*Image via Jenny Walton.
Q: Black holiday tops!
A: I’m lusting after this Damaris Bailey (velvet peplum puffed sleeved heaven — and the neckline is saucy as all get out). Also love this textured Baum und Pferdgarten, this lace mockneck, this under-$100 tulle statement (imagine with high-waisted trousers!), these feathers (slightly toned down version here), this sequin, and this velvet. Finally, this under-$100 steal looks like something by Brock Collection. Love the idea of pairing it with lighter wash denim for a dressed-up-dressed-down situation.
Q: Good hoop earrings – not super chunky.
A: These look perfect for every day. I don’t wear hoops often but I do have a super inexpensive, unfussy pair that I wear when the mood strikes — startlingly good quality for the price. I shared more chic hoops here!
Q: Formal December wedding in BK.
A: Oo, have fun! I would consider this velvet Doen, this Cinq a Sept, this pailletted Alexis, this Saylor, this gold lame Mille, this Alice + Olivia, this Reformation, this Cami NYC.
Q: You had written a post after moving back to DC asking readers for kitchen mat recommendations. I am in need of a new one and am curious which you went with/if you still like it now. I had recommended House of Noa at the time and love them but need something long (80-90 inches) and budget friendly as I am not sure if it will work once we buy a house in the next couple of years. Thank you in advance!
A: PSA that House of NOA is currently running a Black Friday promo and all mats are 20% off with code BFCM20. This might make the mat a bit more palatable from a price standpoint. They have some great patterns — I especially like this simple coastal stripe and this floral. Another option would be Ruggable’s runners — they are all machine-washable and a little less expensive than House of Noa in the size you’re after. For a similar price, this jute one would be durable for a high-traffic area like a kitchen.
Q: Can you advise what to consider for the very best mother in law who does not need anything, can get herself whatever she wishes, is extremely down to earth and solid. She’s not very frilly. She cares about her skin and cooking. She is the absolute best there is.
A: What a lovely portrait you’ve painted. A few ideas: on the skincare front, a gift card for a hydrofacial at a local spa, Clarins Double Serum (she may already have this but if not — a holy grail product for me), or a Dr. Barbara Sturm gift set. On the cooking front: a bundle of pantry essentials from Gustiamo or Eataly (various shapes of bronze-cut pasta, really good canned tomatoes, tinned fish, premium olive oil), a few new cookbooks for her shelves, a set of Material Kitchen cutting boards (i.e., the full size and the mini) and a Misono petty knife, a Hedley and Bennett apron (the brand a lot of serious, respected chefs use — Mr. Magpie has one and loves it), or a Spice House gift box (I would personally elect for more utility spices like cinnamon, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc — things cooks use in loads of recipes — instead of the spice blends you use only on chicken/steak/etc).
Q: A cardigan to wear with everything – nap dresses, jeans, etc.
A: Splurge: Jenni Kayne’s cashmere cocoon cardigan. Save: this perfect J. Crew cableknit. A few others I love that are somewhere in the middle: this La Ligne, this Alex Mill, this Everlane, this Kilte.
Q: A pair of flat statement boots. Flexible on style but I like the lug-sole ones that are trendy this season.
A: I love this pair by Tod’s. (Look for less with these.). If you’re a glitz gal, these Roger Viviers are swoonworthy (and a big splurge), and you know I love anything with a pearl embellishment. These Guccis are mouthy in a fun way! I also love the look of these Bernardos (good colors) and these Alexandre Birmans present a ladylike take on the lug sole trend.
Q: A getaway dress for a winter bride.
A: So fun! I kind of regret not doing this — so dramatic to run out to the car (and honeymoon!) in a glitzy mini. I would pick this Saloni or this Alexis.
Q: I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Annisa dress on your blog — I bought it a few weeks ago at a similar price from Revolve. It’s so pretty. My daughter’s widowed MIL is getting remarried just before Christmas and I was thinking of wearing this to her wedding. Do you think it would be appropriate? If so, what kind of shoes would you wear with it? Or would you go with something more holiday-ish?
A: I do think it’s dressy enough, unless they’ve designated that the event is formal / evening / black tie / black tie optional. If nothing is listed, I would proceed with a cocktail attire choice like the Annisa. I would pair with black suede or velvet pumps (or these really fun and affordable mary janes from AT!), an evening bag, and big earrings.
Q: HELP! Last minute burgundy velvet Thanksgiving dress that can arrive in time.
A: I wore this one last year and it is now on sale for under $100 (!!!). Very comfortable. Wore with big glitzy earrings and velvet heels. Another option: this SEA. Confident you can get both/either shipped in time!
A: Sweaters for little girls.
A: I just bought two great ones from J. Crew on sale for my daughter: this fair isle cardi and this sheep patterned one. Zara is also a trove of reasonably-priced statement knits, like this snow flake fair isle, this exaggerated collar sweater, and this cardigan, which looks like it could be from Doen or something. I also love this classic style from Minnow in both stripe and solid — runs a bit small, I would size up. I swoon over the pricy ones from Bonton, too — heirloom quality! And how cute is this bobble knit cardigan?
Q: Earmuffs for kids.