Submitted by Debra Cortese from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Kathryn, I'm an artist and have just started a line of handbags that feature my nature's energy photopainting designs. I have them on my website (http://www.debracortese.com/designerhandbags.html) and am promoting them as much as possible online. Could you recommend any trade or consumer publications that might publish an article, or have affordable advertising rates? Any suggestions are most appreciated. Thank You. Debra

Answered 12/11/07 20:03:03 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I don't know about advertising rates but I haven't heard great things about sales from ads placed in local publications. I recommend you try to get your bags into retail outlets, which will help spread word of your product and drive traffic to your site.

Submitted by Anonymous from philadelphia pa

Q: I live in Philadelphia and will be vacationing in South Beach this January with my husband. I am excited but clueless about the clothing. Can I wear summer whites or linens? Are knits appropriate and what about clubwear. Our age is mid forties.

Answered 11/28/07 20:54:44 by Kathryn Wexler

A: It's not uncommon for the temperature in January to linger in the upper 60s. So summer whites will definitely be off. But white appears in collections year-round, so winter whites are fine, meaning heavier fabric. Linen is OK if there's a warm spell, and knits can work just fine since they run the gamut from sweat shirts to St. John suits. Clubs require you to step it up, so definitely leave the linen in the hotel room.

Submitted by Julie from Hollywood, FL

Q: My son is graduating from college in mid-December in Miami at the James L Knight Center in Miami at 2pm. Recently lost 60 lbs & want to "show off" my newly shaped body! What do I wear?

Answered 11/28/07 20:48:41 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Congrats on your son's accomplishment and your own as well! Resist the urge to show too much skin at a function honoring your son and go with streamlined silhouettes and fitted clothes. A good suit that cinches your newly reduced waistline would be perfect. Pencil skirts, which fall straight or narrow, can be flattering on thinner women.

Submitted by Charlotte from Toms River N.J.

Q: Hi Kathryn, I have a new little black satin dress w/tags still on it, hanging in my closet. The problem is my legs no longer are tan, and they say no hoes /w strappy sandels. well than what do I wear on my feet and legs??

Answered 11/28/07 20:31:22 by Kathryn Wexler

A: It must be too cold in New Jersey for strappy sandals anyway, so don the tights and put on some closed-toe or peep toe shoes.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: Can you please suggest appropriate attire for a woman for a mid-December evening event (boat parade.) The invite states "south Florida chic." Is a little black dress too dressy? Thank you!

Answered 11/26/07 16:11:50 by Kathryn Wexler

A: A little black dress would be absolutely fine.

Submitted by Denise from Key Largo

Q: Just a followup on my question about the County Music Awards attire. Your first thoughts were absolutely correct. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Long satin gowns, sparkles,ect.Almost like a black tie event. Thankfully I packed a black velvet skirt and got by OK. What a great time we all had. Thanks,

Answered 11/26/07 16:10:01 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Wowza! Thanks for the update. And glad you packed your velvet!

Submitted by Ginnie from Miami

Q: What is really the appropriate dress for a day at Art Basel? (I'm 65)

Answered 11/12/07 19:52:05 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Anything arty-hip.

Submitted by Anonymous from Miami,FL

Q: I am going on a one week trip around the Caribbean (St. Barts and other islands around there) in Dec./Jan on a large private yacht. We will only be 10 people and I have no idea what clothes to bring! Help please! We will be spending New Years Eve in one of the islands. The only thing I know is that is that we dont wear shoes on the yacht.

Answered 11/12/07 19:50:53 by Kathryn Wexler

A: That's not an easy question to answer, even for Karlene Pack, publisher of Yachts International Magazine, out of Fort Lauderdale. "Find out who own the yacht and how they dress,'' Pack advises. "Some are so casual, others are very preppy. Are they the kind of people who are flashy or New England style or casual chic? She should ask them and not feel funny about asking them.'' That said, yacht-goers often opt for flowing day dresses and swimsuits with matching sarongs during the daytime, Pack says. The sailor look is another safe bet, something along the lines of the Ralph Lauren resort '08 collection, she says. On the boat, you're right that barefoot is the rule. Off the boat, you'll want nice sandals. Pack likes the Mystique brand. "She doesn't want to be walking around in high heels during the day.'' One thing's for sure: the trip will require one hefty suitcase. "It's very much the Hollywood scene at that time of year,'' Pack says. îîThey really bring out the bling. It's a lot dressier than you would think and St. Barts is the most chic of all the islands.''

Submitted by Julius Golden from N.Miami Beach, FL

Q: Would you please suggest some places where I can buy my wife a much-wanted lipstick case with a small mirror in it.

Answered 11/01/07 20:59:23 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Try GBS The Beauty Store.

Submitted by Dangling Participle from Miami

Q: Hi Kathy, fashion smashion, wouldnt it be easier to do like all the people did for the Spencer Tunick photo shoot at the Sagamore and just let it all hang out? You wouldnt have to worry about what's hot and what's not. agree?

Answered 11/01/07 20:41:50 by Kathryn Wexler

A: If we were all naked, Mr. Dangling Participle, I would have even more to say about what's hot and what's not.

Submitted by Dee from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Q: Hi Kathryn, My son is getting married in Key West Aug 08, my son is wearing a beige linen suit, what should the father of the groom wear and should he wear a tie? Thanks for your help as we are unsure. Dee

Answered 10/29/07 20:33:56 by Kathryn Wexler

A: For this dilemma, I turn to Godfrey del Rio, former fashion director at Saks/Dadeland who now has his own fashion and event-planning company under his own name. Del Rio advises that the groom's father not dress any more formally than the groom himself. "I would do a beautiful white shirt -- no tie -- and a linen suit,'' del Rio said. "Or a navy blue blazer, white shirt and beautiful khaki pants.'' There you have it.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: Is there any way we can get a restraining order to ban: 1. The production of pleated khaki (aka dockers) pants? 2. The wearing of golf shirts, for non-golf activities; and especially golf shirts that do not fit. The shoulder seam should be at the actual shoulder. 3. Un-ironed clothes. 4. Clunky white gym shoes. Also, there are lots of athletic inspired shoes that look nice, without the whole white sneaker thing. 5. Pants that are belted below the belly. Face it. You have gained wait. Buy a pair of pants that fits. 6. Short sleeve shirts with a tie. Yes, it is hot in SFL, but if you are in a job that demands a tie, suck it up. Put on the tie with a decent shirt. 7. Telephone as belt accessory. 8. Keys attached to your belt loops. If you need them at work, remember to take them off when you leave!

Answered 10/24/07 20:12:13 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Have at it!

Submitted by Denise from Key Largo, Fl

Q: I have been lucky enough to be invited to the CMA awards in Nashville in November. What should I wear? I was thinking nice jeans and a blousey top, but what is your opinion. Denise

Answered 10/18/07 18:27:37 by Kathryn Wexler

A: My first thought was that your outfit was all wrong. I've never been to the Country Music Awards, but I have been to a number of other such shows and found that anything with a red carpet generally means attendees (even un-famous ones) are supposed to dress up-up-up! But then I went online to view some images of the show and found Gretchen Wilson performing last year in jeans and a clingy white top she might have picked up at Macy's. Miranda Lambert was in black jeans and a black top. Sara Evans ¿ you guessed it -- blue jeans and lacy top. So yeah, you're probably right on key. Add glitzy cowboy boots and a big ole belt buckle if you have them and you're good to go.

Submitted by Looking forward to y from Miami, FL

Q: I'm having a bit of a dilemma. I recently had the girls done and I am very happy with them. However, business attire is getting more & more difficult to buy. I love button-down shirts but I'm either busting out and am in desperate need of a safety pin(s) or I look like I'm wearing a maternity shirt because the waist is so big. Do you know of any designers who make shirts with a little more room on top for us well-endowed women? I don't mind paying for a nice fitting shirt...I just can't find any. Please help!

Answered 10/17/07 20:33:51 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Diane von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari and A Common Thread are supposedly fit the bill. I can't vouch for them personally, however.

Submitted by Simone from Miami, FL

Q: Couple months ago you had an article in the Tropical section I believe about a lady from Nicaragua who lives now in Miami and designs handbags I would like to have the name and a contact email or to know where she sells her items

Answered 10/17/07 20:28:37 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sorry, this is not ringing a bell and I can't find anything in our electronic archives that fits that description.

Submitted by Mother of three daug from Homestead, Fl

Q: I read your answer to Bride's Mom in Homestead. Just to let you know there is a wonderful Bridal Shop, Ann Marie's on Krome Ave. My daughters got all their Homecoming, Prom and Bridal gowns there. Ann Marie helps you with everything from dress to shoes, moms, bridesmaids and tuxs for the guys. The prices are very reasonable! Ann Marie's even has sale items she will be more than happy to help with. I live in Homestead and I'm surprised people don't know about Ann Marie's. Just thought I'd let you know next time someone needs Bridal things in Homestead. Thank You

Answered 10/17/07 20:25:34 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Here you go...

Submitted by ron from No location specified

Q: CECE Winnas is coming to Lakeland Florida on Sunday October 14, 2007 At 10:00 A.M. Can you come Kathryn Wexler and see CECE Winans you could bring some friends from the herald and miami. Come early for good seats it is a Free Event Without walls Central 777 Carpenters Way LAkeland FL 33809

Answered 10/08/07 15:05:17 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sorry -- do you mean Cece Winans, the gospel singer? In any case, I don't get over to Lakeland much, but thanks for the invite.

Submitted by Anonymous from jacson ms

Q: This may be a stupid question for some. I have just purchased my first pashmina wraps .Do I remove the pashmina label?

Answered 10/05/07 17:10:30 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Not in the least bit stupid to me. Certain labels never come off: Anything made by a bona fide designer keeps its label or its resale value plummets. Ditto tags on vintage wear. If yours is a true pashmina (the Persian word for wool), the cashmere was spun from the under fleece of upland goats in Kashmir and the Punjab region, and you should keep the label on it, as well. My guess, however, is that yours is simply a shawl made from more common wool, since the word has been usurped by every factory in China producing rectangular swaths of cloth. Other labels are negligible and can be removed without remorse.

Submitted by Lindy Sue from Homestead, Fl

Q: My daughter is getting married in January. I would like to know what style and length a mother of the bride should wear. What colors are appropriate for a winter wedding? High heels are very painful to me since I got my leg hurt in a car accident. What choice do I have? Also, where do they have a good selection? Some stores don't even have a dress department anymore.

Answered 10/05/07 17:07:01 by Kathryn Wexler

A: The mothers of the bride is expected to look appropriately festive for what is ostensibly a happy occasion, even if she thinks the groom leaves something to be desired. (And what mother -- in her heart of hearts -- doesn't?) For a traditional wedding, you will want to rely on dressy fabrics, such as silk, taffeta, polyester and brocade, to name a few. At more casual weddings, a breezy chiffon is fine. The dresses are usually full-length, and often come with matching jackets or boleros. If not, make sure you have a pretty shawl or dressy sweater. If you can't see yourself in anything other than a suit, make sure it's memorable -- with a metallic tint, sparkly adornments or shiny threads. For winter weddings, you'll want something in a more somber color, like burgundy, blue, gray, black, or just about any other wintry hue. Many mothers of the bride go for champagne or tawny -- but for nuptials in January, go for one on the darker end of the spectrum. This means you cannot shop the summer sales racks or the color will definitely be off. Bigger, bulkier jewelry is also somewhat expected for the mother of the bride, and there's nothing wrong with going for the costume variety. If you don't own any, start asking friends now because borrowed jewelry can be hard to nail down, especially since you'll need a particular length and style to match your outfit. Heel trouble is the easiest thing to remedy. Simply skip the stilettos. There's no reason why you can't find stylish flats or dress shoes with baby heels. Go to Saks, go to Shoe Rack, but just find something of relative comfort for eight hours. Where to shop? Without knowing your budget, it's hard to advise you. In general, smaller boutiques aren't likely to carry formal gowns. Department store buyers, however, LIVE to dress people for events like yours.

Submitted by Michelle from Coral Gables, FL

Q: Booties/Ankle boots seem to be a "must have" for this fall. However, in all the magazines I´ve seen, the models wear the booties with dark hose, which, to me, don´t work in warm, sunny South Florida. How can we wear this look?

Answered 09/27/07 16:15:39 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Actually, we can't -- not without serious perspiration. Ankle boots are meant to be paired with opaque tights, and once the thermostat hits even 80 degrees, the outfit is way wrong. Meanwhile, booties just weren't born for bare legs. If you must have your ankle boots, try donning dark thigh-highs. That, too, is imperfect since they often fall down or strangle your thighs. The only good news is that most shoe purveyors in South Florida are steering clear of the trend. I personally never thought much of them the first time around, anyway, but the most radical of booties do justify their existence.