Reviving favorite leaky boots
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: My winter boots have served me well, but now there’s a hole in the rubber sole. Can they be resoled or must I buy new ones?
— Mike A.
Dear Mike: It depends. If the sole is stitched to the boot, it can be replaced at a shoe repair shop.
You’ll need to decide if the replacement cost would be worth it as opposed to buying a new pair. If, on the other hand, the sole is glued on, the chances of having the boots resoled and continue to be waterproof is a big if. Finally, you will find do-it-yourself instructions online to glue new rubber soles on your boots, but the steps are daunting and the results are questionable.
Is there anyway you can get me a source for my favorite pajamas, made by Earth Angel? I contacted Kohl’s, where I bought them, and they could only tell me Posh (is it Poshmark?) and maybe eBay. I love them so much, and they are falling apart. They are longlegged, short-sleeve, with button-down front.
— Ginger K.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
Dear Ginger: The person you talked to at Kohl’s gave you good advice. Poshmark.com and eBay.com are excellent resources for discontinued but new or gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories. Mercari.com is another site to check out. Some sites let you place a request and will notify you when what you’re looking for becomes available. I’ve had good luck with all three sites when looking for a beloved item that is no longer available in stores. Facebook Marketplace is another resource I haven’t used yet. Some sellers also will pay shipping costs (which is where you can really get hammered on seemingly lowball pricing on items).
Angelic Readers 1
Debbie P. writes, “Nancy D. complained about ‘impossible-to-read lines on laundry soap caps.’ My solution is to take a black permanent marker and mark the fill line on the outside of the cap. Can also mark it on the inside. Then it is easy to add the proper amount of detergent. If you keep buying the same brand, simply keep the marked cap (recycle the other one).”
Angelic Readers 2
From Chris F.: “I just read one of your recent columns. (It’s been busy. I’m a substitute teacher!) I have found an amazing product for laundry. It’s called TruEarth laundry soap (tru.earth, $19.95 for 32 loads). It is laundry soap in sheet form and it comes in a cardboard envelope (no more plastic jugs!) and it really works. My husband is a farmer who works on his equipment and my son works in a welding shop during the summer. It’s made in Canada, reasonably priced and shipped right to me. They also sell all-purpose cleaner in sheet form and wool dryer balls, which I also love. I am not affiliated with the company in any way, lol! I just really use the product and it has made my hectic life easier!”
Angelic Readers 3
Leslie L. says, “You recently wrote that Dawn dishwashing soap is terrific for removing greasy stains from clothing. I agree! I’ve been using it for years. Please advise your readers to be cautious, when applying the ubiquitous deep blue variety to light-colored clothing. If it sits too long the blue will stain the fabric and can’t be removed. Now I only use the ‘Free and Clear’ variety readily available at most stores.”
Reader Rant
From Bonita F.: “I love your suggestions, but have to say I strongly disagree with one thing. NO ONE should wear white to a wedding — ever, except the bride! This is not a generational thing either. As the mother of three brides last year, all three ladies made it clear that they did not want anyone wearing white other then them, even to the dress rehearsal, where the brides-to-be wore cute white cocktail dresses.”
From Ellen: Wedding trends change. White or black is now considered OK for wedding guests — unless the bride disagrees. It is her day and she’s the boss!
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.