Ask Belle Roundup Vol. IV, No. Twenty-One
May 12, 2014
Before we get started, today is Ebates 15th Birthday bash and they’re offering 15%-off the best retailers on the Internet. I’m talking Nordstrom, Sephora, Piperlime, Skinstore, and so many more. That’s a “sale” I can get behind. If you haven’t signed up for Ebates, definitely give them a try during this sale. If you shop online frequently, the savings really adds up.
Hi Belle,
Can you help me find a few short sleeve tops to wear with pencil skirts? Are t-shirts okay? I started my job at the state capitol in September and I’m clueless about how to dress for spring and summer. Thanx!
Liz
To answer your second question, if your office is more business casual than professional, t-shirts are okay. If you want to wear a nice, heavy t-shirt on casual Friday, that’s okay too. But, I think that might be a bit too casual for most offices. I like the Everlane v-neck tees and the Banana Republic Timeless crewneck tees.
For blouses, one of the best places to look is Lord & Taylor. I found this DKNYC blouse with a fun, feminine leather accent. I also like this Kenneth Cole blouse with sheer sleeves, and this simple Anne Klein blouse in black. They also carry petites and plus-size.
I also found this floral print blouse from French Connection. And if you need a v-neck look, this Pleione split-neck blouse comes in several colors and prints.
Dear Belle,
I bought this cobalt Tahari A-Line Dress. I love it, but I don’t know what necklace to wear with it. Any suggestions?
Love the blog! Sara
I love my Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant. It goes with everything and comes in gold or silver. I also found this stone necklace at Forever21, the teal would pair nicely with the dress. You can also try to choose an opposite shade like coral.
Belle,
I want to spice up my shoe wardrobe with prints. Can you suggest some printed pumps or flats that cost $100 or less? I’m so tired of wearing neutral shoes all the time.
Kaley
Sole Society has a fun shoe with a structured bow front. This Anne Klein pump also has a blurred, leopard print in grey, white and black. This floral print Ivanka Trump shoe is also cute and spring-y.
That ebates sale is amazing! Thanks for the recommendation!
Lurve the floral Ivanka Trump, but I can’t keep slingbacks on my feet. Any other suggestions?
Cut a strip of moleskin to fit the strap, it’ll keep them on, and you can replace it easily when it gets ratty.
Thank you! I’ve been hoarding things in my sephora cart for months.
For t’s to pair with pencil skirts, I’ve found that my Banana Republic Luxe-Touch Piped Tee in true navy to be very versatile and office appropriate. It still in stock online in the BR Canada store. Tucked into a pencil skirt or worn under a suit, they look business-casual appropriate.
any suggestions for t-shirts/blouses with a lower-cut neckline? i’m quite petite and narrow shouldered and i find that crew neck is not very flattering on me. thanks!
I’m petite as well as small-busted, and I love my Everlane v-neck tee. I actually ordered up a size (size Small when normally I wear XS or 0/2) because the color I wanted was sold out in XS and it fits perfectly with just the right amount of slouch.
Everlane’s silk blouses are also lovely but I wouldn’t say they have lower necklines… mine is mandarin-collar and has a very high cut, but maybe the pointed or rounded collar styles stay open better.
15% finally got me to sign up for ebates… I need low-heeled black wedges for graduation (held outdoors on grass and dirt) and often end up paying full price at Nordstrom since I have fussy feet and wear a very small size.