A Cheap Wristwatch That’s Fun and Fast
DEAR HOT: I need a new watch, something on the cheap, fun side. I’ve looked in the department stores and haven’t found anything I really like. I’m tired of Swatch-type watches. They have a great style but it’s been copied so much it just doesn’t do it for me any more. What do you suggest?--L.O., Burbank
DEAR L.O.: We find it horrifying that some people are being gunned down for their presidential Rolex watches with the five-figure price tags. The good news is, there are far cheaper (and more entertaining) models out there that tell time just fine.
We found a terrific $8 watch in, of all places, a toy store. It’s part of a new line from Mattel in which little Hot Wheels racing cars sit atop watch straps. There’s an LCD readout where the windshield would be, and the car can be removed from the watchband and raced on a Hot Wheels race track.
The model we saw (a red metal sports car atop a plain black band, pictured) was cleanly designed. For those who want more fireworks, there are several variations available: wild patterns, stripes, neon colors. The watches are carried in leading toy stores throughout the country, including Toys R Us, Toy Town, Toy Drum and Kay B Toy & Hobby shops in Southern California. For more information, call Mattel’s consumer affairs hot line: (800) 421-2887.
DEAR HOT: It’s finally happened--I’m pregnant. I’m also a clothesaholic, but I realize that my wardrobe will be limited for the next nine months. I’ve been checking out maternity clothes and haven’t been thrilled about what I’ve seen. Can I be pregnant and still keep my style?
--C.B., Pacific Palisades
DEAR C.B.: We’ve been through many of our friends’ pregnancies and are happy to report that it’s not difficult to stay chic. Tips that have been passed around are:
* Find clothes with elastic waists like leggings and skirts where the elastic can be taken out. If you don’t know how to sew, take it to a tailor or a dressmaker, and have a longer piece of elastic put in that will stretch across your waist.
* Not everything in the stores now is tailored and fitted. We’ve seen oversize shirts, long, drop-waist dresses, cardigan sweaters and tunic tops that are great maternity wear. If you want to see how it’s going to fit when your stomach grows, take a pillow with you while you shop and slip it underneath the garment to check the fit. Not everything may see you through the entire nine months, so you may have to break down and buy a couple of true maternity things toward the end of your pregnancy.
* Try the men’s department for roomy shirts in cotton and rayon. There are a lot of colorful prints and patterns that don’t look at all masculine. Also try the junior’s department for big T-shirts.
* If you’re still worried that you won’t look like you any more, remember that accessories like shoes, scarfs, earrings and socks can drastically change an outfit. Just don’t plan on wearing belts for a while, and don’t plan on wearing shoes with laces around the eighth month. You won’t be able to tie them.
Wondering how to accessorize those black Raiders T-shirts? Send your moral dilemmas, smart advice and gripes on shopping to Krier and Stein, Hot to Shop, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Questions may also be faxed to (213) 237-4712.
