1. Dear Sharon: I've always been under the
impression that linen was to be worn during the spring and summer only.
But, I see lots of it in some of the fall catalogs I'm getting. I love
linen and would like to continue wearing it all year round. Is it O.K. to
do so? Must it be darker colors and heavier weight? -Climate Control
(Granite City, IL)
Dear Climate Control: In Wyoming, yes. In Florida, no.
Fabric and color are
more dependant upon temperature than the season. A flimsy, white linen
skirt is simply a stupid choice on a cold day. Heavier weight linen pants
worn on a mild winter day are fine.
Linen, a favorite
material for those who love to iron,
is typically worn in warmer months. But catalogs are geared for an entire
universe of varying climates. Choose what
makes the most sense for you and
your environment. Just because a certain style is shown to be in style,
doesn't mean it's an appropriate selection for you. A fur bikini did
wonders for Raquel Welch, but it is not terribly practical in real life.
2.
Dear Sharon: I want to get thinner.
I am 5'2" tall and weigh 121 pounds. My desired weight is about 95
pounds. I don't look fat, but my bones are thick and heavy. I do exercise
for one hour every day. What can I do to reach
my target weight? ---The Real
Slim Lady (Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur)
Dear Real Slim Lady: Sweetheart, tell me you are not preparing for
a role in The Incredible Shrinking Woman? Not everyone has Tweedy Bird
bones. Look at your mom, Great Aunt Tilly, or Uncle Lester. Somewhere in
your family is a body type that looks just like yours… it's called
heredity. We all
have different frame structures and
nothing can be done to change our predisposed genetic makeup.
What we can all do is learn to make
the most of what we've got. Be
realistic about what we have to work with and soar! Stay fit, dress to
suit our figure, get a flattering hairstyle, and enhance nature with the
right touch of makeup. Don't obsess or wish for something that cannot
be.
If you don't think you look fat, then what's your problem? Your height and
weight seem fine. We have to be comfortable with what's on our body, not
the scale. An hour a day of exercise is fantastic, although most fitness
experts say exercising three times a week is enough to maintain a fit
body. The real secret to losing weight is eating less. Cut back on
calories, but don't starve yourself; follow a sound weight reduction
program.
Go out and have fun, develop outside interests, get a hobby… your figure
concerns may suddenly become
less monumental to you if you
enjoyed life some more.
3.
Dear Sharon: I have a very pretty flowing, backless, spaghetti
strap, bright teal blue dress with an angled hem. The problem is that I
have no clue as to what
type of shoe to wear with it. Would
black shoes with a criss-cross strap across the toes look funny? I would
prefer to stay in my own closet, but if I had to buy a pair of new shoes,
I would want them to be very inexpensive. Help! -- Fashion Stumped
(Citrus Heights, CA)
Dear Fashion Stumped: There's a basic rule of scale when it comes to
footwear: Match the
weight of the shoe with the weight of the garment.
The more bare or delicate a dress is, the more open the shoe style should
be.
In this case- sight unseen- I would say sandals probably are the best bet.
Never buy a new shoe that only goes with just one outfit if budget is a
concern. A simple sandal in a neutral color is the safest choice and a
Charlie's Angels inspired strappy gold stiletto would be a trendier
option. If you think a certain shoe looks funny with an outfit, it
probably is. Go with your gut reaction.
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