Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No. Two

Lined pants, stores for plus-size readers, spot-treatments for acne, and more.  You had questions, I have answers.  Let’s Ask the Edit.

Hi Abra,

I’ve been a big fan for 6 years now! I moved from Washington, DC to a much less formal setting in CA. I went from suits every day to pretty much an “anything goes” environment. I prefer to stay dressier and like to wear dress slacks, a nice shirt, and a sweater of some sort. I’m on the hunt for fully lined ankle pants to wear with loafers. It seems most of my normal retailers have decided to go away from making lined pants.

Any help? LT

When looking for fully lined pants, think about where your great aunt would shop.  Talbot’s slim ankle pant is fully lined and comes in new colors every season.  Talbot’s Chatham ankle pant also comes in a wide range of colors.  They also come in plus-size and petite sizes.

Other stores carry fully lined pants, but not as consistently.  Anne Klein is a brand that usually lines its professional pants.  These ankle-length suit pants are lined.  Boden occasionally offers lined pants, like this dotted pair.  Banana Republic also offers lined pants, but they don’t currently have any ankle pants that are lined.

Hi Abra,

You’re the only straight size blogger I follow because you’re the only one who doesn’t pretend that women who wear plus sized clothing don’t exist.  Where do you look for plus sizes?  I feel like I’m only shopping at Nordstrom and Lane Bryant, and I’m stuck in a rut.

Paula

When I’m hunting for plus-size clothing, I’m looking for something that I would buy.  I can’t fully understand the challenges of dressing your body type, but I can pick the same stylish items I’d choose for myself.  There are a few retailers that function as go-tos for me.

Eloquii has on-trend, chic pieces.  This puff-sleeve shift, for example.  I’d buy that for myself, right now.  Violeta from Mango runs sizes 10-22, so it’s not truly plus-size, but has really cute things.  ASOS Curve is another place I like to shop, mostly because they carry the same clothing as the misses dept. in many cases.  Also, LOFT is opening a plus-size shop next month, so that’ll be a nice option when it opens.

Hello,

My skin is usually pretty clear, but around my period, watch out.  I usually get one or two huge zits on my chin or cheek and it’s annoying.  Do you use a spot treatment for your acne that you like?  I’ve tried every over the counter the Duane Reade offers, and nothing.

Please help. AL

Because I suffer from moderate acne, a spot treatment would basically be useless to me.  However, I do have one recommendation.  CosRx Acne Pimple Patches.  The patches draw the impurities and sebum out of the blemish while you sleep.  Two or three nights and most of my larger spots are flattened.

CosRX has, by far, the best acne products on the market.  Their Whitehead Power Liquid and Blackhead Power Liquid are both great products.  I use their one-step Pimple Clear Pads on my chest and shoulders if I have body acne.

My flats that I wear barefoot – slip on sneakers and ballet flats – are starting to smell. I am in need of a deodorizing spray to fight the bacteria and unpleasant odor. I hate slipping my clean feet into stinky shoes in the morning – or worse, taking them off for a pedicure or at a friends house and realizing that my feet now stink too. Do you have a product recommendation?

Thank you! AGB

The simplest way to deodorize your shoes is with a vodka/water dilution.  For some reason, cheaper vodkas work better.  Just mix it up in a spray bottle and keep it by the door.  It works better than any retail product that I’ve tried.

Belle,

What do you wear over your workout tops?  I want something I can just pull on after yoga but not look schlubby.  Not a zip up, but something sporty.

Sincerely, Stacie

It depends on the type of workout I’m doing.  If I’m just going to yoga, I won’t sweat much so a wrap-style like this Athleta Studio Wrap works.  I also like the sweatshirts they make; they’re way to chic for their own good.

Old Navy makes some nice pieces.  This Moto Jacket style is a good option.  I also like their star-print 1/4 zip pullover.  And, of course, there’s always a puffer vest.

Hi Abra,

What handbag would you use when it’s so cold that a wool coat won’t cut it, and you have to resort to wearing a heavy duty parka? My usual leather handbags look odd when paired with Canada Goose and its ilk. Any suggestions?

– Evie 

My leather satchel looks odd with my winter parka as well, but I don’t know that it can be helped.  It’s cold, I need to be warm.  Sacrifices have to be made.

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