So here we are, the last unofficial week of summer. Fortunately for us, September in 2008 is like July in 1998—sultry temperatures and sunny days. Which means we can squeeze every last wear out of our warm-weather wardrobe. But what, dear readers, to do about our white pants?

Most of us grew up listening to our mothers’ staunch Memorial Day through Labor Day edict; most of us also rolled our eyes and tried to rebel against the fashion statute. But yet, every fall we pack up our whites, eschewing all things light until snow ushers in acceptable “winter whites.”

This Bostonista loves her whites. She also loves and respects her very stylish co-workers. So late last week, she conducted an informal office poll: White after Labor Day—brilliant idea or fashion tragedy?

The votes are in…

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Forget the credit card or Comcast gripes—we think the worst hidden costs are buried in the recesses of Newbury Street salons. Bostonista was reminded just how dangerous hair appointments can be when, after a recent cut at I Soci, we inadvertently coughed up $70 for 16 ounces of Kerastase shampoo and conditioner.

This, of course, is one of the least egregious examples of salon pricing issues. We were, admittedly, stupid. We know Kerastase is expensive (though we were expecting more in the $50 range). When we picked up the bottles and didn’t see prices, we should have asked before plunking down our card.

Mentioning the incident at work, however, solicited a barrage of similar mini-outrages, mostly related to Blowout Ambiguity. Are blow-drys included in cut and color? Are they not? And—most importantly—will the stylist alert you to the fact that eight minutes with a round brush is going to run you an extra $60?

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