Ask Belle: Roundup Vol. 8

Hi Belle,

I’ve been peeking in on your blog for about a year, and for a working gal (banker) yours is the best out there! My question is, I often notice you post items that are only available in London or the EU. I’ve never shopped from a foreign, online retailer for clothes.  Do you shop at these stores?  Are the shipping price and time worth it?  Just curious, and for some reason too nervous to try…

Thanks!

Alyson, CA

Yes. I have shopped at the overseas stores.  I often shop on eBay Australia and UK, and I’ve shopped at a couple of the UK boutiques.  

The cost of shipping is definitely a barrier.  I have to be absolutely sure that this is the dress/purse/blouse that I want before I fork over $25 for shipping.  So I save it for the items that are so awesome that they just draw you in and become all that you can think about.

I would recommend trying it once.  Maybe it’s not for you, but I know several women who shop overseas with regularity.  They swear by it as a way to buy items that are unique and chic.

Also, remember to factor in exchange rates.  Dollar vs. Pound is terrible right now, as is Dollar vs. Euro.  But the US Dollar is very comparable to the Aussie dollar.

Belle-

What is the worst fashion faux pas?

Kacie

Getting stuck in a rut.  Every day I see women who have been wearing the same haircut/hair color, wearing the same makeup, and dressing the same way for decades.  Having classic style and just sticking with what you were wearing at 25 are two different things.

Personally, I’ve had the same haircut for 18-24 months, and I am going crazy.  It’s all I can do not to let Teri take the scissor to it.  What style would I prefer?

This one.  But as my Mother and my hairdresser (I think they’ve made some kind of pact.) keep reminding me, I don’t have the bone structure for that.  Too bad.

So how do you decide if you’re in a rut?  Simple, look at pictures from the last two years and if there are no noticeable changes in your appearance, make an effort to try something new.

Maybe you buy a blouse you wouldn’t otherwise try.  Maybe you ask for a different hair color. Maybe you start winging out your eyeliner or wearing a different shade of lipstick.  A few small changes can make a big difference.

Hi Belle,

I love the clutches and weekend bags you post on your site. However, I’m curious to know whether there are any feminine briefcases out there that are durable for campaigning or if sticking to a large tote is sufficient. I’ve been using my Longchamp tote almost to the point of breaking. Any advice?

Thanks!

I think the age of the briefcase (at least for women) has passed.  It’s very Melanie Griffith in Working Girl.  I find that totes are much more versatile, but there are many brands besides Longchamp.

Polyvore Set Found Here.

For a simple document carrier, I love the coral Kate Spade at left.  You’ll be shocked at how much you can fit in a Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.B bag.  And the Foley + Corinna Jet Set tote (bottom right) is like a bottomless pit when full.  Luckily, it also folds in half for those days when you don’t need to carry so much.