Search for socks that stay put
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I am tired of having my low-cut socks almost instantly leave my heel so I am walking on crunched cotton. So, no matter which golf or tennis-style sock I use, within a few steps, the sock migrates from my heel. Any advice? I have a drawerful of these creepers.
— Peggy
Dear Peggy: Many readers are asking the same thing, and I’ve been on the hunt for low-cuts that stay put. Try Swiftwick (swiftwick.com), aimed at runners, golfers and bicyclists. They’re not cheap ($10.99 each and up) and you’ll kick yourself if one gets lost in the wash, so invest in a mesh zip wash bag (amazon.com, $3.99 and up). Meanwhile, I’m still looking for quality no-show socks that don’t slip to wear with flats and dress shoes. Readers, let me know if you found a brand that actually does the job.
Another footwear woe…
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I went browsing at a store and a terrific salesperson saw me and said, “I have a dress that would look perfect on you and it’s on sale for 35% off and if you buy it today you get another 20% off.”
She was so right! The dress could be worn to work when/if people dressed more formally, but it definitely would look great going out to dinner. It fits nice in the right places and the length is right below my knees. It’s a dark navy with an ivory design that really needs a pair of navy pumps.
I need heels, but I can’t find a navy pair in 2 or 2.5 inches. I’ve seen some great black shoes, but even most of them are 3 or 4 inches. I like the look of wearing heels. Why is it so hard to get navy pumps? Why is it so hard to get pumps in a reasonable heel height? Older women like heels too! The chunky heel is fine for pants or a business suit but nice dresses needs heels. Any ideas?
— Barbara H.
Dear Barbara: Your search is not hopeless, but it sure should be easier than it is to locate a decent low-heel navy blue pump.
On amazon.com, I did find a simple 2.2-inch heel, navy pump by Clarks, the “Women’s Linvale Jerica Pump” at $39.87 and the similar Linvale Grand Pump for $32.10.
Even stores like Nordstrom that are well-known for a large shoe selection aren’t coming through for you. Online at nordstrom. com, I found the Mystique Pump by BeautiFeel for a whopping $329 in navy suede with a 1 ¾-inch heel, but who wants to pay that much? Otherwise, of the 250 blue low-heel shoes on the site, there were only a few pairs that might do but are slingbacks or open-toe.
Clearly, navy is not a popular shoe color right now. And neither are practical low-heel dress shoes. On the positive side, congratulations on finding a helpful sales associate who steered you to a great dress that you love.
Now it’s your turn