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. 

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