Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No. 21

A reader needs wedding jewelry.  Another needs tops for work that cost under-$75.  What about shoe solutions for a standing desk?  These and other questions answered in this edition of Ask the Edit.

Hi Abra,

I am getting married in October and I’m trying to figure out what jewelry to wear. My instinct is to go with statement earrings and maybe a bracelet. Any suggestions? I would love to keep my total bridal jewelry budget under $300.

Thank you! DEH

I wish I knew a little more about your wedding or your dress.  Wedding jewelry is really about completing a look.  Maybe you want something elegant or romantic or modern or colorful, lots of options.  But let me choose a couple of pairings, and you can decide.

Romantic. This crystal and pearl Ben Amun bracelet is so pretty.  Pair it with these Ben Amun cluster earrings with pearl drops.

Simple Elegance. I adore these tiny BHLDN drop earrings with this coordinating bracelet.  The pieces have a slightly vintage feel.

Modern. These long, linear Adrianna Orsini earrings are just fabulous.  So unique and gorgeous.  And to really up the look, try Orsini’s decadent wave cuff bracelet.

If you’re feeling more avant garde, you can mix in a piece that’s beautiful, but more relaxed.  I like this Gingko leaf cuff from BHLDN.  I especially like that you could wear it to other occasions besides your wedding.

Hi Belle (no, I’m not giving up on calling you Belle),

I’m searching for a polka dot skirt.  My favorite dotted pencil is off the table post-baby.  I don’t care if they’re big dots or small, I just need some fun in my wardrobe this summer.  

Can’t wait for your speech this week!  Alyssa

I love a printed skirt, and dots are one of my favorite prints.  Like a simple stripe, it’s a great print for people who are afraid of prints.  It’s not too challenging, but it’s also not boring.

The first dot skirt I thought of was this Maeve Flounce Skirt ($118); it really doesn’t get more fun.  If you like pretty, this mint-colored Mango pleated skirt ($79) is not to be missed.  Prefer a pencil?  Surprisingly enough, the nicest looking one I found was at Walmart.

But, if I was buying for myself, this Boden Floaty Polka Dot skirt ($125) would be the only one for me.

Plus-size? I love this City Chic skirt.  Petite?  Talbot’s has a simple dot pencil skirt.

Dear Abra,

I work at a financial services firm with a business casual dress code, and we’re all lucky enough to have adjustable sit-to-stand desks. I like to stand as much as possible, but that presents the issue of shoes . . . .

I’m 5’2″ so I’d prefer to wear heels, but standing all day in heels is painful. Do you have any recommendations for comfortable wedges or flats that don’t make me look childish? I tried Cole Haan, but their quality hasn’t impressed me lately. I’d like to stay under $200-$250.

Thanks! -Lil’ K

I have two recommendations.  First, I would suggest that you buy a padded mat to stand on.  These anti-fatigue mats help your circulation and fight discomfort.  You can go for a basic anti-fatigue mat or a topographic mat that allows you to change your standing position.

My second recommendation would be to have a pair of “desk shoes” for those days when you want to wear high heels, but you don’t want to stand in them all day.  I love my Rothy’s for their comfort and their cushioned sole; so I would highly recommend those.

If you want something with lift, a Nine West Jessa wedge could be a good choice.  J.Crew Factory also makes nice wedge shoe.

Hi Abra,

Can you help a newly minted manager find some nice blouses that won’t bust my small pay bump?  I’m looking for sleeves, and I need to pay less than $75/$80 a top.  I’m just trying to dress nicer and it’s so hard on a budget.

Laurianne

Sing it, sister.  One of the toughest parts of dressing for a great job is not going broke while doing it.  So let’s see if I can find a few tops to help you look the part.

I know that we mostly stopped shopping at Express in the mid-aughts, but almost every top that made me say, “Oh, I like that one,” was from Express.  The top above ($39) would look amazing with jeans or with a pencil skirt or with a skinny trouser.  It also comes in several colors.  I also liked this tie-sleeve cotton blouse and I’m also into this square-neck puff-sleeve top for reasons defying explanation.

Other tops I loved:  This Topshop asymmetrical blouse; it’s a little kooky, but hip.  From LOFT, this split sleeve tee (trust me) and this cheery floral that will look great under a jacket.

Plus-size? This pipe-trimmed Alfani and I really adore yellow Modcloth v-neck.  Petite?  This dotted Topshop blouse and this NY&Co. bow blouse both caught my eye.

Hello,

My favorite lipstick was just discontinued.  Do you have a suggestion for something that lasts?  I hate to reapply every time I take a drink or eat something.

— Soya

When I need my lip color to stay put, I only wear Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lip.  I like the Lovecraft shade, it’s like a mauve pink.  What keeps me coming back to this product is that it’s long lasting, but doesn’t feel like a straight jacket for your lips.  It also comes in just a million colors.

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