Dear Belle,

My commute to work is several miles so I carry a pair of heels in my purse and wear flats.  How should I store my shoes during the day?  Keep them in my purse?  I ask because I only have one drawer and I don’t want to get everything else in there dirty.

Tips? Toni

If you can’t afford a bag with a built-in shoe pocket, like the Lo & Sons OG or OMG, buy a shoe bag.  You can go for something fancy, or just pick up some nylon drawstring bags.  Just make sure to shake the water and dirt off of them before you store them away.

Another option is to store them in the bottom drawer of your desk.  I used to keep two or three pair in mine.  Much better than having an unprofessional-looking mountain of shoes under your desk.

Hi Belle,

Love the blog and have been following it for a while now :). I found this amazing Rag & Bone blazer that is to die for. It fits like a dream, has just the right touch of edge and professionalism, all over amazing. Only problem is that I’m not sure I can see myself dropping $550 on it. I realize it’s probably a long shot, but I was wondering if you’d come across anything similar at a lower price point.

 

Thanks!! Alexis

Both Theory and Eileen Fisher make chambray blouses that have no fading or whiskering, but they’re pricey.  In the mid-price range, I found this Keeper chambray shirt from J.Crew (25%-off with code SHOPNOW).  And in the under-$50, Old Navy makes a decent chambray shirt that I wore for a few seasons, and this NY & Co. pullover looks pretty good.

Hi Belle – 

One of my best friends has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her outdoor wedding in November in Texas. She wants each woman to choose her own gold dress. How do I find a dress that will look beautiful, but not showy? And any suggestions to keep warm during the reception? 

Thank you so much! Emily

For the reception, I would invest in a cashmere wrap.  You can choose ivory or another shade. (For a less expensive option, try this pashmina.)  You could also pick a cashmere cardigan in a shade like wine or a jewel tone.

As for a dress, when searching for gold dresses on the Internet, you actually need to Google “champagne dresses.”  Lesson learned.  During that search, I found this BCBG Morgane dress and this very sparkly Modcloth dress.  I also found this cowl-neck Ralph Lauren, jersey dress.  And this $35 Dorothy Perkins dress with a cool wrap detail and cap sleeves.

Also, if you by “showy” you meant overly sexy, then I think the dresses above will work.  However, if you meant too “look at me, look at me” for a bridal party, I wouldn’t be so worried about that.  After all, your friend, the Bride, is putting you in gold and asking you to pick your own dress.  She strikes me as a woman unconcerned about being “shown up” at her wedding.

Dear Belle,

I’m “college poor” but searching for a pair of knee-high riding boots. I’d like a black pair that cost under-$50. A lot to ask, but maybe you’ve seen something good.

Love the blog! Sierra

Ah, college, I remember it…well, I’m pretty sure I went.  It’s all a blur.  But I distinctly recall using change from the cup holder to buy makeup, so I feel your pain.

As for your boot predicament, I can only suggest boots that look good online.  Whether they are well made with materials that doesn’t feel like a Tupperware bin, that’s up to you to figure out.

To start, I spotted these R2 Honduras boots with a mix of faux leather and stretch, and a cool look to them.  Forever 21 also has these Easy Rider boots.  And Fergalicious sells these just-a-bit-over-the-knee Tiara boots for a very respectable price.