Dear Dolly,

Should I buy gold or silver shoes for the holidays?
Signed, Dull Feet

Dear Dull Feet,
All that glitters is not (just) gold – it’s silver, bronze or pewter! Metallic shoes are everywhere in stores now. Pull out your favorite holiday outfit and buy new shoes to complement it. Gold and bronze look better with warm colors like chocolate brown, cherry reds, emerald greens and smokey purples. Silver and pewter work best with black, white or gray. Both gold and silver work as a neutral with any color you have never been able to match. Just make sure your jewelry works with your shoes and you’ll shine at every party!

Dear Dolly,

It is no secret that most of today’s fashion trends are geared towards smaller women. I am by no means fat but I am not a size 2 either! I usually wear a 10 or a 12. Any advice on how I can have fun with all the latest fashions, without dropping 50 pounds?
Signed, Fashion Conscious Size 12

Dear Fashion Conscious Size 12,
The first thing you must realize is that size 2 women can-not buy everything they see in stores. Some styles look better on a full figured woman with great cleavage and curvy hips. Highlight your best asset and downplay what you don’t like. V-neck sweaters are perfect on busty women. Buy one this winter with jewels on it to update you. An A-line skirt with a flat front is very slimming and a matching jacket will give you a longer line. Shorter cropped jackets tend to show off a small waist and not accentuate big hips. Wool belted trench coats also create waists when they’ve gone astray! Tunics or peasant blouses are hot now and ageless. They can hide tummies and look fashionable at the same time. The new wide leg cuffed pants are great for elongating thighs and are so IN. Buy a pair of new round toed high heeled pumps and anything you put on will look fresh!

Dear Dolly,

I like to try new fashions but I don’t like to spend lots of money on clothes that will only be hot for one season. Can you suggest two or three trendy items for this winter that will update my look but not empty my wallet?
Signed, On a Budget

Dear On a Budget,
Here are three ideas—all available at great price points. Choose one and you will look Fashionable and not Fashion Victim.
1. Velvet Anything. A dress, jacket, pants, skirt or even velvet trim on a new tunic will do. Buy one piece in a wild color and you won’t scream 1972.
2. An Empire Waist Dress. These complement all figures and the new floaty styles are chic and sexy, especially with boots. No one will ask you if you’re pregnant!
3. A Beaded Sweater. Any embellishment, like sequins, stones or embroidery, updates a simple sweater. Wear them with skirts or trousers and you’ll look perfect.