‘Fanny Wrap’ Revitalizes Classic Chemise
Question: Suddenly, my long black sequined chemise gown seems dated. After eight years of faithful duty, it looks ready for retirement. That is, unless you have a way to make it work for another season. It’s a classic dress with plain, high neckline and side slits from hem to knees. Any ideas?--A.R.
Answer: You didn’t state your size, but if you are a well-proportioned size 12 or under, you might want to consider tying your hips in a black satin sling, as per our illustration. The idea comes from Milan’s Gianni Versace, who uses this “fanny wrap” in his sequined designs for Genny. If your rear is not quite ready for wrapping, you can give your dress a new lease on life by treating it to big shoulder pads and wearing it with fingerless sequined gloves.
Q: After reading your views about not wearing sequins or rhinestones in the daytime, I am now worried about the dress I bought for my daughter’s bat mitzvah. There will be a brunch after the morning ceremony, but it certainly will not continue on into the evening. (You said it was OK to wear a beaded dress in the daytime only if the occasion continued on into the evening.) My two-piece dress has an ecru lace blouse with leg-of-mutton sleeves. The stand-up collar is edged in little silver beads, and there also are silver beads on the bow at the throat. The mid-calf skirt is a collage of antique laces, also in ecru. There are no beads on the skirt. Do the steel beads disqualify this dress for the occasion?--K.K.
A: No, wear your dress with fashion’s blessings. The overall effect of your two-piece dress is ecru lace--a most appropriate fabric for the occasion and the time of day. The beading is a decorative touch, not an allover design motif.
Q: Please help me find low-heeled summer shoes in size 11DD. I cannot afford to spend more than $50.--P.V.
A: Kraus of California makes leather sling-back shoes with a one-inch wedge. They are available in bone, black patent, pink, navy, pearl gray or red for $34. You can get them in full and half sizes 6-12 N; 5-12 M, W; 6-10 M, W, and 11 WW (equivalent of DD) by writing to Old Pueblo Traders, Palo Verde at 33rd, P.O. Box 27800, Tucson, Ariz. 85726.
