Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I read a story about Princess Kate that said she was wearing "statement" earrings. What does that mean? What is statement jewelry — or statement clothing or accessories? — Kim B. Dear Kim: In fashion lingo, statement anything is an item that raises your look from OK to superfine.
It can be an unexpected use of a garment — a button-up sweater worn backward, a skirt worn over pants, a belt worn as a necklace. Or it can be an accessory that upgrades a basic outfit to something noteworthy. Consider a simple black dress: It can go in an array of directions with a colorful hat, an unexpected pair of must-notice shoulder-grazing earrings, gym shoes or, maybe, 5-inch red patent stilettos.
This technique is especially useful when traveling, when a couple of wardrobe basics ornamented with accessories that don't take up much suitcase space can sharply reduce the amount of luggage you are burdened with. Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What exactly is makeup primer, and do I really need it? Or is it just one more product that wants my money? I've seen it for faces, lashes and even eyebrows. — Linda J.
Dear Linda: No. You don't really need it. In fact, often, when it comes to makeup — and many other things — less truly is more.
I once attended an eyeliner tutorial by a makeup artist (I do not recommend), and by the time she finished the preparation of the eyelid to "receive" the eyeliner, I was sorry I had wasted my time. So, I'm a skeptic when it comes to ma.