Hummers were in until rising gas prices made hybrids the politically correct car. I drive a car that's almost forty years old. I don't drive it far and I don't drive it fast, but for twenty years I've driven what's in - the garage.

Because fashions are in and out, some people think you should save clothes until they're back in style. Not me. I'm not sure I looked good in a tent dress the first time around and I'd be very upset if I couldn't fit into it the second time around.

Instead of getting caught in the revolving door of fashion, instead of worrying about what's in and what's out, I rely on what's near. Things like oxford shirts, jeans without holes, plain leather jackets and classic black pumps are as near as my closet and near perfect for lots of occasions.

We've all seen people who wear the latest fashions - but shouldn't. When these people look in the mirror, they see what they want to see. They see what's in - not what's sticking out.

Which reminds me - I can hardly wait until the pants-below-the-hips look is out for boys because too much of their rear ends are out. I don't understand the look. In fact, I think it's the pits - plumbers in training.

My grandmother had a practical approach to clothes. She said it wasn't what you wore that was important, but how you wore it. She believed a good attitude and good posture were what made you look good. Obviously, both my attitude and posture need improvement. My husband recently commented on how nice a friend looked - and I have a dress just like hers.

Wanting something just like somebody else makes the commercial world go around. Barbie Dream Houses, Sponge Bob lunch boxes, mood rings and iPods - peer pressure starts young and trying to keep up with the Jones can last a lifetime.

Of course, it could be worse. Jones is the fourth most popular name in the United States. Keeping up with the Smiths would be harder. Smith is the most popular name - which might explain why it shows up so often on hotel registers.