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Thursday, December 8, 2016
gift-giving season is typically more stressful than it needs to be, don’t you think? to remedy this, i tend to follow one rule of thumb: give a person what they want, not what they need. unless someone collects socks, why would you ever give them as...

gift-giving season is typically more stressful than it needs to be, don’t you think? to remedy this, i tend to follow one rule of thumb: give a person what they want, not what they need. unless someone collects socks, why would you ever give them as a gift? show a little thought! do a little research! it takes just a brief skim of a person’s instagram page to suss out their hobbies and interests. 

i also love to support the underdog when purchasing gifts for friends and fam. first, independent brands tend to put more thought into their packaging. second, you’re bolstering a small business, which feels awesome during a time of year that feels commercial and materialistic. this year, i turned to cuyana; i never feel guilty for splurging a bit more than i normally would because i know that the things i buy are of quality materials, sourced from top manufacturers around the world. 

give better this year.

Hi Sara! I'm looking for a backpack to replace my current one, but I have some specifications. I want it to be faux/vegan leather, minimalist, and it has to be big enough to carry both my laptop (13" macbook pro) and my 8.5 x 11" planner. i'm also working on a budget (under $100, ideally under $75). Can you help?

Anonymous

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it would be and was my pleasure to assist. after a bit of searching, i found a selection of backpacks that match your ideal criteria with regard to material, dimension, and decoration. i hope you like them!

styles shown: yoins, go jane, sole society, topshop

Hey girl I know you must be getting this question a lot but what are some good cheap online stores (say a range of $20-$100) that cater to obese/fat women AND ship internationally? I live in India n i'm honestly tired of wearing the same damn floral print dress in 5 different colours -_- also do u know of any lingerie stores that make cute/sexy lingerie for fat people?

Anonymous

you’d think retailers would realize that people shop all over the world, not just in their own backyard, right? thankfully, many have waded through the mountain of legal paperwork (each country has its own laws regarding mail, which is why some small brands are unable to send products worldwide) and begun shipping wares internationally. there are more than you think! i found six plus size retailers that should fit what you’re looking for price-wise and mail to india.

Hi Sara! How would you personally style closed pointy toe mules? Thanks!

Anonymous

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i am pretty minimal in my personal style; i prefer dark neutrals and comfortable shapes. with that, i put together my ideal outfit for a ‘business casual’ office, which utilizes a pair of pointy mules.

  1. silk camisole (shown)
  2. those mules (shown)
  3. cropped trousers (shown)
  4. a unique necklace (shown)
  5. a neutral leather tote (shown)

Hey Sara! Hope you had a great 4th of July weekend! Just wondering if you got any movie recs that are on Netflix?😊

Anonymous

movies: 

  • back to the future
  • amelie
  • spotlight
  • dope
  • sunset boulevard
  • the master
  • shakespeare in love

tv shows:

  • stranger things
  • marco polo
  • grace & frankie
  • orange is the new black

Sara, help! I'm officiating my SIL's wedding (gulp) and I'm at a loss for what to wear. It's an indoor wedding in the PNW on Labor Day weekend. I'd like something somewhat modest (midi length at least) and muted (navy blue? black? grey? an understated floral?). My main hopes are that I don't detract any attention from the bride, and that I can convey some aura of authority (insert I Have No Idea What I'm Doing dog meme here). Double plus if I still look good. Any ideas?

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arielle! i’m so honored you came to me. (y’all, we’ve been tumblr friends for years!) anyway, yes, i can definitely help and have gathered some styles i think would look amazing on you. your frame would be well-flattered by an a-line shape without bells and whistles, something simple and slightly retro. i didn’t know your budget but all of the dresses shown are under $150.

styles shown: phase eight, asos salon, modcloth, ne quittez pas, ann taylor

What stores would you suggest for quality, petite basics like silk shirts, cashmere sweaters and such? I love Everlane, Cuyana and Zady but most of their stuff isn't in my size range.

Anonymous

as a fellow petite woman of 4′10″, i understand this struggle. i highlighted a handful of my go-tos, many of which you’ve likely walked right past thinking they didn’t fit your aesthetic, but with the brands you’ve named in mind and minimalism being so trendy i highly suggest giving them a visit.

Best skinny white semi-stretchy ankle jeans for less than $100? I can't find any that aren't see-through! (And yes, I've tried Gap.) TIA!

Anonymous

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if the jeans are coming across as “see through” the fabric is likely too thin so look for a thicker denim or cotton. you may need to sacrifice a lil bit of your budget in the search to find a more quality pair. my other tip would be for you to always-and-forever wear nude undergarments when donning white bottoms; this is the only way that to avoid panty lines. 

styles shown: mango, ann taylor, nydj, topshop