Submitted by Yvonna Suhr from Amberg, WI

Q: I am looking for information about a company called Richard Rich in Milwaukee. I am not sure if it is even around anymore. I received a wool coat from a friend last year and this label is on it. I love the coat - it is in great shape! Looks like something from my moms era (50's)?? Hoping for any information that is helpful. Thank you!

Answered 02/09/09 13:46:21 by Kathryn Wexler

A: I have checked a number of databases for said Richard Rich, without luck. My guess is that your vintage garment was made when America was humming with sewing factories and anyone could stitch a label in a few coats and call herself a designer. Enjoy your treasure!

Submitted by Diane from Toronto Canada

Q: Heading to Florida,the Miami(South Beach area)for a few days in January My husband will be on business and I will be taken out for lunch and shopping etc. Wondering what is appropriate for daytime dressing(do the locals still wear linen in the winter, sandals, bright colors. I have a couple of linen suits (brown and one beige) but think they may be too summer like. Are black cotton pants with sweater set too dowdy for Miami. Coming from a cold climate it always feels strange to wear light clothing in the winter dont want to look like tourist as not going to be there for resort type holiday.(although throwing a couple of casual stay at hotel items in bag) Just want to to look appropriate shopping with the local ladies kind enough to be entertaining me. Thank you

Answered 02/09/09 12:06:30 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hi. I've been on leave -- sorry I missed your question until now. Hope you felt good in whatever you donned.

Submitted by Michelle from Plantation,FL

Q: I am looking for research information on the affluent as a project consulting school project to market luxury leather handbags. I have found great info from the Census Bureau, but I am still looking for more detail demographics and pyschographics for the affluent in Southeast and Southwest Florida. The statistics I obtained would pertain to all studied groups except for the specific category of income. Do you know where I can check for more detailed info on target market analysis for affluent South Floridians?

Answered 12/09/08 11:18:06 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sounds like a great project. Marketing companies compile this information, but you have to pay big bucks for their data and they don't give it away. The Census should break it down further.

Submitted by Scott Clark from Ottawa ontario Canada

Q: I am so in love with Miami -Ft. Lauderdale you cannot imagine...I am a master hair colorist for Revlonissimo a Italian color line...I have owned one of the largest hair salons in Ottawa our Nations Capital for over 20 years....I am doing a very avante garde photo shoot this weekend ....if you are looking for another view on North American trends and fashion ...I would love to contribute to your articles..Im running out of space...

Answered 11/17/08 13:46:00 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hi, and thank you for your email. Feel free to email directly, at fashion@herald.com.

Submitted by Julie Hemmah from Fargo, ND

Q: My husband bought me some very expensive purple and fuschia pumps at a charity auction. They are suede and have a silver buckle. Very beautiful in an 80's kind of way. What in the heck should I wear with these pumps - hate to hurt the guy's feelings and not wear them. I was thinking perhaps a plain dress of some sort or even jeans? Any suggestions?

Answered 11/17/08 13:45:22 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Sounds like you're not sure if you love them or hate them. But edgy fashion is often a close call. You DEFINITELY have to wear them. You might want to go the other way, by dressing up rather than down, in order to echo the style of the shoes. You could do something like a Pucci print (that's for the brave) or a metallic dress. One fashionable look these days, which might work well here, is to wear some sort of interesting knit dress in a somber color (think Donna Karan), paired with dark tights and a chunky necklace with silver accents to pick up the buckle. You just don't want to go too dull or you'll look like you're apologizing for your feet -- and your husband.

Submitted by Judy from New York, NY

Q: For business wear (pants suit, dress or skirt) should I wear pantyhose/tights with slingback shoes? Or does it matter especially now that it's Fall season.

Answered 11/17/08 13:36:11 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Although there is some disagreement about this, I come down on the side of yes, you certainly may wear hose/tights with slingbacks. Avoid nude hose, though, and peep toes, too.

Submitted by Rebecca from Miami Beach FL

Q: Still looking for the weekly fasion calendar... You say it's "on page 4E" but what's the web link? Or where is it found starting from the "Living" page http://www.miamiherald.com/297/ Help? Here's one you posted back in September - http://www.miamiherald.com/living/fashion/story/689066.html

Answered 10/16/08 16:13:11 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Admittedly, it's not too easy to see the fashion listings online. You have to do a search in the general online calendar, on the left side of the Fashion & Beauty page: http://www.miamiherald.com/living/fashion/

Submitted by CamPhil from Austin, tX

Q: How can I be more sexiest, man here?

Answered 10/16/08 13:59:22 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Ummm, correct grammar, for a starters, is always attractive.

Submitted by Rebecca from Miami Beach FL

Q: What happened to the weekly fashion calendar? It used to be part of my Wednesday morning ritual but I haven't seen one in weeks?

Answered 10/16/08 13:58:18 by Kathryn Wexler

A: It's still there, every week, on page 4E. Maybe you lost track of it with the redesign?

Submitted by Marcos from Jackson, Ms

Q: Greetings im a fashion Designer in the Jackson, Ms area-I sketch designs an have many different an unique creations that i would like to get off paper an unto the runway! Im looking for a seamstress or two that would like to come aboard to help me bring my creations to life!

Answered 10/14/08 15:22:19 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hi. I am sure you can find a seamstress in your area for hire; you certainly don't need to go all the way to Miami -- unless you're already looking for a factory. In that case, there are several still operating in the Hialeah area and there's one near downtown Miami. I can give you more information if you're interested. And all the best of luck!

Submitted by sabrina from miami lakes florida

Q: I see a lot of those messenger side bags a lot this season. I really like them but I can never find them. I find that stores like American Eagle have them but then I notice everyone else at the University of Miami has the same exact ones. Where can I find messenger side bags in miami?

Answered 10/07/08 16:32:35 by Kathryn Wexler

A: You've got a good eye; students embraced the messenger bags first, and now everyone up and down the retail scale is offering those flat, rectangular carry-alls with a single shoulder strap. Try Dussault Apparel (dussaultapparel.com) for one with quality Italian leather, minus the usual sky-high price.

Submitted by mishell from miami,fl

Q: hey im a super fan of your column, im searching for allyssa milano's new clothes store there is one in miami or where i can find one?

Answered 10/07/08 16:27:57 by Kathryn Wexler

A: Hi, and thanks for reading us. I haven't seen Allyssa Milano's clothes anywhere, not even online.

Submitted by Sofia from Miramar, Florida

Q: I Have a brand new un-used wedding dress with all included, i would like to know where i could sell it?

Answered 10/07/08 16:26:51 by Kathryn Wexler

A: If it's not a fancy brand name, eBay is the online auction of choice for the world over. If your dress does have a label with cache, sell it on portero.com, which verifies all merchandise and fetches better prices.

Submitted by Amy from Highland, CA

Q: We are attending my 45th high school reunion in St.Pete/Tampa area, with activities including an outdoor mixer Friday night billed as "FL casual" and dinner and program Sat evening indicating "FL dressy casual." No problem figuring out husband's attire, but I am in a quandry about Saturday. Location is a hotel on the bay; I'm 63, petite but "healthy,", and like to think of myself as at least fashion savvy! Any hints?

Answered 10/07/08 16:25:15 by Kathryn Wexler

A: "Dressy casual" on a Saturday night in an elegant hotel means your attire should be more spiffy than casual. I can see a woman of your mind-set in a colorful dress ending mid-calf, with an evening sweater, shapely shoes and elongated clutch. I can also imagine you in a pant suit, something with a bit of sparkle or metalic hue to it and a single funky, big piece of jewelry. Don't forget to go with interesting shoes even if you wear pants. Aerosoles are comfy but they are generally not for the fashion savvy. In addition, I have consulted the new style book just released by Isaac Mizrahi. He stresses that looking savvy means ensuring a youthful, vibrant hairstyle first and foremost. He also says wide-leg pants are fine for petites, avoid loose and flowing clothes that will "drown" you, make sure your clothes fit well, wear heels and small patterns. Have fun at your event!

Submitted by Anne from Weston, Florida

Q: I have a Marc Jacobs bag, about four years old, in the lovely blush color and it is in desperate need of refurbishing, the leather, the handles and the interior. I consider it to be a significant investment, over $1,000, and I can't find anyone to do the job. I've tried emailing Marc Jacobs but to no avail. Any ideas?

Answered 09/02/08 13:28:51 by Kathryn Wexler

A: If you've invested that much in a handbag, you probably want to go to the best -- but once again, it'll cost you. Artbag Creations, at 1130 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028, is the real deal. For decades they've been the go-to repair shop for women with damaged luxe bags. Call (212) 744-2720 or go to artbag.com.