What You’re Shopping For: November 2022, Vol II.

Q: Navy mother of the groom dress — not motherly looking — I still feel young!

A: Congratulations to you! A few options at different levels of formality…

IF A PATTERN IS ACCEPTABLE

CARTOLINA

JASON WU

ULLA J

CINQ A SEPT

CHIFFON WRAP DRESS

AMSALE

CAPED GOWN — WOW!

Q: Red Christmas dress (more formal) for a 2 YO. Not velvet.

A: This Bellabliss (coming soon) or this Cecil and Lou. If you are OK with a red pattern, I love the plaid options from Trotters this season — this one is darling. You might also consider this Magnolia Baby!

Q: Everyday ruffle socks for girls.

A: These! Mini loves them.

Q: A rugged gym bag that my husband won’t @ me for buying him.

A: HA! Pretty sure every guy loves Patagonia — this looks like a good option, especially since it can be reused for other things (hiking, camping, weekend trips, etc.) — but this Rains one is conveniently waterproof. If you think he’ll balk at the price of either of those, you can’t go wrong with rugged old Nike.

Q: A fun key ring to celebrate being a first-time homebuyer.

A: What a sweet gift to yourself! Neely and Chloe has some cute ones that can be personalized (also available in solid colors if that’s more your speed), Tiffany is timeless, and then these leather-stamped ones would be fun to get with the house’s nickname, number, etc embossed on it.

Q: Something elegant but fun to wear on NYE with these platforms I just bought.

A: Fun! Fully espouse the platform — so much more comfortable for dancing, etc! A few options:

+This velvet mini with patterned Gucci tights — amen!

+Obsessed and I mean OBSESSED with this dress by Damaris Bailey.  Spectacular.  I would make it a bit more festive by pairing with big dramatic earrings or a sparkly bag or headband.

+Heyo SEQUINS!

+A great steal from Zara.

+Can not go wrong with La Ligne.  I have been gravitating towards this brand a lot this year, especially for events like the one you’re describing — they are somehow tailored but also youthful/fun/non-stodgy.  I like this.  Again, I’d go big on earrings so you’re not too macabre with the all black.

+Mille magic.

+Big splurge but amazing.

+If you’re open to separates, a look like this (head to toe) would be fab, or maybe this skirt with a chunky ivory knit or a black cashmere turtleneck.

+This is SO fun.

+This tartan would be fun with the platforms.

Q: I love your Jane Win coin necklace rec but don’t look good in yellow gold. Will you help me find something similar in silver?

A: She does carry them in silver! These are SO chic! Love mine. I also like the rustic-looking ones from Lucy Williams’ collaboration with Missoma.

Q: Unicorn-size crossbody: can be diaper or professional bag but not overwhelm petite frame. $400 or less.

A: OK, don’t hate me, but this is $100 over budget and I think it might be what you’re looking for. They also have a smaller size that is under budget but I don’t think it’d fit everything you’d need in a diaper bag, and I don’t love the top — I feel like things would fall out.

Q: Closed toe velvet platform heels.

A: Splurge: Aquazzura. (The height of those is…incredible…and terrifying. I would have unblinkingly worn those at age 25, but now I’d probably be clutching the wall and spider-stepping around in them. SO CHIC THOUGH.) Dillards has a great similar pair for under $100 — fun in that dark blue color. Also love these more reasonable (and affordable) ones!

Q: Holidays but make it newly postpartum and nursing-friendly.

A: Congratulations! Nap dresses will be your best friend! Layer beneath cozy, chunky cardigans. I also liked pairing black leggings with oversized button-downs (layered over nursing tanks), ballet flats, and big black sunglasses. Simple, minimalist, chic. Finally, Doen has some gorgeous nightgowns that I think you could pass off for daytime wear (especially if you’ll just be at home) beneath a chunky cardigan and paired with flats and a headband.

Q: Work party dress for under $250.

A: I am assuming you mean holiday party? I like this, this, this, and this. I feel like all are politely festive. If we’re talking more generically, I like this, this (Audrey moment), this, or this. This lady jacket dress is super-versatile, too. And if you’re in a more lowkey office, this.

Q: A plaid bomber jacket like the Veronica Beard one but affordable.

A: I assume you mean this one? I agree – tres chic. Check out this Banana one — at the time of writing this, 40% off, bringing the price down to around $200. I also came across this one from — if you can believe it — Abercrombie!? But it is really cute.

Q: A pair of short boots that can do it all for casual wear.

A: I am really loving the look of these from Tod’s. Look for less with these, these, these. For a splurge, these Guccis are so fun. If you are OK with a low heel, these Isabel Marants would go with everything (dresses, jeans, leggings, etc). If you like something with a bit more polish, this pair from Rag & Bone is timeless (and on sale!). Finally, these waterproof Sam Edelmans have been popular this year and last, and you can get the look for even less with this pair from Target. Finally, I have to say, my No 6 clog boots are worn HEAVILY each week. So warm and so chic!

Q: Birthday gift for well-liked, elegant, and loving step-mother-in-law?

A: So sweet! I would consider an Alice Walk reversible shawl in a color that reminds you of her, a Herend figurine, a beautiful set of bow napkins from Mrs. Alice, or some gorgeous personalized stationery from Dear Elouise.