Ask the Editor: Vol. V, No. Five

I don’t want to talk about summer being over. I don’t want to talk about Back to School, or the fact that our pre-school starts in 10 days but they’ll get the school supply list to us “sometime next week.” And I definitely don’t want to talk about how my two-week summer break got cancelled by life. Because that’s all too frustrating. So let’s talk about clothes, and makeup, and lighter topics.

I’m on the hunt for what feels like the Middle aged mom going out top, but for the bazillion of meetings I have in this season of life – Pta, school conferences, committee or board meetings. places and spaces where i don’t need to wear business casual, work out attire would probably be fine but is not my jam.

Lindsay

I felt this question through every fibre of my being. So let’s find a few tops.

What about a pointelle knit polo with denim? Or a henley? You can find them in sweater form or frill-collar jersey. Speaking of jersey, how about this smocked-neck top? I also like a really bright striped t-shirt.

I’ll keep thinking about this one and report back next week.

Abra,

I’m planning a girls trip to Montreal this fall. You mentioned in an AMA it’s your favorite trip you’ve taken. Where should we go?

Liz

Bota-Bota Spa. Big in Japan Bar. Chez Ma Tante for poutine. St. Viateur for bagels. Also, we went in February so there were a lot of ice skating and sledding opportunities. In fall, you can probably still enjoy walking around the public parks and gardens.

Hi! Can you help me find a blush that isn’t electric or baby pink? I want a plummy color and everything I find is too brown. HG

Plum is a tough blush shade to locate because they either tilt brown or tilt pink in their undertone. add in the most blushes that market as “plum” are really a brighter berry. And then, remember that most plum shades will vary wildly based on skin color. This is why so many beauty brands use these on darker skin tones. So you may need to try on several options before you find THE ONE.

I like a medium purple-berry when I search for a blush. My favorite was just discontinued. So I’ve switched to this Raisin blush from Fenty.

DM: Did you do anything special to honor Avery?

We ordered a kit to turn her nose print into a bronze ornament. I can’t wait to get it back.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that a mail mix up actually sent the complete mold to the retailer Ciao Lucia. They could have just tossed it out and moved on. But Brittney in Customer Service went above and beyond and FedEx’ed it back to us. Couldn’t be more grateful. I’m a customer for life.

Dear Abra,

I need a dress for a September wedding. Black tie for the ceremony. “Country cute” for the reception. The wedding is in Nashville, so think Honky Tonk. Please help me find something pretty and not hokey.

TYIA. Vanessa

This lingerie-inspired dress from Anthro would look cute with boots. I also like this boatneck denim dress, which is more versatile and would be wearable again. I would pair it with a turquoise and silver necklace or a Concho style belt. This Farm Rio dress also has Beth Dutton vibes (just unbutton the high neck).

If you buy cowboy boots for this event, do not buy new ones. As a Montanan, I have seen more than a few people come to Montana for concerts and weddings, buy boots to wear to the event, and find out too late that cowboy boots are not suitable for multi-hour wear until they are broken in. It may take years to break in a pair of boots just right. So I recommend buying a worn pair or something with a little age on it to counteract some of the new shoe discomfort. You want something with creases in it already, and you’ll still need a blister-prevention spray.

Belle,

Settle a debate does makeup setting spray go on before makeup or after?

kiera

If you want real stay-all-day setting power, Byrdie says that you apply before, and then after every step. Yes, every step. Also, if you love Urban Decay All Nighter, know that they recently changed their manufacturers and it’s been a bit of a scandal. So to get the old spray we all loved, you have to buy this one from the original manufacturer Skindinavia.

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