From skincare recommendations to classic watches, this issue has a little bit of everything.  It’s time for another round of Ask the Edit.

Hi there,

Thank you for continuing to be the “blog” on the internet. I hope through your thoroughly reviewed and honest commentary. Along those lines, I have a question.

What are your feelings on the Sunday Riley, SKII, SkinCeuticals, etc. lines of skincare? I haven’t seen you do too many reviews from these items.

Thanks! Sarah

Sunday Riley products don’t work well for me.  I’ve tried several of their product lines and I always wind up with more acne.  But I know some ladies who swear by them, depends on your skin type.

I’ve used the SK-II Treatment Essence and Overnight Miracle Mask.  The Essence is a great product, it just doesn’t fit into my pared down skincare routine.  The Miracle Masks are the perfect thing to take on trips when you won’t be sleeping much.  They’re nourishing, but not heavy.  They’re also great for when your skin needs a boost before a big event.

I used Skinceuticals CE Ferulic for a while to treat dark spots and brighten my skin.  It’s a good product, I get a similar effect from Aphorism’s Clear Sailing oil, which I can use at night.

Other skincare lines I’ve used and loved are Ole Henriksen (Truth Serum, Cold Plasma Mask) and IS Clinical (Active Serum).  For a more affordable option, The Ordinary makes a great products at reduced prices.  I like their Lactic Acid serum, Buffet serum with copper peptides (for anti-aging), and Alpha Arbutin (for dark spots).

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know I threw the glasses in my amazon cart the other morning, then got distracted. When I went back the price had dropped to $35!

Alyson 

I recently purchased a pair of Obsidian sunglasses from Amazon and posted them to Instagram stories.  They’re a great buy at $99, and an even more amazing buy at $35.  They make several more pairs including these great oversized frames.

Hi Abra!

I have a bag search challenge for you. I am going on a work trip with a very high-ranking boss (I mention that because it is important I am as polished as possible) to some countries that are, let’s just say, not garden states. I am in search of a new purse (work tote) in a neutral color–anything but black–that does not have loud/obvious branding shouting “please steal me!” Would prefer real leather and a zip top, but open to your best findings — ideally under $200. Thank you!

– Maria 

This Rebecca Minkoff Bree satchel is on sale for $198; it’s a cool bag, but there’s no obvious branding.  This Cole Haan tote is another great option.  And this pale grey Milly Astor tote is a great buy at $159.

Looking for something under-$100?  This Moda Luxe Ryder Satchel is an interesting bag with some cool details.  For a vegan option, Matt & Nat makes some incredibly sleek, simple bags out of cruelty-free materials.

But if this was for me, I would pick up this pale sand Celine Dion (yes, that one) Grazioso leather satchel for $69.  Also in black for $89.

Hi Abra:

What do you think about wearing white after Labor Day? I’m in Southern California and it is hot here until December. Thanks!

– Cindi 

There are no rules.  White shoes, white jeans, white dresses, it seems everything is acceptable at any time of the year.  We’ve been slowly whittling away at such conventions, and once white ankle boots became acceptable in December, there was no going back.

If you’re looking for tips on how to wear white jeans in cold weather, I love this Zoe Saldana look from a few years ago.

Hi Abra,

I am a big fan of the blog (all the way from Belgium). I have my birthday next month and would like to treat myself to a nice classic watch. Something in the $2000-3000 price range. I am thinking of a Hermes Heure H, but would love to see if you have any other recommendations.

Anon

A+ on the self-gifting.  I prefer the Hermes Cape Cod watch to the classic Heure H.  It’s slightly sportier.  But both are excellent choices.

For the ultimate classic, the Cartier Tank was worn by everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Princess Di (I believe Meghan Markle now wears one).  It’s a choice that no one can quibble with.

For myself, I’d choose the Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger watch.  Jean Schlumberger is an inside baseball fashion icon who designed for all of the iconic American actresses and socialites of the middle-20th century.  Plus, the locking mechanism on the watch is just the coolest.

Looking in an under-$750 category?  I like my Philip Stein watch.  You can often find this brand at Nordstrom Rack and similar stores for under-$500.  Their Classic Square watch is $350.

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