Fashion Q & A

Q: I received a bottle of really expensive perfume for Mother's Day. I was planning to wear it only for special occasions, but my daughter says I should use it daily. She says it will spoil if I don't use it fast enough. I've never had a scent spoil before. Does this happen?

A: Your perfume won't spoil, exactly, but it may become stale over time. That is, it may lose some of its potency, and the top notes, the signature scent you smell when you first spritz the perfume, may fade or change slightly.

But if you store your special perfume in a cool, dark place (the refrigerator is ideal), it should last a year or two. So if you really love it, why not enjoy it every day? And it's not true that a change in color signals a change in scent. Some fragrances just naturally darken over time.

Q: It is years since I bought new shoes. Every pair in my closet is revoltingly shabby. I have no idea what is in style. I need heels for work (not too high) and flats for the weekend. What's in fashion?

A: Shoes are bright and shiny this summer. Popular colors include hot pink, turquoise and citrus shades such as orange and yellow, as well as multicolored prints. Patent leather is trendy for pumps, flats and sandals. Wedge heels and platforms are in vogue.

But considering how infrequently you update your shoe wardrobe, you may want to avoid these passing trends, which will look outdated in a year. Invest in classic styles and choose the best-quality shoes you can afford. Midheel pumps or slingbacks in black, navy, brown or light tan are good choices for office. Save fun, funky, high-fashion sandals and flats for weekends.