Q:  Style Solution reader, Jen, asks “How do I wear scarves?  There seem to be cute ways to accessorize them beyond just throwing one around my neck.”

A: Yes! Nothing adds a touch of trend and ties your look together as quickly and easily as a gauzy summer scarf.  The perfect piece to throw on with your basic tank and jeans during the day, it can also effortlessly transition to an evening wrap for those breezier summer nights.  Look for cheerful patterns and prints to wear with solid outfits, or colorful solid scarves to add to patterned outfits.  Either way, you’ll look more coordinated and stylish with the addition of a little neck wear.

There are countless ways to tie your scarf.  Try the simple once around, as demonstrated by Kirsten, Giselle, and Jessica above.  This brings the attention up to your face without adding too much bulk around your neck.  The long, lose ends also help create a strong vertical line in your outfit.

You can also try wrapping your scarf around your neck once or twice and knotting it in the front like Lindsay and Jennifer do so well. 

When the nights are color and you can feel fall around the corner, try wrapping your scarf around your neck completely and tucking the lose ends inside for a faux turtleneck look.  Or, folding your ethnic square scarf into a triangle and wearing it wrapped around your neck with the pointed end draped over your chest for added warmth and international style.  The thing to remember is that when you have a long, summery scarf, they look best when they are a little messy. Don’t paralyze yourself with perfection.  Just pull them out of your closet and start expirimenting.

download Taking Lives

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.

download Starsky & Hutch

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.

Style Solution reader, Laura, writes:
“I just ‘inherited’ a Levi’s jean jacket  from the 80s [similar to the one above]. It belonged/belongs to my husband. I am a little concerned that I will look strange wearing a man’s jacket (not sure if people can tell that or not) and the lapels are a bit big. However, it is by Levi’s and isn’t it considered vintage? Any advice?”

Style Solution Answer:

Yes, everyone will be able to tell that you are wearing a man’s jacket.  While a denim jacket is a great staple, the styles and washes do evolve over the years and it’s important to stay current.  Even though there is presently a resurgence of 80s fashions, a men’s Levi denim jacket will still look like it’s not yours. 

My suggestion: if you love it and want to keep it, spend a little money and get it tailored so that it fits you well and looks a little more modern.  Try taking in the lapels, narrowing through the torso and arms, or cropping the jacket.  You can also try distressing the denim to look spot on trend.