A Raincoat That Wearer Won’t Swim In
Question: I’m a size 4, and I’m OK on suits and dresses, but I can’t find a raincoat I don’t drown in. I’ve tried teen raincoats and boys’ raincoats, but their styles are not sophisticated enough for my needs. (I’m 42 and work in Beverly Hills amid some of the best-dressed shop girls in the world.) Can you help?--M.D.
Answer: Your limited selection is partly caused by the fact that Los Angeles stores simply do not stock as many raincoats as stores in cities with higher rain levels. Being a petite compounds the problem, but of course you know this. What you don’t know is that the trench coat illustrated here is available in the current catalogue published by James River Traders, James River Landing, Hampton, Va. 23631. The fabric is polyester/cotton with a zip-out lining and extra button-on collar in a red flannel made of wool and nylon. You can wear it belted or full. This storm-yoked trench, priced at $120, has raglan sleeves with just enough fullness for comfort and mobility over blazers and sweaters. It comes in sizes 4 to 14, tan only.
Q: My son, a native Southern Californian now attending New York University, says he’s freezing to death. I’ve already told him to bundle up in his down-filled jacket, to wear a scarf, cap and gloves and to get some long underwear. Any other advice?--J.J.
A: Tell your son to chase the chills by wearing wool mittens instead of unlined leather gloves and to be sure that the gloves cover the sleeves to reduce heat loss at the wrists. He also should wear waterproof boots and two pairs of woolen socks, and he should layer his ear-flapped wool cap with a nightcap next to his head. Statistics show that more than 40% of body heat that escapes does so through the head. So tell him to let his hair grow and pray for warm weather.
Q: I am recovering from a recent mastectomy and have found that the recommended prosthesis companies charge anywhere from $100 to $200 to fit a woman for an appropriate bra. Since I am small-busted, I believe that I could manage very well with the type of foam rubber inserts that were easily obtainable a few years ago. They used to be called “cheaters,” and they could be slipped into a regular bra for fullness. Where can I find them now?--R.P.
A: On the same page as its $22 mastectomy bra, the current Sears catalogue features “pads for bras and swimwear.” They’re made of tricot-covered polyurethane foam, and they’re available in A, B and C cups. One package, priced at $4, contains two pairs. These pads come in beige only and are said to add one full cup size.
Q: Whatever happened to good old lamb’s wool sweaters? They seem to have been totally replaced by Shetlands, which I cannot wear. Does anyone still make a classic lamb’s wool pullover? I wear a size 36.--H.K.
A: Lamb’s wool pullovers, as well as lamb’s wool cardigans, are available for men and women in the current catalogue published by Lands’ End, Lands’ End Lane, Dodgeville, Wis. 53595. The sweaters are knitted in England of two-ply yarns. The pullovers come in navy or camel for $25, in women’s sizes small, medium and large, and in men’s sizes medium, large and extra large. The cardigans are $36 in the same colors and same sizes. The men’s version has pockets; the women’s version, being shorter, stops at the waistline.
Q: I am three months pregnant and don’t particularly relish wearing a tent for the next six months. I dance and will continue to do so as long as I can. Do you know of any dance-wear stores that have a maternity section?--W.W.
A: You might want to try Glori Us! maternity exercise wear developed by Jack Klausen, an obstetrician and gynecologist, and Glori Klausen, an obstetrical nurse. These garments are full-fashion knits utilizing Lycra Spandex stretch characteristics to help prevent back pain and inspire good posture. Prices range from $9.50 for support tights to $40 for a long-sleeve leotard. To order, write to Mary Jane, 5510 Cleon Ave., North Hollywood 91619.
Marylou Luther welcomes questions from readers. Mail to Clotheslines, Fashion85, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.
