Ask the Edit Vol. V, No. Nine

Books for D.C. career women, first day outfits, laptop bags for work and more…

Hi Belle!

I have loved your blog for years. I am graduating from law school in May and I am looking for a nice work bag. I have pretty long arms so I like bags that have a long handle drop, at least 11″ or so, OR a bag that has short handles with a longer crossbody strap. I really like the Dagne Dover bags and their organization system inside the bag, but I’m pretty sure I’d hate the handles.

I’d appreciate any input you’d have! Thanks! – DJ 

I own two Dagne Dover classic totes.  I was actually surprised to see it only had a 9″ drop because I always found it comfortable to carry over the shoulder.  But if you’re looking for a longer drop…

Lodis makes a lot of great bags.  I like this Nikita tote (6″ drop, crossbody strap) and this Audrey zip-tote (11″ drop).  When I found a new job, I may reward myself with this Lodis bag.  This beautiful Cuyana satchel has a strap on the bag.  For something affordable, try this Matt & Nat bag or this one.

This men’s Ted Baker bag doesn’t have much in the way of storage, but if you’re looking for a slim laptop bag, this is it.  If you travel light, I love the look.

Abra,

You mentioned on Instastories that you’re using a product to make your hair look shinier.  What is it?

Love your late night rants!  The one on self-care was my favorite. ~ Emma

I’m using two products to improve the smoothness and shininess of my hair.  Oribe’s super shine cream is a great product to nourish tired hair.  It’s floral scent smells like a Michael’s craft store.  I’ve also been using Living Proof Restore, a detangler and leave-in conditioner that protects my hair from heat.

Need drugstore equivalents?  I like this Not Your Mother’s heat spray and this Tresemme smoothing serum as replacements.

Hi Belle!

I’m starting a new job at a pretty big deal place. It’s a major step up for me and want to start off right. I believe it’s business dress. What’s a good first day outfit? I feel like a suit might be too much, so how can I look polished and professional while flying slightly blind?

– SR 

I don’t think you can go wrong with a fitted (but not tight) sleeved dress.  If you want to splurge, I recommend Black Halo or LK Bennett.  Choose something you’ll wear regularly.  LK Bennett has this simple black dress or this a-line navy dress.  This Black Halo Nuelle sheath and this v-neck sheath are both lovely.

Looking for something under-$175?  This Ann Taylor faux wrap, this Maggy London textured dress, and this long sleeve J.Crew sheath will all work.

Plus-size? Try this Ellen Tracy sheath or this Talbot’s ponte sheath.  Petite?  This red sheath is gorgeous.  Maternity?  This Rosie Pope dress is chic.

Hello,

I’m going to Mexico next month for my anniversary.  Can you help me find cute sandals?  Seems like the wrong season to be searching.

Casey

For a pair of really cute, fun cheapies that just scream Mexico, try these Forever21 sandals.  These yellow Topshop sandals are great.  For something a bit more neutral, try these Steve Maddens or these simple Ancient Greek sandals.

Abra,

This isn’t so much a fashion question but a clothing questions – how do you store T-shirt, jersey, and wrap dresses? Hanging them doesn’t seem right because the weight of the dress pulls down on the shoulder; however, folding them is a pain. Plus, not matter how careful I am, there is always a crease down the middle. Thanks!

– Rachel 

Some of them, the lightweight ones, I hang.  I find a wood hanger does a better job of distributing the weight.  For the rest, I keep them in drawers built into my closet organizer.  Before I had that, I kept them in a hanging organizer that had shelves.  To keep the wrinkles low, I used tissue paper when I folded them.

Abra,

I’m in the market for a pair of slippers.  Our new house has all wood floors, and they’re pretty but cold. I just want something cozy.  Do you still love your Uggs?

Love the blog! Maya

Yes.  When I travel for work, I always bring them.  After a long day on my feet, my moccasins are all I want.  They’re a vacation for my feet.    I’ve never been so surprised by something as I was but how much I loved them.  They’re ugly, but they’re slippers, so they don’t leave the house.

Hi Abra,

I have some cousins graduating from college in a few months. They’ve both decided to move to DC, where I’ve lived for about 10 years. I came here for law school and hopped right into lawyerdom, so I don’t have much experience with job hunting outside of the legal market.

I’m hoping to gift them with some books that contain wisdom I wish I’d had when I was starting out my career. So far, I’ve picked “Mistakes I Made At Work” (which I really wish existed when I was starting out!), and “Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?” Are there any you might recommend? For context, one will be working on the Hill. The other is still job hunting, but is hoping to work for a nonprofit advocacy organization.

Any recommendations?  Thanks so much!  Jess

Both of your suggestions are good ones.  I also like “The Big Life” by Ann Shoket and “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois Frankel.”  Hopefully, other readers will share their recommendations as well.  I can always use a new book to read.

{image found here; this post contains affiliate links that generate commission for the author}