Fashion Tips/Questions Answered by Expert Patrick Dean
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Men's suits | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: Looks like you're the perfect person to ask this question. I recently bought a new suit for the ... A: Most mens suits have shoulder pads. Some have thicker pads than others. It all depends on the ... | |
| age | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I am 41. can you help me find clothing site to help me dress my age. I see carrie on sex in the city ... A: I am very biased since I work for a national retailer but I think you would be very happy if you ... | |
| Materials | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: Are you by chance knowledgeable about clothing materials in general? I was thinking it might be good ... A: Great marketing idea. I am sure there are chemical treatments that exist which could be applied to ... | |
| velvet | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: Patrick: Can you please tell me if it is OK to put velvet in water? I am trying to clean something, ... A: If your coat has any wool content I would not advise to wash it. You may do more harm than good ... | |
| velvet | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: Patrick: Can you please tell me if it is OK to put velvet in water? I am trying to clean something, ... A: Velvet can be made of many different fibers; cotton, polyester, rayon, etc. The actual fiber ... | |
| Creaking leather jacket | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a new brown leather jacket (pig leather)-I really like it but it annoys me that the jacket ... A: I would not randomly advise to apply anything to this jacket as you may stain or ruin the ... | |
| A leather coat | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: My brother has a lovely leather 'Mickey Moters' jacket that he wears everywhere. He recently went ... A: If it is genuine leather you can try to clean it by using soft damp cloths (not soaking wet) and ... | |
| fashion tuts | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: I've a great interest in fashion and designing some trendy out-of-this-world models. I don't know ... A: Clothing design is a very complicated and exacting science. I went to school for 4 years to learn ... | |
| tomboy advice | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: Im in the 7th grade and im a tomboy and i want to slowly go into the girly girl thing. the reason ... A: you're not going to like hearing this but here goes: 7th grade with love handles is not a good place ... | |
| Down coat alteration | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: is it possible to alter a long down coat one size down? I wouldn't need the sleeves - really more ... A: Depending on the skill of the tailor you bring this to, it may be possible to alter the waist to ... | |
| Back Vents on Jackets | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: Is it very important to have a back vent on a 2 button blazer? I have noticed that there are back ... A: It is not important. It is a styling detail. 3 button blazers tend to button down further so the ... | |
| Korean leather jacket | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: ..i have a leather jacket (Finished leather, not shearling ,G1 style ) which is abt 15 yrs old.The ... A: Without seeing the jacket in all honesty I would not recommend anything but bringing it to ... | |
| manufacturers | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: I am an emerging designer and I'm currently looking for manufacturers. My first line contains 5 ... A: What you are asking for is every designer's wish. It takes years and years of experience working ... | |
| winter wardrobe | 12/23/2008 |
| Q: We are from Florida. My daugther is leaving in four months to go to college in upstate new york. I ... A: Since she is leaving in 4 months, April, your daughter should bring spring clothes similar to what ... | |
| weird body type | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: i am a female 32 years old, 169cm / 78 kg. i cant find the right type of clothes which suits my ... A: Stick with clothes that are all one color top and bottom to give you a longer look. Also try wearing ... | |
| women's wool coat | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: If I have a wool coat that has no snap or button closure, is it possible to add a snap to it? Is ... A: Sure. You can add metal snaps with fabric covering which are usually availble covered in black or ... | |
| getting into design | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a few questions. Can you give me an idea of how much it would take to start a clothing line? ... A: You only hear about the famous designers who do fashion shows. 99.99% of designers do not do ... | |
| getting into design | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a few questions. Can you give me an idea of how much it would take to start a clothing line? ... A: $50,000 is ok for a small start up. It depends on how much experience you have in this business. ... | |
| Ink stains on Light Brown lightweight suede leather jacket | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: I managed to WRITE on myself today... Three times! The jacket, as stated above, is a lightweight ... A: Anything I tell you to do may or may not work depending on the skin, tanning etc. I would do this ... | |
| size manequin for sewing | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Where can I buy a a size model like they use on Project Runway? A: If you mean a professional dress form, they are available used in a lot of stores in Manhattans ... | |
| alterations | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me if it's possible to have a leather coat altered? I'm interested in taking it in ... A: Yes it is possible to make it smaller. If this is an expensive coat I would suggest bringing it to ... | |
| HELP | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: i want to get my designs made but i don't know how should i send them away if so where? or should i ... A: If you are old enough, you should pursue a career in fashion design at school and you will learn all ... | |
| getting something done? | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: Patrick. I don't know squat about the fashion industry. What I know is what I like, what I want, ... A: Realize first that there are no copyright laws to protect fashion or clothing items. If you have a ... | |
| Leather blazer | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: I have a brown cowhide leather blazer that is, unbelievably, about 30 years old. It got misplaced in ... A: Cowhide by nature will never be as soft and supple as lambskin. It is however much more durable. ... | |
| follow up question | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: I asked you a question recently about removing epaulets on a trench coat. You said it was possible, ... A: There are many variations of epaulets and how they are constructed. Without seeing the actual ... | |
| trenchcoat question | 11/17/2007 |
| Q: I have a question about a trenchcoat(ladies) I found that has epaulets and a back flap. I think ... A: The epaulets can be removed quite easily. You could probably do it yourself if you use a razor blade ... | |
| what's the style? | 11/17/2007 |
| Q: Well, first of all I am a 14 year old girl, and i wear clothes from Abercrombie and Fitch, and ... A: This is not really my expertise but I will try to help. American Eagle has great clothes at great ... | |
| broad sholders | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: What kind of coat will make my shoulders look less broad and still be warm. I like down, but it ... A: Broad shoulders are a very desirable body trait however you can diminish the width of your shoulders ... | |
| The right fit for a coat | 11/3/2007 |
| Q: okay so I need help in finding a coat that is the right fit for me. I have a very large chest and ... A: There is no easy answer to your problem. The best advice I can give is for you to spend a day in ... | |
| wt 2 wear in bro marriage? | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: i m a girl....i don't have any idea of latest fashion...i m 4'9..with whitish complexion.plz sugest ... A: Look for a black dress. Black is always appropriate to wear. The latest shape for dresses is ... | |
| dressing | 9/29/2007 |
| Q: good day! This is Rizwan from Sialkot-Pakistan doing job in a local firm as adidas-supplychain ... A: I think you are on the right track by going shopping in a "good-shop". The size problem is common. ... | |
| Birthday dress. | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: Okay i'm going to a salsa restraunt and bar for My 21st birthday. I was looking into wearing a long ... A: The newest shape this season is the high waisted dress or empire waist. This shape nips in just ... | |
| Fashion and beauty | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I wanted to run a kind of psychological experiment on a website dealing with beauty based on ... A: Due the many variables involved with naming clothing and parts of clothing there really is no ... | |
| different cultures and fashion. | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: So for my senior project im doing my research paper on how different cultures influence fashion. but ... A: You know it would not be right for me to give you all the info you need without you doing the ... | |
| starting a company | 8/11/2007 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the fashion industry. First, can you give me any idea on how much money ... A: No, an assistant designer would make in the neighborhood of around $50K a year. A designer would ... | |
| starting a company | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the fashion industry. First, can you give me any idea on how much money ... A: Ralph Lauren does about 100 collections a year when you count all his different divisions. A ... | |
| starting a company | 8/9/2007 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the fashion industry. First, can you give me any idea on how much money ... A: It depends on how big a business you want. Spend a million and make 10 million. Spend a thousand ... | |
| design inspiration | 7/2/2007 |
| Q: I was just wondering how designers avoid designing the same collection over and over again? Where ... A: Designer's block is definitely an issue. Designers must draw on many areas for inspiration. The ... | |
| cleaning swim suit | 6/25/2007 |
| Q: i just bought a new bikini and was in such a hurry to wash it that I forgot to remove the protective ... A: Try to use another piece of tape like duct tape to pull off the remaining sticky substance left on ... | |
| silver with goldish beige???? | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: i want to ask if the 2 colors would match, i m getting that dress for my bro's wedding, its goldish ... A: Change the shoes to gold or beige or a more neutral color. The silver will stick out too much with ... | |
| clothing problem | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: i m 18 years old youth and i don't have a good clothing sense. plzz help me.. i m somewhat thin boy ... A: Get yourself a navy blazer. It will give you a more mature look and make your shoulders look ... | |
| short skirt | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: I AM 49. i AM VERY TALL. I THINK THAT MY LEGS ARE NOT SO BED EVEN NOW. SHOULD I WEAR MINI (SHORT) ... A: Very difficult to advise without actually seeing but taking your word for it (legs look good)go ... | |
| tips | 5/4/2007 |
| Q: who love boys so i am trying to make the boys to love me too..i am size fourteen - sixteen in pants ... A: Please do not be offended but I must tell you at 13 years old being a size 14 is quite overweight. ... | |
| stockings pantyhose | 4/1/2007 |
| Q: Why is it that women don't wear stockings or pantyhose anymore A: I think it has to do with comfort. Women do not want to be encumbered wearing anything that is not ... | |
| Jean Jackets | 3/15/2007 |
| Q: My mom and I are having this tiff. She thinks you can wear jean on jean. I disagree and say you can ... A: I would tend to agree with you if looking at from a very simple angle. However some denim washes ... | |
| moths in wool | 3/12/2007 |
| Q: I don't know if this question is apporpriate here, but I have trouble with moths in some of my ... A: Make sure you know where the moths are. If they are in a closet, take out all the clothes and put ... | |
| asian and short | 2/28/2007 |
| Q: Ok, a couple more questions. I don't consider myself conservative but don;t want to make the ... A: You should look at clothing by XOXO, Bebe and Guess. Look for their standalone stores in the malls ... | |
| asian and short | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: I live around chicagoa ph.d s tudent. about to be a assistant professor like wearing a little casual ... A: Ok, a couple more questions. Do you consider yourself conservative, mainly conservative with a ... | |
| mettalic marron cloth | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: Just a follow up) what are the cut that is fit for small bust women?thank you. and thanks for the ... A: I don't know what you mean by " what are the cuts this for small bust women?" Can you explain ... | |
| material | 2/6/2007 |
| Q: I am not looking for a career, but am very into fashion and what I war. Do you know a website with ... A: I will try. For stitching, you need to look at the inside of the garment seams and measure them with ... | |
| material | 2/6/2007 |
| Q: I realized in America brands are so important to us because we do not know the difference between ... A: There is no way I could educate you to discern the difference between good and bad quality. It is ... | |
| hats | 1/12/2007 |
| Q: Is it acceptable for women to wear hats indoors these days? Does this vary by type of hat? ... A: Being in the UK, customs might be slightly different than the US. Here, hats are mainly worn ... | |
| question | 1/3/2007 |
| Q: i have tan skin and i was wondering what colors i should wear to make my skin look lighter and what ... A: There is nothing wrong with tan skin. You should try to accent your skin instead of trying to make ... | |
| Asian girl want ya help! | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: ..I'm Asian girl (Thai) and I wanna wear in goth/punk fashion but i dunno how to wear eyeliner in ... A: Since you know how to use the internet you should use google. www.google.com type in goth girls ... | |
| leather | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: Are all of the "weatherproof" branded items water proof? What about their leather jackets? What kind ... A: There is difference between waterproof and weather proof. Waterproof means that a fabric can ... | |
| musty fake fur | 12/14/2006 |
| Q: I recently purchased a fake fur at Goodwill. Fits perfectly but smells so musty. When I took it ... A: You should be able to clean it but since there are no cleaning instructions a drycleaner will ... | |
| tank top | 11/9/2006 |
| Q: why are tank tops called tank tops A: The name Tank top, recorded in English since 1968, derives from its resemblance to a tank suit, a ... | |
| formal hats ie fedoras,durbys etc | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: Are formal hats still fashionably acceptable post JFK America or are they dead and gone. I can ... A: I think it's important for one to make ones own fashion statement when it comes to hats. If you feel ... | |
| leather outerwear | 10/20/2006 |
| Q: Patrick, I was wondering if you may be able to impart a little of your wisdom in me. A friend just ... A: You can press it very carefully. Use medium to low heat no steam. Cut a paper supermarket bag ... | |
| tees | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: Could you please advise me on any websites that have any information on t-shirt trims and dyes. ... A: Have you tried searching on Google? You will probably find lots of resources but you will have to ... | |
| black yoga pants | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I've been trying to find the brand for these black yoga pants I've seen women wear. It's black and ... A: I have seen many different versions of yoga pants. I have even seen them in Walmart but I don't ... | |
| fashion design | 10/2/2006 |
| Q: I am doing a school project and need to ask someone that has worked in the fashion industry a few ... A: 1. sketching, overseeing patternmakers draping my designs, doing live fittings on models, making ... | |
| Fake fur coat! Help! | 9/16/2006 |
| Q: I purchased a vintage fake fur coat at an antique store, and its lovely and was cheap, but it smells ... A: If it is fake fur you may not even be able to dry clean it. Some fake furs cannot be cleaned ... | |
| fitting in jackets | 7/13/2006 |
| Q: i have always have a problem with the fit in jackets, Im about 5'2, but my arms are pretty long, ... A: At 5'2" you would be considered a petite except for the fact that you have long arms. Petite ... | |
| Starting fashion business | 6/14/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to start a business in fashion and have jsut about all I need except a manufacturer and ... A: Many people try to start their own fashion businesses. Today to start a fashion business you would ... | |
| about down fill | 6/12/2006 |
| Q: can you explain the actual difference between 450 and 650 and 700 fill down coats? How important is ... A: The numbers refer to the actual weight of the down in the garment expressed in grams. The more ... | |
| Low Rise? | 5/15/2006 |
| Q: Soooo...I've got a "friend" who is attempting to determine if low rize jeans are okay to wear with a ... A: Low rise are still in but a slightly higher rise version is coming in now with narrow ankles. Tight ... | |
| Fashion designer | 3/5/2006 |
| Q: Hey, I would like to become a fashion designer but I will no have the chance to take a full fashion ... A: I spent 5 years in fashion school during which I worked 18 hours a day to learn all I could about ... | |
| Merchandising outerwear | 2/8/2006 |
| Q: I make custom outerwear (capes, wraps, coverups) and have sold practically everyone since starting ... A: You need to contact the buyers in the outerwear departments of all the stores you want to sell to. ... | |
| Long Coat | 12/29/2005 |
| Q: Can you help me!!?!! do you know where in england i can buy a coat like the one bruce waynes wears ... A: I would think that you could be able to find a coat similar to this. It is a tweed 3 button single ... | |
| Tips to make me look slimmer and taller. | 12/20/2005 |
| Q: 1'm a 19 year old girl from Malaysia. I need help with fashion that can make me look slimmer and ... A: As you know from my profile I am really an outerwear expert but I will try to offer you some advice. ... | |
| What is this jacket called and where can i get it? | 12/1/2005 |
| Q: http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1185/armaniwinterseason2005fashionj.jpg It is an armani jacket ... A: From what I can see it looks like a grey flannel 4 button blazer. Yes it would look fine with jeans ... | |
| Big Feet | 11/11/2005 |
| Q: my name is daniel and i am into urban fashion, (you know baggy pants, white tees, air force ones) ... A: Try looking for styles with a squared off toe and as high a heel as you can find. The higher the ... | |
| fashion | 11/11/2005 |
| Q: what would you say are the differences and similarities between 1920's fashion and modern, and 1960' ... A: You could write a book about this subject but time only allows me to give you a quick synopsis. The ... | |
| What would suit my body type? | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: Im 6ft and very slim, size 8 UK size. I have very long legs and not sure what kind of clothes i ... A: Whether or not you are aware of this more than half the worlds population of women would love to ... | |
| QUALITY men's leather pants | 10/16/2005 |
| Q: Because leather is "out" this fall as far as a trend, my favorite leather store Danier Leather is no ... A: I do not know of any leather online retailers. The best I could offer you would be to try shopping ... | |
| vintage t-shirts | 9/8/2005 |
| Q: how do i wash a brand new t-shirt to make it look vintage ? A: After washing while it is still wet scrunch it up in a tight ball and wrap rubber bands around it. ... | |
| Jeans | 8/27/2005 |
| Q: How can I get the sandblasted look on my old jeans? A: You can't. Sandblasting is a very unique process. You can try bleaching but it definitely won't look ... | |
| design career | 7/28/2005 |
| Q: I have a few questions about how to get started as a designer. Is it really necessary to get a ... A: A degree is not necessary if you are talking about working privately. If you are interested in ... | |
| Hi there, how are you? I... | 6/23/2005 |
| Q: how are you? I have a spot on the back of my jeans where all the fabric meets in the middle that is ... A: You may be able to bleach it out but you have to be very careful or you will ruin the entire pant. ... | |
| What to wear | 5/15/2005 |
| Q: I am a very small woman (42 years old) specially 5'3'' and 100 pounds.And most of the time I have to ... A: You would probably look better in a more fitted style. You should shop for a wool coat with a fitted ... | |
| Capelets | 4/27/2005 |
| Q: I'm going to a semi formal wedding in about 2 weeks and I think I've found a nice dress but I want a ... A: I do not know of any store that would carry this type of item. Capelets are trending up right now so ... | |
| Fashion guideline for full bust... | 3/23/2005 |
| Q: Looking for direction and advice regarding chic, updated and trendy fashions for full busted ... A: I would opt for loose fitting but not oversized knit tops. Look for knits that have a little ... | |
| How to look Taller | 3/7/2005 |
| Q: Im a relatively short guy, about 5,6". Im still in college now and about to graduate soon. Its ... A: I am also the same size as you and have the same problems. I usually buy non pleated trousers for ... | |
| Fashion software | 2/17/2005 |
| Q: Question Is there any fashion software that you know of? Answer You need to be more specific. ... A: Nothing like that exists currently. The software used by designers is extremely complicated and most ... | |
| top model | 1/29/2005 |
| Q: can i become a fashion model without getting undressed in front of other people? thanx a lot A: It all depends on what type of model you want to be. Runway models have to make many quick outfit ... | |
| 1940s Fashion | 1/24/2005 |
| Q: i just wanted to know if you knew anything at all about the 1940s fashion. i'm doing it for my jr. ... A: There is far too much information to be had on this subject than I could possibly give you in the ... | |
| designing | 12/19/2004 |
| Q: I am researching fashion designing and I have a couple of questions for you. 1. What are Garment ... A: 1. What are Garment specs..how do you use them? It means specifications and are measurements taken ... | |
| Going to the ballet | 12/15/2004 |
| Q: I was recently asked on a date to the ballet for early January (it will be in the evening and quite ... A: This really depends upon your budget. If money is no object go for a really elegant fur coat. With ... | |
| your job | 12/11/2004 |
| Q: What are your job requirements as a designer? How is math incorporated into the fashion world? How ... A: The most important aspect of being a designer is to have a tremendous imagination. This is in ... | |
| Painting On A Shirt | 11/30/2004 |
| Q: I'm designing a few shirts and would like to both stamp and spray paint onto them. Any ideas as to ... A: It depends on the fabric you are working on. There are fabric paints that are made for cotton or ... | |
| Hi There Patrick, I have... | 11/14/2004 |
| Q: I have a usual question for you. I am a fashion student and I am interested in a career in ... A: I studied Fashion Design as a major in College since I was always interested in clothing from an ... | |
| winter cloths | 11/3/2004 |
| Q: Hey, My name is Shaun, Im an almost 19 years old male from Canada. And well, with fall here, and ... A: I don't believe in the "what's in this year" thinking. Fashion has evolved to the point where you ... | |
| fur lined leather jacket | 10/27/2004 |
| Q: I have a faux fur lined leather jacket and when I wear it whatever top I have on creeps up! It is ... A: This is caused by the nap of the fur, the fur nap direction is probably facing up. The individual ... | |
| Software used? | 9/28/2004 |
| Q: What type of software(s) is(are) used for fashion designing, pattern making etc? Thanks A: For fashion designing there are several dedicated CAD programs specifically marketed toward drawing ... | |
| french/english fashion | 9/27/2004 |
| Q: could you try to summarise french fashion and english fashion and state their differences, which is ... A: Overall in my humble opinion I feel that the French fashion scene is somewhat more staid than that ... | |
| Shrinking Clothes | 9/25/2004 |
| Q: I have a pair of sweatpants made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester that are a size medium, but I am a ... A: You can try. Soak them in very hot water, almost boiling for 15 minutes to a half an hour. Then put ... | |
| hats | 8/11/2004 |
| Q: How can you "fix" a slightly too large straw hat to fit snug? A: Depending on the type of straw, you might be able to shrink it by submerging it in hot water and ... | |
| Can you? | 8/9/2004 |
| Q: help me with a problem with denim by any chance? Answer - What do you need to know about denim? In ... A: You will never be able to match the color of the stone washed denim exactly by just bleaching the ... | |
| my major | 7/31/2004 |
| Q: I am entering college at the University of Georgia, and am considering a major in fashion ... A: Welcome to the world of fashion. My advice would be as soon as you can, get to New York. There is no ... | |
| men's shirts | 6/4/2004 |
| Q: Patrick, I need new long-sleeve, button down casual shirts for the office and casual nights at the ... A: You should be buying size medium. I know because your measurements are similar to mine. I have the ... | |
| Getting sick of clothes | 4/25/2004 |
| Q: I am a 15 year-old girl living with my parents. We have a normal budget, and I get some money to ... A: I think the answer is obvious. Study hard at school, make lots of money and buy new clothes all the ... | |
| Velvet | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: Followup: The reception begins at 7pm and the group is very fashionable actually. The bride is the ... A: I would say based on the circumstances you have described that the black velvet dress would be ... | |
| Men's wallets | 12/16/2003 |
| Q: ! For a male friend of mine, I would like to buy a leather wallet with his name printed/engraved (?) ... A: Rather than have his name printed you may want to have the wallet monogrammed with his initials. It ... | |
Patrick Dean
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Please DO NOT ask me about what you should wear to a particular occasion or what color goes with what, or what will look good on you...I have no expertise in this area. I can answer any questions relating to men`s and women`s outerwear such as Tailored jackets, Wool coats, Raincoats, Down jackets, Leather and Suede Jackets and coats.I can also answer questions relating to active wear such as warm-up suits, track pants, breathable running wear,etc. Please do not ask me about what you should wear to a particular occasion or what color goes with what...I have no expertise in this area.
Experience
30 years experience designing and merchandising outerwear and activewear.
Education/Credentials
Education/Credentials
BFA in Fashion Design
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