Ask the Editor: Vol. III, No. Nine

It’s been a long, tough week.  I am mentally and physically exhausted in a way I did not know was possible.  So let’s take the easy, fun way out, and answer some reader questions.

Hi,

Huge fan of your site and long time reader. I have a question for your Ask the Editor section: This summer will be my fifth wedding anniversary and my husband has heavily hinted he’s going to give me a really nice piece of jewelry. What’s the male equivalent of really nice jewelry? He’s already got a watch and isn’t really into blingy things anyway. What’s something meaningful and worthy of this big occasion that I can get for him? I’m willing to spend up to $1000.

Thanks so much! Rachel 

Because this is his area, I asked Kyle for his help.  His first instinct was to get him an expensive bottle of liquor.  In our house, a Whistle Pig Boss Hog or a special edition Hibiki Suntory would be the selection.  Visit a nice liquor store, talk to the purveyor, and see what he or she could order in.  If he’s a wine drinker, a pricey bottle is a gift and an experience (but liquor obviously lasts longer and can be enjoyed on special occasions for years to come).

Beyond that, leather goods are a nice gift — a pair of Ferragamo driving moccasins or a Tumi backpack.  I’ve also given Kyle Burberry scarves, they wear well and are timeless.

Not a clothes horse?  A great coffee maker or an expensive knife set might be a good gift.

Hi Abra,

I’ve got a Favorite Things party coming up next month and I’m wracking my brain as to what to bring. The rules are the gift should be $15-$20 and I’ll need to bring 3 of them. I was thinking of a beauty product or an everyday item and suddenly everything I love is around $40…so I’m looking for new favorite thing, any suggestions?

Kate

If it’s a beauty product you’re looking for, I have a few suggestions in that price range.  This Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, this Necessaire Hand Cream, and the Makeup Eraser, to remove your makeup without disposable wipes.  An ice roller is also a good choice, since you don’t need to have a specific skin condition to get the de-puffing benefits.

Looking for a different type of item?  These are my favorite writing pens, and I love Red Clay’s Hot Honey with Honeycomb.  Also,

Abra,

My parents moved to Wyoming last year to be closer to family.  We’re visiting them next week, and being from San Francisco, I don’t have the correct footwear.  Recommendations for a snow boot that doesn’t look like I belong on an ice floe in Alaska?

Cody or Bust

Snow boots are something about which I have very specific needs.  I don’t like my boots too heavy.  I don’t want them covered in fur (faux or otherwise).  And I don’t want zippers.

I usually wear Sorel Caribous, but I recently switched to their Out N About Classic Boot.  It’s lighter, easier to wear, and has better traction.  Also, as a bonus for women who don’t wear boots often, they aren’t so bulky that they’re hard to store away.

Other options?  Sorel’s Harlow boot gives you the look of a fashion boot with the traction and warmth of a winter boot.

But the key with these boots, as with all boots, is good socks.  Smartwool is the best brand.  They’re warm and cozy.

Yesterday, I asked if anyone had any Valentine’s Day needs not covered in the original post.  A reader left this comment: 

I’d love some more Xl/1x options, cute pjs that are still comfy to sleep in.

I’m not a wearer of plus-sizes, but I try to include plus pieces in as many posts as possible.  Recently, I’ve noticed fewer plus options available.  I’m not sure why, but some retailers seem to be pulling back on inclusive sizing.  But here is the best of what I found when I went looking.

For lingerie, Elomi is a highly rated brand.  This Matilda bra is really beautiful.  This Sachi babydoll is also a good look.  Love, Vera is also a great brand, and it’s black-owned. This lace romper is also worth a look.

Looking for something pretty and comfortable?  Natori makes the most beautiful jersey chemises.  For something a bit more affordable, try this Dreamgirl chemise.  This Oh La La Cheri satin short and lacy tank set is also nice.  Uwila Warrior also makes a cute lace-trim tank and boy short that’s a relaxed, sexy look.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}