Sept. 22--Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have several pieces of good, gold-tone costume jewelry, and the metal in the chains has turned to an unattractive dull brownish color. This hasn't happened with the silver pieces (although there are fixes for silver jewelry on the Internet). I haven't been able to find fixes for gold that turns! These were nice pieces, not inexpensive. Any suggestions?
-- Mary Beth R.
Dear Mary Beth: There are two schools of thought on this. One of the most respected costume jewelry experts I know is Dave Mayer whose Millsboro Bazaar in tiny Millsboro, Del., is a vintage jewelry wonderland. Dave says buy a liquid dip cleaner, one that says "anti-tarnish" and, importantly, "Everything you use should be rinsed off well and the jewelry dried immediately." Read the fine print, test the cleaner on a small spot first and don't be put off if the product says "silver cleaner" which Dave uses on costume gold jewelry too. (His go-to is Griffith Insta-Clean Anti-Tarnish Cleaner, which is sold only in gallons at www.kassoy.com.) On the other hand, another expert I also trust is Jules Breen, co-owner of a Chicago treasure trove, Antique Jewelry Resale (www.antiqueandresale.com) who says anti-tarnish products are "a really bad idea. They're just too harsh and will take the finish off." She recommends a natural (no ammonia!) glass cleaner on a paper towel. If that doesn't do the trick, she suggests a natural oil, like olive oil. Mary Beth wants to get that shine back but Breen warns, "that's not going to happen. If it's dull that means the gold plating has worn off." What would I do? Try Breen's suggestions first and then go to the anti-tarnish route (after a satisfactory spot test). Read the online criticisms of the anti-tarnish process and proceed with caution.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I read a story that recommended Christian Louboutin lipstick in a fancy case as a way to "spoil yourself." My question: Is any lipstick worth $90?
-- Peggie
Dear Peggie: Short answer: Are you kidding? N-O! A few years back I tested a $50 lipstick (the most expensive I could find at the time) and it was no better than the ones at the drugstore. (It just hurt more when it rolled out of my purse never to be seen again.) High-end designers like Louboutin (famed for those red-sole shoes that go for $1,000 plus) sell "affordable" makeup and perfume so we mortals can have a small touch of the luxury brand. There are many, many ways to get more makeup value for your $90.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I recently purchased, under the direction of my 21-year-old daughter, some red Keds. I felt very confident purchasing them, but when I put them on at home I was lost. They sit very low (socks? no socks? no-see-um socks?). Also, the red color has thrown me. I don't want to look like I'm going to a Fourth of July picnic. Do you have any suggestions on what to wear them with or should I take them back?
-- Nancy N.
Dear Nancy: I've had the same dilemma with red shoes. I bought a pair of flats and then didn't know what to wear them with. What I learned is treat your red shoes as if they're a neutral (same goes for leopard footwear) and wear them with whatever ever you please. Obviously, Keds are casual, so you would wear them with jeans (rolled up a bit at the hem?), a flirty skirt, a striped pullover and shorts. But stop worrying that they need to "match" your outfit. Or that the only way they'll work is with other American flag colors! Your idea to wear them with socks that don't show is a good one unless you want to replay the bobby soxers of the '40s and '50s.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Cooler weather is coming and I need your help. My legs are fine -- just average size -- but I have wide feet and cannot find boots and booties that fit. Believe me, I've looked in every store I've been in for the past couple of seasons with no luck.
-- Sheila C.
Dear Sheila: Whether small feet or large, wide or extra narrow, it's not easy finding a good fit if your feet aren't a mainstream size. And I much prefer trying on shoes and boots in the store. But if you're blessed with not-average feet, trial and error ordering online is probably in your future. Many wide boots also are wide-calf, which you don't want, and often you can't tell from the online description whether that's the case. Try a "live chat" or customer service and ask. Boots with calf stretch panels might be helpful and sites specializing in larger sizes like Lane Bryant might have booties that suit you. Sites with free no-hassle returns are also a plus.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Photos from the recent Fashion Week shows feature models wearing sweaters tucked into skirts or pants. Is this a look for those of us who aren't model-thin?
-- Waist Challenged
Dear Challenged: Like so much you see on the runway, this style will work for almost no one. However, it is suitable for those who want to make their waistlines look bigger. And I don't know anyone like that. Do you? If you're tucking your top in, you'll want it to be a fabric that doesn't add bulk.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I'm trying to find bleach for facial hair. Any suggestions?
-- Mary M.
Dear Mary: I've tested several and the one I found easiest to use (with the least bad smell) is Sally Hansen Extra Strength Creme Hair Bleach (drugstores). If it isn't bleaching light enough, consider using more "activator" than the directions call for but increase gradually to avoid burning the skin. The idea is that lighter hair will be less noticeable but if you have a heavier hair situation, electrolysis or waxing is a better solution.
Now it's your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds -- on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty -- to answerangelellen@gmail.com.
