Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No. Four

We have a great Ask the Edit this week.  Can you wear Loboutins to work?  Also, weekend cardigans, wallets that double as clutches, under-$100 flats, and more.  Let’s answer some reader questions.

Hi Belle!

I love the envelope clutch/wallet that appears in so many of your instagram photos! Where is it from? If it’s not available anymore, do you have any suggestions for something similar that can serve both functions? Thanks so much!

– Nadine 

That beige clutch was a gift several Christmases ago, and it has paid for itself 100x over.  I use it to hold cash and the card case that holds my debit card and license.  It also doubles as a clutch, so it’s a multi-tasker that goes with everything in my wardrobe.

Rebecca Minkoff makes a similar clutch in both gold and in beige.  This pale grey Halogen clutch ($45) would work nicely.  For something in beige, try this Sole Society clutch or this Ann Taylor clutch.

Abra,

I need a weekend cardigan.  A Olivia Pope wine-drinking cardigan.  Something with weight, with a cozy look.  What have you got?  Everything I find is either cheap cheaply made or $400.

Tucker

The first cardi that came to my mind was this Patagonia cardigan.  It’s made of recycled materials, super soft, and has a cool texture.  I own it and I recommend it for warmth and coziness.

For that Olivia Pope look, you want a shawl cardigan style.  This AllSaints cardigan is a bit pricey, but it is gorgeous.  This Love Scarlett cardigan looks shockingly cozy with a cocoon shape.  This Calvin Klein cardigan has a smoother fabric, but a great look.  Plus-size?  Try this Neiman Marcus cascade cardigan.

Other options?  This rib trim pocket cardigan from LOFT does double duty for work and weekend.  And I love the outdoorsy feel of this LL Bean cardigan.

Hi Belle,

I want to update my shoe wardrobe and was looking for leopard print flats and a pair of red flats. Any recommendations under $100? I prefer pointed toe flats.

Thank you! -MK

Leopard Flats. These Sam Edelman Rodney flat has a lovely shape to it.  I also like these Karl Lagerfeld flats because they’re patent leather instead of calf hair.  If you want a round toe flat, these Audrey Brooke flats are nice (also in wide widths).

Red Flats. These Jack Rogers flats have unique details.  These classic ballet flats have a bit of Parisian chic.  These Kate Spade flats are on sale at Gilt; I adore the bows.  For something truly affordable, try these $20 A New Day flats (also in wide widths).

Everyone out in Silicon Valley raves about the most comfortable shoes – the allbirds. Granted it is a much more casual environ than dc, but have you tried these out as a weekend shoe? Do you know anyone with any experience in wearing these?

-Anonymous

I haven’t tried Allbirds.  They’re not really my style, but maybe some other readers have.  I’m intrigued by their Wool Loungers for travel, so if anyone has any reviews, please share.

Abra,

Can you recommend a great deal on a winter to coat?  Or just where to look for one?  It’s the end of season, and I don’t want to miss a good deal.

Bonnie R.

Girl, I like the way you think.  My top coat picks from the sale table are this blue Michael Kors officers’ coat,  this London Fog trench in olive, and this gorgeous 60%-off Rag and Bone coat.

J.Crew always has great sales on coats, and they often have promo codes that offer additional savings.  I bought a grey cashmere coat for $79 a few years ago and it’s one of my best purchases.  The sizes are a little thin, but if you catch one, you’ll get a great bargain.

Lastly, Nordstrom.  They have hundreds of coats, most of them 33% off or more.  Sort by size and hunt for the right coat for you.  This Tahari coat is a great option, as is this Calvin Klein.

Hi Abra,

I have a question – do you think it’s inappropriate to wear Louboutins to work as a junior staffer on the Hill? I bought these shoes when I was in undergrad after saving for months at my retail job. I’ve only worn them to work once and no one commented, but I still wondered if it would be seen as inappropriate or something. Thank you for your time!

– Laura 

First, it depends on which style of Louboutins.  The platform front heels skirt (and in some offices cross) the line of what is work appropriate.  But there are many other styles, like the Simple 85s, that are perfectly appropriate.

Second, I think your question tilts more as to whether it is okay for a staffer earning <$50k to wear a $700 pair of shoes.  On the one hand, shoes don’t typically have the visibility that a bag does; so your Louboutins are more likely to go unnoticed than a Louis Vuitton bag would be.  On the other hand, because you work for a Member of Congress, you have to worry about how a taxpayer seeing a pricey pair of pumps on a legislative aide would feel.

So here’s my advice: In most offices, it’s no problem.  In others, they might be wary.  In my office, I would have asked one of the well-dressed senior women above me for their thoughts.  But, if there’s no one to ask,  I’d keep wearing them until someone tells me otherwise.  However, I wouldn’t wear them back in the district, and I’d be wary of wearing them to constituent meetings.

That being said, good for you for saving up for a pair.  You worked hard for them.  Enjoy them.

{image found here; this post contains affiliate links that generate commission for the author}