Ask the Edit Vol. IV, No. Thirty-Four

Hi Belle,

I’m going to a few holiday parties and events this year and I’d rather not buy entirely new clothes, but I’d like some festive accessories (earrings, necklaces, clutches) that I can use to make LBDs a little more festive. Any ideas?

Thanks! M.C. 

If it’s holiday jewelry you’re after, I would recommend BaubleBar.  These fringe tassel earrings are a lot of fun, as are these sparkly beaded tassel earrings.  If drop earrings aren’t your thing, these Halo ear crawlers are super fun and sparkly.

As for other jewelry, I adore this INC necklace on a pale purple ribbon.  For something gorgeous but more versatile (ie work appropriate), this Wild Lillies gray layered necklace is sublime.  Prefer bracelets?  This Karine cuff with a wavy design is awesome.

Looking for shoes?  These embellished Topshop sandals are a lot of fun.  I loved these wine colored Badgley pumps with leaves on the heels.  For something fashion-forward, these pearl studded mules are awesome.  And if you need flats, these Circus flats would look so cute with black pants.

Lastly, if it’s clutches you’re after, this pearl embellished clutch from Boohoo is very cute.  But if I could only add one bag to my closet, this incredible Mango box bag in gold with a removable strap would be it.

We’ll talk more about holiday attire later this month, but this is enough to get you started.

Hi Belle,

I know you just did a post on winter coats, but I need your help.  I’m an attorney, and I need a professional winter coat I can wear to meetings and court appearances.  The only catch is that I live in the Midwest and desperately need it to have a hood.  The combination of professional + hood is proving to be really difficult.  Have you seen anything stylish that fits the bill?

Thanks, Leigh

This burgundy Soia & Kyo wool coat has a dramatic hood.  This Steve Madden coat in charcoal is an affordable option.  If I had to choose one for myself, this oatmeal-colored Nau Boiled Wool Coat is the winner.  Plus-size?  Try this Preston & York peacoat with detachable hood.

Hi Belle,

Have you ever tried face shaving?  There was an article in the NY Times about Kate Sommerville shaving her face for years now.  Also I heard Brandi Glanville (yes, D list, I know) talking about how her and all celebrities shave their faces.

I know you’ve written about hair removal but I don’t recall anything about shaving the face. Ever tried it?

Thanks, Chaigrl

I’ve heard of it.  It’s very popular right now.  I don’t shave my face.  I have some concerns about spreading acne or ingrown hairs causing more acne.  Plus, my skin isn’t exactly smooth, so I doubt it would make a difference.

Also, obviously, I remove the dark hair from my lip, tweeze my brows, and pluck the wiry hairs from my chin.  But I totally disagree with the woman in the article who said that “men don’t like” a woman with hair on her face.  I highly doubt most men even notice.

Hello,

My girlfriends and I challenge each other to try new clothing items every holiday season.  We nominate items for each friend and then we vote.  We wear the items to our NYE party.  Last year, I had to try a graphic tee (because my style is fairly classic, and my friends wanted to “rock it up”).  This year, they voted for leather leggings (oh, brother).  Can you helps suggest some that don’t look trashy?

Alison

That is a really interesting holiday tradition.  I wonder what my friends would pick for me?  Scary thought.

For leather leggings, Spanx has a pair of faux-leather leggings that look pretty cute.  Plus, they’ll provide some shaping, which is always helpful.  Plus-size ladies should check out this Lysse leather leggings.

Hi Abra,

This may seem like an odd request but where would you start when looking for an engagement ring? I love the look of a classic solitaire ring but I’m also considering a European-style simple gold band – or multiple bands. I am afraid “alternative” stones like rubies or sapphires would clash with my manicures, as ridiculous as that may sound. It is so overwhelming that I was wondering where you would start. We have a fairly high budget for this. Thanks.

– Jenna 

First off, this is what Pinterest is for. You can look at different cuts and settings, to get an idea what you like.  Are you a classic cut like round, oval or cushion?  Do you like something more modern like a brilliant or a hexagon?

Second, if you’re worried about other colors clashing, skip it.  If you don’t love a gemstone or have a sentimental attachment to it, you’re better off with a simple diamond.

Third, there are a lot of places to look for rings now.  Some people search Etsy for something unique.  If you’re about classics, there are great online retailers like James Allen or Brilliant Earth (which specializes in conflict free diamonds).

However, I think (like wedding dresses) the best way to know what works is to try some on.  Obviously, you’re having a conversation about what you like.  Get brunch, go to a reputable local jeweler, and try on some sizes, cuts, and styles you like.  You’ll either fall in love with the ring or you’ll learn what you like (and don’t like).

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