Can matrons wear miniskirts?

Dear Mary,
Unless a woman is attending a Spanish-themed dance party, I think a woman in her 60s and 70s should refrain from wearing too much ruffles and frou-frou. I attended a dinner and saw matrons wearing miniskirts and too much makeup and girlish stuff! What an ugly sight! Please comment.
– Mrs. Sixty

I agree with you. Women of this age should refrain from wearing clothes that are too fancy. It’s one thing to think young, but that doesn’t mean we can dress too young once we hit a certain age. Mature women can still be as fashionable as young girls without resorting to baring skin, which just looks trying-hard. An older woman can still look sexy in luxe fabrics like silk, leather and cashmere, in solid, rich colors like black, champagne, chocolate, wine and plum. This look will be just as attention-getting if paired with statement accessories that make an impact. Women over 50 can’t go wrong with this mantra in mind: tailoring, classic shapes, minimalist pieces. If a woman has good legs, she can go short but not too short. Her skirt should fall around the knee.
– Mary

* * * Mommie Dearest

Dear Mary,
I work for my mother, and quite frankly she is the most difficult person to work with. I have been faithfully serving her for the past seven years, but she always complains about everything, even though I am not doing anything wrong. Nothing seems to please this woman. How do I politely tell her that I want to quit as I feel there are better things out there for me to experience and explore? I want to find a new job but she always threatens to kick me out of the house if I quit. She always tells me that the reason why people have kids is because the kids will take care of the parents when they grow old. I want to live my life to the fullest and not be a "caregiver." I have financial capability but can’t seem to find the appropriate house to move into. Please help.
– Chinky

Caring for one’s elderly parents is indeed part of Filipino tradition, and during your dark moments, you may want to reflect on the hardships your mother may have gone through while raising you. But you do have your own life to live. The only way to realistically do that is to keep on looking for a house and move.
– Mary

* * * Mommie Dearest Part 2

Dear Mary,
My friend wants to stay in our house but I’m embarrassed to tell her that my mother doesn’t want other people staying in her house. How do I politely tell my friend that she can’t stay in my mom’s house without hurting her feelings?
– Mama’s Girl

Tell her, "My mother does not appreciate having friends staying at our house." After all, the invitation should extend from the person who owns the house. It’s a matter of courtesy that your mother approves of this arrangement.
– Mary

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You may fax your questions to Mary Prieto at 729-6449.