Style Dilemma Solved: Score! a Sexy Top

Carebear wrote in last week, looking for a top solution for what I thought was a rehearsal dinner. Well, I got it wrong - she was looking for the bachelorette party, but she did want multiple-event duty for the shirt. She hit the stores, and oila!, here's her results...

I went with the black faux wrap top from NY&Co. The fabulous DC Celine managed to find the perfect top - price and look! Because of the weather, I'm not sure if I'm going to pair it with jeans or black capris. Shoes are still up in the air but I'd love to add a burst of color. Thank you!!

You're welcome, Carebear...now, you just have to let us know what splash of color you go with - and what compliments you get on the top!

Style Dilemma: ISO Hot Top

Carebear wrote me in search of a top for Friday night (ok, so I'm a little slow on the uptake - eek! sorry!). She's in a friend's wedding ('tis the season), and feels like she wants to wear something a leeeeeetle bit sexy to the rehearsal dinner. The trick? Make it appropriate, as well. Here's what she gave me as her requirements - for no more than $40.

1 - something that is functional (ie can be worn more than once)

2 - something not too expensive

3 - something sexy but not too slutty

4 - not sure about sleeveless but maybe

Dear Carebear:

Hmmm...this is a tough one - part of it depends on what "sexy" means to you - or for whom you want it to be sexy (as we all know, the male/female versions of "sexy" can vary greatly). My thoughts:

A wrap or faux wrap top with a nice deep V-neck could work - waist accentuating and, uh, asset displaying - and depending on how much you want on display, you can pin a sparkly broach at the V or not. At 20 bucks on sale, the NY & Company version at right fits the requirements. Change out the black baubles in the pic for one big brightly colored accessory (a cuff, big beads, a scarf), and you're smokin'.

To do the sweet version of sexy (again, just depends on your perspective), try Isaac's tuxedo-inspired button down. It would be lovely and appropriate, but the cinched waist and button down can definitely be sexy. You'd have to be careful to not head to the dowdy end, but sexy shoes would be your friend here - show some red tootsies or a stiletto and pointy toe, and it should work.

And going with the trend here, a belted button down - again, paired with the right outspoken accesories - NY & Company's white version brings to mind the "boyfriend shirt" without looking like you've raided his closet. You could even ditch the white belt that comes with it for a colorful scarf or wider belt for a more daring (and waist-cinching) look.

Let us know what you pick and how you style it!