Ask Belle Roundup Vol. III, No. Fifteen
May 13, 2013
Last week, I featured a giveaway for tickets to a screening of ‘Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s.’ I apologize for not posting the names of the winners on Saturday, I set up the post and then somehow it was deleted. Regardless, the five winners (Allie, Lauren, Ashley, Kara and Michelle) have all been contacted by e-mail and have all replied back, so the giveaway is complete.
Again, I apologize for the less-than-transparent process, it was unavoidable this time. Look for more giveaways in the future.
Dear Belle,
Help! I’ve been looking for a great pair of (preferably skinny) white jeans and I am in a true rut. I’m 5’3 and slender, but every pair of white jeans I’ve tried on this season are either so stretchy that they accentuate the imperfections/lack of toning in my thighs, or are so stiff that I can hardly sit in them. I’d love a flattering pair of jeans that can “hold everything in place” for $200 or less.
Thanks, Laura
I’m a huge fan of the Paige Denim Skyline jeans, which also come in white ($179). I also like the AG Stilt jeans in white ($164).  If you need something under-$100, these 7 For All Mankind jeans are on sale for $95, and I’ve had decent luck with jeans from Loft.
Prefer your white denim in a non-skinny version? I’m partial to the AG Ballad and AG Angel jeans.
Also, if you’re looking to soften up a pair of scratchy jeans, I recommend soaking them in salt water. I’ve done this to a pair of jeans that I wear on the airplane and on the weekends, it really softens them up.
Hi Belle,
Can you recommend a red nail polish that’s appropriate for the summer months? All of my reds feel to burgundy for summer.
Thx! KL
My favorite red polish is Essie Lollipop. It’s got just a hint of orange, so it’s really bright and fun. But if you’re looking for a true, matte red that you can wear during any season, try Butter LONDON Come to Bed Red.
Belle,
You’ve posted a lot of outfits that feature striped t-shirts. Can you give me some suggestions for classic striped tops (pref. navy) that cost less than $75?
Alissa
If short sleeves are what you’re after, I like this BCBG top. I adore this Ralph Lauren boatneck top, and Land’s End makes a nice striped shirt.Â
And if you’re petite or plus-size, Ralph Lauren has the best options available. Just classic American sportswear at its finest.
Hi Belle,
I’ve been looking for a pair of comfortable, affordable, stylish black flats for I don’t know how long. I’ve been ordering and returning lots of black flats. They’re either too narrow (I have a wider foot), too square in the toe, or show a lot of toe cleavage (I guess I have long toes?). My search is getting ridiculous.
Any suggestions for a flat that is under, say $100? Thanks in advance, Abbey
If you like pointy-toe flats, I own these BP shoes and they’re fairly comfortable. I did need to stretch the toe-box a bit to get the right fit, though. I’ve also been thinking about buying these ankle strap Colin Stuart shoes.
For round toe shoes, I’ve actually had good luck with Steve Madden flats, though they need an insole if you do a lot of walking. I’ve also heard good things about Isola Flats and the flat shoes from Splendid.
However, if you’ve been ordering and returning a lot of shoes, I think it might be time to go to a brick and mortar store. Sometimes with a specialized concern, that’s the only solution. Or at least start ordering from Zappos, Piperlime or Nordstrom, so you don’t wind up paying the shipping on your return
For the petite girl looking for white jeans, try Joe’s Jeans ‘petite provocateur’ style…I love them. I’m 5’3 as well!
For Abbey,
Check out Rockport’s Ashika scooped ballet flats. You can buy them from Zappos for $90 or less. I’m wearing the black pair right now. They’re very roomy, which is especially nice for those of us with wide feet. If you’re in-between sizes, you might want to go a half-size down. The pointy toe makes them dressy enough that I can wear them with pants to the office and look quite professional. I like them enough I’m considering buying a second pair.
Thanks for this recommendation! I am not the OP, but have been on the market for the same for quite some time. I am going to give these a try.
Also try the Born Julianne flat in black. (lucky sizes only on Piperlime https://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=577735002) Holy cow, they are comfortable. They even have arch support! In a flat! They are a pretty basic round-toe ballet flat, so not the dressiest thing in the room, but definitely check them out if you have beens struggling to find comfortable black flats.
Ah, lots of sizes available on Zappos https://www.zappos.com/born-julianne
Abbey,
If you like the look of Steve Madden flats, Payless makes a similar shoe (they make them up to size 12 I think and they are also available in a wide size). They are pretty well made with a rubber sole and super cheap (they’re usually about $15.00). Mine last between 3-6 months but I can afford to replace them 🙂
Payless Chelsea Lower East Side flats are the best!!! For $16 a pair you can get them in every color (including sparkly gold). They are surprisingly comfortable and don’t cut across the top of my foot or have vinyl that leads to blisters. After a full year of wear, mine are holding up really well. I wear the cognac ones everywhere and the gold sparkles are perfect for casual weddings or as back-up shoes at formal weddings.
https://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10276&skuId=087013130&productId=68790&lotId=087013&category=&catdisplayName=Womens
The Brash Line at Payless is actually designed by Steve Madden and sold only at Payless. Get the look of a SM for a quarter of the price.
Laura, I’m also slender and 5’3″ and started having better luck with white skinny jeans when I went up one denim size. Even when you’re petite, white is not a forgiving shade on the lower half of the body.
I just bought a pair of bootcut white jeans from gap and I am really on the fence about them. They feel tight and a bit see through. I figured I would take them back and try and size up a bit, but my main concern is not having see through jeans. Anyone have luck with white gap jeans? Maybe I will check out loft…
I have a pair of white Elle jeans (Kohl’s) that I really love. They’re kind of a happy medium between “straight leg” and “skinny” jeans they’re soft and have a little stretch but not thin like jeggings
Ann Taylor modern cut, have them in regular denim, cord, and white. Not see-through and comfy.
Abbey,
I hit the perfect flats jackpot at the Ann Taylor factory store this weekend. They have beautiful and simple flates that are almond-toed and fit true to size. There is always a sale at the outlet, so I left with a black textured and a gold pair (other choices included a snakeskin and a pretty summer red) to replace pairs I’ve been wearing for 1.5+ years. AND Ann Taylor is one of the best places for returns so if they dont fit your feet right, just take them back.
I second Belle and love Steve Madden P-Heaven flats as well. They offer more colors (and a more budget price at their outlet as well), but dont hold up as well as Ann Taylor
I’m not petite, but I have had great luck with my white American Eagle jeans. The fabric is substantial enough to prevent show-through but still soft and very comfortable.