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

We have a little bit of everything this week — from backpacks to groomsmen gifts to what to do with your hair when you sleep.  No question too big, no question too small.  You asked, I (or in this case, we) answered.

Belle,

I recently finished grad school and I am interviewing for government and/or government affairs positions in DC. What are your thoughts on blazer+dress or dress for interviews? I don’t know if I am hung up on an old idea that I have to wear a suit for interviews or if that is still the reality. For reference, I own this dress and I absolutely love it but I don’t know if it would be appropriate for an interview on its own.

Thanks for your help! MF

The dress you linked to isn’t quite right for an interview.  Fine for work, but just not quite formal enough for an interview.

So if you want to wear a dress and blazer, I think that’s fine for a government relations job.  But for an interview you want to keep it simple and sophisticated.  I would recommend a sleeveless sheath and coordinating jacket.  I like this combination for a professional, but vibrant look.

Lightweight Unlined Blazer ($209)

BR Birdseye Sheath Dress ($140)

The navy and pale periwinkle coordinate without matching.  Both pieces can be matched with others later on.  And both are in traditional, professional cuts and lengths.

You could also try a white blazer over a black dress or a dark grey blazer over a lighter grey dress.   Why not navy with navy or black with black?  Unless the pieces are the same brand and color, they often don’t match perfectly and that can look a bit haphazard.

Abra,

This might seem weird, but what do you do with your hair when you sleep?  My dermatologist says I need to keep it off my face because of the oils, but I have no idea how to accomplish that without damaging my hair with elastic bands.  And, of course, he’s no help because he’s a man, and bald.

Golde

Scrunchies.  This is the only reason they still exist.  They’re soft enough to tie up your hair without breakage.  Go with a high ponytail or loose bun.  Sometimes, if I’m on third day hair, I’ll pull my bangs back with an elastic headband.

Another option: good, old fashioned shower caps.  This turban style is pretty great.  I also like this palm leaf printed one.  For something under-$10, try this flamingo printed cap.  Now, are these the sexiest thing ever?  No, but neither is acne.

Hi Abra!

My fiance is looking for gift ideas for his groomsmen. (I already have my bridesmaids covered). I thought you (or Kyle!) might have some good ideas! Price range is $65-$100. Thanks so much!

– Victoria 

Hold on, tapping in Kyle.

I like the idea of getting them a gift box that contains a nice tie, a pocket square, and a pair of socks to wear to the wedding.  All of this is re-wearable.  (Ed. Note: Unlike bridesmaid dresses that we’re all promised we can wear again.)  A leather dopp kit like this one or this one is also a good option.

But the problem with giving a generic groomsmen gift is that every group of friends is different.  Are your friends golfers (monogrammed divot tools)?  Are your friends cigar smokers (cutters)?  You need to tailor the gift to your friends and something you like to do with your friends.  This is why most of the generic gifts suck.

One word of caution though: don’t give them booze unless you want them to drink it before the ceremony.  They will not wait.  They will not save it.  They will drink it.

Hi!

Wondering if you could help me find an affordable, work appropriate backpack? Never in my life did I think I’d be carrying a backpack to work, but I commute and have to carry my laptop and my shoulders were screaming enough is enough! But I’m having trouble finding something that doesn’t look like my high school backpack. Thank you!

– Susan 

We just had this question in our Community Group, so let me share some of their most popular suggestions.  I kept the suggestions under-$250.

Tumi Voyageur Backpack ($236)

Caraa x Athleta Backpack ($138)

Everlane Snap Backpack ($68)

Hi Abra,

Help! I picked up a lovely pair of Michael Kors loafers in dusty pink. They’re crazy comfortable and I wore them all over on a recent long vacation. Now that I’m back at work, I love how they compliment a navy outfit. But they squeak! They are SO loud.

Do you have any idea what I can do to make them office appropriate (aka: silent)?

Thank you so much! BN

To silence squeaky shoes, you first have to determine if it’s from moisture buildup (aka. sweat) or not.  Most moisture related squeaking can be fixed with baking powder and WD-40.  This article teaches you how to find and silence the squeak.

If you’re certain it’s not moisture, it’s probably air buildup under the heel or sole.  I had a pair of heels that squeaked non-stop; I took them to a cobbler and he reapplied the sole to cure the squeak.

Hi Abra,

You mentioned that you found a cream that reduces redness on an Insta Story.  I didn’t write down what the cream was, do you remember it?

Justina

When I don’t wear makeup, I wear Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment.  It’s a green cream that, when you apply it, turns a beige color.  It corrects redness and also heals acne and inflammation.  It’s the best solution I have ever found to covering a bad breakout when you don’t want to wear makeup.

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