Avoid DIY if you pick bangs
I have shoulder-length hair and am ready for a change. One of the things I am thinking about is cutting bangs. I’ve never had bangs, but I wonder if this is a good idea and I’d like your opinion.
What do you think of that hairstyle as an option? Will I regret it?
— Maura H.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
Dear Maura: I truly don’t know whether bangs will work for you, but I offer you some pros and cons.
Pros
If they’re good enough for Taylor Swift, they’re good enough for you. (Just kidding.)
They can really make a big difference in your appearance.
If you’re self-conscious about your broad (or wrinkled) forehead, they’re good camouflage.
They’re a classic look and you can always grow them out.
Cons
Answer Angel
They take forever to grow back, and it’s awkward and irritating to deal with the “between” stages.
The upkeep is not as easy as it looks and you’d be wise to ask an expert to cut them the first time and, perhaps, continue to trim them. That might cost more than you expect for what would seem to be an easy job for a novice but isn’t.
There are well-priced clip-in bangs and other hairpieces that might work for you and spare you all the above trouble.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I have a designer handbag
that is still in great shape, with the exception of the shoulder straps where the original rubbery coating on the edges has worn off and there is now visible fraying. Is there anything that I can do to either replace the missing edging or minimize the fraying?
— Linda H.
I don’t recommend DIY-ing your problem. You don’t mention the designer of your bag, but with most new ones costing well into five figures, you do not want to mess with it yourself. Any imperfect repairs will diminish the value of your expensive handbag and, should you ever want to resell it, you’ll regret an imperfect fix.
There is no shortage of online “experts” who are ready to repair the bag. But choose carefully. Your first stop should be the website of the brand you want to repair, such as Chanel (chanel.com). A look at the Chanel website — to cite one example — shows an entire section on “care” (“avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, artificial light and humidity”) but only tells you how to avoid problems and not where to send it for actual repairs.
However, there’s a “contact an advisor” section to email, chat or call an 800 number for more. I tried that out and the first step listed is to bring it to a Chanel boutique for a “repair
Dear Linda:
assessment” to learn how much and how long a repair will take.
Before going to all that trouble, I’d call or email Chanel or whatever label produced your bag and ask for recommendations. Ask if they have a list of approved repair vendors. Before you make a choice on where to entrust the bag, carefully search the customer ratings and comments.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
Tell me it isn’t true! Super pointy-toe shoes aren’t really back in style, are they? It wasn’t that long ago that I donated all of mine because they horribly squeezed my toes, were never comfortable and I thought they were finally, blessedly passé.
— Reagan M.
I’m the bearer of bad news: They’ve been making a comeback and now they’re everywhere, in flats, kitten heels, stilettos, you name it. Round and square toes are still more prevalent. Perhaps that’s because they are so much more comfortable (and, in my view, flattering). It’s just how fashion works. What’s old is new again. Stick with what works for you!