Question: I have a small waist but wide hips. Low-rise pants do not fit because they tend to gap at the waist. What I need is pants with a longer rise and a waistband at the natural waistline. But where can I find pants like that?

Answer: There is so much focus on skinny, low-rise jeans, it seems that's the only style out there. Not so. There are plenty of other pants styles to choose from.

Skip the trendy junior boutiques. Instead, check stores that cater to more-mature women. Chico's, Coldwater Creek and Talbots come to mind. So do department stores such as JCPenney, Dillard's and Macy's, which carry a wide selection of brands and styles.

The key is to enlist the help of the sales staff, who are (or should be) familiar with the different cuts. Be prepared to try on a lot of styles before you find the perfect fit -- and when you do, buy those pants in two or three different finishes.

Treating dry skin

Q: The recent cold snap has turned my skin dry and scaly. I need skin-care products, but how do I choose from the bewildering array of brands?

A: Basically, what you need is a facial moisturizer, a hand cream and a body lotion. Go to a store that allows sampling, try a selection of products and buy those that feel best to you -- and fit your budget.

Getting brows in shape

Q: My eyebrows need grooming and shaping, but I'm not sure where to begin. Do those stencil kits work?

A: Stencil kits are too "one shape fits all," in my opinion. Instead, get your brows shaped by a professional at a full-service salon, then maintain the shape yourself. Before the tweezing begins, be sure to discuss your needs with the beautician and ask to see some of her work.

Lost and found

Lost: Barbara is looking for small shoulder pads. She says she can find plenty of large ones, but none that give just a little shape to shoulders. Another reader is trying to find Ma Griffe fragrance by Carven.

Found: Shirley can purchase Easytone Inspire walking shoes and flip-flops by Reebok at Nordstrom stores and online at nordstrom.com .

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