Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Eighteen

Hi Abra,

I’m also in my 40s and struggling with all the changes to my appearance. The skin on my chest has been my biggest source of frustration. When I wake up in the morning it’s covered in fine wrinkles, sometimes they disappear by noon, sometimes they do not. What do I do about this? I can’t live in crewnecks forever.

Anna M.

The décolletage doesn’t get as much attention as the face or neck, so that skin often shows visible aging sooner. But there are a few things you can do to lessen the damage.

First, are you a side sleeper? The weight of your bust pulling on the skin while you sleep can make the wrinkles deeper and longer lasting. I had to learn to sleep on my back while I was pregnant, and I found that putting a pillow under my knees was the most effective thing I tried. The National Sleep Foundation has other recommendations as well.

Next, try an anti-aging serum on your chest. An moderately priced face serum can repurposed, or you can buy one of my favorite products, this body serum from Soft Services.

Hey Abra,

Our Legal & Compliance teams will be having an onsite meeting end of sept in TX (we’re all remote – I’m in CO). But our CEO may be there and she prefers more business than business casual for the lawyers – I am not a lawyer (I’m in compliance) but prefer to dress more professional than casual.

Could you suggest 2-3 outfits with a $300 budget in mind? Thank you. Katie

Express has the nicest affordable suits out there. The Editor suit in navy is a great option. It’s about $175 for both pieces. The mid-rise trouser is the best pant. To that, I would add a simple navy blouse. Monochromatic dressing always looks chic without trying too hard. Quince has a lot of washable silk blouses for around $75.

If you need a second outfit, you may have to exceed your budget unless you want to shop second hand (which is always a good idea). You can find a lot of great, gently used pieces on Thredup. But for a second outfit, I would choose a dress. This Karen Kane faux wrap is in my closet and a lot of other readers closets. It looks great on its own or under a blazer. And it easily goes from a meeting to a dinner.

In this price point, I would also look up T Tahari pieces at Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Lots of sales, so it’s easy to find nice professional pieces for $75-$150.

Hi Abra!

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

Thanks! Anon

In summer, I wear just about any flat shoe in my closet. Right now, I’m wearing my Crocs sandals and these Margaux sandals. As we move into fall, I will start wearing these woven Margaux flats and these leopard drivers from M.Gemi.

I chose flats because the Anessa jeans I own now are hemmed for flats. I may purchase a pair with a longer inseam to wear with heeled ankle boots in the fall. You can find the 33″ length on the Paige website. I just can’t stop thinking about these Una boots from M.Gemi in dark espresso, and I need jeans to go with them.

Abra,

I am traveling internationally in the next couple weeks and realize I need a new travel set. I am about 7 months post-partum and A flight last week proved to me that my go-to travel outfit of high-waisted leggings is no longer comfortable, especially not for a 10-hour flight. Any suggestions for something comfy that also looks relatively put-together? Bonus points if it’s breastfeeding friendly (e.g. buttons/zippers/snaps).

Rachel

If you want a luxe feeling jersey set, there are only two places I would go: Varley and Spanx. The Spanx AirEssentials line is extremely soft and comfortable. One of the options is a chic cardigan that is breastfeeding friendly. Varley is my go-to choice for coordinated sets. I love their Roxbury Zip Up because it’s chic and comfortable, but be aware the sizing runs a little big.

If you want a comfortable set that’s a little more versatile, I would head over to Sold Out NYC. They gifted me a pair of their Everywhere Pant in black, and they’re f**king amazing. They’re not knit, they’re chino material, and so comfortable and relaxed. Pair them with their Everyday Sweatshirt in black or their Terry Polo in cream for a really cool, not too matchy “set.” If you need the Polo in a breast feeding friendly version, you might consider sizing up.

Hi Abra,

My brother’s fiancé is really tough to shop for because she’s addicted to social media and only wants the newest influencer trend buys. She’s 29, and if she hasn’t seen it on some other woman’s weekly must have list, she does not want it. She’s the only woman I know who bought those High Sport pants. I don’t even have a Facebook account and could care less about influencer must haves (except yours, obvi). Can you give me 4-5 suggestions costing less than $100?

TYIA.

That sounds frustrating, and I can absolutely help with this. Here are some of the “very online” “highly recommended” “must have” “obsessions” that I actually bought, use and like.

1. Flamingo Estate Tomato Candle. A surprise since I hate tomatoes and am meh about candles.
2. Soft Services Theraplush Hand Cream. A forever rebuy. No regrets.
3. Dior Cuticle Cream. A me recommendation, but it’s an amazing product. Buy it from Dior for gift packaging.

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