*Honestly, will never be over Natalie Portman for Dior, circa 2013. Spectacular everything. Lots of feminine detail finds here along these lines.
I know we’re well into August, but the final batch of questions for July here…will be answering August ones soon! Feel free to email or DM any time.
Q: A gift for two incredible female mentors!
A: Ooh this is hard, because I would encourage you to think back on your interactions with these women and recall any of their personal interests/passions and go from there (i.e., cooking? buy great olive oil and a new cookbook; traveling? buy a chic travel gift). I think something highly personal and tailored to their interests will demonstrate how attentive you were to their counsel, perspective, personality, etc. If you’re still stumped, check out my recent gift guide here for some starting points. Another thought: treat them to your favorite book and include a detailed letter on why you chose it. Books much such great, personal gifts! (And there are some cute add-on gift ideas here.)
Q: Olive green accent chair.
A: Society Social has ones in great green colors and patterns, and Jayson Home always has beautiful pieces, like this “Balmoral” style, which looks like it belongs in the library of, well, Balmoral. Alternately, for something a little lighter/brighter, this one is fun with the spindle detail on the arms/legs, and comes in a ton of colors.
Q: Coffee table and TV stand combos to go with a white C&B couch. Under $1000 total.
A: I’m going to share options separately so you can mix and match / get to your ideal pricepoint, but my first thought was a tufted ottoman in a print paired with a white-centric media console to match the white couch, and then go bold with a rug?
For reasonably-priced coffee tables (around or under $500):
LOVE THE IDEA OF A TUFTED OTTOMAN IN A PRINT (EVEN MORE OPTIONS HERE) OR SOLID
MARBLE-TOP — SIMILAR TO WHAT WE HAVE
For reasonably-priced media consoles (around or under $500):
THIS COMES IN SUCH GREAT COLORS
THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE ONE WE HAVE FROM ROOM & BOARD
P.S. More coffee table options here, and lots of coffee table books here.
Q: Fall wedding welcome reception outfit for baby boy (6m) under $75.
A: Aw! Too cute! I would do something like these wool overalls and a Kissy Kissy bodysuit, a princely coverall, or one of La Coqueta’s knit sets (currently on sale for $60!)
Q: Fall wedding guest dresses that are breastfeeding/pumping friendly — $200 max.
A: Depending on the formality, this nap dress in the emerald trellis could be the perfect ticket. The smocking would enable for easy access. This navy bow-shouldered beauty would be so amazing with enormous earrings and an updo (and amazing shoes?), and you could just untie the shoulders when you need to nurse. Finally, $28 over budget, but this black dress is so saucy and elegant at the same time. You might need to unzip a bit of the back but you could make it work.
Q: Wedding guest dresses!
A: Tis the season! I shared some favorites here, but the ones I’m most excited about…
THIS POLKA DOT (THE GATHERING AT THE BUST REMINDS ME OF BROCK)
THIS $155 STEAL (SWOON)
THIS STUNNING PLEATED COS SCORE
FOR SOMETHING MORE CASUAL: THIS PATTERNED CIAO LUCIA
Q: Everyday plates!
A: Juliska Berry + Thread. I regret not registering for this simple but gracious pattern when I got married. One of my only missteps in my registry! You can get a similar vibe for less with Pottery Barn’s Emma! I also love anything with scalloped details, so these x Monique Lhuillier are right up my alley.
P.S. In case you’re looking to refresh your glassware collection!
Q: What to wear to work after maternity leave when not back to my normal size. Office is somewhat conservative – no jeans, but not a blazer-required situation either.
A: Am I broken record by recommending shirt dresses? I find these dresses so easy to wear, so pulled-together, and so flattering. You can find a bunch of my favorites here and still in stock. They look so polished with pointed-toe flats or pumps. Love something like this with these flats. I also love some of the new pieces from Tucker. This gingham is lovely! And this printed dress could totally work with suede boots down the road.
Q: Is there any way to make one of the darker nap dresses work for the office or early fall?
A: I wore my plaid Ellies frequently with black turtlenecks and black opaque tights layered beneath last season, a la the founder of Hill House herself. If that’s too intense for you, I absolutely think you could pair the Nesli with tall suede boots (see how it’s styled in the picture of the Emerald Trellis print?!) and a chic cardi (this one would look great with the green trellis; this one would look great with the opaque black).
BTW, I am so surprised by how much I am drawn to platforms this season, which Nellie herself often wears with tights and nap dresses in winter. How amazing are these?! I must have! These solid black suede ones look like a good gateway drug…anyhow, these heels would look great with one of their shorter nap dresses and black tights!