Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 32-year old man who's starting to notice my hair thinning out. Do you have any tricks up your sartorial sleeve to prevent hair loss?

Signed,

Thin On Top

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Mr. T.O.T.,

There are several ways to approach hair loss. The most effective would be to consult a dermatologist and/or an endocrinologist. The dermatologist to determine if the hair loss is due to a form of "alopecia"; the endocrinologist to determine if a hormonal imbalance is the culprit. You could also try out a number of over-the-counter products that claim to help restore hair and stave off any additional strands from jumping scalp.

My personal hair care regimen is to wash my hair every other day with an over-the-counter product for hair loss-prevention that seems to work well. Because it is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner I lather and rinse to remove dirt and oil and then re-lather, only this time allowing the conditioner to set in by wearing a disposable shower cap. After the shower I massage a capful of vitamin E oil into my scalp.

Since there is no one cause or cure for hair loss my vote is for you to check it all out. I would, however, encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Norwood Scale to access your level and pattern of hair loss before consulting a professional and/or the nearest men's personal grooming isle. You should also think about taking pictures before, during and after you experiment with different restoration products to find out which has you head-over-heels or just leaves you hanging by a hair.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I have a self-diagnosed shopping disorder. It started when I was a teenager working to pay for back-to-school clothes and from there its just escalated. If I'm not browsing in the mall, I'm shopping online. I've tried to find "shopaholic's anonymous" meetings but my online search resulted in me buying a pair of shoes. Can you offer me any advice on what to do to curb my spending?

Signed,

Sally Shopaholic

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Dear S.S.,

Your first duty is to take a long, hard look at your closet. Take everything that still has a tag on it or has yet to be worn - not just clothing, but shoes and accessories as well - and put them into piles. You have to promise yourself that you are not going to buy anything new until you've worn everything that's already new in your closet. Pair your "new items" with the remaining apparel and accessories to create restructured looks just by combining pieces you already own.

Use current fashion magazines to inspire looks that you may not have thought of. Browse discount clothing stores in the event that it's necessary to buy something while still merging your wardrobe. But be honest when determining whether something is "necessary". Shop with a friend who will discourage spontaneous spending.

At this point, you've probably been able to save money or pay down bills by cycling through your closet, so why not keep it up? You can consign any clothing that you don't plan on wearing again, creating disposable cash that you could either save or splurge. Lastly, give yourself a monthly clothing allowance and what isn't spent should be put towards something you've always wanted to do, like take that vacation you've never been able to afford (hint, hint).

If all else fails, you could check out this book. Ironically, it may be one of the last indulgent things you purchase for a while.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My 13-year-old daughter has been pestering me to let her wear makeup to school. In the past I have let her wear a little eyeshadow and lip gloss if it were a special occasion, but never full-on makeup like she's talking. What should I do? I know this isn't exactly "sartorial" but I'm definitely interested in whatever advice you can give me!

Signed,

Makeup Meltdown Mommy

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Dear M.M.M.,

Your question may not be sartorial, but it most certainly warrants a response. Over the years there has been a drastic change in the way young adults dress and act. So many seem so eager to grow up that they miss out on having a childhood.

When I was growing up, kids knew what it meant to be a kid. Countless hours were spent reading for fun, homework was done with paper and pencil, and after a nice hot bath, you went to bed exhausted from playing outside with friends. Play dates meant more than getting together to watch a DVD, video games were not considered exercise, and for long trips the car was filled with home-prepared food, books and family games not fast food wrappers, wi-fi and headphones.

The generation divide has never been so wide, but just because you can't fight nature, doesn't mean you have to nurture her request. Tell her if she wants to wear makeup she needs to earn the privilege. Use improvement in grades or helping out more around the house as the trade-off. And I wouldn't allow her to wear more than two products at a time.

Sooner than later though M.M.M., you're going to have to accept the fact that your "little girl" isn't going to be "little" much longer. Teenagers grow up a lot faster these days, so just take the time to talk to her and be as active as you can be in her life. See to it that she continues on the road to becoming a mature young woman who knows that she can open up to her mom, even if it is via text. You really know you've earned her trust when she accepts your friend request on Facebook.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 34-year old mother of two about to re-enter the work force after taking off the last five years to take care of children and the household. I've stayed somewhat current with fashion but with two screaming toddlers my husband and I can barely get away for a date night, let alone have time to leisurely browse at the mall. Where can I find fashionable clothing versatile enough to wear to work, but also durable enough to withstand getting the kids ready in the morning?

Signed,

Working Mom

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Dear W.M.,

First, hire a babysitter one Saturday before you start work to give yourself one day of uninterrupted bliss...I mean, shopping. As you said yourself, you can't possibly browse and be on the amber alert for your kids at the same time.

Start off by purchasing at least three suits (one black, one navy and one dark gray; go for the pant and skirt option if they have it) and two of every button-down that you like. As a mother of two - or just as a rule of thumb for anyone - having a back-up shirt either at home or at work is going to be something you'll learn is less elective and more essential. Look for shirts that are 'wrinkle free' or have a percentage of elastane (e.g. spandex, lycra, etc.). Not only will these shirts be a better body fit, they also hold up well through repeated washes and are easier to iron. Other key pieces to incorporate: sheath dresses, wrap dresses and cardigans.

The idea here is to live in layers. Your days are going to be hectic and will require you to juggle being mom and mrs. at the office. Layers are great for those times you may have to cover a last-minute stain or remove the stained-layer in question. The same goes for footwear - leather is one of the materials you want to go after since its one of the easiest to work with as far as stain and scuff removal.

The ideal clothing for your situation is out there, you just have to be practical. You'd have to swathe yourself in bubble wrap to avoid the stains, scuffs and haphazard unexpectedness that comes with raising children. Just remember to always keep your spare garment handy, keep a layer close in case you need to camouflage and plan for the unexpected. In other words, all of the things you've learned to do as a mother.

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

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I started dating a guy a few months ago and things are going really well. He wines and dines me and is a great conversationalist...but a horrible dresser. I want to drop a few hints in his direction, maybe even pick up a few things for him, but I don't want to scare him off or come across as controlling or materialistic. What's the best approach to handling this situation?

Signed,

Potential Boyfriend Fixer-Upper

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P.B.F-U,

You want to lead with a casual conversation. After strategically - and might I caution stealthily - looking through his closet, ask him when was the last time he went shopping. Don't make this a long discussion or it'll seem obvious what you're up to. Conclude by saying that the next time he does goes shopping you'd like to go with him. Allow a few days to pass and if he doesn't bring up shopping again, then you have license to be "creative". Tell him that your (brother, father, uncle, best gay male friend, whomever) has a birthday coming up soon and you want to start looking for gift ideas and want him to go with you just to get a "guys opinion".

Once you have him in the store he'll be like putty in your well-manicured hands. Start off by suggesting that he look around and see if he likes anything. If he doesn't bite then ask him to be a "model" for your gift and as he's trying things on, point out how great he looks in the new clothing. Have a sales associate - preferably another woman - restate your assessment. At this point, it should be easy to convince him to keep looking around/"modeling".

Pick out three head-to-toe looks for three separate occasions: work, weekends and weeknight dalliances. Let him have final say in how he mixes the looks per category, but be sure he buys at least two looks from each area. This works two ways: #1 - revamping a look from head-to-toe can get expensive so whether he pays, you pay or you divvy it up, he's going to wear the clothes because money was spent on them. #2 - if he really takes to the clothing (and the compliments that you may have to secretly solicit) then everything else in his closet will start to look out of place, which means you have successfully created a man that cares about his appearance, i.e. there will be more shopping trips for him in your future.

But let me end by saying that no one enjoys having their sense of style - or lack thereof - picked apart...especially when the advice wasn't solicited. You could be taking a gamble and the end result is not always predictable. Be sure that its worth the risk; you don't want the P.B. in your acronym to throw those last two letters back at you.

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

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