The mail bag is getting a bit full.  So let’s reach in and answer some reader questions.  From basic belts to

Hi Abra –

Belt help needed! My job is relatively casual – I’m usually going a step above jeans with a nice top. Any suggestions for a basic black leather belt? I tend towards more minimal/classic when it comes to accessories and I never thought finding a simple, quality leather belt would be so difficult!

Thanks, Sarah

When searching for a basic belt, you need to decide how much you want to spend.  A lot of bloggers will tell you that a Gucci logo belt is a must.  Not this one.  For me, the must-have designer belt is either the Loewe thin belt or the Loewe thick belt.  They also make a reversible one so you get black and brown.

Looking for something simpler?  Madewell makes a casual basic belt that’s worth a look.  This Kleinberg double-o belt is a little dressier.  Or go full professional with this Franchi belt.

Plus-size?  MM Lafleur has what you need, and it’s on sale.

Hi Belle-

All of my tights have holes in them. Would love an affiliate link for your favorite tights these days.

Many thanks- Anna

My primary concern with tights is thickness/opaqueness.  That means a high denier number, 60 minimum.  The Spanx Luxe Leg tights are my favorites.  When I want thick, almost legging tights, these ASOS 120 denier tights are the thing.

Question for you. I received a well intentioned giftcard for pandora for $100. But I’m not a Pandora fan at all. If you were to spend $100 there, what would you get? I thought something that’s a little trendy could be fun. 

PS – the Troop Beverly Hills Tee you shared awhile back is my absolute favorite. I should have bought ten, ha! -Mere

I love that Troop Beverly Hills t-shirt too.  It would make a nice stocking stuffer for the 80s/90s kid in your life.  Don’t miss the sweatshirt.

As for your primary question, with $100, I’m going classic.  This Me Link bracelet is simple, pretty and you can add the charms or not.  This Link Chain necklace is nice.  And their Wishbone ring comes in pave and plain; I’d wear them together.  The rings come in silver, rose or yellow tone metals.

Hi Abra,

I need a gift suggestion for my sister in law.  She’s really into fashion (and I would just wear MM until I die) and is always impeccably put together.  Part of the problem is that we have a $50 gift limit in our family.  Please help. I am at a loss.

Thank you. S.A.

I have two go-to gifts that work for almost anyone, and they’re both designer beauty gifts.

This Gucci lip color in Call It a Day looks awesome on almost every woman I know, but it comes in a lot of fab colors.  The tube is pretty.  And if you buy it from the website, you can get it wrapped in a chic gift box.

Dior’s Creme Abricot Cuticle Cream has the same appeal.  The product is amazing.  It keeps your manicure looking fresh.  And it comes in a fab gift box that looks great under the tree.

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