Answer Angel: Flowy garments

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve noticed women wearing open-front kimonos, from traditional, authentic Japanese designs to more contemporary fabrics that I’ve seen at Target and Walmart.

I like the flowy look, but as a mature woman I’m afraid of resembling Georgia O’Keeffe, which is not my goal at all. How do you style one of these toppers without appearing to be an aging faux artiste?

--Mary M.

Dear Mary: Flowy garments that hover at the knee or mid-calf can be stylish and flattering. This is one reason that shops like Eileen Fisher that sell wearable classics are go-tos for “mature women” who want to look put together and, perhaps, divert attention from their perceived figure flaws.

These kimono style garments aren’t for everyone but there is no danger of being labeled a Georgia O’Keeffe wannabe. How to style such a topper? The same way you’d style a cardigan or a jacket. If the fabric has a strong pattern, what you wear under it shouldn’t compete. Wardrobe basics -- a simple shirt, shell or blouse with pants or a uni-color dress or skirt -- would work well. Experiment and choose what makes you feel pretty and comfortable.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What can be done about people who talk on their cellphones in public, even on speakerphone? It happened again recently that I got to hear all about someone’s kidney stones while I was trying to shop. I have been known to tap them on the shoulder and say, “I hear every word you’re saying,” but I’ve been told that’s rude. What is more rude, their discussing private issues in public or me asking them not to?

--Ellie P.

Dear Ellie: I am often amazed by the intimate phone conversations people have in public places that can be heard by everyone nearby. Yes, it is amazingly thoughtless. Yes, it is rude to hold a private conversation within earshot of, say, a bus full of strangers. We’ve all been there! There are exceptions, of course when taking or making a call in a genuine emergency. (Never on speaker!)

But, given the contentious era we’re living in, where expressing your opinion to the person talking on the phone (or who cut you off in traffic) can escalate unpredictably, my advice is for you to keep quiet. It’s not so much a question of which of you is ruder. The safer option for you is to keep your opinion to yourself.

Angelic Readers

Many of you generously responded to my request for unusual items you carry in your purse…

Shawna E. writes: “Once at a wedding shower there was a contest with 42 things on a list -- to see which of the 42 you had in your purse. I had 40 of the 42 items in my large purse that day. The two I was missing: an umbrella and an iPad. Since having kids, I have downsized what I carry in my bag. The ‘unique’ items I carry now are: a small pair of kid-size underpants, chewable emergency Benadryl and a small pad of paper. Often having the paper handy is a lifesaver! (At the doctor’s office or when my daughter asks if she can draw while we are waiting somewhere.)" Cattie says: “I keep a small, pink, maybe two-inch square measuring tape with me. It comes in handy!" From Sharon L.: “For years I have always carried a small plastic shower cap in my purse (the kind they give you in hotels). I spend a lot of money on blow outs for my hair and the cap comes in handy since I live in an area with many rainstorms.”

From Randelle W.: “ My mother’s purse was really heavy, so I looked in it. She had a big bottle of STP Oil Treatment in it. She always added some when she filled up her gas tank!” Bette says: “I always have a small container of cloves, a natural remedy for a chronic cough that I chew on three at a time. They are pungent. I also carry candied ginger for an upset stomach--which is also pungent." Moviegoer Tracy S. always carries salt. “Sometimes I need it at a restaurant and can't see a server or spare shaker anywhere, but generally it comes in most useful at the movies when I get halfway down a bag of popcorn and need more salt.”