Catalogue Mania
DEAR HOT: I love to shop through catalogues, but most of the good ones now cost from $3 to $10. Are there any freebies left?
--U.B., Los Angeles
DEAR U.B.: There are many great catalogues still available gratis, among them: J. Crew, (800) 782-8244; Victoria’s Secret, (800) 888-8200; Saks Fifth Avenue, (800) 322-7257; Esprit, (800) 777-8765--this is not a catalogue per se, but a “seasonal image magazine” whose items may be ordered through Esprit retail stores; Clifford & Wills, (800) 633-3485; James River Traders, (800) 445-2405, and Tweeds, (800) 999-7997.
We regret to report that one of our favorites, “Candice Bergen’s Top 40 Summer Hits” from Spiegel is available only with the big Spiegel fall catalogue for $5, but the combo’s worth it: (800) 345-4500, ask for Catalogue 715. In a recent ad for her catalogue, which features such items as leather huaraches , Bergen brags, “What Novocain is to dentistry, my new catalogue is to shopping.”
DEAR HOT: I recently bought a canvas tote to eliminate plastic and paper bags when I buy groceries. But it’s too small and ugly. Help!
--D.C., Silver Lake
DEAR D.C.: We’ve found a stylish tote that definitely won’t be confused with Mr. Ed’s feed bag. It’s a floral, batik-print canvas bag with an inside zip pocket, at the Gap for $28. It’s roomy enough to fit many purchases.
Known for turning the simple one-pocket T-shirt into a fashion icon, the Gap has been expanding rapidly. There are now 731 Gap stores and 133 Gap Kids stores throughout the United States.
DEAR HOT: I’m a grandmother who wants to look like a member of my generation but still current and with it. How can I accomplish this?
--E.J., Marina del Rey
DEAR E.J.: Did you know that two-thirds of the Pointer Sisters are now grandmothers? So are Priscilla Presley and Whoopi Goldberg. Such women will never be mistaken for Mother Teresa’s Evil Twin, partly because they avoid styles that communicate “tired old bag.” We’re talking things like big, loaded-down, old-lady handbags.
A neat, compact handbag whispers, “I’m free, not weighed down by anything.”
New York City-based Emily Cho, a top image consultant, advises: “The fastest way to appear up-to-date is to wear a very flattering color--anything that’s pleasant in a medium color tone. Light red, for example, is universally attractive.” Cho offers more tips in her book “Looking Terrific,” which can be ordered by calling (800) 733-3000.
We’re mailing you more tips for instantly youth-ing your wardrobe. Other readers who’d like a free copy of “Hot to Shop’s Top 11 Ways Not to Resemble Your Own Grandmother (Or Grandfather)” may send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Krier and Stein (address below).
