Ask the Edit: Vol. 5, No. Thirty-Two

Happy Friday! Let’s dive right in to some reader questions.  From bridal jewelry to knee-high boots and arm tights, we have a little bit of everything.  You asked, I answered.

Belle –

Not sure if you can help with a “rush request” but I’m getting married and looking for sapphire/dark blue colored drop earrings and a necklace of shorter length. I tend to wear more gold than silver. Having a hard time finding stuff!

– Shannon

Let’s start with the necklace. On the pricey side, I found this lovely Yi Collection sapphire necklace.  In the under-$200 category, I struggled to find something lovely in yellow gold.  This Suzy Levian sapphire drop necklace in white gold is gorgeous.

For earrings, I found these Off 5th hoop-drop earrings that are nice mix of glamour and simplicity.  For something fancier, try these cushion-cut drops from Zales.  For something under-$50, try these sapphire and pearl drops from TJ Maxx or these ornate white metal ones from Etsy.

Abra,

So I never ask for advice on these types of things but I am seriously struggling to find a good briefcase/tote for work that will fit my huge work computer.

I need a tote/briefcase, preferably with an attached longer strap, that will fit my 15″ computer, a couple of small files, and other necessities. I also need it to be court appropriate. I love the Cuyana Work Satchel, but would much rather spend in the $300-$350 range than $500. Desperately need your help!

Tired of searching, Morgan

It is becoming more and more difficult to find laptop bags equipped for 15″ laptops, and as personal computers get smaller and smaller, this trend will continue.  But let’s see what we can find.

This Mark & Graham Harvey briefcase holds a 15″ laptop.  The Dagne Dover Legend Tote also holds a 15″ laptop (also in other colors).  Also, the Lodis Audrey satchel is a great choice.

For something under-$200, I love the vegan leather bags from Matt & Nat.  I like their Schlepp tote in wine, and their Parallel tote in charcoal.  They’re very sleek and professional looking.

If you like the Cuyana work bag, their Trapeze satchel also holds a 15″ laptop.  It’s slightly more affordable than the work bag at $395.

Hi Belle,

I just got a job offer that will (almost, but not quite) double my salary, so I’m looking for a celebration gift to myself.  Maybe a M.M. le Fleur dress?  Maybe a nice handbag?  Ideally something under $300, but you sometimes have posts with splurge items. What would you buy?

-SK

I am a big believer that if you want to splurge on something, it should be a practical splurge.  So go to your closet, and assess which pieces are your most worn, most loved, and best fit for your life.  If it’s a pair of black shoes, upgrade the shoes.  If it’s a sleek dress, upgrade the dress.

For my wardrobe, what I wear the most are dresses.  My favorite MM. LaFleur dress is the Akiko; it’s the easiest to dress up and down.  I’ve worn mine a ton, and somehow, it still looks great.

Hi Belle,

I turn 40 this Fall and am celebrating with a trip to California wine country.  I’ve never been and could use some style guidance.  The plan is to visit a bunch on vineyards, and it looks like weather there is mid to upper 70’s.  Any recs on outfits that travel well, are comfortable for indoor/outdoor, and have plenty of sleeve flexibility for maximum drinking?

Just kidding on the last part.  Thank you!

If it were me, I would be looking for a maxi-wrap dress.  They’re comfortable, adjustable and you can layer on jackets as needed.  Plus, you can wear flats, so you won’t have to navigate in heels.

This Free People dress is nice, with a bright blue color.  This Express dress comes in solid black.  I also like this polka dot wrap dress and this Wayf pink wrap dress.

Another option would be comfortable jean with a nice top.  I like this scalloped Broderie top for a hint of late summer.  For a fall-style, try this Trouve surplice top.

If other readers have been to wine country, please add your recommendations in the comments.

Hello, Abra:

Today I learned of the existence of Spanx’s arm tights, and I’m on the fence about them. What’s your opinion? Smart option? Terrible look? I am waffling between “those are genius!” and “those are sort of tacky…”

– Nicole

Spanx Arm Tights is a top with sheer or decorated sleeves that you wore under sleeveless blouses.  They also come in plus-sizes.  The Arm Tights come in several colors from olive to burgundy to black.  You can also find their body suit with a dotted print fabric.

Last year, I ordered a pair of the arm tights in ivory cable-knit to wear under an ivory dress.  They looked okay, and gave me the ability to wear the dress without a jacket, which was nice.  But the color match was off a bit, and it showed.  With a black dress, they might coordinate better.

This is one of those situations, where there is no right answer.  If you like the look of the arm tights and they make your wardrobe more versatile, do it.  If you think they look a little tacky, skip ’em.

Hi Abra!

My hunt for black knee-high leather boots I can wear to work in the winter has been going on for ages and I am hoping you can help bring it to an end! I fear what I’m looking for may be a bit of a unicorn, but here goes: nothing with a rounded toe or very chunky of a heel (this combo feels too casual) BUT I also hate very pointy toes with a stiletto heel (too hooker-ish).

Do you know of any almond toe, moderate-thickness heeled boots that might fit the bill? Looking for something classic and elegant and will pay between $500 and $750. Thanks so much!

– Christine 

Needle in a haystack shopping is often a recipe for disappointment.  The goal has to be to get as close as possible without letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.

I found these Adrienne Vittadini boots.  They have a pointed toe, but it’s not witch-shoe pointy.  The styling is also really sleek.  These Calvin Klein boots have a similar look.  Both pairs are under-$300.

These Frye Boots have a narrow stacked heel, but it’s narrow, not wide.  These Love Stud leather boots have a tapered heel and a square toe.

Hello,

I am getting married in November 2019 and obviously that means people now feel free to give me all sorts of advise BUT what is the best night time eye cream that I should be using? I have dark circles and am not 21 anymore. Thanks! You’ve never steered me wrong before!

– Whitney

I have never found an eye cream that I felt had miraculous results.  The closest I’ve come is this Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Cream.  It brightens and reduces/prevents wrinkles.  But dark circles are a challenge, that I’ve never found a topical solution for.

There are many causes for dark circles.  Some readers have seen a reduction from taking allergy medication, since sinus swelling can make them worse.  Others have had good luck with cosmetic fillers like Restalyne or Juvederm to improve the density of the tissue.  As for myself, if I need to reduce the look of dark circles, I use a cooling eye mask and Preparation H.

All of this is to say, see an aesthetician about your dark circles.  If you’re not ready to go the cosmetic route., do what you can to brighten the eye area with a serum, and tell your makeup artist to get the good concealer.

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