Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Six

I am driving to Montana tonight so Sloane can get her monthly spoiling time, and my parents can get their granddaughter fix.

Truly, the best part of having a child is to hear her running around the main floor of my parents house, in the morning, just unapologetically bossing them around and them complying without question.

As my brother and I often say, “Who the hell are these people? These are not the parents who once grounded me for a month because they found a cigarette butt in the back of my car (clearly tracked in on someone’s shoe) or who kept us at the table every night for hours until we finished our whole dinner.” These people seem pliable and rational, and that just doesn’t track with our lived experiences.

Regardless, since I need packing and cleaning time before we depart, let’s dive into the mail bag. Some doozies this week. Can’t wait.

DM: What is the worst thing you ever bought?

I’ve discussed this before, my worst purchase ever was a pair of Chloe Scallop-Edge Ballet Flats. I was living in D.C., the year was 2011 (?), and I thought they would be the perfect walk-everywhere, D.C. shoe. As a woman who is very gentle on my clothes, I was stunned when they were completely trashed by the end of week three. They looked 1,000 years old with creases and folds, and the soles were just done for. Actually ballet slippers would have held up better.

Hi Belle!

Love all of your content, and I’m so grateful you continue this blog. I need your help with some spring and summer shoes. I work in a business casual office and I usually wear white sneakers. I like that I can wear socks with them and they are comfortable. But I would like to dress a little more professionally, so I’m looking for an alternate shoe to wear with pants or dresses. Maybe a driver or a Mary Jane or something else?

Thank you! EP

I think you’re on the right track. A driver or a loafer could be a great look for you, if you already wear sneakers. M.Gemi makes a high-quality, mid-price driver in both suede and leather. A horsebit loafer where you can smush down the back in warmer weather and wear them like a mule is also a cool look.

I would steer away from a round-toe Mary Jane. For the office, I find the round toe lacks maturity, but chic Mary Janes do exist — a pointed toe or square toe with great structure is a better option. These square toe Cole Haans are a great basic. I also found like these velvet Mary Janes. And for a pointed toe option, these Ralphs are incredible. Or if you want something fashion forward, try this Una crossover style from M.Gemi.

Need no-show socks for the loafers? I’ve been pretty happy with these ones from Bombas. They don’t slip, which is nice.

DM: What do you feed your dogs?

Stella eats Ollie food. It’s frozen, we can buy it at Petco when we pick up our groceries next door. She’s a super picky eater and her dental issues make it tough to chew kibble, so this has been a good solve.

Hey Abra…

What is the best foundation for someone who doesn’t want to wear makeup but has to wear makeup to work and needs mediumish coverage. I don’t want my face to be in foundation jail.

Sincerely, Harper

Nothing feels worse after a long day than being trapped in a Kabuki mask’s worth of face paint, so I empathize. Here are two options that I have tried myself, and one third-party recommendation that feel nice on the skin.

No Makeup Foundation. I wore this for four months straight. I loved how it looked in person. Other influencers, like Grace Atwood and Emily Amick, also like it. My one complaint is that I did not feel it looked good on camera — the coverage looked great IRL and meh on IG. But that may not be a concern you have.

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation. The price, eye-popping. The container, bulls**t (like why is this in a spillable glass jar?!?). The look, amazing. The feel on the skin, like the Baby Jesus painted it on himself. I loved it. I just haven’t committed to a restock yet because, again, did you see the price? But, in their defense, the jar lasts three months.

Typology Skin Serum. Ashley Spivey loves this product. She swears that it feels like wearing nothing, but that it smooths and perfects the skin, while maintaining a natural glow. I have a bottle. I haven’t tried it yet, because I’m running out of something else. I’m just not sure it will be enough coverage for my “two-decades of acne” damaged skin. Will report back.

DM: Tell me something embarrassing about you.

I play Pokemon Go.

DM: Help me find my next book – 6hr flight tomorrow.

Strangers is as good as people say. My Mom has read Theo of Golden once and listened to it once on Audible because she liked it so much. If I just want an easy, engaging read, I grab one of Isabella Maldonado’s books. High art, no. Fun for a flight, yes.

Hi Abra,

What detergent do you use? Is everyone using Laundry Sauce? Have you tried it??

SWD

I don’t use scented laundry products. I also don’t use fabric softener. So this brand is just not for me. However, LOTS of influencers are using Laundry Sauce, some are obviously gifted their product but a few swear that they’re buying it themselves. I have to admit that the scents sound awesome (Italian Bergamot, Oregon Mint, etc.), but again, not for me. So no first person review on that one.

I just use the free and clear Method detergent, which I buy at Grove. It’s a cool shop if you’re trying to buy more eco-friendly products.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author; capitol hill style is an M.Gemi partner, so I occasionally receive gifted product for promoting this brand, but I’ve worn if for a decade-plus, while buying the shoes myself.}