Ask Belle Roundup: Vol. IV, No. Two

Jan 6, 2014

Dear Belle,

This is an odd request, but you’re the only person I can think to ask.  Can you help me find a “grown up” sweatshirt?  I usually bundle up in my sorority sweatshirts for walking to the gym or running errands, but I think they make me look like I’m still in college.  Just a simple sweatshirt for $50 or less is what I want.

Thanks, Kassie

When I’m relaxing at home on the weekends, I have a few funnel neck sweatshirts that I like to wear.  American Eagle has a similar style, and for $59, this Calvin Klein striped hoodie is a good option.

If you’d like a hood, try this French terry zip-up option from BB Dakota.  I also like this Alternative Apparel Maniac sweatshirt.  It’s got a hint of Flashdance to it.  And Land’s End makes a classic hooded sweatshirt that looks really cozy, and it comes in some great colors.

Belle,

I know you are a skirts person, but can you suggest some work pants that aren’t a) ankle length, b) skinny or c) black?  My body shape doesn’t work for the first two, and I’ve got the third one covered.  

Thanks! JK

Screen Shot 2014-01-06 at 2.16.51 PM

1035 Pinstripe Trouser ($148) // Martin Straight Leg Trouser ($98) // Marisa Snowy Twill Trouser ($79)

The pinstripe pants from J.Crew are made of a fantastically smooth and soft fabric that drapes beautifully.  I highly recommend them.  I also own the Martin trousers in the cobalt, but if you prefer something more neutral, they also come in the standard blacks and browns.  And I thought the textured fabric on the Marisa pants from LOFT would be a good choice for this chilly weather.

I also really like these Adrianna Papell wide leg pants.  They have a great midnight navy color and a slimming tab front.

If you’re tall, New York & Co. makes their inexpensive trousers in tall sizes.  Plus-size ladies should check out the Michael Kors Twill Gramercy Pant and the Sejour Curvy Fit pants at Nordstrom, which also come in petite plus.

Hi Belle,

My New Year’s resolution was to start using eye cream.  I’m 32, it’s time.  Do you have one that you like for keeping the wrinkles at bay?

Love the blog! Kelly

If you’re going to use an eye cream, I highly recommend going to the makeup counter and getting a few samples.  It took me a long time before I found one that didn’t burn when I applied it, clog the pores around my eyes or smell like my Nana.  Eye cream, like red lipstick, is a personal thing and you should do some investigation.

Currently, I’m using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye.  In the past, I’ve used Ole Henriksen Ultimate Eye Lift Gel and Kate Sommerville CytoCell that is meant to treat dark circles and lines.  I would recommend any of those.  When this jar of Estee runs out, however, I think I’m going to give Skinceuticals Eye Balm.

If you’re looking for something inexpensive, Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll On or Soothing Eye Balm would be a good place to start.  And I don’t think you can go wrong try a Say Yes product like their grapefruit dark circle corrector or their blueberry eye firming treatment.

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  1. Anna says:

    I have an American Apparel tunic sweatshirt I LOVE. It’s cozy and long enough to wear over leggings.

  2. GingerR says:

    If you can go business casual I recommend checking out Eddie Bauer. They have a lot of different fits that look good on non-skinny-girl bodies.

  3. Mia says:

    Skinceuticals or La Mer is the way to go for eye cream! I have used both and love them. Kheil’s avocado eye cream also works well if you don’t want to spend as much and take a more natural approach.

  4. rar says:

    I’ve been really happy with kiehls powerful wrinkle reducing eye cream. Somewhat related, their powerful wrinkle reducing face cream has done WONDERS for my forehead.

  5. raq says:

    I’m in my mid twenties and just started using eye cream. If you want to ease into using an eye cream before some of the heavy duty stuff that leaves your eyes burning/feeling weird I’d recommend the ole henrikson cream belle mentioned or mario beduscu ceramide herbal eye cream- I’ve used it since I got a sample and I love how my eyes feel in the AM

  6. Sara says:

    I’m currently loving a sweatshirt I got at, of all places, Costco! It looks a lot like the American Eagle one above, but a cardigan, and the quality is amazing. I have coral, but the choices were pretty good, mostly brights if I recall. The brand is Mondetta, and true to form, it was a bargain.

    I also found a pretty great pair of black leggings at Costco a few months ago for next to nothing. I forget the brand and removed the tag, but it’s worth checking.

    Even more, Costco periodically has the essential DKNY opaque tights in multi packs, for a steal. I can’t say that they’re exactly the same, but they’re great and I can’t tell the difference from the regular retail ones. Recently, I even managed to find a pack of all black! Although the odd pair of neon pink or electric blue works fine under pants or to bed, and is essentially free, if need be.

    So I don’t go there for fashion, but there are some finds to be had, especially if you’re on a budget.

  7. Anon says:

    Does anyone have any experience of the Freeze 24-7 brand? I was eyeing up some of their products in an in-flight magazine recently,but had never come across them before.

  8. LC says:

    I loved sweatshirts but it makes me look even younger so I have slowly phased in sweatshirt-like blazers and dresses for running errands. Loft just introduced a new loungewear line and it’s pretty chic – I’m interested in the striped sweatshirt blazer: https://www.loft.com/lg/cat1880002

  9. Kim says:

    Thank you for this! I tend to bundle in a hooded college sweatshirt, which does not say “successful woman”, it says “woman who, in her mind, never left college.”

  10. E says:

    On pants, I love the Express Editor wide leg pant. The pants are lined and come in a variety of colors. If you keep an eye on sales, you can snag them for a mere $40.

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