Answer Angel: Holding on to sunglasses

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Aug 12, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just received a lovely, expensive gift: Tiffany sunglasses! They came in a beribboned Tiffany blue box nestled in a beautiful Tiffany blue glasses case and I am thrilled. That was my first reaction.

But that didn’t last long.

I am now terrified I will lose them. I know he paid more than $400. Do you or your readers have some tips on how to prevent loss of this gift? I have a bad track record holding on to sunglasses! How do your readers keep from losing their glasses?

--Beth Anne L.

Dear Beth Anne: I welcome reader suggestions on this one since I too have a bad track record when it comes to holding on to my three (!) pairs of glasses that I need for various reasons.

I have tried all sorts of around the neck cords/chains/straps/necklaces (with a little decorative circle to hold the glasses when not in use). None worked for me. The ones with silicone tube-like things to hold onto the glasses’ temples or arms are the best but I’ve found, but those are cumbersome if you are taking glasses off frequently, as one does with sunnies. So, discipline is what I rely on and that is NOT a reliable solution.

Same goes for placing glasses on top of your head. And, with expensive ones, if you leave them on the counter or tabletop when paying for something, the finder is not likely to turn them in.

That brings me to a relatively new entry in the solution department: the Apple AirTag glasses case. I haven’t tried them but these cases come in varying sizes including extra large to accommodate bulky designer glasses. They have sewn-in holders for the AirTag discs ($25 each, sold separately) that enable you to track/ locate the lost glasses with an iPhone, iPad, laptop or computer ( etsy.com, amazon.com, $13.99-$80 and up).

Final advice: Wear your Tiffany glasses. Why have them if they are sitting in a drawer? Try to be careful. Try to enjoy them. Good luck.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have always gone to extreme lengths to curl and fluff up my fine, thin hair to flatter a long, narrow face. Now that my hair has gotten finer and thinner, no product or device will any longer do the job. Human hair toppers work except that salons have been unable to match my salt-and-pepper hair so that they look natural.

Is there any kind of hat I can wear that adds a bit of width around the sides of my face without being too bulky? I feel like a stringy-haired witch.

--Elizabeth M.

Dear Elizabeth: As we age, our hair thins. Unless you are one of the very lucky ones. It’s biology. But a hat is not a very good solution. There’s always a wig but it doesn’t sound like you’re there yet.

Consider looking into hair extensions. These are human (or good fakes) hair that can match any color, attached by skilled stylists to your own hair. They’re popular, expensive, long lasting and can look quite natural.

As the old 1950s Miss Clairol hair dye advertising slogan goes, “Only your hair dresser knows for sure.” Television personalities, models, actresses, singers and just everyday women (and some men) of all sizes, colors and shapes use them. Even politicians and White House Cabinet members use them. An internet search will lead you to stylists in your locale. Read the reviews!

As for hats, if you are committed to trying them, you need to spend time in a department store that still has a hat department or a hat store (if you can find one). Trying them on in person is the only way to see if that’s a solution you can live with.

Angelic Readers

Scores of readers offered help to the mom who needed advice on how to restring her kids’ pants and hoodie drawstrings that fall out in the wash. These suggestions are preventative … keeping the strings in place so you aren’t stuck restringing those irritating drawstrings in the first place.

“Just tie the two ends of the strings together before washing these items,” writes Scott Y., a self-proclaimed “old guy who does his own laundry for 50 years.” Others with the same advice: Bob A., Barbara V., Bev G., Susan N., Ann D-B, Debra S., Sally R.

Others said safety pin or sew a couple stitches through the drawstring at the back center: Eleanor G., Martina F., Melanie H., Cindy S., Linda N., Tami, Jane B., Sharon U., Marianne, Frances J.

Or, tie double knots on the end of each string, larger than the drawstring opening: Barb G., Bert N., Mabel B.

Finally, Cynthia J. says, “I solved the problem by not buying them any more. If enough of us refuse to buy drawstring clothing, the manufacturers will stop offering them.”