Answer Angel: Cropped tops

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Feb 18, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: When do you think the fad of cropped tops will end?

I admit to having a muffin top and because of this fad I find it very hard to find tops with basic coverage!

--Louise T.

Dear Louise: A stroll through just about any store these days has a vast array of stylish tops that are designed to flatter the figure of any woman -- as long as she is lean, fit and/or eager to display her midriff.

I was just shopping at a well-stocked Target and, like you, I was frustrated that almost every sweater, T-shirt, exercise top, blouse and hoodie that I liked was depressingly short and designed to display an inch or two of midriff. I don’t understand the popularity of this current trend.

Back to your question, I wish I could predict the end date of this style, which truly is unflattering to the overwhelming majority of women. The unsatisfactory answer is that the trend will end quickly if women stop buying them because we prefer to keep our midriffs covered.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve been invited to a wedding shower in March. The weather can be balmy and beautiful or brutally cold and I have no idea of what to wear. I am cold most of the time. And I’m not a very “fancy” dresser. I don’t think black would be appropriate and I usually dress super casual -- probably not appropriate either. Any idea?

--Casey A.

Dear Casey: These days, there’s no “right” way to dress for just about any occasion and that includes a wedding shower. For starters, I think most women overthink what to wear. Fashion today has very few rules. Even well-fitting, stylish jeans can go almost everywhere now. Denim dresses even show up at the Met Ball.

As for your concern that black is not appropriate? Even some brides wear black for their wedding, as do bridesmaids. Black would be fine for the shower and “fancy” isn’t called for. A dress, a skirt or slacks and blouse, with a sweater, blazer or jacket to wear if the weather or air conditioning won’t cooperate would be just fine.Angelic Readers

Lots of suggestions on how to remove mascara that just won’t budge or leaves dark under-eye smudges in the morning…

Sandra M. says baby shampoo works great: “It doesn’t burn your eyes and gets all the mascara off.” Jeanie W. recommends it too. Sue H. says coconut oil is “perfect.” From Patricia S.: “Maybelline Great Lash Washable mascara removes easily and lasts throughout the day.” Kelly W.: Farmacy Green Clean makeup meltaway cleansing balm, (amazon.com, $24).

Lorraine B.: Micellar water (amazon.com, $8.97) followed by Vaseline. Cher, Marcia L. and Terry R. recommend Vaseline too. Rosemary P. and Joanne W.: “MakeUp Eraser” towel ( makeuperaser.com, $10 and up.) Valory G.: Baby oil. Judy B.: Neutrogena oil free eye makeup remover (drugstores, walmart.com, $5.96 and up). Tracy F. says, “‘Tubular mascara’ comes off just by pulling the tubes off your eyelashes. No raccoon eyes in the morning.” Lynn N. agrees.

Celeste N.: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (ulta.com, $16). Shirley and Eileen T.: Pond’s Cold Cream Make Up Remover (drugstores, $6.99 and up). Vicki A.: Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser (philosophy.com, $42). Marilyn M.: Abolone cream from the drugstore (drugstores, walmart.com, $9.74 and up). Ferle T.: Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover ( walmart.com, $17.85). From Maryanna C.: “I have used Merle Norman’s Creamy Flo-Matic Mascara ( merlenorman.com, $21) for many decades. It goes on beautifully and can be built up on the lashes, stays on even in hot and humid weather, and washes off easily with soap and water. No under eye residue.”Reader Rant

Laurieliz writes: “This eyelash avalanche has gotten out of control, especially on TV news anchors and reporters. You can't see their eyes! It makes it difficult to take them seriously from a war zone when all you see is overwhelming eyelashes! Of course, every fast food outlet, doctor's office and grocery checkout woman under 30 must spend half her salary on eyelashes and nails (but that's a whole different story).”