ChickSpeak

Every chick knows the value of a great pair of heels, a new dress, or those pants that just guarantee a double take. I’m a journalism student at Appalachian State University, in Boone, N.C., and I’m a woman who takes these values incredibly close to heart.

Growing up in a highly artistic and theatrical environment, I see clothes as a way of putting on a new persona for the day, a new character to try on and play with for a few hours.

Creating a unique style to mesh with everything you love is a chance to decide and control what part you’ll play in the script of life, so why not have fun with it?

That being said, ChickSpeak would like to introduce the first edition of my new column, Chic Q&A with Cady.

Running weekly, this feature will give you a chance to ask me, a beauty and style writer for the site, any questions you have about fashion, such as staying chic while maintaining your own personal twist, working new seasonal trends into your wardrobes without making too loud of a statement, how to pick out the perfect pair of heels or jewelry, and everything that falls in between.

Send questions, comments, or anything you would like addressed in the column to cady.childs@gmail.com. You may be anonymous or provide your name.

How do I work ‘biker-chic’ into my ensemble without looking too drastic? -AB

The trick to working the motorcycle look without appearing like you’re about to join the Hell’s Angel is having a few statement pieces to mix with your every day wardrobe. For example, a black, studded suede boot paired with skinny, dark jeans, a classic white tee, and a black, over-sized blazer with cuffed sleeves combines the edginess of the look with the men’s wear trend - killing two bird with one stone, as it were. You can do the same with a leather jacket topping a killer top, jeans, and stiletto heels, or a leather purse adorned with metallic studs worn with a classic LBD. The best thing about this trend is its vast availability for all different price ranges. Check out these gold studded black booties, a steal at only $34.80.

What’s the best accessory piece for Spring 2010? -CZ

The big material this Spring, as shown in last month’s fashion weeks, is Lucite. On shoes, bracelets, necklaces, and even adorning vests and belts, this clear, shiny plastic-like material is formed into balls, disks, and crystal molds, adding a little sparkle to your outfits without going over the top. My favorite use is on strappy, heeled sandals, seen in Christian Louboutin’s newest collection. Since this can get a little pricey, for an inexpensive addition to your accessory wardrobe, check out Ebay for great 1960s vintage Lucite pieces from the trend’s first go round.

I’ve seen leopard leggings in a lot of stores lately, but they’re so loud and dramatic. How can I tone down this look for daywear? -LV

Leopard print has seen it’s comings and goings in the world of fashion, but in my book, a loud animal print should always be in season - it’s just a matter of pairing it correctly. This time around, animal prints are seen paired with muted, darker tones, making them classy with a wild twist (literally). But just as a warning, if you’re going to take the leap into animal prints, you’ll never turn back. They’re attention-grabbing powers and vamp-up points are mesmerizing and addictive.

That said, to work animal prints into your outfits on your trip for late afternoon coffee or a friendly lunch, the best standard to go by is only wearing one printed piece at a time. Leopard print leggings AND purse? Terrible. But printed leggings paired with a black, v-neck tunic, a simple-blazer or long, cotton cardigan, and low-heeled booties will keep you looking ‘in-the-know’ as well as sophisticated. If you’re more daring, try a jade green toned tunic (one of the next big color-tones), with a black, studded blazer, preferably stolen from your boyfriend’s closet.

What is the difference between Spanx and the old fashion girdles our mother’s used to wear? Are they comfier? I’m considering getting a pair of high-waist panty hose for my wedding day and would like to know if I can rely on them for that extra support. -JG

No question asked- Spanx definitely take the card for comfort when compared to girdles. Girdles have tighter, elasticized bands or form-fitting wires in encroaching, tight-pinching places, while Spanx take modern textile technology to create a second-skin like material that moves and stretches with your body while still disguising un-wanted panty lines and keeping tummies tucked away. Check out their website, and if you have honeymoon plans in a tropical locale, check out their new swimsuit line, too!

Chic Q&A with Cady would greatly appreciate any questions, comments, or feedback you may have! Please send fashion inquiries or anything else you may like to add/ see addressed in this column to cady.childs@gmail.com. Happy trend-watching!