Pumps Have Style Without Stiletto Heels
Question: At 82, my spike-heel days are in the past. Please help me find a pump with heels about two or 2 1/2 inches. I wear a 7AAA with a AAAAA heel. I am getting low on shoes and have no replacements in sight, so please hurry.--N.L.C.
Answer: The pump illustrated here meets all of your requirements. The brand is Socialites, the style is Epic, and the color choice is black, cashio (taupe), navy or red. You can get them for $39.95 at Nordstrom.
Q: I saw the recent Clotheslines column in which you suggested wearing a tuxedo shirt on the outside of pants in order to create a new look. I liked the idea and wore my tux that way to Restaurant Max in Beverly Hills. A message was sent to me from the chef that unless I put my shirt into my pants, our table would not be served. We did the only honorable thing and left the restaurant immediately. We then went to Chasen’s, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal with other friends. Chasen’s had no objections and, in fact, only compliments concerning my attire. I think it is time that people in Los Angeles demand that the prima donna chefs in this city behave in a more civilized fashion. I believe cooks should stay in the kitchen and out of my closet.--K.D.H.
A: You have given the chef at Restaurant Max food for thought.
Q: I will be getting married in September and plan to sew my own gown. Please help me find a pattern for the type of dress Scarlett O’Hara wore in “Gone With the Wind.” I’m enclosing a picture of the gown of my dreams. I wear size 10.--C.C.
A: The antebellum look favored by all those belles at Tara is available--if you don’t mind combining two or three patterns. The off-the-shoulder bodice, complete with a set of stays priced at $4, is available in Style 704 from Past Patterns. It can be sewn with Style 700 skirt or Style 800 skirt--both authentically Southern belle from the 1860s. The bodice pattern is $8.10, plus $1.59 postage; multiple sizes 10-20. For more information, write to Saundra Ros Altman, Past Patterns, 2017 Eastern, S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49507.
Q: Where can I find the gold chain weights such as those used in the original Chanel jackets? I am in the midst of making a Simplicity pattern by Adolfo, and I would love to use this authentic dressmaking touch.--B.C.
A: None of the notions suppliers I contacted carries the gold chains. You can get the same effect, however, by using Dritz lead weights. They are both washable and dry-cleanable, and they’re available in three sizes at the seven Fabric Warehouse stores. The three-quarter-inch size (four on a card), the seven-eighths-inch size (three on a card) and the 1 7/8-inch size (two on a card) are 95 cents per card.
Marylou Luther welcomes questions from readers. Mail to Clotheslines, Fashion85, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.
