Check out my latest article in the August issue of Orange Coast Magazine.  You will find it in the OC Style section entitled Get Set to Gypset.  You can click below for the online version.  Enjoy!

http://www.orangecoastmagazine.com/style/article2.aspx?id=16095

Q: Style Solution reader, Barbara, asks “Is it OK to wear skirts to a business function without any leg covering like nylons?”

A: The short answer is yes.  The general rule of thumb is that if your skirt is above your knees, you should wear nylons/tights/etc like the ladies above.

If the skirt is below your knees, it is not usually necessary.  Obviously this all depends on the dress code of your company.  The good news is that women’s business clothing has evolved and relaxed a bit over the years.  It is not absolutely necessary to wear nylons in the work place.  However, nylons are always dressier and give you more authority than going without.  Nylons will help your overall image to appear more polished and put together.

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Q: Style Solution reader, Jennifer asks “Where can I find the perfect pair of jeans?”

A: It really depends where you live.  Saks Fifth Avenue always has a fantastic denim selection ranging in size from 24 - 34.  What I like best about Saks is that all of their denim is together so you don’t have to traipse all over the store in your quest.  You can pull all the styles you like and only make one trip to the dressing room.

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If you are in Orange County, CA, like me, Solutions Denim Boutique in Newport Beach is by far the best place to find jeans.  They carry hundreds of styles, and have them all arranged in a denim bar.  But don’t fret, you won’t have to sift through them all.  Simply tell Susan, the owner, what you are looking for.  She will then pull 4-5 pairs that fit your description and send you to the dressing room.  The service is great, the staff is knowledgeable, and they carry all your favorite brands and a few fabulous ones you haven’t heard of but will love instantly.

It’s a known fact that celebrities have access to the best stylists, the most exclusive designers, and the most outrageously expensive jewelry. But all of this means nothing if their clothes do not fit perfectly and their overall look is not completely polished and put together.  Their secret weapon: fabulous tailors like Ella’s House of Tailoring (848 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-652-2952). Ella and her team of trusty tailors are behind almost every major Hollywood celebrity from Brad Pitt, Diane Lane, and Jennifer Hudson, to Avril Lavigne, Ellen Pompeo, and Christina Applegate.  Her acute attention to detail helps celebrities look like the super stars we know and love from the red carpet to their everyday errands.

Make sure your clothing fits you to a “T” by following these top tailoring tips and tricks:

Hem the Front to Match the Back
If you’ve got a little too much junk in your trunk, chances are when wearing a skirt the hem is shorter in the back than in the front.  This detail only goes to emphasize your sizable rear.  For a quick fix, march off to your tailor and have them hem the front of your skirt to match the back while you are wearing it.  Although it may look askew when on the hanger, it will appear perfectly even when worn, thus creating a more cohesive look. 

Sew in Extra Snaps
If you are a busty woman that often struggles with large gaps in between the buttons on your blouses, we’ve got the tip for you.   Head to your local fabric store and find yourself a packet of small plastic snaps.  They come in a variety of colors, so you should be able to find some that work with your particular blouse.  Sew the snaps in between the existing buttons on the inside of the placket to prevent indecent exposure.  From the outside the snaps are invisible, but it’s amazing how they will keep your entire look smoother and slimmer.  You’ll never have to worry about someone staring at your bra again.  Double stick tape can also work in a pinch.  Simply place it between the buttons to provide temporary concealment.