One of the questions that I get most frequently is whether I think TOMS slip-on sneakers are a good walk-to-work shoe or faux pas.  The truth is, I’m so glad to see women in shoes that aren’t flip-flops or Uggs, that I’d accept just about anything else.

I should also mention that I happen to own a pair.  They have GOP elephants on them.  I wear them campaigning.  

So if you want to buy a pair to walk to work in or wear while running errands, I won’t stop you.  They’re not faux pas, but they’re not chic either.  At best, they’re neutral.

Pledge Allegiance. Speaking of TOMS, the blogger formerly known as Capitol Hill Barbie has a piece on her new blog, Baby Steps in Heels, about them.  She’s observed, that at least in NYC, Moms fall into two camps: women who wear TOMS and women who wear Sperry Topsiders.  

She falls into the Sperry camp. Not surprising given the time she spent in the Mid-Atlantic region.

All That Glitters.  I love sparkly nail polishes, but it’s tough to remove them. I usually end up scrubbing so hard that my cuticles are raw for days.  Luckily, another blogger came up with something called “The Foil Method,” which removes nail polish with minimal effort and mess.

Repair Job  Last week, I dropped my makeup bag.  My favorite eyeshadow and my favorite blush broke into a million pieces.  But instead of spending $40 on replacements, I turned to Google.  

Thanks to the Interwebs, this tutorial and a bottle of rubbing alcohol, my makeup is good as new.

Tie One On.  You know that scene in the romantic movie when the leading lady helps her gentleman tie his bow tie?  I love that scene.  There’s just something so intimate about a woman stepping in to help a man in formal dress with his bow tie.  

That’s why I was so pleased when Park & Bond posted a tutorial on tying a bow tie.  I’ll certainly be filing that one away for future reference.

Do you have a suggestion for Belle’s Weekly Reading?  E-mail it to capitolhillstyle (at) gmail (dot) com.  You can also follow Belle on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest to see what else she finds inspiring and noteworthy.