Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No. Ten

Graduation gift suggestions, how to treat body acne, whether business suits must be dry cleaned together, and more in this week’s Ask the Edit.

Abra,

I am looking for good quality and affordable tights (nude or really any color). I am looking for something that is comfortable and won’t fall apart after a few washings (I either wash by hand or use a laundry bag). Any suggestions are appreciated!

-E

I think Spanx make the best tights on the market if you’re looking for black.  Other readers swear by the Commando tights, but I struggle to keep them up.  For budget options, I like Berkshire’s microfiber tights.

Need “nude” nylons?  I own two pair.  The first are these Wolford nylons that have been washed six times and are still in good shape.  The second are these Donna Karan tights that have only been washed once.

The key to washing tights is to use a laundry bag and gentle soap on the delicates cycle.  Some washers employ the spin cycle for delicates, I turn that on low or off.

Hi Abra,

Your blog continues to be a livesaver! I’m headed to a Florida bachelorette next month, and am looking for a swimsuit coverup that can go from the beach/boat to the street. My must-haves are not too short, not too sheer, coverage for my easily burned shoulders, and not white. Under ~$75 would be ideal.

Thanks so much! Nicole

My preferred cover-up is either a cotton voile maxi dress or a short t-shirt dress.

I know you said no white, but by way of example, this ASOS crinkle maxi would be my ideal beach coverup.  This sage and pink maxi dress is another good choice.   The best places to find these types of dresses in your price range are typically at your destination.

For t-shirt dresses, this v-neck Socialite dress is perfect.  This C+C California tee dress, and this Michael Stars tee are both nice.  Plus-size? Try this Land’s End dress.

Just want a traditional cover-up?  This red and pink Heidi Klum is cute.  I also like this J. Valdi Portofino cover-up in a fun print.

Need sun protection?  Check out a brand called Mott 50.  The fabric protects you from the sun’s rays.

Abra,

I’m headed to a close friend’s wedding in Wyoming in June. (She grew up on a ranch. I did not.) The dress code is casual and they suggested boots.

What’s a cosmopolitan gal to do?  Rae

Typically, I wouldn’t recommend that a non-native don boots.  But if they recommend boots, then it’s fine to wear them to the wedding.  I didn’t grow up on a ranch, so even though I was born out West, I only wear my boots to the rodeo (when everyone wears them).

Ariat is a good brand.  I like this pair.  I wouldn’t recommend buying them day of, as cowboy boots typically need to be broken in.  For something under-$75, these tan boots are nice.

Pair the boots with a summery dress, and you’re all set.  Just remember it gets cold at night, so you’ll need a jacket.

Abra,

For the last few weeks, my back and chest have been covered in acne.  I’ve never had body acne before, and I don’t know how to treat it.  Please help.  I have a spring break trip in two weeks.

Clair

First off, have you changed your hair care products recently?  Just using a different shampoo or conditioner can give you acne.

Second, you need to exfoliate. this Alba clarifying peel-mask is good.  I also like this Clean & Clear deep exfoliating scrub both work well.

After that, start using anti-bacterial soap.  Old school Dial works the best.  And post-shower, use an acne treatment like CosRX one-step peel pads.

If your skin starts to get really dry, stop everything except the Dial soap and just spot treat the acne.

Hi Belle,

How often do you wear your suit pieces as separates? I recently invested in a few suits for a work trip. Now that the trip is over and I’m back in business casual mode, I find myself wearing the blazers much more often than the skirts and pants.

My mother once told me to always dry clean both pieces of a suit at the same time. Is that a rule you follow? It doesn’t seem like a problem now, but I guess I can envision my suit jackets getting worn out faster than the bottoms due to overuse.

Do you have any suits that you only wear as a full outfit?

Thanks! Marissa

I have two suits that I never wear unless I’m wearing both pieces.  Then, I have two (one black, one grey) that I sometimes wear the pieces separately.  But I always dry clean them together.  If they wear unevenly, a color disparity will form over time.

When I was wearing suit jackets all the time, I just bought two Zara blazers to pick up some of the slack.

Abra,

My cousin & sister in law are both 21 and graduating from college this May, and I bought each of them a purse/backpack, one in gray and one in pink.

I’d like to fill it with a few essentials for post-college life. Thus far, I have a Target giftcard, Starbucks giftcard, and the bag itself. I was thinking essential everyday earrings to wear to work? Any suggestions for those or other ideas? Scarves? Skincare essentials? What would you fill it with to make it an awesome graduation gift? Thanks!!

– Jenny 

I think some slippers would be a great addition.  Some face masks and gel nail polish would be nice.  And perhaps, a microfiber makeup removing towel (these really are a miracle for getting off stubborn makeup without wipes).

For the working-world essentials, maybe a chic notebook from Appointed.  I’d also add some shoe insoles to give their feet a break.  And maybe a phone accessory, like this Popsocket cell phone stand.

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