Quick Fashion Queries: Vol. II, No. Two

Belle,

I read that you ordered a pair of Tieks but were planning on exchanging them for a new pair.  Did you exchange the Tieks for a new pair?  If so, what do you think?  Is the price justified by the comfort and fit?

Thanks, Sarah

Several years ago, Tieks offered me a discounted pair of flats.  I purchased them, and initially liked them quite a bit.  They were very cushy and fairly comfortable.

But the more I wore them/looked at them, the more I realized the fatal flaw: The Tiffany-blue sole.  It was so visible.  I found it distracting, and ultimately took a pass on buying another pair.

For a substitute, the Cole Haan Tali is a nice choice (you can also set up a sale alert on Shopstyle, so you’re alerted when the price drops).  If you’re looking for a rubber-soled ballet flat in a lower price point, these Hush Puppies flats are well-reviewed.  I know several people who buy these $17 Target flats and wear them til they fall apart.  For a slightly different style, a lot of bloggers are wearing these M.Gemi driving mocs instead of ballet flats.

Dear Belle, 

Can you help me find a spring coat that’s good for work and not a trench?  A huge ask but I’m, hoping you can help!

Ava

Not an easy task.  Trenches are the staple, regardless of what color or length you choose.  I wrote a similar post a few weeks back, but I think most of us were still thinking wool coats not spring jackets.  So here’s an updated version.

French Connection Drape ($148) // Glamorous Waffle Knit Coat ($88) // Halogen Textured Coat ($148) // cupcakes and cashmere Gwen Coat ($175)

The first coat is technically a trench, but it’s like the anti-hero trench.  No buttons, no sash.  If you like drape coats, this BB Dakota coat is like a deconstructed, loose-fit trench.

The other coats are good non-trench options.  I love the bright color of the Halogen car coat.  These collarless jackets are one of my favorite looks.  I would also consider this navy Ted Baker swing coat and this striped car coat from Anthro.

Plus-size? Try this texture weave coat from H&M.

Hi Belle,

Hoping you can help me find appropriate attire for a “beach chic” wedding on the Cape this summer. The trick is, I’ll be 28 weeks pregnant! Can you help me find something I can feel comfortable that can accommodate a growing belly?

Thanks! Katie

Obviously, this is not an area where I have first hand experience.  A puppy is all the commitment I can handle right now.  However, many of my friends have been in your shoes, and I was able to crowdsource some advice.

First, the suggested stores for buying maternity dresses were ASOS, Isabella Oliver, and (surprisingly) Shopbop.  Two of the consulted ladies talked about the wide variety of versatile jersey dresses, that apparently become essential the further along in your pregnancy you get.

Second, everyone mentioned two factors: temperature and time on your feet.  Be wary of man-made materials if you will be outside for several hours.  And be mindful that your feet will swell, so don’t wear new shoes.

As for dresses I liked, this Ingrid & Isabel dress in pink lace looks great.  From ASOS, this ruched midi dress looked like a good one for dressing up or down.  This ASOS dress in black with a lace yoke looks like it could be a great choice for any event.