White sneakers with everything is a style trend rocketing through the celebrity world, writes Ellen Warren.
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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Are there any limits on where you can wear white sneakers? They seem to be turning up everywhere—with tuxedos at weddings and with formal gowns. It seems like a huge mismatch to see white tennis shoes paired with chiffon and cummerbunds. Am I just out of it?
—Jenni P.
Dear Jenni: You are the opposite of “out of it.” White sneakers with EVERYTHING is a style trend rocketing through the celebrity world and trickling down to us commoners. Fans include Taylor Swift, various Kardashians, multiple models, Michelle Obama, Hulk Hogan, Emily Blunt, Spike Lee and many more. Personally, I wouldn’t wear white sneakers—or any sneakers—to, say, a meeting at the White House or a formal event. But, in general, I am a big supporter of trends that coincide with comfort! (Because I am not a fan of the hiking boots or Ugg-type boots with shorts or even with dresses—styles that are turning up on Pinterest — I would vote for white sneakers over those looks for sure.) Even some snooty restaurants and clubs have had to yield to the tsunami of the white sneaker style. To state the obvious: Once cold weather arrives, for those of us who have to endure snow and ice, it’s back to the boots and parkas.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Is it OK to stop strangers and compliment them on their clothes or hair or eye makeup, etc.? I am always conflicted when I see someone who looks great on whether I should speak up or shut up. Similarly, when I see someone with a cute whatever that I might like to have one like it, is it OK to ask where they bought it?
—Isabella M.
Dear Isabella: I come down on the side of speaking to strangers, at least in these situations. Who doesn’t like a compliment? When asking someone where they bought a piece of clothing or an accessory, that takes a bit more nerve but I do it and have never been turned down. I’d start with a compliment — I love your dress eye shadow etc.— then say, sheepishly, “Could I ask what brand it is?” or “Where you bought it?” I am looking right now at a small purse-size backpack I bought after stopping a woman on the street and asking her about it. She was thrilled to be asked. It turned out that she had been searching for a travel bag for weeks until she found the one she was wearing and was eager to share her find. (Unasked, she even unzipped it to show me the inside of the bag too!)
Angelic Readers 1
Carolyn W. writes: “Like many of my friends, I need to store off-season clothing and sheets (i.e. flannel) in those big plastic storage tubs. Unfortunately the plastic makes my stored items smell a little funny when they’re unpacked. I’ve learned that I can toss a load of them into the dryer with a wet cloth and a lavender dryer sachet from Trader Joe’s. I dry each load for an hour on the lowest possible heat and come back to find fresh fluffy clothing and sheets. Hooray! No need to launder items or hang them all over the house to air out.”
And a related issue…
For reader Maya P. who was sick of ironing, Mary D. writes: “This doesn’t work for all fabrics, but certainly for knits and many blends. If they are wrinkled when they come out of the dryer, hang on a hanger, spritz with a spray bottle and tug gently to make the wrinkles disappear. I travel with a small spray bottle and do this if my clothes have some wrinkles when they come out of the suitcase. I haven’t ironed in three years.”
Angelic Readers 2
From Babs B.: “When I was a teacher, Nancy Reagan (then first lady) visited my school. I will never forget her white dress with tiny black polka dots. I agree with you that you’re never too old (or too famous!) to wear polka dots.”
Reader Rant Update
Kathy P. comes through for Reader Rant-er Kathy who could not find T-shirts that don’t irritate her husband’s skin: “Try the adult T-shirts from the kids’ brand Primary (Primary Clothing — Brilliant Basics for Baby & Kids). The T-shirts are so soft, well made, and durable. Hope this helps!”
