Kick this fad to the curb
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
What is your take on these boots and loafers that have big, thick rubber soles? Like two or three inches high? My social media is crawling with photos of stars and “influencers” wearing this footwear. Really?
— Jenny K.
Dear Jenny: Yes, really! They’re popular. No doubt. But, are they flattering?
No. Every time I see a woman in this footwear all I can think of is Frankenstein’s monster lurching along. Not my idea of a high-fashion moment. Also, they look like a broken ankle just waiting to happen when you fall off your shoes. The same goes for those high platform shoes that are reappearing on runways. I’m not a fan. They look awkward, uncomfortable and not worth the investment.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
What are almond-toe shoes?
— Olivia R.
Dear Olivia: They’re an old style with a new name, likely dreamed up by fashion editors on a slow day. The origin, of course, is the shape of the narrow end of an almond. One definition is an elongated round toe on just about any shoe. Elongated pointy toes also are sometimes referred to in this way.
Angelic readers
There were two approaches that vied for readers’ best bets to keep bar soap from getting gross.
The first is a shockingly simple no-cost one:
Remove the new bar from all packaging and let it dry out on a shelf or in a lingerie or sock drawer for days, weeks (or months) before use. Thanks to Cris F., Debra, Cindy B. and Gini K., among others.
The other top fave:
The “soap saver” or “soap keeper”—a pad made from what looks like squiggly plastic or a block of dry ramen noodles (thanks Elizabeth R. for the ramen analogy). They only cost a dollar or two at grocery, dollar and drug stores (amazon.com, 4 for $5.99). This is a favorite of many readers, including Rebecca C., Patti G. and Anne T., among others.
C.A. puts her soap bar on a Mr. Clean “magic eraser.”
Theresa V., Christine R. and Deb F. place the bar of soap on a folded washcloth, replaced every couple of days.
Others, like Bruce C.L., Barbara C., Mary D. and more like the all-plastic spiked soap holder with holes in it but no dish beneath it (amazon.com, 4 for $8.99).
Barbara F., George K., Carolyn H. and Sandra L. like their plastic holders with spikes on both sides.
Dorothy P., S.J. and Carol J., buy soap saver pouches with little holes online that hang from a drawstring in
the bath to “drip dry” the soap.
Annette R., Lefty S. and Theresa S. like a “soap cradle”— some are plastic with holes that attach with a suction cup to shower wall or sink.
Nancy M. and Rosie L. prefer a “Bamboo Naturals Bar Soap Dish” slatted soap holder. (amazon.com, 2 for $8.59). They come in plastic, too, which Lisa Z., Nancy N. and Kittie M. prefer.
Joanne B. puts her bar on a loofah to keep it dry.
Gail S. and Cynthia P. have a magnet soap holder.
Ruth L. rests her wet soap on a pumice stone.
Bev K. likes the “Spectrum Ribbed Soap Saver” from the Container Store.
Maggie K. recommends Command brand’s “Damage-Free Hanging Satin Nickel Soap Dish.”
Linda T.’s choice is a SoapStandle spiked metal oval (amazon.com, 2 for $11.99).
Monica T. and Pat M. rest soap on a vegetable brush or nail brush.
Sylvester S. makes his back brush do double duty.