Submitted by Sue from Farmington, MI

Q: I am going to visit Miami, Florida at the end of September and would like to meet and hopefully work for Uli Herzner. Is there a way to contact her? Does she have a store? Is she still working in the field of fashion?

Answered 09/27/07 16:15:10 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Uli Herzner, the German designer who lives in Miami Beach and was runner-up in last season's Project Runway show on the Bravo channel does not have a store. She is still designing clothes, however, and can be reached through her website, UliHerzner.com.

Submitted by christine from hialeah,florida

Q: hi katherine,i am a very physically fit ,young woman who spends most of her time at the gym,but i have double 'd' breasts.Where can i find FORMAL dresses that fit my entire body? I am tired of wearing baggy dresses because of my bust. Should i go to a tailor?

Answered 09/27/07 16:14:23 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Your dilemma is certainly broadly experienced, considering the legions of women with surgical enhancements. A tailor may be the answer, but will make for pricier clothing and additional logistical complexity in life. Before you give up on store sizes, try these three brands, all cut for well-endowed women: Tadashi, Kay Unger and Teri Jon. They are available at Nordstrom and online.

Submitted by Jeannie from Pennsauken, NJ

Q: My response to your question regarding this email. My company is Journey Productions. I produce musical fashion shows for fundraising events. YOUR RESPONSE A I'm not sure I understand -- you represent a single boutique in your fashion shows? Kathryn Wexler 8/27/07 I have for the past 12 years now I am looking for a new line of merchandise to feature in my show. I was hoping to find someone interested in showing their fashion. I thought a great way for my customers to be able to buy from the comfort of their own home after the show was over would be a catalog company or an online boutique. Many of my clients shop after the show, but some would like the opportunity to do so at a later date. We do reach thousands of women, so it is a great tool to advertise. Do you know of any great online boutiques or a private line that would have any interest in this endeavor? Thanks so much.

Answered 09/05/07 16:24:44 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I'm afraid you'll have query the vendors directly.

Submitted by Jeannie from Pennsauken, NJ

Q: Hello, My company is Journey Productions. I produce musical fashion shows for fundraising events. For the past 12 years I have represented a private boutique. I am looking to grow and I was considering opening an online boutique, or finding a women's clothing line, or a catalog company that I can represent in my show. We perform about 70 shows a year reaching on average about 300 to 400 women per show. My audience loves the opportunity to shop. I thought that having the online store would give them more of an opportunity to order from the privacy of their own home. Seeing the clothing up-close would give them the confidence to order from a catalog or online boutique. If you could please advise me of what my next step should be, I would be grateful. Thank you.

Answered 08/27/07 19:07:10 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I'm not sure I understand -- you represent a single boutique in your fashion shows?

Submitted by Anonymous from Lakeland, FL

Q: I am 45, live in FL, and always wear pantyhose to work with any type of skirt. Today I see almost everyone wearing skirts to work with well shaved/lotioned legs, with open toe shoes, and well painted toe nails. What are the fashion rules of going without hose? I really want to stop wearing them but don't want to find out I am a laughing stock for doing this at my age. I HATE PANTYHOSE... What is the total fashion rule...

Answered 08/27/07 18:49:32 by Kathryn Wexler

A: You can usually get away with going hose-free in Florida, even in the workplace. But you will be expected to paint your toenails. On the style meter, grooming one's feet ranks just below combing one's hair and just above shaving one's legs. Paint them yourself if you're not able or inclined to get to a salon. And, truthfully, you need to shave your legs, too.

Submitted by Josette from Key West, Florida

Q: Hi Kathryn, I would like some suggestions on what to wear to a political fundraising event that will take place from 6-9 p.m. at Mansion on South Beach on August 25th. I'm 44 years old, a size 4-6, and in good shape for my age. I need help because I'm not sure what you wear in a club setting for that type of event & time of day; I still want to look stylish yet appropriately dressed. Please help!

Answered 08/15/07 20:53:43 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I checked with Vanessa Menkes, who handles marketing for Mansion and other venues, and she checked with several women who are also attending Obama's event. Every one apparently is wearing a little black dress -- well, not so little. Some are sleeveless, some have cap sleeves, but all are knee-length or below, Vanessa reports. None of the women she spoke to is wearing spaghetti straps. So take that to mean conservative cocktail.

Submitted by Anonymous from clearwater florida

Q: I live in Florida and I would like to know the current fashion on hosiery. Not just in Florida but also in other states. I have good legs but I don't like bare legs when I am wearing a cocktail dress or a suit. It makes the outfit look unfinished. mostly I don't like the way the knees look. Not everyone has smooth knees some are bony. I know the fashion has been bare legs and dressy sandals. I like to be in fashion. Can you help?

Answered 08/15/07 17:35:13 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Yes, going hose-free is de rigueur in Miami Beach if you're under, say, 40. But for those who just can't live without their hose, don them without guilt.

Submitted by Judy from Miami, FL

Q: With tropical storms upon us, I'd like some stylish rain boots. Do you know of any stores in the area that carry them? I'd like to try them on rather than order them on the net.

Answered 08/15/07 17:31:31 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Target has terrific boots online at very reasonable prices, and their corporate office tells me that certain store stock the boots and others don't. Best to call before you go. DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) also has been known to carry rain boots.

Submitted by Anonymous from Miami, Fl.

Q: Why did Ms.Wexler feel that "anonymous" from Gainesville (8/8/07)was in need of "blocky, forgiving cuts"? No where in the question about what to buy did "Anonymous" allude to feeling unhappy or uncomfortable about her size (16), her height (almost 6 feet), or her age (62). Nor did she say she had serious figure flaws she wanted to disguise. She just wanted some clothing purchase advice. Is Ms. Wexler not aware that many of the most famous plus-size models would fall into these same size and height statistics? Frankly, as a woman very similar in size and stature to "Anonymous," I was highly offended by Ms. Wexler's response and her obvious assumption that this woman was unhappy with herself and felt the need to disguise her figure. C'mon,Kathryn, that was a rude and hurtful piece of fashion advice that was dispensed in that paragraph.

Answered 08/13/07 19:22:59 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Thank you for writing in and sharing your thoughts. Regarding the woman who wanted a new look, I recommended boxy cuts as a remedy for a woman whose style is so casual that dressing up consists of putting on a bangle. I don't think a woman like that is going to go for torso-hugging T's. It sounded to me that she needed something a little conservative, being of a certain age and mindset, and that a linen outfit with a forgiving cut would be just the thing she'd be inclined to wear and enjoy. I didn't think she sounded the least bit unhappy, and I hope she found my advice helpful.

Submitted by Ahriman from No location specified

Q: Hallo Kathryn, here is the voice from the past again. Do you remember an afternoon almost 13 years ago in your favorite coffeeshop in SF, Waller at Cole Street?

Answered 08/13/07 19:12:26 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Ha -- there were a lot of afternoons spent at coffee shops on Cole Street. To which afternoon are you referring?

Submitted by Anonymous from Gainesville, FL

Q: I'm 62 and I haven't bought new clothes in 15 years. True. I have no idea what to buy, but I've got to buy some new things soon because by now everything I own is good only for taking care of the dogs, doing housework and working in the garden. I just want to look *ok* when I go shopping or out to eat with my grown children. I'm healthy, busy, bookish too, a homebody, 6' tall, size 16, and I guess I have no fashion sense. I feel comfortable in jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt, and, uhm, to dress up I put on a bangle bracelet. I also need suggestions on hair... My hair is dark blonde getting a lot of white, not thinning, and cut in a shoulder length bob without bangs, but I usually pull it back because it drives me crazy. Now I'm ready to "grow up," but I need help. Any suggestions on how to join the 21st century? Thanks.

Answered 08/08/07 19:38:29 by Kathryn Wexler

A: No offense, but wow, that's a tall order. Go for linen. Linen pants often have elastic waists and tops usually have blocky, forgiving cuts. Wear light colors until October; more somber colors thereafter. Do not wear sneakers. Choose a regular shoe by a brand that's practical, like Mephisto or Aerosoles. To take it up a notch, go with crisper shoes, like flats by Tory Burch, and don some dangle earrings. For a dash of whimsy, add a scarf like the kind sold at Chico's. Flat out reject carrying any thing resembling a fanny pack. Buy a relatively unstructured handbag in a neutral tone that will look fine with lots of daytime out fits. Hair. A bob sounds good, and they're actually in style this fall. But if it's annoying you or looks tired, change it up. Try going very short for something different (and easy), and blow dry toward your face, rather than away, for a more youthful style. Go to a salon for a natural-looking dye job to blend your gray with your blond. Do not get a perm. Put on some lipstick. But make sure it's not too dark. Heavier hues are better on younger women. Go out. Have fun.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: Are Men's olive green suits still in fashion, or are they now a thing of the past?!?!

Answered 08/01/07 22:09:48 by Kathryn Wexler

A: A deep olive is very much in style among the more fashion-forward. To wit: Hugo Boss and Prada both issued suits in the color for fall. But you're on to something in that light olive is certainly not the hue of the season. Faint pinstripes on grey or dark brown will be pervasive once the days get shorter.

Submitted by ahriman from baden-baden

Q: Hallo Kathryn, this is a voice from the past. How are you doing, and what kind of page I am writing in? Why is it translated into very interesting pidgin German? Hope to hear from you

Answered 07/30/07 15:47:01 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hello, voice from the past. Pray, who are you?

Submitted by danielle marese from hollywood, fl

Q: We have a great idea for a fashion topic. My best friend and I for over 11 years,have decided to double our work and open up our own women¿s high fashion shoe company(think jimmy choo)We know its a long shot and a big risk but we have had a business plan for about four years and always joked about opening this company.Two weeks after that we found potential investors whom were interested in supporting our company and we finished a business plan, style book, and went off to Brazil to manufacture our shoes. This is where we are now. In the middle of preparing to go to the show in Las Vegas to showcase our line, and trying out different ways of marketing our business. Doing an article on us would allow other young adults our age to become motivated and not necessarily always follow the exact plan that you prepared for yourself in college.We hope this topic will inspire you as we believe it will many others our age to do something with their life.Danielle Marese, Co-Ceo, Donna Potente

Answered 07/24/07 19:39:27 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Submitted by howard s. bailey from aventura, fl

Q: i can stand it no longer, oscar glottman was it. this guy looks like he'd come up to my car and start wiping the windshield at the next light. i know the world as we know(knew)it is going to HELL, but whatever happened to good taste. he might be a successful architect, but he dresses like frank lloyd wrong. i could go to the flea market with 50 bucks(and change left over) come home looking like the duke of windsor(probably with one of his suits)love your stuff, but this guy ruined my day, at breakfast no less. many of your other FASHION PLATES(styrofoam,i'm sure)could also win this OSCAR.thanx, i feel better now, i think.

Answered 07/24/07 19:33:16 by Kathryn Wexler

A: We try to showcase people with different tastes and budgets. Some will love them, others won't. Glad you're feeling better.

Submitted by Anonymous from Bradenton, Florida

Q: I recently thought about highlighting my hair, but I have noticed that dark eyebrows look strange with a lighter shade of hair. What do you think???

Answered 07/24/07 19:32:01 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Few people who lighten their hair lighten their eyebrows as well. If your brows are thick as well as dark, and you're thinking of going platinum up above, you might look all wrong. Otherwise, you should be alright, especially with mere highlights.

Submitted by Mari from Miramar, FL

Q: Update: [Guayabera at Tampa wedding] Mission acccomplished...no more worrying. My husband & I looked great at my cousin's wedding iin Tampa on Saturday. My husband was dressed quite appropriately, thank you very much! You were absolutely correct to say that "Tampans dress conservatively" because there were a couple of men wearing striped, polo shirts (and I was worried about a silly guayabera)!! Since it wasn't at an upscale venue, we decided to keep the dress code as is, and it turned out great. Thanks so much for your advice!!!

Answered 07/24/07 19:27:29 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Glad I could help.

Submitted by Mimi from Davie, Florida

Q: Hi; do you have any suggestions for finding a nice selection of petite clothing? Macy's is ok, but the smallest I can find there is a 2, & then the selection is very limited. They closed the Ann Taylor near me, and Ann Taylor Loft caters to a much younger crowd. They're ok for casual wear, but not for work (I work in the legal field, and really need sophisticated, classical outfits, not low rise pants, skimpy tops or shirts that don't look good tucked in). I don't want to look frumpy/matronly, but I also don't want to look like I'm trying to compete with the 20 year olds. I really miss Petite Sophisticate and Lord & Taylor, as their suits & dresses had simple lines and looked professional. Please help. Thanks.

Answered 06/22/07 16:19:20 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Tammy Green, owner of the Green Agency, is a petite 5-foot-1. She says Theory works well for women her size because the apparel has a slim cut. Lucky Brand is another favorite. Junior stores generally have merchandise meant for the smaller frames of teens, but "you've got to watch out that it's age-appropriate and not a junior look,'' she said. Nordstrom is her store of choice. "It has great selections.'' Things that don't work for her: three-quarter sleeves and capri pants because they make her look smaller, and Jones New York, a label carried by Nordstrom, which does carry petit sizes. "I don't like Jones because it's too conservative, but it is a great line for a luncheon suit. Just accessorize it to make it more timely,'' said Green, whose Miami Beach agency provides models and talent. She offered this: "Being in the model agency world, I am so often surrounded by really tall people, I try to create the illusion that I am taller by dressing in a solid combination, like all black or all white.'' But Green doesn't rely entirely on what she finds on the racks. "The best advice is to have a good tailor,'' she said. "Whether you're a tall girl or a small girl, I think ready-to-wear always needs to be adjusted so it looks like it's designer.''

Submitted by Pat from Little Rock, AR

Q: I have searched to no avail for a Miami fashion designer, who produced a catalog eight or so years ago. Her name is Angelita Henry, but, unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of her catalog. Can you or anyone out there help? Thanks much!

Answered 06/22/07 15:27:01 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sorry, I don't know her.

Submitted by Anonymous from Miami, FL

Q: I think babydoll tops are adorable for summer. However, everytime I try one on in the store, it makes me look pregnant!! Why? Are they only meant for the super skinny? The "well-endowed"? I can't figure it out.

Answered 06/11/07 20:41:08 by Kathryn Wexler

A: What's come to be known as a baby doll cut harkens back at least as far as the 1956 movie, Baby Doll, starring Carroll Baker as Baby Doll herself. Slammed as salacious, the film did very well, of course, and Baker's childish signature dress, both innocent and sexual, worked its way into America's lingerie drawer. Filmy and sheer, short and revealing, it lacked a defined waist. When flirty nighttime things migrated to day wear several years ago, a baby doll dress came to signify a similar, short dress with a square-ish cut and sweetie flourishes more coy than cute. By "baby doll'' top, you probably mean an empire top, a common source of confusion. Empire cuts usually have more tailored bod ices than baby doll dresses and a distinct waist,'' even though it rests high above a nat ural waist. The effect is similar: Baby doll dresses and empire tops look especially good on women with slender arms and slim upper bodies. Busty women can look nice in these articles, too, provided they're not vulgarly low-cut, as the fit is already snug. But you're right that when worn by women who are uniformly robust, baby doll and empire designs suggest that what's covered up /beneath is proportionately large -- or not yet born.