Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No 13.

Hey Abra,

I’ve spent the last two years working from home and recently took a new job that will put me back in an office. My work top selection is minimal at best. Looking for suggestions under $100. Thanks!

– Kasey

Transitioning back to work is tough when your work wardrobe has been on a shelf for a few years.  I’d recommend starting with the basics.  This black Madewell crepe tee or this DR2 double v-neck top are both nice.  This long sleeve Kenneth Cole blouse is also lovely.  I also love this NYDJ pleat-back blouse.

Just looking for some retailers to visit?  I would start with Mango, Banana Republic, and Dillards.  Start with classic shapes until you build up a nice stable, and then add in some different tops.  I recommend this dotted, side-tie blouse from Talbot’s.

Plus-size? Try this modern Foxcroft blouse or this fun Audrey floral blouse.

Hello!

I’ve been loving your blog since I started reading 6ish months ago – I’m a relatively new reader!

I’m the maid of honor in a June wedding with Mix and Match bridesmaid dresses. I was ready to go with my assigned color of pale pink, but the two dresses (check the links) I tried out from Bloomingdales first were horrible. I need something above the knee, without tulle or lace, that isn’t bodycon. Where would you recommend I look, and what do you think would work? I can spend up to $200~ ish.

THANK YOU
Anonymous Assigned Pale Pink Bridesmaid

No lace and no tulle.  I didn’t realize that would be such a challenge, but let’s see what we can find.

My number one choice was this Betsey Johnson faux-wrap halter.  I like this simple, square-necked Nookie dress (to avoid a body-con look, size up and tailor).  I also like this Adelyn Rae dress if you’re looking for something with sleeves.  Plus-size? Try this Rachel Roy dress or this Adrianna Papell beaded dress.

Hi!

Any suggestions for light to medium weight jackets? I live in Michigan so it won’t warm up for a bit, but I need something fresh to layer. I’m a jeans and a nice t-shirt girl but I need something to elevate it. Thanks!

– Carrie 

Right now, leather/moto jackets and bomber jackets are the trendy choices.  These BlankNYC jackets are very popular.  I really like this quilted Ralph Lauren jacket that blends classic chic with modern style.  For a more relaxed look, try a field jacket like this Nordstrom jacket or this LL Bean jacket.

When choosing a jacket, look at your lifestyle and chose accordingly.  I wear more professional attire, so I chose a trench and a moto jacket that fit with those pieces.  If you’re more relaxed choose a cooler, edgier jacket.

Belle –

I’ve never had spray tan before and I’m considering getting one for a big beach vacation coming up. I’m very pale! Do you have any dos and don’ts for spray tans? Thanks!

– Jessica 

Many years ago, I worked at a tanning salon to make ends meet while I was on the Hill.  So yes, I have many spray-tan tips.

First, a spray booth (like Mystic) works well, but the best spray tans are applied by someone wielding an airbrush gun.  But I know those can be a bit expensive and tougher to find, so a booth will usually do fine.

Second, exfoliate prior to your appointment.  Get some buffing gloves and body scrub and hit the showers.  You’ll also want to shave.  But don’t go to the salon freshly showered.  You want to give 6-8 hours between shower and arrival.

Third, make sure to wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment and remove deodorant before you step into the booth.  You don’t want anything to ruin your new tan.

Lastly, don’t take hot showers or use oil based lotions post-tan.  Both will cause your tan to wear off more quickly.

Just bought the Ann Taylor polka dot dress you posted a week or so ago (yay sales!)…and realized I’m not sure what shoes to wear with it. Thoughts?

– Emily 

I still love that dress. I wore mine with a simple skin tone pump.  If you want a more conservative look, try a navy pump.  The dress is really lovely on its own, so the simpler the shoe, the better.

Hi Belle,

Thanks for the great blog – it’s a hint of sanity!

I am going to Hawaii and I am looking for a good hat to wear while I’m there, preferably one that blocks harmful rays. I have struggled to find good, cute hats that prevent skin cancer. Any style is fine, but the more sun blockage area, the better!

Thanks! Theresa

Unless you want to carry your hat onto the plane with you, I recommend buying something packable.  This Land’s End straw visor is a nice option.  This wide Tory Burch hat is very chic and collapses to fit into a suitcase.  I also like this Sancho hat with a metallic accent.  For something under-$25, try this Sonoma hat.

Abra,

I’m stumped on a gift and hoping you can provide some insight. My roommate of nearly 4 years is leaving for law school on the West Coast. I want to get her something special to celebrate our friendship and support her taking this big next step in her career. For the past few years, she’s asked her family to get her a calligraphy set for Christmas ad they’ve never delivered so I was thinking of getting her that.  Otherwise, I was thinking maybe a nice ring or other jewelry? But since you also left the DC area for law school out West, I’m wondering if you had any suggestions?

Maggie

If she’s been asking for a calligraphy set, then that would be a nice gift.  She won’t have much chill time in her first year, but when she does, that might be a great distraction.

For a gift that most law students will use, I’d recommend either something useful or something comforting. My first semester of law school was one of the most difficult times in my life (for a lot of reasons).  I felt a bit like I was riding a dragon, blindfolded.  A cozy pair of slippers, a faux fur blanket, a sound machine — anything to help relax — would have helped me.  As for useful gifts, try a leather notebook, this tech Commute Clutch, a Cuyana travel case set.

If none of these gifts appeal to you, my advice would be to save your money to go visit her.  When you sgo off to school as an adult, you leave a lot behind.  It takes a long time to feel like you’re settled, and visits from friends really ease the loneliness.

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