to the suede. You may notice some color run off but this shouldn't cause a noticeable color change once the shoes dry.

Some suggest using a towel to soak up the excess water from the shoe. I typically place my freshly washed suede shoes on a drying rack - face down to pull the excess water away naturally and to avoid any more dye loss.

Let them dry over night and the next day, with the brush, go over both shoes to restore the suede's nape. Your shoes should be back to pre-smudge perfection.

For more suggestions on cleaning suede I found this site helpful.

To protect your shoes - or any suede garment - familiarize yourself with these tips.

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