Answer Angel: Slip-on shoes

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Apr 7, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I see that the fashion press is writing that “backless” shoes are “in” for spring.

I like the look but wonder if my feet will slip out of them — especially the slip-on mules with higher heels.

--Emma H.

Dear Emma: You are wise to be skeptical. I’ve tried them. My feet slipped out of them constantly, just as you feared. The higher the heels, the more dangerous. At least that’s been my experience.

One of my all-time great Goodwill “scores” was a pair of 2-inch suede Manolo Blahniks for just $10. I wore them a total of once — to an evening work event — and couldn’t keep my feet from sliding out of them with every step.

And the cute backless, show-your-toes sandals that rely on straps between your toes to hold them in place? You’re just asking for killer blisters.

Yes, there are many styles of online “grip inserts” to keep your slip-ons from slipping off, with prices starting at a few dollars. But I try never to purchase any garment that will require me to buy something else to make up for its deficiencies. My advice: Skip this spring shoe trend.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I find white/grayish fuzz on my clothes after washing in our new washing machine. When I go to iron my clothes (yes, I still iron) I have to wipe the fuzz off with a damp cloth especially on dark items. Do you have any idea what’s causing it?

--Gayle C.

Dear Gayle: If that is the only thing that’s changed about your laundry day, it’s a good guess that there’s something going on with the new washing machine. Call the company that makes the brand you bought. Or ask a local business that services and repairs the brand for possible solutions. Surely you are not the first customer to have this problem with this brand of washer.

Some other thoughts and tips:

Problem: Newer higher-efficiency machines use less water, diminishing the rinsing power to get rid of the fibers that break loose from the clothes.

Solution: Separate high-shedding fabrics like fleece, flannel, terrycloth, towels, washable throw rugs, high-cotton knits such as T-shirts, underwear and socks, velour, corduroy and chenille. Wash them separately and especially not with high-synthetic garments, which are fuzz magnets. Use the “extra rinse” option on your washer.

Problem: Dark items are especially fuzzy after washing.

Solution: Wash darks together and separate from high-shedders (see above). Turn pants and other fuzz-susceptible clothes inside out before washing.

Also: Keep Velcro closed. Check pockets for tissues. Clean lint filter after every wash. Don’t overload.

Angelic Readers

To make manicures last longer, Addie U. writes: “My manicurist uses gel polish. It lasts four weeks and never chips. My nails grow longer and have never looked so good.” From Ellen: Although no-chip polish costs more -- $10 extra at my salon -- it lengthens the time between manicures and, especially, pedicures. So the up-charge for that polish diminishes the number of trips to the salon and the quick dry means you don’t have to sit around impatiently waiting for fingers and toes to dry thoroughly to avoid smears.

Reader Rants

Peter N. complains: “It drives me crazy to buy a set of king sheets that comes with two long pillow cases meant to fit long ‘king’ pillows. I am sure that most people with king beds don’t have those long pillows and are burned up like I am about having to either buy normal-size cases or to put my traditional-size pillows in long cases with extra inches of material flopping around my head!” From Ellen: Reader survey. Do you agree with Peter?

From Mike R.: “Your reader who ranted about the too-casual ‘dorky dressers’ at the obviously upscale restaurant resonated with us. Can it be too much trouble to dress with the restaurant décor? The same goes with using indoor voices, as you would tell small children.”