Hi Belle,

Love your blog! I’m always on the hunt for a good summer espadrille wedge. I’ve had a hard time finding the right shoe because I tend to think platform wedges look clunky and often aren’t appropriate for even more casual summer events at my law firm. Any recommendations would be so helpful!

-CC

These Lyndsay Espadrille Wedges ($119) is a nice option. Chaps espadrilles ($35) makes a canvas peep toe.  However, these slingback Land’s End espadrilles ($69) are easily my favorite option

Belle,

Coloring my hair has fried it.  You wrote something recently about a pre-wash treatment for damaged hair, but I can’t find it.  Can you remind me what you use to help your hair?

thx. Kim

I apply Olaplex to my hair once a week.  It reverses some of the damage done by chemical hair treatments.  I wouldn’t overuse it (because it will weigh your hair down), but it has nursed my hair back to health more than once.

Hi Belle/Abra

I saw in your suitcase post on Instagram you had packed a pair of Coach loafers. It got me curious as I don’t think I’ve ever seen you post an outfit with loafers on your blog. What do you wear loafers with? Ballet flats are slowly killing my feet so curious if you find loafers a good business casual alternative.

Thanks, DTC

I’ve had a surprising number of questions about those loafers.  They’re the Coach Frederica moccasin.  You can find them on Poshmark and eBay.  If you’re looking for something similar, try the Coach Arlene Moccasin or the M.Gemi Felize.

As for how to wear them, I usually wear them with jeans.  I don’t think they’re feminine enough to work with dresses.  But as a more comfortable alternative to ballet flats, I pair them with denim.

Belle,

My partner and I are expecting a baby at the end of October, and we’re very excited.  Unfortunately, this bundle of joy also came with a bundle of breakouts, and just when I can’t use any of the good acne meds.  Why must everything be bad for the baby?  Do you know of any acne treatments that are effective and safe for pregnant women?  My doctor basically told me to live with it, which stunk as an answer.

Please help, Diana

If you’re hunting for pregnancy-safe skincare, you should look into the Belli brand.  Several of my friends raved about their lactic acid face wash when they were pregnant.  For spot treatment, you can try properly diluted tea tree oil applied with a Q-tip.

Hello,

Do you know if they changed Zella leggings?  I own four pair (on your recommendation) and love them, but I bought a new pair last month, and they’re thinner and shiny.  If they have changed them, is there another brand you like?  

MG

I don’t know if they’ve changed them, but they offer a wide variety of styles now.  I like their Live In Leggings for the weekend.  For the gym, my favorite are the cropped Wunder Under leggings from Lululemon.  I was really surprised that I liked a crop legging, but these are a surprisingly flattering length.  If you want something affordable, I’ve heard good things about Victoria’s Secret Everywhere leggings.