YOU Be the Stylist: What should Nicole wear with this dress & clutch?

Sometimes, we get a Personal Shopper request that gets us so intrigued, we find it impossible to narrow down our options. We decided, therefore, that our beloved readers should help, since you're all as fashion-obsessed as we are. Introducing.... YOU Be the Stylist: We're faced with a reader who can't decide what to pair with a piece of clothing they've purchased. Neither can we. We'll let you vote.

Nicole T. wrote, "Hi Outblush! I love your blog - its always full of great ideas so hopefully you can help me out! I am in LOVE with this Karen Millen dress that I'm wearing to a gala in 2 weeks - what would you suggest to style the outfit? I also have this Sandra Roberts clutch to go with it. Thanks so much!"

Set 1:
Kate Spade New York Crystal Confection Ring ($75)
Isharya 18k gold-plated chandelier earrings ($82 on sale)
Nina Lizbet Gold Pumps ($94)

Set 2:
Diana Warner NYC 18K Gold Signature Cuff ($45)
Betsey Johnson AB Crystal Earring ($25)
Charles David Cheri Pumps ($127)

Set 3:
Kate Spade Gumdrop Studs ($38)
Mixology NYC Silver Dubai Glamazon Cuff ($90)
Nina Erna Black & Pewter Pumps ($94)

Set 4:
Kenneth Cole New York Large Teardrop Hoop Earrings ($24)
Joomi NYC Crystal Prety Bijoux Ring ($65)
Jessica Simpson Pasadena Bootie ($96)

A New Look for Lord & Taylor Manhattan

Recently Lord & Taylor's flagship store on 5th Avenue invited us to checkout their newly renovated cosmetic department. At first we were mainly excited about the prospect of free swanky makeup, but they managed to impress our all too cynical sensibilities.

The first thing you notice when you walk in is the lighting. The redesign team succeeded in creating a quality of light as near to sunlight as is technically possible (so successful that when we left the store a few hours later it was shocking to realize night had fallen). This means that the colors and shades of makeup you try on in the store won't be diluted by crappy lighting and you won't have dropped 30 bucks on lipstick that turns out to be hot pink rather than soft rose. The interior of the building has been restored to its former glory - drop ceiling panels and mirrored tiles were removed to reveal pristine white columns and beautifully domed ceilings. The look is one of quiet elegance and it reminds you of a time long ago when women would rather be shot than go shopping without hose and a hat.

Estee Lauder, Clinique, and Lancome spoke about their redesigned spaces, which are spread out and easy to maneuver around. All three companies stressed the importance of wanting their customers to be able to play with their products at their leisure - alone if they want, or with assistance (but only if that help is asked for). It was clear that everyone has a firm "no pestering" policy.

So if you're a Manhattanite or have a trip to the Big Apple in the works a foray into the magnificently updated Lord and Taylor flagship store would be well worth the effort.

Personal Shopper: A black tie wedding guest dress under $300 for Elizabeth - FAST!

Elizabeth F. wrote, "Help! I need a full-length dress for a black-tie optional wedding. my budget is preferably less than $300. i'd prefer to purchase from a brick& mortar store rather than online (a girls gotta try it on!) so if you have suggestions for pretty dresses, please help. Here's an example of what i like: this and this. I am 5'5" with a slim frame (a size zero in most stores and generally designer size 2). I am near a bloomingdales, neiman marcus, and bcbg. I think I might also be able to get to a saks. I am near a Macys as well, though it is in the downtown area of DC and tends to gear its selection towards a more conservative route. It wouldn't be my first choice to go to but if there is something there I will! Thanks!!"

Hi, Elizabeth, Janetor here! I've rounded up six dresses, from the stores you requested. If they're not in stock at the store, call ahead and have them order it for you, as they'll probably be able to get it in stock within a day or two. Hope you like these!

1 - Calvin Klein Sleeveless Empire Waist Gown ($116 on sale)

2 - BCBG Max Azria Pleated Silk Gown ($298)

3 - Aqua Side Pleated Strapless Gown ($270, in 3 colors)

4 - Amsale Long Silk Gown with Rosettes ($290)

5 - Laundry by Shelli Segal Halter Matte Jersey Gown ($275)

6 - Amsale Charcoal One Shoulder Gown ($290)

Frustrated in your search for that perfect leather handbag, red stiletto pump, or whatever makes your heart go thump in the night? Send us a request and we might do the shopping work for you in a future Personal Shopper feature!

Kate Belt

Add a cannonball splash of color and texture to your Summer-Fall wardrobe with the one-of-a-kind Kate Belt ($68). Each fuzzy wool piece is hand embroidered with tender love and care by Peruvian women in a fair trade artisan cooperative. Yay, this charitable accessory feels funky fresh.

Colorful Doves Coasters

Folk art has made some kind of come back, and we're digging the hand drawn, rustic trend. The cluster of birdies on the Colorful Doves Coasters ($24) just made our cute list. Keep the condensation contained with a cool or warm toned four piece set.

Dual USB & Power Socket

Dual Power & USB Sockets ($20 on sale, available for pre-order) are pretty much the answer to our geekiest prayers. Think of it... you won't have to hunt down an empty USB port on your laptop (or hunt said laptop down) when you need to recharge your phone or iPod! Sometimes, it really is the little things in life that make you happy.

Denim Design Lab Kit

Sure, you can buy distressed denim, but then you've got the same worn knees and ripped pockets as the girl next to you on the subway. Awkward. Instead, take matters into your own hands with the Denim Design Lab 1879 Kit ($250). The limited edition kit includes a host of tools for adding personality to your jeans, as well as a Denim Design Lab book to guide us on our fahionably artistic endeavor. [Thanks Colleen!]

2-Light Hanging Wine Rack

Look, you need a light fixture in your kitchen anyway, you know you're going to have a bottle or two of wine, so why not marry the two? This modern design Hanging Wine Rack ($430) provides two 8-watt fluorescent bulbs, room for 14 bottles of vino and plenty of space for your stemware. Cheers to you for your superior design style.

Serotonin Necklace

Serotonin - that lovely little neurotransmitter that makes us feel good, isn't just for biology class. The Serotonin Necklace ($85) is way better than Prozac, and cuter too. The molecular shape of serotonin is modern, elegant and will remind you to breathe and just be. The pendant is made of sterling silver and attached to an 18-inch sterling silver link chain that is adjustable. Molecular jewelry - so hip, so cool, so delightfully geeky!

Crosley Corsair Radio

No doubt it's kitschy, but it's also kinda cool. This Crosley Clock Radio/CD ($70) is made to look like it came straight from an old Corsair and will add interest to any room you want to splash with a little retro flavor.

BKE Boutique Necklace Tank Top

Our bad girl side is liable to show up at the bar if we slip on the BKE Boutique Necklace Tank Top ($42). Embellished isn't an appropriate descriptor for this biker style... these chains are more like armed and dangerous. The bead, chain link, lace and ribbon necklace is removable, but why get rid of the hardware - it makes the tank.

Tango Chair

You know that table; the one someone donated to us when we got our first apartment? It's not a bad set, it just doesn't have any flair. Well, flair that baby out by replacing the old chairs with these Tango Chairs ($138). No, we wouldn't recommend splashing this fabric all over your place, but in small doses, a punch of the graphic black and white can make a real design statement.

Silver Moon Ice Cream

Booze + ice cream (or sorbet) = leave us alone on the couch, we'll see you Monday.

With flavors like Crème de Mint Chip, Lavender Limoncello, and Bourbon Vanilla Bean, Silver Moon's liqueur-infused artisan Ice Creams and Sorbets ($8/pint) has us forgetting all about our BFFs Ben and Jerry.

Fire Ring

It seems singing, "I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter," garners some negative attention.

Wearing the Fire Ring ($254) makes people think we're less pyromaniac - more stylish and hip.

We'll take the latter.

Blog To Book Gift Card

Know a blogger? These Blog Print Gift Cards ($30-$50) will give her the opportunity to submit excerpts of her blog and receive it back in book form. Here's the thing about blogs: they're like snapshots of the thoughts we were having when we sat down to write. Reading them months (or years) later is just like looking at old pictures.

I Don't Heart LA Mug

Sipping our joe out of the I Don't Heart LA Mug ($15) before the heat of rush hour will perfectly prime us for road rage. Woohoo, let's buckle up to get cut off, and all in all harassed by cars. Hope it's not too obvious that we have an attitude problem.

Alex Woo Elephant Necklace

Apparently, elephants are a symbol of luck. We didn't know, we just think they're damn cute! We're pretty stoked about the good luck that's going to be coming our way now that we're wearing this (ele)fantastic Little Luck Elephant Necklace ($148) from Alex Woo.

Personal Shopper: 'Elegant Picnic Attire' wedding guest wear for Morgan

Morgan G. wrote, "I'm attending at wedding on 9/18/10 and the invitation said "elegant picnic attire". I need some suggestions for a dress."

Dear brides of the world: Please stop using confusing phrases for dress code. Harvest chic, elegant picnic attire, and the like are not informative.

Morgan, Janetor here: I took "elegant picnic attire" to mean dressy day dresses, perhaps worn with low-heeled sandals and a cardigan. Garden party, basically. Hope that helps!

1 - RicRac Waffle Weave Dress ($118)

2 - Marc New York Sugar Plum Floral Stretch Cotton V-Neck Dress ($117)

3 - I Adorn You Dress ($90)

4 - Lilly Pulitzer Sabine Shirtdress ($168)

5 - Lil Caballo Falls Dress ($168)

Frustrated in your search for that perfect leather handbag, red stiletto pump, or whatever makes your heart go thump in the night? Send us a request and we might do the shopping work for you in a future Personal Shopper feature!

Antiqued Bronze Venus Dressform Jewelry Holder

Replete with a twee mesh dress form for holding post earrings, branches for necklaces, and a dish for rings and brooches, this quaint Antiqued Bronze Venus Dressform Jewelry Holder ($24) is a stylish solution to bauble clutter on your dresser. Also available in antiqued silver finish.

Tracy Porter Beaded Clutch

Most of us don't carry a clutch every day (although as we recall, June Cleaver did). But then again, most of us don't wear pearls to vacuum the house either. That's why the clutch we do carry when we need one for a special night out has to be so spectacular. The Tracy Porter Royal Secrets Beaded Clutch ($300) with its fold over front magnetic closure is a stunning choice.

Korres Milk Proteins Cleanser

We've all heard of using plain yogurt as a face mask, since the acids & proteins help to resurface and soften skin, so why not take that one step further and use a dairy-based face wash? New Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser ($21) is super gentle, removing makeup and daily grime while moisturizing even the most sensitive skin. And, as always with Korres, there are no animal by-products and no animal testing.

See more cream cleansers.

Breakups & Rejections Book

Oh, the torture of breaking off a relationship - whether it's with a guy, longtime acquaintance, or some other unhealthy entanglement. And anyone who has ever been in management (with a heart, that is) knows how completely hideous it is to fire an employee. Breakups & Rejections ($9) helps us plan for breakups before they occur in the hope that the better prepared we are, the easier it will be for the recipient to take the news.

Haikubes

Craft your own poems.
Your friends will be so impressed.
Haikubes ($17) make you smart.

VHS Heroes Laptop Skin

For you young'ns, these here VHS tapes are what we used to record TV shows before the dawn of TiVo. South Carolina artist Hollis Brown Thornton's sassy VHS Heroes Laptop Skins ($20-30, depending on laptop size) are a fun retro throwback to the days of yore when Betamax, KodaChrome, and RCA were how we got to rewatch those crucial episodes of Dynasty again and again. (Durned kids and yer watchin' TV on the Hulu and the iTunes...)

See more laptop skins.

Cellula Chandelier

How anyone managed to design a chandelier made up of this many Swarovski® crystals without making it look over the top is beyond us, but they have. You can even arrange the crystals on this Cellula Chandelier ($2,210) by moving them from groove to groove along the aluminum rod. How deliciously un-fussy is that?

Patrizia Pepe Sequin Dress

If you're going to Vegas for Labor Day weekend, we implore you, buy this dress. It's on sale for half off, it's fabulously colorful and sparkly which is SO Vegas, and we don't have a darn place to wear this Patrizia Pepe Deep V Sequin Dress ($273).

Keep Calm First Aid Kit

Keep calm and carry on really is the perfect mantra for a first aid kit, isn't it? Although we're not sure how effective it would be at actually bandaging a wound, it's nice to have a calming British aphorism there to guide you. Or not.

Keep Calm First Aid Kit ($17)

Luvable Luggage Vintage Trunk Table

Hey, you know that small space in front of your sofa, the area that's just a little too small for a regular-sized coffee table? Well, lookee here, we've run across the perfect solution for a truly casual space. This Vintage Trunk Table ($80) provides a surface for your cold drinks and opens up so that you can store things inside.

Chubby Heart Cosmetic Case

Remove your heart from your sleeve and instead, wear it on your make-up carry-all with the Chubby Heart Cosmetic Case ($31).

And please enjoy this "heart" inspired playlist as you purchase.

Robyn - With Every Heartbeat
Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart
Al Green - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Roxette - Listen To Your Heart
Florence & The Machine - Rabbit Heart
José González - Heartbeats
Neil Young - Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Dee Lite - Groove Is In the Heart
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Bryan Adams - Straight From the Heart
T'Pau - Heart And Soul
Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box
The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Culture Club: Handknit Alpaca Hat

With such a hefty price tag, it's a good thing the Handknit Alpaca Hat ($95) can pack a punch of pattern and texture. We'd look pretty cute hiking up hills with this naturally dyed alpaca hat. Onward, adventure.

Luxe knitwear comes out of Peru for a reason - it's a valued cultural tradition. Thanks to social efforts of The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, this hat and other goods are produced to carry on the handmade legacy of the region. Cusco is the historical capital of the Inca Empire, the largest civilization in Pre-Columbian America. We'd say that's a pretty big deal.