What are the "rules" for mixing prints?

Your honest opinion about the skinny jean trend.

My question for her is where (in the world) was she that a straw bag & strappy wedges were seasonally appropriate :] Just kidding, maybe this is an old pic.

And for the record, I wish Ferragamo were still alive - so innovative, we need more of that today! :]

xoxo

Ooh ooh and I also want to know when (if ever) she thinks leggings are a fashion "do"!

As I keep seeing folk mixing bright brown colours with black I have to ask, is it now acceptable to mix these colours??!?!

My question for Nina is: can you mix different shades of white in an outfit--such as true white pants with an ivory coat? Or do they all have to be the same shade of white?

I was moderately enjoying the "Little Black Book of Style" until I came across the page where she says, "Screw PETA, buy fur!" Because we all love killing animals ruthlessly so that we can look good (and for the record, I do not even think fur looks good). I'm not a PETA member, but I am a vegan and I think we all need to respect other people's beliefs. You can not believe in the same things, but you should not belittle their beliefs. Is it too much to ask for a little compassion and for the same respect that we would want others to have for us?

pandacn-You took the words right out of my mouth!!

Which do prefer more, heels or flats and why?

i know ppl will still wear flares in a skinny jean world, but do you think flares/bootcut jeans will ever make a comeback? or should i go get all my sevens tailored to a skinny fit?

I want to be in the fashion business, maybe in a magazine or as a stylist... I'm 16. how did you take your first steps? what do you think it is important to know for someone who wants to take part in the fashion industry?

Have you ever regretted the things you've said as a judge on Project Runway? I specifically remember last season you freaked out about how cowl necks will never be in and are so tired - and this season it seems like every sweater and dress has a cowl neck. Obviously, I'm not referring specifically to that comment - but just in general, do you wish you had not said some things to contestants or would you take back some of the things you've said?

I have not yet read Nina's book, but I would love to get her thoughts on "accessory don'ts." Are there things, trends, etc. that we should NOT do while accessorizing

okay, this might not be allowed, but i'm putting in a couple:

1. What was your worst fashion faux-pas (personally)? Any style you wish you could bury forever?

2. What do you think of Rachel Zoe's comment that she is more relevant than Anna Wintour? Is she dead to the fashion world because of that statement?

3. Speaking of Rachel Zoe, what do you think about the whole Hollywood bobblehead style that she helped to perpetuate? Do you think it promotes extreme weight loss in otherwise impressionable young girls?

4. And transitioning from that - do you think the fashion world helps or harms women's sense of self (especially about weight) in a size 0 model's world? This especially pertains to young women who aspire to this unrealistic body image. What can (realistically!) be done to change that?

5. Okay, last one i swear! What do you think of the Dove "Real Women" commercials?

Thanks Nina! I think you're fabulous and i LOVE Project Runway.

Here's mine: Project Runway generally has a diverse cast of contestants, but that's unfortunately an anomaly in the fashion world. Season after season, the runways are dominated by white models—with a few exceptions like Phillip Lim, Tracy Reese, and Diane Von Furstenberg. On a similar note, most fashion magazines rarely feature women of color on the cover (or they get relegated to February or March issues, which are low-selling anyway—cf Jennifer Hudson's Vogue cover). Why do you think the fashion world is so whitewashed? What will it take for runways and editorials to become more diverse? Finally, do you think it will ever happen?

My question: Can you name some great lesser-known brands which might be more affordable but still stylish? How about some up-and-coming names to look for?

Ugghhh, I hate the outfit she's rockin.

I would like to know how being a new mom has affected her style.

Like verymoni, I would love to know how to get a start in the world of fashion journalism. I'm a 17-year-old fashion blogger, and I'd love to work at a fashion magazine as a fashion editor, or maybe a stylist.

Also, what do you think of how fashion blogging has affected the fashion industry?

By the way, I absolutely adored your book. It was wonderful!

Celebrities today are so young and when I see how they dress, I think it's adorable, but I'm not sure it interprets well for me - I'm 39 (a young 39 mind you) and 5"1'. Cute babydoll dresses with tights just don't cute it for me. I definitely do not want to be the kind of sweatsuit/UGGS/schoolyard mom I see running all over my town. I love fashion but I need to find a way to interpret what's in style into my lifestyle - working 4 days a week in a corporate environment (I have that part down pat pretty well), with 3 day weekends to run around with a 3 year old. I need help with the comfy/casual/still stylish part!!

"Which do prefer more, heels or flats and why?"

If you read her book, she'll tell ya...She says there's only like two or three appropriate times to wear flats (flights I know is one). I wonder how big her bunions are? ;] Haha just kidding, love you Nina.

xoxo

I am trying to decide whether to invest in a pair of black ankle boots. Are these going to be around for another fall/winter season? Can we wear them in late winter/early spring? What else could I wear them with other than black tights and a dress?

Anyone else that has an answer to my question, I'd love to hear yours, too!!!!

Dear Nina,
Are uggs ok to wear right now?

What are your favorite movies for fashion? Tips on getting the Belle de Jour look?

First, I loved the book and really made me step away from the idea that big name designers are always the right way to go.

Here are my questions:
1. Like two of the others asking questions, I am in high school and am dying to work in fashion, as an editor or a buyer. What classes should I be taking now and what else can I do at my age?

2. Is it smarter to attend college in New York if I want to work in this industry.

3. How long do trends usually stay in style? Especially jeans, which change so quickly.

4. What is the truth about getting free samples or traveling and attending fashion shows- how much is true and how much is false?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer everyone's questions! I admire what you do!

Uggs are never ok.

What are the basics of the perfect closet?

Sorry I have more, I cant pass up this opportunity!

-How important is it to network and how do you go about meeting the right people.

-What skills do you really need to make it in the fashion industry

-Who are your top 5 designers and why

sorry! thank you so much!

Q: For the fashion cycle, we have done the 50s, 60s, 70s and currently the 80s, do you think the 90s will be back for F/W 2008 or even for S/S 2009?

Q: I'm currently working as a fashion stylist and visual stylist, who would you say is your top 5 fashion stylists? (dead or alive)

Q: Aside from Hermès, Chanel, YSL, Valentino, Oscar De La Renta, Judith Leiber, LV and several other respectable fashion brands, what other brands would you say will continue its ever increase in value as time passed by?

Thanks Nina, you have done a wonderful job at Elle!

What's the stockings and shoes rule? (Peep-toe or closed toe shoes? high heels or flats?)

What are the top 10 fashion essestials every young woman in her 20's should and MUST have in her closet?

Most of these questions are answered in her book :[

supermodelspy and lanne109 - those are great questions - Some people just cannot be as stylish as they want , hard as one might try , so I'd also love to know what we should have in our closets to atleast have a little style!

OK I thought of one more:

Out of all the contestants from season 1-3 of Project Runway, which designer has made the biggest name for themselves since the season's conclusion? I.e. Who has been the most successful (pr winners or other) designer in your opinion?

For those of us on a tighter budget, which type of items do you think are worth spending money on and going top of the line and which do you think I can save a few bucks on?

1. Out of all of the designers on Project Runway, who do you think was overall the best "real world" designer, creating quality clothes that were wearable, stylish, and practical.

2. What Project Runway designer's clothes would you be most likely to wear?

3. I am handbag obsessed, if you could only choose ONE handbag for day and one for night, which would you choose?

I can't really afford designer names all the time, what ONE piece would you suggest spending a little extra on?

i love trends, but being a "big and tall" girl, most of them never look right on me (skinny jeans for example). louboutins dont even come in my size!! how can i look trendy, but still appropriate for my size?

and if nina knows where paris hilton gets her shoes, please let me in on this info, because i hear shes a size 12 as well and always has great shoes!! =]

Hi Nina! I love your book; I bought it for both my sisters for Christmas (sshh!). I love the look of jeans tucked into boots, but I'm not a super-skinny woman-- I'm a curvaceous size 10 or 12. My question is, can women like me pull of the look? Do you have to wear skinny jeans under boots, and if so, can us curvy girls pull off the skinny jeans?

Thank you!

what is the best fashion advice ever given to you?

what is the best fashion advice ever given to you?

I would like to ask some but I 'm quite hesitant because her outfit and her whole look turns me off. It's a horrible-looking dress that make her look like "trying-hard-to-be-looking-20-chick"

Hello!!!! Okay, I am a short and athletic.... 5'3" and a size 4 to be exact. Is there a way I could create a look that would make me appear taller (particularly longer in the leg) during the day without wearing heels?

I usually wear heals when I go out, but during the day (like when I go to class, etc) I would like to be comfortable and casual in flats without looking stubby.

Any thoughts?

Oh, one more thing!! Can't pass up the opportunity to ask...

I am currenty in school studing graphic design, and I have been toying with the idea of putting my design skills to use in the fashion industry. I was wondering how would one get into becoming a graphic designer for a fashion magazine such as Elle or Cosmo? While I am have excellent computer graphics and creative skills, I'm not sure what other skills would be necessary for such a position.

Could you offer any advice for young graphic designers/ fashionistas like me?

Hi Nina!

Love your book! I know you're opposed in general to following trends, but I'd like to know, are there any ways to predict a trend's longevity? If a trend works for me, sometimes I like to join in, (I'm 23, and have been told that's what dressing in your 20's is all about,) but how do I know if a trend is worth spending my hard-earned cash on? It is sooo frustrating to finally decide to buy that trendy item, only to read the next day that it's on its way out!

Thanks so much!

Ooh! Also, are there any books (besides your own,) that you would recommend for fashion inspiration? How about websites?

...and one more: How can I train myself to become a high-heel wearer? I LOVE the look of them, but usually can't go the distance when I wear them, and the ones I love the look of most are usually too high for me to leave the store with, even.

Okay, one more for the road - What, in your opinion, is the most fashionable city? Where should I go for the best fashion inspiration, and the best shopping?

Thank you, thank you!

Are there still concrete, absolute fashion "rules"? And what would they be? What are the cardinal sins of fashion - or is it all about having your own, confident style? As an aside to that - is it okay to mix black and brown (ie black top, brown boots), or gold and silver (mostly accessories and shoes)?

I second the question about hoisery and shoes. Specifically:

1. Can I wear hoisery with peep toes? I'm thinking sheer black hose and black satin peep toes. Or even, opaque black hosiery and contrasting peep toes (quirky, I know, but fun with the right outfit)?

2. I have some leather ivory/winter white (with red accents) d'orsay stilettos. Would it look ridiculous to wear them after September/before May in a cold climate (indoors of course)? They are so cute!

Finally, just want to say it's great to see a strong, sensible Latina businesswoman in the public eye! And also - I am a Dana Hall alumna too.