1. Question from MegfromDC-
   Is it ever in good taste to wear open toe pumps with blue jeans?
   Seth’s Answer-It can be if you follow a few simple rules. First, make sure that your feet are well pedicured.
   I think that you can pull off an open toe pump if the heel of the shoe is high (at least 3 inches) and the jeans are long enough to bunch a bit at the hem.   
2. Question from David-
   Long hair on a guy with a business suit? Yes or no? My hair is in a ponytail and reaches the middle of my back. My girlfriend thinks it’s time to cut it. I can’t. Your advice? Be honest.
   Seth’s Answer-Unless you are seventeen years old, or a rock star or both, it is time to grow up and get a hair cut. It is not appropriate for a business situation and you will not be taken seriously. With “Mad Men” style so chic right now, try a short clean “brush” cut that is so much easier to care maintain.
   
3. Question from Amanda-
   I’m 17 and want to dress more stylish and wear heels instead of flats but I can’t get the hang of high heels, is there any advice for me?. It’s seems easier for everyone else except me.
   Seth’s Answer-Why not start with a wedge and work up to high heels?  You will have a bit more support this way and you will get used to the pitch of your feet in heels without so much pain.
   
4. Question from Ni Ni-
   Are there certain colors to wear during the summer that always work for slimming purposes besides black?
   Seth’s Answer- Navy is always a classic and looks great during the Summer months. Also, try wearing a vertically pieced top with a darker color in the center and lighter shades at the sides. It instantly shaves off  pounds…
   
5. Question from Sltiz667-
   How can I make my waist look smaller in general? Do belts make a difference?
   Seth’s Answer-Belts are great to define a waist and they are very chic accessories right now.A v-neck blouse with a gathered or a-line skirt is another great option. Add the belt to the mix and you’ll shave off inches in that area.
   
6. Question from Devone-
   Seth , my husband  doesn’t want our clothes to match, but i like it when we do, can you tell us how we can dress alike without matching? He doesn’t want to be made fun of. I like it when we look the same, we live in Florida so it’s hot alot.
   Seth’s Answer-Unless you are on a sports team or play in a marching band, I see no reason to match your clothes.If you both choose clothes that have the same feeling rather than being “matched”, you will make your husband a happy man. For example, a pair of linen trousers or shorts and a polo shirt for him and a knitted tee shirt and cotton skirt for you, should put you both in sync without being too much alike.
7. Question from Gabby-
   Seth I have a question, can I wear panty hose with cocktail dresses or is that unflattering? My sister tells me not to wear panty hose with cocktail dresses but my mother says I’m supposed to, I have no clue. Help!
   Seth Answer-If you have nice legs that are flaunt-worthy, it is infinitely more modern and chic to forgo the hose. If you have not shaved, or your legs are best left covered, than find hose that work for your body type and lifestyle. Not everything works across the board on every woman, so use your judgement, ask a friend what he or she thinks, or send me a picture and we will figure it out from there!
   
8. Question from Lisa-
   Hi Seth my question is. What kind of skirt should women with shorter legs wear? I’m 5′1.
   Seth’s Answer-For someone who is petite in stature, a fitted, above the knee skirt, (about one inch) is usually a flattering length. This elongates the leg. Try this with wedges or sandals without an ankle strap, rather than closed toe shoes, to further stretch your silhouette!
   
9. Question from Havesumfun78-
   Seth, I would like to know what is the best type of look for me. I have a very short neck and I want to make is appear longer. Is there any way I can dress to give my neck a longer appearence?
   Seth’s Answer-Any type of v-neck, halter or scoop neck will create a longer leaner line for your body. If you are able to find a narrow vertical stripe in these types of necklines, all the better. These all draw the eye downward and will instantly give you the illusion of length in that part of your body!
   
10.  Question from Jessica-
    Whats the best colors and patterns for a plus size woman?
    Seth’s Answer-I believe that if you are a plus size, you should be big bold and beautiful. While most rules may be proudly broken today, the one thing that I would avoid, is the dreaded horizontal stripe. It simply is not flattering on a plus size. As to colors and patterns, reds and pinks warm skin tones and look great on most people in one shade or another. Try to look for patterns that move the eye from top to bottom, thereby creating the illusion of lengthening the body. If you are in the mood for this Spring and Summer’s floral trend, by all means go for it in a way that works for you. Keep your flowers small if they are on an all-over print or pattern on a garment, but go big and bold with an accessory such as a handbag or shoe. If you are able to find a tunic or dress which has two colors laid out vertically, with the lighter shade running down the middle and the darker colors along the sides of the body, you have hit the jackpot. This scoops out your sides and makes you you look thinner right away…
    
11.  Question from Vickie-
    Seth, whats the best way to look dressed up while wearing blue jeans? I want to look stylish but casual.
    Seth’s Answer-To dress up your favorite jeans, why not pair them with a beautiful blouse in a dressy or embellished fabric and a pretty pair of high heeled sandals, mules or ballet slippers
    
12.  Question from Dat Girl Kelie-
    I’m gonna be starting school again soon and I want to look different from everyone else. I like jeans and crop tops and sneakers, but now I want to wear stylish clothes but not spend too much money. I just want to look different. I’m a junior in high school. My face is oval shaped and my hair is long to my waist, I just want something new. I’m about 5′7 127 pounds. Pleeeeeease give me some ideas!
    Seth’s Answer- You are in a  great place to be able to experiment; You are young and have a nice shape and the height to try some of the fun trends out there while on your journey to discovering your personal style. This season, you might try working a punk or rock and roll look from the way-back eighties with skinny stretch jeans, a belted oversized tee and neon accessories, or, do your own version of geek-chic preppy style with a button down shirt under a skinny (belted!!! very important this season no matter what look you choose) cardigan with a wide leg flared jean or pencil skirt with a platform heel or a comfortable flat, or go new look disco diva with ONE (only!!) shiny component in your outfit like a sequined tee or shiny tight with a twin set pinned with a (shiny ) bold brooch and short stretch skirt paired with a stacked or platform heel that is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.       
    
13.  Question from Melvin-
    My shoulders tend to slope, I want to give a more square even appearencein my business suits. What can I do?
    Seth’s Answer- This is a problem easily solved, as you do wear business suits and these are a great way to camouflage the imperfections in most of our physiques. To counterbalance a sloping shoulder, choose a suit with a slightly roped shoulder. This will give you a little lift in that problem area and will provide you with the appearance of a broader shoulder.
    
14.  Question from Carla-
    Seth, please help me. I am very bottom heavy, and not top heavy so my clothing doesn’t balance out my oddly shaped body. I’m a size 6 and my stomach and waist is porportionate but my clothes fit me oddly. Are there any suggestions for a person in my situation? I was thinking I should try to reduce from the bottom, what can I wear to make my butt and thighs appear smaller???
    Seth’s Answer-Try outlining the smallest part of your body, your waist, with one of this season’s must have wide belts cinched over a tunic or peplum style blouse. Pair this with a handkerchief hem skirt to break up your bottom half. Also, try a blouse style that gathers just under the bust and releases from there. Couple this with a slim pant silhouette to complete your new slimmed down you!  

15.  Question from Micheal J. Knox-
    I have dark wavy  hair kinda like the Jonas Brothers, I want to add some color , I’m in a rock band at night and during the daytime I work at a school. Can I m ake this work? I want to lighten my hair but this is a trickey situation. Would it be a smarter move to get a trendy cut?
    Seth’s Answer-Why do the chemical thing when a cool cut will do the trick. You can always decide later to add some color. In the meantime, a new doo is always fresh and your hair will grow back if you don’t want to stick with the new style.
    
16.  Question from Nevil-
    Can a dude wear pink and not look too girly? I like the way I look in pink but I do not want to look metrosexual. I noticed the rapper Camron was wearing pink a while back but he is the only one. Is this against the rules for men’s fashion. or is this acceptable nowadays?
    Seth’s Answer-If you feel good, you look good. If you want to wear pink, try it out. There are no rules to follow except what makes you happy and feel good and the last time I checked, it was totally acceptable to feel good…Go for it!

17.  Question from Monica Freeman-
    I want to look fuller, i am naturall a skinny person, in particluar I want my back end to look fuller in shirts and pants. I have very skinny legs, I can’t gain weight easily. Do you have any clue what I can do to look more shapely.
    Seth’s Answer-Although most women would kill to be in your position, an a-line or peplum silhouette in blouses, skirts and dresses will add a bit of fullness to your rear end. Opt for skirts with horizontal patterns to widen your derriere. You should also try tiered, bubble or bell shaped skirts or dresses and wider flared pants to achieve a fuller shaped you.
    

Jaslene and 3 other Elite models are rocking out some of Cesar’s latest masterpieces and looking very much like a top model. I am so proud of her, I think she is holding her own quite well up against those 3 stunning Elite models. Cesar continues to amaze me , his collection is more beautiful than ever , the colors, form and textures are glamorous, bright, and perfectly combined for what many are saying is his greatest collection to date.  Seth Cohen, isabellagucci.com’s very own in house style expert is a co-collaborator for Cesar’s designs and as you can see, they make a dynamic fashion design team…See for yourself.

Remember, you can only find these new photos of Jaslene here on www.isabellagucci.com

see more of Cesar’s collection at www.cesargalindo.com

In case you don’t know about Cesar Galindo….(excerpts from his personal bio)
I began designing dresses in my teens and sold them to a consignment store while I attended high school in my native city of Houston, Texas. Both my mother’s love of sewing, and my father’s sense of style and affinity for color, influence much of what I do to this very day. I come from a family of thirteen, in which five of my siblings are women of different shapes. I like to think that I keep this in mind whenever I create a collection of cocktail and evening wear for my ladies or when I am asked to interpret another designer’s vision.

I learned to sew by watching my mother work on her machine and by experimenting on my own. My formal training did not really begin until I started working for The Miami City Ballet as the Assistant to Jose Varona III. It was there, under his tutelage, that I learned the intricacies of costume design – from delicate as well as heavily constructed underpinnings, to elaborate, highly decorative garments.

I then took a position with The Houston Grand Opera, as an assistant costumer to the company. My creative skills were further honed by the needs of the troupe’s performers. A flare for the dramatic remains with me to this very day. All of my dresses and gowns are lined in my signature fuchsia charmeuse. I like to think that life should always be bright and colorful!

Career Highlights

1986: First commissioned fashion collection for Visible Changes, Houston Texas 

1986-1989: Store partner and designer for Apostle III stores in Santa Barbara, CA and Austin, Texas

1989:Miami City Ballet: Assistant to Jose Varona III, Costume Designer for the Nutcracker, Miami, Florida

1990: Houston Grand Opera: Assistant Costumer to the company

1991: TSE Cashmere: Showroom Manager

1992:Carmelo Pomodoro: Assistant to the designer until his untimely death

1993- 1998: Cesar Galindo Collection: Designer signature seasonal dress collection

1997: SAGA Furs sponsorship: Traveled to Scandinavia as a guest of SAGA Furs to learn fur design

1999: Chaka Khan World Tour with Prince: Designed tour wardrobe for Ms. Khan

1999-2004:Dolce & Gabbana: Special Projects: Designed costumes for celebrity clients including Madonna, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliot

2004-Present: Re-launch of Cesar Galindo Collection: Design seasonal collection of couture cocktail and eveningwear

2005-2007: Calvin Klein Women’s Collection: Seasonal contract to interpret dresses. sportswear and eveningwear under the guidance of Creative Director, Francisco Costa

2008: Houston Grand Opera: Costume Designer for the world premiere of “Last Acts”, an original English language opera starring Frederika Von Staad

There are many pretty and wearable trends to which you may easily adapt your present wardrobe for the Spring and Summer season; or try adding some new key pieces to change the look of old favorites.  Below are three that are easy to translate to any figure and age!

FLOWER POWER: Prints, especially florals - from delicately drawn flowers, to bold stylized blossoms on multi-color grounds  - are to be found everywhere this Spring. They may be worn in any number of ways. If you are not shy, try wearing an allover pattern on a cotton or silk dress. For a more subtle approach, how about pairing a printed floral tee shirt with cardigan or a floral scarf with a lightweight jacket? And with flower motifs blooming on everything from hats to shoes to handbags, you might want to mix and match several of them to intensify the look.

After graduating from The Fashion Institute Of Technology in New York , Seth Cohen began working on Seventh Avenue. He is now a partner in the design house of Cesar Galindo. Together, with Cesar, they create couture cocktail evening-wear collections that are imbued with the technical artistry and masterful style of Galindo and the color and silhouette direction of Cohen.

Seth Cohen is one of my heroes because he isn’t only one of the best as what he does, he’s also a great friend. I asked him to contribute to my blog since I figured having an actual fashion designer available for my readers would make things interesting and unique. Seth will be offering his styling and fashion expertise to all who asks and will post responses to your comments often. If you have any questions you can send him an email at seth@isabellagucci.com or simply post your question for Seth in the comments area.

I was recently invited to Cesar Galindo’s trunk show at Sak’s Fifth Avenue in Houston and mingled with the Seth and Cesar. I was blown away by the classic old Hollywood beauty of the collection.  These two are geniuses and never fails to impress me each season. Here are some shots from the trunk show. I’m also including some professional shots of Cesar’s Fall 2008 Collection from his website www.cesargalindo.com