Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Nineteen

The worst part of perimenopause is managing the hormone fluctuations. The mild luteal phase tiredness of my 30s has become deep exhaustion in my 40s. I’ve started an HRT regimen but I haven’t found a way through the total malaise that finds me in the days before my period. So while I ride this ice flow of productivity, let’s answer a few questions from the mailbag.

Hi belle,

I’m looking for 2 pairs of work sneakers (casual light manufacturing so closed toes and heels) for fall. I have a pair of blue puma vikky v3’s and sea salt/white new balance 327’s that i’m alternating now and both need replacing.

Any ideas? Thank you! Elle

There are two paths to choose here: replace what you already wear or try something new.

If your path is replacement, I still love a New Balance 327, but if you prefer something sleeker try NB’s 471. It’s a little lower profile and a bit cooler. As for blue, if you want something with pop, I suggest these retro varsity Seevee’s. For a more versatile navy option, try these Golas.

Your second option is trying something new. There are lots of incredible, unique sneakers on the market right now. I own these Adidas leopard print sneakers. I also purchased these silver Nike Pacific sneakers. These snake print Gola sneakers also caught my eye.

DM: Do any of the sticky eye patches actually do anything?

If you ask your dermatologist, she will probably tell you that they don’t do much beyond hydrating the skin. Anecdotally, I’ve noticed these Topicals eye patches really brighten and depuff when I use them. But the best thing you can do is find a serum or eye cream you really love, and use these Dieux reusable patches to ensure the product penetrates deeply.

Hi Abra!

I think you’ve answered similar questions before, but I couldn’t find an answer in the archives.

One of my best friends is welcoming baby #2 this fall. She’s hosting a sprinkle and I’d love to treat her to something a little extra special (and likely not on her registry). 

Is there something luxe you’d suggest? I asked if there was anything special she might not have put on the registry, but no luck. Budget is $250.

Thanks! ER

I gifted a postpartum friend one of these Lola blankets. It’s soft, cozy and nice for couch naps. Another friend asked for nice slippers, so I bought her mine.

If other readers have suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments.

Hi Abra!

In a few weeks, I am going to be helping to host my org’s first ever dc reception. as part of that, i will be expected to wear some of the org’s merch (think, graphic tshirt)… but as a lobbyist, after meeting with staffers all day. I can wear the shirt under a blazer, but what do i wear on the lower half? I really don’t want to do just a regular suit skirt, but that might be where I end up.

IM

My first thought was a wide leg pants suit with a graphic tee. Something a little more relaxed and less buttoned up, but still a suit. The Favorite Daughter pleats for days pants are closest to what I envisioned. Another option would be this denim-look blazer, which a friend wears with black pants when she needs to wear the graphic tee for her org to board meetings. It feels a little more relaxed but is still a blazer.

But if this is a true, end of day reception, and you do want to change up the outfit, I would wear it with a different more fun skirt and no blazer. I like this fuller silk skirt from Tuckernuck. Leather skirts are also really big for fall, so that could be an option as well.

If other readers who wear t-shirts for campaign events and industry conferences have other tips, please help this reader out.

Hello!

I’m in the market for new black boots for fall, $200-$400? I have a pair of suede booties but get much more wear from my brown riding boots (Lands End 8+ years old!). Need size 10, preferably W if available. Pebbled leather preferred because it hides scuffs better…would love a fall boot roundup. 

Janet

The only place I know to send you is Vince Camuto. VC offers wide footbeds in many of their boot styles, including their riding boots. But the great thing they offer is multiple calf widths — narrow, standard, wide and extra wide. So whether you have wide feet, wide calves, or both, you can find something to fit.

Abra,

What are we doing to PREVENT BO from armpits in blazers? Aside from Deodorant which is failing me postpartum.

Em

First, you need an antiperspirant. Not a deodorant. Carpe and Duradry are the most talked about brands. I’ve talked to real women in my friend group who find that both work well for regular sweat and stress sweat.

Second, if this is really a problem, I would recommend pit pads in all of your blazers. We used these when I did musical theatre in high school, and they keep the costume fresh by creating a physical barrier to keep sweat off of the fabric. Then, you just replace the pit pad when it smells. They have both reusable and disposable options.

Finally, I recommend mixing a vodka solution to help kill bacteria on the clothes. I have a favorite workout shirt that I have owned since 2014, and the smell has finally seized it. But I kept it fresh for 12 years with this simple vodka trick.

DM: What work bag are you carrying now?

I am still a dyed in the wool Lo & Sons fangirl. I have the OG2 for every day. I carry my leather Trinity bag for big days and court appearances (back when I was practicing).

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