Hi Belle,
I’m getting ready to move from a casual office to one with a more professional dress code. You’ve mentioned that you like silk tees with pencil skirts, and it’s a look I’d like to try. Can you recommend some silky tops in the under $125 price point?
Your blog is a big help. Thanks. Anna
Iris & Ink makes a simple silk tee. (They also have it in matelasse texture.) I also like this Danielle Rainn tee with a cool flutter sleeve and split neck. This Vince drop neck tee could use some tailoring, but it would look spectacular tucked into a fitted skirt.
Plus-size? This Lafayette 148 tee is smashing. Petite? Try this Theory v-neck tee.
Belle,
Quick Question: Do you have a favorite hairspray?
Lizzie
I like Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Hard. It holds up well in the face of humidity.
Hi Belle,
All of the stores seem to have flounce skirts in stock. I like the way they look, but I find one longer than mid-thigh length. Have you seen anything in a knee-length? I would prefer to spend $150 or less. Greatly prefer. Help.
Julie
This Ann Taylor skirt has a flounce on the hem (also in petite). I own this Banana Republic skirt and it falls just a bit above the knee on my 5’7″ frame. If you like this style and have enough money to splurge, this St. John skirt is lovely. Prefer this style in a mini-skirt? Try this under-$20 skirt from JCPenney.
With a fitted skirt that flares at the bottom, it’s important that you fit it to the biggest part of you and then alter it to fit. If you’re looking for styling tips, stick with a fitted blouse. It will balance out the volume in the skirt nicely.
Dear Belle,
I need a new work/gym bag. I’ve had my eye on one of those bags with the zip bottom for your shoes. I saw one in a magazine but now I can’t find it. Have you seen anything similar?
Lincoln
This Sia Satchel from Sole Society is a great choice. It would also make a nice weekender. Prefer canvas? Try this Kate Spade Saturday bag.
Re bags:
I have this one and I absolutely love it. It fits my gym gear and laptop: https://www.gaiam.com/everything-fits-gym-bag/95-1389.html
Good luck!
I have the Sia that Belle mentioned and I LOVE IT. Warning – the top compartment can’t fit a laptop larger than 13″ – my MacBook Air just barely fits inside it.
I have a fitmark bag and LOVE it for the gym- so many pockets! I wrote a blog post about it if you’re interested-
https://www.nyviewsnikeshoes.com/1/post/2014/01/junk-miles-and-a-new-gym-bag.html
Lo&Sons OG or OMG bags. The shoes have a separate compartment, but they still fill up the inside of the bag, so it’s hard to have a lot of other stuff in the bag with your shoes in the pocket. But, the bag is nylon, which is great, because it doesn’t get heavy and easy to clean and it has a million pockets to stay organized.
I have that Saturday bag and it’s the perfect size for the gym. I also got a small cell phone wristlet that I throw in there so I don’t have to schlep a gym bag AND a purse with me to work (I’m a pedestrian). I can take the wristlet with me when I step out for lunch without having to drag the entire duffel with me.
Target. I got a classic black gym bag (Reebock brand, I believe, I’m overseas now and can’t check) that has the vented pocket for shoes on the side for under $30. I don’t like spending too much money on something that I don’t care about the aesthetic, only functional. Target does carry some pretty gym bags online though.
This bag is GREAT, and I’m fairly certain it was mentioned earlier in 2013 on this site: https://www.amazon.com/Lug-Cartwheel-Fitness-Overnight-Grey/dp/B0051SCTI2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393368275&sr=8-2&keywords=lug+gym+bag
Love it.
OK, I’m totally digging the Sia, but question. Does the black look more professional? I love the cognac, but since it’s faux leather, I’m worried it might look cheaper than the black. Thoughts?
Posting on this old post because it was very helpful. I finally broke down and tried the Big Sexy Hair and I LOVE IT!