Fashion & Beauty Queries: Vol. IV, No. Nine
Mar 14, 2017
Hi Belle,
With winter on the way out (or at least I thought so, pre-Stella), I am ready to scrub my skin and start spray tanning. Do your spray tan? Also, can you recommend a good scrub?
Loved the reading list today. Thanks for the help! LG
Sometimes I feel like the only woman alive who doesn’t spray tan, but I had a bad experience a few years ago (hives, no fun), and haven’t been back. Instead, I use the St. Tropez bronzing mousse when I need a bigtime pick me up. Or if I just want to tone down the post-winter whiteness, I love their gradual tanning body lotion. I see slightly sun-kissed skin in three to four days.
As for a scrub, I have you covered. This Origins Warm Down Scrub not only removes dry skin, it’s also great for sore muscles. I’ve been using it on my tired feet all winter, and the warming action (yes, it heats up) and the peppermint scent has really kept them looking nice. If you’re looking for an affordable option, I recommend making your own with this recipe.
Belle,
How do you store your winter clothes?
Thx, Abby
My wardrobe isn’t very big, so most of my clothes can be worn in any season. The only exceptions are a couple of sweater dresses, four or five sweaters, and a couple of coats. The coats I just leave in the back of the coat closet. The rest is stored under my bed.
I like these Neatfreak Under-Bed Storage Bags. They’re squishy enough to cram under a bed, but sturdy enough to put on a shelf. I also toss in a cedar sachet to make sure the bugs stay out. I also shine my boots (so they’re ready to go for next winter), and put rolled up magazines inside of them so they hold their shape. Then, I just tuck them into the back of the closet.
Belle/Abra,
My sister swears by New Balance sneakers for running errands, but is that look kind of over? I need some casual shoes for bopping around town but I do not want to be just another intern in Tory Burch Revas. Thoughts? Complaints?
>JP
I have a pair of white and gold New Balances that I like fine. However, if you want a fresher look, the retro sneaker thing is really in right now. I spotted a couple of paparazzi photos this week with celebs wearing the Adidas Gazelle from the old Run DMC days. Other options to think about include the Converse Pro sneakers and the Nike MD Runners.
Oh man, when I think of the Adidas Gazelle, it takes me back to my indoor soccer days. I rocked those on and off the field (with super baggy PacSun jeans, duh) for a good two years straight.
I’m surprised to hear you say your wardrobe is quite small. I’ve been considering a closet overhaul to achieve a “capsule-ish” selection but am concerned about losing my professional style options. Would love to see an inventory of your own wardrobe, or a curated post of currently in-store items that might make up your closet today.
+1 to this suggestion!
Adding my “+1” as well!
Belle, did I see The Curated Closet go by on your Instagram lately? Would love to know what you think!
I too was surprised that you said you had a smaller wardrobe. Most posts have a link or discussion of some clothing item you had to buy, or just bought. Not judging since you blog about fashion among other things…I would think you’d have a full closet or two! That said, curious what is going on–Do you donate/sell a lot with several purges a year in order to keep your wardrobe constantly fresh? Otherwise I’m not sure how there’s room for the new that inevitably comes in, so I would welcome a post on how you manage. Personally I have a full walk in closet and always feel like I’m going through it even though these days I don’t add that much new.
I have a firm one in, one out policy. I donate a lot and sell some. I also give clothes to friends.
I’ve been working on a piece about it. I just need to get some photos taken so I can finish it.
I bought a pair of grey suede sneakers for errand running / casual weekends a few months ago. A great purchase! I’m a runner but prefer to reserve my running shoes for serious workouts (also they are a pretty obnoxious shade of pink that is fun and motivating only when you’re running 10 miles at once, if anything is fun at that point). These are comfy and subtle yet stylish enough to wear through airports, walking the streets in Europe, etc. https://www.madewell.com/madewell_feature/LABELSWELOVE/saucony/PRDOVR~F6552/F6552.jsp?color_name=grey
Emily, you might like the book “The Curated Closet” and Anushka Reese and the closet workbook that is available on her website. One of the best fashion books I’ve read.
Will check out! Thanks for the recommendation!
For the person who was asking about storing winter clothes, you might consider doing some research about moths and how to avoid them (dryclean before storage, store in airtight container, air out each season etc). Once you get them, they are virtually impossible to get rid of and they eat the nice stuff (naturally). Been there, don’t ever want to go back. Good luck!
I live in an old house and have a terrible moth problem. They go for the nicest cashmere most of all. I’ve tried almost everything short of professional fumigation (which I might need do if I can board myself and my cats somewhere). Thumbs up to the advice on proper storage for moth avoidance. Anon, how did you solve your problem? Thank you.