Ask Hope Robertson

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hello, dear readers:

Wanted to share a little news with you all.

Starting today at 8am EST, you can hear me on Blackburn Radio's am920 for a special set we like to call "Hope Says Style". I hope you'll visit am920 to listen Wednesday mornings and check it out!

More to come soon.

xo

Hope

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hi Hope: I love your site. I'm going to a holiday party, and plan to take a hostess gift. I want to take something other than a bottle of wine. Can you help me find a gift that's unique and affordable?

More than happy to oblige!

A hostess gift is an important thing, because it's something your friend — or co-worker, or future mother-in-law — will remember for years to come. A bottle of wine is too predictable; it's also too easy and doesn't require a lot of consideration or thought.

My recommendation for something that doesn't break the bank but that's guaranteed to last longer than a bottle of booze?

A personalized stamp or letter embosser. Both are items that your hostess will keep, and both are practical items that your hostess will use. Things to keep in mind? A letter embosser has more longevity than a stamp, and they cost around the same price.

Whilst my preference would be for a letter embosser (or even a library embosser), a personalized stamper is also a noteworthy gift.

Hope this helps! Thanks always for reading.

xo,

Hope

_{Return-Address Embosser, $29,} jhtml?itemId=cprod22250001&parentId=cat000057&index=36&eVar4=rvi&cmCat=rvi" target="_blank">_Horchow

_{Three Designing Women Personalized Stampers, $46, Horchow}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hey Hope: My girlfriend bought me a heavy-style cable knit sweater that she wants me to wear this Fall. Can a guy really wear cable knit or what will that look like?

How does a man in a cable knit sweater look? In a word, hot.

A guy who can pull off — or in your case, put on — a heavy sweater in a cable knit will garner some serious style points from his significant other (or any woman, for that matter). A cable knit sweater is appropriate wear for Fall and Winter, and it doubles as both dapper and practical. Think of it like this: I'd be willing to wager that a chunky cable knit sweater is so comfortable you'd trade your classic hoodie for it.

A cable knit sweater wears well over a basic tee or button down and your favourite jeans. You can dress it down with your Converse All Stars, or dress it up with a pair of cordovan boots.

So kudos to your gf for her good style sense, and also to you for your willingness to let your better half style your wardrobe!

_{Wool-cashmere cable knit sweater, $168, J.Crew}

_{Vince cable-knit zip hoodie, $295, Bergdorfs}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope: I have a black taffeta mini skirt but I'm unsure what type of top I should wear with it. What are your suggestions?

I love a good mini skirt, and a black taffeta mini skirt? Hellooo. I'm sure it's divine.

My suggestion for you is to keep your style simple. Assuming you're going to dress up your look since your skirt's made of taffeta, go for a shirt that is simple yet chic so your outfit will look effortlessly elegant. J.Crew has a collection of shirts that can work for a variety of occasions; and one of their silk t-shirts will provide a comfortable and chic look.

• Like your favourite v-neck shirt but done in a washed silk habotai (translation: "China Silk"), this t-shirt is one of the softest you'll ever style. Sure it's a t-shirt, but it's anything but basic. This J.Crew silk two-way tee features knit panels on the sides and arms, as well as braided fabric on the neckline. I think the warm taupe colour would add warmth to your taffeta skirt. Pair your skirt with black tights, black heels, and accessorize with some sparkle on your neck and arm. Makeup with red lipstick for pop, and POW! You've got a timeless look that's sure to stand out. Silk two-way tee, $79.50, J.Crew.
• The boatneck of this striking blouse is universally flattering. Designed in a washed silk crepe de chine, this J.Crew silk blouse has lots of drape and wears almost as loose as a tunic. It has slits at the sleeves, hems, and a raw-edged trim. The zip at back adds a little edge to an otherwise sophisticated shirt. Again, pair your taffeta mini skirt with black tights and black heels, and wear several chain necklaces to complement the metal back zip. You could either do dramatic makeup or something a little more understated. Another classic look that you'll come back to for years to come!  Francille fray blouse, $98, J.Crew.