Dear Belle,

I was on a flight to London last week and the woman in the seat next to me was wearing a poncho.  She looked so cozy and chic.  (I know, chic and poncho, but it worked.)  Can you help me find one that won’t make me look like a house?

Penny

I loved this e-mail.  Mostly because I harbor a semi-secret obsession with ponchos and capes.  If you choose one that isn’t horribly oversized, a poncho can be an unexpected and sophisticated topper.

Ann Taylor Cashmere Poncho ($198)

This poncho from Ann taylor drapes perfectly.  It’s not too full, but it has the loose poncho feel.  I also like this inexpensive Wallis poncho with a funnel neck and an interesting texture. Plus-size? Calvin Klein makes a great poncho that has sleeves and a buckle detail.

Hi Belle,

I colored my hair for the first time this summer and it is parched.  Do you have a favorite conditioner or hair mask?  

Thanks! Rebecca

One of the best things you can do for your hair is to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner every day.  For years, I thought I needed to use volumizing shampoo/conditioner to get the style I wanted.  The truth is, I needed to keep my hair moisturized for it to reach its full potential.  I like the Pureology Hydrate line.

As for a deep conditioner, this Briogio hair mask hydrates like a dream with avocado and argan oils.  I’ve also used the Ojon Dry Recovery mask, and that’s also a great product.  Need a drugstore option?  Try L’Oreal OleoTherapy Mask.

Hi Belle,

My September issues are full of funnel-neck sweaters.  I love the mod look, but I keep coming back to this Max Mara sweater that I cannot afford.  Can you help me find something for under-$150?  Preferably $125?

Love the blog! CC

This funnel neck sweater from Velvet has a great look to it and comes in a heather-oat color similar to the one you like.  This under-$20 sweater from Kohl’s is also a good option.  I’d style it with a long-sleeve shirt underneath.  Something in the same color palette would be nice.

Dear Belle,

Stiletto booties, yay or nay?  I was against them at first, but now I’m thinking they might be perfect for fall.  Can you help me find a semi-affordable pair (under $200) that aren’t sky high?  Three inches or so?

-K

When the ankle boot trend hit the pavement back in ’08, I was completely against them.  Then I saw these to-die-for Stella McCartney boots and realized that shoes must be judged on a case-by-case basis.  Unless we’re talking about Crocs, then they’re all bad.

The key to finding good-looking booties is to find the pair that work on your leg shape.  Booties are all about proportion.  I tried on about ten pairs before I found a pair that didn’t make my slightly short legs look stumpy.

Isola Pisces Boot ($129)

I tried these boots on and loved them.  The fact that they didn’t hug the ankle worked with my thinner calves and thicker thighs to create a nice proportion.  I also looked at these Vince Camuto Vala booties that hug under the ankle so they look more like a pump.  And if you’re looking for something affordable, try these suede, mid-heel booties from Victoria’s Secret.

Belle,

I saw a picture you posted on Instagram with the Misfit Shine.  Are you still using it?  Do you like it?

River

I bought the Misfit Shine activity monitor a few weeks ago and I love it.  It has a lower profile than my old FitBit.  It can be worn in the pool.  And it has a battery, so it doesn’t have to be charged.

I have the champagne color (I like the versatile metallic color).  I also bought a champagne-colored bracelet for a sleeker look.  I also really like the wine color for sale at Target.