Just because celebs buy a piece of clothing from an Instagram seller, it definitely does not qualify the seller as a stylist — which admittedly is a niche profession, says Answer Angel Ellen Warren.
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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I follow a bunch of clothing sellers on Instagram who post photos of famous athletes and other celebrities wearing the items the Instagrammer has sold to those well-known people. Along with the photo is the seller’s claim: “I styled (fill in famous person’s name)!” What does that even mean? What is “styling?”
— Helene N.
Dear Helene: Just because celebs buy a piece of clothing from an Instagram seller, it definitely does not qualify the seller as a stylist — which admittedly is a niche profession.
Lots of famous people and wannabes hire “stylists” who choose their clothing for them to help create the celebrities’ public persona. Stylists also are instrumental in getting free loans or gifts of designer clothing and accessories for clients. This creates publicity for the designers, the celebrities and even the stylists. (Think of the question that television personalities ask, “Who are you wearing?” when interviewing people on the red carpet.)
Regular people like you and me are our own stylists. So if we wear logo clothing, dress in all one color, choose to walk the dog in sweatpants and bunny bedroom slippers, that’s our “style.” Yes, the whole ‘Stylist Syndrome’ is silly and fleeting. But so is celebrity.
Dear Answer Ellen: I have deep cracks in my heels. How to treat them? Mine used to be just annoying but now they hurt and are getting deeper.
— Phil G.
Dear Phil: These cracks or “fissures” are common, especially in cooler climates when your feet are encased in heavier socks and shoes or boots. They can be merely a nuisance or get deeper unless treated. Fortunately there are many home solutions:
— Select a thick moisturizer to use once or twice a day, especially at night. Foot specialists suggest moisturizers that contain softeners that help remove dead skin like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or urea.
— Soak your feet in warm or soapy water, then rub the feet with a loofah, pumice or a foot scrubber designed for this problem before applying creams.
— Cover your feet with cling plastic wrap, which will help keep moisturizer in place, as will thin cotton socks, especially at bedtime.
— Drugstores stock foot masks/peels, which help with hydration and dead skin removal.
— Salon pedicures aren’t cheap but are quite effective when used regularly.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I hate clothing shopping. I hate the process of going to a store, trying on stuff, not knowing whether it is flattering, taking it home and then suffering from “buyers’ regret” and either waste more time returning the clothes or waste the money as they hang in my closet unworn. One more thing, I really dislike ordering clothes online since the photos aren’t accurate and the sizing and quality are a crap-shoot. Any suggestions?
— Patty T.
Dear Patty: Pre-pandemic, many department stores had complimentary “personal shoppers” you could book by phone or online. Some — like downtown Chicago’s Bloomingdale’s — still have them. Friends have used them with great success. In many cases the shoppers are salaried and not on commission, so they’re not trying to sell you expensive items to boost their income. But ask how they are paid before you book an appointment. Another bit of advice: Shop with a trusted friend to get a second opinion.
Angelic Readers
Lots of you had the same response to reader George D.’s plea for recommendations on where to find soft and absorbent towels: Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Priscilla S. writes, “Fabric softeners can coat the fiber with chemicals for softness but at the same time block absorbency. I never use softeners with my towels.” Others who had the same advice: Carol C., Patricia L., Raymond L., Linda Z.
Reader Charlene S. offers these additional tips:
— Tumble dry low.
— Add 1/2 cup white vinegar in the softener dispenser to help remove built-up softener.
Wirecutter.com says five washes usually eliminate the effect of the softeners in new towels.
Lynn A. adds, “I have a ‘thing’ about finding absorbent towels. In my opinion, ‘soft’ and ‘absorbent’ are mutually exclusive. A towel that feels soft won’t be absorbent, unfortunately! When I shop for absorbent towels, I seek ones that feel, for lack of a better word, ‘scratchy.’ Soft/plush towels typically are NOT absorbent.
As for specific recommendations, Kathy recommends Liz Claiborne Signature Plush Bath Towel Collection from J.C.Penney (jcpenney.com, $22 on sale for $12.99).
Liz P. likes Target’s Room Essentials brand (target.com), which are 90% cotton, 10% polyester. Ferle T. likes Kohl’s Sonoma towels (kohls.com). Also from Kohl’s, Denise K. suggests Vera Wang towels. Julie C. favors Charter Club brand at Macy’s.
Send your questions and rants – on style, shopping, fashion, makeup and beauty – to [email protected].
