It’s time y’all! Time for another edition of READER QUESTIONS!!! The last post was almost exactly a month ago, and questions continue to come in every single day, so I figured it was time to go ahead and roll out the 5th Edition.
Here’s a little background on the READER QUESTIONS series…
I imagine that for every question I receive from one of you ladies, there’s at least another 25 or so of you that probably have the exact same question…so I’m hoping this post will be valuable to all of you! I collect these questions over several weeks, and then I create a post. When I get an e-mail, direct message on ig, or facebook comment that I think others could benefit from hearing the answer, I copy and paste some of the questions on to a draft post. I leave that post in draft mode for weeks, just slowly adding questions to it when I receive them and I start writing answers to them when I have them.
Previous posts answered hard hitting questions like the difference in age between me and my sister (click HERE) and gave you answers to very important questions like “What’s the best long sleeve tee?” (you’ll find the answer after reader question #8 on this particular day). #itslikebuttah
(Disclaimer: If you’ve e-mailed me recently and haven’t received a response, I’m working on it! The sheer number of e-mails often overwhelm me, and it takes me a little bit of time to work through them. Thank you for your patience!)
Let’s get started!
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This first one today was a reader question I received in a blog comment, and another reader had a WAY better answer than I had, so I wanted to share!
READER QUESTION #1: Does anyone have any tips on how to get over the knee boots on? I have a similar pair of Vince Camuto OTK boots with the short inside zipper, and it’s a STRUGGLE to get my jeans not to bunch at the bottom. – molly
My Answer: Hey, Molly! I just slipped them on, stuck my hand through the zippered opening to pull the jeans down, and then zipped them up! It’s of course easier with leggings, but I was still able to do it with skinny jeans. Maybe your boots are different enough that it causes a problem? xoxo, Sheaffer
And here’s the WAY BETTER response a reader gave: It looks silly if you’re going somewhere where you have to then take your boots off, but I always just wear higher socks that I pull up over my jeans. I then slide right into my boots and don’t have to worry about bunching.
WHAT? GENIUS! Thank you, smart reader! #whydidntithinkofthat I can’t remember if the person didn’t leave a name, or if the name just didn’t copy over, but I appreciate this reader for taking the time to answer!
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READER QUESTIONS #2: Hi, Sheaffer! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile, and I’ve bought a ton of your recommendations and loved them. I don’t see you feature button ups very often (actually, I can’t remember if I’ve ever seen you feature one), but I love a good button up. Are they not cool? Why don’t you wear them? – Amy
Amy! You are so observant. You’re right, I rarely feature button ups….but it’s not because I don’t like them….it’s because I have a heck of a time getting them to fit me. In addition to boobs, I think I also have a large rib cage, so shirts that button often end up pulling on me. That being said, I LOVE BUTTON UPS! After reading your e-mail, I ordered a handful to try. Three of them didn’t work (per the usual), but this one did! I had a good feeling it might because the description calls it “oversized”, and it totally worked! Sadly, it keeps going in and out of stock, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a full restock soon!
Madewell plaid shirt /jeans /leopard belt /slim profile UGGs
Check out my UGGs on the right. I’ve been turning down the boots a bit for a totally different look.
Click HERE for another option from Madewell that might also work for y’all with bodies similar to mine. And this one just went ON SALE this morning!
And I love the plaid pattern and colors in this one so much, but it looks like it might be too slim of a fit…but maybe not, because they call it a “classic ex-boyfriend” shirt…..so maybe it is cut more generously. I think it might be worth a try!
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READER QUESTIONS #3: Hey, Sheaffer! I’ve been dragging my feet, but I finally decided I want to order a Barrington bag for my mother in law. Do you think it will still arrive in time for Christmas? Lindsey
Hey, Lindsey! I was going to e-mail one of my friends at Barrington to get this answer, but then this arrived in my inbox on Monday night, AND TONIGHT IS THE LAST NIGHT FOR GUARANTEED CHRISTMAS DELIVERY.
Click HERE to shop all Barrington items! Use Code “SANTA 10” to receive 10% off all gifts. Order by 6:00PM CST on 12/13 for Christmas delivery.
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READER QUESTION #4: Hi! Love your style! I am over 40 and a plus size lady, but I get great ideas from you. I have my eye on a pair of Cheetah print booties by Lucky Brand. They are on Macy’s website. I did not find them at Nordstrom. I really like them, but don’t want to buy if they really are past their time. What advice do you have for me? Thank You! – Stefanie
I responded to Stefanie with the following: Are you talking about THESE? If so, I love them and they are not past their time at ALL! Animal prints are here to stay for a long while. Think of them as a classic! Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
UPDATE: Y’ALL! These are a DEAL OF THE DAY! ONLY $77.40 (regularly $129) and FREE SHIPPING!!! And the reviews are fabulous!
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READER QUESTION #5:
Okay, so I’ve been getting lots of requests for HOLIDAY ATTIRE. Instead of sharing all of the questions, I’m just going to answer the collective questions with one idea today (more to follow on Friday).
This dress is from last year. I found it online and fell in love! I loved the shape of it, the cute little sleeves, and the neckline. I also loved the price tag of $88! For size reference, I’m wearing a small. It was a little tight across the bust, but the medium was huge on me. If you’re tall, this dress might not work for you. The slip under the lace is shorter than the dress, which I like because it makes the lace really show up! However, I think a really tall girl might have trouble pulling it off. If you’re not tall and you have a party to attend, you should totally give this dress a try!
And, girls. Look at the GORGEOUS clutch!!! I have great news: STMT50 will get you 50% OFF, but JUST TODAY! This is an INCREDIBLE deal. The bag with a custom monogram is typically $98 so this makes it $49 including the monogram. I know many of you already have a monogram (from when I talked about the DARLING cork clutch over the summer) so you could actually just order only the bag ….or if you already have a clutch, you can just order a monogram (also for 50% OFF with the code)! And you see how it totally makes my outfit! It comes in this gorgeous cranberry color (which adds such a beautiful pop of color to an all black outfit), but it also comes in a classic black velvet, a snakeskin, and a leopard (see pics of all below).
And if you order by tonight at 10:00 p.m. (Wednesday night), you will have guaranteed delivery by Christmas!
lace dress / cranberry velvet clutch / black patent strappy sandal option
And again, the code STMT50 will make these gorgeous bags (with a monogram) ONLY $49!
cranberry velvet clutch / It also comes in black, leopard, and snakeskin.

Here are some other great LBD options.
And here are the other clutch options… (STMT50 will get you 50% OFF all of them!!!)
Now for all of you that need further inspiration, Friday’s post should help you out even more! I have yet another STYLE IT AGAIN, SHEAFFER post, and I’m going to be showing you 3 different outfits with these coated black skinny jeans (care of Jen7).
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Question #6 is definitely one of the Top 3 Questions I receive over and over again all year long. People know I have a strapless bra that I love, but when it’s time for them to actually buy a strapless (usually for an event they have coming up), they can’t remember what it is, just Like Lisa here!
READER QUESTION #6: What is the strapless bra you recommend? I’ve got a a great sparkly one shoulder top for New Year’s Eve, and I was thinking that I was going to get one of those sticky bras, but the sales lady said my girls are too big for those. So, I need your recommendation. Don’t you have one that you love? xoxo, Lisa
Lisa….and all of you other ladies that need need a strapless bra, look no further. You won’t believe how this strapless stays put. You will seriously wear it and not even want to rip it off at the end of your event. You might even wear it on days where you don’t have to wear a strapless bra! And if you don’t believe me, then maybe you should hope over and read some of the 637 5 STAR REVIEWS.
Click HERE for my favorite strapless. (Click HERE for a version by the same maker for those with a smaller bust. I’ve also heard that this one from ThirdLove is great.)
And because I know this discussion will prompt more questions….
THESE are my favorite undies (TREAT YO’ SELF!!!), THIS is my favorite Natori bra (I love this one too), and THIS is my favorite ThirdLove bra. Having comfy undergarments is soooooooooooo important to my overall happiness (seriously!), so I don’t mind splurging on them one bit!
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READER QUESTION #7: Do you color your hair? I’m 36, and I have grays that are starting to pop up here and there. I feel like my hair is similar in color to yours, but I’m afraid to start coloring or highlighting it. Just wanted to know what you do because I’m super nosy. Hahaha! Caroline
Hi, Caroline! Yes, I do color my hair! I started probably about a year ago, and I get it done every 7 weeks. I don’t have a ton of greys, but my hair is such a dark brown (almost black, really), that even one slightly grey hair shines like a beacon in the night! It’s terrible! So, for the first time in my life, I am coloring my hair!!!! And to be honest, I feel like my hair feels softer and looks shinier because of it! WINNING! 😉
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READER QUESTION #8:

Erika Slaughter says
Sheaffer, I have those exact leopard booties and they’re crazy comfortable!! And that NYE outfit you shared-MMEEOOWW!!
April Parrish says
I have the same Ugg boots and love how you turned them down a little. I will definitely be trying this! Thanks!
Shay Shull says
I legit need help getting over the knee boots OFF! The struggle is real! Sometimes, I break out into a full sweat trying to get my left one off. Hahahahaha!
Annette Robertson says
I’ve found the best way to get my OTK boots on and off is to fold them down twice. This also helps in smoothing out whatever pant I’m wearing with them. I store them folded down twice too, which helps since they are so long they usually flop over.I usually put a pool noodle (cut to size of boot) in my boot for storing but no need with this method. I just simply fold in half and then fold again (making them look like an ankle boot). It works every time.
Sheaffer says
Thanks for the tips, Annette! xoxo, Sheaffer
Sheaffer says
Great tip, Annette!
Debbie Robinson says
Hi Sheaffer, awhile back you had a post about cutting blanket scarves in half. Could you repeat it or tell me how to find it. Like you, I live in Texas and don’t need ALL that fabric around my neck! It wasn’t even that cold last week when it snowed!!
Thanks,
Your friend,
Debbie
Sheaffer says
Hi, Debbie! If you scroll down the right hand side of my blog (on a pc….not on your phone), you will see a small rectangular box that says “search this website” in the box. Type in “blanket scarf tutorial”, and it will come right up!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Narci says
You look darling in those button downs, girl!!! I mean CUTE! And, I love that black dress at the end! So pretty!!
Lisa says
Neither of your strapless bra options come in an A cup, do you know if that’s typical or if they’re just sold out of that size?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Lisa! I’m not sure. Can anybody else comment on this? xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kate Livingston says
Ha thank you for starting my morning by calling me smart. Even if it just does have to do with how to wear OTK boots with skinny jeans. I’m happy to be an expert on something! 🙂
Sheaffer says
Ahhhhh! Thank you, Kate!!!!! You are smart. #geniusinfact xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Chris T says
More great ideas Sheaffer! love these! thanks for doing tunic dress ideas and giving some suggestions.
Erin says
You look fantastic in the black lace dress!
Sheaffer says
Thanks, Erin! xoxo
Shannon Grundy says
Oh Sheaffer, I have the same problem of a large rib cage and boobs to boot!!! Dresses are so hard to find. If it fits through the boobs, then it is usually huge through the hips. So frustrating. A good button up shirt is hard to find as well.
Lea Culp says
Such a great post Shaffer, so enjoyable. Next time please tell us how you take your pictures. You do such a good job and I assume you are looking into a mirror but just need the details of how you do it. Blessings abundant cute gal!
Mary Kai says
I wore the “Kate” ruffle dress to my cousin’s wedding. it is one of the best dresses ever! I love a shift dress and this one fits just right. Adorable.
Terri says
I’m a week late but wanted to say I ordered the Loft sweater on the top left under Q&A 9, and I LOVE it. I’ve worn it two days straight, with leggings and flats. It’s warm (60’ish) but rainy here in Atlanta, and it’s been the perfect weight for this weather. Not scratchy at all. I am an 8 or 10 in jeans and a 10 or 12 in tops, usually a medium, and ordered the medium. The sleeves would be a little long if your arms are short, but there is a petite option. It is also available in solids, but the flecked is fun.