Eye-popping women’s suits
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I see that models, movie and TV personalities and “fashion influencers” are wearing brightly colored suits — jackets with matching pants and, sometimes, even shoes — in shades like lipstick red (Cardi B), neon green (Blake Lively), Barbie pink (Zendaya), banana yellow (Kendall Jenner) and bright purple (Catherine, Princess of Wales). Some even are wearing them without a blouse or shirt (and, it appears, no bra). I’d like to know your opinion of this trend. Is it also for mere mortals like me?
— Grace L.
Dear Grace: If you decide to go braless in one of these outfits (a look that is not for everyone), be sure that the jacket opening is secure and that the fit won’t have you clutching at your jacket all night to protect you from a nip slip. As for a look-at-me uni-color suit, if you like the look, have at it. The trend won’t last long, so if you’re on a budget, keep that in mind.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m in search of men’s polo shirts with slim fit styling. Banana Republic discontinued their slim fit polo shirt recently, and I’ve been unable to find a new source for the shirts.
— Jane S.
Dear Jane: Most of the questions I get about men’s clothes are in search of big and tall men’s sizes, so this slim fit isn’t a topic I know much about. Once I started looking into your question, I found many polos described as “contemporary” or “sport fit,”
which, upon closer scrutiny, mean regular — not slim. However, Amazon Essentials brand (amazon. com) has them starting at $12.60. More brands at amazon.com in slim include Nautica ($30.13) and Hanes ($12.07). Tommy Hilfiger markets slim fits too (usa.tommy. com, on sale, $49.50 and up; amazon.com, $62.99). Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com, $125; amazon. com, $83.64) is another resource. A slender man I know is happy with J. Crew slim fit polos he buys on sale, at this writing, 30% off the regular $79.50, now $56.99 ( jcrew.com).
Angelic Readers
Dog and cat lovers recommend what works in their battles with pet hair:
Barbara writes: “When we had three dogs living in our house, I was finally at my wits’ end when I found dog hair in the fridge. I asked our vet about it and he suggested peanut oil. About ½ teaspoon once a day for a medium-size dog. I tried it and guess what, it worked! The shed hair was not completely gone, but cut back maybe 80%. Another, less expensive oil would not work; only
peanut oil.” From Joanifer: “For furniture and rugs, hands down the Chom Chom Pet Hair Remover from Amazon (amazon. com, $28.95; walmart.com, $22.98). I’ve tried soooooo many different things and this one works!” Kathy R. says, “We have a short hair rescue whose name should have been ‘Pigpen’ from the way the hair flies when she shakes. I have found that a barely damp sponge works best in getting the hair off upholstered furniture.” From Jeffry N.: “On the advice of our dog groomer we purchased a wire brush that, when used, can remove a small dog. It works great and we use it every other day. Much less hair appears on our clothes, furniture, etc. The item is Les Poochs (lespoochs.com, $65 and up). Try it. It really works.” Marilou J. likes the FurZapper: “For clothes or other items, you can use it in both the washer and dryer. It lasts forever (chewy.com, $12.43 for 2).”