Glitter and Glitz Lose Some of Their Shine

Question: Are glitter and glitz in or out for 1986?--M.P.

Answer: Fashion has not turned out the lights on glitter--just dimmed them a bit. The new way to approach metallics and sequins, rhinestones and bugle beads is to combine them with non-sparkling elements, as illustrated here. New York designer Cleopatra slows the glow by pairing her gold metallic ribbed-knit pants with an oversize Jacquard sweater. Other designers combine sequin tops with wool flannel pants, gold lame tunics with wool plaid skirts.

Q: I am a podiatrist, and as such see more pairs of feet than a Boston Marathon official. A small percentage of the patients I see have a left foot size that differs from the right by as much as two shoe sizes. I have heard there is an organization that helps people find mismates so they both don’t have to buy two pairs of shoes every time they need one pair. Can you help?--J.G.

A: The National Odd Shoe Foundation, Rural Route 4, Indianola, Iowa 50125, helps about 15,000 men, women and children whose right and left feet don’t match. This nonprofit service is run by Jeanne Sallman, who says that about 10% of all Americans have some sort of foot problem with which her organization can help. Registration fees are $32.50 for adults, $22.50 for children and senior citizens, and annual dues are $7.50.

People who join register their shoe sizes, age, occupation and, in the case of women, their preference for low or high heels. When Sallman finds two who wear the exact opposite shoe sizes, she notifies them, and they set up their own swapping arrangements.

Marylou Luther welcomes questions from readers. Mail to Clotheslines, Fashion86, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.