Dear Belle,

I really need your help.  I need to find gold strappy sandals for a wedding I am a bridesmaid in.  Here is the shoe inspiration, in gold, per the bride.

However, due to a recent back injury I need to keep it to a very low heel or preferably, a flat sandal.  However, I am having trouble finding a flat sandal that is fancy enough for a evening wedding.  Maybe something like this but not as expensive. 

Thanks so much!
Marge

The bride’s inspiration has some woven details, but no bling, so she might be looking for a simple gold sandal.  Perhaps this inexpensive gladiator or this ankle strap sandal.  I also find this low wedge that might work, or this low heel.

If you want something with embellishment, I found this jewel-encrusted sandal and this Kate Spade with a subtler look.  Or try this Unisa sandal with just a hint of sparkle on the straps.

Dear Belle,

I have struggled in vain to find office-appropriate ankle-length slim-cut trousers.  Ones made of cotton with a little spandex are common, but stretch out dreadfully in the knees by the end of the day.  The more durable light-weight wool trousers are tough to find.  The most promising contender is the J. Crew Minnie pant.  While very comfortable and flattering, is much too close-fitting for my office.  Can you help me find some alternatives?

Thanks, Kate

Banana Republic actually makes an ankle-length version of their Martin pant.  It’s sold out in most sizes online, but you can still find it in stores. If you want color, Guess has a pair in teal.

My favorite ankle-length pant though is this Milly trouser with a tab front.  The longer tab allows the front to lay flat and prevents that unsightly bulge that snap front pants sometimes cause underneath blouses.

Either way, give it a few weeks and more retailers will be selling light- or mid- wool pants in all styles.

Hi Belle,

I think I remember a post you had about clearing up old acne scars/discoloration but I can’t seem to find it. Would you please point me in the right direction? I did find the post about drawing salve, but wasn’t sure if that would help existing old scars or just new blemishes.

Keep up the great work; I love the blog! C

I have found two products that help lighten and smooth scarring: Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector ($50) and Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me ($48).  They also treat hyper-pigmentation and blotchiness.  Combine with regular exfoliation, these help minimize the appearance of scarring and smooth skin a bit.

These products will only take you so far, however.  If you have deep scars, like mine, you may eventually want to look into laser resurfacing treatments like Fraxel.

Belle,

I’m looking for a short sleeve wrap dress to wear to work during the summer.  I’d love a few suggestions.

Thanks, Lydia

I bought this faux-wrap from Target for casual Friday, and I like it.  Add a belt for structure and some nice accessories to dress it up.

If you’re looking for a dress that is more appropriate for a Tuesday, I like this black and white print and this blue and white floral.  If solids are your thing, try this burnt orange or this simple black dress.

Plus-size? Try this giraffe print dress.  Petite? This dress has a bright cobalt color and an elbow-length sleeve.

Dear Belle,

Thanks so much for your blog, it’s a big help since I’m the only person in Idaho who is expected to dress up for work.  Or it feels that way, at least. 

I wear a lot of delicate pendant necklaces and I’d like to add a few more to my collection, any suggestions in gold or silver?

May

I like to cruise 6pm.com for Gorjana and Dogeared pieces at lower prices.  I also like this wishbone charm necklace, this key pendant and this feather pendant.  If it’s silver you’re after, I like this initial pendant and this white sapphire star. Or use this Anna Beck pendant to blend gold and silver.

For more expensive pieces, try Jennifer Zeuner or Ginette NY.