Ask Belle Roundup Vol. IV, No. Thirty
Jul 14, 2014
Hi Belle!
My sister-in-law is getting married and she would like the bridesmaids to wear black wedges since the wedding is outdoors. The dresses are knee-length satin a-line. The wedding is more casual and she wants something that we would be able to wear again. Everyone is on a tight budget, so something preferably under $75 would be great. Thanks!
Melanie
There are two choices you need to make: 1) sandal, open-toe or closed-toe, or 2) heel height. These Bandolino sandals are the ones I would choose. If you want open-toe, I would try these Nine West peep-toes. For closed-toe, these Calvin Klein Saxton wedge is as classic as you can get.
Dear Belle,
Can you recommend a natural remedy for acne? I struggle with blemishes on my chin, but I’m tired of pouring chemicals on them.
Thank you, Kate
I had reasonably good luck with the Burt’s Bees acne treatment, which is all-natural. For a face soap that also functions as a treatment, I like African Black Soap. I would also try Lucas Papaw Ointment, which is packed with fruit acids. It comes in a jar or tube. It’s also great for chapped lips and dry skin.
Hi Belle,
I love you blog, thank you so much for writing a blog that applies to the lives of women who don’t spend their whole lives baking cupcakes and organizing coffee table trays. I have a quick question: What’s you favorite nail polish color?
Love CHS! Annalise
What a Sophie’s Choice-type question! I will not choose! My favorite red is Essie Lollipop. My favorite berry is Essie Sure Shot. My favorite purple is NARS Tokaido Express. The best pink is OPI From Ears to Tail.
I just bought these wedges in nude/rose gold and they also come in black. I highly recommend them. They’re extremely comfortable and I feel like (or hope) they’d be Belle-approved!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CGCCL8/ref=twister_B00ADGPUC4
ooh those are adorable, great find!
Sharona, those are so cute!
One natural acne-fighter is aspirin. Just grind it into paste with a little water, and glob it onto the zit before bed. The salicylic acid will shrink the zit overnight.
For Melanie: I found these at DSW at the beginning of the summer and they’re very comfortable and a bit more on the casual side — https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/life-stride-radius-platform-wedge-sandals?ID=1290445&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google_Womens_Shoes_Adchemy_PLA-_-Women%27s+Shoes+-+7+-+PLA-_-45651184270_adc_pg_305_11102_52ff6b64e4b0c89c41d25c26_45651184270_c-_-_mkwid_17136570376USA|dc_45651184270%7C-%7C17136570376USA
I second the Bandolino sandals! I wore the metallic version for an outdoor wedding in Florida last November. The t-strap can easily be cut off if you are looking for a more open look. Also, look for them on sale – I purchased mine at Macy’s for $25.
I use Burt’s Bees blemish stick (similar to what Belle uses but it comes in a roller ball and it’s all herbal). With the exception of a few really stubborn ones, the herbal remedy usually gets rid of breakouts pretty quickly if I catch them early and use it twice a day.
For Kate: if your blemishes are primarily on your chin and/or jawline you may want to consider removing all dairy products from your diet for a couple of weeks to see if that improves matters. I don’t eat a lot of meat & relied heavily on skim milk, Greek yogurt, etc to get my protein in. My ob/gyn recommended cutting the dairy products & the improvement in my skin was dramatic! I still have the occasional breakout here and there but I’ve actually received compliments on my “glowing” skin.
Interesting! Specifically if it’s along your jawline? Any idea why?
Yes, specifically around my jawline, mouth & chin area. My doctor said exactly what commenter JD mentions below – it has to do with hormones. I thought ice cream would be the toughest thing to give up but I don’t even miss it. What I miss the most is cheese but I’ve found I can have goat cheese once in a while with no adverse reaction. It wasn’t easy at first but the improvement in my skin is so worth it!
Same exact experience here. Acne around the mouth and jawline tends to have a hormonal component, and for some women, there’s something about dairy products that triggers it, even if you only eat/drink the antibiotic-free, grass-fed, organic stuff.
I am having the same issue also. I did not have an acne issue until I hit 35 years old! This is a hormonal problem (I am estrogen dominant). I was using a medication (minocycline) from my physician and it caused side affects. I have been looking for an organic alternative and I found a supplement called Estroblock Triple Strength by the Delgado Protocol(it is a natural Estrogen Blocker). I have had success. Im not completely clear but I definitely see an improvement. Its worth researching…
Former Aus resident here – that Lucas papaw ointment is maybe 5$ a tube at any grocer in australia. I’m not sure if you can find it on amazon (I stock up when I’m there and put it on every scrape, chapped lip, etc.), but man, on it’s crazy expensive on Net-A-Porter. There’s gotta be a better way.
I picked some up on Amazon, I think I paid $9, but that retailer was sold out when I went back to get the link.
Cool – wasn’t criticizing your choice of links at all, just suggesting to would-be buyers to look around before automatically going with the net-a-porter one. Good luck with finals.
I use the Aztec Healing Red Clay I first read about here (https://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W) as a spot treatment and it’s AMAZING. I’ve put it on a few spots that felt like they were deep and painful (you know, the ones that are red but haven’t popped up yet, and you can tell they’re gonna be killers). I’ll mix the clay with water, plop it on a small area, and put a bandaid over it so I don’t get clay on my pillows. By the time I wake up, it’s disappeared. It’s crazy.
Try it with the apple cider vinegar (do not mix with metal spoon). It works even better.
I do that for a full mask, and it is awesome. For overnight though, I’d think it’d be too harsh.
While you may not like non-natural treatments, I have to say that I swear by Paula’s Choice products. I’m 48 and my acne seems to get worse with age! I had very few in my teen years. I blame the stress of my job.
Anyways – she has a line of regular strength and super strength. I got the stronger one and could have gone with the regular strength – that’s how good it works. I also will not be buying the facial cleaner again. It’s good, but I’m satisfied with my drugstore Cetaphil.
Ugh, hooray for adult acne.
Loved this.
https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/happy-20th-anniversary-from-your-acne
It’s not entirely natural, but I’ve been having really good luck with neutrogena naturals lately. No idea why, as their regular line does not work on my skin, but the naturals cream cleanser and the spot treatment have been working wonders.
I should add that I cannot use benzoil peroxide in any amount (makes my skin freak out), and I think the Burt’s bees has tea tree oil in it (I’m allergic).
Dear Belle – the maxi you wore on instagram today was one of the nicest for length and fit I’ve seen. Could you tell us more about it? when I went to the link it would not come through. Love the sleeves and the belted look.
What a snarky comment made by your reader towards(I’m guessing) women who don’t have prestigious careers. I have followed my husband all over the country because his career demands we move often in order to get promoted. I’ve raised 4 hardworking, respectful children while my husband works long hours and travels frequently. He provides beautifully for our family and I, in turn, make sure things are smooth on the home front. I’m not much for coffee tables, but I’ve baked my share of cupcakes. And I love your style, Belle.
I didn’t read it as a knock on moms, more a knock on the blogosphere that makes it seem like life is all crafts and cookies. And I say that as someone who loves to bake and craft. You browse through pinterest, and you think everyone has a picture perfect life filled with cutesy knick knacks and pallet furniture. Obviously, that’s painting with broad strokes, but I see the poster’s point that Belle appeals to an audience that isn’t reflected in a ton of blogs.
This is what I got from that too. That it was more of a knock on other bloggers who who reorganize and redecorate their bar carts twice a month and call it fresh content. I’ve mentioned it’s one of my pet peeves before.
Clearly you’ve not read Sophie’s Choice.
I’ve seen the film. Don’t read too much into it. It’s a joke. Obviously nail polish is not children.