Money Isn’T Answer On Valentine’S Day

Sun., Jan. 30, 2000

By Susan English susane@spokesman.com

A little Valentine’s gift-buying advice from former Seinfeld squeeze Shoshanna Lonstein: “It should be something that reflects how you feel, not something like `Whoops, I forgot - hey, here’s a candle.’ ”

The worst Valentine’s gift she’s been given? “A completely thoughtless gift, a last-minute one that was so not me. It was, like, this really gaudy watch that I’ve never put on. It was so not right, and that’s what always happens when people throw a lot of money behind something to overcome a lack of thought.”

Her best Valentine’s gift? “An antique ring with two little diamonds and three tiny sapphires.” (From February GQ)

* Men, listen up: Apparently the fashion industry says it’s OK to wear short pants - you know, the ones that hit you above the ankle.

Yes, this year fashionable men can wear trim above-the-ankle cuffs (often called high waders or flood pants), traditional shoe-top cuffs, low-hanging baggies and warm-weather bottoms that end anywhere from mid-calf to above-the-knee.

And, on the accessories front, toss a shoulder bag over a new minimal top - a jacket or shirt with no sleeves or collar and call yourself fashion forward. Remember, though, that the new see-through shirts are best left to the buff crowd. (From the wire services)

* The cost of remaking yourself: By a wide margin, hair replacement is the most expensive plastic surgery, at least in Seattle. About a thousand hair grafts are moved from the back of the head to the bald spot during a single session. Each session ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 and multiple sessions are required, according to a survey of Seattle area cosmetic surgeons.

Comparatively, other procedures seem, well, cheap.

For $4,000 to $5,000, for example, you can get a tummy tuck, buttock, face or thigh lift or breast reduction or enlargement.

For a couple of thousand bucks, you can get chin, cheek or lip implants or get your ears pinned.

OK, the last procedure is giving us pause. (From January/February Seattle Magazine)

* Nostalgia for plastic: Tupperware just might be the ‘50s icon that endures. Hula hoops, Davy Crockett hats and Studebakers all came and went, but millions of women are still buying Tupperware.

In 1998, a Tupperware party began somewhere in the world every 2.2 seconds. (From December/January Ms.)

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