Ask the Edit: Vol. IV, No. Thirty-One

We have “wild” wedding shoes, lightweight sweaters, a Dirty Thirties thank you, and more this week on Ask the Edit.  (Posting is a little light this week, as I am on the road helping my parents after my Dad broke both his arms in a bike accident.)  Let’s ask and answer.

Hi Abra,

I planned to wear a red ballgown to my upcoming wedding, but was talked into a more traditional dress. To compensate, I want to wear wild shoes. The dress is floor length, so no one will know but me. But I am having trouble finding sufficiently crazy heels that are not stilettos (not an option because the ceremony is on grass. Also, I always feel unsteady walking in stilettos). Any suggestions of wild shoes with a chunky heel or wedge? I am willing to spend up to $1000, but would prefer to keep it under $500. Thanks!

– Laura 

Of course, my first question was: How wild are we talking here?  This was a challenge, but let me show you (and everyone else) a few things in different price points.  I’ll try to go as wild as possible.

Around-$500, these silver, tapered Miu Miu heels with a flower accent are very unique.  And these gold Dolce & Gabbana heels are both studded and covered in crystal.

Under-$250, I like these pink, embellished Jessica Simpson mules.

Wild was tough.  My advice would be to keep an eye on The Outnet and The Real Real.  They do discounted designer, so maybe they’ll have something from the upper reaches in your size.

Dear Belle, 

I saw this L&S ad and was drawn to the sweater the model was wearing.  Lightweight sweaters and shorts are one of my favorite summer combinations.  Do you have any lightweight sweater recommendations? You did a piece about this topic back in 2016 and I was hoping for an update.  I’ve included the ad I referenced below.

Thanks!

So that looks like a linen sweater to me.  This Raglan Linen Pullover from Vince has a very similar look.  It also comes in ice blue.

Another option is J.Crew Factory; their Teddy cotton sweater.  As for their parent company J.Crew, I like this striped, side-button crewneck.  I think it’s preppy but cool.

On the pricier side, I thought this cashmere mesh BR sweater with a side-tie was pretty phenomenal.  Other than that, there wasn’t a ton available.  I think the summer sweater trend might be dormant for now.

Hello,

The floral dresses you’ve been posting are the best.  I am so into florals for summer.  But I’m an intern and you haven’t posted one that I feel was in my price range yet.  What do you have under-$75, but hopefully under-$50?

Liesl

I like this J.Crew navy floral dress at $70.  The print is more modern and subtle than most florals.  This Express midi-dress with floral print is also cute.  This Marks & Spencer yellow mix maxi is pretty fabulous.

Old Navy also has cute florals right now (also in petite and plus).  I like this black and white palm print dress.  This tropical print is also fun.

Plus-size?  This Glamorous floral belted dress is fun.  I also like this Boohoo Angel sleeve dress.  Maternity?  This cobalt Mamalicious dress is cute.

Hi Abra,

I have been using the Glopro and do like it but was wondering if you use the skin prep pads or if you have found/created your own dupe for this?

I do sterilize the glopro with alcohol and put some on my hands but I don’t really want to put an alcohol soaked cotton ball all over my face. The pads aren’t cheap- $35 for 30. I am so worried about spreading bacteria that I don’t want to skip that step. Appreciate your advice.

– Michelle 

Honestly, I don’t use the skin prep pads, and probably wouldn’t spend the money on them.  My advice would be to wash my face with an antibacterial wash with tea tree oil if you’re concerned about it.  If you intend to use the GloPro on your body, you could try these Herban Essentials towelettes.  They run about .90-cents a piece, but you can find them for less on Amazon.

Hi Abra,

I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your Dirty Thirties event last week.  It was the best thing I’ve been to in a long time.  When are you coming back?  All of my friends want to go!  

Katie

I’d like to get a date on the calendar for early August or early September.  I’ve been trying to figure out what will work best for people.  Hopefully, Hitha can join us again, if not, I’ll ask someone equally awesome.

I’m really glad people enjoyed the event.  One of the best things about it was listening to other women get into side conversations that were so supportive and kind.  It was just the best.

And special thanks to MM. LaFleur for hosting us.  Without their support and space, the event would never have happened.