Questlove attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.
Chris Pizzello/Pool/Getty Images/TNS
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Can you explain why the biggest fashion trends I’ve seen among average people in my area this year are Crocs shoes and fanny packs (worn crossbody). Both of these things are usually huge fashion “don’ts.” Why are they are so popular right now?
— Liz W.
Dear Liz: Three reasons:
1. Comfort
2. Convenience
3. The ever-revolving fashion phenomenon: What was out is in again. And vice versa.
One example: The previously derided “mom jeans” (by other names) are now considered fashionable while skinny jeans are passé after a good ride as high style.
Fanny packs, especially Lululemon “belt bags” (lululemon.com, $38-$48) are a convenient purse option because they’re handy (and one of the few Lululemon items I can afford). And they’re hands-free. The larger model is big enough to hold phone, money, credit cards, a passport, Kleenex and lipstick with room to spare. Other brands abound at lower prices, and you can get lucky and even find Lulus at Goodwill and other thrift shops for under $10.
Crocs popularity has to do with comfort and celebrities’ embrace: Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Lebron James, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Lopez and lots more.
A bit of Crocs lore: In the 2006 si-fi cult comedy “Idiocracy,” set 500 years in the future when all humanity is stupid, everyone wears Crocs. Director Mike Judge said in an interview that at the time Crocs were new and “horrible” and nobody would wear them, perfect for costuming on a skimpy budget movie. And the rest is fashion history.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I bought my partner a bouquet of flowers on an impulse at the supermarket and they were half-dead in 24 hours. Any tips on buying flowers from the grocery?
— Tim B.
Dear Tim: The most basic rule is don’t buy flowers in full bloom. They’re closer to their expiration date. Buds or just-opening-up blossoms will live longer.
Many groceries have an employee at the flower counter who knows which cut flowers are the freshest and/or long-lasting. Carnations, tulips, lilies, hydrangea, zinnias and chrysanthemums hold up well. I’ve had mixed results with sunflowers. Many groceries will refund or replace flowers if you complain that they died the next day. The internet has many useful tips on how to keep them fresh longer once you get them home, including cutting the stems and changing the water every day.
Angelic Readers
Joyce L. writes: “Thanks for suggesting thigh-high hosiery for those who are tired of the chore of struggling into pantyhose. I love thigh-highs and have not purchased pantyhose since my first pair of this alternative. They are comfortable, stay in place and, may I add, sexy.”
Angelic Readers 2
Judy M. says: “For your reader Carol P. looking for a brow pencil that compliments blond and white hair, my hair is almost all white and I found Almay has a great pencil in dark blonde. It looks good if you don’t use a heavy hand, has a brush at the end to smooth out the color (drugstores; almay.com, $8.39; amazon.com, $7.57).” Marie V., a Mary Kay consultant writes, “Mary Kay Cosmetics has had a ‘Precision Brow Liner’ (eyebrow pencil) for decades. Colors are blonde and dark blonde and sell for $14. It is a high-quality product (marykay.com).
Reader Rant
From Elizabeth M: “Here is something I am totally tired of! Men who are balding who shave their heads so they are totally bald. This just doesn’t make sense to me, plus it is very unattractive for most men. Also, beards. I hope they are just a fad. But these men are so covered with beard hair I can’t tell what they really look like. Where are the well-shaved men with some hair on top of their heads? Please tell me this fad will be over soon.”
From Ellen: I think head shaving is here to stay. For balding men, it is a popular solution. Tennis great Andre Agassi’s autobiography has passages about his dismay at losing his hair and, finally, the liberation of deciding to shave his head. Beards too will continue to be a popular alternative for an array of reasons including laziness and sexiness. All the (adult) men in my life currently wear beards and I think they’re very handsome with — or without.
