Dear Belle,

I just started my first new job, and I need clothes.  The problem is, I hate the generic J.Crew and Banana Republic look.  Do you know of any other brands in that price range that I won’t see on every.other.staffer?

Laney

Yes, it does get a bit frustrating when all of your co-workers own the same cardigan/flats/suit that you do.  If you’re looking for a good, Hill Staffer friendly brand, try Antonio Melani from Dillard’s.

The quality of the pieces is comparable to a Banana Republic or White House, Black Market, but the dresses, skirts and tops are just a bit more interesting.  The line is basically a Kay Unger/Nanette Lepore/Banana Republic hybrid.  And it’s my favorite place to find reasonably-priced work dresses for summer.

They have a great selection online, however, I find that the prices in the stores are better.  And since the nearest Dillard’s is in Richmond, that can be a bit of an issue.  My advice?  Find the piece you like, guesstimate your size, and then call the store to see if the dress is in stock and on sale.  If it is, have them ship it.  If not, pick it up online.

Belle,

I’m the maid of honor in a wedding later this summer and the bride chose this awful mint green dress that costs almost $300.  I DO NOT want to pay that kind of money for a dress that makes me sick to my stomach.  How do I tell her that I hate the dress and ask her to pick something else?

-broke as a joke

While we all wish that our soon-to-be-married friends would choose dresses that looked good on their bridesmaids, they usually choose something that we would never pick for ourselves.  That being said, the answer to your question is that you don’t tell your friend that the dress is awful.

When you agree to be a bridesmaid, you sign on for the ugly taffeta, the odd looking updo, the cheap shoes and the pricey plane ticket.  It’s in the job description.  So you don’t get an opinion on the dress, but you already knew that. 

If the money is truly an issue, ask if you could find something similar in a wallet-friendly price point.  Most brides will understand that cost is an issue, but to make it work you’ll probably have to find another, cheaper mint green dress.  But understand that if the wedding is in less than two months, and if other members of the bridal party have already purchased their dresses, you’re probably stuck.

I have never once worn a bridesmaid’s dress that I actually liked.  Never.  But I buy them, I make them look the best they possibly can on the day of, and then I donate them to Goodwill.  It’s the circle of life.

Dear Belle,

The D.C. weather has turned my skin into a mess.  It’s oily.  It’s dull.  It looks like every pore is about to burst at the seams.  I need help! 

Tell me what I need to buy and I’ll do it.  Money is no object.  I’m desperate.

Kayle

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Every woman NEEDS a Clarisonic.  Everyone.  You wouldn’t believe the number of friends who wait to purchase this product for like a year after I recommend it, and then say to me, “You were right the Clarisonic is amazing. I can’t live without it.” 

Why they doubt me, I don’t know.  But the Clarisonic is a must own.  And while $149 for the Mia may seem like a lot of money, this thing will pay for itself.  You’ll need fewer facials, fewer beauty products (proper exfoliation = better absoprtion = less usage) and you’ll just look that much better. 

I received one as a gift three years ago and I still love it every time I use it.  So buy one for yourself.  Ask for it for a gift.  If you’re a guy, buy one for your girlfriend/wife/Mom.  Every woman needs one.