Hi Judie and Evelinda:
You always give great advice. With the new long and lean look for  fall, is that appropriate for petites?

Thank you
Linda

 Dear Linda,

By “long and lean” we assume you mean the skinny jeans, leggings or the legging/denim hybrid.  If you are a lean petitie, you can do this.  As an example, take black leggings tucked into high-heeled black boots or shoe booties worn with the new long blazer (push your sleeves up or roll them back) and you will look long and lean.   Of course you can do a shruken blazer with a long top, sweaters, etc.  You will need heels and a monochomatic look to achiever the “long” part of the silhoutte.  This means that the pants, shoes, blazer need to be in the same tone of color, your contrast can be jewelry or blouses.  Enjoy the season!

Evelinda and Judie

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Hi,
My husband and I are invited to a cocktail wedding reception at 4 p.m. on a Saturday in September.  The groom works for my husband.  I don’t know what is appropriate for me to wear.  The 4 p.m. and the “cocktail” part throws me.  Please help!
Thank you.

Stylish Reader,

It sounds like you are invited to the reception and not the wedding and because the invitation says “cocktail” you will see some very dolled-up, glittery dresses, we suggest that you be more understated.  Don’t be too summery, it is September.  How about a dress in a dressier fabric, not casual cotton.  It can be long or short, print or solid, fashion-forward of classic.   Don’t forget that your boss is the boss and a suit is appropriate for him.  Also, if you can find dressy separates, this will work too.  Enjoy the event. 

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In your “style matters” column of November 13, 2008 you gave several
recommendations for products to use to strength nails. Where does one find
these products? Are they only available from online companies or can they be
purchased locally?

Thanks for your help,

Betsy L.

Dear Betsey,

The column ran Nov. 12.  Our columns can be found on the Rocky Mountain News website.   All of the products that were recommended by the experts can be found locally.

 Growing Out Your Nails part 2Evelinda: Last week we uncovered a trend in nail care– women opting to remove nail enhancements such as gels, acrylics and silk wraps and going with their natural nails. This week we spoke with nail experts to find out their secrets for growing out healthy, strong nails.

Professional Tips

1. Leigh Ann, owner of Leigh Ann’s Color Studio and Day Spa (303-794-5060), cooks up a home-grown baked tomato and olive oil concoction that she swears rebuilds the protein in hair and nails and makes skin healthier. Make your own elixir at home, drink every other day and take a multivitamin. Leigh Ann’s manicurist Jana Deatherage recommends also using OPI Nail Envy, a topical nail strengthener, ($16.)

2. Zenails owner Dina Bautista (303-202-6500) suggests to clients that they take multivitamins and amino acids, like garlic, to strengthen and improve nails. Garlic is key to her rapid nail growth plan. Ready? Before going to bed, dig your nails into peeled garlic cloves and cover with gloves. Not only will you have great nails, but any vampires in the neighborhood will avoid you. Bautista also recommends the basecoat Qtica natural nail growth stimulator, ($20). Active ingredient … garlic.

3. Coldwater Creek Spa (303-975-8736) director Karla Okala, says that the going-natural trend has picked up in recent months possibly due to the faltering economy and because artificial nails don’t hold up as well in Colorado’s dry climate. Lead nail therapist at the spa, Mary Cook, described the series of manicures they offer to help strengthen and protect the new nails as they grow in. The “Grow Your Own” series of treatments starts off with the “Ultimate Manicure” – hands are dipped in hot paraffin wax to hydrate the skin and nail bed. Then shea butter is massaged in for further hydration. Clients follow up with four more manicures every two weeks. Cook recommends using Creative Nail Design’s Toughen Up Base coat ($7) and ridge filler ($7) to strengthen and smooth the damaged nails.

4. Stephanie Alley, nail technician at Pura Vida Nectar Spa (303-536-5653), recommends using a nail strengthener three times a week. She likes Nailtek products, (nailtek.com) and the SpaRituals line of organic,protein extracts and non chemical nail strengtheners. ($7-$10)

Judie: Going green has hit the nail salon industry. Nail technicians at Leigh Ann’s Color Studio and Day Spa  no longer do acrylics because of what they consider to be the harmful toxins in the products as well as the damage these products can cause to the environment when they are disposed. We’ve heard that some of these chemicals will damage pipes if disposed of in a sink.

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Hi Evelinda and Judie,

Can you recommend a good place to get eyebrows shaped? Thanks,

Marta

Dear Marta,

Eyebrows frame your eyes and once you have a great shape, you can maintain yourself or continue to go to your expert.  Almost every good salon has an experienced person and even the Nordstrom eyebrow shapers are fabulous.  Right now we are into “threading”.  The threader uses plain old white thread and pulls out the hair one at a time in a really fast manner. The pain scale equals that of waxing.  Threading is great for everyone, but especially for women who are allergic to the wax or using facial creams that do not allow for waxing.  We are using Pari, Studio 5080, 303-504-9444, Hampden and I-25; there are other threaders in town. 

Evelinda and Judie

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Dear Judie and Evelinda,

Always enjoy your column.  My sister-in-law is dating again after my brother died 2 years ago, and her new beau has invited her to his Christmas Party to be held at the Museum of Natural History.  The attire is “Black and White”.  What should she wear?  That’s all the info she has, I do not believe this is a Black and White Ball, so would it be a long dress, holiday style not formal?  Thx Jean

Dear Jean,

Our first rule is always to call the host/hostess and ask them what they are wearing, but this doesn’t seem to be an option here.   Usually if the event is formal, the invitation would specify black-tie, because it’s not noted, we would omit long dresses from her options and go for cocktail attire. It will be easy to find white/black clothing this time of year.  She can shop at a store such as White House/Black Market or any good store within her budget.  If her budget is tight, then pull out an existing LBD or cocktail suit and update with a new shawl, black/white shoes or purse.  Evening pants are also acceptable.  Remember that this is a work event, so don’t be too much of a sex kitten. 

Tell her we hope she has a  fabulous time. 

Evelinda and Judie  

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Dear Style Matters: 

Is there anyone who does great clothing color sets for women and who tells you what styles to buy vs.what to avoid?

C.S.

Dear C.S.,

If you are thinking of the color analyis (are you a winter, spring, fall, summer, etc.) that was the range a few ago, it went away with the adage that you can’t wear white after Labor Day. With today’s hair coloring, tanners, etc. women have more options.  Having said that, there are certain colors that do flatter certain people.  Do you have clothes that make you feel more attractive?  Study these pieces and styles, they are probably ideal for you.  There are a few color experts and one with a great reputation is the Never Pay Retail boutique.  Also, many department stores and boutiques offer complimentary stylists that will help you decide what colors and styles flatter you.  There are personal shoppers at Nordstrom, SAKS, Neiman’s, Macy’s in Cherry Creek Mall and many boutiues including Barbara & Co., Mariel, Delish Demure, etc.  You can find a list of all of these boutiques in our book.  A Fashion-Lover’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond.  We are sure there is a boutique near you that is ready to help you. 

Have fun shopping!

 Evelinda and Judie

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Dear Style Matters

Can you help me find black boots size 5 that can zip up past a normal calve muscle, not a (skinny one). I have found boots for under $100 but I  have trouble zipping them up. I would like to wear my skirts instead of pants this winter,but the boots are needed to set of my new look. Any  ideas who carries these greatly desired boots.

Chesi

Deaer Chesi,

 We are assuming you’ve been to Nordstrom Rack, DSW, Payless and other local retailers.  If these aren’t working for you then the web will be your friend.  Google boots for wide calves and you will get several sites, but here’s a few ideas:  elegantplus.com; zappos.com , widewidths.com and like.com/shoes/size.

Evelinda and Judie

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 Hi Judie & Evelinda,

Just wondering if you’ve had a view into next spring/summer’s styles — are we going to be seeing platform sandals again next year?  They looked great with wide-leg pants — are we going to see those again too?  If we don’t see platforms, what works with wide legs for casual wear?

Thanks for your help.  BTW, I loved your column on things you’ve changed your mind about.  Amazing how our eye adapts over time, isn’t it?

Thanks again,

Denise W.

Dear Denise,

The trendsetters are switching to a crossbreed of a heel and platform.  It is a concealed platform at the front of the shoe (the platform is wrapped in the same fabric as the upper portion of the shoe) and balanced with a thicker very high heel at the heel of the shoe.    You see this shoe in stores right now and it will look great with the wider leg pant.   But don’t worry the comfy platfrom, where the shoe is equally elevated, is always present in some form. Its been the dominate shoe but when it takes a back-step, it is usually shown with a thinner and not quite as high of a platform.   The bottom line, you will be able to wear your sandals next year.  Designers have been showing high-waisted, wide-legged pants for several seasons, but they are just now becoming popular on the street, you will be able to wear this style when the warm weather returns. 

Evelinda and Judie

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Dear Style Matters,

I am working on getting my dark brown colored hair back to gray ( it is a long story … ) and need to find a great colorist - do you have suggestions??

Thank you.

Patty R.

Dear Patty,

When it comes to hair color/cut, we always make this our first recommendation: stop and ask a woman whose hair you like.  Ask her where she goes.  She’s flattered and you have seen the results. If this doesn’t work, here are a few others:

Charlie Price (runner-up of the Shear Genius show on Bravo, Click 303-399-9469)
Pam Grieve (Salon Posh Evelinda goes here 303-333-3750)
Third Avenue Studio (ask Irene owner, Evelinda uses Ashleigh 303-355-8480)
Mitzi (Bentley’s 720-854-9293, Judie goes here)

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Evelinda and Judie

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 Where could a “mature” woman find a swimsuit this time of year?

We recently signed up for two cruises and I need a swimsuit.  I am 61 and in pretty good shape–I train  horses for a living–but don’t want to call attention to certain parts of my body.  I would like to find a one piece suit with some tummy support.  I am small  but  have a slightly ”poochy” stomach.

Also, I am convinced manufacturers are making clothing larger and sticking smaller size tags on them.  I have been trying to find shorts and capris.  A 4P which used to fit is now too large.  Where can a person shop?????

Carol E

Dear Carol,

We agree that manufacturers are cutting more generously to compensate for expanding waist-lines.  The European designers or fashions cut for young women run smaller.

We’ve never met a woman that loves her body, so our philosophy about swimsuits is to buy one you like and enjoy the water.  When out of the water, wear a fabulous large brim hat, dark sunglasses and a coverup, you will look great.  As for your suits, do call all of the local swim stores located in the malls and ask them what they offer.  Also try Nordstrom and Le Soutien (lingerie store in Cherry Creek North).

Enjoy your vacation.

Judie and Evelinda

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