Ask the Editor: Vol. V, No. Nine

As we wind down the year, I’m trying to soak up all of my time with Sloane and her obvious joy at the holidays. She randomly shouts, “Merry Christmas, Mommy!” all day long. Christmas was never a holiday I enjoyed, even as a kid, so I’m hoping we can break the Grinchy cycle.

So as many of us are already on holiday, I thought this would be a good time to reach into the reader mail bag. Let’s get started.

My Dad’s birthday is the first week of January. I bought him a great Christmas gift (a new putter) but I don’t know what to get for his birthday. He’s older and doesn’t “need” anything. So he asked us to keep it to under $25 so now it’s even harder.

Lacey

This credit card-shaped Tile device tracks your lost wallet when you lose it. I bought myself one. You can also tuck it into a suitcase or anything you don’t want to lose. I’ve been known to drop it into Sloane’s coat pocket when we go to the park.

I still use the acupressure mat I bought in 2020 every week. It really helps with little aches and pains.

Also, for a nostalgic gift, I go to eBay and search people’s alma maters, hometowns, favorite teams, etc. to see what vintage memorabilia is available. It can be fun to peruse the offerings; here are the results for my hometown. A few years ago, I bought Kyle a 1950s pennant from his high school. It looks good in his office.

Please help! I need a dress for mt law firm’s black tie party. Lawyers and spouses, end of January in the midwest. Preferably with sleeves, under $350??

Kate R.

I bought this Marcella dress (also in petite) for an upcoming black tie event, and I had a slit cut into the skirt to lighten the look a bit. This midi-length velvet dress from Reiss has a cool look, and would be appropriate for an event in January.

Not into black? For a black tie event, I sometimes like a short dress that’s metallic. Or if you’re sold on a longer dress, this cobalt one is nice.

I rent all of my special occasion wear now. I just don’t have that many black tie events these days. Rent the Runway has great picks. I like this Zac Posen pick. And then, I would spend the $350 on getting my hair, makeup and nails done.

Hello.

I received a beautiful gift of a Dorsey Riviera Necklace. It’s advertised for everyday wear. It’s so sparkly it looks like evening wear. The new york times says people wear the style every day. What do you think? How does one pull off the claims of being beautiful with a simple t-shirt? I would love your assistance in translating marketing and aspiration in to day to day life.

Thank you for so much advice over the years. Also in case it is helpful I’m in my 50s. –KH

Dorsey blew onto the scene like a tornado a few years ago with their signature tennis necklaces and promises that you could wear them anywhere. But pulling that off is definitely a bit of a challenge.

First, you have to embrace this trend with confidence. If you believe the shiny bauble looks good with a t-shirt, so will everyone else.

Second, I recommend layering the necklace with a softer pick. For example, TIBAL wears hers with a woven silk cord in a neutral color. This softens the look and really brings it down to Earth, and she claims it won’t tangle. Also, try layering it with a natural stone option like these “power necklaces” from Gorjana.

Hi! I was searching on your site but couldn’t find a recent post (also I am having a week so it could be user error), but do you have any carry on suitcase recommendations? I just got into a program that will require more travel than I did pre-pandemic and my suitcase is over 12 years old (Samsung) and is on its last legs.

-Elizabeth

All of my suitcases are made by Away or Antler. Both are great brands. I only check luggage, so you’ll have to rely on Kyle’s recommendations for a carry on sizes. He likes the Away softside carry on. He also appropriated my dark green Antler suitcase because he loved the color. The shade is very chic, professional looking without being boring black.

Abra,

I own an event company with my sister — we plan multi-thousand person conventions in the academic and government spaces. Our busy season is coming and I need lots of dresses that are comfortable but cocktail appropriate. I’ve lost some weight and need more dresses. Prefer sleeves. Hate velvet. Never want to see a sequin. Budget is <$150 a dress.

Sara T.

LOFT has a few things right now. This raisin-hued dress has a sheer skirt, which brings a little lightness. Add some shine with a necklace and this olive dress is cocktail ready and comfortable. I also like this twist front sheath dress in deep green, which works in multiple seasons.

Another option is ASTR the Label, a brand that has a consistent supply of cocktail and party dresses in the $100-$200 price point. This off the shoulder number is a little out of budget, but looks great. I bought this dress for a holiday party and removed the bows with a seam ripper. Super flattering. I’ll post a pic later this week.

Beyond that, I recommend shopping second hand party dresses on Poshmark and Thredup after the holidays. Dresses will fly into second hand stores from New Year closet clean outs. Last February, I swung into a second hand shop in SLC and picked up two dresses that I wore to all of my spring/summer weddings for just $90 for the pair. If you feel like you need to freshen up your selection more regularly, that might be a good option.

DM: I have HSA dollars to use, what to buy?

Dermstore has a whole list of skincare products and devices that are HSA/FSA eligible. Every spendy serum and moisturizer imaginable is on this list. If I have $150 left after I stock up on contacts, I plan to spend it on this micro needling pen and refills. It’s a great way to bulk up collagen and repair damage. They also have the uber popular red light mask from Higher Dose.

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