Ask Belle: Spring Essentials
Mar 21, 2011
Dear Belle,
I saw your post about searching for shoes to wear this spring, and I am in a similar conundrum. I hate shoe shopping. I just want to find one pair of shoes that I can wear to work all season. Can you help?
I want to spend $200 or less, but I want a pair that I can wear everyday.
Sincerely,
KHP
Cole Haan Air Talia Pump (Zappos, $208)
If you’re looking for the perfect spring pump, the go-with-anything, wear-anywhere pump, you have two choices: nude and snakeskin. Snakeskin is the slightly more sophisticated choice because it blends white, black, grey and tan into one look. This way, you can wear them with anything.
And the best part about these shoes? They have a rubber sole and Nike Air insoles for comfort. So you can wear them all spring without pain.
Yes, they’re a little pricey. But if you can wear them every day, with every outfit, you’ll definitely get your money out of them.
Belle~
My husband is taking me to the Cayman’s for our anniversary, and I need a swimsuit. I need something that’s one piece (I just had a baby.), but still sexy. Suggestions?
Beach Bound
Shoshanna Fuschia Solid Ruched Suit (Bluefly, $99)
First off, I am completely jealous. Ah, to be on a beach.
This suit has a number of features that will help shape the figure. The v-neck, tie halter will lift the bust. The ruching will treat the curves generously. And the bright color will bring a pop of fun and sex appeal.
Hi,
I’m in search of a really good self-tanner. I don’t want to streak, smell or look like Snookie. Capiche? Does such a thing exist?
Eva
Sprays, creams and lotions are all difficult to apply, but self-tanner wipes are difficult to mess up. I found two brands that I really like: TanTowel ($27) or Sommerville360 by Kate Sommerville ($48).
The trick to making these products work for you is two-fold. 1) Exfolitate like a crazy person before you apply. 2) Just before the self-tanner dries, apply your lotion to smooth it out. Now, go wash your hands.
Self-tanner is as much about the product you choose as the way you apply it. So make sure to follow the steps, and give yourself plenty of time to get it right. Doing it right before bed or right before you need to get dressed is not a good idea.
If you have a question for Belle, send it to capitolhillstyle (at) gmail (dot) com subject line, Ask Belle.
I second the comment about Loreal Sublime Glow. Doesn't smell at all, applies like a normal lotion gradually so the streaking is minimal. Also, to avoid tan body/white hands, I use latex gloves while applying my lotion, and just as I finish and am about to take them off, I apply a small amount to the tops of my hands. This way, my hands don't get more exposure to the lotion like normal (thus requiring you to wash your hands and get white hand syndrome), but they still get a little color.
I second the comment about Loreal Sublime Glow. Doesn't smell at all, applies like a normal lotion gradually so the streaking is minimal. Also, to avoid tan body/white hands, I use latex gloves while applying my lotion, and just as I finish and am about to take them off, I apply a small amount to the tops of my hands. This way, my hands don't get more exposure to the lotion like normal (thus requiring you to wash your hands and get white hand syndrome), but they still get a little color.
everyone always says, wash your hands right after using self tanning lotion! but now i have white hands and tan arms. how do you deal with that? help!
Pale-You might try using a baby wipe to just cleanse your palms. That should help.
If you are willing to wait a couple a days, L'oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer is great. It smells like almond butter and will gradually get you tan each time you put it on. They also have different shades depending on your skin type, helping you to avoid the snooki look. It is also pretty cheap (8oz for $10 at CVS).
Can you post a $50-75 version of the snakeskin shoes? For the intern/nonprofit worker salary?
I looked online and didn't really see any in that price range, but I would try Target or DSW.
Calvin Klein makes a snakeskin shoe called the dolly that looks exactly the same and I think is $70
I second the comment about Loreal Sublime Glow. Doesn't smell at all, applies like a normal lotion gradually so the streaking is minimal. Also, to avoid tan body/white hands, I use latex gloves while applying my lotion, and just as I finish and am about to take them off, I apply a small amount to the tops of my hands. This way, my hands don't get more exposure to the lotion like normal (thus requiring you to wash your hands and get white hand syndrome), but they still get a little color.
Shabby Apple also has some great conservative bathing suits.
https://www.shabbyapple.com/c-55-swim.aspx