Dear Heloise: I went through my mother’s hope chest after she passed away and found several postcards written by my dad while he was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. They were engaged back then and got married a year after he returned to Louisiana. The postcards were in good shape, and the things written on the back were sweet.
I decided to frame them and had a hobby shop place them between two pieces of glass so that the front of the postcard faced outward while the back could still be read through the back sheet of the glass. Each frame held six postcards with a total of four frames. I hung them in my bedroom.
The postcards came from Manila, Philippines; Honolulu; San Francisco; and Biloxi, Mississippi (for basic training). They were made in an old-fashion style. I love the way it turned out.
— Lesley Ann T., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lesley Ann, what a clever idea! It’s part of your family history as well as a nice addition to your home’s decor. It’s not some generic item that everyone else has; it’s uniquely yours!
— Heloise
SWEATER SEASON
Dear Heloise: Here in my state, we are now in “sweater season.” I have several sweaters that I’ve had for a long time, so to sort of revive the look of the sweater, I try wearing it a little differently. Here are some ideas anyone can try:
Got a long tunic sweater? Try a belt at the waist and wear it with a straight skirt or a nice pair of slacks.
Try sewing a lace collar onto a plain sweater.
A colorful scarf at the neckline draws the eye upward.
A simple cardigan over a blouse can often pull a look together.
If you usually only buy neutral colors (black, gray, white beige), try a soft yellow or a bright red. Olive green and burgundy are nice colors, too, and add a little “pop” to your wardrobe.
— Colette L., in Seattle
SHOULD I THROW IT OUT?
Dear Heloise: Sometimes we look in our closets and see lots of clothing but nothing to wear. If this is the case for you, then it’s time to do an honest reassessment of your wardrobe. Let’s get started:
Is it the wrong color? Does yellow make you look sallow, or does beige make you look like a cadaver? Toss it out or donate it to a friend or a charity.
Does it fit? If it fit two years ago but not anymore, give it to a friend who’ll love it. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t do you any favors when you wear it.
Does it hurt when you wear it? Why dress uncomfortably? If it causes sores on your feet or scratches on your neck all day, it will only make you feel miserable and cranky. Remove the offending item from your closet, no matter how much you paid for it.
— Randy and Greg, in Los Angeles
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