best places for curly cuts

Alexandria Va.: Hi! I am a fine artist who spends most of her week painting in her studio. Most of the time I wear my stretchy yoga clothes with a big sweater thrown over it, as my studio is cold. I place an apron over this, to catch any large paint spills. Then try layering to combat the cold maybe a long sleeved tee under an over sized button up shirt? I think a top layer in a soft, worn in chambray would look kind of arty chic with a bit of paint. Or try wearing a lightweight top under a cozy, long sweater and give your figure some definition with a wide belt.

Opaque tights: I wear tights most of the time with dresses and skirts. How matchy does one need to be with skirt color, tight color and shoe color? I like different colors but also have a lot of black and gray don't want to be boring, but don't want to look crazy. I am middle aged, so can't be too kooky. Please advise of combos or limitations.

Janet Bennett Kelly: The more neutral in color and pattern your dresses and skirts are, the more freedom you have to choose colorful, patterned tights. This fall, embellished edgy tights are a fun trend. You can choose from herringbones and fishnets to tights with beads and lace. Pair them with high heels. Experiment and find what you feel comfortable wearing.

Silver Spring, Md.: I really need a few pairs of sharp work trousers but my problem is that I like very low waisted pants (both because they're comfy and because those happen to look good on me). Tahari has been a go to designer in the past but I find those waists to be a little too high. Any suggestions?

Holly Thomas: Theory has a good reputation for trousers, but if you're specifically looking for a lower fit, you might consider The Limited the Drew trouser is a straight leg with a low rise. And J. Crew's City fit pants are also a good option. Chatters, any other suggestions for work appropriate pants with a low rise?

Charlottesville, Va.: I have a cashmere question: is there a difference between a 100% cashmere sweater at Old Navy versus one at Talbots? If both are really 100%, why is there such a price difference? I would think all cashmere is created equally. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: They both may be 100 percent cashmere, but I would bet the difference is in the ply. Single ply cashmere can be pretty flimsy and prone to rips, while double ply is more durable. Quality of construction also counts in price.

Great Falls, Va.: I have loved shopping at Eileen Fisher. Their clothes were stylish and conservative, but now I find their style is more for teenyboppers and a bit more hip. I purchased a few of their Fall 09 clothes and I am seeing moth holes in them. I am very, very disappointed. Moths were attracted to Eileen Fisher woolens in the past but I did not think it would be this quick . Help! I need clothes that fit well. I am 5 ft 3 and size 8 and 50 years old .

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, Eileen Fisher has changed its look in converse uk sale an attempt to attract a younger, hipper audience. But that shouldn't mean they now attract moths! Do you wear petites? If so, I think the petite department at Saks Fifth Avenue carries a variety of lines featuring smart, good looking clothes, with plenty of choices on the conservative side.

Silver Spring, Md.: I'm job hunting and need to combine my curly frizzy unshaped shoulder fro hair with some semblance of mainstream. My self employed artist background isn't helping. Part 1: a hairstyle that's still funky, but not scary, and where to go for the best curly [url=http://www.conversetrainerssaleuk.top/converse-mens-c-1/converse-mens-high-... star converse black leather cut. Part two: what to wear, given my bohemian background, to enter today's workforce (dealing w/public sales or marketing maybe training)

Holly Thomas: For stylists who are skilled with curly hair, I've heard high praise for Elie Elie Salon in McLean and Fiddleheads in the District. In terms of making a bohemian style appropriate for a more conservative work environment (if that's where you land), I'd say to keep your core pieces (tops, pants and skirts) classic and clean lined. Bring in the boho touch through your color palette (earthy neutrals and jewel tones) and your jewelry, bags and shoes.

To Alexandria Fine Artist: Lands End has some new, light weight close fitting layering T shirts that are long (therefore warm). They come in various necklines and colors for many layering options. If between sizes, order the smaller size for a closer fit. They're not matronly. Inexpensive, and can't beat the quality for the price. This is what I wear to do my fine arts work.

I also favor polartec fleece vests on the colder days because a warm middle helps a lot. That, and pretty fingerless gloves you can either knit yourself at almost zero expense, or buy from Etsy.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Style options for the Alexandria artist

Reston, Va.: Help, I am looking for high quality leggings. Black, that kind of help your shape and smooth things out vs showing all your cellulite like flaws. Is that even possible? I basically would like a legging version of a LUCY exercise pant. I checked there but everything is at the minimum with a boot cut flare. Thanks in advance!

Holly Thomas: I'm a fan of Spanx Tight End Tights convertible leggings, which you can wear at the ankle or under the heel . and they perform that Spanx miracle of smoothing everything out.

Winter skirts: I am hoping you can direct me towards some good fall/winter skirts. I am looking for something tweedy, wool or wool blend, with a somewhat a line shape. Preferably with some style or sass to it. No ruffles or pleats. I am also trying to find non frumpy corduroy similar in shape, without success. I live in a small town, so I'm stuck looking for store with online presence. Thanks!

Holly Thomas: Loft (aka the store formerly known as Ann Taylor Loft) has some really cute options that also happen to be on sale check out the gray tweed and flannel options. There's also one size left in a superfine corduroy skirt for $19. Also check out the Martin + Osa site for more cute skirts on sale.

Arlington, Va.: Re: Jeans question. I too am a size 8ish and find that Citizens of Humanity jeans fit my curvier/athletic build through my thighs the best. Nordstrom and other department stores carry a good amount of styles and colors. They can be pricey but watch for sales and websites like Gilt, Hautelook, and Rue La La, as Citizen is a common brand offered at these discount designer sites. Finally, don't be afraid of the tailor; it might be expensive, but a tailored pair of jeans can last forever AND you'll feel awesome in a great pair that fits! Happy Shopping!

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in search of jeans to fit her curves, some suggestions.

Washington, DC: Ladies, help! I shredded one of the knees in my favorite pair of jeans and I'm in desperate need of somewhere to converse uk sale repair them. I'm willing to travel outside of the city as it took half a year of trying on jeans to find a pair that fit. I don't want to have to go through it all over again.

Holly Thomas: Repairing torn jeans to a like new condition is almost impossible, which is why most people either patch them, use a zigzag stitch to close the tear or just embrace the shredded look. I would recommend going to eBay and saving a search for your brand name, style name and size and buy up whatever pairs you can find.