FASHION WITH ERICA -- ROMPERS

Marlys Vandenburg, American Woman’s fashion editor, was supposed to blog about fashion trends from time to time, but as you’ll quickly learn once you read Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, Marlys isn’t about to do anything she doesn’t want to do. And Marlys doesn’t want to blog. She’s made that perfectly clear. So I’ve asked her assistant Erica Milano to step in. Erica was happy to oblige. -- AP

Hi, blog readers! This is assistant fashion editor Erica Milano. Marlys says that rompers are going to be big this summer. Frankly, I have my doubts. Every couple of years the fashion industry carts out romper designs, only to have them languish in closets after one wearing.

Why? I asked some of the other editors who have been around to see more fashion trends come and go than I have. Whether like finance editor Sheila Conway, the rompers remind you of the 1-pc. gym uniforms of your youth, or like food editor Cloris McWerther, who remembers (with little fondness) the jumpsuit craze of the disco era, everyone hates the idea of rompers for the same reason: Every single time you have to go to the little girls’ room, you have to get COMPLETELY UNDRESSED!

So no matter what Marlys declares as de rigueur this season, unless you have incredible bladder control and can hold it in for at least 7 or 8 hours, ignore her. No one wants to spend the day in a fashion statement that requires undressing and redressing a dozen times throughout the course of the day. Save your money, and slip into a comfy pair of shorts and T-shirt instead.

LOL! I guess Erica doesn’t have to worry that Marlys will see her post. After all, Marlys has better things to do than read this blog. So…what fashion faux pas do you have hanging up in your closet? Let’s hear from you. Remember, anyone who posts a comment this week is entered in the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP