Belle,

I am looking forward to incorporating my new pair of white jeans into my fall wardrobe (sans white shoes, of course). However, I did score a great pair on sale from Bloomingdale’s but they seem to be a little bit too big and stretch out by the end of a day’s wear. My question is – do you have any tips for shrinking jeans?

I tried washing them separately in hot water and running them through the dryer on high heat, but it didn’t seem to work too well – unless I need to run it through a few more cycles. The material is not particularly stretchy or anything, but I know that denim does usually stretch regardless so I am willing to accept that I might just have to make do with a loose fit.

Sarah

Unfortunately, most modern denims are made to guard against shrinkage.  Depending on the brand, you can wash them all that you want, but they will never shrink.

You need to buy jeans so that they are tight in the store.  If you buy them to be comfortable in the store, they will stretch and sag and become too big over time.  This is especially true in the rear end, because each time you sit and stand they stretch a bit.  So when you try them on in the store, they should be a bit uncomfortable.

That being said, sometimes, a good tailor can take them in at the waist.  But if they sag in the rear, there is probably nothing that you can do to fix it.

Belle,

In a few weeks, I’ll begin working in an office that requires staff members to wear a jacket every day. I’d like to continue wearing my pants and skirts (lots of black and navy, a few brown and khaki, a few assorted colors), so I’m looking for a few versatile blazers/jackets. Do you have any recommendations? 

Appreciatively,

Lauren

Polyvore Set Here.

There are four basic jacket types that you should look for this Fall.  The basic wool blazer is a must have for both casual and work attire.  I like the camel for mixing with chocolate brown, navy and black.  But a navy or charcoal wool blazer is just as versatile.

Also big this Fall, the brightly colored blazer.  Whether you choose royal blue, fuschia, green or orange, there are many bright jackets to choose from this season.  I like this blue for pairing with black and white.

Peplum jackets are a sophisticated way to add a dash of sexy to your wardrobe.  Pair them with fitted pencil skirts or pleated skirts for a chic work look.  Add skinny and wide belts to emphasize the waist and play up the femininity of the cut.

Lastly, I see a lot of ugly tweed wandering the halls of Capitol Hill.  Pastel pinks and bulky boucle and heavy, shapeless blazers…blech.  If you’re going to wear tweed, choose a modern, tailored cut.  Think Coco Chanel meets Rachel Zoe.

Dear Belle,

I am getting married New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs. In September, I plan to have the engagement photos taken at the golf resort we have chosen for the wedding. And I am completely stumped on what to wear. The outfit has to be fabulous, but not too trendy or full of regret years from now. Also, it can’t compete with the natural backdrop of botanical beauty, palm trees, or mountains. Plus, my fiance is very much Texan, and he will be wearing something basic.  All of this I am trying to balance with the reality of the pictures are being taken in Palm Springs for pete’s sake and the outfit can’t be boring. The wedding planner suggested I pick something from my own personal wardrobe that I feel confident in, (serious truth to that statement) but I still feel I own nothing of worthy for the photo session. 

 Thanks! Trouble in Paradise (not really though) 

I agree with your photographer that you should choose something you already own and feel good wearing.  Too often, women buy new clothes for photos and discover too late that they pinch or fit poorly or emphasize flaws best hidden.  Choose your best outfit and spend your time and money on the perfect hair color and cut and flawless makeup.  That’s all anyone will notice anyway.

Additionally, avoid makeup with SPF when taking photos.  The SPF reacts badly with flash photography.  You’ll often end up with your body one color and your face a paler shade.  There’s no reason why you should wind up looking you have pancake mix on your face.

Lastly, avoid white in favor of darker colors.  Don’t wear a strapless dress, as this will make you look naked in headshots.  And don’t overdo it on the jewelry.  This is the time for simple earrings and necklaces, or none at all.