Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve always had trouble figuring out what to wear to the office every day. So, working from home during COVID-19 has been a big relief. I could just roll out of bed and go to work without stressing about my clothes. Now, the whole what-to-wear issue is back since I have to go to the office. I’m tempted to go the Steve Jobs/Mark Zuckerberg route and wear a “signature” outfit — essentially the same color shirt and pants every day (although I’d probably add a jacket since I am not the boss of anything much less a multibillion dollar company). My partner suggested I ask you if the signature outfit thing is a good idea — or at least OK. FYI: My favorite color is maroon/burgundy.
— Pat E.
Dear Pat: Go for it! If it’s good enough for those billionaires, why not you too? A big plus: A signature look works well for both men and women — like Theranos biotech entrepreneur and convicted fraudster Elizabeth Holmes (black turtleneck and black pants), former First Lady Barbara Bush (triple strand of fake pearls) and former White House COVID Coordinator Deborah Birx (silk scarf). Even Vogue czarina Anna Wintour wears her signature colorful jeweled necklaces and indoor sunglasses virtually every day. An all-maroon jacket and pants paired with a matching turtleneck, a white shirt or a graphic T-shirt could work for a very successful unisex signature outfit. And don’t forget NBA players with piles of money to spend on their off-court ensembles are rocking all-one-color suits in colors ranging from pink to red to the brightest of blues. So in your maroon coat and pants, you’re the height of fashion.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’d like to know where to get a good bra measurement. I just want a good fit so I can buy a few that will fit and survive machine washings since bras are so very expensive these days.
— Mary Ann F.
Dear Mary Ann: Ahhh, the well-trained bra fitter! It used to be that every department store lingerie department had a few veteran saleswomen who really knew how to wield a tape measurer and even locate a few styles that would be the best for your figure. Alas, they are going the way of the typewriter. My advice is to call lingerie departments of department stores near you and ask whether they have such a person. Some do. Your only other options are few. Go to the store and spend more time than you thought possible to try on different sizes and different styles since bra sizes dramatically vary from brand to brand and even within the same brand. Stretchy sport-type bras might give you enough support. And, depending where you live, there are a few independently owned underwear stores that still have personnel who know what they’re doing. But not many.
Angelic Readers
“For your reader who complained about squeeze tubes that leave half the contents inaccessible,” Laura K. writes, “When cosmetic and health squeeze tubes (toothpaste, moisturizer, etc.) get low, I cut off the bottom, then store upside down so I can extract the rest. I leave enough of the tube so I can fold the cut end and clip the fold with a clothespin or chip clip to keep it from drying out.” From Ellen: A binder clip will give a tighter seal but folding the tube over is essential to prevent drying out the cream stuck in the tube. Diane S. loves Flip-it Caps (flipitcap.com, $8 and up). These and similar gizmos on amazon.com don’t always hold containers upright. They topple over, depending on their size and weight. So pay attention to the fine print and product photos before you buy.
Reader Rant
From Shirley S.: “Thank you Ellen for the opportunity to rant about envelope flaps that do not include glue on the ends of the flap to properly secure the envelope. Greeting cards, invoices, you name it, no glue on the flap ends!”
By Ellen Warren
Tribune News Service