Ask the Edit: Vol. IV, No. Thirty-One

Jun 21, 2018

We have “wild” wedding shoes, lightweight sweaters, a Dirty Thirties thank you, and more this week on Ask the Edit.  (Posting is a little light this week, as I am on the road helping my parents after my Dad broke both his arms in a bike accident.)  Let’s ask and answer.

Hi Abra,

I planned to wear a red ballgown to my upcoming wedding, but was talked into a more traditional dress. To compensate, I want to wear wild shoes. The dress is floor length, so no one will know but me. But I am having trouble finding sufficiently crazy heels that are not stilettos (not an option because the ceremony is on grass. Also, I always feel unsteady walking in stilettos). Any suggestions of wild shoes with a chunky heel or wedge? I am willing to spend up to $1000, but would prefer to keep it under $500. Thanks!

– Laura 

Of course, my first question was: How wild are we talking here?  This was a challenge, but let me show you (and everyone else) a few things in different price points.  I’ll try to go as wild as possible.

Around-$500, these silver, tapered Miu Miu heels with a flower accent are very unique.  And these gold Dolce & Gabbana heels are both studded and covered in crystal.

Under-$250, I like these pink, embellished Jessica Simpson mules.

Wild was tough.  My advice would be to keep an eye on The Outnet and The Real Real.  They do discounted designer, so maybe they’ll have something from the upper reaches in your size.

Dear Belle, 

I saw this L&S ad and was drawn to the sweater the model was wearing.  Lightweight sweaters and shorts are one of my favorite summer combinations.  Do you have any lightweight sweater recommendations? You did a piece about this topic back in 2016 and I was hoping for an update.  I’ve included the ad I referenced below.

Thanks!

So that looks like a linen sweater to me.  This Raglan Linen Pullover from Vince has a very similar look.  It also comes in ice blue.

Another option is J.Crew Factory; their Teddy cotton sweater.  As for their parent company J.Crew, I like this striped, side-button crewneck.  I think it’s preppy but cool.

On the pricier side, I thought this cashmere mesh BR sweater with a side-tie was pretty phenomenal.  Other than that, there wasn’t a ton available.  I think the summer sweater trend might be dormant for now.

Hello,

The floral dresses you’ve been posting are the best.  I am so into florals for summer.  But I’m an intern and you haven’t posted one that I feel was in my price range yet.  What do you have under-$75, but hopefully under-$50?

Liesl

I like this J.Crew navy floral dress at $70.  The print is more modern and subtle than most florals.  This Express midi-dress with floral print is also cute.  This Marks & Spencer yellow mix maxi is pretty fabulous.

Old Navy also has cute florals right now (also in petite and plus).  I like this black and white palm print dress.  This tropical print is also fun.

Plus-size?  This Glamorous floral belted dress is fun.  I also like this Boohoo Angel sleeve dress.  Maternity?  This cobalt Mamalicious dress is cute.

Hi Abra,

I have been using the Glopro and do like it but was wondering if you use the skin prep pads or if you have found/created your own dupe for this?

I do sterilize the glopro with alcohol and put some on my hands but I don’t really want to put an alcohol soaked cotton ball all over my face. The pads aren’t cheap- $35 for 30. I am so worried about spreading bacteria that I don’t want to skip that step. Appreciate your advice.

– Michelle 

Honestly, I don’t use the skin prep pads, and probably wouldn’t spend the money on them.  My advice would be to wash my face with an antibacterial wash with tea tree oil if you’re concerned about it.  If you intend to use the GloPro on your body, you could try these Herban Essentials towelettes.  They run about .90-cents a piece, but you can find them for less on Amazon.

Hi Abra,

I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your Dirty Thirties event last week.  It was the best thing I’ve been to in a long time.  When are you coming back?  All of my friends want to go!  

Katie

I’d like to get a date on the calendar for early August or early September.  I’ve been trying to figure out what will work best for people.  Hopefully, Hitha can join us again, if not, I’ll ask someone equally awesome.

I’m really glad people enjoyed the event.  One of the best things about it was listening to other women get into side conversations that were so supportive and kind.  It was just the best.

And special thanks to MM. LaFleur for hosting us.  Without their support and space, the event would never have happened.

Ask the Edit, Style

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  1. Pompom says:

    LW1, Not remotely close to $500, but Betsey Johnson makes some wild and wonderful shoes! The Kenna looks fabulous and fun for this, albeit pretty high heels.

  2. Kristen says:

    You should do an event in NYC!!

  3. Sydni Abrahamsen says:

    I came to say the same thing as POMPOM, Betsey Johnson makes some great “wild” shoes. There is also a brand called Irregular Choice that has some really crazy options. https://www.irregularchoice.com/us/

  4. GeeCee says:

    The first place I tend to look for crazy shoes is Irregular Choice: https://www.irregularchoice.com/us/womens/bridal.html

    I was hoping to get the “Shimmer” style with the twinkling lights for my own wedding, but I waited too long and they’re out of my size.

  5. JaninE says:

    What a gorgeous wedding gown! I don’t know how wild they are, but I wore magenta block heels from Shoes of Prey for my wedding, and I know they have wilder colors and prints than that, and plenty of shoe styles. The 2.8 block heels were fairly comfortable all night long.

  6. Casey says:

    For lightweight sweaters, I LOVE athleta. I keep one in my office and one in my work bag at all times.

  7. anna says:

    At first I was kind of sad you caved on a red dress (I mean, they’re traditional in India, no?), but that dress is beautiful and still unique. I’m sure whatever shoes you go with you’ll look amazing!

  8. SLG says:

    Anthropologie is another place to look for wild, whimsical shoes.

    And seconded on the event in DC! It was the first professional event with atrangers I’ve ever gone to that was actually fun (seriously, in 15 years). Let’s definitely do that again.

  9. M says:

    Love your dress!! What about the wildest blue shoes? ‘traditional’ in a wild way, which IMO vibes well with your dress choice.

    Some fun options:

    https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/tory-burch-womens-elodie-embellished-mules?ID=2957852&CategoryID=17411#fn=COLOR%3DBlue%26PRICE%3D250.0%7C500.0%3B%3B500.0%7C1000.0%26ppp%3Dundefined%26sp%3D1%26rId%3D80%26spc%3D3265%26spp%3D53%26pn%3D1%7C37%7C53%7C3265%26rsid%3Dundefined%26smp%3DmatchNone

    https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/tabitha-simmons-womens-frances-velvet-ankle-bow-high-heel-sandals?ID=2800545&CategoryID=17411#fn=COLOR%3DBlue%26PRICE%3D250.0%7C500.0%3B%3B500.0%7C1000.0%26ppp%3Dundefined%26sp%3D1%26rId%3D80%26spc%3D89%26spp%3D43%26pn%3D1%7C1%7C43%7C89%26rsid%3Dundefined%26smp%3DmatchNone

    https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/salvatore-ferragamo-womens-aulla-suede-slingback-floral-heel-pumps?ID=2846006&CategoryID=17411#fn=COLOR%3DBlue%26PRICE%3D250.0%7C500.0%3B%3B500.0%7C1000.0%26ppp%3Dundefined%26sp%3D1%26rId%3D80%26spc%3D89%26spp%3D16%26pn%3D1%7C1%7C16%7C89%26rsid%3Dundefined%26smp%3DmatchNone

    https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/tabitha-simmons-womens-vera-fly-spark-embellished-denim-ankle-strap-flats?ID=2809008&CategoryID=17411#fn=COLOR%3DBlue%26PRICE%3D250.0%7C500.0%3B%3B500.0%7C1000.0%26ppp%3Dundefined%26sp%3D1%26rId%3D80%26spc%3D89%26spp%3D36%26rsid%3Dundefined%26smp%3DmatchNone

    and if you end up with stilettos, I highly recommend heel stoppers. You can buy them on Amazon. Wore them for my wedding ceremony on grass and they worked great!

  10. Fran says:

    Revolve.com carries a great selection of good and bonkers shoes

  11. Edna Mazur says:

    LW1- That dress is GORGEOUS but I’m on team wear a red dress if that is what you had your heart set on. You don’t sounds super jazzed about the more traditional gown, you should love what you are wearing.

  12. Jenna says:

    Please bring an event to NYC!

  13. Kel says:

    Fluevog is another brand that makes some really wild shoes, lots that aren’t stiletto.

  14. Keilexandra says:

    Wild shoes make me think of John Fluevog. He does some really interesting (and chunky) heel shapes. I mean, just scroll through these shoes!
    https://www.fluevog.com/shop/?r%5B%5D=gender:women&r%5B%5D=attribute:12

    Or if colorful retro feminine is wild enough, Chie Mihara also makes really lovely shoes.

  15. Chelsea says:

    Fellow wild shoe lover, check out Kat Maconie: https://us.katmaconie.com/

  16. Lemkam says:

    If you want wild shoes for your wedding, check out Sophia Webster’s site. she’s got amazing shoes that are both crazy and feminine.

    https://www.sophiawebster.com/

  17. Beth says:

    Echoing everyone’s thank you for the Dirty Thirties event. It was really great to hear your and Hitha’s perspectives on the issues that come up in both of your blogs.

    My BF joked when I told him about the event that I must’ve been “starstruck” meeting a blogger that I’ve followed and liked for so long. My response was “not really, in a good way; Abra was as approachable and real as she is in her posts.”

    Also wishing your dad a speedy recovery! I can only imagine how frustrating and painful it is to have two broken arms.

  18. MomTobe says:

    I see you maternity option! Thanks for thinking of us ladies who are expecting – the few options out there are tough. Would love more ideas, especially for work wear.

  19. Chloe says:

    LW1- May I suggest Shoes of Prey? I didn’t want high heels but wanted fun ones … and got royal blue kitten heels with a sparkly strap, colored insole etc in the exact height I wanted for less than $250. There are a lot of options to have fun with it!

    Link – https://www.shoesofprey.com/.

  20. Katharine says:

    If you’re looking for wild shoes, Irregular Choice is one of the best brands out there. I have literally never seen a pair of their shoes and thought, “I know exactly where someone would wear that.” They’re all super out there, really beautiful, and fun.

    https://www.irregularchoice.com/us/womens.html

  21. Kate says:

    these manolo blahniks are on CRAZY good sale, and totally gorgeous, elegant, and fit the bill perfectly for WILD wedding shoes. I’m obsessed.

    https://www.neimanmarcus.com/Manolo-Blahnik-Arpege-Strappy-Sharkbite-Slide-Sandal/prod205840140/p.prod?ecid=NMDR__CRT&utm_medium=display%20remarketing&utm_source=NMDR__CRT

  22. DLB says:

    Wild wedding shoes? they don’t get any wilder than at Irregular Choice, a store I came across in London. You can get shoes with heels that look like unicorns. Shoes with glitter, bows, Disney characters. I tried on many, and they were relatively comfortable – although I admit staying away from the higher heels, where most of the exceptionally wild ones are found. they even have a bridal section. And they have an online store! Definitely shoes that you will either really love, or really hate. https://www.irregularchoice.com/us/

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