Dear Dolly,

Are there any fragrance boutiques in Baltimore?
Thanks, TP

Dear TP,
I assume by fragrance boutique you mean a small shop that sells only fragrances (not to be confused with a fragrance bar which offers many fragrances to mix together and create your own unique scent). There are no fragrance bars in Baltimore but many perfumeries in and around the city that sell name brand perfumes. Capital Perfume Inc. on Security Blvd. offers a wide selection of perfumes at a discounted price. Sniff it out!

Dear Dolly,

I am totally frustrated with jeans today. I am tall (5’10 and 130 lbs.) with a flat lean torso but have muscular thighs. I have the worst time finding jeans! Could you recommend where I can find cute jeans in Baltimore to fit me!?
From Not Ready For Liposuction

Dear NRFL,
First and foremost, remember stretch was a gift from God. Every decent brand of jeans makes a style with stretch so ask for it whenever you are shopping for jeans. Your flat stomach should carry all the low-rise jeans well. Baltimore stores carry some cute ones that won’t fall off when you sit down and your legs won’t look like sausage casing! Here’s what I found:

Classic Serendipity has two jeans coming in with a higher rise in the back, low, but not too low, in front and a relaxed fit in the leg. Ask for Jane’s Jeans and Chip and Pepper Jeans. Box of Rain told me its Joe’s Jeans are not tight in the thigh and Seven For All Mankind has a “Jagger” style that might also work for you. Octavia recommended trying its Vitamina jeans, which have a contoured waistband, a loose fit and flatter most body types. Ruth Shaw sells a lot of Paige Jeans that are designed by a former fit model and its Da’mage jeans do really well because they are roomier in the leg and don’t sit too low. Check out Urban Chic as well, which carries 15 different lines of jeans and South Moon Under for a great selection of denim. Try on as many as you can and buy your favorite, even if they are tight. I promise they will stretch!

Dear Dolly,

What is the deal with pantyhose? I have never really understood their purpose. What are your thoughts?
From The Pantyhose Ponderer

Dear PH Ponderer,
Pantyhose have been around for centuries to add shape, color and hide imperfections. Today, because women work out religiously and use self-tanners, there is less need for them. However, hose do even out skin tone, complete an outfit and, during the winter months, provide warmth. Textured hose, sheer lace hose, patterned or opaque tights are all the rage and fun ways to cover up. A few guidelines are important:
1. Match your shoe or boot with your leg to keep your look tonal.
2. If you wear a wild design tight, make sure the rest of your outfit is a solid color.
3. If you must wear nude, go for a neutral shade that is not so “fleshy”—color makes your legs look better even in a pretty beige.
4. Fishnets or tights are fun with boots but I think boots at night with no stockings is a more sophisticated look.

And do Dolly a favor and do not wear sheer hose with mules or sandals! Wear slingbacks with opaque tights to be really fashion forward. Ruth Shaw carries a great selection of Donna Karan hose and Matava carries Hue and Hudson. The department stores stock everything else. Jergens’ Natural Glow body lotion may be all the leg covering you’ll need this spring.