Ask Valet.Valet. Concierge
 

About

Like your personal concierge, we expertly answer your most pressing questions—sartorial and otherwise. Solutions guaranteed in 24 hours.

» Index: Ask Valet.

Ask a Question

Featured Question

8/4


Where can I find stylish and affordable iPad cases?

- Kate, NY

» The solution

The Latest

Date
Location
Question & Answer
8/12
California

San Francisco

  • I'm on the hunt for a pair of affordable prescription glasses. I'd like a style that comes off as young and cool without being too trendy. I'm an architecture student, so presumably something Corbusier-esque? - Richard

  • You can't go wrong with Warby Parker. They've been making waves with their stylish yet timeless designs (that will only set you back $95). They've got a handful of scholarly, tortoiseshell and clear acrylic options that would make Corbusier proud. You can upload your own picture to virtually try on any pair and what's more, for every pair WP sells, they donate a pair to people in need of prescription glasses. If you're unsure what frames are right for your facial shape, check out our guide to sunglasses for tips.

8/12
Oregon

Portland

  • I've been wearing my leather banded wristwatch in particularly hot and sweaty weather this year. The leather has begun to get a certain funk about it. You can only smell it up close, but it's borderline nauseating. How can I remove the smell? - Josh

  • Try swabbing the back of the band with vinegar and letting it dry. Then, if you have a leather conditioner give both the front and back of the strap a rub down and after that dries you should be good. And then of course, remember to swap out the leather for a ribbon band from May until September.

8/12
Pennsylvania

Pittsburg

  • So it seems that rolling your pant legs is very popular. So, what is an acceptable height and the right technique? - Robert

  • Basically, you're looking to roll your pants so that you only have about a finger's width between the top of your shoe and your pants. That way, as you move or when you sit you'll reveal a tad more ankle but won't be turning your pants into capris.

8/12
Neveda

Las Vegas

  • I wear a size 16 shoe and would like to buy some driving mocs. Are there any companies that make them in large sizes? - Josh

  • Cole Haan makes a nice pair of driving mocs in soft calfskin leather for $148 and at least two of the four shades it comes in are available right now in size 16 on Zappos. But you can always give them a call (800.695.8945) to inquire about other colors or styles in your size. You can also search sites like Zappos by size, so you can see only the shoes that will fit you. Here's a link to all of their loafers in your size.

8/12
Indiana
  • Where can I find an affordable, stylish yet manly leather case for the iPhone 4? - Chris

  • As an iPhone user since the very first day, I have to say I've never carried my iPhone in a case and I think it's better for it. It's easily accessible and the hardware itself is tough enough to take any daily abuse I sling at it. But that being said, you can't really beat this simple and rugged (yet elegant) hand-stitched leather case by the Etsy shop, Office of Minor Details. It's only $40 for the all leather case and it ships for free.

8/5
Illinois

Chicago

  • Where can I get some drinking glasses like Don Draper's on Mad Men? - Alex

  • The glasses in Don's office bar set (which he's pounded back since season one) are called "roly poly" glasses and were originally made by a California glass artist named Dorothy Thorpe. Ms. Thorpe passed away in 1989 and the glasses are no longer made, but you can find sets by searching "Dorothy Thorpe Roly Poly Glasses" on sites like Etsy and eBay. A recent search pulled up about a half dozen sets of six and eight in the $30 to $45 range.

8/5
Kentucky

Lexington

  • Can you help me find a good pair of saddle shoes, oxfords, or even wingtips that are vegan-friendly? That could mean cloth fabrics or synthetic. - Nick

  • Boy, you're right. Vegan oxfords and/or saddle shoes are hard to find. But then we remembered the pair of felt oxfords by Rachel Comey we recently featured in The Edit. Just released for her fall collection, the rich mossy green felt would look great with anything you wore this fall, be it a navy suit, chinos or a pair of jeans. And since they're made entirely of felt and rubber, you should be all set. True, they're not cheap. But trust us, Rachel Comey shoes will last.

8/5
Oregon

Portland

  • I don't drink heavily and when I do it's not usually beer. Any suggestions on drinks that are easy to make and easy to drink so I won't look like a well dressed thumb twiddler at parties? - Kyle

  • Well, you don't have to drink if you don't want to. You can always order a club soda with a twist of lime. It's light, refreshing and looks enough like a cocktail to keep anyone from asking questions. If you're looking for a good cocktail that's easy to make (and simple to sip), try a gin and tonic. It too has a twist of lime, with a touch of piney zing from the gin and a slightly sweet finish thanks to the tonic. Plus it comes with that old fashioned appeal.

8/5
Virginia

Arlington

  • I'm going on vacation and want to find a waterproof camera that shoots video. Could you recommend one in the $200 price range? - Brent

  • Kodak's newest pocket camcorder, the PlaySport HD ($129 with free shipping at Amazon) is likely your best bet. A favorite of our resident AV geek, the camera shoots high-quality 1080p HD video along with crystal clear still photos with its 5-megapixel sensor. And all at depth of up to 10 feet under water. It's also rugged enough to withstand some scrapes and bumps and even comes with a glare shield on the 2-inch LCD screen to make shooting in the sunlight (or underwater) a little easier.

8/5
New York

New York

  • I sport a beard in the winter and have kept it this summer. But I've encountered a problem at the beach where my beard turns white from the sunscreen I put on. Any products you'd suggest to avoid this? - Kyle

  • Your best bet would be to use a lightweight sunblock, one that's not going to leave a gloppy white mess. I really like Jack Black's Sun Guard Spray. It will easily blend on your face and the mist won't turn your whiskers white. What's more, all the botanical goodness in the formula will only help keep your beard's hair conditioned and smooth.

» More Questions from Ask Valet.