Fall coats for date night, styling tips for olive jackets, the best, gentle exfoliators, and more…

Hey Abra,

Do you have any recommendations for fall coats for date night? I have a trench coat and a green surplus coat purchased based on your recommendations, but the former is too stuffy for weekend and the latter is too casual for dates. I love my wool coats but they are overkill for fall. Would love some date night suggestions. 

Thank you! – LS 

My first thought is collarless swing coat like this white one from ASOS or this black one with a bell sleeve.  Swing coats can shift between dressy and casual based on the rest of your attire.  I like to accent mine with bright enamel or sparkly brooches and pins.

For a fashion-forward option, try a coat with an embroidered sleeve. Or go for the classic choice with a leather jacket.  This Madewell moto jacket and this Tahari Skylar jacket are both nice.

Hi Abra,

Not sure how you feel about the mule trend but this is too good not to share.  I bought a pair of the Forever 21 mules a few weeks ago unsure what I thought about the trend.  The Forever 21 version is virtually identical to the Gucci pair.

Honore

If you like the look of mules, buy a pair.  They’re unabashedly trendy; I wouldn’t guess that they’ll still be hot next fall.  So make sure you buy a pair in an affordable price point that you like enough to keep wearing.

Even though I’m not in love with the trend, there are two other pairs I really like: These cute BP. bow mules and these slightly insane studded, floral Vince Camuto mules.  Because if you’re going to indulge in a trend, why not go all in?

Hello,

My skin needs regular exfoliation, but every scrub I’ve tried is way too harsh.  The Clarisonic wasn’t right for me either.  Can you recommend something that will take care of dead skin without killing my skin?  

Lara

You have two options: a product with AHA/BHA to exfoliate skin or an exfoliating mask.  Several readers swear by Paula’s Choice BHA Skin Perfecting liquid.  It was never tough enough for my skin, so I prefer Whish Renewing Mud Mask, it exfoliates and detoxes pores in one quick step.

Whichever product you choose, make sure you’re not overdoing it.  Everyone’s skin is different, so start out a couple of times per week and then, increase it if it’s not enough.

I am on the hunt for a winter-white trouser, preferably in a classic straight leg that hits the ankle (but not skin-tight!) so that they may be worn with flats or heels. Despite it now being fall, everything I’m finding is a white cotton crop. Any suggestions? Less than $100 would be ideal. Would love to see how you would style as well. Thanks in advance!

– Emily 

Try these Talbot’s pants in ivory.  Talbot’s has a few options in ivory, so they might be your best bet.  I also like these CeCe pull-on trousers in winter white.

Hi there!

Love the new layout of the blog. I have a quick question: I recently bought an olive green utility vest. What’s the best way to style it so that I don’t look like a fly fisherman?

Thanks! Meghan

The trick to wearing an olive jacket or vest is to play up the contrast between the casual, masculine topper and more feminine pieces.  I like to wear my Madewell olive jacket over embroidered chiffon tops or ruffle-accented sweaters.

The other option is to play up the utility of the jacket, and choose interesting pieces in the same vein.  For example, a chunky fisherman’s knit sweater.  Or add a plaid shirt in a dark color palette.

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