GOSSIP HOTLINE

If you have a hard time putting your own wardrobe together, take a look at this email I received from a Glam Slam reader about the challenges of dressing her young daughter.

"One of the hot topics among mothers of preteen and teen girls is how hard it is to dress them without them looking like little 20-year-olds. The clothing lines for girls can be very inappropriate and as one friend of mine put it, "trampy." Affordable clothing for girls (because they are still growing out of them) is a tough find for many, and many of the stores and companies cater to the current trend to look older and "sexier." You might think that 10-year-olds have no idea about sexy, but you would be surprised what they will try to buy, what is available and what their moms will let them wear!"

To help her and other moms out there, I enlisted celebrity stylist Melis Kuris, who has worked with Nickelodeon stars Victoria Justice (pictured) and Keke Palmer (pictured), to share her tips for dressing kids in age-appropriate fashions.

1. I am obsessed with the tanks from Nordstrom's BP. line. Affordably priced at around $12-$14 (and $6-$7 on sale), they come in every color of the rainbow and are ideal for layering. They are perfect to put under a v-neck or sheer top, providing a little extra coverage and a great pop of color.

2. Denim is a staple for people of all ages, and as girls grow into women's sizing, premium brands can be pretty pricey. Some fashion forward budget friendly alternatives that I love include Levi's skinny jeans as well as Bullhead jeans from PacSun. Both are priced under $50 and have an amazing fit and lots of stretch – perfect for growing girls.

3. If you're looking to add coverage to a short dress or skirt, I like to layer two pairs of cheap, sheer black hose (that can be bought at your local drugstore) to create an opaque effect. This is one of my fashion secrets and the perfect way to counteract a short hem. Additionally, for a more casual look, layer black leggings under a dress or oversized tee. The look will still be cool and hip yet age-appropriate.

4. If she's dying to wear a high heel, compromise on a pair of wedges, whether a boot, sandal or closed-toe. Wedge shoes are very "in" right now but don't quite make the same sexy statement as a pump or a stiletto. Nine West has some great styles, and Aldo has a wide selection as well as frequent sales.

5. When in doubt, throw on a cardigan for a little extra coverage. A cute cardi is a great layering piece and can be a style statement as well. Embellished styles are really hot right now, and this is another staple that you can find in Nordstrom's BP. department.

For more on Melis, head to www.meliskuris.com