A. When it comes to super low-rise pants, it's a case of beauty before age! If you expose skin, particularly somewhere that begs for attention, the flesh you bare better be lean and tone. Just because you're young, doesn't give you the go-ahead to walk around advertising more rolls than Kaiser protruding over your pants!

Being in your thirties is by no means old. Think Elizabeth Hurley, Pamela Anderson, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the cast of Friends. These babelicious beauties have no problem looking hot. And, if you think that once you become a mom, you suddenly turn into a frump, you are in for one very dull ride.

If you look great in these pants, wear them. Have fun, that's what fashion is all about. Once you start taking clothing too seriously, you lose all sense of style and become a tired, old fashion victim. If you're not totally at-ease with this hipbone-bearing trend, try wearing a longer top at first.

As far as your new silver sandals go, could there be more understated chic than to wear a pair of faded, low rise jeans with a crisp white,deep cuffed shirt and the unexpected glamour of silver shoes?

I'd rather be a Hoochie Mama than a gloomy stick in the mud, anytime. You go, girl!

--August 7, 2002

Hankering for some image boosting advice? Ask Sharon: Advice Page