What You’re Shopping For: April 2021, Partie III.

*Image above via the insanely chic Jenny Walton. (Do I also need a Prada tote?) She’s wearing a pair of the ballerina flats she designed with label Pretty Ballerinas!

My final April installment of what you’re shopping for! (Parts One and Two.) If you asked me a wedding guest outfit question, check Tuesday’s post and also this entire new section of my shop!

Q: Chic mom clothes to expand my jeans and white oxford daily look.

A: Hi! Been there! The fastest way for me to get out of a rut is to add some fun new trendy accessories, like a spring headband, new sunglasses, statement earrings, great shoes, or a new tote for spring. Even a new lightweight coat to throw over everything in a fun spring color! Wear any/all of these to your daily uniform and feel like a brand new woman.

But if you’re looking to get fully out of your jeans-and-oxford rut, try swapping out the top for an easy-to-wear-but-interesting top like this, this, or this. (Loads of other cute spring tops at all price points here.)

I’m definitely a dress gal in the spring/summer, so that’s another avenue you might consider. I’m like a broken record here, but I find the SZ Blockprints caftans and Hill House nap dresses so easy and chic to throw on with a pair of sandals or even Supergas to run after the children. I also love shirtdresses (just ordered this white eyelet maxi style) for everyday wear — they work for literally any occasion, are comfortable, and are very flattering on most body types. You can wear them with literally any style of shoe, too: I tend to wear them with ballet flats and sandals, but they look lovely with canvas sneakers and mules too! I am currently waiting impatiently for this Daphne Wilde tiered shirtdress to come back in stock in the print! A few other everyday dresses in this vein I like: this BR steal, this Hunter Bell (look for less with this), this white Loft dress, this Draper James, and this hydrangea print dress.

Q: How about a new leather wallet that can be monogrammed? I am in the market for a “big girl” leather wallet that is excellent quality and can be personalized. I am talking about something that could even fit multiple cards, cash, notes, scraps of paper, and even a checkbook if necessary. I don’t want an LV or Gucci wallet as that is not really my thing, but I have heard great things about Leatherology from Marlein Renmeister’s blog, Le Catch. I also love Hammitt and have a clutch from them, but I’m not in love with their wallet styles. Would be great if we could keep it to under $400.

A: Love this gift for yourself!  My first thought was Cuyana — they make such beautiful leather goods, with elegant (discreet) monogramming, and at a reasonable price.  I have a few items of theirs that I have owned and loved for years.  My second thought was Clare Vivier — a little bolder, more youthful, and I love the hand-painted lettering.  So unique!  I’ve never ordered from Leatherology but agree that Marlien is a good curator of ultra-chic finds.  I love the look of these wallets with the hand-painted lettering — sort of a blend of Cuyana and Clare Vivier. Finally, you might consider Mansur Gavriel — great colors and great personalization options.

Q: I’m looking for some advice about what to give my older sister as a gift for graduating from college this May – preferably something under $50 (or lower), because I’m a college freshman on a budget. 🙂 I was thinking maybe a piece of personalized jewelry, like a ring, but I’m not sure if that’s within the price range? Or maybe something that would be useful to her as she goes into the workplace and moves into an apartment?

A: What a sweet question!  On the jewelry front, actually, one of my very favorite pieces of jewelry is this $50 personalizable ring I bought for myself with my daughter’s initials and birth date on it. You could engrave her initials or name or even a special nickname you have for her on it.  There is also this simpler band style if that’s more her speed.

A few other ideas….
+A needlepoint keychain with her new post-graduation zip code on it!
+A fun beach tote with her name on the side
+Pretty stationery

Even more personalized (and reasonably priced) gifts here!

Q: Clothes that go from work-from-home to work-in-office seamlessly.

A: Hm, this depends on how formal your office is, but I would again upvote shirtdresses. They are so versatile and in general non-restricting! You can slip into a pair of heels or demure flats with them as you head into the office, or stick with canvas sneakers or sandals at home. I like like this CE Finn, this Gap stripe, this Liberty floral, and this Mango floral. If your office is more conservative, go with a classic stripe.

Q:Tops under $50 with sleeves to wear with jeans or shorts.

A: A few I love:

THIS PINK ZARA

THIS $25 BUTTON DOWN

THIS BLUE AND WHITE STRIPE

A BOXY TEE

A SIMPLE HENLEY

Q: Comfortable and chic sneakers. Not Golden Goose!

A: Supergas! I have worn these for years and years. Timeless and look great with dresses, shorts, jeans, etc. VERY comfortable.

Q: Country club outfits! Strict “no denim” rules includes no jeans even in summer.

A: Tricky! I’d reach for some fun shorts or a pretty skirt (love this, too) and a simple white top, or easy summer dresses like India Amory dresses, this floral print style, this maxi, and pretty much anything by Tory Burch.

Q: Cute tennis whites / golf looks.

A: Tory Burch! I adore this classic pleated skirt. For golf, can you EVEN with this windbreaker and skort set?! You’d be the talk of the clubhouse. I would also consider this classic (and under-$25) pleated skirt and would trust anything Lululemon does, including their tennis skorts. They design their pieces so thoughtfully. Addison Bay also has some really chic pieces, this Athleta dress is fantastic, and how about some fun tennis balls?!

Q: A birthday gift for my sister who has great taste and is moving into a new apartment.

A: I love all of these thoughtful ladies looking out for their sisters! I would say Matouk Auberge towels with her first or last initial, a Weezie short robe, a Cire Trudon candle, or a Boll & Branch bed blanket. I have given all of these as gifts and they are, simply, excellent investments for any new home!

Q: Small space solution for entryway bench / mirror / shoe storage situation.

A: Depending on your style, this bench/hook situation (or this one, if your space is smaller) really does it all, especially with the space for a basket (or baskets) beneath the bench to stow footwear. I also like the clean lines of this waterfall console, under which you could stow deep baskets or bins for footwear, and over which you could install a mirror. The top also makes it a convenient landing place for mail, keys, phone, etc.

P.S. More great gear for small apartments.

Q: Sarongs/pareos for cherry red and black Marysia suits!

A: Oo so fun — this one by Agua Bendita is a dream, this Etsy shop has loads of fun block prints at great prices, and India Amory has chic prints, too.

P.S. Chic swim for summer 2021.

Q: Cool mom dress for my daughter’s baptism, ideally under $200.

A: Congratulations, mama! I am absolutely in love with this shirt dress, which reminds me of a D. Porthault print. Gorgeous. My top pick! I ordered it myself! There are also some fantastic deals on Les Reveries dresses at Gilt at the moment — consider this floral statement! I wore this floral on Easter and it was so sweet — love the pricepoint, too. A little over budget, but these Dondolo dresses are very on-trend with the smocking and prints.

Q: A law school graduation dress — TBD on whether it’s in-person yet, but still want to dress up.

A: Congratulations! Wow — what an achievement. And I love your commitment to getting dolled up regardless. A few smaller labels seem like the right fit for the moment: grown-up but not stodgy. Hunter Bell, Daydress, Molly Moorkamp, and Daphne Wilde have fantastic, unique pieces out at the moment that feel perfectly-suited to the moment: fashion-conscious but also sophisticated, in classic fabrics. I also love this Tory Burch and this Veronica Beard — they both feel like what a successful lawyer would wear on the weekends!

Q: MOTB + MOTG black tie dresses that complement all girls in white and guys in navy.

A: Congratulations! A few ideas: Roksanda, Rickie Freeman, or — if you are OK with not having her in navy — something by Markarian (swoon), this Marchesa Notte or this one, or this Saloni.

Q: We are looking to replace the arm chair my aunt uses daily (and extensively) in her retirement care facility. Do you have any suggestions? Looking for something comfortable but reasonably priced.

A: I would go with something from Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.  I think they are far and away better quality (much, much more comfortable and more durable) than the stuff you can find for a little less on One King’s Lane, West Elm, World Market, etc.  I like this one from C&B because you can always buy a replacement slipcover if you need to without having to buy a new chair.  (And you can remove the slipcover and wash it as needed to begin with.)  The style is also very chic!  We bought a glider from C&B for mini’s nursery before she was born and it’s still in great condition despite heavy use. From Pottery Barn, I like something like this though definitely check the dimensions — I find PB stuff runs very oversized.

Q: A desk chair that is supportive, light-toned, but not leather or too office-y. Help!

A: A reader turned me onto this style, which was recommended to her by an interior designer. I think the style is great and it comes in different colors (including non-leather options). I have this saved for our new home! I actually do like the leather option, though — this in the brown leather looks like it was designed by Ralph Lauren and could look SO good!

Q: Loving all the Faithfull dresses but there are so many to scour through. Rec?

A: I know — how do they do it?! I keep meticulous record of all of the pieces I love while I’m shopping, and this is the only Faithfull dress I had pinned on hand. Absolutely love that print (!). Also comes in this style of dress, which I personally prefer for my body type.

Q: Flat leather sandal (a la Hermes, but everyone I know has the Oran). Must be comfy.

A: I absolutely love this pair by Malone Souliers. So classy and simple. And these have some canvas detailing, but how fun are these Tory Burches in the white?! LOVE. I have many pairs of Alexandre Birman and I find them very comfortable, so I feel confident in recommending this knot pair. Finally, these are white leather, but I was just swooning over these Alaias.

Q: Very specific, but looking for a chunky, navy-and-white striped, sleeveless sweater.

A: Ask and you shall receive. (Would love this with white denim!)