Ask the Edit Vol. IV, No. Thirty-Two

The perfect ankle boots, non-blazer work jackets, Fenty beauty products, and what to get a great intern as a gift.  Let’s Ask the Edit.

Hi Abra,

I’m hoping you can help me with a bootie conundrum. I’ve been lusting over these Cole Haan booties since the summer, but because I had a lapse in judgment, didn’t buy them this summer, and now this color is sold out in my size everywhere. Any thoughts on similar booties?

I’ve been scouring the internet, and just can’t find something that I love as much as these.  No eBay, too many bad experiences.  Thanks! Jess

We all have that one item we didn’t buy that we wish we had.  My first suggestion would not be eBay, but Poshmark.  There are a number of the boots you’re looking for in several colors and sizes.

If you want to fall in love with another grey ankle boot, I found a few.  This Talia boot has a similar style sans buckles.  These Vinca Camuto Faythe boots are also similar.  But by far, the closest boot I found is this Louise et Cie boot.

Hi Abra,

I’m looking for some jackets to throw over outfits to take them up the next level of professional but not so stuffy as a blazer. Tweed jackets and things like that. I’m having a hard time finding one under $125 that isn’t cheap-looking or overly mumsy. I’m only 28 so I don’t to age myself too badly.

Thanks! JB

I think I understand what you’re looking for, so let’s dive right in.

This flared sleeve blazer from Mango is on-trend and professional.  This military-style jacket in navy from LOFT is also a nice piece.  This black piped tweed jacket is a pure classic.

Specialty sizes: Petite ladies, I like this long red topper.  Plus-size, WHBM now has a plus section, which features this silver velvet jacket.  Tall ladies, check out this fuschia cropped blazer from ASOS is cute.

Hi Belle,

I need a jacket to wear while running errands.  I liked the one you posted to your Insta-story about walking your dogs.  Can you tell me where you got it?

SC

I own this blush-pink Esprit jacket from ASOS.  You can save 20% with code OCTOBER.

Dear Abra,

Have you tried the Fenty beauty products?  Everyone is raving about them, but I think most of the beauty bloggers I follow got them for free.  I trust your recommendations so I’m hoping you have used them.  

Thanks, Lila

So I bought two Fenty Beauty by Rihanna products, largely because of the hype you mention.  I bought the Retouch Primer and the Match Stix highlighting/contouring trio.  I returned both products.

The primer gave me the shiniest, oiliest looking skin ever.  Two hours after wearing it, I looked like smeared coconut oil on top of it.  The Stix weren’t richly pigmented, so their color didn’t last more than a couple of hours.  They were also more shimmery than I was hoping.  Not impressed.

Hi Abra/Belle,

Can you suggest a good gift for my interns?  After three semesters of interns who showed up late and spent more time on Tinder than IQ mail, I got two great ones.  I almost feel like I’m tempting fate by saying it, but they were awesome.  My co-workers and I want to get them a little gift, under-$25 or so, can you suggest something?  They’re both women, if that matters.

Blake

The congressional bookstore sells bookends, those were the intern gift my office got for me.  You could also get them a House or Senate padfolio.  Both are fun, memorable gifts.

Another great idea is this brass pen that can be attached to a necklace or ID badge and worn around the neck ala Mad Men.  I also like this leather-bound notebook with a pen loop on the spine.  A nice picture frame or desk calendar also makes a great gift.  My last suggestion would be a coffee travel mug or a cool water bottle.

And, of course, you can get them the best gift of all, a great letter of recommendation and job referrals.

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