Another week, another dive into the reader mail bag. Let’s answer some questions about business suits, best gifts for a new baby, and a lot of questions about bras, and more.

DM: You said once you have nipples that show through clothes.  How do keep them from showing through a swimsuit?

Yes, tis true.  I have headlights.  There are only two solutions to this:

1. Buy a swimsuit with a padded top — H&M has a nice one piece, and Old Navy has a few, or; 
2. These nipple covers work with dresses and tops, but they also are water resistant, so unless you’re swimming the splash-and-dash, you shouldn’t have any issue.

Abra:

I’m newly back to the office, and one thing hasn’t change, the temperature is still decided by my overweight boss.  I need cardigans.  All of mine are thin and cheap looking, but the most I’m willing to pay for a cardigan is around $150 to $200.

Thank you, Evelyn

I spent most of my 20s shivering in a dimly lit office, so I feel this pain.  If a cardigan doesn’t cut it, using a heating pad to stay warm is also a great tip.  A friend gets cold feet, so she uses a foot warmer instead, both work.

Alex Mill Cotton Cardigan // Nordstrom Linen Cardigan // Splendid Chunky Cardigan

This Alex Mill cardigan is the ‘It’ girl cardigan.  It comes in six colors neutral and bright.  It’s a little bit modern, but classic enough you can still wear it in 10 years.  The Splendid cardigan has a similar look in a light neutral and a wonderful wide stitching.  If you’re looking for something similar for less, this J.Crew Factory sweater and this Mango cardigan are bother worth a look.

If your office is hot, the Nordstrom cardigan is perfect if you just need something thin.  I also like this Maggie tipped v-neck cardigan for a slightly preppy style.  

Hi Abra!

Thank you for being such an amazing resource all these years!!  My question – best bras for sore pregnancy boobs?  They’re growing and very uncomfortable  Anonymous because we haven’t told anyone yet…

As a person who had had small breasts her whole life, pregnancy breasts were an adjustment.  Post-partum breasts were a shock.  I breastfed for just a few days, and yet, they were huge and swollen.

During pregnancy, I wore this Natori underwire until it was no longer an option. The softer cups accommodated my growing bust. Now, I would switch to this no-wire Wacoal bra that I love.

Post-partum, if your pumping, several good friends recommended this Kindred Bravely bra. I bought it in case I changed my mind about breast feeding, and I wore it in the weeks while my supply dissipated. I still wear it when I’m out of sports bras because it really holds you.

I’m sure others have suggestions, so I will encourage them to leave them in the comments.

Dear Abra,

My sister is having a baby next month.  Her registry is filled, and I’m clueless on a gift.  I’d like something special for a $100 budget.

Love the blog. Daph

Congratulations on becoming an Aunt.  It’s really fun.  For a special gift, one of my favorite things I bought for Sloane was this beautiful safari-themed crib sheet from Rookie Humans.  This is a great brand for pieces with whimsy that aren’t too cute.  For a useful gift, I absolutely could not have lived without the Merlin sleep suit.  Sloane slept so well in her “sumo suit.”  Also, this Vault keepsake box helps you save the important, sentimental things easily.

If none of those feels right, babysitting.  Babysitting is the best gift you can give.  Need more ideas? After Sloane was born, I put together an Amazon store for my baby registry essentials.  I tried to keep things minimal, but everything on here worked well for us.  

Hi Abra!

I was inspired by one of your shoe posts that featured closed-toe sandals. I love the idea – both office appropriate and good for people like me who shudder at the thought of wearing open-toed shoes in a big, dirty city. Are there any similar styles you’d recommend?

Thanks! Lucy

If you don’t want to get your feet dirty, a closed toe sandal — like this LK Bennett — is a great option. (I also love these from Miz Mooz.) I also like Huarache style sandals, though they’re a bit more substantial.

If you can get away with more of a casual shoe, espadrilles are hot this summer. This d’Orsay style from J.Crew Factory is fab. I also love these metallic espadrille flats.

DM: My cuticles are cracking thanks to gardening but I cannot justify the Dior creme. Drugstore dupe?

The Dior Creme Apricot is my luxury gift of choice for friends. From the drugstore aisle, this Essie roll-on oil is a great option.

Hi Abra,

I know I’m one of ten people who still needs business suits, but can you help me find a few new ones. I already own the whole Ann Taylor line. Any assistance is appreciated. Love the blog.

Allie

I’m going to say something very controversial right now: If you’re not opposed to color, you need to be looking at Kasper right now, especially if you’re petite.

I know, I know. Kasper are “Mom suits.” Well, they were. The last time I strolled through a Macy’s, I was walking by a rack and this baby blue suit caught my eye, and all I could think was, “This is KASPER?!”

I am not a dress suit person, but I think this suit is the perfect bridge between professional and feminine. It’s traditional, but not stuffy. Macy’s still has the dress in petite and plus, but if you need misses, you’ll need to go to Dillard’s. Kasper also offers this color in a traditional suit blazer and pants combo. Both pieces, even with tax and shipping, would be under-$175 if you use code DAD.

Also, Dillard’s has some great suiting options. Not all of them are winners, some have shorts, but more options than most retailers. But I liked both this teal suit (but I would switch the buttons if possible) and this fuchsia look. This white Kasper suit is also great, but I would swap the pearl buttons.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}