Fashionista 411

Got a style emergency? Can't decide what to wear to a special occasion / first date / job interview? Love the runway looks but have no idea how to translate them into your closet, affordably and stylishly? Look no further! From the best jeans for your butt to stealing celebrity style to wardrobe overhauls, our Fashionista Dawn Del Russo has the 411 on all your fashion q's.

Personal and editorial stylist and owner of BellaDawn.com, Dawn's been dishing style dirt since she was old enough to tell her Barbies what to wear... and she's never looked back. Now she's all yours—go ahead, make her day and ask her anything you need to know to increase your chic factor.

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Fashionista411

Dressy without the Dress

Dear Fashionista411: I have a party night planned for the middle of winter. All the pretty little dresses are great, but I don't like showing off my legs. What other dressy alternatives are out there for a little size 10?

Fashionista411: There are tons of great party night options out besides dresses. Try a fabulous pair of wide leg pants with a puff sleeve top for a chic alternative. Or, if you do want to wear a dress, opaque tights look great with dresses and keep your legs warm in the dead of winter!

Buy at net-a-porter.com, whitehouseblackmarket.com

Kisses
Your Fashionista411, Dawn

Fashionista411

How to Wear it

Dear Fashionista411: I have some brown plaid trousers which I really love, but I have no idea what kind of top to wear it with. Thanks for the advice!

Fashionista411: Brown plaid trousers are fabulous and can be worn with a ton of great options. Here are two of my favorite:
An adorable and so stylish bow blouse is all the rage right now and pairs perfect with a wide leg plaid trouser.

 Buy at bloomingdales.com, bananarepublic.com

Kisses
Your Fashionista 411, Dawn

Fashionista411

A Smart, Casual Prom Night

Dear Fashionista411: What do I wear to PROM night? The theme is smart and casual. I wanted to wear jeans with a shirt and a vest with booties. Is it okay? Or should I wear a dress? And I hope that your suggestion won't be too much of baring of body. Thanks!

Fashionista411: OK, since you say it is a casual theme prom, you still want to look put together, and classic. I would try a simple dress with a sleeve to keep it on the casual side; a look that's always in style. Here are three great options:

Buy at bloomingdales.com, shopbop.com, standardstyle.com

Kisses
Your Fashionista411, Dawn

Fashionista 411

Jeans for the Apple Shaped Gal

Dear Fashionista411: I want the best jeans that fit an apple shape because my grandmother's 90th birthday celebration is coming up and I want to look cute. Please give me advice concerning the jeans and what to wear to the celebration. Thank you so much.

Fashionista411: My favorite jeans that every curvy woman I know loves are Joe's - they make tons of different fits. I would recommend the Joe's Jeans Honey Curvy Bootcut Jeans in the deep indigo wash. They are perfect for a casual party, and with the slight stretch and contour through the hips, they are well worth the splurge. (Insider hint**I have spotted them at select Loehmann's for almost half!) To complete your look I would pair them with a cute flowy top like this one from Banana Republic

Have fun and tell your grandmother Happy 90th!
Kisses
Fashionista411, Dawn

Fashionista 411

Why Is It "Fashionable" to be Skinny?

Dear Fashionista411: Why in fashion's mind do you have too be thin when 90% of the world are nice size people?

Fashionista411: Unfortunately our society likes to judge everything, no matter what it is. The fashion industry can be very critical at times but many designers are now trying to focus on health and fitness. They are incorporating more shapely models on the runways and in magazines. When I work with women and their different shapes, I try to accentuate their best assets, as any one should when dressing. Fashion is about looking your best and feeling confident. No matter what size or shape you may be, every woman can feel like a super model!

Kisses,
Your Fashionista411, Dawn

Fashionista411

A Houndstooth Coat for Winter?

Dear Fashionista411: Is a knee-length wool jacket with black and white oversized houndstooth a good purchase, or will that look be passé by Christmas?

Fashionista411: A stylish winter coat is a great investment. A wool, oversized hounds tooth print, knee-length coat will look fabulous this fall/winter season. Try adding a wide leather belt instead of the matching one it may come with. I would also suggest looking for oversized buttons, and a high waist to create a signature look. Here are a few picks that would work perfectly:

A Via Spiga black houndstooth wool blend from Bleufly.com, $225.00

Or this Houndstooth coat from Talbots, $248.00.

Kisses,
YourFashionista411Dawn