Ask Belle Roundup Vol. IV, No. Twelve

Mar 10, 2014

Hi Belle,

Love your blog – it’s amazing and so helpful. I hear that pink denim pants are all the rage this spring. Do you agree and, if so, any suggestions on where to buy them? Also, how best to wear them? Thanks!

One of your many fans, Kelly

Colored denim is a great alternative for women who want spring/summer jeans without the hazards of wearing white denim.  Because as I was told last week at a speaking engagement, mothers don’t feel comfortable wearing white denim for fear of stains.

Pink or coral jeans are a great option.  These pink jeans from Old Navy are $15 and these ankle-length Forever 21 jeans are $16.  If you prefer designer jeans, 7 for All Mankind make a pair in pink.

Like the idea of colored denim but not crazy about pink?  Try mint, cobalt or red.  Plus-size?  Land’s End offers several colors.  Their ankle-length jeans also come in regular and petite.

Hi Belle,

Can you do a post on hems?  For example, how should I hem a wide leg pant that I want to wear with flats, or a slim pant and heels?  I’m tall and am always struggling with how long my pants should be with different shoes. 

Best, Heidi

Wearing pants that are too long or too short is one of the most common fashion faux pas.  If you’re looking for a primer on how long pants should be hemmed, then you need to head over to Already Pretty.  Her guide covers all the points I would have made.

Looking for a D.C.-area tailor?  I’m a loyal customer of Cheryl Lofton on T Street NW.

Just need to keep you pants off the ground on your walk to work?  I’ve used Style Snaps on my trousers with decent results.  I would be careful using them on thin material, however.

Hi Belle!

I’ve written to you before, and you were most helpful! I’m wondering – what does one wear to a St. Patrick’s day party? I’m looking for a piece that I could wear again, not one of those “Kiss Me I’m Irish” t-shirts that I only wear once a year. 

Katy

If you’re interested in celebrating this truly American holiday, I do suggest wearing green.  Don’t be the only person in the completely full bar not wearing the holiday’s signature color.  You’ll end answering questions all night about why you’re not wearing green.

The most versatile green addition to your wardrobe is probably a sweater.  This J.Crew Factory cardigan comes in a Kelly green hue, and this crewneck from Reiss is also a sweater you could wear again.  If you want a dress, this Gianni Bini dress come in a great spring green.

Prefer your luck’o the Irish in accessory form?  These green Steve Madden flats are a cute choice.  This Blu Bijoux necklace comes in a mint color, and this double necklace from Gilt has a great look.

Hi Belle,

Do you have a recommendation for a light moisturizer?  I went to the makeup counter, but the woman kept trying to sell me heavy creams and balms.  

Thank you, Kendra

If you have a little money to spend, I like Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation.  It’s very light, but works well.  If a drugstore brand is more to your liking, I would try Simple’s Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer, which is made without harsh chemicals.

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  1. DCQ says:

    Hmm, re: pant length — I really like the look of slim ankle pants with heels. Are ankle pants just a no go at all?

    • Anna says:

      I think it looks better when the pants bunch up a bit at the top of the heel or cover at least a tiny bit of the back of the shoe. But if you’re thin, it could work if the pants stop just above your ankle. I can’t pull it off though without looking stubby.

      • Belle says:

        Skinny pants or ankle pants can be worn with heels. Did Already Pretty say they couldn’t? I must have missed that. I do like then they over just a bit of the back of the shoe if they’re jeans, but with trousers, I like them to graze the top.

        • Christine says:

          I think the problem with the Already Pretty post is that it’s from 2009. It’s five years ago and fashion changes. The wider leg pants she shows are really wide (as in too wide for today’s styles) and there are no ankle pants anywhere to be seen in the post. In 2009, I would have looked at ankle pants as a no-go but today I love the look with heels. Maybe it’s time for an update.

        • DCQ says:

          She doesn’t really cover the skinny ankle pants, which is why I ask… Sort of like, do you think this look is acceptable regarding heels and pant hem: https://www.stylishpetite.com/2013/09/review-banana-republic-sloan-fit-slim.html

          • Belle says:

            Yes, I think that looks fine. Just be careful which shoes you choose with skinny, ankle-length pants or else your legs will look stubby.

    • CH says:

      Agreed. I love skinny ankle pants/jeans with almost any shoe. I hate when pants are bunched at the ankles! I think the key is to be deliberately “ankle-length” and not just look like your pants shrank a little too much in the dryer. The proportions look best on my frame when the hem hits just above my ankle bone.

  2. LaReesa says:

    I use Olay Complete moisturizer! It has a decent SPF content for every day and feels like nothing on your face. I also like Clinique’s Dramatically Different moisturizing gel — it goes on sooooo smooth.

    • J says:

      Agree with the Olay recommendation! I’ve been using this for several years. It’s cheap, has broad spectrum SPF, and they make 3 versions for different skin types (normal, combination, and sensitive).

  3. Jenni Sia says:

    This was a link on the same page with the “mint” necklace.

    https://www.maxandchloe.com/satya-jewelry-transformation-necklace

    Does anyone else see something other than what they say it is?

  4. Sally says:

    Thanks so much for the shout-out, Belle! And Christine is totally right, that post is quite a few years old now – I should update. Especially as the first flats example is now pretty common and accepted. This related post touches on dealing with various hem lengths and footwear styles: https://www.alreadypretty.com/2013/01/reader-request-the-pant-hem-dilemma.html

    Thanks again – definitely a topic worth re-visiting!

  5. Wait, mothers don’t like white because of stains? Whatever. I don’t wear white jeans because they make my thighs look big, but I have several white dresses in heavy rotation.

    It really bugs me when women assume that ALL clothing has to be suitable for wearing around kids. I don’t see men saying they don’t like white shirts because of the kids. So, moms never have a girls night or date night or casual work function? Really?

    • Belle says:

      I’m just repeating what I was told. The consensus of a dozen mothers was no white pants ever. I don’t agree with it, because I choose to believe that Shout Wipes are a cure all, but I don’t have children so I don’t really have a dog in this fight.

      • TF says:

        It depends how old the kids are. My son is 5 now, so I can do white because I won’t get spit up on or juice spilled on me within 5 minutes of getting dressed. Toddlers and babies? White is just asking for spit up or juice stains.

        But shout wipes? I’ve tried the tide pen and don’t really like it. I’ll buy shout wipes to try next.

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