944

And Flyaway Belt Issues, Too!

Dear Vanessa:

When I wear belts that are a little too big for me, the slack sticks out and flops around. I have tried to tape it with standard tape, but it doesn’t stay. What is the tape called that stylists use and where can I get it?

— Cheryl, Claremont

Dear Cheryl:

I have always used toupee tape for fashion fixes such as a flapping belt. I stick with Topstick by Vapon. These clear double-sided strips of tape are hypoallergenic waterproof and don’t separate when you are pulling it off. It will leave a mark on a real or faux leather belt though, so be careful. It won’t however leave a mark on your skin. I have used it on so many people and have only seen it leave the slightest of mark on one woman.

Besides belts I use it to tape my bra straps down so that they won’t peak out, quick hemming of pants that are too long and keeping loose buttons from falling off when I don’t have time to sew them down. I am sure there is a hundred other uses for this fun invention. Check out www.vapon.com/topstick.htm

Dear Vanessa:

As a guy, I feel like it is kinda hard to dress fashion-forward without looking kinda ridiculous. Are there any styles or accessories out there right now that can give me a stylish appearance in a discreet way that isn’t boring?

— James, Downtown San Diego

Dear James:

There are three discreet fashions I would love to introduce to a subtle man like you. First is a wonky collar. Men can have a shawl collar that can range from a subtle linear fold to a dramatic one. I also like an origami like collar. This starts as a turtleneck but then splits into two separate pieces that folds with two separate points laying over each other. I am sure that doesn’t make any sense to you, so go ahead and see what I am talking about on the sale rack of Bloomingdales.

Another subtle fashion-forward item is an asymmetrical line of buttons. Instead of marching down the center of your shirt the buttons are placed a couple inches to the left or right. This is incredible discreet yet utterly unexpected. You will find this on crew necks.

Lastly, is the cardigan. If you are over 5' 9” throw a cardigan over a tee with a giant owl on it and you are the most stylish fella in the room. I gave a height specifications because, shorter than 5’9” and you are looking a bit like a schoolboy.

Not everyone can afford to have a personal stylist in his or her life, but now every 944 reader can have access to one. Please send any and all questions concerning fashion to ask@vanessavaliente.com. Each week one men’s and one women’s questions will be answered in Vanessa’s “Fashion Fix” Column. To visit Vanessa’s Web site go to www.vanessavaliente.com.

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