Ladies,
I’ve been really struggling through some writer’s block this last 10 days or so. So I’m taking the day off to brainstorm and read magazines, and get some ideas together for the next few weeks. Here’s what I have so far:
- (By Request) My Top 10 Purchases Ever
- What’s In My Bag?
- Tights for Winter and Fall
- My Favorite Fall Staples
What do you ladies want to read about this October? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Also, if you have any suggestions for Saw It on Social products, leave those in the comments as well. I think my next one will by Lunya.
Have a great weekend! I will be spending most of it carrying an injured 7lb Yorkie-Pom around like a purse and hoping my house sells. (Think good thoughts!)
-aB
{image here}
I would love to see a post with a fall/winter work capsule wardrobe!
I totally second this! I’m trying to pare down my closet and some styling inspiration and/or some suggestions for good fall/winter capsule investments would be just I what I need to help me out of my rut
Along the same lines, Id like to see posts on a few key new fall additions and integrating them with multiple items in your existing wardrobe. For example,styling 3-4 outfits with a new glen plaid jacket and the basics most of us have in our closets already.
Yes. love the “wear it” 2/3/4 ways! and could you do a new post on transitioning white jeans for fall?
Agree 100% with this idea!
Yes please!!!
How to style all those cute booties from this week please! I can never get my jeans to lay with them quite right, but skirts often feel wrong with them, too. Help please!
Also would appreciate a post on how you approached transitioning your wardrobe from DC to life beyond the beltway. I just moved to a more casual midwest office and am at a loss about what to do about all my beautiful suits, fancy dresses, and formal blazers. (Donate, hold on to, think of them as separates?)
+1 to transitioning from stylish suits and pretty sheaths to not-boring business casual.
Yes! Last place was business formal, next place will probably be more casual. What can I mix in to my wardrobe to make it work?
Agree – would love a how to style booties, with both skirts and pants.
Yes to styling booties! Especially with a focus on different body types because I can never get them to look right on my pear shaped body.
Yes to tights! If you could include some chocolate brown tights in the mix I would be eternally grateful. Apparently brown tights are a unicorn which confuses me because brown boots, camel colored skirts, and other more camel and brown pattered skirts are not a rare thing.
+1 on this. I try to adhere to your tights must either match the boots or the dress credo, but I have a hard time finding colored tights!
Target has a huge selection of colored tights. Value priced and last 4-ever.
I like when you do home care and clothing care posts.
What about outfit ideas with patterned tights to or non-traditional tight colors, such as emerald green, burgundy? How to have fun with outfits through tights, but while remaining office appropriate.
Land’s End carries brown tights that are affordable and well-made. I have a pair(that I wear with brown booties!) that has lasted me 7 years.
I found a great pair of chocolate brown at Wolford. expensive yes, incredible quality and lasting years…
I’d love to see a post similar to your past post on dressing for weight gain, but instead dressing for work during early pregnancy. Meaning your regular clothes don’t fit anymore and/or you want to hide the bulge, but you’re still not “obviously” pregnant with a bump and/or not big enough for designated maternity wear. Some suggestions for types of pieces (ideally items that could be worn otherwise) and general styling would be a big help. Thank you!
I know I’m not Belle, but having been through that about a year ago, I found some of the things were counter-intuitive, though it is body type dependent. I was 2/4 on top and 4/6 on bottom pre-baby (5’4″, 135, 34B, thicker thighs) and disguising my pregnancy as long as possible was important to me because of my (correct) guess about my boss’s reaction:
-I usually hated pants, but they (and certain pencil skirts) became a staple during the early part of pregnancy, because the belt/tighter fit around the hip allowed me to blouse shirts over it
-I found peplum tops (if they were stiffer and stood away from the body under their own power) were good
-it’s so cliche, but dark colors really do hide so much more (same with certain patterns)
-dresses that had a fuller skirt or narrowed under the bust or high natural waist then flared out (but not too much! too much volume seemed like a giveaway, you just want clothes that are a little less tight) were helpful
-having been smaller-chested before, I had to be conscious that some dresses that had been appropriate (in terms of the V) became inappropriate in a way that would be a giveaway
Once you don’t have to worry about hiding it, it became my favorite because it seemed like I put on most of my weight in my stomach, so everybody said how thin I was, just pregnant. I’d caution against buying too much maternity specific stuff too — I was so hesitant to buy stuff in a size up because it seemed like a waste, but while my weight gain during pregnancy was within what I thought was normal (25lbs with a 9.4 lb baby), stuff just isn’t the same afterwards, and I was scrambling to get together a work appropriate wardrobe for my new size (now 34D, 146lbs, 4/6 top and 6/8 bottom with more of a stomach) when I was coming back. I could have used the same clothes I had to buy now back then, and it would have been nice to shop when I didn’t have so many competing considerations for my time or such a deadline (the Calvin Klein starburst sheath in dark colors is great, as are the Tommy Hilfiger Fit & Flare, both with and without sleeves, and both are ~$40-50 at local Marshall’s or online at numerous places)
I shopped my closet first; I went through all my clothes to find the biggest items I had. I ended up with a lot of t-shirt, shift, and trapeze dresses, flowy blouses and skirts that had elastic waists or could still stay up at the hips or over my bump (mostly midi skirts that ended up knee length when I hiked them up). I did the rubber band trick for pants and skirts with buttons (thread a rubber band through the button hole and then use the band to close your pants/skirt). I also used and destroyed long tank tops as layering pieces since a lot of my dresses were for the summer; i didn’t button up my cardigans to keep my arms warm. For my first, I didn’t actually buy anything until I was 5 months. And the purchase was a bra as I was spilling out by then! No, I did not look perfectly tailored and coiffed, but I also didn’t have to buy much and was able to rewear nearly everything (and after kid #2).
I also just went through this. I had my own preconceived notions about what to buy, many of which I found to be wrong. I think this would be a very difficult post to write without this very precise experience. My quick advice would be that the same clothes you need in early-mid pregnancy will also be the clothes you will need when you first go back to work, so don’t view wardrobe items as a temporary solution. Buy clothes you like to wear and that make you feel good. Structured ponte and thick, stretchy material is your friend. Consider retailers who cater towards more mature women such as Talbots, as there seems to be a little more room in the waist. If you’re planning on pumping at work, consider whether the tops and dresses you’re buying during pregnancy are pumping friendly (wrap top, button up, etc.). Patterned wrap dresses in a size or two bigger than usual are great. Buy maternity pants as soon as your regular pants seem tight, there’s no reason to suffer. Buy several pairs of maternity pants, you will get sick of them and you will probably still be wearing them when you go back to work.
1. I would love to a see a revival of the posts about the styles of different TV show or movie characters. So much of what I see is lovely, but I don’t have the time (or the savvy, frankly) to recreate similar outfits that aren’t all Alexander McQueen.
2. I’m biased toward neutrals, but I’m always on the hunt for white, ivory, black, camel, gray, olive, and navy pieces that have unique or sophisticated details.
Yes to the dress like a TV character series! I loved that feature!
I also love outfit ideas–recreating from photos or TV characters, two/three ways, etc. These were the posts that drew me into the blog 9-10 years ago and give me the most inspiration. I have bought many items you recommended from these posts! They make me feel like I have a personal shopper and stylist.
Oooh I have a couple:
1. Dressing both professionally and casually at middle age. I’m 40ish and while I don’t want to be Amy Poehler’s character in Mean Girls but I don’t want to be a frumpster either. Fast fashion is just not cutting it for me quality wise and even my first love J crew isn’t doing it for me anymore. Is Brooks Brothers/Talbot’s my only next step??
2. On that note: when it comes to professional dressing…what is your take on the millennial way of dressing for work? I work in a professional environment (not necessarily always suits, but heels, wrap dresses, blazers etc) and my early to mid 20 something cohorts wear…fleece…buffalo plaid shirts hanging out…leggings….and yes I’m clutching my proverbial pearls. What do you think of this new casual push from that generation? Am I on the wrong side of history?
3. You haven’t touched much on self care. Your routines, your thoughts on it (other than just skinscare)
Second on the request for dressing for work at middle age without defaulting to ‘middle-age’ standards.
There’s a lady in my office who is in her 50s whose style I really admire!
What I’ve noticed what makes here look really polished but still fun are:
– cool frames for her glasses
-fun/bright/patterned blazers. She wears a lot of blazers.
-fun bright pencil skirts with plain tops
-fun/statement necklaces
-‘cool’ haircut (it’s a low maintenance style, but the cut looks so much better than other ladies who wear just a plain bob or ponytail)
-ankle-length pants (less ‘frumpy’ than pants)
-sleek shoes (she mostly wears pointy-toe flats)
-colors/patterns paired with basics (like floral pants, etc)
I think she shops at AT, Banana, Loft, and other stores that are more readily available. I think the key is the hair and color! hope that hels!
Yes to your number 1. What is the next step up from Banana/J Crew in quality and sophistication?
Another vote for #1
I am 43, mom of two in a business casual office who would love your help!
I’d like to read about how your are updating your staple fall/winter work wear for this season. I feel stuck in a rut with fall/winter work wear, been wearing the same combos for years, and I would appreciate your stylish advice on how to make it more current.
I would really love some ideas about whatever “smart casual” is. Like, work from home but don’t feel dumpy, go to lunch, go to work on day without meetings when no one sees me, etc. Thanks for the blog!
Similar to the fall capsule wardrobe request, what about a post on a travel capsule wardrobe? This would be really helpful in gearing up for holiday travel.
I second this! I also like the idea of doing posts for different travel location/occasion combinations. Just thinking about upcoming holiday travel, it would be nice to see capsule wardrobes for different variations – family ski vacation, couples getaway to somewhere warm, road trip to Grandma’s, Christmas in London, New Years in New York, etc.
I love the posts about how to build outfits – two ways, how to wear it, etc. I desperately need inspiration to take my workwear from just clothes to outfits coordinated with intention.
I agree with the request for how to wear the same item two ways. I miss those posts that showed how to get the most out of items and think a bit out of the box. One of my favorite posts you ever did was how to be stylish/polished while knocking on doors for GOTV efforts.
I would love to see a post on higher-end plus sized attire. I love that you almost always include a plus-sized option, but they tend to be lower-priced, lower-end product. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (Target has some great things in their new Ava & Viv line), but something on Corner Office attire for the plus sized executive would be fun.
One other thought/question – did you ever post part 3 of your Closet Edit series? I missed it/cannot find it when reviewing the older posts. I really enjoyed that series and would love to see more like it.
I have been looking for below or at the knee winter jacket that is quality but has a little flare. I own a fantastic LL Bean one (https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78460?page=classic-lambswool-duffel-coat&bc=12-27-610&feat=610-GN1&csp=f) but it’s more warmth over style. I want something more tailored and fun. Any suggestions?
What I, personally struggle with, is the elusive dressy-casual, but not work-wear, look, especially in shoulder seasons (which seem to last forever in DC). To complicate matters, my feet prefer sandals or boots; wearing flats or pumps this time of year without tights gives me blisters.
I would love to see more posts on ways to accessorize classic (could otherwise be boring) outfits to make them more current.
Along the same lines, how to make classic, yet no longer on-trend (but personally flattering), pieces look current. Example: knee-length (or shorter) pencil skirt.
I was thinking along these lines as well. Something about how to revitalize your current wardrobe without buying new pieces (paring things different ways, accessorizing differently, etc.).
this is an oddly specific request: how to dress professionally in a very casual workplace, where everyone wears jeans, but you hate jeans and they don’t look good on you. whats a non jean equivalent that doesn’t skew too fancy?
Yes! I’m in tech and am so sick of jeans. What else can I wear when everyone else (dudes) is in jeans and a t-shirt?
Agree. I work in a jeans friendly workplace, where wearing a dress always gets a comment about having an interview. I would like post about dressing up jeans and other fun options that are still casual.
In the situation you describe I’ve seen colored jeans (burgundy, olive this fall) with a blazer as a in sync, but up a notch look.
I also work in an environment where most people wear jeans and I struggle with how to dress up/look professional, so a post about this would be helpful!
I need a Blazer 101 post — what cut/style/color looks good with sleeveless dresses, in particular.
For Saw it On Social, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Lively since you’ve already tried Third Love.
Yes!! I never know which style of blazer goes well with which types of dresses. Or even what types of dresses you can wear a blazer with. I only recently discovered that one can wear a blazer with a wrap dress.
Work outfits for colder weather, low maintenance make up routine, how to always look put together, What to wear working on a campaign, best sites for quality and delicate jewelry, wellness posts, how to excel at work, how to be happier for friends who are successful.
Your daily routine, please please!!!
I’d be interested in a ‘Saw it on social’ post about eShakti. I’ve been seeing ads for them quite a bit lately and am intrigued but haven’t taken the plunge.
I’d also appreciate additional posts about how to supplement your wardobe when your weight changes. I’m a few months postpartum and heading back to work. I’d rather not replace my entire wardrobe until my weight stabilizes (hopefully at/near my pre-baby weight, but who knows??)
I’m also interested in conversations about frugality and style.
I had bad luck with eShakti, personally, though I know people who love them. I sew, so I know how/where to measure, but everything arrived far too big and completely wrinkled in a way I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get out. Then I had to follow up with the company several times to get the return processed.
I’d love to see some content on home — what brands and purchases generally you would or would not recommend, such as rugs, furniture, appliances, bedding, etc. As a recent home-buyer, I’m always curious on what’s folks view as an investment piece. What items would be worth keeping in a home down-size and/or cross country move?
A few things I’d love:
-I second the request for adult casual outfits, especially weekend shirts to wear with jeans
-a posts with some looks at suiting
-a post on slightly larger work bags for interviews (I need something at least 14″ wide and 10″ tall to carry my portfolio)
-more conservative work jewelry posts (e.g. lots of times the jewelry is so delicate that it wouldn’t be visible unless very close up, and I need stuff visible from farther away and in a silver tone)
-every now and again you’ve posted interior design stuff, and I love your style, from what I’ve seen
On the deeper side:
-you may not feel up to sharing it, but I love so, so much anything you feel comfortable sharing about your personal life. They post you did a while back about the tension between choices surrounding your relationship vs. your job hit very close to home because I’d made a similar sacrifice (I’d make the same decision again, very happy with my now-husband and son, but the hit my career took from that period of unemployment was real and it took me a while and luck to get back on track).
-ditto vis-a-vis current events (I miss your thoughtful voice, though I respect the decision to sit out for your health)
I second all of this, particularly the last two!
Top10 purchases ever please!
1. I’ve loved posts when you discuss your home; how you organize, decorate, etc.
2. A life update. I speak for myself but I feel confident assuming that other long time readers feel like we know you, almost personally, and would love a life update, especially since it seems that you’ve been able to start pulling yourself out of the dark.
3. I really want to create a work uniform for myself. Maybe this is best done by creating a “work only” capsule wardrobe. Insight on how to do that would be helpful.
4. I can’t explain it but when the seasons change from cold to warm or vice versa I seem to forget how to dress myself. Outfits that I know look good seem to look odd/off. Some tips for changing seasons would be great.
I would love to see what your favorite books of the month/year are. You’ve been a great source for some of my favorite fiction in the past few years.
I recently bought a home with an enormous walk-in master closet, as well as two ample closets in both the office and the guest room that are currently empty and can be used for storage. Envy me.
My master closet isn’t a mess, but it’s packed, because I’m at that switch of seasons when both my warm and cold weather clothes are in there. Help me cull the summer stuff prior to putting it into the office closet to store until May. Don’t tell me that if I didn’t wear it this season, I must get rid of it, because I already know that. Talk me through the emotion and weird attachment I have to that one dress I wore to the amazing music festival that will probably never be repeated. Am I a fiscally irresponsible closet-owner if I don’t get my cast-aways to a consignment shop or ThredUp?
Do you think a clothing swap among friends for clothes that I’m sick of could be productive?
Manage my bulging closet, please. I’ve got the gift of space, but now I’m a hoarder.
I would enjoy seeing posts about how to incorporate some spring / summer items (read: short sleeve dresses, skirts) into your cold weather rotation seamlessly. I live in Houston, it is hot as hell for more than 60% of the year, but I travel to Munich on occasion and have no idea how to manage my wardrobe. Like, sweater or blazer? Sweater tights or stockings? Booties or stilettos? etc.
Recognizing that this might be a unique need, I really like the ‘neutrals for fall’ post you did. I’m so stuck on ‘black dress, black tights’ so I like that this was outside of my box!
I love the idea of a fall capsule wardrobe, but maybe add some specific situations to help me prevent from scrambling around at the last minute…like casual date night, unexpected cocktail party (my current situation tonight!), last minute work trip, weekend brunch, football game. I always love your ideas!
+1 to this! Would love some wardrobe inspriation/outfit ideas for different events. Going into this time of year always feels busier than summer, so posts on what to wear for different seasonal activities (apple picking! football watching! fall cocktail parties! thanksgiving!) would be great.
whats in my bag!!!
I sent you an email about this, but I’d love to see your opinions on current pants styles. I feel like I am years behind the times on what is stylish, and I need to edit lots of old pairs from my closet. I have avoided buying new pants for a while because I didn’t know how long they were supposed to be, what leg shape I should buy, what shoes to wear with them, etc., so I just wore what I already had. But now I need all new pants and am lost with where to start. Do I trash my old wide-leg pants? Are my trouser pants that come all the way to the floor over my heels too long? Are ankle length pants considered professional?
X2 to how to style pants for a business/business casual workplace!
Love this idea. Specifically helpful for me: What to do when skinny pants/slim leg/tapered don’t work for you.
I have LARGE calves and short legs and skinny pants don’t work for me, what pants (incl. jeans) should I be exploring?
I’d be interested to hear about how long it takes you to get ready on a typical day. I feel like my routine is too long and would love to hear about yours.
I always love skincare posts, and outfit posts. I love Saw It on Social too. But I would love, love a post on cotton or synthetic (nylon/elastane, whatever) *work* sweaters for winter. I am allergic to wool, and I know other women have this problem, but on the extremely rare occasions when one can find a cotton sweater in winter, it’s always casual — bulky, dropped sleeved, flowy, what have you. I’d like some to wear with pencil skirts — and ideally not all crewnecks, as I look best with a little bit of space at the neck (wide crewnecks are fine if the sweater has a nice drape). I can get by with a little bit of cashmere in a sweater, but a very limited amount and not any other wool. I’m fine with synethics like nylon as well as cotton, but those are hard to fine in winter too! I’d be happy to pay a bit more if it were very high quality and would wash nicely. But finding a sweater that meets even most of these specs is well-nigh impossible. If you have a source/solution, I would so love to hear it!
Easy-to-care-for basic work tops, hair accessories for work, how to decide to start your own firm/business.
1. Winter coats for different events in ones life a. Social weekends b. Professional and c. Special events or dead of winter.
2. I want to hear more of your past work and “life lessons” you’ve learned in your working career. I recently moved to the home office of my company and I’m finding it difficult to balance learning what I need to for my job, continue to network, and juggle taking on “special projects” etc which I know is necessary to move up in my career.
3. I miss your Friday drink posts with the matching special dress or clothing item.
4. I always enjoy your instagram inspiration and remake of them. So more of those type posts would be great.
5. I literally stalk you on Pinterest and love seeing what you pin for food, clothes and styling advice. So maybe post about your favorite pins and if you made the food and styled your outfits to the inspiration of Pinterest.
6. I want more OOTD on instagram.
7. Your rants are witty and although I don’t always agree with you I like hearing your opinions…more opinin posts would be nice.
8. Guest posts from friends, you had a friend in DC that would write sometimes like 5 years ago…maybe more of that.
I agree with 3 and 4 in particular – it’s funny; I don’t drink much, but I always loved the Friday cocktail and lovely outfit posts. It just feels like such a nice way to close the week. And the Instagram photo remakes are useful!
Double-duty outerwear – coats for business AND fun or cold AND wet or errands AND dates? For Fall and/or winter
Scarves, fashion and warmth
Slippers
seriously – a post about when to write to congresspeople and when to march or protest in other ways?
Building off the double duty coats, I’d love to see recommendations for professional-looking coats that can withstand rain and snow!
I would love to see a post on some outfit ideas for those of us working in the tech industry. It skews a little more casual (jeans, nice top)- but I still like to look professional… though very professional(i.e. pencil skirts) tends to look a little out of place.
I’m trying to navigate a new wardrobe from a place that was more business to an environment of business casual/casual… in a sea of engineers wearing sweatshirts 🙂
I’m in the same boat – how to look pulled together in a sea of engineers in tshirts and hoodies.
Also, where and how to shop for jeans. I’m never sure what to look for, or what looks good on my body, which means shopping in person is exhausting. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I’d love a post on starting new jobs! What to do in the first day/week/month…
So many good suggestions here. I’m so glad that you’re doing the top 10 lifetime purchases, as I was going to suggest something similar. Might be a good topic for guest posts too — different people offering up the top three hardest-working items in their closet, or their top three favorite items ever (these are possibly very different lists!), or their top splurge purchase of the year. I also would love to see a post about how to accessorize when you aren’t really into accessories — I tend to find one pair of studs or one necklace and wear it constantly. Would like to see examples of the types of pieces that could work five days a week for a variety of outfits and events.
I agree, I’d love to see your (and guest posters’) best-ever purchases and most-loved items.
Along the lines of guest posts, I would love to see a series featuring a handful of women and their responses to quick, one-off questions. You could tell us a little bit about each woman (her job, family, lifestyle etc) and do a series where they each sound off on a topic. Friends, fellow bloggers… heck, I know you’ve got some readers that would agree to be featured. You could do posts like “8 women share their best ever wardrobe purchases” or “8 women share how they overcame their biggest career setbacks” If you feature the same women throughout the series, it would be interesting for us as readers to get to know them through their answers to the questions
I love the idea of this kind of feature on women-fashion, career, life.
A few ideas that I would adore!
1. Unexpected styling combos that you find work well
2. Workhorse items that you rewear and replace consistently
3. New fashion brands worth considering for professional women
4. Your thoughts on worth it investment pieces
5. Fall makeup ideas
6. More Saw it on Social posts. They have been great!
7. Do you ever vintage/thrift shop? I’m always interested in the idea of finding some lost gem but am intimidated
8. I loved the post about new ways to style an old favorite like a cable knit sweater. More of those!
9. Clothing care for winter items
10. Have you used any of the brush/blow dryer combos? I am interested to see if they are useful or a waste.
Love it all!
I just bought the Revlon brush/hairdryer combo and it’s been life changing! I have the Harry Josh blow dryer (at Belle’s recommendation) and worry I might never use it again. I find it works best for me to shower and put my hair in a clip or bun for an hour or two. Then I use the styler for about 8 minutes and have a really nice blow out. I have long wavy/frizzy hair that easily blow dries straight. And it’s only $60 – worth a try!
Work wear in the fall. You always find such classic pieces that are appropriate for real office work environments. Your style is classy and thoughtful as you often consider comfort and size wise (petite, plus size).
Even thought the products you buy are sometime out of my range, I use your outfit image boards as inspirations.
I also enjoy your sense of humor and your advice for thriving at work. I know you have doubts with your own career path but I think that makes you more relatable. Obviouslt, not all readers share my view but stay true who you are, Belle. Your blog is unique because of its real, applicable advices and some sprinkles of up and down of women’s life.
I wear 90% black and leather wherever I can, but I also work for the government. I would love some help on figuring out the boundaries for corporate goth.
– Would love to see capsule wardrobe ideas
– It’s election season, what about candidate wardrobes?
– Digital tools/apps
Thanks!
Followed you daily for years!
Would like to see more “real life” posts. Those days where you can stay in, the sweats you wear, dressing around pets (I immediately strip at the door and hang up work clothes, for example), etc.
Enjoy your opinion posts – you have a good take on things! I think you could/should replace SE Cupp.
What fills your time? I’m in my 30s, I’m married, and I work full time. No kids. Try to find that balance between drinking/social friends and family time, etc. Kind of a gray area I think. I took up Crossfit (addicted), we got a puppy (omg time-sucker), and I love to read, for example.
I really liked your previous content about being thirty-ish and its challenges.
I like your fashion/beauty posts but what I really like about your blog are the interesting articles you share about issues facing women
Couldn’t agree more.
Totally echo this. It would also be interesting to feature others who may have had different approaches to this decade too.
Yes to tights! Maybe even include a best practices on how to wash them and take care of winter/fall boots.
Workplace holiday gift-giving and whether or not you agree that gifts in the office should flow downward, not upward.
Avoiding the dreaded static hair in fall/winter and your thoughts on whether balayage ombre is here to stay? (I’m debating making the low-maintenance jump but scared it’s too trendy for work or will be out next season.)
1. I second the idea of “what to wear at 40”. I suddenly have no clue how to dress for going to the movies or a day outdoors. I feel like I have control of my work wardrobe, but that’s ALL I have invested in over the last 7-10 years. My casual weekend/movie night attire is a decade behind and it’s really starting to show.
2. Work bags that are classic but not frumpy. And that will hold a portfolio plus a small laptop. Also, where do you find a nice work portfolio to replace that one you got with your registration at your first big work conference in 2002 that now looks a bit worse for wear?
3. I made it to the corner office, but it has mottled black/brown carpet, taupe walls, and furniture from the 1960s/70s (including black vinyl chairs around the small conference table, batterred faux cherry everything, framed prints of hunting dogs, and metal fie cabinets I scraped fifty years of randomly placed stickers and labels off of). How do I add decor my office so it looks feminine yet professional? (Can’t change the furnishings.) How many plants are OK before I’m the crazy plant lady? Is it rude to buy and bring in my own newer chair for visitors?
YES! Second the over 40 post – but not just workwear –
It’s the GOING OUT outfits that are the most difficult. What outfits look fashionable but not like I’m trying to look like I’m 25, even if I’m still in good shape and could maybe get away with it, but don’t want to look like a cheesy Real Housewife of ___?
+1 million on going out dress-up ideas! I get panicky thinking about an invitation to a bachelorette party or a true night on the town (not like a cozy date night or double date). I’m late 30s so want to avoid the dreaded Mutton Dressed Like Lamb phenomenon.
Heck yes to “What’s in my bag” and also yes to favorite purchases ever. Some other ideas:
* Outfit posts! I scrolled back in your IG and you used to do them a lot. No need to go overboard, but even one outfit a week here would be awesome. Like, “What I wore on a 3-hour flight” or “My outfit for a networking lunch”
* Fashion disasters, faux pas, and/or regrettable purchases
* Tips for thrift store and/or eBay shopping
* Favorite places to shop online (or in an actual store)
* What magazines you subscribe to, if any (or read on a regular basis)
* Your thoughts about closet size, and how often you cull your own closet
I’d love to see something about incorporating trends on a budget that still look classy (and not so cheap, as is often the case with budget-friendly ‘trendy’ items)….I feel like certain colors, accessories, etc, I notice as trends, but I don’t necessarily want to invest in them, but I still want to mildly participate in them in a classy but low-cost way (is that even possible? who knows, maybe not haha).
I also always love seeing basic items (a tunic sweater, a pair of riding boots, some item that most people already have in their closet) styled in few different ways.
thanks for all you do and being an endless source of stylish knowledge and inspiration!
I’d love a post on how to style boots/booties for work! I’m already panicking about how to walk the ~20 minutes from my office to Hill meetings in the winter while keeping my toes warm and still being appropriately dressed in professional attire. I wish I could just wear sandals and throw them in my bag like I do in the summer. Is it ever acceptable to wear booties with a suit or dress+jacket combo? How to solve this dilemma?
How about a programme for a pamper day at home? Sometimes in the bleak midwinter I need to do something nice, but I always fall short and I’m convinced pre-planning is the key. I’m thinking day-before shop, lining things up so that it’s all to hand, so that the indulging feels like it.
Secondly, how to plan when you have a mountain of office work to get through at home. I think once again it’s most likely about planning: work intervals, rewards/treats for the breaks (that son’t involve sugar overdose!); light and easy pre-planned meals, etc
I would love to know whether gekks are worth the hype! Also a post on rules for styling belts and ideas of how to do it would be great 🙂
How you organized your closet and how you might do it differently after you move (good luck, btw!).
1. How to do a “pamper day” at home properly. In the bleak midwinter I sometimes want to just indulge, but although it may sound simple, it somehow doesn’t quite work out that way. I’m convinced planning is the key – the day-before shop, laying everything out “to hand”, light but indulgent easy-to manage food, etc.
2. being the most productive you can when you have a mountain of office work to get through at home. I’m thinking planning again, optimum duration of work periods, duration of breaks and how to make them effective to re-invigorate rather than distract from the main task at hand; light and easy pre-planned lunch, etc.
3. I miss the post-red carpet analysis and photos from Oscars/Golden Globes/etc. I will never have the occasion (or figure!) for many of those outfits; but I did enjoy them vicariously.
4. Maybe the odd post about life and style for the (much) older reader? I guess we’re not a major share of your audience, but I know there are a few of us out here!
5. Like the ide from SC of “Fashion disasters, faux pas, and/or regrettable purchases”
+1 to red carpet reviews! Those were fun
A review of these: https://vivianlou.co.uk/ ? They were drawn to my attention by a friend, but she hasn’t tried them, and so far I haven’t found anyone who has. If they work, it would be fantastic!
A review of these: https://vivianlou.co.uk/? The link was sent to me by a friend, but she hasn’t tried them and I haven’t yet found anyone who has. If they work, it would be fantastic.
Hi
Long time reader, loving your posts lately! Regarding saw it on social – its agreat post series, and honestly I at least would not mind if some of them would be sponsored from time to time. At least for me the sponsored/ad thing becomes annoying when it is every other post, but once a week would be fine
I love the Saw it on Social posts, precisely because they’re not sponsored and after following for years I trust your discerning eye. I could see this feature becoming something of a financial stretch, so what about having a fundraising or paypal donation link that readers could contribute small amounts to that would help subsidize your purchases? I know I would chip in here and there – either to fund your purchase of a specific item, or just generally in support of the feature.
I second this idea of a go fund me, etc.
Have you seen the latest Talbots catalog? It looks surprisingly more tailored and I don’t want to say “younger” but more fashion forward? I would love if you visited stores like Talbots or other stores found around the country and picked pieces that are hidden gems.
I love your cocktail recipes but was scrolling over them quickly while pregnant and now nursing… but I love that you include recipes! Maybe foods/drinks that are a mix of with and without alcohol?
Menu / weekly food shopping would be a fun read too (I type this after binge reading Refinery’s “Money Diaries” where everyone talks about what they spend on food).
Finding your style after weight loss. The same silhouette doesn’t feel right anymore.
I love all of your posts and the variety of your topics. On the home decor front, interested in whether you’ve undertaken renovations and if so, how that went, and if you and your boyfriend decorated together and if so, how that went. Your home looks lovely, from what you’ve posted. Your closet, for example. 🙂 Always love your beauty product finds and rev
Oops, didn’t finish. Love your beauty product finds and reviews. You always find intriguing items.
I’ve been a fair-weather fan of so many blogs over the years, but yours is one that I consistently look forward to daily, so thank you for all the work that you put into it! I really enjoy all of your content. Some topics that I would enjoy would include:
*how to dress for business casual or even business professional when it requires walking around for significant distances outside in snowy, cold weather and changing clothes/footwear is not an option (think montana and military bases and college campuses, etc etc)
*your makeup in general (brands, routines, suggestions)
Hello! I second all of the ladies who said “how to style booties.” Also, I would love to see a post on different ways to wear different types of jeans, especially straight leg and boyfriend styles. I’ve been wearing skinny jeans for so long, I don’t know what to do with their wider counterparts.
I second the request for outfits for your older readers. I’m retiring in 6 months and want to to develop a wardrobe focused on more social activities, dating, and cultural events, and travel.
Have loved your blog for years. Thanks for all your hard work for your readers.
I’d love to see some more style sheet posts or career advice!
Posts: Clothes renting – have you tried the new Infinite Closet from Ann Taylor?
Saw it on Social: Luxy hair; Tymeiron
I would love more ideas on how to incorporate more colors and patterns to one’s wardrobe.
Also – favorite socks/ shoe combinations.
1. A post with jewelry at different price points for fall.
2. I really loved the lunch packing post a few weeks back, what about a post on snacks to eat at work.
3. Outfits idea for trainings and conferences, that are comfortable for sitting all day, but still professional.
4. Outfits or mix and match that can go from the office to our kids activities.
– Examples of successful pattern mixing
– Makeup tips & products for sallow fall/winter skin (including what to avoid, for instance bronzer?)
– Loved the save vs. splurge series you used to do for beauty & skin care products
– Incorpating trendy items into a middle-age wardrobe while avoiding looking like a damn fool!
I always like to see affordable top/blouse options. For saw it on social, would love to see your opinion on Naadam cashmere
There are a lot of great ideas here!
Personally, I spend a ton of time looking for natural fiber pieces because I cannot deal with polyester every day. It’s stifling! I wonder if there are brands I should be focusing on?
Top 10 purchases and fall wardrobe staples both sound amazing!
I’d love to see the return of the two or three ways to style a particular item, especially for business casual setting for fall/winter items.
This time of year I always find myself at a loss with shoes! Spring and summer I can get away with wearing work-appropriate open-toed heels/platform sandals, etc. I love booties, but have difficulty figuring out best ways to wear them (at work) with slim fit pants or dresses/skirts and (casually) with leggings or skirts. I do a fair amount of walking/standing at my office and find true narrow heels uncomfortable.
I’d love to read/see images about how to style booties for fall with skirts and dresses. I also Yas struggle with the right color tights to wear with brown (lighter, cognac, darker) booties/boots. I try to follow the rule if thirds but should I really be wearing brown tights??
2 ways/ 3 ways!!! You are FANTASTIC at putting together outfits. And, I realize I might be the only one here who feels this way, but I love your snark and would welcome a revival of “Fashion Faux Pas”!
yes to more faux pas!
actually I love to read whatever you write, thank you for the blog and the insta!
More on closet management would be great. Do I keep the clothes that no longer fit even though I love them and hope to wear them again someday?
Do you donate or consign your unwanted items? How do you know what should go where?
Other ways for how you handle fluctuating weight in general? I agree on wrap dresses but are there are other options? Are subscription services good ideas here?
New brands for work wear? I might be being too picky but I’m a bit J. Crew/Banana/Loft/AT-ed out. MMLaFleur and Of Mercer have gorgeous things but are still at a splurge price point for me. Where else do you turn for mid/lower price work options (like $100 and under for a dress, etc.). The dept. stores have seemed bland too.
For Saw it on Social –
– more Decium products
– milk makeup
– Matchco – the foundation that uses an app to get the right color
– Curology skincare
For what it’s work I love Milk makeup – the blur primer and blush sticks are staples in my makeup kit. I get more out of my $24 with Milk than I have with pretty much any other makeup item.
TL/DR: Would love to hear from/about women who have changed career paths.
I’m in my late 30s and re-entering the workforce after a 3.5 year absence. My youngest of three children just turned one. I have over a decade of experience in government affairs and lobbying, but DO NOT want to get back into that field. I know I’ll never make the kind of money that I used to make by working in the nonprofit industry, but at this point I just want a career that is more service oriented.
It has been MUCH harder to find a job than I ever anticipated. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a job interview, my jobs always came through networking and “knowing someone who knows someone”. I’d love to see what you and/or others have done during a career shift. What has worked, what hasn’t worked. Would I even be content going from boss to subordinate? Is that the direction I need to go if I don’t want to run my own company or be married to my job? I know I’m not the only mother and career woman who wants to leave their work at work and have enough left to give emotionally at home.
Loooooooong time reader and fan! Kristen
I’ve been job searching for 7 months and totally feel your pain. (Getting asked in an interview this week why I was still unemployed did not help.) I met up with an HR person a couple weeks ago who confirmed that I’m basically doing everything right. And job searching is so weird because spending more time on it might not make you employed faster and in fact might just drive you crazier. I’ve been interviewing pretty consistently since June and still have no offer. I’d say 10-20% of the positions I interview for end up going internally or just not getting filled at all.
Wow, other than taking the 3.5 year break I’m planning to make the same jump in a few years. I’m just starting to think about changing how I network to position myself for it and planning for the reality check of a different kind of paycheck. I’d love to hear recommendations on job transitions OUT of the GA/lobbying world (particularly for those of us who’ve been partisan staff/lobbyists).
This!!
LOVE what’s in my bag posts! Also what’s in my gym bag, night stand etc.
– How to wear color and patterns when you’ve spent years wearing nothing but black
– Building necklines when you’re alwayss wearing the same necklace
Longtime reader, first-time commenter. Outfit ideas and styling tips for the office are always incredibly useful – you have a great eye. You did a post recently suggesting a fun /seasonal piece to add to your wardrobe based on your favorite basic (i.e. if you love your black cashmere sweater, try a plaid pencil skirt or fuschia trouser). I think that would make a wonderful series! Also, I’d love to see a Saw it on Social for Numi undershirts (the ones that claim to save your silk blouses from sweat-stains).
Dressing professionally with super crappy weather (cold, snow, ice, ick!)bonus addressing what shoes to wear with a suit on said crappy weather day!
Tailoring! What to ask for, how to buy clothes for easy tailoring, etc.
Yes!! And I’d add – general pricing expectations. And along the same lines – how to care for your things to make sure they last.
Thanks for this blog, it’s always been a favorite, but lately it’s been an awesome mental escape for me while I’ve been on maternity leave. I’d love to read about how you dress for extra weight in the fall (when wrap dresses aren’t as seasonally appropriate). I’m still carrying baby weight despite my best efforts, and will need to update my work wardrobe with a few forgiving pieces. My workplace is jeans+nice top through to suits, depending on what meetings are going on.
Thanks, and good luck with the house sale!!
Hi! My family is taking our Christmas card picture while we’re in NYC this October. We usually match by color palette for our outfits. Ideas?
One of the comments mentioned an older woman with great style, and her printed blazers. I too am older and my figure looks best in short, structured jackets. I’d love to know where I can get jackets that are textured or printed in petite sizing.
How to find things on amazon’s clothing/shoes sections. Always feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items and not sure how to figure out the junk from the quality buys. Loved your reccos for Daily Ritual and quite sure I wouldn’t have found it on my own…
Would appreciate a post on how to tell if something is worth spending money on. Is there some secret way to tell if it’ll pill up the first time I try to wash it?
I would love if you brought back the broadcasting style feature! And more “two ways”
So many ideas!
I only read one other fashion blog regularly – the Vivienne File. love the way she puts together capsule/travel wardrobes, but many of the components are just waaaaay too old and frumpy for me.
I’d love to see your take on similar capsules.
I’d love to get some creative ideas for fall and winter outfit ideas with things we already likely have in our closets. I’m terrible at layering. I have all the staples, just have no idea how to wear them!
Also, I always think jewelry looks to clunky with sweaters and coats. Some cold weather accessory guidance would be interesting to me!
Also miss your every day “what I’m wearing posts”. 🙂
Fall is my time to refresh basics (underwear, bras, tights) and the workhorses of my wardrobe. I’ve loved the posts you done on these in the past and would always welcome more.
Skincare/haircare during “transitional” seasons (i.e. not as humid as summer, not as dry as winter); different make-up looks for different seasons.
Guidance on setting boundaries in your professional life. How to best leave work at work (esp. as an attorney).
1. Secondhand clothing websites, acquisitions, advice. Poshmark, others.
2. Best bras for busty women. Advice on buying, care.
3. Sports bras for busty women and for different activity levels.
4. Eyeliner and brow pencil, drugstore, middle of the road,fancy.
5. Saving for first home purchase, buying first home, first 2-5 years home ownership. A series. Instead of mommies with jobs, please do a working women buying houses series, mommies welcome, but please represent unmarried and LGBT folks.
6. Online grocery delivery, rate, tips, get us some coupons for your sponsored grocery delivery posts.
7. Small things that make you/us happy.
8. Wellness features. Deep breathing. Essential oils. Goopy good for you foods (chia, quinoa, avocado)
9. Ladies who cycle. Advice, realities.
10. Pelican for back, which I call pelican for everywhere, aid for body acne sufferers
11. Conferences, work trips, how to pack for day/night, occasional accidents, workouts, pajamas
12. Best drugstore and airport kiosk makeup for on the road, when you somehow forgot your eyeliner, need blush, etc.
I would love to see your real life closet organizing strategies. I’m doing a full closet reorg and would love to see how others organize their closets (preferably on a budget) without resorting to ugly Steralite plastic boxes!
I’m sure Belle can offer great advice here but in the meantime you should check out The Home Edit and Life in Jeneral. Both are organizing sites. They do closets all the time and never use those totes. There are much more stylish options.
I would love a post on how to dress for fall when it is still super hot (in Texas)? I know bloggers always act like they’re breaking the rules when they wear white jeans, but that is obvious by now. What about seersucker after Labor Day when it is still 90? Do you still wear summery prints and colors?
I would love to hear your thoughts on Weleda Skin Food. This is apparently what Victoria Beckham uses to get her fabulous glow.
I’d love a roundup of tips for how to coordinate blazers & blouses! I really struggle with pairing tops with blazers- either the neckline is wrong or the colors are slightly off. My dress/blazer game is strong but all bets are off when it comes to separates. Send help.
Would love to see a post on how to style ankle boots with jeans, both flat and heeled kinds.
I’m still scrolling through all of the comments, so I’m not sure if someone has already requested this, but you mentioned that you help others with closet clean outs, and I think it would be interesting to (with the client’s permission) post a “wardrobe makeover” series – a description of the client’s lifestyle/special requests, before and after photos, what you got rid of, what you kept, outfit ideas from their closet, etc.
Would greatly appreciate necklace recommendation update. I don’t wear a ton of jewelry, nor do I want to invest in or have a lot of pieces to manage and sort, but I need some quality, timeless necklaces, preferably in the longer length (like the Stella+Dot Rebel pendant you recommend) that last and don’t cost a ton (ideally under $100) and aren’t ‘heavy’ collar or bib necklaces. Love your suggestions in the past posts below, but many are no longer available. Thank you!
https://theworkedit.com/capitol/2016/11/22/ask-belle-three-essential-necklaces.html
https://theworkedit.com/capitol/2014/12/08/ask-belle-looking-for-long-necklaces.html
My boss scheduled a lunch last week for our whole work unit in honor of an intern’s accomplishment. I assumed that our (six figure salaried) supervisor would be buying lunch for the intern, but when it came time to pay the bill he didn’t even attempt to pay for her (or anyone else’s) meal. I’ve always had supervisors who pay for the honoree’s lunch so this came as a complete shock to me. While I don’t think anyone should expect to be treated to a meal, I think if you’re the boss scheduling a lunch out (a rare occurrence around my office) in honor of someone, it’s just the right thing to do. Especially when the person being honored is an intern and the restaurant is quite expensive on an intern’s budget, as it was in this case. Looking back on it, I would have gladly picked up her tab or worked with some of my coworkers to split it between us, but I was too caught off guard in the moment to act quickly and discreetly. I’d love to see posts about how to handle this type of situation and other similarly awkward work situations.
I love this blog. It’s perhaps the only one I return to over and over. I’ve missed the “How to Wear It” and “Three Ways” posts which showed a whole outfit or two at once. They were great inspiration as well as gave a feel for what coordinates together.
I have knee problems, and I would love to find work shoes that offer good cushioning and support, but are still cute.
Fall travel uniform (what to wear on the plane that’s dressy (i.e. doesn’t make you look like you just rolled out of bed or are on your way to a workout) but comfortable. Also, fall capsule wardrobe for travel (mix and match items that fit in a carry-on). Thanks!
I always love your posts about work (career advice- in all forms) and your commentary on current events, especially when you point us in the direction of politicians or journalist pieces covering or addressing issues from a different point of view (like you did after the parkland shooting by posting about a congressional proposal about background checks and the broken federal system for reporting). A news round up series, or a once-a week post serving as a deep dive into current events or a particular social issue is affecting women our age?
I would love an advice column/series on grown woman things (buying your first home; negotiating an employment contract; budgeting; financial planning with student loans but with an eye toward bigger personal goals like home ownership/travel; navigating personal relationships, etc. At this point, I trust and admire your point of view.
Don’t get me wrong, I love your fashion coverage, but what I feel has always set you apart is that you touch upon all of these things slightly already, with such depth, intelligence, & relatability. I am always left wanting to know more of what you think about an issue (I like hearing smart people’s points of view), which always inspires me to be more engaged and curious about things myself.
Two of my favorite questions to ask from my favorite podcasts.
-Tim Ferriss- what purchase under $100 changed your life? (mine is my sleepmask. I sleep so much better with one)
-Barbara Brown Taylor c/o Jen Hatmaker- What is saving your life right now? As funny or as serious as you want.