Fashion & Beauty Queries: Vol. IV, No. Five

Hi Belle,
I recently started a new job in a casual office, meaning jeans everyday is the norm.  I feel like I wear sweaters and booties everyday, and am getting bored.  I guess I am looking for some shirts to change things up.  Any suggestions?  Tall sizes, please.

-Ashley

I would start by extending the pieces you already have.  In other words, layer up.

I love this long, olive vest from Club Monaco.  For something less expensive, try this $50 Romeo & Juliet vest.  If olive isn’t your thing, try this navy vest from Sugarlips.

Another option is a leather jacket, like this white funnel neck one from Nordstrom.  Or pick up this BB Dakota classic with a shawl collar.  Need a tall option?  Try this Muu Baa jacket.

If you want new pieces, I would look into some casual dresses.  I like this cocoon sweatshirt dress from Anthropologie.  This funnel neck chunky sweaterdress would look great with leggings and this Gorjana pendant necklace.  In tall sizes, this simple, black swing dress is perfect for layering.

Hi Belle,

My navy pencil skirt is on its last legs.  I want to buy two new ones to replace it, a basic one and something cooler than that.  Any suggestions for either skirt? I’d prefer something in the $150 or less range.

Good luck on the bar! Amy

Let’s start with the “cool” skirt.  This Iris & Ink skirt has a fluted hem midi-skirt that’s pretty fun.  Antonio Melani has a similar look that’s knee-length.  I also like this Kobi Halperin wrap-front skirt with a bow-belt accent.

For the basic one, you can’t go wrong with the Ann Taylor Seasonless Pencil Skirt.  And I’ve always been a big fan of the T Tahari pencil skirts for their simple fit and affordable price.

Plus-size?  This Calvin Klein pencil skirt is a good basic.  For something a little different, try this Briggs gored skirt that has a bit of flare to it.  Petite?  Try the Ann Taylor pencil, and this BR layered-pleated skirt.

Hi Belle,
I am looking for cute, inexpensive and warm loungewear pants. I am always cold and usually wear unflattering fleece leggings. Zella’s live in leggings are not warm enough for me. Please help! Thanks. Good luck with the bar exam!  – JL

These Make + Model track pants are like a sleek pair of sweatpants.  They might work.  Also, these Topshop velvet joggers don’t have the saggy rear-view that so many joggers give you.

If you want to stick with leggings, I would recommend Uniqlo Heattech leggings.  They’re super affordable, and lined with fleece to give you a warm base layer.  I bought a pair for skiing (not that I’ve seen a run all winter thanks to the bar!).  Athleta also makes a PolarTec Line that’s specifically meant for winter runners; I would give that a look, too.

Hi Belle,

I will be making a trip to Florida with the boyfriend to visit his parents in March. They live close to the beach and spend a lot of time there, so we will be doing the same. I’m excited, but I’ve only met them a handful of times and the thought of wearing a swimsuit around them is a little stressful. Any tips for places to buy a well-made swimsuit? I’m a curvy girl, so want to make sure I’m keeping my assets up top and bottom in check!

Thank you! Erin

Swimwear is so hard to find.  My only recommendation would be to order a bunch of suits from Shopbop or Zappos and try them all on in the comfort of your home.  Instead, let me recommend a fantastic cover up.

For Cuba, I bought this long, white coverup from LOFT, and it was the buy of the trip.  Perfectly beachy, but also pretty and functional.  Sadly, it’s sold out, but this Skin Skin caftan and this OdlR cotton caftan look similar.  I also love this Natori kimono sleeve caftan from Nordstrom rack in grey.  And this Ellen Tracy printed caftan for $39 is pretty cute, too.

I prefer the long caftan to a short cover-up because you can wear it anywhere.  As long as it’s not super sheer, you’re covered up enough, but still dressed for the beach.  You can wear it to a casual lunch or to run a quick errand.  It’s definitely a poolside, beach staple for me.