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Kathryn Wexler covers fashion and style for the Herald. She has worked at several newspapers and magazines, including, most recently, the St. Petersburg Times, where she was a general assignment reporter. She almost became a ballet dancer, has resided in numerous cities and aspires to be posted in Mumbai someday.
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?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.
