Questions from the StatCounter

Another post answering some of the questions of women who Google…

What Necklace to Wear with a Wrap Dress?
Often with this style of dress, a necklace isn’t necessary because of the dress detail. The v-neck elongates the neck and gives a dramatic look on its own. I often pair a wrap dress with more dangly of earrings or hoops to continue that long look. However if you desire a necklace with a solid and simple wrap dress, a thin chain with simple pendant would be lovely, or switch it up with a long chain that goes past your rib cage or even navel. If you are an accessories maven, several strands of pearls in the neckline can be tres chic and sassy.

How to Hem Pants without Stitching?
I do NOT recommend this for long-term because it doesn’t look polished or chic, but I have been known to hold up a torn hem with Stitch Witchery. This and many similar products are a glue of sorts that will fuse two pieces of fabric together, often with heat from an iron. It doesn’t work on heavy fabrics like denim and wool, it ruins the line and gets too stiff with crepes and silks, and all in all looks messy but if you are in a pinch, it’s a great item to have on hand.

If you are not a seamstress, your local dry cleaners will usually hem pants for you for a very nominal price. This price will be less than buying new pants – a very real situation if you try to glue or staple your hems (yep, I have done that in a pinch too – try to get the staple right in the side seam so the staple isn’t showing and NEVER use this on fine fabrics!!).

What Heel Height for a Job Interview?
I think anything below 3” that is comfortable for you. I think a higher heel can be paired with pants for a very stylish yet professional look; with a skirt I recommend a more conservative yet flattering heel height like between 1 and 2.5 inches.

As a woman, we have the option to wear either a skirt or pants for an interview. I prefer pants because they make me feel confident and secure and strong. I pair pants with a feminine heel to show that I am tough, but have a personality. If I were to wear a skirt, I would pair it with very sensible simple leather pumps so I didn’t look to frivolous.

Can You Wear Teal Blue and Gold Shoes with a Black Dress?
Oooh, this is a toughie. No clear answer for this one. Now if your black dress is super simple like a sheath or a tube and the shoes are totally wild and funky and you maybe wear gold earrings and no other accessories then you could look very awesome. But if you pair it with a black dress with detail and some flounces and a gold bracelet and earrings and done hair… well then you will look confusing. Also are the shoes thin and delicate or chunky platforms? That can also make a difference. I am seeing teal and gold shoes with a navy dress… but it could be nice with a very simple simple black one.

Facial Bleach Turns My Hair Too Light
When I used to tan, I had that issue. And that’s when I stopped bleaching all together. Bleached hair does not disappear, it just becomes white or blonde. Do yourself a favor, invest in some Surgi-Cream or a different way to hide the hair – actually removing it. Modern-day depilatories for the face do not burn, smell awful or make the hair grow back stubbly. I use a cream by Sally Hansen bi-weekly on my face and have found it to be gentler, easier and less obvious than all my years with the pot of Jolene Cream Bleach.

Cashmere Sweater Ruined by Dry Cleaning?
Well first things first, cashmere doesn’t dry clean well. If you want your cashmere to last for years, you need to baby it. This is an item that really needs to be hand-washed. Invest in a quality wash for delicates and wash it in your (cleaned!) sink, not really twisting or rubbing too much. After washing, gently press out excess water, and lay on a towel to dry flat. This article explains the process in beautiful detail.

I have hidden lay-flat drying garments on the floor under my desk, on top of my refrigerator, and under my bed. You will be surprised where you will find space where it can dry in peace without being in the way.

I dry cleaned my cashmere pashmina, and now the coloring is uneven. There really isn’t a way to remedy the situation, you have to know that each time you go to the cleaners you have the chance of having your garment ruined. I had a gorgeous ivory suit bleached unevenly from the cleaners and items pressed in ways that have permanently ruined the drape.

Many items like wool and silk can actually be washed in the gentle cycle of your machine. Use a detergent made for delicates, do not over-stuff the washer, and let items hang or dry flat. The only items I send to the cleaners are suits, lined dresses and pants and anything with embellishment.