Over the past few months, I’ve been receiving a lot of questions for the “Ask Belle” column, but I haven’t found the time to answer them.  So I thought it might be a good idea to start working them into a weekly roundup.  

Dear Belle,

I love nail polish, but my new boss doesn’t.  The dress code forbids polishes that are dark, red or bright.  I can’t live without nail polish.  And baby pink tips just aren’t cutting it.  I need help!

-GC

While I don’t have the patience to paint my nails every week, I also love nail polish.  And hands down, my favorite brand is NARS.  It wears like iron and has some great colors.  So while my favorite shade, Purple Rain, may be off limits for you, there are two other shades that you should try.

The shade on the left is NARS Orgasm, and the shade on the right is NARS Versailles.  The shades are both pale enough on the finger to keep even the strictest employer happy, but they have a hint of metallic shimmer that will satisfy your need for fun.  

 Belle,

I’m looking for a gift for my fiancee for Valentine’s Day.  She loves rings, and since I’ve already bought her “the Big One,” I think I’m fine to buy her one as a gift.  

Do you have any suggestions?  She likes smaller rings.

Thanks for your help. W

The Dior Oui Ring is beloved due to its chic simplicity.  It’s pretty, sparkly and easy to wear alone or with other pieces.  So what about a ring that captures all of these characteristics and the spirit of the holiday?

Avenessi Love Ring (Max & Chloe, $298)

How adorable is this ring?  I usually spurn all things Valentine’s Day-related, but this ring is lovely and would make a great gift regardless of occasion.  

Dear Belle,

I have nine pair of patent leather shoes but I can’t keep them clean.  A friend said to try Windex but that doesn’t get the scuffs off.  Do you know of a way to keep them looking nice?

-Katherine

I hate patent leather (not massively, just a general distaste), so I don’t know much about keeping it clean.  Luckily, I have a cobbler on speed dial.  The answer?  Mineral oil or petroleum jelly.

Apply a little of the oil or jelly to a dry rag and buff out the scuff.  You’ll want to go over the whole shoe to clean off any other dirt.  Then using another clean (soft) cloth you can wipe off the excess product.