Expert: Emma Barnes - 3/6/2006

Question
Emma, thank you so much for the jeans and pants advice. I had been wearing a boot cut leg and a friend said no-only straight legs. Now, I know either is best for me. (1) What about tops? V neck, scoop neck, square neck? I have that extra stuff between the bra line and the waist. Reminder, my bra line and waist are very close together. I am an old hippy type and love t shirts but find that when that fleshyness shows - I hate it. It's there! Should I just accept and not try hiding it or should I wear certain tope to disguise it? What about jackets? no collar, small collar? The last question today is length for tops and jackets? Will you also tell me the best email to find you? I so appreciate you. I had been looking for some help for a while now.

 Debbie in California  

Answer
Hi Debbie,
how are today?  It's tiring, isn't it? Constantly comparing your body to others'? How many times have you wished you were taller, shorter, thinner, curvier? Women are on a constant quest to change themselves. Breast size in particular is a sensitive subject for many of us. We either curse that we were born with more or wish that we had more. But consider this: Many of us don't realize that the clothes we wear can make all the difference in the way we feel about our bodies. It's time we embraced and appreciated our bodies the way they are. your right ,what we have is what have,here's how to flatter your figure, not fight it!
Isn't it amazing how hard it is to find a great fitting T-shirt? Such a basic item should a breeze to find. But with so many necklines, sleeve lengths and styles out there, this can be a tough task to accomplish. Needless to say, your first step is finding a great fitting bra. Here's what else you need to know:
Full Bust ,Best necklines are scoop necks and V-necks. They break up the expanse of the chest area and draw attention away from your bust. Stick with solid colors. Best sleeve lengths are cap sleeve, long sleeve and three-quarter sleeve. They camouflage larger arms that sometimes accompany larger chests. Avoid high, round neck and square neck T-shirts. They make full busts look like one bulky mass. Also avoid sleeveless and oversized T-shirts. I know you said you like T'S but lets look at
         "BLOUSES AND SHIRTS"
A blouse is a blouse, right? Wrong. There are many more cuts and styles out there than you may realize, and you just might be wearing the wrong one for your bust size. Even the size of your collar can make a difference. Here's how to wear with a Full Bust Look for tops that are fitted, with deep, vertical V-necks. Wear styles that have small, vertical lapels and collars, with a bare minimum of detail. Styles with bust darts often fit better. Avoid pockets at all costs and stay away from styles with horizontal detailing, big lapels or collars and large prints. And finally let me touch on sweaters,For the most part, the rules about which T-shirt styles to wear should also be applied to which sweater styles to wear. There are obviously additional rules for sweater styles, such as turtlenecks, wrap styles, etc. Here's what else you need to know wrap cardigans are your best bet. They are the perfect solution to the "mono-boob" problem that certain styles cause, and they define your waist at the same time. Cardigans and deep V-necks are also flattering options. Stick with lightweight yarns. Avoid chunky knits that will add bulk to your figure, and anything too tight.
hope this is helpful Debbie,

Emma,  (you can contact me on ladyemma7@hotmail.com)