Today 12:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
How can I dress warmly while on a date in winter, but still look sexy?
—Leona, via the Ask Style inbox
Two words: Textured legwear. You can't do much about having to wear a coat, but eventually, one would hope, you'll take it off, unless your date plans on taking you camping, which, seriously, I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
Wed., Nov. 18, 2009 1:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
Is there any way to adapt any of the looks in Lady Gaga's new "Bad Romance" video without looking completely insane?
—Malia, via the Ask Style inbox
While I cannot recommend purchasing a pair of 10-inch, bedazzled cartoon hooves, I do see some workable aspects to designer Alexander McQueen's work. And that's who we're dealing with, really. His clothes are all over Lady Gaga's video for "Bad Romance." As an ordinary person, you're technically out of luck, at least for a few more months; the McQueen looks presented in "Bad Romance" (and in McQueen's latest fashion show), were for Spring 2010; they aren't even all that available for mere mortals like us until the rainy months.
Mon., Nov. 16, 2009 1:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
What can I do to get the popular vamp look without overdoing it?
—Jessica, via the Ask Style inbox
Vampire mania isn't going anywhere, especially with the second installment of the Twilight saga, New Moon, coming out on Friday. For those who don't like it, too bloody bad! It's even spilled into the style world. When the dark trend is done subtly, it can look dead sexy. Otherwise, piling on too many vampy elements will make you look like a Hot Topic employee.
Fri., Nov. 13, 2009 4:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
I've noticed celebs like Katie Holmes and Kristin Cavallari showing off their black bras under sheer dresses. What's up with that? Is it OK 'cause it's black?
—Megan, via the Ask Style inbox
No, dear, the reason it's OK isn't because the bra is black and so is the dress. It isn't even because the dress is expensive, as in the recent case of Katie Holmes, who appeared on the red carpet in an Azzedine Alaïa so transparent it was well nigh negligee-esque. No, the reason it's OK is because they're stars. And despite US Weekly's insistence otherwise, stars are not just like us.
Wed., Nov. 11, 2009 1:47 PM PST by StyleSpy
Can you please tell me which makeup looks I should be wearing this season?
—Victoria, via the Ask Style inbox
To put it briefly: Unexpected color. Makeup artists are in love with blue and purple eye shadows. Bronze is also making a comeback in a big way; I attended a photo shoot the other day featuring the stunning Abbie Cornish; the bronze shade used by the makeup artist made her honey-colored eyes all the more unforgettable.
Mon., Nov. 9, 2009 3:03 PM PST by StyleSpy
Is there such a thing as eco-friendly jewelry that isn't made out of wood or straw or something?
—Eileen, via the Ask Style inbox
Yes! In fact, it's even possible to get, you know, real jewelry—metal stuff that shines—and to feel good about the earth at the same time.
Fri., Nov. 6, 2009 3:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
Is it OK to wear shorts when the temperature drops? What do you wear with them?
—Risa, via the Ask Style inbox
Fashion folklore has it that shorts must be banished to the back of your closet come wintertime. But it's time to dispel that myth, 'cause the quirky trend can look seriously stylish if done with a little skill. Read on for Viva Fashion editor Carmen Ordoñez's three-prong recipe for winter shorts success.
"Choose a fabric that's appropriate. I recommend staying away from very thin materials such as linen, and instead stick to warm fabrics such as tweed or wool, which are more seasonal," advises Ordoñez.
The next integral ingredient is tights.
Wed., Nov. 4, 2009 4:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
I would love to find the perfect foundation for a dewy look, a full coverage look and a last-all-day look. I am not afraid to spend the money because I want my confidence back!
—Mira, via the Ask Style inbox
My testers and I have sifted through dozens of brands, happily recommending our favorites in the "dewy" department, plus what works well for full coverage.
Now, onward to a new category: the long-lasting foundation. Great news on that front. Several of our testers singled out a brand that almost anyone can afford: CoverGirl. The brand recently rolled out their Simply Ageless foundation, which combines foundation with the anti-aging ingredients found in Olay products, and the results are sensational.
Mon., Nov. 2, 2009 12:00 PM PST by StyleSpy
Last week, I clued you in on mystyle's fave makeup for providing a fresh, dewy finish for the skin. But you also asked about full-coverage-style foundation, and my testers have submitted their favorites. Here they are for your enjoyment.
First thing you should know: Most of the best full-coverage foundations, such as Becca or MAC, come in stick form. When in doubt, reach for the stick.
Fri., Oct. 30, 2009 12:00 PM PDT by StyleSpy
I would love to find the perfect foundation for a dewy look, a full coverage look and a last-all-day look. I am not afraid to spend the money because I want my confidence back!
—Mira, via the Ask Style inbox
Let's start with dewy foundations. Of course much will depend on whether the line carries your shade—not always a guarantee, given that some lines carry as few as three or four shades!
Wed., Oct. 28, 2009 4:00 PM PDT by StyleSpy
My preteen sister is starting to be interested in fashion and seems to be making some bad choices. Any tips on how to guide her?
—Jennifer, via the Ask Style inbox
You're a good sister. You know who needs a sister like you? Noah Cyrus, 9-year-old sibling of the much better known Miley. She traipsed down a red carpet the other day in a black-and-purple micro-mini with matching lace-up boots. Yes, it's October, but even Halloween is no excuse for proto-slutdom among the tweens.
Let's give Noah and your li'l sis a makeover, shall we? And let's make them shop on an allowance while we're at it. Children, we're going to Target.
Mon., Oct. 26, 2009 1:00 PM PDT by StyleSpy
Is there any way to style a braid for a party?
—Laura, via the Ask Style inbox
Put it in a high ponytail, says Frédéric Fekkai stylist Renato Campora. Everyone from Diane Kruger to Jennifer Lopez has hit up the red carpet in that unconventional glam hairstyle. Just this past weekend, Style's very own Kimora Lee Simmons got in on the trend at Teen Vogue's Fashion University event.
Wed., Oct. 21, 2009 5:00 PM PDT by StyleSpy
For the days when I'm running short on time and I only have time to apply a few makeup products, what should I reach for?
—Lindsey, via the Ask Style inbox
We've all been there. You look at the clock and realize you should've hit the road 10 minutes ago. Yikes! For those who need a li'l lip color to feel pulled together, there are ways to fake the full-on makeup effect fast.
Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 2:00 PM PDT by StyleSpy
Do you have a list of must-have products for feet?
—Kelli, via the Ask Style inbox
Oh, yes. Yes, I do. So many women sorely neglect their feet, content with a simple pedicure every two weeks down at the corner nail shop. And that's fine, for what it's worth. But given how much work they do for us, we spend precious little time treating our feet.
About once a month, consider soothing your soles with a multi-step care package. One of my favorites is the Relief for Tattered Tootsies kit from the Get Fresh spa. It does everything—exfoliates, scrubs, moisturizes, the works. At the end, your feet are supersoft and feel über-pampered. (Spa staple CND has similar products for at-home use that also work wonderfully. They're a modest way to treat yourself without paying spa prices. Viva recessionistas!)
Fri., Oct. 16, 2009 11:00 AM PDT by StyleSpy
What are some great products to use for curly hair that won't weigh my hair down and will keep it moisturized?
—Georgina, via the Ask Style inbox
If you crave moisture, and your hair has any sort of body to it, you should at least try something containing Moroccan argan oil. Josie Maran makes a killer argan oil that many women swear by—for their skin, their nails and especially for their curly or wavy hair.
Otherwise, yes, the hype is true: Ouidad really does know curly hair, and her products are pretty hard to beat when it comes to moisture and fighting frizz. Her Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is a must-have. Other curly-headed friends insist on Climate Control to eliminate frizz.