fashion

The sweater vest is back.

OK, it never really went away. But it took Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum to remind us that the comfy sleeveless sweater has always had a place in our closets.

Since Santorum won the Iowa caucus, the former senator from Pennsylvania has been wearing a sweater vest at his meet-and-greets, not for a fashion statement but for good luck.

Finding the right fit requires some trial and error, but it doesn't have to be so frustrating. Here are tips from fashion designers, merchandisers and researchers on how to do it:

The retail world is flooded by a sea of clothing sizes. To find the right one, women must tread through "misses," "petites," "pluses," "juniors" and more, depending upon the store. And even after discovering a favored fit in one brand, the same woman may balloon to a larger size or slip effortlessly into a skinny-minnie one by another designer.

Consider the polo shirt -- that classic pullover with short sleeves, button placket and attached collar ideal for an afternoon of golf, dress-down day at the office or a gift for Dad.

BRA FAUX PAS:

1. Never wear a black bra under a white top, ever. Well, maybe if you're Madonna or Lady Gaga.

2. The right amount of cleavage is sexy. What's not is when breast tissue billows out, making it seem like you're wearing a bra three sizes too small.

3. Slippery straps are a fashion no-no. They make you look sloppy and unkempt.

Demi cup, full cup, T-shirt style, molded contour, seamless, minimizer, full-figured, strapless, training, three-part support, balconette, one-shoulder, maternity, nursing, underwire, non-underwire, racerback, sports, front-closure, full coverage, convertible, plunge, push-up, longline, halter. ...

Whew! So many bra styles -- and so many that don't fit worth a darn.

The concept of renting special-event apparel, such as bridal gowns and tuxedos, is nothing new. But renting the latest outfit you saw in Vogue for a tenth of the listed price -- including chandelier earrings and jewel-encrusted clutch -- all delivered to your home, is.

It's possible for stylish moms to stylishly blend fashion and functionality. No, really.

Good moms are known for being kind, nurturing and patient. But fashionable? Not so much. Some days, just getting out of the house with matching socks can seem like an accomplishment. But a little planning and attention to details can go a long way in preparing you for the stylish, adult world.

As you grab your favorite clutch and head to some fabulous evening out, you're undoubtedly met with the beauty dilemma that's been plaguing women for decades: How can you fit everything you need into your favorite night-out purse?

Some girls hoard lip glosses. For the same money, my friend collects vintage minks and furs.

She finds them at flea markets around Tampa Bay, where the prices are cheaper than at antique malls and vintage-clothing stores. She's never paid more than $35 for a fur, and that was a gorgeous dark mink coat with an emerald-green silk lining.