Oh, Maria -- feel free to use the same number.

My problem with shoes is that my taste is repetitive and unimaginative. However, I got rid of at least four pairs over Christmas, so at least I have room for new boringness.

So if I had claret top, black skirt, black hose and claret shoes?

I would vote yes.

Luckily, I'm: (a) not buying any shoes and (b) only wearing black shoes, still.

Nude hose. But that's my preference. I've never liked how black hose looks with anything other than black shoes.

This is the other thing: I only like to wear black tights. I hate nylons, and the colors are never right. This is why I only wear black shoes now.

Nude hose.

I've never found nude hose that doesn't look strange on my legs. And I've never worn other than black hose normally -- I wear cream tights (as in opaque) if the shoes are brown.

So I can stay away from the claret with clear conscience.

Thanks for the validation, Maria. I figured everyone was deep in the boot-oost.

I worked for six weeks for John Cafferty's manager, answering phones and typing up contracts. He's the guy who actually sang Eddie, and his band was the Cruisers -- including the black guy who played sax. They were a popular bar band around the Boston/Providence area in the early 80s, when they were known as Buster Brown.

It's ironic that Cafferty figured the Eddie movies were his ticket, but he never took off. I wonder what happened to them since...

Okay, full swing boots bought in black. My work here is done, I must to bed.

-800-798-9478 anytime, Lee. Swing Along, page S7.

I am tempted, since they are on sale, but are you sure you aren't going to, ita?

I'd have the hose dilemma, Lee. They're all yours.

They're very pretty. I may snap and try for the black, but it's not likely. Claret is definitely safe.

Oh, Maria -- feel free to use the same number.

No need. My size in claret is available on the website. Multi-tasking as we speak.

I wear pants most of the time, so that obviates the need for hose. I have the economy sized boxes of black and nude knee-hi's (does that apostrophe belong there, 'cause it looks funny without it), but I have no tights or panty hose. And in the winter I usually wear boots, so with those, it's socks.

'suela, I was right.

Look, if you dare. [link]

I could cry.