Lara's Look for Less and Ask Anya

In today's episode, she brings you a three-part look featuring a vest for less. Read below to see Anya's answers to your fashion inquiries and keep those questions coming!

Question: I’m having trouble figuring out how to add colors to my outfits. How many colors can you have in an outfit, and how many times does each color have to appear in the outfit for it to properly fit into the outfit?

Answer: I am thrilled to hear that you are trying to add color to your outfits. That is the first step. The easiest way to add color is to add one color on one item per outfit. Sometimes the most “wow” can be when you have a monochromatic outfit with just one pop of color. (Try black pants and a black top with a red belt, or a gray sweater, gray skirt with a hot pink blouse under.) Don’t put too many different colors into one outfit because you will look like a rainbow! I would stick to three colors per look and make sure that you always have a neutral color when you have a bold color. If you are wearing a multicolored pattern, make sure to feature that with a solid dark color. (Like a multicolored floral blouse with a black or navy skirt.) Some of my favorite fall color combos for you to experiment with are: gray and pink, purple and charcoal, black and fuchsia, and classic black and white.

Question: I saw your David Meister thing and love your brown sunglasses! What kind are they?

Answer: My sunglasses are Oliver Peoples -- www.oliverpeoples.com. I have them in every color because they are my favorite sunglasses of all time! Style tip: When you find a pair of glasses you love, get multiple pairs so you will always have them. Sunglass styles change every season and you may not be able to find your favorite make and model again! Sunglasses are the one accessory that we always seem to break or lose … so it is always good to have a backup!

Question: Anya! What kind of jeans does a guy with a bubble butt look for? I am 5’9” with thicker thighs and never seem to be pleased with my pants! My natural waist is much thinner, but I find myself buying jeans with a 34-36 waist just so they hide/fit around my butt! I am most comfortable in 32-32 jeans. For my natural waist … but long enough to go around my butt. Haha! I’m serious! I need your help!

Answer: This is a great question -- and trust me, you are not alone. This is a very common problem for men. I have dressed a lot of guys like you and here is what I do -- Buy a pair of boot cut dark plain jeans (no wash or color variation). A boot cut style will keep your thighs proportional and the solid dark color is the most slimming. Avoid jeans with any added junk -- you do not need big pockets, embroidery, or embellishments. Keep it simple and classic. You will want to look for a soft jean with a little stretch. Buy the jeans in a 34/36 waist so they fit nicely over your legs and butt, and then have them taken in a little at the waist. You can get this done by a local tailor for very little cost. (Try your local drycleaner.) It is very important that your jeans fit nicely and look like you effortlessly put them on -- no one wants to see a guy with tight jeans! Style tip: When your jeans are a little loose, you look slimmer! My favorite men’s jeans are: Genetic Jeans, www.shopkitson.com, and Paige Premium Denim, www.paigepremiumdenim.com. Extra style tip: Remember to get your jeans hemmed with the “original hem.” This way no one will tell that you hemmed your pants!

Question: Here is something I’ve been having a lot of trouble with. I hear that, to look stylish, you should spend a lot on designer shoes and purses because it makes your whole look seem designer/in high style! Do you agree with that? And should you do that?

Answer: If you have nice shoes and a gorgeous bag … you can wear an $8 dress and no one will know! Having nice shoes and purse instantly makes your clothes look more expensive. It is always smart to spend more and invest in pieces you will wear all the time (like purses and shoes) -- then you can have fun mixing and matching the “Look for Less” with your clothes. So, yes! I do agree with that rule! However, in this economy, spending a lot on designer shoes and purses is silly and I am not going to tell you to do that! What I will tell you is to go to great bargain style spots like Loehmann’s, TJ Maxx, DSW, Ebay, and Overstock.com where you can find expensive designer shoes for less! If you are buying what I like to call a “five year bag” (a classic purse that you will still like in five years) then save up and spend the money to get the real deal. If you want a trend bag -- that you will only wear for one season -- try www.15dollarstore.com. I am here to help you get that expensive look for a whole lot less, so check back in with me at www.theinsider.com and find out how to get the latest trends, hottest styles, and secret bargains on a budget!

Question: Where can I find stylish/unique but affordable tail rings?

Answer: I love the cocktail rings at www.alltherageonline.com. They have super stylish rings that will get you compliments and are very affordable. My favorite one is the “lavender enamel ring” for $17.00.

Lara's Look

Pink blouse: Banana Republic www.bananarepublic.com Navy vest: Marc by Marc Jacobs at Barney's www.barneys.com Navy pants: Cache www.cache.com

Look for Less

Pink blouse: Target www.target.com Navy pants: Zara www.zara.com Navy vest: H&M www.hm.com

Anya's Credits

Dress: Old Navy www.oldnavy.com

Published 9/29/09 by