That Thing Mr. A Should Buy Me

Furla Large Clara Shopper

I don't really think I need to explain this.

Red. Croc. Fantastic.

$835 at Saks.com

Skin Care Product of the Week

Bliss Serious Seaweed Cellulite Soap

Does this soap actually help with cellulite? I don't really think so. But it does exfoliate, and it does make your skin feel temporarily firmer. And sometimes, even a temporary fix will do the trick.

$14 at Sephora.com

Ask Slynnro: Round Two

First, folks, we are going to start with an etiquette lesson (one that is in no way related to the people whose questions are featured in this post). If you send me a question? And I answer it, YOU OWE ME A THANK YOU. I love answering reader mail, but get some manners. This happens ALL THE TIME. I send a lengthy reply and get no response. That is just plain rude.

And now that that unpleasantness is out of the way.

Nancypearlwannabe says:

Here's a question: have you ever thought of vacationing in Boston? Because I think dinner and drinks over a Sephora discussion sounds divine.

I accept all manner of bribery. And I’ve never been to Boston. I think an in person advice session is worth the cost of a plane ticket. See you soon!

The ever-demanding Ali Martell asks:

Um, missy..I ASKED you about my black raccoon eyes. in person and on my site. and you didn't answer.

I don’t really have all that much experience with undereye circles. I have some minimal shadowing, but nothing too extreme. In the past, I have used Cosmedicine Opti-mologist and basically rid me entirely of my dark circles. But, like I said. They weren’t that bad to start with. However, I am not the only proponent of this stuff. In fact, I got the idea from Amalah, who did an in store test on a friend and saw immediate results. Which is pretty damn impressive for an eye cream.

I’ve also used, and recommended (RECENTLY, MRS. MARTELL- read the sidebar!) Weleda Wild Rose Eye Cream.

I think the bottom line is that people with extreme dark circles are kind of expecting a lot. If you have chronic dark circles, I am guessing no product is really going to rid you of your problem. Which ultimately means, concealer is your best friend.

I have used both Chanel Pro Lumiere and the uber-famous Yves San Laurent Touche Eclat. Touche Eclat gets more press, but I prefer the Chanel. I think for oilier skin, it’s lighter formula is ideal. For drier, or older, skin, go with the YSL. Bobbi Brown Corrector is also an excellent choice.

Tied Up With a Black Velvet Band asks:

Do you have any suggestions for skin care products for uneven complexions? My face isn't breaking out anymore, but it seems that I have tons of redness in random areas...I would love to have an even complexion. I'm in the process of trying a few samples of different lines that I got from Sephora, but I'd love to hear any ideas you might have. Thanks!

I’m no dermatologist, but your redness is probably not a result of an “uneven complexion” per se. When I hear uneven complexion, I’m thinking of uneven skin tone- dark patches and the like. Skin redness sounds more like irritation from products or dryness, eczema, rosacea, or maybe even little bit of broken blood vessels. In other words, I don’t know that I want to touch your question because it is probably more appropriate for a real doctor and not some internet wannabe. It sounds like you know as much as I do- Sephora has a large collection of products for redness/rosacea.

For those of you with uneven skin tone, have you ever tried Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector? I’m quite curious about the effectiveness of this product.

Nic asks:

What do you think about the bright colors and patterns from a lot of mid-range lines this season (Ann Taylor, etc.)? I'm not feeling them and am a bit disappointed.

I’m a bright colors junkie. In fact, let’s take a little side trip into my closet:

You will note that it is arranged by color and season, and then there is a separate section for my dresses. Also take note of my favorite new shoes this season.

That being said, I went to the source of the problem. And I can see what you mean:

If you aren’t comfortable wearing brights, your first foray into them should certainly not be patterns, or heaven help us, OMBRE.

Personally, I kind of like the Pucci-esque nature of this top. But it’s not for everyone. If you want to dip the proverbial toe into brights, you guessed it- J.Crew knows best.

I’m guessing you won’t have much negative to say about a bright hued cashmere sweater.

Or these pumps.

I love the idea of a bright argyle sweater- old school pattern with fresh colors.

Or this fabulous purple mod dress.

I guess my point is this- if you don’t feel comfortable in bright patterns, or brights generally, stick to classic shapes. Or bright accessories. A black dress with bright purple shoes? A great look. A simple crewneck sweater with a chunky bold colored necklace? Why not? You don’t have to drop out of trends entirely because you aren’t ready to jump head first into them.

Do you like Milly?

What is there not to like?

But seriously, just the other day Rhi and I over the course of several emails made up many justifications for the purchase of various Milly dresses.

Which is to say, yes. Very much yes.

Tell us about your favorite lower end stores like F21 (I'm always looking for new ones!)

I don’t EVER buy anything full price. EVER. I’m always on the hunt at T. J. Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross. I am the queen of the J.Crew sale. Old Navy has many, many undiscovered treasures.

I love Lulu’s. I’ve just started to get into Etsy. The sale section at Neiman Marcus is remarkable. Newport News has some surprisingly chic accessories and shoes.

I recommend subscribing to websites like Style Bakery, which is constantly tipping me off to fun stores I would not have otherwise known about. I’ve recently gotten into online sample sales. Email me at slynnro@gmail.com and I will be happy to pass along invites.

In all honestly, I don’t think I have that many secret sites that no one knows about. I have just developed a sense of which products I love will go on sale and which will not. It is a skill I’ve spent many years developing.

There is one little secret I do have. If you are a girl who goes to Baylor, eventually you will meet a girl from Dallas and you will go on a shopping trip to her hometown. And inevitably, she will take you to Sam Moon. You will fight crowds and buckets of hideous accessories. But occasionally? You will stumble on something that makes it all worthwhile.

Sam Moon Clutch, $11.95

Do you think splurging on Wolford tights and stockings is worth it?

I’ve yet to do that, but I plan on it this winter. Everything I’ve ever read seems to imply they are worth the cost. Quite frankly, I’m tired of dropping $5 at Target every time I want to wear tights. I’d rather spend the money up front and get a season’s worth of wear out of a pair or two. If they last like people claim they do, they are entirely worth it. Even Ask Metafilter appears to endorse them.

Any readers own a pair and care to weigh in?

Please tell us your thoughts on Lilly Pulitzer.

I think a lot of Lilly Pulitzer is INSANE and very childish looking. But then you come across something like this, that is hard to argue with:

The problem isn't so much ALL of the clothes, but the crazy Lilly people. Draw the line! And draw it at pink pants with pale green embroidered pineapples.