Q: Can you recommend one great piece to purchase for Spring?

Cris Abbott, Fashion Maven

A: Look for a cardigan sweater with an elongated front – solids in all colors or stripes in any combination. It’s a great travel piece that you can roll up into your carry-on bag and pull out at anytime. Wear it loose or add a wide belt for an even more fashion-forward look.

Q: I’ve just turned 60 and my daughter is telling me I should change my wardrobe and add softer colors to go with my graying hair. What do you think?

A: Why succumb to a number based on your birth certificate? If you’ve always worn pastel colors and like them, then continue to wear these palettes. Bold, bright colors with great style tend to give women of a certain age a definite je ne sais quoi. Grab an elongated front cardigan, throw on a brightly colored top and kindly tell your daughter that she can wear all the soft colors she wants when she is your age. Please be mindful, however, that if you wore it back when it was in style the first time, you’re probably too old to wear it again.

Q: I’m going on a 14-day luxury cruise, which has three formal nights. How can I create three fabulous evening outfits from just a few pieces?

A: I wish you were coming to my summer trunk show in April. I have a sequin halter top with a matching skirt that is perfect for your occasion. Put the sequin top with a pair of black or white pants that can go day or night. You can wear the sequin skirt with a crisp white shirt – sleeves rolled up, collar turned up and a great necklace. Finally, wear the sequin top and skirt together. This concept could also be done with a wonderful evening suit. Voila!

Q: How do I properly care for cashmere sweaters?

A: If your sweaters are stained, I recommend a dry cleaner. If your sweater needs to be cleaned from regular wearing, hand wash in a gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo, Ivory flakes or Woolite. Soak in warm, sudsy water for five minutes, then gently squeeze to allow the suds to permeate the fibers. Rinse in lukewarm water until all suds are gone. Place on a bath towel and roll up to remove excess water. Lay flat and block to desired shape. When the sweater is thoroughly dry, put it in your dryer on air only (no heat) to fluff up the fibers.

To store, do not put in a plastic bag unless it has room to breathe. To deter moths and other bugs without using mothballs, use cloves, lavendar, rosemary, thyme, dried orange peel or cedar chips. Never put away a cashmere or wool garment at the end of the season that has not been thoroughly cleaned