Ask the Edit: Vol. II, No. Five

Hi Abra!

Question for Ask Belle or just advice: My sister and I bought impulse tickets to Rome for a long weekend in October (woohoo European travel again!) and our plan is to walk around the city in between stuffing ourselves with pasta and gelato. I could use some recommendations for walking shoes – ideally with at least a little arch support. And since it’s Italy, I feel like I need to step up my fashion game and not go full Melanie Griffith. Any thoughts or ideas would be super welcome.

Thanks!! K

When I traveled to London a few years ago, I wore a pair of Coach driving moccasins.  They had some arch support, good padding, and were comfortable for long stretches.  Sadly, Coach doesn’t make that pair anymore, but they make a very similar one.

Brands to consider for a pair of non-sneaker, supportive flats are: Easy Spirit, Trotters, and Vionic.

Hi Abra,

I used to go straight from my office to things like PTA and charity meetings, and carried my work bag.  Now I’m coming from work from home and my standard black leather bags don’t go with my more casual outfits.  I’m looking for something sporty and casual, but big enough to fit a folder, a pen, my water bottle and other necessities. I’ve been looking at MZ Wallace totes but there has to be other options.

Thanks!  – A

The MZ Wallace Bags are a good place to start.  Several friends own them and like them.  I’ve heard they’re durable with good organization.  They’re not really my taste though; I never warmed up to the quilted embroidery.

Looking for another option?  Rothy’s makes a cool tote bag that I’ve been looking at.  I really love the look, but the price is a bit off-putting.  I also like this cotton Dagne Dover tote.  It’s simple, the storage is good, the black wears well and it’s under-$150.

Prefer a leather-look bag?  Anthropologie has this slouchy tote and this awesome Isa tote.  Both bags are fabulous.

Hi Abra,

I’m headed to a ritzy family wedding in Miami in October and I’m stumped on what to wear for the “casual chic” rehearsal dinner. I feel like I can barely dress myself for outside life these days, let alone for what I know will be a fashionable crowd at this event.

What would you suggest, especially if I’m not looking to spend a ton of money (<$150 total)?

Thank you! CK

I definitely understand that feeling that you barely know how to dress yourself.  I’ve never felt so unsure about what to wear to simple occasions.  But let’s see if I can rustle up a few casual dresses for a rehearsal dinner.

This puff sleeve midi dress from & Other Stories is a nice option, bright, fun, wedding-casual.  I also liked this floral ASOS in a similar style.  If you like the square neck but not the print, this simple black dress is for you.  Plus-size? This dress from Eloquii is similar to the image.

I also liked this belted shirtdress and leaf print maxi.  The shirtdress could easily be worn to work, or casually on weekends with boots and a cool denim or leather jacket.

Hello,

Can you tell me how you store your dog toys again?  It was on an Instagram story some time ago.  We just got two puppies and their toys are everywhere.  I think you were keeping them in a basket.

Thanks. April

We have three of these Goodpicks rope baskets.  They’re a good height because small dogs can stand on the edges (which fold in) to pull out toys, and big dogs can reach in.  They’re washable.  And they hold a bunch of toys.  Good luck with the puppies!

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