Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Fourteen

It’s been a really hard week. The injury that precipitated my bout of vertigo has brought my headaches back. Not every day (thank goodness), but some days. So I’m back on medication and unable to look at screens for long periods, which means I need to prioritize my 9-to-5 job for my limited screen time.

I’m optimistic I will feel better the more I heal. But I feel like broken record of injuries, and it’s a bit exhausting. We have some great questions in the mailbag, so let’s start there.

DM: I get targeted ads for modern citizen and ogl. Any experience? Should i take the plunge? I’m intrigued.

No experience with OGL, but I love Modern Citizen. This dress is the most wearable thing I own. It’s so easy to toss on. This top fits away from the body and is 100% cotton, so it’s breezy in summer. This might be the first “new-to-me” brand that I’ve tried this year (or last) that is awesome from the jump.

Hi Abra,

Back in the dating pool at 45. It’s wonderful here the men are so plentiful and great. Recently, one of them told me my date night attire was “frumpy” and “try hard.” As much as I’d like to pretend I don’t care, it stung. Can you help me find 2-3 outfits for this season of life? Most dates are semi-casual.

Sincerely, Mia

Well, he seems like a real treat. But if you want some outfit help, let’s try these.

Brewery or Winery Date. Spanx linen pants with a linen button up top. Casual. Put together. Add a good bra and a flat sandal. Minimalist jewelry.

T-Shirt and Jeans. This was a Kyle pick. His exact words were, “Nothing says confidence like a woman who shows up to a casual date in a white t-shirt and jeans.” Color me surprised.

Sundress. A breezy, easy summer dress in a color or fresh print (also this one) always looks feminine and chic. Add a simple sandal you can walk in (who knows where the night will take you).

Other than that, my best advice is to pick the outfit you would wear if you had five minutes to get ready and just needed your go to, comfortable, nice outfit. The one you grab in a hurry. That is very often your best outfit because it’s the one you believe is best.

DM: What do you bring to the beach for Sloane?

I loathe the beach. Even if I lived near one, I’d likely never go. So this is a reader question. Please help this nice woman with your best “kiddo trip to the beach” recommendations.

I go to the pool. And for that, I take a small mesh bag full of assorted pool toys. We also use this 3-2-1 swim floatie, which we love. It actually helps Sloane learn to swim instead of just keeping her above water.

Question for you please! I was excited to received a boden gift card for christmas. I love their clothes, but am so overwhelmed with how much is on their website. What would you recommend? For context, my work is business casual and i have littles at home. Thanks!!

Anon

The Boden website can be intimidating. Between new items and clearance, it’s often a flood of clothing. I think it’s a good idea to look for a fresh version of something you already own and wear often. Are you a cardigan girlie? Do you love a blazer? Is a summer dress your ultimate jam? Choose a vehicle that you will wear and then select a version you will love.

For me, I love a striped tee. This chocolate brown stripe is a bit different for me, but will still blend into my wardrobe. I also wear a bright cardigan as a top for Zoom calls. If you like a dress, I can confirm this dress will look great for a casual work day or watching a toddler play soccer.

Hello,

What was that serum you like? I just ran out of a discontinued product and my skin is in need.

Feel better. CC

Serums are based on skin concern. If you have hyperpigmentation or sun damage, this is a phenomenal serum, and it’s under-$90 for a bottle that lasts months.

If you have wrinkles, I love this serum because my skin cannot handle Tretinoin. Not the same strength as the prescription though. If you’re looking for something in between, Prequel has a very affordable retinal that is worth a look. Note: It will stain your pillowcases yellow.

My Husband’s company is taking all of the employees and their families to disney. I have a two-year-old, so I will be wrangling him at the pool and the park, but I want to look appropriate for all the run-ins with colleagues. what do i wear to the park? to swim?

Allie

I already answered a similar question a few weeks ago. There was some good advice in the comments for the park (since I’ve never been). But for the pool, I have some thoughts.

I like a brightly colored one-piece swimsuit. It says, “Hey, sunshine!” without too much effort. This vibrant blue from Andie is great. Anne Cole kills it in canary yellow. This bright pink from Athleta is also great.

Also, I find that a pair of shorts is easier to put on and take off than a full cover up (though we know I love an EF caftan). Lands’ End makes awesome shorts you can wear in the pool, that dry quickly. If you don’t need that versatility, this seersucker short and top from Madewell is fabulous.

DM: Is Brick helping you with your screen time?

Confession: I bought a Brick in March because I came back from Olympia addicted to my phone.

Second Confession: I haven’t used it once. *shrug*

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