Shortcut to find Mother of the Bride dress
Answer Angel
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am the MOB (Mother of the Bride) and am dreading the hunt for a dress. The prospect is so daunting that I’m procrastinating. Isn’t there a way to make this easier than schlepping to dozens of stores and spending a month’s salary?
— Lynn K.
Dear Lynn: Yes, there is. Reader (and recent MOB) Peggy E. just alerted me to this genius idea. T.J. Maxx has an online-only storehouse of wedding-wear dresses. It will ship you as many as you like (shipping is free in most cases; read the fine print). Try them on at home, pick one and send the rest back for just a $10 (total) shipping fee.
The online inventory is extensive, but I wish the photos had better back views and close-up details.
But still, this is a relatively painless answer to your procrastination and dread.
The prices are greatly reduced from the original retail cost. And you can forward your choices to others (your daughter, friends, etc.) who can weigh in on your selections before you hit the “order” button.
Hey, readers, share your own answers to Lynn’s dilemma.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: You have curly hair. So do I. My hair feels as if it is attacking me when I sleep, so I put it in a ponytail before I go to bed. But … this method flattens my hair and makes it look awful in the morning. Any suggestions?
— Bethany L. Dear Bethany: I’ve been testing the “Satin Lined Sleep Slouchy Cap” from FocusCare that I bought on amazon.com for $15.44. No ponytail needed. Major frizz reduction! Not too ugly. Doesn’t feel tight or constricting. Give it a try.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have two beautiful furs (one long beaver and one short fox) that I have not worn in years, but they are in perfect condition. I’m pretty sure I can’t get money for the coats, but I’d like to give them to someone who would really appreciate them. Do you have any suggestions?
— Barb C.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have tried a few sources for selling my full-length, like-new, female-pelts mink coat, but to no avail. Do you have advice on my best approach?
— Marilyn
Dear Barb and Marilyn: If you’re trying to sell it in a location with year-round warm climates, I am not surprised you’re not having much luck unloading the fur. Contact some consignment stores in the classiest suburbs of cities with cold winters, and I think you might find some takers. I saw a $40,000 sable coat in perfect shape selling for $7,000 in a consignment store in a well-to-do coldclimate suburb — which should give you an idea of what return on your investment (lousy) you’ll get if you do find takers.
Another option is to donate the coat to a charity and take a tax deduction. Annual church/charity sales in the chic suburbs are your best bets. Or consider a local theater company’s costume department, which might love your coat for upcoming productions.
Angelic readers
Many helpful readers have shared the pain of “Frustrated,” who can’t find jeans that fit her small but curvy frame.
Pat S. writes, “I’m 5 feet, 120-plus pounds and need room for thighs. I have very good luck on the Lands’ End website (lands end.com). Midrise petite — you can choose 26-inch or 28-inch inseam. I’m not afraid to order a size up with some styles to fit better in the thighs and then get the waist taken in by a cleaner’s seamstress. (Lands’ End) has good sales and a good return policy.”
From Margo M.: “I am about 5 foot 2 and wear a size 16. Since 2008, I have worn a couple of variants of classic jeans by Ralph Lauren. Not cheap but not ridiculously expensive. The first three pairs I bought lasted for nearly a decade of continuous wear. I replaced them in 2017 with three more (one slightly darker and more formal). I bought them at Macy’s, wear them in rotation and don’t wash them too often, so they won’t wear out prematurely. They are a couple of inches too long, but after having my dry cleaner argue with me about having them the length I want (not dragging on the ground), I just roll them up a couple of turns. I wear them nearly every day that I go out and can’t imagine what I would wear if I didn’t have them.”
Jane N. says, “I know Frustrated’s pain. As a shorter gal with ample thighs, finding jeans that fit, were comfy and looked stylish and flattering was a huge challenge. But then I found Kensie Effortless Ankle at T.J. Maxx. I have several pairs — black, denim, cropped, etc. And they’re around $25 a pair, so you won’t break the bank loading up.”
Deb C. says, “I can’t believe I’m about to give away my secret, but Rock & Republic at Kohl’s carries pull-on jeans in a variety of styles (legging, straight, boot cut), colors and lengths (petite, regular and tall). They are stylish and super-comfy. Fans include 20-somethings to 60-somethings! Order online (kohls.com). When on sale and a decent coupon, one can’t beat the price.”
Cindy S. has had good luck with Eddie Bauer jeans (eddiebauer.com). “They have frequent sales, and I never pay full price.”
For those who live near or visit Chicago, Dawn H. recommends the custom-fit services of zipfit denim.com. Raves Jill S., “The best experience clothes shopping you’ll ever have.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen @gmail.com.