Lucky for everyone who loves big pockets: Cargo pants are making a strong comeback for spring, writes Ellen Warren.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m sick of wearing blue jeans and leggings (with no pockets or just skimpy pockets), which do not flatter my full figure. Are there some good, stylish options out there?
— Olivia S.
Dear Olivia: Lucky for you and all of us who love big pockets: Cargo pants are making a strong comeback for spring. I’m crazy about the Gabriella Karefa-Johnson cargoes I bought at Target (target.com, $36), which are selling out fast. (BTW: Karefa-Johnson is a multitalented fashion expert who worked at Vogue and was a terrific guest addition on “Next in Fashion,” a “Project Runway”-esque show I can’t get enough of on Netflix.) Top prestige label designers showed cargoes on the runway at crazy prices (Cucinella, $3,395!). Also check out Athleta’s Brooklyn Heights Wide Leg Pants (athleta.gap.com, $119) and other wide-leg styles ($54.99 and up) for a change.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: This is a rant and a question. I’ve been using Goo Gone to remove stubborn price tags from items. Why are price tags so sticky, big, hard to peel off? And the chemical smell stays around forever on the item after Goo Gone treatment. Not a great odor. Any ideas?
— Meredith M.
Dear Meredith: Try a 50-50 mixture of coconut oil and baking soda. The price tag will come off and the remaining smell is pleasant, not industrial. Some readers tell me they use Goo Gone (acehardware.com, $2.99) on their cooking pots and pans for cooked-on grease and also complain about the lingering smell on whatever they use to scrub the items. I’m a big fan of Dawn dishwashing liquid on grease and other tough stains on clothing. Put it on full strength (with a sprinkle of baking soda for good measure) and blot, let sit for a few minutes or overnight, then wash normally (check the laundering instructions on the garment tag) and air dry (heat can set the stain).
Angelic Readers 1
Christine B. writes: “About 20 years ago, I started wearing men’s jeans for the reason that they sit just below my high waist. They are also more durable, have better pockets, and the sizing is trustworthy. I don’t wear them for fashion or dress-up, but wear them almost every day in fall, winter and spring. I started with Levi’s 550 but after losing some weight switched to Lee’s classic straight leg because the legs are a little slimmer. My size is 30 x 30 and they are the only clothing I actually wear out, and they last for years.” From Ellen: I totally agree; men’s jeans are a great women’s option and the brands you mention are priced well. Thrift stores are a great place to find jeans bargains in both men’s and women’s sizes.
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Sarah E. has a suggestion from reader Joan W., who couldn’t find the right color towels for her renovated bathroom: “She can try adding in multiple shades of blue to her bathroom. When my wonderful mother-in-law heard we loved our blue kitchen floor tiles, our teal countertops and our light blue painted walls but they somehow didn’t look good together, she suggested we add another shade of blue. Adding in some darker blue cafe curtains made our kitchen look great!” Sharon S. says, “I had the same issue when trying to match towels for my daughter’s bathroom tile! My solution: Visit a fabric store that offers a wide selection of ribbon that would match or enhance your tile, either a complementary shade of blue or perhaps a pattern. If you are not a sewer, I’m sure a dry-cleaners or alterations location would sew the ribbon on a solid color towel (white, cream, etc.) at a nominal cost.”
From Debbie D.: “I am surprised JCPenney (jcpenney.com) was not mentioned as a possible source for Joan W.’s bathroom towels. I buy Liz Claiborne towels at JCP and really like the feel and quality. They have a wide assortment of colors, Liz Claiborne and other brands. JCP seems to be overlooked when shopping for clothing or other items, but I have found great items and prices there with good sales.”
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