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Ask the Editor: Vol. IV, No. Twenty-Four

Oct 3, 2024

This week, we are talking about fall weddings, fall nail colors, fall drinks, and all things fall — because ready or not, it’s really here. (I will not admit it is October, I will remain in denial. I need it to be permanently June.)

DMs: What is your favorite fall nail color?

Right now, my favorite color is OPI Got the Blues for Red. It’s a deep, purple-y burgundy. It’s such a great crossover shade between purple and red.

My current manicure is Lakur Chai. It’s a nice mauve/taupe. My next manicure is going to be That’s What Friends are Thor, a chocolate-y brown.

Need a work friendly fall color? Olive & June’s Creamy Taupe is a moody, fall option.

Hi Abra! I’m attending an outdoor wedding in Vermont in October. It will be chilly! I’ve been looking for a long sleeve wrap dress in maroon/green/navy/ etc, in either a midi or short length, but can’t seem to find the right thing! I’ve read your blog since I was interning on the Hill, and you were the queen of wrap dresses! Any suggestions? 

Thanks so much! Kat

In green, I love this Nordstrom wrap dress with a slightly blouson sleeve for a less-work, more cocktail look. It also comes in burgundy. A similar, non-wrap style from Gap is a more on-trend option for under-$100. Plus-size? Give this burgundy velvet wrap dress a try.

Hey Abra,

I’ve been a long term follower of yours and have purchased many of your recs! I was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer recently and will be undergoing a double mastectomy soon. I’m looking for button up dress looks. I have button up pajamas and home outfits covered, but i think i’ll still be needing them when i’m ready to leave the house. (I purchased the nordstrom button up dress you posted recently and wish i would have gotten it in every color!) thanks in advance! I so appreciate you being relatable in all your posts. 

Anon

First off, all the strength. You have what it takes to make it through this, and you will make it through this.

Second, let’s talk about button ups. Banana Republic has the softest jersey button up. It’s awesome. Boden has lots of button up options. This jersey one is my favorite.

For a classic button down, this AE shirt is $20 and looks great, wears well, and is the perfect mix of oversized and relaxed. The J.Crew classic chambray is my most worn Zoom call shirt. It’s soft and lovely. Lastly, this flap pocket button up from Nordstrom is more professional with a pocket detail to keep it interesting.

Hi!

I’ve been having some foot pain issues, and am as a result in search of flats/work shoes with a wide toe box that are hideous. Any ideas?

Thanks, Mary

These questions are always a little tough to answer because wide is in the eye of the beholder. What I think is wide, you might not think is wide. But my best answer is a supportive flat with a square toe like these Softwalk Vellore flats. They have a great modern look, you’d never know they’re a support flat, and I would totally wear these.

I also really like these very sleek Willa loafers from Vionic. These will give you support in an office shoe with a little more room up front.

DMs: Are you bringing back the Happy Hour. I need fall cocktail ideas for parties.

Probably not bringing back that feature. It wasn’t as popular as it had been. But let’s talk drinks.

In the fall, I like berry flavors. This Winter Berries cocktail is Creme de Cassis, Prosecco and Bourbon. Not many ingredients, but a fun drink that’s easy to make in a hurry.

A friend who is a local bartender tells me that Amaretto is really growing in popularity. Use it to make a great winter cocktail like this Amaretto and Anejo Old Fashioned.

DMs: Do you still hate pumpkin spice lattes?

Yes. I’m the one.

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COMMENTS

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  1. Tina says:

    Looks like the link to the Nordstrom dress is bringing me to nail polish. Can you share the link to the dress please? Thanks!

  2. HW says:

    For the dress, I needed something very similar, and got a ton of compliments on the dress I chose, a Norma Kamali long-sleeved sweetheart dress in a hunter green velvet (like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SVFRGJN ). The off the shoulder Tara dress would also provide similar figure-flattery (the Diana dresses looked sensational in the upper half, but the slit went up too high for my liking, but I’m 5’4″ so YMMV).

  3. Suze says:

    I can’t recommend Bared Footwear enough! Great styles and unbelievably comfortable. I’m on my feet all day and they are perfect out of the box. They are expensive but the quality is excellent.

  4. Katie says:

    For the flats, check out the Mary Janes from Origo. They are the best foot-shaped stylish flats I have found. https://origoshoes.com/products/the-origo-mary-jane-patent-black

    They are cute and comfy—and good for your feet. I switched to barefoot shoes about six months ago. My foot pain is much better. My back pain is dramatically reduced.

    it’s a bit overwhelming, but I learned about it at http://www.anyasreviews.com

    I used to teach yoga, anatomy, and
    mobility. I’ve known I needed to stop wearing “normal” shoes for a long time, but couldn’t handle the ugly shoes. The options are definitely improving! Even Stella McCartney has a foot shaped toe box line this fall!

  5. Agnes says:

    I hate PSLs too! You’re not alone!

  6. KateL says:

    For breast cancer patient – don’t sleep on wrap dress or blouse (same ease as button up) and thin button up cardigans – Gap made one last year that my mom used post back surgery.

    I also can’t stand PSL. To those who love it – fab. I’ll take my pumpkin in baked goods thank you very much

    • Jenn S. says:

      Gentle consideration – it might be difficult to pull garments over the head for a while after the procedure. So while a wrap might be easy to wear, it might be hard to get on at first.

  7. Jenn S. says:

    I’m also team No Thanks re: PSLs. But Starbucks’ Apple Crisp drinks (the shaken espresso and macchiato) are otherworldly. Highly, highly recommend.

  8. Lost says:

    To Mary, re: not hideous shoes with a wide toe box. I highly recommend anything from Vionic. I have several pairs and find them comfortable.

  9. Other Mary says:

    Let me add Vionic Orinda to the square toe flat list: https://www.dsw.com/product/vionic-orinda-flat/573317

  10. Lewis says:

    I just got the multi pack of ginger ale from Sam’s with Original, Blackberry and Cranberry ginger ales. Perfect for fall cocktails and mocktails!

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