Ask Belle Roundup, Vol. IV, No. Thirty-Four

Belle,

I have fall on the brain and am on the hunt for a leather mini skirt. I’m thinking more like a fall-cozy-chic kinda vibe, not a tough biker vibe.Something warm-colored but I’m not feeling too picky. Have you seen anything out there? How would you style it?

Thanks! Kara

Leather skirts are going to be a big trend this fall.  I’m already seeing them on personal style blogs, so if women are wearing them in the August heat, they’ll certainly be wearing them when it cools down.

How much you want to spend on the skirt depends on how often you think you’ll wear it.  For me, finding something under-$100 would be best.

River Island High Waist Leather-Like Skirt ($60)

This River Island skirt comes in five colors from pale pink to chocolate-brown to black.  It’s a good choice for women who don’t want to spend much on this piece, but want to take advantage of the trend.

For a richer brown color, this Jucca pencil skirt is a great choice, it also comes in maroon.  This mid-thigh length pencil from Karen Kane would be fun for a night out, and it’s just $20.  I also like this flared, leather skirt from Nordstrom in a dark brown.

Prefer a black skirt?  I think the nicest one on the market is this perforated faux-leather pencil from Banana Republic.  It also comes in petite and tall sizes.  Plus-size? Try this midnight-navy skirt from DKNY.

Dear Belle,

This is a weird problem, but here it goes.  My underarm hair grows back very quickly.  Even if I wax, within two weeks, it’s all back.  Have you ever done laser hair removal?  I’m considering it.

If you haven’t maybe one of your readers can talk about it in the comments.

Eb

I have not done laser hair removal, but I know some readers have.  If you decide that is not how you want to go, Whish makes a towelette that you can use on your underarms to inhibit hair growth and deodorize.  It’s a great day to cut down on how frequently you need to shave your underarms.

Hey Belle,

I’m obsessed with the light pink “blush” color that’s popular right now. Do you think it will be a color that can go into the Fall and Winter? If so, could you find me some should bags/hobos and jackets in this color for under $150?  I’m not sure which items I’d use more.

Thank you! Jordan in Nashville

You can wear pale pinks with grey and black, so they’re a nice complement to the cold weather color palette.  They bring a little lightness to the rest of the wardrobe regardless of season.

If it’s a blazer you’re after, both Dorothy Perkins and Topshop have collarless, blush jackets on offer.  I also like this Club Monaco bomber jacket for something softer and slouchier.

Prefer a bag? This Express bowler bag has a classic shape and comes in four colors, including red and blush.  It’s a great choice for $60.  This Ivanka Trump shoulder bag has a cool, laser-cut look to it.  If it’s a hobo you’re after, this Kelsi Dagger bag is a good choice.

Dear Belle,

I recently started a new job at a boarding school that requires me to work after dinner. There is nothing in the town to eat so I want to bring my own food. Do you have any suggestions for lunchboxes that look professional enough to carry into work?

-A

I own one of these Good Lunch bags.  I like the simpler look.  One of my old co-workers carried a Built lunch bag and liked the durability of the Neoprene material.  I’m sure readers have other suggestions for you to look into as well.

Hi Belle,

Can you recommend a pair of leopard flats that won’t break my budget?  I love these Gianvito Rossi flats, but my junior lobbyist salary won’t allow it.  Love the blog!

Phoebe

Ah, leopard, my second favorite thing about fall, after tall boots.  I’m so glad that leopard is on trend for summer as well.

My favorite leopard flats are the B.P. Moveover pointy-toe flats.  The best part is that they’re under-$50.  These Steve Madden d’Orsay flats are also a good choice.  For a real bargain, try these under-$25 flats from Forever21.