Q. Hi Kelly, I am a big fan! I’m going to New York for Lucky Shops in November. OMG. What’s a girl to wear? Do you have any ideas? I’m 38, like to be fashionable but not overly trendy, and hate to look like a tourist! – Ali in Texas

A. Lucky girl indeed! For an event like Lucky Shops where you’ll be on your feet shopping for hours (bliss), I like to start from the ground up — with shoes that look good and feel good. I’m obsessed with ankle boots with a low heel, like these Steven by Steve Madden Pembrook boots, as they accomplish both goals swimmingly and they’re very on-trend this season (proof: see Kate Bosworth).

Next, you’ll want pants that also look great and feel great. I love my skinny GAP 1969 lightweight corduroy leggings in black. They’re slim, but not tight, and feel like buttah. I recommend jeggings or skinny jeans as opposed to bell bottoms or flares, as you don’t want to be tripping over your hems all night (J Brand also makes a great pair of skinny jeans and you can get a great deal on them right now) . Plus, as there likely won’t be dressing rooms at LuckyShops, it’s much easier to try on dresses over skinny bottoms.

Speaking of, be sure to wear a cami or tank like this J.Crew Silk Cami under your top, for easy quick changes. Which brings us to what to wear on top. Polka dots are big right now and they’re so darling. Why not add this Madewell Spotdot Sweater to your ensemble?

Seeing as November in New York is rather chilly, you’ll need a coat too. But in lieu of a coat, I’m loving capes this season, such as this J.Crew Streetscape Cape. It’ll keep you warm, but not too warm, and is incredibly comfy too.

Finally, accessories! When traveling, I leave the heirloom jewels at home and bring fun costume jewelry instead. These sweet Kate Spade Curling Ribbon Studs will spruce up your ears, and since they don’t dangle, won’t get in your way when changing (skip necklaces and bracelets for this same reason). A festive cocktail ring like this Kate Spade Bow Bridge Ring will garner positive attention (and may just get one of the cute cocktail boys to bring you a drink without waiting in line, if you’re lucky…oh, and you are!). And last, but certainly not least, a lightweight, hands-free crossbody bag like this ASOS Leather Mini Twist Lock Saddle Bag is just what the shopaholic ordered. It’ll hold all of your essentials (phone, credit card, lip gloss) without weighing you down.

Happy shopping and do send us a picture from New York xx!

p.s. Here’s what I wore to Lucky Shops LA.

p.s. Anyone else going to Lucky Shops New York?

Advice, The Blog

Q. Help! My friend is hosting a ladies tea party at Samovar Tea Lounge in San Francisco in just a few weeks and requested we all wear a hat. What does a tea party hat look like? Any suggestions on a cute outfit?  I want a pop of color and need to get a hat soon. Thanks! – Hatless in San Francisco

A. How fun! Traditional tea hats can range from floppy straw hats in the spring and summer months to those exuberant numbers our neighbors across the pond like to rock like it’s 1774. But unless your last name is Middleton, I suggest a more modern take – and one that is winter appropriate (a straw hat is decidedly out of place in the dead of winter). Luckily, you have many great options.

[ban.do rose; ban.do two-tone satin sash; ban.do pom pom flower; ban.do organza flower]

My first choice actually isn’t a hat at all. But it sufficiently takes the place of one. Modern headbands and flowers are ultra feminine and still indulge your hostesses request for hat, but with your own clever spin. I adore these options from ban.do and they’ll certainly give you the pop of color you’re after.

[Rag & Bone Kingsley Fedora]

Another fabulous option is a floppy wool hat or felt hat — both winter appropriate and glamorous.

[Catarzi Felt Floppy Hat; American Apparel Wool Floppy Hat (many more colors available); Topshop Felt Floppy Hat (also in camel); Jessica Simpson Flower Floppy Hat]

Channel your inner Katharine Hepburn with 1940′s sophistication or your inner Bianca Jagger with ’70s flair (the queen of making hats work).

[Catarzi Felt Floppy Hat; Catarzi Felt 1920's Hat]

These would all pair well with a sexy secretary blouse and wide leg trousers. Or, equally as well with a drapey dress or vintage-inspired one.

[Tarnish Dip Dye Wool Felt Cloche ; Aqua Bow Felt Cloche; Jessica Simpson Bow Felt Cloche]

For something a smidge more streamlined, a wool or felt cloche is a stunning option.

[Catarzi Felt Bow Hat]

Feeling French? A sweet beret is the perfect topper to a roomy cashmere sweater and a skirt.

[Juicy Couture Ribbed Beret with Gems; Alice Hannah Beaded Beret; Helen Kaminski Reisa Sculpted Beret; Juicy Couture Sequin Beret]

Think Bonnie, minus Clyde.

[Alice Hannah Vintage Lace And Pearl Beret]

Finally, if you’re a fearless fashionista who likes trying new things, there’s no better time to indulge in the turban trend.

[ASOS Turban; ASOS Bow Head Band Turban]

As for what to wear with the pretty new topper of your choice, I say let the inimitable Katharine Hepburn be your muse.

Hepburn’s timeless sophistication works whether you choose something tailored and crisp, vintage-inspired or drapey and elegant. And she certainly inspired the wealth of fashion from the 1970s. Let those ultra-chic eras be your guide.

A few looks to inspire your ensemble.

[ASOS Trapeze Dress With Slash Sleeves; Jolly Dancer Dress]

A simple yet elegant dress pairs perfectly with any of the toppers above, from a beautiful bloom to a beret to a wool hat.

[Anne Klein Wide Leg Pant; Anne Klein Georgette Blouse; J.Crew Silk Blythe Blouse]

High-waisted trousers are de rigueur and look great with a plain or polka dot blouse. This look is best with a floppy wool hat a la Bianca Jagger, as your voluminous hat will help balance out the voluminous bottoms.

[Belle et La Fete Dress in Dot; The Ladybird Dress]

A sweet retro-inspired polka dress will charm the pants off of anyone (so watch out!). A simple cardigan or blazer atop, plus a floppy wool hat and you’re good to go.

[Tied Together Top; Nice Day for a White Skirt; A Gallop of Style Romper]

A few more options? A long skirt with a pretty blouse is very ’70s but also very chic right now. This would look fab with a cloche, floppy hat, turban or beret. Or, skip the skirt, dress and pants altogether by opting for a spirited romper instead. This horse-print romper would be darling with tights and a floppy wool hat and you’re sure to be the sartorial hit of the party.

I hope that helps and do send in pictures of the gorge tea party look you end up wearing — and perhaps a scone…or three!

Have a fashion emergency or style conundrum? Need the perfect gift? Send your pressing questions to Ask Kelly!

Advice

Dear Kelly,

I’m in desperate need of a cute raincoat, preferably with a hood (but not dopey looking!). And not too little girl looking either.  I have two raincoats, a grown-up trench that is nice when I am dressed up, but too Inspector Gadget-ish for day to day, and then a way sporty Patagonia one that is not at ALL feminine, but gets the job done.  I’d love something cute, but still useful. Any suggestions?

–Nicky from New York

Coats are like the cupcakes of the fashion world to me, entirely addictive, sweet and necessary (often daily), so I’m more than happy to help. Finding a raincoat that’s cute, feminine and practical (and doesn’t make you look like you’re six or Inspector Gadget’s mistress) can be quite the challenge. But after some style sleuthing, I’ve unearthed some options I hope you’ll love, starting with this chic, classic Double Breasted Trench Coat by London Fog in bright maroon.

The color is an uplifting change from the usual on a rainy day, plus it has a detachable hood and convertible collar and belts at the waist for a figure-flattering look. It also has a cozy zip-out flannel lining, making it even more versatile. Well priced, it would look chic as an everyday option dressed up or dressed down (available in black or toffee as well; $128).

Another hooded option that indulges in the au courant military trend, the Cole Haan Packable Anorak has an optional hood that folds into the collar and features a drawstring-cinched waist for a feminine fit. If you’re a girl on the go, it also comes with a matching travel pouch for easy packing ($395).

Sweet and bright, the Hooded Scrunch Katie Trench by Tulle is sunshine on a rainy day. I adore the flirty ruching and the bright blue hue (a steal on sale for $34.99, originally $80).

Finally, a great alternative to a hooded raincoat? A darling waterproof hat like the Helen Kaminski’s Enu Wide-Brim Rain Hat that you could pair with any non-hooded raincoat of your choice (in black or mocha; $98).

The Ruffle-back Trench from Victoria’s Secret keeps things short and sweet-chic (also available in black; $88).

Hopefully soon you’ll be singing in the rain instead of dreading it.

xx!

Kelly

Have a fashion emergency or style conundrum? Send your pressing questions to Ask Kelly!

Advice, Fashion, The Blog, The DailyBuss