Submitted by pembleton 6 from boston

Q: I have two cuban style (vs shorter mexican style) guayaberas that I cherish but are degrading quickly. I would love to buy a few more but I am tall and have long arms (37) so I need some more custom elements. Also love to support a small business - any tips on where to call/web pages? PS I support, but am trying to branch out from Casa De Los Guyaberas in Little Havana.

Answered 08/13/08 16:23:46 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Here's another option for tailored guayaberas: Guyaberas Etc., at 270 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305 441-9891. Hope that works for you.

Submitted by Debbie Hernandez from Lake Worth, Florida

Q: Do you know of a shop that repairs fur coats? I have a vintage fur coat that has a few holes that needs to be fixed.

Answered 07/30/08 17:35:17 by Kathryn Wexler

A: In steamy Florida, that's no small request. My suggestions is to call the major department stores with fur departments near you (Saks/Neimans...). If they can't do it for you, they will know who can.

Submitted by sandy jones from bay harbor Is, FL

Q: Hi Kathryn Wexler,I have been an Esthetician for 7 years and recently taken on the challenge of an account rep. for a skioncare company in Aventura. Can you tell me of up and coming spa/salons and fashion botiques? I would love to chat in person/phone. I still believe in the old fashion way of communicating.

Answered 07/30/08 17:33:30 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Opening soon in Miami Beach: Eden Roc, Mondrian and Canyon Ranch spas. They are all big ones, and may already be set as regards products. But give it a try. You may also try calling on smaller spas that are already in business; some use more than one product line and might be open to new ones. Best of luck.

Submitted by michael from palm beach

Q: I love the fashion world because it is always changing. All my friends keep telling me about norjack clothing. They keep saying it's some small town brand that hit it big, but when I go to their site, norjack.com it just says coming soon. Have you heard anything about this company?

Answered 06/20/08 17:30:38 by Kathryn Wexler

A: My guess is it's a hoax. It's not listed in any of the databases I have access to.

Submitted by Elizabeth

Q: I would appreciate your recommendation for a dressmaker not necessarily a seamstress. My parents will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this August and we will be having a party to commemorate this milestone. My mother had her wedding dress preserved and her wish was for any futures daughters to wear her dress. Well, she only had one and by the time I got around to getting married, I just felt that the dress was too youthful. However, I now would like to honor her request and redesign the dress in a classic 40s/50s style while keeping a few details from the original. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Answered 05/30/08 15:26:58 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Try Gloria Couture, 1060 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, tel: 305 864-1090. Gloria has been making suits and gowns for Miami society women for many a moon.

Submitted by Nerissa from Miami

Q: Hi would like to find an intership in a Dept store or any other company. I am very interested in styling.

Answered 05/22/08 17:38:49 by Kathryn Wexler

A: It takes some moxie to land an internship in styling. It's particularly difficult if you don't have any experience or don't attend a fashion/design school that can help you land one. Department stores don't bother with interns, that I know of. Better to call local magazines that shoot fashion and ask if you can do anything from ordering the coffee to dressing the models, just to get your toe in the door. Otherwise, try appealing directly to fashion photographers, telling them you'll work for free for a few months so you'll have something to put on your resume.

Submitted by Cassandra Mellor from Chicago, IL

Q: In today's Chicago Tribune's "Q" section you have an article on air brushing... while I find it fascinating I'm writing about something else. There's a before & after picture of model Valerie Trueba and in the after picture she's wearing an awesome choker. Do you know where it's from? I'm 60 and hate my neck so am always looking for chokers and never seem to find them or they're way too much money. So if you know of some place or someone who sells chokers, please let me know. I appreciate any time you can give me. Cass

Answered 04/25/08 17:31:18 by Kathryn Wexler

A: The choker is by Miami stylist and fashion designer Francisco Gomez. "It's made out of a synthetic braid, Swarofski crystals, and it's lined,'' said Gomez, whose line is called Fashions by Azucar. îîThe necklace is available,'' he said, and others like it, for $65. Call 786 278-0778 to place orders or look him up on myspace.com.

Submitted by anonymous from Delray Beach

Q: I am looking for a high-end woman's consignment store in the Delray Beach Area. I have loads of designer older woman's clothes including many fur coats. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answered 04/07/08 14:20:40 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I don't know the consignment scene in Delray Beach, but I recently found myself at Armoire Chi Chi, 9484 Harding Ave., in Surfside (305 868-3870) -- if you're up for a drive.

Submitted by Lisa from Knoxville Tennessee

Q: I inherited a beautiful coat from my grandmother (it was hers) I beleive it is mink. I can not find out any info on the designer. The only tag on it reads "Richard Rich". Can you help me find out more info on the designer of the coat? Thanks

Answered 03/18/08 11:25:57 by Kathryn Wexler

A: If you decide to resell your fur, this label won't enhance your asking price. The sole reference I can find to Richard Rich furs appears in an obituary that ran in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 28, 2006. John E. Warren, of Brookfield, died at 81. He owned Richard Rich Fur Co. We also learn he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, served as a marine in WWII and the Korean War. "John was a very avid fan of the Milwaukee Polo Club,'' the obit says. But it has nothing more to say about Richard Rich Fur Co. It does note that his family also owned Nicolai Fur Co., but I can't located any other reference to that company, either. Enjoy your mink.

Submitted by Romy from miami,fl

Q: Hi Kathryn- which would you say are the top Miami fashion boutiques? How about in FL?

Answered 02/27/08 16:11:11 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I have my personal favorites but they skew toward Miami Beach because that's where I live and consequently tend to shop. It wouldn't be fair for me to make a list of top boutiques since I would certainly overlook legions of great boutiques in much of South Florida.

Submitted by Anonymous from Ft. Washington, MD

Q: My girlfriend and I are shopaholics!! We heard there is a great large consignment shop in Miami where you can purchase St. Johns for a song. Have you heard of this place & if so, where is it? We plan on visiting Miami and would love to venture into this shop!!

Answered 02/20/08 22:31:12 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I don't know where that particular cache is, but Douglas Gardens Thrift Store, 5713 NW 27th Ave., in Miami, is known for its sporadic designer finds. Phone is 305-638-1900. Happy hunting.

Submitted by Lillian from Miami, Fl

Q: Could you please give me the website or place where I could get that plastic belt that is used to taper the waistbands of jeans that are slightly too big? I remember reading about it in the fashion section several weeks ago.

Answered 02/20/08 22:25:53 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sorry, can't find it in the archives.

Submitted by Anonymous from Miami

Q: Hey Kathryn, Love your column! Wanted to know if you are aware of any name brand bargain shopping store around biscayne?? Looking for a nice bag...

Answered 02/20/08 19:13:50 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hmm...well, there's Loehmann's on 36th Street, in Midtown Miami, and another whose stock is more extensive, on Biscayne at 187th Street, in Aventura. I think those are your best best for seriously discounted brand name items.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: Dear Kathryn, I wrote to you several months ago about beauticians who might be familiar with a permanent wave using a single process...air neutralized. Your were kind enough to respond with several alternatives. But since then, I found someone does the air process. Larry at Soma on Biscayne Blvd. And my now curly hair feels great. ... color is stable and the texture is bouncy, natural not treated feeling. signed, happy old reader who used to have straight, stringy gringa hair

Answered 02/18/08 17:05:42 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Thanks for keeping us in the loop, so to speak.

Submitted by Sam from NY, NY

Q: Hi Kathryn, In your opinion, is Brickell Av a good location for a high-end women's clothing boutique? Are the demographics there?

Answered 01/23/08 19:07:34 by Kathryn Wexler

A: The demographics for an upscale fashion shop are good for Brickell, but only once the strip is built out and residents actually move in. My guess, however, is that's not going to happen for a few years.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: I live near The Falls in Palmetto Bay..I need to find a hat for a women's tea/luncheon at a Palm Beach Club in March..I dont want to spend a fortune as I will only wear it once--probably. I am a young 54--any ideas where to look and find?? thanks donna 1/23/08

Answered 01/23/08 19:04:23 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hmm...have you tried Macy's?

Submitted by Anonymous from Delray, Florida

Q: I am attending The Classic evening charity event this weekend hosted by Clarence Clemons at the Marriott in Delray Beach and the attire is dressy casual. I would like to wear a long dress but have a feeling I should wear a shorter dress that I would perhaps wear dancing. The person who invited my husband and I said she is wearing something black and sassy. I tried looking up photos from the previous years event and became even more confused. Any help would be appreciated.

Answered 01/23/08 17:15:14 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I'm surprised they gave the code as "dressy casual." My instinct would be the same as yours, to dress up for this event since (a) it's a benefit; (b) it's at night; (c) tickets are several hundred dollars apiece; (d) there's a high-profile host. But my guess is they're trying to lighten the mood by giving guests an option to wear short dresses. If you feel better in a long one, I think you'll be fine. Just dress it down a bit by eschewing serious jewelry.

Submitted by Racing fan from Tennessee

Q: My husband and I are traveling to the south Florida area to go to the races at Gulfstream Park. Where can I go in the Ft. Lauderdale/North Miami area to find great south Florida vintage clothing? And good consignment shops?

Answered 01/15/08 21:54:17 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Make your first stop C. Madeleine's, a huge warehouse of a shop at 13702 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach, (305-945-7770; cmadeleines.com). The carefully chosen garments, packed onto racks, make you feel like you're digging through your grandmother's stash (the glamorous grandma). Other places that get good reviews are House of Vintage, 123 S. Swinton Ave., in Delray Beach (561-276-7477; myhouseofvintage.com). And, in Fort Lauderdale, try Jezebel, at 1980 E. Sunrise Blvd. (954-761-7881; nonewstuff.com) If you're up for a drive, go to Miami Beach Vintage and Fashion, which relocated two weeks ago from Lake Worth to 4916 South Dixie Highway, in West Palm Beach, (561-201-2785; miamibeachvintage.com).

Submitted by Anonymous from Nashua NH

Q: I am attending an evening party in Florida in January, dress code "dressy Casual". I am planning to wear a longish black linen skirt with a shimmery tank top and black buck/suede sling backs. Is this appropriate for this time of year? Many thanks.

Answered 01/10/08 18:59:50 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Yes, this is perfectly fine. But bring a coverup. It can get chilly here at night.

Submitted by On Brickell from Miami, Fl

Q: Hi, Where can I find a black velvet high heel closed toe dress woman's shoe in south miami?

Answered 12/11/07 20:08:35 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Have you tried Capretto Shoes, 5822 Sunset Drive, or Designer Shoe Warehouse, 8607 S Dixie Hwy?