greenspan among its believer s undies are the first thing men stop buying when the economy goes out. this shows the recovery. another theory the hemline index, it's been around since the 1920s. the shorter the skirt the better the economy. two dutch economists studied it their conclusion hemlines can't predict the economy but recessions do lead to longer skirts after a three-year lag time. today's maxidresses are perhaps sign of a financial crisis hangover. ♪ connie francis only had part of the story. lipstick may tell a tale on the economy. this indicator says when money is tight women indulge in small luxuries instead of big ones but lipstick sales fell during the last recession so maybe we kiss this indicator good-bye. and from lips to jaws.