Tina Tang Fashion 411
Tina Tang answers your fashion questions.
Dear Tina,
I hate it when people match their shoes with their bags. It looks too matchy matchy for me. Is there an alternative way to look put together without looking like I stepped out of a fashion textbook from the early 90s?
Becca
Dear Becca,
Sometimes a matching shoe and bag looks incredibly sharp, but coordinating doesn’t mean matching Garanimals. Here is a case where matching shoe and bag looks great together: A pair of red patent Charles Nolan flats, paired with the red Catherine Repetti clutch gives the Twelfth Street black and white polka dot dress just the right finish.
Besides a specific look like that, you certainly do not need to match your shoes and your bag. In fact, I always go for a colorful handbag that at first glance, seems like it would not match a thing. My fave handbag is an orange Bottega Veneta Aquiline handbag. And, it actually goes with everything! Look at the green Kale handbag I have featured in this column. This olive beauty will go with anything from denim blue to maroon.
tt
Dear Tina,
I’ve been seeing a lot of cute fashion trends such as big clutches and color leggings. I like the look but I don’t know if it’s age appropriate for me. I’m in my 30s and still want to look stylish. What trends can I take seriously for my age group?
Alexis
Alexis,
Big clutches and colored leggings are for us in our fabulous thirties! Leggings worn with any short little skirt will make it less “indecent” and more hip. And, it will keep you warm through the winter! And, clutches are the perfect purse for drinks with the girls afterwork, or even on that blind e-date.
Love the trend, Alexis – it will look great on you!
tt
Dear Tina,
I’m petite and it’s so hard to find jeans and clothes that fit me well. Are their brands or tips you can give me on finding clothes that fits my 5’0 and 90lb frame?
Judy
Judy,
You need to come shopping here in New York City, where size 0 and size 00 are the common size. When my friends come and visit, they often comment how the dresses they find in the little boutiques in Nolita, could barely fit around their thigh. Based on demographics, New York City and LA is where you could find such tiny sizes. You might want to also try websites such as www.Shopbop.com and www.Activeendeavors.com. I will let you you in on a little secret: if you type in Toutie (as your coupon code) you will get 20% off at Activeendeavors.com. I found that through a secret source who loves a discount.
tt
Tina Tang Studio
49 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10014
212-645-6890
www.TinaTang.com
Dear Tina,
May you recommend a few places to shop that actually design clothes that make a short stature person like me not look cute? Went to SOHO the other day, everything is designed for skinny and the long-legged… got pretty bumped out.
Thanks. KL
KL,
It seems like clothing, especially pants, are made for women who are all legs! The good thing is that allows you to tailor your pants to your exact size. And, good fit is always about the exact tailoring!
For some of the smaller boutiqes in Nolita, you may find some sizes made for smaller frames. Have you tried a store like BIO on Mott and Prince? The owner carries some great brands that are indie and made to go from work to after-work. She is Asian so she keeps sizing in mind.
Best, Tina
Hi Tina, I have an issue when it comes down to gathering pieces of clothing to match with accessories along the way. Can you help me? I want to know how to buy things that will match with other things I have in my closet. Tahnk You before hand! (=
Tammy,
I understand that dilemma! You don’t need to always buy items that will “match” what you have, but you definitely need some good solid basics in your closet so that new things always can go with them. Here is a list of definite MUST HAVE items:
1. A pair of black trousers that fit you perfectly (and of course make your butt look great!) This will be one of the hardest things to find as there are many black pants out there, but few ones that will fit YOU perfectly.
2. A tailored white blouse
3. Nice pair of jeans
4. A go-to form fitting solid colored sweater
5. Great pair of boots that can be worn under jeans or slacks
6. Sexy pair of neutral colored heels (black, brown, or whatever color will match most of your clothing)
7. Pair of Gold or silver hoop earrings (these go with EVERY outfit!)
If you have that, any thing new you bring in will always have something to go with.