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

On this week’s Ask the Edit metallic nail polish, riding boots that last, casual dresses for Christmas parties, de-puffing your face, and more…

Hi Abra-

I’m a longtime reader of your blog and finally decided to pull the trigger and ask for help! I keep buying relatively affordable (~$150) riding boots to wear during the winter months in DC which end up lasting one season before they start looking scuffed and need to be replaced.

Do you have any recommendations for quality, supportive riding boots? I’d be willing to pay more for longer lasting boots. I’ve looked at some “comfort” options but most of those boots aren’t as stylish as I would hope they’d be. I also usually end up having to buy wide calf boots which further limits my selection. Thanks for your help!

– Emily 

You really can’t go wrong with a pair of Frye boots.  You can find discounted pairs like these Lindsay riding boots in black or these Melissa boots in brown.  Frye’s are well-known for their quality, and that as they age they usually end up looking better than they did new.

Another brand I’ve heard good things about is Aquatalia.  Their Geneva boots have a simple, chic look to them.  M.Gemi also has a wonderful Stalla Boot with a buckle detail.  Cole Haan also makes a nice boot.  I own a couple of pairs of their shoes and they’re quite comfy.

To keep your boots looking lovely longer, use Jason Markk’s water and stain repellent.  I also like his quick wipes for an easy cleanup after a slushy commute.  Those products and regular shines should help preserve them beyond a single season.

Abra,

My brother’s Christmas party is a semi-casual affair but a BIG deal.  I need a cool dress that says “I just threw this amazing thing on and gave it no thought.”  What do you have?  

Thank you, Kath

I own this burgundy Theory panel sweater dress and it is incredible in person with high-heeled tall boots.  I know, they picture doesn’t look that great, but in person, whoa.  The swingy skirt and seamed bodice is very slimming.  I bought this dress because the second I put it on, I felt impossibly thin.  It also comes in black.

I also love this MM LaFleur Tina Dress that is flattering and Christmas-y in a holiday red.  I’ve posted this ivory BB Dakota sweater dress before, but it’s worth mentioning again.  Black tights, black boots, and a wonderfully relaxed updo will make it shine.  Other great options include this Eliza J fit and flare in green and this rose gold Leith sweater dress.

Plus-size?  I love this flounce sleeve crepe sheath from Talbots and this Adrianna Papell knit sheath.

Hi Belle,

I am on my second attempt at lash extensions. My first try of a full set drove me nuts and I went home and trimmed them as they were so obvious. I am now trying a partial set which looks better but still took too long to have applied, at least for my busy schedule.

Is there a way to apply half lashes at home?  I’ve tried MAC lashes and they look great but I worry about damaging my lashes when I remove them.

Have loved your blog for the past 4 years.  Judy

I tried lash extensions once, and I was amazed at how long they took to apply.  I don’t have a whole morning to lay, unmoving having lashes glued on.  No thanks.

If you’re concerned about damaging your lashes, follow the Bustle’s advice.  They lay out how to apply them and remove them to minimize damage to your real lashes.

MAC makes great lashes, but just as important as the lashes, is the glue.  I like the Duo glue with the brush on applicator.  It’s easier to apply than many formulas I’ve tried.  After the glue, you need the right tutorial.  I trust Lisa Eldridge’s advice implicitly.

Personally, I’m going to start using Latisse in the New Year to try to grow my own lashes.  My friend who writes The Escape feature, Sarah, uses it and her lashes look amazing.

Hello,

My lobbying job involves lots of late night parties this holiday and it’s showing on my face.  How do I depuff my eyes and face?  Especially my eyes.  Everything feels swollen.  It’s gross. 

Please help. Lia

First, drink water and try to avoid salt.  If you’re not getting much sleep, and your imbibing regularly, you need to hydrate and cut out as much sodium as possible.

Second, no product de-puffs like Preparation H.  Many skincare brands sell expensive eye creams to take the puff out, but this still works the best.  I like the formula with aloe; it’s soothing.

To depuff your whole face, there is nothing better than a jade roller.  I’ve been using one of these for years, and it’s now becoming the thing.  This Shiffa roller is the gold standard, but you can find a good one on Amazon for less.

Byrdie has a tutorial on how to use your roller to reduce swelling in your face.  I also recommend keeping it in the fridge for extra cooling.

Belle,

Do you have a favorite metallic nail polish?  I think I want to wear sparkle instead of red this Christmas.

Caitlyn

Penny Talk from Essie is a great coppery polish.  My favorite gold is Glitzerland from OPI.  If you prefer a glitter polish, I use this Smith & Cult as an accent.  Silver isn’t my favorite, but I sometimes wear a sparkly charcoal/pewter like this OPI Lucerne-tainly.

Hi Abra,

I’m super allergic to most earrings. I’ve found 14k gold is the only material I’ve been able to wear without irritation. Last year I invested in a pair of gold bars with tiny diamonds, and a pair of double gold bars that crawl along my earlobe a bit. I like both, but sometimes I want to wear JEWELRY! I get so jealous of tassel earrings and ear crawlers.

I bought these and wore them to a wedding, felt fabulous, and then had to take them off after an hour or so. Can you find me some fashionable earrings that have gold or surgical steel posts and don’t cost $500?

Thanks for what you do, I love reading your blog every day. EM

Baublebar says that these Amadea earrings have surgical steel posts.  In fact, many of their styles seem to be made with surgical steel.  I like these Anastasia earrings the best.

For 14k gold, these stylish Freida Rothman drops come in at an acceptable $87.  These lapis and gold earrings are pricier at $317, but very beautiful.  For something trendy, try these Rebecca Minkoff tassel chandelier earrings.

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