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  • Where can I find this shirt in Parks and Rec?
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    you lucky girl!  i hope you're a size 2, because it's on SALE! there's a size 0 and a 6 here.  

    that was a fun game!

     

  • what's the standard deal with a "cleaning fee" when buying a new wedding dress from bridal shop?
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    I think the shop should always tell the customer in advance if there are any additional charges.

    At Cicada (my shop) if we are making a new dress for the bride there is no need for additional cleaning- it hasn't been worn aside from her fitting appointment, so it shouldn't be dirty!

    However, many brides decide to purchase a sample gown (at a big discount) which has been tried on by other customers, and could use a little cleaning. In those cases, she is buying it AS IS, and cleaning and alterations are offered at an additional charge. We always let the bride know at the time of purchasing what the options are, and let them make the decisions.

    Keep your store clean, and keep your customers informed. It's not rocket science.

  • Professional Clothing for Non-Rich Non-Old Lady in EXTREMELY Formal Office!
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    My tried-and-true method is J Crew on Hella Sale (or eBay!). $250 could buy you 1 or 2 skirts, 1 or 2 pairs of slacks, and 2 blazers if you play your cards right, and the J Crew suiting is KILLER quality. They often have extra 30% off sales online and in store. Banana Republic is the same way, and both of those stores have really modern fits that are still classic enough to last for many years.

    Go for grey and navy first, then black. Those are your most diverse colors. Try and dry clean as sparingly as possible because it will make your clothes last longer, but obviously don't start smelling like a crust punk or the #49 on a hot day.

    Your other options are to go to resale shops (ones in Bellevue and Kirkland are worth the bus ride), and then have things tailored (Adam Tailor #1!).

    Dress shirts, camis, cardigans, etc., can all be found for a much more affordable price and are also where you have more leeway with color and style while still staying in the business realm, so drop your money on the pillars of your business wardrobe first. For dress shirts, hit up Nordstrom Rack, Anne Taylor Loft, etc.

  • A question of bra-visibility etiquette?
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    In general, here are my rules about bras (but I do wear one every day and my body type requires it): Straps being visible is usually okay in a casual situation and assuming that they are a color that matches the color of whatever you're wearing (no hot pink straps with a black tee, for example). Being able to occasionally see the edge of where a bra starts through a shirt that is a little thin is okay assuming, again, the colors are the same (In this situation your shirt just looks more opaque where the bra covers underneath). In a nighttime going-out situation, being able to see the very edge of a bra (if it has lace or trim) where the neck of your top is is all right, I see a lot of women getting away with it and looking fine, but I rarely do it. I will also occasionally let the back of my bra show if I'm wearing a dress with a lace or transparent panel in the back.

    In the specific situation you suggest, I think your number one priority should be finding a shirt that isn't utterly transparent- they do exist. If you find a shirt that's just a little thin and wear a full-coverage white bra underneath, you ought to be fine. Do shy away from totally sheer stuff with just a bra underneath though- I think that only celebutants can get away with that (and it does still look tacky). Also, the looser your top is the less it will matter- the bra will be less visible and you won't be as exposed if the shirt isn't clinging to you. For totally casual play wear in the summer, I think you can absolutely get away with a transparent or sheer top with your swimsuit underneath (regardless of colors).

  • what is the "Must Have" accessory for fashionable women in spring/summer 2011
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    Wedge Platform heels, and a one color goes-with-everything rhinestoned bra. To wear with printed high waist skirts.

  • I was thinking of updating my wardrobe with some new/vintage belts. I own one that is thick leather with a chrome buckle. What would you suggest?
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    A variety of course! A few skinny belts to pile on your hips, a few chunky belts to define your waist in a baggy dress. A few of your favorite colors. A black one. A white or cream one. A studded one. And maybe a crazy statement one to drape over something. The belt you currently own sounds like one best suited for pants but keep in mind all the silhouettes and colors you tend to wear and which garments you would like to compliment with a belt.

  • I've cut all the liners out of my sheers tops. When will I need to sew them back in? How long will the sheer-top trend last?
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    At least through this year though they aren't the most winter friendly item. Not only are sheer tops in style at the moment, but sheer skirts are also making a number of appearances.

  • how do we rid this town of polar fleece and crocs without lighting them on fire?
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    Well, I suppose in an attempt to be more fashionable, CROCS now creates what they call 'heels': 

    Hope that doesn't ruin your day.

    Luckily, they're not too unfortunate looking.

  • On the hunt for a swimsuit that I can actually swim in
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    land's end always has the best-made, best-fitting suits! they're having a sale right now that i think expires on tuesday, so hurry.  i have their halter top suit and the x back suit, and i look smashing in them.  i never have to worry about spilling my melons and i can swim fast at the same time.

  • Tips on integrating electronics with clothes?
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    i highly recommend the lilypad e-sewing kit! my lightning bug bag is nerdily awesome.

  • Oh Dear god, are acid washed jeans really coming back in style?!?
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    Apparently so, along with the holes in the knees that were ever so stylist in the late 80s. I'm just waiting for the zippered ankles to make a comeback.

  • What are the best consignment stores in Seattle and surrounding areas?
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    If you need something fancy/work related, Le Frock on Pine has a lot of great skirts, dresses, and tops. The prices vary but I got a $250 Nanette Lepore pencil skirt for $35. They also have brands like Theory, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Jimmy Choo which cycle through depending on the day and are all priced very low. They have both contemporary and vintage clothing and shoes/accessories.
    http://www.lefrockonline.com/index.htm

    Fury in Madison Valley is also a great one. I've found some good everyday and work clothes there in the past. Sometimes, their prices are a little bit batshit, but often if you tell them so, they'll reconfigure a price for you. And, now through February 12th, everything is 30-70% off.
    http://www.furyconsignment.com/

    The Buffalo Exchange on the Ave isn't a consignment store, but it is the best of its kind. A lot of college students shop there, so there is constantly new stuff on the racks. Although I rarely by shirts there, I've found Sevens, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity jeans there that were all in great shape and priced less than 40% of the new price. I live in Ballard and the one here is pretty sad and picked over, so don't go to this one.

  • What goes with this gray skirt?!
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    With anything this loose and flowing, I would wear something thin and fitted on top. Too much looseness and you'll end up looking sloppy. A tank top with nice wide straps or a thin-knit closely cut sweater with 3/4 sleeves would be great with this. As far as color, I think you can go crazy- it depends on how much color you usually wear. If you're rather reserved in dress, infernactual's suggestion of white is great. Otherwise, you could go with orange (orange and grey are surprisingly beautiful and sophisticated together), deep purple, emerald, or a really deep turquoise-blue. Plain seems like it would be better with this skirt- with details you risk either clashing with the style of the skirt or being too matchy-matchy and looking like you spend all day in a drum circle at the park. (No offense if you're into park drum circles. Me too. I just like my look to be versatile. :) )

  • Soft soft winter hats for a freshly bald chemo patient?
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    Butter fleece.
    It meant something at one time but now the term is a little diluted amongst manufacturers. It has a super soft touch, but is ever so nicely warm and very lightweight. Sometimes you see "micro-fleece" referring to the same fabric.

    I and spouse are dedicated fleece cap wearers indoors in the wintertime finding it ever so comfortable and healthy (and much easier on the heating bill). Sleeping in one has eliminated sinus infections from my life. I find the really loose ones can be pulled back on the head like a beret and also pulled down over the eyes without pressure as a nightshade. Borrowing a line from the poem, "mama in her kerchief and I in my cap" - there was a reason why folks wore hats to bed.

    The basic place to start would be REI (which I think has been suggested here already). I bought a couple of really soft fleece caps for my brother there when he went through chemotherapy. I also thought about Patagonia on First Avenue, but after looking at their website their current line doesn't have much in the way of color or style. However, I started doing some websearching and found a whole list of little manufacturers of fleece hats and headwear (some here in Seattle).

    Here were the most promising (and fun) - look past the funny hats for kids (jester and dinosaur stuff) and there are some interesting designs.

    I threw in a couple that don't fit the mold but may be of interest (like the newsboy cap making fellow). Dig into the sites as there are some hidden gems. The headsokz design looks very versatile and might be great to have one of those just for versatility of coverage on those cooler days. BlueIce has some nice designs that would work for women.

    http://mariposa.yosemite.net/bwear/
    http://www.bluestreetdesigns.com/
    http://www.heidihat.com/
    http://headsokz.com/
    http://www.wehats.com/polar_fleece_hats1.htm
    http://www.dinohaven.com/index5.php?cPath=2_19
    http://www.blueiceclothing.com/products/productstyles/accessories.htm
    http://www.screamer.com/

    Hope something here might give her some comfort.

  • Best place to trade (not sell) clothes in Seattle.
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    I think the Crossroads in the U District sucks, as does the Buffalo Exchange there. They both stock a lot of college kid crap, and, based on my experience trying to trade my clothes at Buffalo Exchange, that's all they're interested in carrying. Only go to the U District BE if you have a ton of Abercrombie and Fitch.

    I've had good experiences trading my stuff at the Crossroads on Capitol Hill, both due to their being interested in what I had to offer and having a pretty great selection of what I was looking to buy.

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