Answer Angel: Looking for an alternative to jeans

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am looking for an alternative to always wearing jeans.

My lifestyle is pretty casual. I no longer have to go to the office every day. Also, a river cruise is in my future for this fall. I am about 5-foot-3, wear a size 10 and carry weight in my thighs so "skinny" styles are not in my closet.

I am looking for options that will offer a casual, comfortable, pulled-together look.

--Ann W.

Dear Ann: Like you, I am not really a jeans person. Nothing wrong with that! The good news is that you have options.

I have three pair of basic black, easy-wash, perfect-for-travel pants. I bought them at Lululemon ($$$), Athleta and Chico’s (on a big, special sale). No surprise here: They’ve all been discontinued. (On that topic see the next question below from Elizabeth M.)

A check of all three websites (chicos.com, athleta.gap.com, lululemon.com) shows good choices for you at all of them. Don’t be put off by the “ankle” pants (which actually hit above the ankle bone); they probably will be full length on your frame. Higher waists are a plus if, like most of us, your waist isn’t as trim as you would like.

Don’t immediately reject the “pull-on” pants (no zippers), which are your friend, especially if you prefer tops you don’t tuck in. But a blousy tuck-in or French tuck works too with this style. All three of my faves are pull-on, polyester with an easy stretch that you can dress up or down for day or evening.

When the online photos show black pants, it often is hard to see the details, so click on another color where possible to get a better look at the waistline. And go for pockets? For me, they’re a must. Some of these shops offer online-only styles and sales, so keep an eye out for them.

If there are actual stores of these brands in your area, trying on in person is best and worth the time you spend to get a perfect fit for a wardrobe staple. If you find a style that is perfect, buy several. I can almost guarantee they will be discontinued.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Please help! Glade discontinued its Powder Fresh Spray that I used for years. Their Clean Linen and flowery scents are so artificial or sickeningly sweet they make me gag. I’d try the Febreeze air fresheners, but I can’t afford to buy dozens of cans to find one I like. Can your readers tell me what they like that has a more natural, less offensive scent? I can’t use one of the plug-ins the industry is promoting as I don’t have an extra electrical outlet.

--Elizabeth M.

Dear Nancy: It is remarkable how many questions I get about products that readers love that are discontinued! It is not just air fresheners, of course, but lipstick, perfume, foundation, eye makeup of all sorts, crispy sheets, cleaning products, wardrobe classics. Don’t get me started. You’re in good company. Even fashion heavy hitters like Tory Burch complain (in the Wall Street Journal): “Everything I love is discontinued.”

What smells great to you might be grating on others so I can’t recommend an air freshener you will love but perhaps readers have suggestions of not-cloying, natural scent air fresheners that are good subs for your Glade.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I've tried the Thrive Lash Extension mascara mentioned in your recent column but didn't find it any better than the less expensive L’Oréal. My real question: Is there any mascara that comes in a container that shows you what's left so you're not throwing away usable product?

--Nancy G.

Dear Nancy: No. At least I don’t know of any. There are very few cosmetics packaged so we are able to tell when the supply is getting low. And usually there is plenty you can’t get at — by makers’ design? -- because of the packaging. There are many drugstore cosmetics every bit as good (if not better than) the more expensive “exclusive” brands, like well-priced CeraVe at drugstores, Target, Walmart, etc.

Angelic Readers

A tip from Barb T.: “For our local theatre, I managed the costume shop and worked in the wardrobe department for many years. So, in a pinch, between trips to the dry cleaners, we would turn costumes inside out and mist them (using a spray bottle) with the cheapest vodka we could find. The vodka neutralized odor, evaporated quickly and left no stains. As with any product used on textiles one should always test in a hidden spot.”