Ask the Editor: Vol. V, No. Ten

I have a bit of time today as I eat this turkey sandwich my husband lovingly made me, and I thought, why not clean some of these reader queries out of my inbox. You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers.

DMs: Give me one real resolution for 2026. No bullshit.

This year, I have developed a complete inability to eat unexciting meals. I only want to eat meals that sound good in the moment, which is so unrealistic and extremely expensive. (My UberEats bill has never been higher.) Not every meal needs to be something that sounds incredible if the alternative is that food in the fridge will be wasted. This week, we have managed to eat every meal at home, cobbled together from the groceries bought on Sunday, and to many people that will seem like a paltry accomplishment. But for us, it’s huge and a good start to recentering our lives around living and not around eating, which is a difficult thing to do when you have a child.

Looking for a new everyday fleece. Not too heavy but nice enough fir drop off. Also recommendations on a new wool coat for my Husband to wear to work

Steph

My favorite fleece jacket right now is the Aveline jacket from Varley. It’s a thicker fleecey material, but it’s also reversible, so it’s like two coats in one. I also really like this Zella jacket in black. If you prefer a vest, LL Bean is the only place to go (also in plus).

Hi Abra:

Since you’re taking gifts now, I was curious what your favorite gifted products or gifted retailers of the year were. If this is a silly question, feel free to ignore.

Lisa

Actually, I think this is a really fun question. As the year has gone on, my feelings about gifted product have changed. At first, it was really fun to get freebies and try new things and gift products to my friends. By October, I was really overwhelmed by the volume of requests and how quickly even just accepting half the gifts filled my house with product. So I am not accepting gifted product at present while I work through what is already here (a girl can only try so many lipsticks).

But my favorite gifted surprise this year was from the Grove Co. I had never heard of Grove before, but the online market stocks green products for cooking, cleaning, bath, etc. They gifted me a couple of things and I found this awesome toothpaste for Sloane, my favorite kitchen hand soap, and compostable food storage bags, which I didn’t know were a thing. It’s been a nice addition to my life.

Hello! I have relied on my trusty opaque black tights for years, and the internet now tells me that these are out. I tried Noosh fleece-lined tights that look sheer, but the toes rip on me when I wear heeled boots.

Similarly, the internet is telling me to wear crew socks with my work shoes (loafers, ballet flats, etc.), but I am a 43 year old lawyer, and I often wear cropped or ankle-length pants. How do I avoid looking like a school child?

Thank you! Whitney

I too have long loved deep black tights. I have also had a longstanding dislike for sheer tights. But alas, the winds of change have come for legwear.

I intend to keep wearing deep black tights. I’m stubborn like that. These are my favorites. But I did see an influencer make the case for deeper brown sheers instead of nude hose, and I’m going to give that a try.

As for the socks, I will not change. You cannot make me. I am an ankle socks girlie. If you want to try a higher sock, I imagine there are ladies who can give you advice in the comments. Not every trend is meant for everybody, and frankly, I don’t need acceptance for my sock choices.

Can you help me find a casual shoe to wear on the weekends. Not sneakers. I have had these All-BIRDS for years, and I love them (especially the washable part). But I am thinking something more fasion forward (but still comfortable). I purchased the green velvet Birdies you recommended, and although I love them sometimes velvet just seems too much.

Thank you. -S

If sneakers are not for you, I would recommend either a leather driver or a simple Mary Jane. For the drivers, try M.Gemi or Quince. If you go second hand, try to find a classic style that’s the perfect amount of worn in a real, patina’ed leather.

For the Mary Janes, I like the wider strap ones. These Madewell flats are a good example. These Boden flats are also super fun. I think the wider strap makes them a bit more modern.

Hi Abra,

My northface snow boots made it through ten indiana winters before losing their waterproofing. Do you have any suggestions since your post in 2022? (The was the most recent one i could find, apologies if i missed something!)

Catherine

Sorel Caribous are my favorite. They are a classic. They are warm. They never go out of style. I also really like these leather Blundstone boots, which feel a bit more modern.

Hi! I no longer wear heels everyday and I desperately need to find black-tie appropriate heels that are comfortable. Like, REALLY comfortable. Any help appreciated!

Have a nice day! BN

You have two options here: 1) wear flats. Get a gorgeous, evening flat in satin or velvet and call it a day. These Cole Haan satin flats are cool. You can also get the flat version of the “Carrie” Manolo Blahnik’s on The Real Real.

2) If I need a comfortable heel, there are only two places I look: Cole Haan and Sarah Flint. Cole Haan has these Felicia heels with a fun bow, that feel very evening. Don’t miss the Emma heels from Sarah Flint. The block is very comfortable and the heel height is a nice mid-high.

Abra,

Can you help me find a retinal? Not a retinol. My skin is too sensitive for Retin-A, and I want something more than a retinol serum. Thank you as always for sticking with us.

Sincerely, TD

For those who haven’t yet learned the difference, retinal is more powerful than retinol, but still not as strong as a prescription. Allure explains the difference, here.

I have tried two retinals, and they were both fabulous. Prequel makes their Retinal Renew in two strengths. Right now, I am using this Korean beauty option from Cellimax. It’s a little cheaper than the Prequel, but both products are under-$30, and both work really well. Just make sure to wear SPF if you’re going to use a retinal.

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