*Image above from when I hosted a baby shower for my best friend at my parents’ home! They have a bulldog, so I gifted one of these Melissa & Doug stuffies and doubled it as decor for the affair.
Q: Fabulous Baby Gift for my fashionable BFF. It’s her second baby but first girl! BFF loves pink and won’t want to shy away from girly things for her little one! Would prefer something fun rather than functional (she has all the carrier/bottles/blankets/bathtime accessories already). Under $200.
A: This is SO sweet. I would say a cashmere baby set from La Coqueta, one of the newborn gift sets from Louelle, a newborn gift set from RL, or a Tiffany baby cup. I will also never forget the baby shower I attended where one of my girlfriends received the Bonpoint set of onesies. So expensive for onesies but we were all swooning! I also think the De Buci baby bears are beyond precious, and you can have them monogrammed. That was the first thing I bought my son when I found out I was pregnant with him! You could bundle with a hat/bootie set from RL.
Q: Kid/dog-friendly but pretty sofa.
A: I would do a Serena & Lily in one of the performance fabrics. They have such fun and interesting patterns (I feel like PB only does shades of cream!) and fab shapes. Like, something in a bold gingham? I’ve never ordered furniture from them, but I’m intrigued by Coley Home, too — they have great designs and a wide array of upholstery options, many of which are performance. I think the key is performance fabrics, preferably with a darker color base, and then you just kind of have to accept that things will happen. When we re-did our family room, though, we made a rule that the kids couldn’t eat on the sofa. We have a big round coffee table in front and they’ll perch there when they want to snack. It’s a bit draconian but…! They adhere!
Q: Shortsleeve cardigan. Lightweight. To wear over work dresses.
A: Major splurge, but this Khaite. Have heard the best things about their knits and I feel like it’d be a special piece to invest in giving likelihood keeping as a “desk sweater” to wear frequently. Rag & Bone also has a versatile one for a lot less.
Q: Neutral, comfortable block heel or wedge. Want to walk for miles/run after toddler.
A: I’m not sure about running after a toddler, but I’ve heard these Staud wedges are fantastic and super comfortable. Go with everything!
Q: What can I wear to a summer black tie wedding? Does it have to be black?
A: Does not have to be black! By-the-book, it should be floor-length, though. I’ve bent the rules on occasion and worn something that hits at tea / ankle length and still reads ultra-formal, but I always go glam with the accessories (small evening clutch, big earrings, low bun, etc). A few favorite options:
THIS STUNNING ALC — THE BIAS STITCHING AND CUTOUT ARE BEYOND
REALLY INTO CHARTREUSE AT THE MOMENT — THIS IS FAB
THIS FABULOUS SIKA — REMINDS ME OF JOHANNA ORTIZ
KATE HUDSON IN HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS MOMENT
Q: Burgundy bridesmaid dress for a November wedding in Houston!
A: This is sexy and elegant. Love the back. Pricepoint is good for bridesmaid situation!
Q: Private tour at The White House. August. Pregnant. Close-toed shoes?
A: Welcome to D.C. (or maybe you live here!). Fun plans! I don’t think close-toed is a must. I would probably wear a pretty, polished sundress with my favorite leather sandals. Like, I would wear one of my Julia Amory shirtdresses (works with bump) or one of the loose-fit styles from Parterre or Thierry Colson with my Ancient Greek sandals. I would definitely do flats though — lots of walking.
Q: Black dress with sleeves, funeral appropriate. Under $200.
A: I am so sorry for your loss. Tuckernuck has some really elegant options — this is $228, but you can get 20% off with code YOURULE, and this is a bit more $$ but again you can use the code to bring the price down to around $200. This Theory dress is a forever piece and you can get 15% off first order there, bringing price to $208.
Q: Cute crossbody to transition away from diaper bags!
A: Yay, mama! I love the ones from Mansur Gavriel (many on sale at the moment!), especially this Bottega-esque woven ones. Also love these from Longchamp and these cuties from Marni.
Q: Bold statement flats.
A: These!!!
Q: Wedding at home dress (guest).
A: This would suggest to me a less formal dress code — probably a cocktail dress is appropriate. I like the idea of this, this, this, or this.
Q: Non-white heels that go with a wedding dress.
A: I LOVE these. Perfect heel height, elegant, and your something blue!