Hello Nikki!

Summer is coming up on my side of the world and along with it, my formal and a graduation dinner. I suffer from a skin condition called eczema, which leaves rashes on my skin. I want to wear a dress to my graduation and formal but I want something that covers my arms and legs. Can you recommend any outfits that would be good for those occasions and still give me the coverage I need? Thanks a lot!

Kate

Congratulations! For those two important events, you have to consider two factors in choosing your clothes: comfort for your skin and your personal style. Covering up during summer when temperatures are up adds extra heat and may worsen your eczema. You don't want to flare up on two of the most important days of your life.

Here's a quick rundown of what you need to remember:

• Go for natural fabrics. Choosing the right fabric is essential in order to let your skin breathe. Don't go for synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon because these might irritate your skin further due to sweat. Your best option is cotton (if you can find hypoallergenic cotton fabric, even better), and even bamboo. Try chiffon, which is also naturally light or even lace, depending on how finely woven it is.


• Choose the right length. Sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses that are cut to knee-length or mid-calf are what I would suggest. You can use a shawl or a cropped, lightweight, three-quarter or half-length sleeves to cover your arms. The skirt of the dress should not go farther than your mid-calf because you're petite. Half your legs would be covered and you can wear sheer tights and let the shadows and lighting do their work.


• Accessorize! The right extras will serve as a pleasurable distraction from your skin condition and will certainly make you look prettier! With your dress on the demure side, go for the add-ons that will make your outfit stand out further: jeweled pumps, a striking clutch, attention-grabbing jewelry. Sweep your hair into an updo or tease into soft curls or waves, and then cinch it in place with rhinestone-studded or jeweled barrettes, pins, hair bands or clips.

Dear Nikki,

I don't know what to get as Christmas gifts this year! I'm on a tight budget, but would really like to get something that my friends and family would love. Help!

G.I. Jane

Jane darling, I'm happy to tell you that these days, cheap is in! Why? One word: recession. So don't be embarrassed about having a tight budget because everyone is in the same boat. If you only have a certain amount to spend on presents, then chuck the guesswork and speculation out the window and simply ask the people on your list what they would like to get. My gift list always has 2 options for every person on it: Splurge and Steal. There's also a third one called Compromise.

Some people base their gift-giving on a theme. One you could use is the gift of functionality - gifts that are not just decorative (which could also become clutter) but also serve a useful purpose.

Take a look at what some of my suggestions and tell me what you think:

• Home and lifestyle products - These are things that are useful at home or in the office. Think tissue box covers, remote control organizers, mobile phone holders, and wine bags or racks.


• Laptop bags - These days, laptops are the new desktops. No longer limited to business people, these portable workstations are now used by students in school, too. What better gift to give than a sturdy laptop bag or sleeve that protects the precious cargo?


• Wallets and purses - Out of all the accessories a person carries everyday, it's the wallet that reveals the person's true self the most. A buttery soft leather wallet speaks of a suave, distinguished gentleman, while a patent wallet with an embossed logo or monogram (and lots of credit card compartments) describes a lady with discriminating taste. A wallet's small size makes it not too flashy and allows the owner to show another facet of their personality - cutesy, funny or a love of bright colors and details.


• Passport holders, name card holders, planner covers - Passports are important identity documents so what better gift to give to a frequent traveller than a sleek passport holder? The same goes for business people who will surely appreciate a compact case for their business cards and name cards they obtain from their contacts.


• Going Green - Let this be your new mantra when it comes to gift-giving! I am a huge fan of eco bags, particularly Rootote's colorful line of bags. Made of washable cotton or polyester fabric and available in numerous designs , these would make a nice gift for your fashionista and earth-conscious friends because green is the new black, and plastic bags are so over.


• Audio and visual delights - If all else fails, people will always appreciate the gift of good music and great entertainment. Find out your gift recipient's favorite singer or movie and get him the latest CD or DVD of it.