Inside the reader mail bag there are questions about summer beauty, hiring a personal shopper, navigating a sudden breakouts, and more. Let’s dig in!

Hello,

My acne flares every time I get my period.  You’d think after thirty years that I would have this figure out, but I otherwise have completely clear skin.  You’ve mentioned that you have acne.  How do you treat  a sudden breakout?

Katya-M

If you otherwise have no acne, except around your period, I would consult your physician.  There might be a solution to what appears to be hormonal acne that goes beyond a topical treatment.  

Beyond that, I love these penetrating zit-stickers for treating a deep, under the skin blemish.  I also use these hydrocolloid bandages to shrink surface pimples fast.  You can also cut your own from larger sheets if the small dots don’t work for you, or you want to save money.

Finally, I am a big believer in this sheet mask from Dr. Jart.  Whenever my skin isn’t looking its best, I apply one ASAP for overnight results (just make sure to rub the remaining serum into the skin).

Hi,

Thank you so much for all your work on the blog. I was curious if you have advice for hiring a personal stylist (or any recommendations). I’d be looking for someone to help curate my wardrobe, but also advise on hair style, finding a decent DC hair stylist (have been going to supercuts for awhile), maybe even makeup too. Your blog has been so helpful at teaching me style basics, but I realized I’m willing to pay an expert at this point to handle it for me! Thank you!

Francesca

First off, I think Nordstrom has the best personal styling department out there, so it’s a good place to start looking.  There are also a number of image consultants and stylists working in D.C..  This Washingtonian article provides some options.

Also, Instagram is a great tool for finding a stylist who lives in your area or elsewhere.  I find that having a stylist who has a personal style that 1) you like and 2) you think suits you is best.  Some stylists are great at styling others without making them look like carbon copies of their own style, but not everyone is.  I had a stylist for a while who was a really Bohemian woman and pretty soon she was showing me tiered peasant skirts and bangle stacks that just weren’t my look.

Start looking with the hashtags #personalstylist, #onlinestylist, and #personalstylingservices.  Also, many influencers now offer personal styling in addition to their social media pages.

When you find a stylist, the most important thing is to be able to describe your daily life with specificity.  Where do you go, what do you do, how much time do you have to put in, can you go to a dry cleaner, how often do you dress up, etc. are all questions you should be able to answer.  If the stylist just sees a photo of a style you like, she may not know how that style needs to fit into your lifestyle.

Abra,

Can you help me find a US-sold SPF?  I know you use European sunscreens but I can’t wait 4-6 weeks for delivery.  Help.

SFA

As discussed previously, European sunscreens are just better than US sunscreens, but the important thing is to wear sunscreen and enough of it (most women don’t use enough product).  

I like Ultra Violette sun products.  They are European based, but since you can get them at Harrod’s, they ship much, much faster.  I just bought their body sunscreen, and I like that it’s also hydrating.

If you need something you can just grab at Target, I like the Alba Botanica brand.  Their products are cruelty free and plant based.  For Sloane, I buy the ThinkBaby sunscreen for sensitive skin and apply it with a handle brush to make sure I get it everywhere.  We make it a game so she’ll sit still long enough to do it.

I’m going to the LA opening of a theater production in late May. I’m an investor so I’m expecting I’ll be in a decent amount of photos with the other producers (which include celebs). The red carpet will be in the sunlight and I’ll be seeing the show and going to the party afterward.

I’d planned to wear a cocktail dress (I’m from DC) but was told that was “too New York” and now I’m at a loss. I’d love to look cool. I’m a 12-on top, 14/16 on bottom pear shape with a long torso so finding jumpsuits is difficult for me but that was my first thought.

Any recommendations? DC

How very cool.  And I agree, for LA, a sheath dress will feel a bit fussy and staid.  And I agree that a jumpsuit is the right vibe, but not the right look.  

Instead, how about a relaxed maxi dress?  Something that feels effortless but is cool.  This printed jacquard dress feels very SoCal.  This one has a slightly more refined look.  For something under-$300, try this Anthro maxi.

For other suggestions, try hot brands like Rhode, Agua Bendita, and La Double J.  Another suggestion from a friend of mine is to go to the website of a magazine like WWD, and search for similar events and see what people are wearing.

Can’t totally set aside the DC aesthetic?  I would wear this crepe Me + Em dress.  With the right heels and bag, it would feel effortlessly chic.  Several of their current dresses would work for this occasion.

A-

Can you recommend a bronzer that doesn’t make me look orange?

KL

This Ciele stick or this Saie creme bronzer.  Both work well.  From the drugstore, try this Well People bronzer stick.

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