BudgetFashionista's reply history at Help.com

Actually there’s jobs for people who want to be fashion illustrators but not necesarily fashion designers. Head the Craigslist.org to review some of the job descriptions for fashion illustrators. Realize that there is more to fashion illustrators than just drawing pictures and you will need to have some knowledge of proportions, garment construction, etc. Also you need for someone to giveyou an honest assessment of your skills, someone who is in the fashion industry or has worked in the industry.

If you want to be a fashion designer, then you need to go to a design school or at least take some classes in sewing, garment construction, etc- which you could probably find at your local University. However, if you’re serious about being in the fashion industry then at some point you’ll need to move to NYC. NYC is still the fashion capital of the world.

Hmm Elizabeth-

I think a matching tie would be a little too “matchy- matchy”. You don’t want to be known as “THAT” couple- the ones that dress alike, think alike, talk alike, etc.

In general, bright colors contrast nicely with darker skin tones, so the blue shirt would look nice (more of a light summer blue, rather than a dark navy blue) on your husband. Although an orange tie would work, I would stay away from it just so you don’t match. A nice pink tie wouldbe great…

(I just realized that I’m really late on this.. sorry)

Hey Nikki-

When in doubt- the “eyes” have it. Try finding a dress in the same color blue as your eyes

People often confuse “conservative” dress with “preppy” dress. Conservative dress is limited to basic, muted colors like , grays, browns, burgundy limited amounts of black and white. Preppy dress is tends to be a bit more relaxed, leisurely, and full of color- think of an afternoon sailing or a uniform worn by a student at a New England prep school. Your girlfriend seems to want you to dress in a more “conservative” rather “preppy” look.

To make your life easier, look no further than the king of preppy himself, Ralph Lauren (Tommy Hilfiger and the higher priced Hickey Freeman Line can also work). Sold at most major department stores and stores like TJ Maxx and Ross, Ralph Lauren continues to define the preppy lifestyle concept with both his Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren brands. Purchase copies of GQ and Esquire, remove the Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hickey Freeman ads, and bring them into the store with you when you shop for guidance. Think “casual wealth” and “relaxed wealth”, when dressing. How many buttons you button doesn’t matter as much as making sure your shirt is ironed and neat (making sure it isn’t tucked into your pants), or wearing a pair of canvas boat shoes or moccasins with your khakis, instead of a pair of dress shoes or messy sneakers.

In closing, I would encourage you to findyour own personal style or communicate your style to your girlfriend. Personal style is, well, personal and you have to be an active participant in the development of your own style.