Dear Aly,
Are there any easy ways to adapt my summer clothes for fall and winter wear? In this economy, I can’t justify updating my wardrobe!
Signed,
Strapped for cash
Dear Strapped,
Updating your wardrobe is easier than you may think!
For my own wardrobe updates, I love to be able to reuse my favorite tunics and jumpers as the weather gets colder. This is so easy to do! A hot pair of opaque tights and a long-sleeve tee makes a summer dress a winter jumper. And a cardigan over the ensemble has you ready for winter.
The sky is the limit…I’ve adapted everything from overalls to babydoll dresses.
This outfit works fabulously with your fave boots – and can be both appropriate for office attire and evening fun!
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Dear Aly,
I’ve been hearing lots of hype surrounding the acai berry. Can you tell me a little more about what it is?
Signed,
Anxiously awaiting the acai
Dear Anxious,
I was on the acai berry way before Oprah made it popular. Back when I was a wee little freelance copy editor, I’d swig bottles of acai juice for a post-lunch buzz. Now, this “super food” has found its way out of the backward alleys of hipster civilization and into Oprah’s kitchen! In one of Oprah’s show ” 10 Foods for Age-Defying Beauty”, they listed acai berry as the number one super food saying, “This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.”
The claimed benefits are:
-Increased Energy
-Resistance to colds/flu
-Healthy and more youthful skin
-Improved eyesight
-Improved circulation
-Prevention of degenerate diseases
-Slowing of the aging process
-Promotion of weight loss
Didn’t your momma tell you there’s no such thing as a magic berry, though? The truth is that it tastes delicious and is loaded with antioxidants – but will only make you gorgeous and thin if part of a balanced health regime. (If you use it to wash down a donut, good luck!)
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Stay tuned as Aly discusses skinny jeans and casual Friday!
Dear Aly,
As the holiday shopping season unfolds, do you have any advice for budget-friendly fashion finding?
Signed,
Frugally fashion-forward
Dear Frugal,
Boy do I ever!!! Due to the economy, 52% of consumers plan to buy fewer holiday gifts (according to recent survey by SmartBargains.com). These tough economic times may change your holiday shopping habits, but it doesn’t have to affect your gift giving spirit. In fact, it’s now more than ever a time that it is better to give than receive! I spoke with Shari Shakun, head “bargainista” at Smart Bargains, and we came up with great tips that I’ve incorporated into my own smart shopping:
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Buy as a group – If a few people pitch in, you can get a much more valuable present than if you each shopped at your own separate budgets. This is also a great way to spend time bonding with your family and friends discussing what you think each other will like. |
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Decide what you are willing to spend and then stick to it – Searching online will allow you to search in your specific price point. |
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Avoid extra charges – Check shipping deadlines and place your orders in enough time for holiday delivery and make sure your retailer has a return policy that allows you to send items back without being charged. |
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Stay tuned as Aly discusses skinny jeans and casual Friday!
Dear Aly,
Are the rules the same regarding “power suits” when going on a job interview? I have one coming up and I’m not sure I’m wardrobe-ready.
Signed,
Powerlessly panted
Dear Powerless,
Do not worry! The rules, they are a-changing!
While it’s important that you look professional, always, different interviews call for different attire. What would be appropriate to wear, say, for an interview at a bank would stick out like a sore thumb at a fashion magazine!
In general, in current trends, women are wearing slimmer silhouettes and (finally!) saying goodbye to the boxy suits of the prior decade. Also, gone are the black/gray rule – Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin showed us during the election that red truly is – and always has been – a power color. So, maintain those staples, but consider that splash of color – it can’t hurt, and just may help show some personality.
The shape of things to come is more slimming and body skimming. Skirts should be right at knee length — or slightly above or slightly below – but minis are a no-no, unless you are interviewing to be a go-go dancer!
Do not take the rule of dressing for the interview in tandem with how you would dress for the job too far though. Dressing nicely is a show of respect to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to – even if you may be wearing jeans on the job, you aren’t going to wear it when trying to put your best self forward on that first meet and greet!
Do you have a fashion or beauty dilemma?
Don’t Be Shy… Submit Your Question to Aly >
Stay tuned as Aly shares some holiday shopping secrets and
discusses skinny jeans!
