Yes, we get a lot of coverage from pants, sweaters and jackets this time of year and they help hide some flaws. But we should not dress in baggy clothes to hide our "sins." Wearing big baggy sweaters and slacks is only cute if you're young and thin. When you get older (and sometimes thicker), baggy clothes makes you look droopy, tired, sloppy and fat.
This is one of the reasons I write this blog. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look good, look your age and be stylish. We can show the world that we are attractive, fashionably chic, care about ourselves and others, and make getting older a positive experience.
Happily, there are "tools" that help us do exactly that. We've all seen "muffin tops" -- even on young women. I am pleased to report that someone has come up with a very satisfactory solution to this problem.
Now you can wear these to be stylish and thinner. And they are not expensive! They can be found at various department stores (Sears, Target, Penney's, and Amazon online) for approximately $21.99, sometimes cheaper) and they are available in black, white, pink, nude, even lace.
The peplum top is very stylish right now,they cover up a poochy belly or muffin tops and you can find them everywhere (Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx) for a variety of costs but not expensive. I have two and didn't pay more than $20.
Of course, we know about control top panties. I buy mine one size larger than I should because I've found the ones that are my size to be too constricting, making sitting at a desk a very painful (over time) experience. And then when I stand up and move around, the tingling from blood returning to my numb bum is terrible.
Spanx are the original control tops and Assets are the cheaper version (usually found in Target). But it didn't take long for other makers to come up with their own versions that you can now buy for as little as $5.99 at places like Ross, Bealls, Marshalls and TJ Maxx. If you don't feel like trying them on in the store, take them home, SAVE YOUR RECEIPT and don't cut any tags or such off of them until you try them on in the privacy of your home. You can take them back if you don't like them or how they fit.
Another great invention is the long-line bra. Our mothers wore them to constrict the bra bulge.
But that's a lot of constriction for me. Now there are camisoles and bras that are built with control but not as "bra-ish." Some are called the Ahh Bra or the Genie Bra. They are absolutely everywhere - even my local Wal-Mart Neighborhood Store (groceries, etc.) carries them. They are all pretty inexpensive and simple to wear as they are usually pull over styles. But be sure to try them on (either in the store or at home) because you want to ensure that the bra bulge doesn't show and that your "girls" are lifted and separated. Also check to ensure that your "girls" are not being pushed under your arms! Sometimes these control tops shove them sideways - let me be your cautionary tale with this!
There are full body "armor" but having hot flashes makes these not a happy option for me. You can certainly consider them for unique special occasion outfits, though. Look for "easy-to-pee" openings because stripping in public bathroom stalls is not for the faint of heart.
And the high-waisted pantywear are another great option to control that muffin-top.
Of course, these shape wear are only temporary fixes. We still need to make good food choices (fruit and vegetables instead of cakes and ice cream), exercise (get your bum to the gym, take a long walk, use your Game Boy or Wii system, lift some weights) and drink a lot of water (not soda, alcohol or caffeine).
If you are one of the thin women, you still need to eat right and more importantly, work out. Thin women face serious osteoporosis in later years. I found out that lifting weights or using weight machines actually grows bone better than taking calcium pills. So get thee to a gym, but don't lift really heavy weights - just what is comfortable for you and do a lot of repetitions with them. It isn't the poundage, it's the reps that make a difference.
With the "food holidays" looming, now is the best time to invest in shape wear for those special outfits and take long walks outside while the humidity is low and the heat is less. Enjoy your life and live it with joy!
I love this quote and may have used it in an earlier post. It is so appropriate to share it -- even again!
Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.
Jim Rohn
Until next week, I remain,
Stylistically yours,
Sooz
P.S. The petroleum jelly eyelash experiment I mentioned several posts ago really has worked! My eyelashes are longer and thicker than before. They don't look like false eyelashes but I have better ones now. Just sayin'!
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