Ask Belle Roundup May 14

Belle,

Thank you for putting a plus-size piece on the blog last week. I never lost the weight after my last child was born, and I’m finding it difficult to dress my new body.  Can you suggest a few blogs that specialize in plus-size fashion?

Thank you, Katrina

If you’re looking for plus-sized style blogs, you need to start with Nicolette Mason.  That girl has mad style.  In fact, no matter your size that is a blog you need to be reading.

Looking for more suggestions? The Curvy Fashionista has an excellent blogroll featuring dozens of great sites. 

Dear Belle,

I have not worn a watch since high school.  I hate having to check my phones to see the time, and figure that I should at least get a professional looking watch.  I’ve looked online at Coach, Ann Klein, and Michael Kors, and would like to keep it under $100, considering my watch-wearing past.  Do you have any suggestions?  (I also have tiny wrists, and those giant watches will just look like clocks on my arm.)

Thanks! Betsy

When spending less than $100 on a watch, it’s important to find a timepiece that won’t look cheap.  This means you need to avoid faux-diamonds, trendy shapes and decorations and fake, plated metals.  Personally, I like a leather or colored band in a traditional, versatile, style.  But you can also choose a piece that makes a statement if you’re a bit braver than I.

1: Fossil Georgia Watch ($75) 2: La Mer Paris Print Watch ($88) 3: Skagen Line Extensions Watch ($95) 4: Timex Chronograph Watch ($95) 5: Fossil Watch Case ($75) 6: AK Purple Aluminum Watch ($75)

Polyvore Set Here.

Here are a selection of watches under-$100, some are classic, some are bold.  Leather bands are especially good for the tiny-wristed, but if you prefer links, you can have a few removed.  And if you’re a person who changes her mind frequently, buy a watch case (like example five) and a few bands in different colors.  That way no matter what mood you are in, you can have a watch to match.

Belle,

I have several summer weddings and I’ve been looking for a bra that is both strapless and backless.  Any suggestions?

KL 

Depending on cup size, finding a strapless, backless bra is either is or a Grail Quest. If you’re a B-cup or smaller, try a NuBra.  It sticks to the skin (and it really sticks) and stays put all day providing a little lift and decent coverage.  

Need a little more support? This bra from Fashion Forms has a bit more structure.  Need a lot more support? One of my well-endowed friends loves the Goddess bra line, says theirs is the only strapless bra that actually holds things up without causing back pain.