Headed somewhere this summer?  Need a new handbag to haul your essentials?  So does today’s questioner.

Hi Abra:

Love the blog, and I’m newly pregnant too, so loving the pregnancy recommendations! I am going on a trip to Greece in a few weeks and looking for a cross-body purse to carry that’s big enough to hold a bottle of water and snacks (see above—pregnant, must have snacks) but not too big and bulky since I’ll be walking around all day.

Any recommendations? Thanks! -Elizabeth

This sounds like a job for Madewell.  Their zip-top Transport crossbody tote will hold a standard water bottle.  Their medium Transport camera bag will also hold more than it first appears.

Another option?  A flat water bottle.  It holds 13oz and will fit in most medium-sized bags.

Hey Abra,

Hope you are well! I have a professional dress question for you. I’m working as a summer associate at a law firm this summer and I am on the hunt for comfortable and professional heels that I can wear every day (ideally black/taupe). Hoping to be in the $200 range, but willing to spend a bit more for quality. I would be so grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks in advance! Caroline

One thing before we get to your heel suggestions: Have you thought about wearing flats?

A basic pair of leather, point-toe flats will look just as professional as heels.  And if you don’t wear heels often, you don’t want to wind up miserable all afternoon or passing on after work events because your feet hurt.  I find my days go much smoother when my feet feel fine.

My number one suggestion for heels are these Marc Fisher block heels.  They’re stable, comfortable and easy to break in.  I also like the look of these snakeskin round toe pumps.

Another option?  Ann Taylor’s shoes are pretty comfortable.  Their Mila pumps are well-reviewed.  Their Eryn pumps are also popular.

Wide feet?  Trotters makes a basic kitten heel.

Abra,

Can you recommend a good blazer that isn’t too fancy for work?  I want something that looks modern and cool, not like a suit jacket I wore without the skirt.  My office transitioned to biz/casual but I still want to look like the manager.

Sincerely, AP

I have both the camel and black Banana Republic double-breasted, gold-button blazers (petite, tall).  I also own the ivory, which has a slightly thicker fabric (which I like better).  I wear them constantly, with everything.  I’m wearing the camel one today with jeans.  I wore the black yesterday with a dress.

Another option is a push sleeve blazer.  This Cinq a Sept is the dream (this brand is 100% awesome for blazers, I have two, I have sale alerts set up for more).  Both this Vince Camuto and Halogen are good mid-price options.

Lastly, you might think about blazers in colors, prints, or with embellishments.  This Cinq a Sept embellished blazer has a nice look, but it’s a little much for most of us.  Instead, buy a set of pins or brooches and put them on the lapel or shoulder.

For colored or printed blazers, try yellow or hot pink with a cool split sleeve.  For prints, try a subtle windowpane or an abstract check, which could work in a professional or casual office.

You can also dress blazers down with graphic tees, bright blouses, or distressed jeans.  Don’t be afraid to get creative if you have the freedom.

Hello,

You posted some writing pins last month to Instagram.  I didn’t buy them at the time.  What were they?

Sara

I write with two kinds of pens: marker tip “signing pens,” a throwback to my Capitol Hill days and these U Brands Catalina felt tip pens.  I like the U Brands ones so much it got me off of blue ink onto black (and I’ve only been writing in blue since elementary school).

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