Yes, I know – as a person who gets giddy over the simple idea of a new piece of clothing, this is odd. But let’s be clear. It’s not my fault. A long-ago roommate owned a steamer. It was a glorious, mightily powerful contraption, an absolute guarantee that my office wear was Betty Draper–polished. I adored it. Was spoiled by it. And no iron has ever (I mean ever) lived up to its glory.

But life goes on. Behold, five ways to banish wrinkles without that go-to smoother: proof that, as scary as it may seem, you can look utterly flawless after the iron (or steamer, or whatnot) has been laid to rest… or, less dramatically – forgotten.

No blow-dryer, wrinkle releaser, flat iron, shower, or dryer in sight? Relax. You can also spray your garment with water and simply slap the wrinkles out – an aggressive, elbow-greasy approach (don’t say I didn’t warn you). Yet still, a means to the same smooth end.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

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Here’s how to perfect the cuff and roll, what to pair each with, and more.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

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So, behold, a guide to the season’s most skin-baring attire – and the bras, tape, and cups you need to keep the girls effortlessly in check.

Wearing: Backless
Try: A low-back bra that wraps around your waist. If you don’t want to invest in one, peep these DIY tips and transform your everyday bra into one of the backless variety.

Wearing: Strapless
Try: A perfect-fitting strapless bra. Tip: Since strapless bras lack shoulder support, the key is to go one cup size smaller. Or, if the dress is structured, feel free to go braless if you can – just snag a pair of pasties to keep chill-induced awkwardness at bay.

Wearing: White
Try: A nude T-shirt bra or tank. Contrary to popular belief, white under white (or sheer) is never okay. Also – avoid most lacy bras. The pattern still shows.

Wearing: Cutouts
Try: Silicone adhesive bra cups – they keep you perky and covered, and come in a variety of sizes. Fashion tape is a must, too, to avoid the errant slip-up.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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1. The wrap dress. Think of the wrap dress as your wardrobe pièce de résistance – it’s flattering on absolutely every body type, and especially forgiving in non-clingy materials like thick jersey or stiff cotton.

2. The extra-large bag. Besides the benefit of being able to tote around a weekend’s worth of necessities, the extra-large bag is a goddess at making you look quite small in relation (and selectively camouflaging trouble spots in pictures).

3. The nude wedge. Just as the black heel is to black tights, the nude wedge is to bare legs. It’s a standby for looking long and lean (bonus if you master the art of streak-free self tanner).

4. The dark jean. So flattering – especially if the fit is right. Peep these tips for what will work best for you.

5. The bib necklace. A bold bib necklace will open up your decollate and instantly flatter your shoulders. (Long chains are also a go – just steer clear of chokers.)

6. The long cardi. Hello, instant butt coverage – try it in one of spring’s whispery cottons.

7. The full scarf. Like the extra-large bag, the strategically placed scarf does wonders to hide problem spots, with the added benefit of warding off cubicle-AC frostbite.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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But with brazen stripes all over the blogosphere and spring 2013 runways – from Oscar de la Renta to Marc Jacobs – I think it’s about time we tossed aside all preconceived notions and got to the bottom of that much-dwelled-upon question: Do horizontal stripes really make you look wider?

Despite research by University of York perception expert, Peter Thompson, proclaiming that all horizontal stripes actually make you look thinner, the general consensus across the web is, well, it depends. Because all horizontal stripes are not created equal. (You hear that, Mom?)

Thick stripes. Wide horizontal stripes are the trickiest to wear – this is because the wider the stripe, the more your eye will slow down and focus on it. They work best on tall, slimmer frames. But that doesn’t mean petites and curvy girls have to avoid them. Just layer them under a blazer or wear them on the smaller half of your body only – a stripy skirt for apple shapes or a striped top for pear shapes, for example.

Thin stripes. Unlike the thick stripe, a thin stripe can be surprisingly lengthening. This is because the narrower the stripe, the harder it is for your eye to focus on just one spot, so you’re likely to look up and down rather than side to side. Translation: Permission granted to wear thin stripes unabashedly this season, no matter your body type.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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That first sandal pick of the season is always a little heart-fluttery. You think about all the places you’ll go in said sandals, or, perhaps more accurately, all the patios you’ll sip muddled craft cocktails on, sandal-clad…

But then reality sets in: blisters. So today, we’re talking blister prevention – a.k.a. how to break in that cute new pair of leather sandals you just scored at 11AM. After plenty of research, I stumbled on this little gem of a tip from Real Simple, which I’ve come to call “The Sandal Plunge.” Read on, try it for yourself, and take the season by storm.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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Does my trench have to be the same length as my skirt?

The age-old rule is that a woman’s coat should never be longer – or shorter – than the hem of her skirt. In fact, they must match exactly. But in order to prevent the need for fifteen trillion coats in different lengths to match each and every skirt in your closet, look for a trench that’s no more than a few inches longer or shorter than your skirt. A longer trench creates a streamlined, unbroken line (read: it’s slimming!). Wearing pants? The world is your oyster – just make sure the trench is longer than your top layers. Which means no short trenches and super-long cardis.

How large should a men’s trench be? 

The Art of Manliness has this style down pat, noting that trenches should be long (and large) enough for you to wear over a suit or thick sweater. ”A good measure,” they note, “is to try on a coat and button it up fully – the shoulders should extend out past your natural shoulder by .5 to 1 full inch (to allow room for a suit jacket)….  Next look at the sleeve length – they should be worn 2 to 4 inches longer than a suit jacket’s sleeves, to about the pinch on your hand.”

Do I choose double- or single-breasted? 

In general, I think single-breasted coats are more flattering across both genders, but in the end it comes down to personal preference. What makes you feel good? For a look at the benefits of both for men, peep our Double- vs. Single-Breasted Guide.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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Below, five things to know about this open-toed standby, just in time for the cusp of spring.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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Find the perfect style and fit. When it comes to high-waisted pants, there are three schools of thought: the wide-leg, the flare, and the skinny. I’m a big proponent of the former two for all body types – worn right (à la Kim Kardashian), they make your legs look miles long. Tip: If you’re pear shaped, stay away from pants that pleat or gather at the waist. Also, keep in mind for all body types – pants should hit at your natural waist, not above or below.

Tuck that top in (or crop it). High-waisted pants can make your waist look teeny, so don’t go hiding under a loose top. Tuck a fitted one in (if you’re worried about staying smooth, try a Yummie Tummie or SPANX® tee), or up the dare factor with an on-trend crop top.

Wear chunky heels or wedges. They balance out a wide-leg or flared pair and keep stems looking lean and super long. This season, I’m loving wedges with wooden accents – just be sure your shoes peek out from beneath your pants’ hem.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have other fit tips you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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First things first – identify your body type. We come in all shapes and sizes, but rest assured – so do prints.

Petite
Height isn’t on your side, so make friends with vertical stripes that will lengthen your silhouette. If you’re not into stripes, keep in mind that patterns with elements larger than your fist will overpower your petite frame.

Long and Lean
Exercise your right to pull off large and bold prints. Monotonous prints will make you appear a little lanky, but a bold print will draw the eye toward the torso and away from limbs.

Pear Shape
This one’s a given: draw the eye upward by wearing a busy print on top. Play around with colors and wear that flattering floral blouse – over and over again.

Fuller Bust
The pear shape’s alter ego. Reverse the advice and choose a printed skirt or pant to offset a top-heavy appearance. Lucky for you, printed bottoms are a hot trend for spring 2013.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

How do you wear your prints? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala, then check out our The Fitting Room column every Monday.

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