Velvets and Ethnics Rise Again
DEAR HOT: Some time ago I bought a lot of Betsey Johnson velvet pieces and a lot of ethnic clothing. Please tell me if I shouldn’t be wearing these items, and what is really hot now. I love Betsey Johnson clothes.
--C.F., West Covina.
DEAR C.F.: We gather you’re talking about an assortment of late-’60s, early-’70s styles, since velvets and ethnics were essential to the fashion mix back then. That Jimi Hendrix/Janis Joplin look is making a major comeback. And Betsey Johnson, the New York-based designer you mention, says she is using velvets for her newest day and evening wear. She also has this to say about how to update your oldies: “You can have a very ‘60s look with suede boots, funky hats, vests, hip belts and pendants. You can just mix it all up and make it as personal as you can; combine pieces and layer them.”
Betsey’s final words: “Anything you love is always in fashion.”
DEAR HOT: Despite your advice to women who wish to avoid looking like their own grandmothers (don’t carry big, overstuffed handbags), I cannot get by with a little purse. Where do I put my reading glasses, sunglasses, wallet-checkbook, keys, Kleenex, lipstick, comb, Chooz, Motrin, small notebook, pen, Lifesavers and gum? I run with a young crowd of people who occasionally expect treats.
--A.M., Long Beach
DEAR A.M.: The tip still holds. Never buy a purse bigger than your butt--unless you want to look like an old-timer ready to duck into a bomb shelter as opposed to a youthfully relaxed, lighthearted person who trusts the world will always provide. You don’t have to carry 50 checks when one or two will do. And you can get a couple of pairs of glasses, a little loose cash, one Kleenex, a lipstick, small comb, one piece of paper and a small pen into a relatively small handbag. Add only the medication you need on a given outing.
If you want to cart around a pantry for yourself and others, do what many stylish women in your predicament do. Tuck your essentials into a neat little purse and tuck that into a larger, nicely designed tote bag.
DEAR HOT: I’m upset about all the flag-burning going on and want to show my patriotism in my wardrobe and home furnishings. Problem is, everything is so tacky. Is there anything tasteful available?
G.C., Pacoima
DEAR G.C.: Old Glory elegantly waves for you at Tiffany. The store is carrying American flag playing cards ($25), Statue of Liberty or American flag boxes in hand-painted Battersea enamel ($155) and a sterling silver Statue of Liberty spoon ($65). If you want to get really outrageous, there’s an Uncle Sam top hat pin, set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires ($12,500).
Send your questions on all facets of shopping to Krier and Stein, Hot to Shop, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles 90053. Questions may also be faxed to (213) 237-4712.
