DEAR LUCY,
How do I wear flats when I am so used to sexy heels? I feel underdressed in flats.
And what can I tell my 15-year-old daughter who wears short shorts every chance she gets?
KAREN
Flats are chic, and need not make you feel underdressed. I like wearing ballet flats with Capri pants, they always work. They also work well with skirts. Keep the look sharp by wearing clothes with clever cuts. A sheath dress, for instance, in a beautiful fabric like heavy crepe or silk. Choose flats that are bejeweled, or made in some luxe material. Casadei has beautiful flats that are extremely comfortable. Many other brands have beautiful flats. It is a matter of choice. Get pairs in nudes, black, gold, and silver. Pair with a ladylike bag. I like how bags now are getting smaller, like the days of old. You can also choose low heels, they are a nice compromise between flats and heels.
You can tell your daughter that there is such a thing as dressing appropriately, and that even if her legs are her best asset, she need not highlight them every chance she gets. On the flip side, I do understand the young when they wear their short shorts. I have seen far too many women who never wore shorts when they were younger and just when they became much older (and braver!) they go all out wearing short shorts, too. And they all say they same thing — about how they wish they celebrated their youthful legs when they were young! Balance. I think balance is key. In anything. Perhaps you can allow your teenager to wear shorts, but she must also agree to dress appropriately when the occasion calls for it. After all, doing so is always a form of good manners.
LUCY
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The heaven-sent hair brush
DEAR RISSA,
I’m concerned about my hair. It’s been very dry, but thankfully, no flakes on my scalp. But I do have split ends! It’s been quite a while since I last saw split ends on my hair! I’m trying to grow my hair long for my wedding. Is there a way to treat split ends without cutting off the ends?
AISSA
The only way to get rid of your split ends is to have your hair trimmed. No shampoo or hair product can make them disappear. The most they can do is temporarily treat by coating the damaged ends. But don’t be afraid to sacrifice a few inches. After all, it’s for the sake of healthier and much more beautiful hair. If you don’t go for a trim, your problem may worsen.
To prevent further damage, promise yourself to keep your hair in better condition. Opt for shampoos specifically made for dry hair, which boast built-in conditioners. Your dry hair is likely contributing to your split ends. Dry, dehydrated hair is less elastic so it’s more susceptible to breakage and damage (and split ends!). It will actually only stretch half as far as normal hair. That’s why dry hair needs more protection than normal hair from the drying effects of the sun, seawater, and stress from brushing and styling.
Lastly, great-looking hair starts with the right tools. I recently came across a brush that is heaven sent! Tangle Angel Professional Detangling Brushes don’t just look pretty, they keep your mane pretty, too! Apart from an angel-wings design, the combination of short, medium, and long bristles produces effortless detangling to prevent hair breakage and split ends. I’ve been loyal to the same brush for more than five years, but after trying this, I never want to let go! It perfectly detangles both wet and dry hair. The design of the bristles is so efficient that brushing the hair has never felt so lightweight and effortless! The more I use it, the smoother and shinier my hair seems to get. It’s now my guardian angel to great-looking hair.
RISSA
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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.