How am I still stuffed up and exhausted? Lord, help me.
And to add insult to injury, I have to board a plane for a 7 hour flight with Sloane today. Truthfully, I am less concerned about the plane than I am about the airport. Sloane’s ears are really just for decoration, so I am worried about getting through a crowded airport with a sassy, independent three-year-old. Pray for me.
In the meantime, I am too preoccupied with packing, planning and worrying about this trip to think of anything creative to write about. So you know what that means…let’s dive into the mailbag like Scrooge McDuck into a pile of gold doubloons.
Dear Abra,
Thank you for responding to my last question, I have another one I need help with. We have many weddings this summer and I need one clutch to rule them all. Or maybe just one bag. Something neutral and summery and I want it to be stand alone cool. It needs to hold my phone, keys, cards, and lip gloss. Thoughts?
Best, KLH
Finding one bad for every occasion is tough, so you need to be a little flexible on how well it matches. The good news is “wrong bag” theory — intentionally choosing a bag that doesn’t naturally match to increase the style points — is considered trendy right now.
This Madewell bag can be used as a small shoulder bag or an origami-like wristlet. It’s a very cool and versatile option. Drawstring pouch bags are also really popular this summer. If you want a more summery vibe, raffia is a great option. This Ann Taylor bag has a cool metal handle. This raffia lock clutch from Tuckernuck has an extremely cool shape.
Want something more unique? This oversized clutch from ASOS is really chic. This wooden disc bag from Jeffrey Campbell is so cool that it’s selling out, even at $320. Or just hit a vintage shop or antique store, which often have really cool beaded bags, clutches and other pieces.
Abra:
Gosh, I hope you’re finally feeling better. If you have an Ask Belle coming this week can you share some red cocktail dresses you like? My sorority does a fundraiser for a local charity and ever wears red. This is my first time attending and I want to knock it out of the park. Budget is $750 because this is a big deal for me.
Enjoy your long weekend. Mandy
Honey, do I have a dress for you… Remember Pretty Woman? I found you that dress’s cocktail length twin sister. It’s so chic. But the “best of the rest” of the dresses I found were under-$150. Do not sleep on this Mango dress or this Marks & Spencer.
DM: Bare nails are back? Really?
Yes, lots of articles are coming out claiming that bare nails are a “status symbol” and a mark of quiet wealth. If you’ve spent any time in rooms where old money families dwell, this will not come as a surprise to you. I laughed out loud when a prominent finance influencer said she realized she was wasting time and money on weekly acrylic manicures. This should not have been surprising information to a woman who gives financial advice.
Regardless, bare or bare-ish nails are in. If you are rehabbing years of gel or acrylic use, I would start with a nail kit from Londontown or Celisse. Both will help you get that shiny, bare nail look while your natural nails heal.
Abra,
My favorite pencil skirt finally ripped at the seam from wear. Do you have a favorite one? It doesn’t need to be part of a suit.
xo PB
I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I mostly wear pants now. Still sounds weird after decades in dresses and skirts. But I do own this ponte one from Tommy Hilfiger; it’s $79 and has a wide waist band, thick material, and drapes really well. It’s comfortable to boot, which is why I bought it.
Hi! I attend so many conferences for my job in the summer that it’s obscene. For years, I have worn the same white tweed blazer to every single one and it’s my emotional support jacket. So you can imagine my angst when I left it in a cab at NCSL last summer. I need a new one that doesn’t have metal hardware. I’d like to keep the cost under or around $500.
Sincere wishes. Amy
My first thought was the Cinq a Sept Christie jacket, but you said not metal buttons, so let’s pivot to their Khloe jacket that I own and love in another colorway. This L’Agence blazer is another great option. But if you’re not feeling tweed and want a smoother fabric, Favorite Daughter and Veronica Beard have you covered. Or if other readers need something under-$200, Mango is always the pick.
Belle,
Can you help me find a Father’s Day gift for my son’s father? We divorced two years ago and his older step children always buy him something crazy expensive and it hurts our son’s feelings. He golfs for work with clients, but I don’t, so maybe Kyle has a suggestion. He also works in politics.
I appreciate the help. Lia
First, I think I might talk to my ex about the (hopefully) unintentional competition that exists between the step kids and your son. After all, unless the kids are fully grown, the gift isn’t from the kids, it’s from his new partner. Of course, step children have every right to buy a gift, but it feels icky for the gift to be so much grander that the other children in the family feel slighted. Maybe it just isn’t something he’s considered?
Second, when in doubt, get a gift people can talk about. Something cool that gets shown off doesn’t have to be expensive. Kyle put these Caddy Classics products on his Christmas gift list — they sell out every time they’re in stock. He has some of the cigarette-shaped tees and men always ask about them when he’s on the course. Always.
Another friend purchased her husband golf balls printed with Tom Brady’s face because he hates the Patriots, and she thought it might be motivating for him to hit the ball harder. The company that makes them has lots of personalization options.
On the political front, I don’t know a single politico who doesn’t love old political signs, pinbacks, etc. You can find vintage campaign merch on eBay and Etsy pretty easily. If you know the first campaign he worked on or the first politician he worked for, start there. I literally spotted a Team Rehberg pin while writing this post and bought it instantly. A friend keeps the pens on his desk in a 1980s Reagan coffee mug, and people always comment on it. This FDR pennant in a shadow box would look great in an office.
This same sentimental logic would apply to a game he played when he was young, or a sports team he loves, or a college he attended. When money is in short supply, emotional pull can make up for it.
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