Inexpensive ways to pamper dry skin

Q: During a recent cold snap in I was reminded how quickly my skin gets dry and cracked in freezing weather. I will be in Chicago for 10 days in February. How do I protect my skin without spending big bucks on expensive cosmetics?

A: I am a big fan of Vaseline. It works wonders getting rid of "gator scales" on legs. I also keep a scoop in a small jar to dab on dry lips.

And you can't beat the price.

It seems I'm not alone. In a recent news release, Manhattan dermatologist Amy Wechsler calls Vaseline "the best lip moisturizer."

She also cautions against using lip balms that contain phenol, which strips the top layer off your lips, removing your natural protection.

Wechsler offers these additional suggestions for products that are easy on your skin and wallet:

Lotions: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Lotion.

Soaps: Dove soap, Purpose soap. (They don't strip skin of good oils.)

Sunblock: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 30 sunblock lotion. It contains 9.1 percent titanium dioxide, a crushed mineral that protects instantly.

Moisturizer: Safflower oil. The kitchen oil is an effective and gentle moisturizer. It contains a lot of linoleic acid, a fatty acid that skin normally makes to keep its moisture level high. Since linoleic-acid production slows with aging, safflower oil helps replace it. Smooth it on immediately after a shower while the skin is still damp to seal in moisture.

Colors for an evening wedding

Q: I would like to purchase a lavender-colored St. John suit to wear to my stepson's evening wedding this spring. My husband prefers that I wear a dark color such as black. He is in the wedding party but I am not. With the right shoes and jewelry, wouldn't the suit be dressy enough to be appropriate cocktail attire?

A: In any color, a St. John suit would be a classic choice for a special occasion such as a wedding — especially if you accessorize with elegant evening shoes and good jewelry.

If you were in the wedding party, and everyone else in the party were dressing in dark colors, I would agree with your husband: You would be well advised to do likewise.

But since you are not in the wedding party, your choice of lavender is perfectly appropriate. Maybe even more appropriate than a dark shade because, in a subtle way, it indicates you are not part of the official wedding party.

But why not check with your stepson and his bride? If they also would prefer you to wear a dark color, then save the lavender suit for a different special occasion.

Fashion Q&A is an occasional feature. E-mail questions to jpatteson@orlandosentinel.com. Sorry, no personal replies.