Lingerie that’s thrifty (but not cheap)

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: It is time for me to amp up the contents of my underwear drawer. Nothing extreme, mind you, but I’m looking for daytime basics that have a little oomph — color, lace — you get the idea. And also lingerie suitable for nightwear, pretty and sexy but not racy or naughty. Here’s my problem: I don’t want to spend a week’s pay on this stuff. I want it to be fun (and in the case of everyday, functional). I know you are frugal and wonder if you can steer me where to look.

— Plain Jane

Dear Plain (no more) Jane: First of all, you are not alone. You are not the first woman who has asked me for recommendations in this area. So, I’ve been browsing in a lot of places for quite some time. What did I find? Are you ready for this? Try Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com). I have seen women checking out with their family groceries and a pair of definitely-amping-it-up thigh-high Hanes lace-top stockings for $5.97. And that’s not all — noooooo. Type in “Smart Sexy” in the Wal-Mart website, and there’s a huge selection of lingerie that absolutely fits your description (plus sizes too) for under $20.

As for other options for lacy basics to wear for day, if you walk through any department store underwear department, you will see that the offerings have vastly improved, with mainstream companies (finally) discovering that women want some pretty choices that make them feel good about themselves. We’re talking Maidenform, Vassarette, etc. I’ve never been impressed with the quality of Victoria’s Secret products, but I see women, especially teens and 20-somethings, swinging their Pink and VS bags up and down major malls and shopping streets.

If I were you, for daywear, my first stop would be discount retailers (Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less etc.) For what some would call boudoir, look at www.walmart.com. And high-end outlet mall stores (Neiman Marcus and others) sometimes will have a random pair of $75 Italian La Perla underpants for $15.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I often wear skinny jeans, and I was wondering whether you can give some advice on what kind of boots to wear for those of us with bigger thighs. I like the look of booties with skinny jeans but wonder if they make the thighs look bigger. I know tall boots work, but what about moto boots, which reach midcalf? What are your thoughts?

— A.W.

Dear A.W.: If you’re worried about calling attention to thick thighs, just make sure those skinny jeans don’t hug them like a second skin. Denim that just skims the parts of your body you’re not crazy about is always the best solution. Booties to the ankle or knee or over the knee are better choices than the midcalf option which, like capri pants, can make less-than-perfect legs look stumpy. I like those moto boots best with tights on women with great legs who (damn them!) look fabulous in everything.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Wondering if you could help my daughter with her fitting for her wedding dress. She has congenital scoliosis that has been corrected with rods along her spine. The surgery stopped her trunk from rotating, however, and her trunk is smaller in proportion to her legs. Her clavicle and shoulder blades protrude slightly on her right side. She is tiny, 5 feet, 94 pounds and usually wears 00 or XS. She chose a blouson waisted dress with spaghetti straps. I think it looks very nice on her. I am wondering if the blouson waist accentuates her smaller trunk or if a straight fitted bodice with cap sleeves would serve her better.

— Bride’s Mom

Dear Mom: It sounds to me like the blouson waist is probably covering up one of your daughter’s (many) great features — a tiny waist. And if she has a little problem with her shoulder area, spaghetti straps might not be the best choice. I don’t get this bridal obsession with strapless or showing a lot of skin. Sometimes less is more. But here is the most important advice: Let your daughter choose the dress that makes her feel most beautiful. Maybe it is that blouson, but if she tries on one with lacy long sleeves, a fitted waist or the cap sleeves you’re thinking, perhaps that’s all it will take for her to fall in love with it.

Angelic readers

To my suggestion that a Sharpie can work wonders on worn spots on shoes and purses, Christina adds: “Sharpies are my best friends. The man who helps me with my boots and shoes told me to get black nail polish as a touch up to nicks and scrapes on heels, toes of shoes. Works great and is inexpensive!” Vicky H. says, “Sharpies are a girl’s best friend. I keep a black one in the laundry room, in the kitchen and in my bedroom for a wide variety of touch ups! Go one step further — Sharpies come in a rainbow of colors. I use my kids’ collection to touch up so many items — plastic, leather, suede, wood, metal, fabric. Always test first! Sharpies on fabric always appear much darker.”

Responding to my advice on cleaning your dirty gym shoes in the washing machine, Vicky H. weighs in again: “Using the washing machine for dirty sticky shoes is the best. I follow all your tips — wash with old towels, remove laces and insoles, liquid detergent. Two more tips — use shoe trees for drying for a perfect shape, and for worn insoles, purchase new ones.

Reader rant

Whatever happened to those two simple words “You’re welcome?” Every time I say “thank you” — usually in a store or restaurant — to somebody under 40ish, they say, “No worries,” or “No problem.” Where did that come from? That response suggests I’m worried or have a problem when all I’m looking for is a simple, pleasant reply!

— J.B.

Now it’s your turn

Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.

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