FASHION WITH ERICA -- CHRISTMAS FASHION DON'TS

When it comes to dressing for the holidays, a little goes a long way, reminds assistant fashion editor Erica Milano. After all, you don’t want to wind up competing with the Christmas tree. Here are some holiday fashion don’ts Erica found. Trust us, no one on your Christmas list wants one of these as a gift this year or any year. -- AP

What do you think, readers? Post a comment to enter the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

FASHION WITH ERICA -- POM-POM FASHION FAUX PAS

It isn’t often that assistant fashion editor Erica Milano and I team up with fashion advice, but neither of us could resist commenting on the outfit worn by singer Nicki Minaj at the Carolina Herrara show last month during Fashion Week in New York. We both agree that Nicki’s shirt can be summed up in four words: WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?

Hey, I’m all in favor of DIY. As the crafts editor of a woman’s magazine, my living depends on people wanting to make things for themselves, their family and friends, and their homes. However, even I wouldn’t suggest that any of our readers try this at home. And Erica suggests, should you be crazy enough to do so, only wear it out of the house on Halloween. (Hence, the reason we’ve waited until October to comment on this fashion faux pas.)

So readers, what do you think? We’re dying to hear your comments. Let us hear from you, and you're entered into the drawing for a book from Friday's guest author. -- Anastasia and Erica 

FASHION WITH ERICA -- OFFICE NO-NO'S

Fashion editor Erica Milano is back today with some fashion no-no’s when it comes to the office. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Office dress codes have come a long way since the Mad Men era, but no matter how casual your work place, you should exercise a little common sense and self-control when getting dressed in the morning.

If you want to be taken seriously, you need to look and act your age, not dress like a ‘tween, sk8rgrl, or biker babe. That advice applies to you no matter if you’re a 20-something, like me, or close to retirement. Besides, thigh-high boots, mini skirts, and crop tops are so not a good look for anyone approaching menopause or beyond, whether you’re at work or at the supermarket.

Come to think of it, thigh-high boots, mini-skirts, and crop tops are usually not a good look for most people, no matter how young you are. Take an objective look at yourself in a full-length mirror before you step out of the house. The operative word here being OBJECTIVE. Not only should you be dressing for your age and job, you should be dressing for your body type. Got a muffin top? Trust me, no one wants to see it.

Here are a few other pieces of advice:

-- no editorializing, politicking, or advertising across your chest. Leave the “I’m With Stupid” and Mickey Mouse T’s for the weekends.

-- no exposed skin other than face, neck, arms and legs (no higher than from just above the knee down.) Leave the belly and thigh-baring for the beach. It has no place in the office.

-- you might love your tattoos and piercings, but exercise some common sense, especially if you deal with the public or interface with external business associates. Not everyone appreciates body art, and your boss won’t like it if yours causes him to lose business or an account.

-- have some self-respect. The slut look never works unless you’re a streetwalker. Is that really the image you want to project to the world?

Well…Erica really does tell it like it is, doesn’t she? But you have to admit, there’s wisdom in her words. Our Book Club Friday guest author is giving away a book this week. Post a comment to be entered in the drawing. -- AP