Answer Angel: 'Big Hair' is back

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I don’t even know where I saw this story, but it basically said that “Big Hair” is back.

And then, I watched the Hulu series about Truman Capote — “Feud” — about his once-adoring crowd of beautiful, rich society “swans” whose hair was teased and lacquered and poufy. Is teased hair now in style again?

-- Katherine A.

Dear Katherine: Big Hair is having a moment -- like many trends of the 1960s that are roaring back: bell bottoms etc. Apple TV+’s "Palm Royale," set in 1969’s Palm Beach, features more Big Hair.

The Capote swans favored New York stylist Kenneth, who once recalled that some of the women’s more elaborate ‘dos required as many as seven fake hairpieces to concoct all that loft. Few women today would sit still for that kind of marathon in a stylist’s chair, but just look at photos of six (or seven)-figure weddings on vogue.com and you’ll see that brides (and guests) are leaning into the bigger ‘dos for the Big Event.

Modern styling tools make it easier to achieve Big Hair without all the damaging and goopy sprays of yore. But for a big occasion or just for the fun of emulating Capote’s beautiful favorite swan, Babe Paley, why not give it a try?

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Can you recommend tops for small-busted, heavy-hipped women? I wear a size M bust but need an L-XL around my hips. I have a friend who wears an S bust and XL to XXL in the hips.

We are tired of wearing an open front sweater over EVERYTHING to hide the plumber-butt, or wearing tops that:

— Fit in the bust and shoulders, but don’t begin to cover the hips

— Are a little too big in the bust, but still ride up because they are too small in the hips

— Are way too big in the bust because the neckline slips and slides exposing bra straps, or falls off the shoulders

I know from talking with other women, we are not alone in this search. Can you or your readers help? I’m frustrated!

--D.D.

Dear D. D.: As you point out there are plenty of women out there who share your pear-shape body type. But there are just as many, if not more, who wish they had your shape!

Fitted tops will flatter your figure. Twin them with A-line skirts or go for dresses with fitted tops (maybe with a little stretch to emphasize your smaller waist) and flowy or full skirts that don’t cling. An Internet search for “clothes for pear shape women” and “fit and flare” dresses will turn up lots of options. Check out karinadresses.com and you’ll see you what I mean.

Loose tunics that hit near the knee, over a well-fitting shirt tucked into the now- fashionable looser pants (with a “paper bag” waist?) or high-waist jeans with wider legs will add some balance. Readers, let’s help D.D. out with your suggestions for shops and online sites that flatter the pear shape.

Angelic Readers 1

Elizabeth M. was searching for a substitute for her discontinued Glade Powder Fresh spray air freshener. She wanted one that is not “flowery,” “sickeningly sweet” or “artificial” and not a plug-in. Readers stepped up to offer their favorites that meet Elizabeth’s high standards. Beverly T. had a surprising explanation for why she found her favorite: Renuzit Gel Air Freshener Pure Breeze for Pets (amazon.com, 3 for $15.99). “One of my cats is very sensitive to perfume smells and, because I have cats, I need to eliminate odors. Neither I nor the cats notice the smell. Plus you can open the container just a little or all the way. Not a plug-in.” From Sylvia R.: “I really like Febreze spray air freshener Linen & Sky (amazon.com, $5.48) the best. Scent is not sweet, works well and dissipates pretty quickly. Much less sweet than their Honeysuckle, which I bought by mistake once.” Sharon B. recommends Febreze Air Mist Soothe & Restore, which she buys at the grocery store. From Kathleen S.: “I use Fresh Wave Odor Eliminator Spray & Air Freshener (amazon.com, $8.99). It has little or no odor. And odors are gone in minutes. It works especially great in apartments/condos where cooking odors can enter hallways and sometimes into other units.”

Angelic Readers 2

Diane A. writes: I have a suggestion for rejuvenating mascara. I pour distilled water into the tube, put the wand in and stir it a bit. The mascara lasts much longer!”