There’s nothing inherently wrong with wearing pink, but the fleeting fashion attention span will soon spin into new must-haves, writes Answer Angel Ellen Warren.
Dreamstime | TNS
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: At the same time the Equal Rights Amendment is being reintroduced in Congress, it seems as if women are being infantilized by the cosmetic and movie industries. What’s with all the Barbie pink in anticipation of the upcoming Barbie movie? And the new “It Curl” by e.l.f. cosmetics (elfcosmetics.com) that looks like Betty Boop, in advance of a new musical about that cartoon female. And Marcel waves, plastered in the middle of celebrity foreheads, mimic a Kewpie doll. I thought fashion buried that style in the 1920s. Is there ever going to be a time for women that’s not overlaid with images to make us look like silly children?
— Maggie E.
Dear Maggie: There’s nothing inherently wrong with wearing pink. But the onslaught of Pepto Bismol-colored skin-tight Barbie clothing, clumpy mascara and elaborate pin curls? Ignore them. The fleeting fashion attention span will soon spin into new must-haves. As for the current bare-it-all (even nipples!) trends in fashion? Just say NO!
A similar question from another side of the gender highway…
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m a mid-30s man confused about my fashion choices. I know what I look best in: slim-fit pants and jeans. The roomy “boot cut” jeans and the proliferation of almost baggy, wide leg, drag-on-the-floor bell-bottoms aren’t flattering (on me, anyhow). Neither are super tight pants. Should I stick with what I prefer or adopt a trend I don’t like?
— Nick G.
Dear Nick: Please oh please wear what pleases you. Fashions change. But the best-dressed men (and women) wear what they like and what they feel best in.
Angelic Readers
Many of you wrote you were pleased that a recent column discussed the problem of thigh chafe, an issue that often is tough to talk about, even with best friends. Thank you all for sharing more suggestions…
You like pettipants (a half slip culotte) that you say are a perfect solution, especially under skirts and dresses: “They’re a little looser and cooler than a fitted garment,” says Barbara L., who buys them on Amazon. Also fans of the “culotte slips” are Susan R., Valerie T., and two of you who signed “No Initials Please.”
From “No More Chafing”: “A good friend of mine suggested using Vaseline on my thighs where chafing occurs. I can tell you this is a lifesaver, especially on beach days because the Vaseline doesn’t rinse off! I keep a small jar in my beach bag and share with my friends.” Page R. recommends a dusting of baby powder applied on dry skin. KK writes, “The company that my daughter and I both love is Thigh Society (thighsociety.com). The ‘shorts’ are comfortable, breathable and are very lightweight but good quality.” Janice M. likes the lightweight shapewear from Soma (soma.com).
Reader Rant 1
From Ann A.: “Women’s standards of dress seem to have completely evaporated. When I go to stores, medical offices, salons, etc. the (mostly younger) female employees are wearing ragged denim jeans and plain, too casual T-shirts. It only would take the same amount of effort to put on a pair of black or white jeans and a nicely colored solid or printed T-shirt (Old Navy has some really cute ones)!”
Reader Rant 2
Patricia M. S. says: “My rant is about ordering online. Not once, but twice recently I have had items in my shopping cart, but by the time I got to checkout, the internet seller had removed them before I could purchase and/or pay for them. The vendor should at least have given me 10 or 15 minutes to get checked out. It’s the equivalent of being in the grocery store and having someone take two or three items out of your grocery cart. Needless to say, the vendor lost out on the sale of the remaining items they left in my cart.” From Ellen: When shopping online, especially for big bargains or items in high demand — limited edition shoes, for example — even seconds matter, unfortunately. These sell out so quickly. I know from sad experience that it hurts to lose!
Send your questions and rants – on style, shopping, fashion, makeup and beauty – to [email protected].
