Updating the Disco Look From the ‘70s
Question: In the ‘70s, when disco dressing was in fashion, Danskin used to make a leotard with matching, tie-on skirt. It looked great in black, and it became my favorite dancing outfit. Recently, the same idea has become popular again in a bodysuit and wrap-on, sarong skirt by Donna Karan. Alas, I cannot afford Karan’s cashmere version, and I can’t find the original Danskin. Does anyone make a less-expensive version of Karan’s look?--S.D.
Answer: Bonnie August, the Danskin designer who conceived the leotard with matching skirt and now heads her own bodywear company, has come up with a new bodysuit and skirt for the ‘80s. Her turtleneck bodysuit (about $34) has roomy dolman sleeves and just the right amount of shoulder padding. It’s available in a knit made of cotton, polyester and Spandex, Sizes small, medium and large, black only. You can buy it with the matching rib-top, pull-on skirt illustrated here (about $44) or a matching mock wrap skirt for the same price. For retail outlets, write to Bonnie August, 19 West 34th St., New York, N.Y. 10001.
Q: I am enclosing a rough sketch of a muumuu I saw recently. I asked the woman who was wearing it where she purchased it, and she said it was from a small shop in Hawaii, but she could not remember the name. I was impressed with the way it moved so gracefully as she walked. As you can see from my drawing, the neckline seemed to have the same V both front and back. A series of pleats or gathers from the bottom of the V, front and back, gave the dress its flow. Can you track it down? A pattern would be acceptable.--F.B.
A: Three patterns from Hawaii’s Pattern People look like reasonable facsimiles of your sketch. They are Patterns Pacifica Styles 1014 and 3200 and Pauloa Style 1026. Before selecting one pattern, you might want to order a catalogue featuring both Patterns Pacifica and Pauloa plus Poakalani’s Hawaiian quilting and needlepoint patterns. Send $1.50 to Hawaii’s Pattern People, Department 8, Box 11254, Honolulu, Hawaii 96828.
Q: My daughter is longing for a pair of leather boots, but I simply cannot afford the current prices. Does anyone make just-below-the-knee leather boots for under $75? She wears Size 2.--P.A.
A: How about black rubber boots that look like leather? Riding boots made of waterproof rubber are available in children’s Sizes 13, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for $19.95. They are authentic in design, right down to the spur rest, and they’re also available in ladies Sizes 5 to 9 regular and extra-wide calf for $21 and men’s Sizes 8, 9, 9 1/2, 10, 11 and 12 regular and extra-wide calf for $22. They’re illustrated on Page 27 of the current catalogue published by Miller’s, 123 East 24th St., New York, N.Y. The company specializes in riding apparel, accessories and equipment.
Q: My mother is 85 and in a nursing home. The aides have asked me to get her service-weight stockings. The “business sheer” are too thin, and I’m unable to find anything heavier. Can you help?--R.F.
A: You might want to check out the stockings illustrated in the current catalogue published by the Vermont Country Store, Mail Order Office, Box 3000, Manchester Center, Vt. 05255-3000. Heavy mercerized cotton stockings with double-fold tops are available in tan only, Sizes 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2, 10, 10 1/2 and 11. They come in packages containing three pairs for $9 plus postage and handling. According to the information in the catalogue: “These old-fashioned comfortable stockings get softer and softer after several washings.”
For the Record: In a recent Clotheslines column, the price for an illustrated Koret of California Career label pantsuit was incorrectly quoted as $65. The correct price is $160.
