Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Four

It’s the last week of the Washington legislative session.

The final days of a session are always challenging, but in Washington, end-of-session often means being at the office from 8:00AM until after midnight. Even as a seasoned legislative aide, this schedule is a new experience for me. Never in my career have I been in a situation where one party has full dominance over the chamber, but moves through each legislative day seemingly without a clear path for what comes next.

Is it chaos? Is it a game of pretend? Some people say it’s a lack of control over the chamber, some say it’s a mind game. Whatever it is, the impact on the staff is negative.

Last night, for example, the Majority announced shortly after 10:00PM that it intended to vote on a healthcare bill, but that the 40+ amendments submitted to the bill would all need to be redrafted to a newly released version of the bill received just minutes prior. So the plan was to wait for hours as the non-partisan staffer responsible for that legislation redrafted dozens of amendments, and then, begin the multi-hour process of hearing the bill, debating the amendments, and voting on each one individually.  

Keep in mind, multiple legislators had already left the building for the night — some unavailable due to illness and emergency — others just deciding that they’d had enough.

Ultimately, after an hour-long stress scramble in which we watched one of our colleagues experience the seven stages of grief simultaneously, this ill-conceived plan was abandoned and we were dismissed shortly after midnight. Thus, here I am, at 2:00AM, caffeinated, underfed, and stressed out, writing a blog post instead of sleeping. But don’t worry, I have six whole hours until I have to be back at work. So let’s take a break and answer some mailbag questions.

Abra,

Can you help me find some shirt dresses for work?  My office went business casual in January and with spring coming, I think that’s going to be my look.  Price point is variable, but nothing over $250.

TY! Faye

I have been mesmerized by this H&M shirtdress for weeks.  I love the trim on the sleeves and the classic shape.  It’s pretty enough for a special occasion but breathes some life into every day.

If you like a fuller skirt, this Marine Layer dress and this Land’s End dress (also in plus) both have fitted waists and a-line skirts.  You also can’t go wrong with Ralph Lauren or Talbot’s.  Frankly, this is also a style that’s great to find a rental.  RTR has some great business casual and casual styles.

DM: Where are your shoes from?

Earlier today I posted a photo of my outfit to Instagram.  It is my 52nd day wearing a suit, and I am just over it.  But so many of you messaged to ask about my shoes, that I thought I would share them here.

I get so many compliments every time I wear these patent leather tortoise kitten heels from Stuart Weitzman (also on Zappos).  They’re reasonably comfortable.  They’re easy to wear.  They go with almost anything.  And while they are spendy, considering cost per wear and the fact that they’re such a crowd pleaser, I think they’re worth it.

Hello,

My perimenopausal hair is a nightmare.  It’s dry.  It’s frizzy.  I’ve tried every conditioner and shampoo.  I’ve cut it.  I’ve colored it.  Nothing helps.  Please help.  

– Pippa 

Isn’t middle age fun?  I love it.  But if you’ve tried changing your in-shower routine, maybe you need to try a pre-shower routine.  Applying Olaplex Bond Repair products before you shampoo can make a big difference.  I comb a sizable amount of their Rich Hydration Mask through my hair, apply a shower cap and then clean my house.  If I don’t have time for that, I use their three-minute Complete Repair treatment while I shave my legs.

DM: Can you help me find blue wedding shoes that are flats?

I found two pair worth a look: These sheer Ted Baker flats with a floral motif, and these adorable C. Paravano flats with little bows.

Wedding shoe tip?  Wear them a lot before the day of to break them in.  Use chafe stick or spray on the day to prevent blisters.

Abra,

I am taking my 2-year-old to Disney with my husband.  What do I wear to the park?  What do I wear to the pool?

Anon

I will let people who have been to Disney answer the park-attire question, as I have not been.  But I will answer the pool question.  Nothing makes life easier as a Mom at the pool than a great cover up.  I love this one from Anthropologie with its pretty fringe and 70s vibes.  Old Navy has a similar look for less.  I also bought this collared Vix cover up to wear on vacation, for an easy transition to lunch or brunch.

Also, cool sunglasses are always a boost to your outfit.  Varley has some modern, fashion forward styles.  Quay sunglasses are probably my favorite brand, and they run 2 for 1 sales pretty frequently.

Abra: 

I HAVE A JOB THAT INVOLVES FREQUENT AND VERY LONG FLIGHTS (THINK 20+ HOURS OF TRAVEL EACH WAY – I was on 10 flights alone in November) I’m LOOKING FOR SOME TRAVEL CLOTHES THAT ARE REALLY, REALLY COMFORTABLE that I can buy a couple sets in and call it a day. I HAD SOME SWEATPANTS/SHIRT SETa FROM LILLY PULITZER, BUT IVE CHANGED SIZES AND THEY NO LONGER SELL THEM. Petite fit in the bottom would be ideal, and jogger style is a requirement. Any suggestions would be amazing, as I’ve struggled to find soft, comfy sets. ThanK you for being such a great blog, you are the only blog i still follow.

Ashley

The best sets come from two places: Spanx and Varley.  They are worth the money, and mine have worn like iron just washing on cold and cool drying in a mesh bag.  But if you need petite or tall sizes, I recommend Old Navy.  This Old Navy set looks just like my ivory marl Varley set.

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