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Dear Betsy, I liked your answer to Strawberry's letter last week. I have a problem because the space between my bust and waist is short. I also have a large bust (36E) and when I buy a top or a dress with a belt or a waist, it never fits properly and is too high up under my bust. What can I do to make my bust look smaller and my body look longer?
Jenna
Dear Jenna,
Buy some of those hip skimming jeans and trousers that are in fashion right now and you will instantly lengthen your torso. Wearing things up on your waist will not be comfortable and will shorten your torso so always look for dresses with a drop waist, skirts and trousers that sit just below you waist or on the hips (but make sure they are not too tight to avoid 'muffin top' rolls of fat) and avoid tops and dresses with sewn-in belts and fitted waistlines.
Wearing darker coloured tops with a deep V neck, three-quarter length sleeves that come to just under your elbow and making sure that they are no longer than where your thumb rests when your arms are by your side, will help lengthen your torso and minimise your bust.
You can also buy bras that minimise your bust due to their shape and construction.
Avoid high necklines and round neck T-shirts. A long-sleeved blouse with the top two buttons open, a double placket front and buttons all the way down to the bottom of the shirt will also help your shape.
Go to the tailor and have a dress made and ask them to put the waistline about two inches lower than your natural waistline and focus on darker colours with small vertical patterns to create the illusion you desire.
A good smart outfit for you would be a single-breasted, tailored trouser suit with slim lapels, a deep V neckline and with vertical darts in the front and back of the jacket. The length of the jacket should be no longer than your thumb, as above, and the jacket sleeves can be worn long to the wrist or pushed up casually to just under the elbow. Wearing a pretty camisole with lace V insert at the front, under the jacket will also enhance the effect.
You can check out some great trouser suits this season in Wallis, Gerry Weber, and Zara.
Dear Betsy,
Can Papayas help my skin?
JK
Dear JK,
Eating papayas as part of a balanced diet can be helpful for your overall health. IF you want to improve the texture of your skin and deep cleanse it then rubbing the inside skin of a ripe papaya over your face, neck and hands will help gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate cellular renewal.
This little miracle of nature happens due to an enzyme in the papaya called papain, which will dissolve the keratinsed or dead skin cells when it comes in contact with them.
Simply rub some ripe papaya over your skin and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Softer, cleaner skin can then be treated to a face mask which will have a more profound effect on your newly exfoliated skin. Use once or twice a week but be careful with sensitive skins.
It can 'sting' a little but remove it immediately if you experience any great discomfort. This enzyme is used in lots of expensive skin care products.
BETSY SAYS RELAX ...
Write down a list of seven things that make you happy. It could be something as simple as watching your favourite TV programme, or swimming, talking to your family, listening to your favourite symphony, indulging in a full fat latte or simple, silent solitude. Make sure you experience one of your personal 'happys' each day this week .You deserve it.
If you only do one thing this week
Boost your positivistic attitude by reading The Secret. It claims to reveal the secret of untold happiness, wealth and success by explaining how you can transmit your positive thoughts on the right frequency to attract the results you want in your life. The idea is that 'like attracts like', it's worth a read. Whether you believe in it or not is up to you. It is finally available for sale from Jashanamals bookshop in Seef Mall.
