I really wish I’d stopped wearing jumpers right around the same time, but that behavior continued well into my 20s. Eek.

I think in general that blazers look best with at least one button. Otherwise - unless it’s very fitted - it will sort of flap in the wind as you walk.

Dresses are a strange thing. Latina magazine regularly does a good job of locating flattering and pretty dresses for women of all sizes, but none of these seem particularly ministerial.

I’m an eternal fan of the sweater set–and I can’t believe I’m suggesting this garment of female oppression, but a long line bra really helps smooth everything out. I found this out recently when I got one for an event.

One other thing: have you ever heard that you should not wear sunscreen when you’re being filmed or photographed, as it makes for pale shadows on the face? I don’t know if it is true or not, but it might be worth considering.

I wonder if you could send me the link? I used to live in Chicagoland and that makes me really happy! It’s a way of saying HEY!to all my old buds.

I HEART Chicago. And I remember the Chicago Tribune very fondly. I used to write them letters to the editor all the time. This was when I was a high school teacher with an incipient calling to prophetic ministry but didn’t know it yet.

Thaaaanks for the memories…. xoxo PB

But in my many years of TV (seriously — I was a regular on a show back when I was living in your neck of the woods) I don’t think I ever wore a blazer, or maybe just once or twice. I went with the dress and pearls. Good shoulders on the dress though. I was much slimmer at the time, but I think I would still make the same choice.

In most shows they don’t see more of you than from the waist up. Unless you’re on Letterman of course ;-). This too will come, O Arbiter of All Elegances.