Fall 2012 RTW look books from left to right: L.A.M.B., Dolce & Gabbana, and Elie Saab (photography courtesy of style.com)

Can I wear sandals during the winter? –Jules

The answer is a definitive yes. Just look at a few of our favorite bloggers:

-Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller wears open-toed heels with a suit.
-Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes suggests ankle strap sandals with a sweater and leather skirt for an easy winter go-to.
-Merritt Beck of The Style Scribe pairs sandals with a knit ensemble and bare legs here and a tailored dress and blazer here.

Your tootsies may get chilly, but paired with a seasonal outfit, they’re a-okay in the fashion world. I’m particular fond of a slouchy sweater, skinny denim, and strappy heels. If you’ve got a pair with a little bling, they’re perfectly festive for holiday parties, as well. If you’re looking to keep warm and thinking a pair of tights will do you good, check out Who What Wear’s segment on how to pair tights with shoes.

I love researching old etiquette books and making informed decisions about questions like this but when I did a little bit of homework on it before I wrote my Wedding Workbook, I noticed that the same etiquette experts that wrote that we cannot wear black to a wedding also stated that a bride shouldn’t wear a strapless dress (and we all know that has become the norm!). So, I believe that, as long as it feels festive, you can wear black to a wedding. Reserve your conservative black looks for more somber occasions, and dress up your festive black dresses with a colorful clutch or a kick of color at your feet. I do think it is really important to respect the requests of the hosts and dress the part. If the wedding is black tie, wear a long dress. If we are asking our dates to don a tux, we should dress to the nines as well! –Kimberly Whitman

Kim was even kind enough to put together two appropriate looks.

Shoes | Clutch | Earrings | Dress

Shoes | Purse | Necklace | Dress

Summer wrecks my skin, and I have less time then ever for facials with my kids’ summer camps and sports. Anything you like to use at home to get facial-like results? –Sheryl

There are a handful of products that will deliver more dramatic results than your daily wash/tone/serum/moisturize routine. My favorites: Masqueology single use sheet masks, Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, and Kate Somerville Exfolikate.

Jump for details.

Masqueology Masks
What it is: A package of three single-use masks. Each saturated sheet has cutouts for the eyes, nose, and mouth and is soaked in skin-treating ingredients. (Use in private; you will look creepy.)
What it does: Each of the ten masks serves a different purpose. I love Cell Renewal, which includes hydrolyzed collagen, pomegranate extract, snail secretion filtrate (I know–ew), and trehalose for helping produce new skin and restoring moisture.
How to use: After removing makeup and rinsing skin, apply the mask, and leave on for 20 minutes. The best part is, after use, you can throw away the mask and massage the remaining formula into your skin. No clean-up necessary.
Recommended Use: “Use as often as desired as a regular part of your skincare program.”

Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel
What it is: An enzyme peel that looks and smells just like a berry jam. (But don’t eat it.)
What it does: A potent combo of ingredients (pineapple enzymes, strawberry and blueberry extract, raspberry seed oil, and lactic, salicylic, and other acids) create a powerful exfoliant that helps heel blemishes, fade discoloration, and remove dull skin.
How to use: After removing makeup and rinsing skin, apply a thin layer and leave on for 5-10 minutes (depending on severity of tingling). Rinse with cool water and follow with moisturizer.
Recommended Use: “Use 1-3 times a month, or as needed.”

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
What it is: A grainy formula made up of micro beads, fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin), salicylic acid, rosewood and cinnamon extracts, aloe, honey, and vitamin E.
What it does: The powerful exfoliator cleans pores, brightens skin, and strips away dead and dull skin.
How to use: After removing makeup and rinsing skin, apply a thin layer to wet face and massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. Leave on for up to two minutes (depending on severity of tingling). Rinse with warm water and follow up with regular skincare routine.
Recommended Use: Use once or twice each week, morning or evening, to keep skin radiant.

I need a need a new workout class for summer. Bored of the gym, but gotta get rid of these not-so-lovely love handles. I know you try out different classes. What are your favorites? –Candace

I won’t lie. A perk of the job is “testing” different fitness programs around town. Most are good. Some, meh, but then there are the greats. Five of those, coming up. (Warning: You will not find yoga on this list.)

Class: Beyond Pedaling
What It Is: An indoor cycling studio in Snider Plaza. We love the Barre Blast + Bike class, a combination of 25 minutes of spin class and 25 minutes of ballet-inspired barre work that equals 50 minutes of pure, head-to-toe toning.
Why We Like It: The classroom is hip, lit up like a nightclub with colorful LED lights. A big screen at the front of the room plays music videos (nothing makes me pedal faster than Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter”), and instructors are all sorts of energetic. The time flies by (as it does when you’re having fun) and our bodies were sore for days in all the right places. (Buns, abs, shoulders, and thighs.)
Cost: $15 for your first ever class, followed by $3o a pop in singles, and packages ranging from $80-$300
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Camp Gladiator
What It Is: An outdoor, four-week bootcamp which locations all over DFW and beyond.
Why We Like It: Along with hundreds of others (CG has won Readers’ Choice awards for Best Fitness Program two years in a row), we, too, are hooked on the whole package: the group camaraderie, positive energy of instructors and fellow campers, friendliness of the trainers, and intensity of the one-hour workout. Every class in the four-week series is made up of different set of exercises, but each one utilizes dumbbells, mats, plenty of open space for cardio, and every. single. drop. of the hour.
Cost: $170 for one camp, $240 for two, three for $299, or, the best deal, $69 per camp for six months on auto-renew
Schedule and locations: Click here.

Class: Tread Fitness
What It Is: A boutique treadmill studio with one-hour interval classes that switch between treadmill cardio and floor work.
Why We Like It: Classes are broken down into either quarters (15 minutes on the treadmill, 15 on the floor, repeat) or nine six-minute circuit stations, so you’re never in one place long enough to get bored or overworked. Treadmill time is broken down into one-minute bursts, so it’s manageable to tackle steep, inclined walks and heart-thumping sprints. Energizing soundtracks help you get through floor work made up of resistance bands, dumbbells, and lots of ab work for toning and tightening.
Cost: Packages range from one class for $20 to 50 for $600, and monthly memberships run from $160 for one month to $140 on auto-renew
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Fitness With Insight
What It Is: A small TRX suspension training studio with 30-minute resistance training classes.
Why We Like It: It’s nice to give up standard workout tools to put to use these straps hanging from the ceiling. These, plus your own weight are all you need to get a complete workout. Adjusting the position of your body allows you to change the resistance and tailor your workout to a desired level of intensity. (But trainers will push you to your maximum potential.) Classes are small allowing for one-on-one moments with the instructors, and did we mention classes are only 30 minutes?
Cost: A trial session is free then $25 for 1 class, $95 for 5, $175 for 10, and $195 per month of unlimited access
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Pure Barre
What It Is: A hybrid mix of Pilates, ballet, and classic aerobics.
Why We Like It: Each class thoroughly tones from head to toe. (Especially the soft spots–buns, bellies, and thighs.) The class begins with aerobics-inspired warm-up moves, followed by slow but deliberate movements that target one body part at a time and deliver a burn so intense you’ll swear you must be in shape after just one class. Time flies by as you complete each section and the barre is fun. Relevés and arabesques make you feel graceful and a bit of hip wiggling to pop music makes you feel like a backup dancer.
Cost: $20 for 1 class, $175 for 10, and a variety of other packages, like $275 for unlimited summer months, $100 for an unlimited month for new clients
Schedule: Click here for Dallas and here for SouthLake.

all photography courtesy of fitness studios

I just moved in Dallas. I am originally from Europe. I show your article about Cicada Collections and I felt that I can trust your taste. I was wondering if you know any place that sells nice frames for eye glasses as well as a store for fashion jewelry. –Anna-Maria

Eyeglass Shops
Fashion Optical: Local celebs (like Abi Ferrin and Jan Strimple) love owner Morgan Metcalf’s ability to find the perfect frames for every face.
Goo Goo Eyes: This shop has a digital scanner so you can virtually try on frames before making a decision.
Illori: This NorthPark boutique used to be all designer sunglasses, but now you can bring in your prescription and be fitted with trendy eyeglass frames, too.
Occhiali Modern Optics: If you don’t have a clue what you’re looking for, experts here will help you navigate through their upscale selection.
Tom Barrett Optical: This eyewear shop has pairing faces with the perfect frames for 30 years. No eye exams here, so style is the focus.

Jump for jewelry shops.

Fashion Jewelry
Castle Gap: For on-trend Native American designs in silver and turquoise.
F. is for Frank: For funky metal rings, bangles, necklaces, and cufflinks inspired by animals and geometrical shapes.
The Gypsy Wagon: For cute, Texas-inspired, locally create jewels like bullet necklaces and personalized vintage charms.
Kendra Scott: For affordable jewels using bold colored stones and dainty metal details.
SWAG: For trendy fashion jewelry from lines like Virgin Saints and Angels, Otazu, and a few local lines.
Stephanie Anne: For heavy, chunky gold pieces with ornate stone designs.
Grange Hall: For high-end, off-the-cuff designs like fly earrings and spider necklaces you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Ylang23: For a little bit of everything from a huge selection of designers from Alexis Bittar to Cathy Waterman.

See all jewelry shops here.

“My hair is pretty much always oily except for day 1 after a shampoo. (I live on dry shampoo so I’m not washing every day.) I’d like to be able to wash my hair at night and style it in the morning, but by the time I wake up, my hair is already a little greasy! Is there anything I can do to keep my hair fresh while I’m sleeping? My old college roommate used to hairspray her hairline before bed, but does that really work?” –Lily

I went to the mane masters at Salon Lucien:

photo courtesy of beautyeditor.ca

We get asked that question quite a bit from our clients.

1. We recommend a shampoo for oily roots and dry ends such as the Kerastase Cristalliste.
2. Conditioners are going to add to her problems so she needs a detangler, such as Oribe’s Foundation Mist, which is light and weightless.
3. After styling her hair at night, put on top of the head in a loose scrunchy (preferably the old-fashioned kind with fabric on it).  This really helps holding the style and or blow out. It will stop the distribution of oil from directly laying and rolling over the hair at night.
4. THE MORE BRUSHING OF THE HAIR, THE MORE OIL SECRETION.
5. The last thing, try distributing a small amount of witch hazel or Sea Breeze throughout the scalp when EXITING the shower.
6. Dry Shampoo is a must, but for her, try one that is not a texturizing spray and a true dry shampoo such as Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair!

P.S. Hair spray has a lot of alcohol and can actually increase her oil production if used in excess.

I just bought a straw fedora for summer but have no idea how to wear it. I’m new to hats. Help! –Lindsey

Naturally, I directed the question to the city’s most well-know milliner, Cassie MacGregor of House of MacGregor. She responded with the following.

The biggest tip I can give is to wear your hat with confidence, it makes all the difference. You can’t go half way and once you get a few compliments you’ll forget you even have it on. I prefer my hats to be worn more forward than back and cocked at a slight angle. If it is a nice hat, you can wear it to a nice occasion, but if it is a cheapie (which there is nothing wrong with) save it for the pool or hanging out on the weekends!

ShopTalk: How can I prepare to make it hurt less?

Lisa Lazarra: First, stop worrying. The number one thing we hear from customers at The Pretty Kitty is, “Wow, that’s it?” Second, avoid caffeine before your waxing appointment. I love those vanilla iced lattes like the next girl, but caffeine increases sensitivity at the follicle level.

Should I apologize that I haven’t shaved my legs?

We are in the hair removal business, so I assure you, your legs will not frighten us! If at the appropriate hair length, it may be a great opportunity for a leg wax.

How many days in an advance of an event (wedding, vacation, etc.) should I wax?

We recommend getting waxed three days before leaving for vacation. Waxed skin is more photosensitive and much more susceptible to burning. For a special event or wedding, coming in 2 -3 days prior is best to allow for any possible inflammation to subside.

How do I prevent any little red bumps post wax?

Our estheticians apply a series of soothing products, including a post-waxing serum, to calm the skin and reduce the likelihood of any skin irritation. Hydrocortisone cream may also be used at the end of the service or at home.

It’s difficult laying butterfly style on the waxing table. You sure you’re not judging me?

(Laughter.) No – no judgements! As estheticians, skincare is our life. We are here for you. And while I will not go into the exact procedure, clients are made comfortable from beginning to end.

Can I drink a bottle of wine before?

If your girls’ lunch gets a little loose, we understand. But honestly, it’s not necessary. At The Pretty Kitty, our Brazilians are done in 10-15 minutes, with the least amount of discomfort. You’ll be fine!

What if you lay some wax down and I decide I can’t go through with it?

May I remind you, the Brazilian is our specialty.

photography courtesy of National Laser Institute

“I just moved here from California and I need a recommendation for a place to go for Botox. Help!” –Calissa

Here’s a short list of local med spas personally approved by the lovely ladies (and their crows feet) of D Magazine. Rejoice, rhytiphobics.

Skintastic Medical & Surgical Rejuvenation
The D staffer says: “I’d never had any needles put into my face before, and Dr. Adelglass totally put me at ease. A nurse even humored me and held my hand. His technique is subtle but noticeable, so I walked away looking better, but no one could tell exactly what I had done. (Restalyn and Botox.)”

Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
The D staffer says: “Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is who I use and love for BOTH Restalyn and Botox. Dr. Bassichis is helping me keep my youthful look as I get older!”

Regional Plastic Surgery Center
The D staffer says: “I’ve had Botox numerous times over the years with various physicians and most recently had it done in the fall with Dr. Watumull at Regional Plastic Surgery. Not only was it almost pain free, he did a great job of not “over doing it” and making the look very naturally improved. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and will be certain to return later in the spring when I need refreshing.”

photography courtesy of vendors

Unsurprisingly, a few recent Ask Raya questions have included a plea for health counseling. Like this question below:

“It’s the new year, and I’m already ready to break my resolution to get healthy and shed a couple pounds! I can’t afford a nutritionist, but I need help with meal planning. I thought you might know an expert that can help with some healthy meal pointers!” –Elisa

I immediately contacted Cooper Clinic. From the brain of resident dietician Cynthanne Duryea, RD, LD, to your plate, here is a list of delicious healthy meal and snack suggestions worth their weight in chocolate, er, gold.

Ditch the rumored “rules.” Instead, work with Cynthanne’s three important strategies:

1. Every meal should be PCF balanced. (That is, protein, carbohydrate, and fat.) Check your plate for fiber-rich carbs, heart healthy fats, and lean meats for protein.
2. Go for three meals and two snacks each day. Snacks offer another opportunity to fuel your body wisely. See examples of great snacks below.
3. Consider this question: Why do we eat? The answer is to fuel and nourish our bodies. Before you put something in your mouth ask yourself, “what can this food do for me?” Concentrate on purposeful eating.

Now, welcome to a day of eating in Cynthanne Duryea’s life. Below are some meal ideas that she frequently uses, as well as some go-to snack ideas that she finds to be remarkably satisfying and keeps her fueled throughout the day.

BREAKFAST

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Uncle Sam Cereal (toasted whole-wheat flakes and Flaxseed- a 100% whole grain cereal)
-1 cup skim milk (used on cereal and to “cream” coffee)
-1 banana sliced on cereal
(Note: This fiber rich breakfast contains 15 grams of protein, giving real staying power throughout the morning.)

Option 2:
-Quaker Oats Old Fashioned rolled oats cooked with pears, apples, dried apricots and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
-½ cup of Vanilla Strained Low-Fat Greek yogurt, scooped on top of oatmeal
-½ ounce almonds (11 almonds to be exact!)

(Note: I prefer to batch cook this hot breakfast on the weekends, when I have more time. I start with 2.25 cups of dry rolled oats which will yield 3 heart-healthy portions of oatmeal. There are 3 grams of soluble fiber in each of the heart-healthy portions, which is an amount that can effectively lower LDL cholesterol, as part of a diet low in saturated fat. I add 1 apple (chopped), 1 pear (chopped) and about 9 apricots (cut into quarters) and about ¼ tsp. cinnamon to add a nice flavor to the cooked fruit and oats. The Vanilla Low-fat Greek strained yogurt I add lends about 11 grams of protein, giving a lot of bang for the 80-calorie buck. The almonds that top this delicious breakfast add heart healthy fat and a lot of satiety.)

MID-MORNING SNACK

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Kashi TLC Bar- The Honey Almond Flax is a personal favorite!
(Note: What a tasty and convenient way to enjoy 4 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein, in a whole grain source that only has 140 calories.)

Option 2:
-Clementine
-Mozzarella String Cheese stick
(Note: The clementine is the perfect portable fruit: it is easy to carry to work and peels effortlessly, unlike a thick skinned orange. Combining it with the string cheese adds about 6 grams of protein to this snack, making it more complete. The flavor and texture combination of these two simple items is quite nice.)

LUNCH

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
A lunch that I have at the office has to be quick and easy, as I typically work through my lunch. Therefore, I gravitate towards a healthier version frozen meal:
-Either a Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Kashi or an Amy’s Organic frozen meal
-Triscuit Crackers
-Piece of fruit
(Note: Many of the patients I see believe that the sodium content of these meals is extremely high. However, when I compare the sodium content of these above frozen meals to the sodium content of their usual sandwich ordered at their local sandwich shop, they are shocked to learn that a 6” sub sandwich is about double to triple the sodium content of any of these frozen meals, with just the bread, lunch meat and cheese….and any pickles or dressings would add much more sodium.)

Option 2:
If lunch is at home, I love to throw together a salad, using washed and trimmed baby spinach, the kind in the bag that is ready to go. Components that would go into the salad would be:
-2-3 ounces of left over turkey, pork tenderloin or extra lean ground beef (often leftovers from taco night!)
-1 Roma tomato, diced
-¼ avocado
-½ cup black beans
-bell pepper strips
-shredded carrots or whatever colorful vegetable I may have in the refrigerator to add nutrients and color to this salad.
-¼ cup shredded cheese – for a heart healthier choice I aim for a 2% milk-fat cheese or a shredded partially skimmed mozzarella
(Note: The salad is quick and easy because there is very little preparation needed. Also, I find that the avocado adds enough creaminess to the salad, I often do not even add a salad dressing.)

AFTERNOON SNACK

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Chobani Greek Non-fat yogurt – I love the fruit varieties! The 14 grams of protein in an individual 6 ounce container really has staying power. I have found that purchasing them by the dozen at Sam’s Club is a smart economical way to buy them!
Option 2:
If I have a sweet tooth in the afternoon, I have two favorites that I alternate and enjoy with a glass of skim milk:
-Either a Corazonas Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square (It’s pluses are its 5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and it contains plant sterols in a daily amount that can effectively reduce cholesterol….it does have 190 calories, which may be a little high in calories for some women though.)
-Or a Kashi TLC Soft-Baked Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip cookie
(Note: both of the above snack ideas are great whole grain sources, and they truly fulfill a sweet craving. By washing either one down with an 8 ounce glass of skim milk, you get an additional 8 grams of protein and 300 mg of calcium.)

DINNER

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
Dinner often consists of
-A lean meat prepared in the crock pot cooked on low, while I am away from home during the day- examples would be pork tenderloin, lean center cut pork chops, or chicken pieces without skin….even flank steak can be prepared in the crock pot with a marinade, to make fajitas or to be used on top of a salad.
-Frozen vegetables are a constant “go-to” to assure that a colorful vegetable is included at this meal.
-Almost always there is a salad made with the washed and trimmed salad mixes that are “ready to go.” I dice up tomatoes and whatever raw vegetable I might have in the refrigerator. Olive oil based vinaigrettes are most commonly used for these.
-One fiber rich starch food completes the meal. Examples are brown rice; fresh corn; quinoa; a bean variation like pinto, black, or lima; a sweet potato or red skin new potato; or a piece of Ezekiel bread, which is especially good toasted.
-If my time and energy allow, I will cut up fruit and make a quick fruit salad. If I am more pressed for time, I will literally bring the fruit bowl to the table, and set out a piece of fruit for each family member, to encourage its consumption.

Option 2:
An easy dinner that feels “gourmet” is:
-I steam a white fish like tilapia in an old electric rice and vegetable steamer (I was given a Black and Decker electric steamer as a wedding gift 22 years ago….and it is still going strong. To steam 4 fillets takes only about 20 minutes)
-As the fish fillets are steaming, I heat slivered almonds in a non-stick skillet, until just lightly golden, to lend a slightly toasted flavor to the almonds. Then I remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
-In the same non-stick skillet that I used for the slivered almonds, I heat 1.5 tbsp. olive oil. Then I add washed and trimmed baby spinach (about a 2 pound bag) adding small amounts at a time, until it wilts and decreases in volume, and I continue to add until it is all wilted and fits within the pan. Then I add sliced mushrooms and allow the spinach and mushrooms to sauté together until heated and the mushrooms become tender. I may splash just a bit of soy sauce to add some flavor to the sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
-After the fish is done, I plate the steamed fillets on the plate, and then I cover each fillet with the sautéed spinach and mushrooms, and then I sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top.
-Wild Rice is served with this meal as the starch component.
-Adding a yellow/orange vegetable such as steamed carrots or sliced yellow squash, adds nice color and more nutrients.
(Note: this meal feels gourmet somehow- although it is incredibly easy and simple. It is especially nice to have a glass of Pinot Grigio with it.)

photography courtesy of vendors

Beverages that are nice alternatives to just water:
Le Croix Carbonated Fruit flavored beverages- these give you the kick of a carbonated soda, but without sugar or artificial sweetener…just a nice clean fruit taste with bubbles.
Celestial de-caffeinated herbal teas- on cold winter days these are a great comfort beverage.
Adding 2 Tbsp. POM (pomegranate juice) to 12 ounces of ice water. In the summer, I often have this as a dinner beverage. The concentrated juice lends a lot of flavor to the water, in just a small amount.

Cynthanne has worked in the Cooper Clinic Nutrition Department since 1998 and specializes in preventive health, cardiovascular nutrition, weight management and women’s health. Personally committed to exercise and fitness, she especially enjoys helping others with wellness and sports nutrition. Cynthanne is the lead dietitian for recipe analysis, working with restaurants, food companies and individuals. She received a Bachelor of Science in food and nutrition from Texas Tech University and interned at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Contact her.

We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

It’s no surprise Amy became a wardrobe consultant. She was already pointing out the flaws in her teachers’ ensembles as a kid. She went on to study fashion and business at Baylor and started with personal shopping before founding her own company, Dallas Wardrobe. Today she’s an affordable closet expert who helps people clean our their closets, fill in the blanks, and build and maintain a wardrobe they love. The process is easy. Meet with Amy. Consultations are complimentary. You’ll discuss your style, how your closet and wardrobe disappoint you, and how much you’re looking to spend. (Pricing is based on each scenario, but she’s an affordable bet in town.) Then you’ll meet to do some clutter control, take a look at your existing wardrobe, see what’s missing, and then, “hit the stores if needed.” Above all, the mission for Amy is to make shopping fun and discover how easy it is to love your closet and all its glorious contents.

1.

Mix up your garments. Physically. Simply moving hangers around on the racks can inspire new looks and uncover hidden pieces you once loved.

2.

Organize your closet. “If your closet doesn’t work for you, you can’t work with it.”

3.

Feel comfortable. If you’re not comfy in an outfit, you’re never going to wear it. Period.

photo of Amy Havins courtesy of Dallas Wardrobe

photos courtesy of retailer

A reader wrote this:
“What can I wear to transition into fall while it’s still too hot for full-on fall fashion?”

The goods news is this:
It actually is doable to look autumn-inspired and not sweat your clothes off when you step outside. Stephanie Quadri, former fashion editor for D Magazine and stylist at Sisterbrother Mgmt, answers this burning (get it?) question.

Says Stephanie, “There are some light-weight basics like sheer blouses or soft blazers you can add into your wardrobe now. Soon you can start to incorporate slightly heavier pieces, like thicker blazers and booties, which can be worn with shorts or dresses.” Jump to see her favorite pieces and how to wear them.

THE BLOUSE

Wear this sheer blouse by Equipment with a pair of black shorts now and leather pants or jeans when temps cool. $188/Merge Boutique (or online here)

Worn with colored denim here, this white blouse can be paired with shorts during the day for an easygoing look or tucked into a skirt for work or evening looks. Find this Greylin version for $97 on piperlime.com/

THE BLAZER

There’s nothing I love more than a chic black blazer. It immediately adds polish to any look. I love the leather lapels on this one by BB Dakota. $115/shopbop.com

Throw this sequin blazer over a little black dress at night or pair with a white tank and khaki shorts for a more casual look. $129/Zara.com

Add a pop of color with this tangerine-hued soft blazer to add interest to any look. Wear over a tank or tank dress while it’s still warm. $110/topshop.com

THE ANKLE BOOTIE

These Miu Miu lace-ups are on my list of fall must-haves. The open-toe makes them bearable to wear now with a dress or skirt. Pair back with tights or skinny jeans later. $795/net-a-porter.com

Wear these Alexander Wang cutout ankle booties with shorts or a skirt now and pair back with skinny jeans or pants when temps cool down. $262 (on sale)/theoutnet.com

photo courtesy of Molly Thayer

I cannot, for the life of me, find a pair of classic black flats that are stylish AND comfortable. I’ve bought countless pairs that always leave blisters on my heels or pinch my toes. I’ve spent way too much money on at-home fixes like inserts, moleskin, etc. trying to make my flats work. I just want a timeless, Audrey Hepburn-esque pair that works from the moment I buy them. Please help! –Caitlin

I checked with Molly Thayer, owner of Lou Lou, and she’s got a great pair in store now. Check out the Vince Camuto “Ellen” flats, $79, above. Black patent covers the classic look, and according to Molly, they’re “so comfy.”

“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”

Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.

What’s a damaged moisture barrier?

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation.) All the moisturizer in the world won’t help fix her dry, flaky, sensitive skin until her skin’s protective barrier is repaired.

What’ s the cause of a damaged barrier?

The cause could be genetics, over-exfoliation from too many acids and facials scrubs, overuse of the Clarisonic brush or harsh products.

How do you fix a damaged moisture barrier?

- For starters, avoid washing your skin with anything that leaves it feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredient Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate as these only further damage the skins barrier. f you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping the moisture out of the skin which is the worst thing you can do for sensitive skin. See our collection of sulfate-free cleansing gels and cleansing lotions.

- Always use a toner to give your skin extra hydration, but make sure it’s alcohol-free. (Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner)

- Use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum daily. They can have excellent anti-redness properties but make sure it’s a no-sting formula formulated with stable Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, like our Vitamin C&E Complex.

- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock every day is a must. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 is perfect! UV rays from daylight cause inflammation in the skin which only makes sensitive skin more sensitive.

- Use a moisturizer with lipid-rich oils to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. This one is really important as regular moisturizers will hydrate but not necessarily fix a damaged barrier if they don’t use these special repairing ingredients.  Look for moisturizers with Linoleic Acid, Soybean Sterols, Jojoba Oil, Phospholipids, Borage Oil, Merospheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis), Kukui Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Glycolipids, Squalane and Rose Hips Seed Oil. Many of these are found in our Phytolipid Comfort Cream which is formulated to repair the skin’s protective barrier down deep, where damage begins. Within weeks, visible redness and skin sensitivity will be greatly reduced – if not eliminated. Trust me, this cream works!

- Be sure to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin. What’s your skin type?

Within 4-6 weeks (if not sooner), the skin will be less red and sensitive and back to a healthier, hydrated state.