Hi Belle,

I will be starting a new job in about a month and I desperately need new clothes! My current job is very casual – I wear jeans just about every day. Can you please recommend some pants that I can wear with flats? I can not wear heels all day long, I don’t have it in me. Preferably under $100.

Thank you!! Jaime

The style of pant you choose to wear with flats depends on your shape.  If you’re pear-shaped like I am, you’re better off with a wider leg opening.  More proportional?  You can choose a slimmer trouser if you prefer.  If you have a less balanced shape, it’s possible to find skinnier trousers that look good with flats, it’s just a challenge.

I like the Banana Republic Martin pant.  They’re technically a straight leg style, but the opening is wide enough that almost anyone can wear them.  I also like the Bristol trouser from J.Crew in stretch cotton (also in tall and petite).  Or choose the Zoe pant from LOFT an inexpensive option.

Looking for a skinnier trouser?  On my shape, the best looking pant is the Ann Taylor Curvy Fit pant in the Promenade style.

Plus-size?  Sure, I can tell you what looks good to me, but with pants, it’s better to have advice from people with first hand experience.  So if you have a favorite trouser or pant that works for your figure, please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Belle,

I love the blog.  I’ve been following religiously for about a year now and it’s provided many an answer to many a conundrum.  This June I will be attending a wedding and wearing this dress.  I am not sure what shoes/purse to wear with it.  How would you style it with shoes/clutch/jewelry?  I appreciate your help!

Thanks, K

Love the dress.  It’s one of my favorite pieces that I’ve put on the blog this year.  The lavender/blue color is a tough one to match, so I wouldn’t recommend trying.  Instead, you have two options: metallics and contrasting colors.

For the metallic look, I would try a sleek d’Orsay heel and a matching silver clutch.  Skip the necklace, the dress doesn’t need it.  Choose a dangly earring and a stack of bracelets instead.

For the contrast look, I would try a coral clutch and a gold cuff.  And for the shoe, a simple gold sandal.

Dear Belle,

Not to sound old fashioned, but I need to buy a slip.  I thought that I might buy one from Spanx, but $68, for a slip?  Really?  Any suggestions?  

Thanks, THB

Given that you’re looking at a Spanx slip, I assume you want a slip that is also a shaper.  Maidenform sells an inexpensive half-slip shaper at Target.  Assets, the Spanx diffusion line, also sells a $32 slip-shaper.

If you’re just looking for a slip, Calvin Klein makes a nude slip for $36.  Plus-size?  Spanx makes a $44 slip.

Also, if these options don’t satisfy you, the best place I’ve found to buy slip is the Macy’s or Dillard’s intimates section.  They usually have a wide selection in several price points.  It also appears Target has a good selection as well.

Hi Belle

I wear very little makeup but I’d like to branch out into wearing lipstick.  You mentioned in a previous post that you’ve been trying to add lipstick to your routine as well, any favorite brands or colors that you can recommend?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

xx, Kelly

Over the past year, I think I’ve tried on dozens if not hundreds of lipsticks searching for shades I can wear every day.  For sheer coverage, I love Lipstick Queen Hello, Sailor.  It looks blue in the tube, but goes on with a sheer berry and is really moisturizing.  Also, if it’s a universal berry hue that you’re after, try Clinique Almost Honey.

Another brand I like, is Rimmel’s Kate Moss collection.  It wear well, doesn’t feather and comes in great colors.  My favorites are number 001 and number 008.  If you’re looking for her classic red, the only place I could find it is Target.

Also, don’t miss the Benefit Dandelion lip gloss and it’s pinky-coral hue or the Bite Beauty Lush Liptint in Orchard, a gorgeous dark pink.  In fact, if you are trying to get into lipstick, Bite has a lip kit with lots of great shades.  Keep the ones you want, give the rest to your friends.