Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Seventeen

You know the drill: when life is busy we reach into the mailbag.

DM: Is DVF worth the money?

I recently bought two DvF dresses (this one and this one on sale (because the color, OMG)), and a reader sent this question in. And it’s a complicated question.

A lot of designers and brands make a wrap-style dress. DvF is the original, and still the icon. When I wear mine, women who know always comment on it and tell me they love DvF. But the price difference is significant, so unless this is your beloved, number one style (it’s definitely mine), I would look at a brand like Ann Taylor or Karen Kane or just stick to the sales (which are usually going to get you to a <$200 price point). Something is only “worth the money” if you love it, wear it, and feel great in it every time you put it on.

Dear Abra,

After years of looking for a “signature style,” preppy is my look. Of course, there’s J.Crew, but I’m struggling to find other retailers that consistently carry pieces that feel like I spend my weekends at the Cape without looking like an Independence Day BBQ outfit. Help?

Caitlyn

Yes, it is a fine line between Americana and America’s star-spangled birthday. If you’re looking beyond J.Crew, J. McLaughlin (no relation) is a good place to start. Pieces like this easy linen dress and this button front polo top have classic sportswear vibes. The brand also stocks a lot of striped tees, bermuda shorts, and seashell prints, but those are easily avoided because the rest of the line is so, so good.

Another brand to consider is (of course) Ralph Lauren. With both his read-to-wear line and multiple diffusion lines, Ralph has classic sportswear for every price point. If you love a deal, Macy’s usually has the best selection and there’s almost always a sale. This linen top with shorts is so good for the last bits of summer.

Abra:

We have just moved to central MT from VA and I’m wondering if you can recommend any good sources of state News?

Suzanne

Montana is in a weird place because one national company owns every major newspaper in the state and is dedicated to bleeding them dry. Same with TV, which is controlled by an outfit out of Spokane. I usually read the Montana Free Press. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than most.

Hi Abra!

I finally tried the paige aneesa jeans and they are so flattering. What shoes do you wear with them in summer ans wintrr?

Thanks! Sally

They are my favorite. Hands down. Multiple washes, multiple inseam lengths. You can also find them on Nordstrom Rack pretty frequently.

As for shoes, what shoes don’t I wear them with? In summer, I like a simple sandal or a sleek sneaker. I also wear them with the flats from this morning.

In the fall, I like a square toe ankle boot. Being an elder millennial, I used to be really picky about my hems being the right length for all shoes. Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of younger women wearing cropped or ankle length jeans with shorter boots. It doesn’t always work, but when the boots are cool and the outfit is thoughtful it looks like a modern take on the “wrong shoe theory.“

Abra,

Can you help me find a new body lotion? I’m looking for something light. I own so many balms and heavy creams and I don’t want to wait for them to absorb.

TY

I love a deep moisturizer, but I also do not love standing in the bathroom naked while it soaks in enough to put on clothes. So I get it. Hanni gifted me this spray-on lotion, and it’s really a good product for light hydration. I keep it in my golf bag so that I can reapply if the wind starts to dry out my arms and legs. It’s light enough that I can spritz it on after sunscreen and I don’t feel like a grease ball. The vanilla scent is nice too.

Another option is Soft Services Speed Soak. The name tells you everything you need to know. So if you only have five minutes in the morning, this is the one for you.

DM: Where did you get that rug?

Most of our home decor is from Room & Board, but our rugs are almost entirely from All Modern. I understand that a “nice” rug costs thousands; I just won’t pay it. I walk on that thing. I spill on it. I have dogs. A $400 rug suits me just fine.

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