Ask the Editor: Vol. VI, No. Two

What a week. My brain feels like a constant chorus of static. Thank god the mailbag is full or today, I wouldn’t have a clue what to write about.

Abra,

I have a work event next week and need advice on a professional yet comfortable outfit. Can you feature ‘dressing for long days on Capitol Hill’ in a future post?

Jaime C.

I firmly believe the most comfortably outfit is a dress.  Fewer seams means less pinching, bunching and poking.  When I want to be really comfortable, I pick a dress, layer on a jacker, grab a pair of tights, and choose whatever shoe or boot will hurt the least.  If I don’t have to be in a suit, then, I’m not going to be.

My current favorite dress for comfort and looks is this Theory dress is deep green.  It has an a-line skirt for comfort.  This short sleeve Ann Taylor dress is also a nice option.  Both need to be hemmed though, mid-calf isn’t a good look for anyone but the model.

As for shoes, my Cole Haan boots can do a whole day of walking on marble floors.  You can’t find a better work shoe for $99.

Hi, love your blog so much! Hard to believe i’ve been following for 15+ years.

Could you help me interpret Cocktail attire for law firm events? I’m attending as the spouse. Is this real cocktail attire or just to indicate fancier than regular law firm attire? Thanks!

Natalie

This somewhat depends on what city you’re in.  In Salt Lake City, my former firm was very casual even when the invite said cocktail there were still people in denim.  But since you’re a spouse, it’s better to air on the side of caution.  

I would choose two dresses that you like: one more plain and one more cocktail forward.  Then, I would ask which dress he would prefer you wear, since in this situation, your attire could (will likely) reflect upon him more than upon you.

If someone told me today that I had to go to a law firm dinner and the attire said cocktail, I would wear this dress in burgundy, these nude pointed toe flats (because standing hurts more than walking), and a gold drop earring.

Hi Abra,

Since my son was born last year, I have a body sweat problem under my boobs.  I tried a powder product my Mom uses and it gave me a rash.  Did you have this when Sloane was born?  Do you know how to treat it?  Google just fed me ads.

L.O.

Gosh, what didn’t I have after Sloane was born?  I feel like everything changed.  But body sweat definitely is a thing due to hormones, and I think I have it worse now in perimenopause.  My inner elbows sweat when I wear blazers.  It’s really fun.

I wear Lume, and switched to their cream deodorant.  I can apply it anywhere I have sweat, which is nice.  I prefer the tangerine scent, but they also make an unscented option.  

Also, if you sweat a lot in a specific place, you can place pads in your clothes that are removable and disposable.  I learned this doing musical theatre.  You can also wear an undershirt.  Numi makes one that a friend who is in the deep throes of hot flashes wears.

DM: How do I treat a big zit fast?

Two tricks: First, if it’s completely under the skin, I recommend the micro dart acne patches.  

Second, make a hot cup of tea or lemon water in a ceramic cup, then put the cup on the spot.  It might hurt a bit, but leave it there as long as you can.  Then, liberally apply cortisone cream and bacitracin (or Neosporin) to the spot, and cover with a bandaid.  Leave overnight.  

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