I work for a music magazine and get invited to lots of parties. I desperately need a really glamorous coat to wear at night. I recently saw a feather coat in an old movie and really fell for it.
My roommate says I'm crazy and, besides, the only place I'll find one is an antique clothing store. But I don't want a tacky old one, I want it brand spanking new. Are they still being made?
Yes. In fact, Paris designer Sonia Rykiel does a thriving business with feather coats. Her customers love them because they are light and warm as well as glamorous.
"Feather coats are timeless," Rykiel assures me, "they will never go out of style. Feathers can be dyed any color, they are soft and extremely flattering to the face.
"Today they go over everything from a pullover and jeans to a slinky evening gown. You can even wear your coat with nothing underneath."
You will have to come to your own conclusion about that.
I've just turned 30, and I notice that my face is getting splotchy. No matter how much foundation I put on, I can still see the uneven color underneath.
Is this a matter of age, or can I do something about it?
Cheer up! A lot can be done to improve a splotchy skin.
Shirley Weinstein, a vice president of the global cosmetics company Clinique, says uneven coloration is often caused by sun exposure. So your first step is to protect your skin daily with an SPF-15 sun cream.
As for skin care, she stresses the need to "cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the skin twice a day with the appropriate products for your skin type."
"Exfoliation is important for you because it evens out skin tone. A grainy scrub will help fresher skin shine through."
Weinstein says an exfoliating cream used overnight may also help to even out your skin tone. But first have your skin typed to find out how often you should follow this regimen. "Over-exfoliation can be bad for the skin."
As for makeup, Weinstein suggests using a foundation and loose powder with light-diffusing properties. "A slightly shimmered powder can help to polish away unevenness."
I have a flat bottom, and my new bride constantly teases me about it. She says there is underwear (shorts) with padded buns for men that I should wear to make myself look more attractive.
Is this for real?
I know of no manufacturer that makes padded shorts. But a New York company called Bodyslimmers by Nancy Ganz does offer the "Butt Booster."
Ganz tells me the underwear needs no padding because it makes the most of what you have.
"Extra-reinforced nylon/spandex fabric plus banding under the buttocks lift the seat an inch or two and give a fuller, rounder shape to a man's buns."
Ganz also claims "the extra strength of the banding provides lower-back support and flatters the tummy area, where everyone can use a little help."
I'm getting married in December, and my mother and I are having a big fight about my gown. The wedding will take place in Argentina, where my fiance's family has a large home with a beautiful garden.
I was born and brought up in America's Deep South, where the ideal woman is romantic, soft and beautiful. I want to look like a Southern belle.
But my mother, a lawyer, says it's ridiculous. She'll buy me a wedding dress that's flattering and modern, but laces and frills are out of the question.
What do you say?
How about a compromise? Vera Wang, who designs dresses for brides around the world, agrees:
"Select a dress that is a 'take' on a traditional theme -- sexy and feminine without being too frilly."
She suggests looking for a wedding gown inspired by the beautiful old Southern dresses but with a streamlined, modern silhouette.
"A slip top with a wide lace skirt could achieve that effect and also be very pretty in a garden in Buenos Aires."
Good luck with your mother, the dress -- and the wedding.
Send to Elsa Klensch, Los Angeles Times Syndicate, 218 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90012.
Pub Date: 10/24/96
