Better With Age: Fixes for Problem Areas
Lumps and bumps and sags, oh my!Scurry on over to the yellow brick road, my pretties, 'cause we're about to take you to the Wizard of Fashion to fix those beauty woes. You know what we're talking about: the misfortunate beauty hardships that pester like a mosquito in your ear at bedtime.
From less-than-perky breasts to unsightly back bulge to that troublesome underarm skin that wobbles to its own beat, we're here to address -- and fix -- the problem. The best part? No recovery time needed. In other words, these are quick fashion fixes that you can do yourself -- without the aid of an ultra-pricey plastic surgeon.
Remove Bra-Related Bulges
A brassiere is, in the most literal sense, a woman's ultimate bosom buddy. So, if your relationship with Ms. Hold-Em-Up is a sour one -- and it would be if she causes back bulges and front/side spillage -- now's the time to head to a relationship counselor AKA the lingerie department.
The first step to getting rid of ghastly back bulges is a well-fitting bra. Most women wear the wrong size, which causes both discomfort and fashion faux pas. Get yourself measured at a lingerie department store (or measure yourself following these steps) and buy a bra in the correct size.One of the best signs that you're wearing the correct size is comfort. Also, there should be no spillage on the sides or a boob "muffin top." Lastly the center should lay flat against your chest.
If you're still dealing with back bulges, we recommend shape wear that targets the area. The revolutionary SASSYBAX Bralette ($52.80) is a winner in our book. It removes back fat, back bulge and is worn by celebrities and discerning women around the world. Those who are more endowed will appreciate the underwire version ($67).
Products that are specifically created to slam-down the bulge monster include
Soma Intimates Vanishing Back Unlined Bra ($44), Bali Bra Concealers Back Smoothing Underwire Bra ($36) and Miraclesuit Shapewear - Real Smooth Camisole with Underwire ($59).
Conceal Wobbly Arms
Don't let a case of the arm wobbles prevent you from wearing that pretty shirt or dress you've been lusting over. Whether your arms are truly wobbly or simply not as toned as you prefer, a few quick fixes exist to address this beauty tribulation.The easiest solution is definitely a cover up, but don't let the word "cover up" send your mind hurtling toward visions of grandmas in oversized, paisley shawls. You can look fashion-forward and chic in a variety of cover-ups.
For example, a knit cardigan over a tank top or sleeveless dress makes for a pretty, layered ensemble. We love this Amy Byer Ribbed Knit Cardigan ($19.99) for a casual, carefree vibe. The short sleeves make this appropriate for warmer temps. We also love the look of this Victoria's Secret Metallic Cardigan Sweater ($47.60) and this Three Dots Thermal Open Cardigan ($24.99). For fancier attire, appoint a cropped cardigan or a wrap/shawl as your go-to cover up.Another trending arm coverup is the poncho. You can wear it over a camisole or light tank for a western-meets-runway look. They're perfect for just about any setting, whether you're huddled around a toasty bonfire or out to dinner with your special someone. We're digging these: New York & Co.'s Hooded Knit Poncho ($49.95), Full Tilt's Open Weave Womens Poncho ($24.99), Research & Design Colorblock Poncho Sweater ($49) and Christin Michaels Brielle Poncho ($39).
To tighten and smooth underneath a long sleeved piece, employ the Sassybax Armed and Dangerous Body Shaper ($59.40). It compresses and smoothes the arms without being seen.
Disguise a Round Tummy
A rounder midsection may be the result of a post-baby bump or even a post-oreo bump (hey, we've all been there). No matter the cause of your endowed midsection, know that everyone always wishes their tummy was more toned. And you look fabulous regardless.Outside of exercise, you can create the illusion of a flatter stomach. This is done with either shape wear (have you noticed a trend there?) or with cleverly designed clothes that conceal and slim. Put them both together and wham - it's like you've lost 10 pounds in under 10 minutes!
Choosing the appropriate shapewear is easy. Just find a product that slims the area that bothers you most. If you're pleased with your upper stomach, but want to smooth the bellybutton and below, try a product like Cosabella's NSN Sexy Shaper Thong (from $46.40). To shape underneath the bra-line to your knees, employ something like TC Fine Shapewear's Wear Your Own Bra Shaping Long Leg Torsette Shapewear ($72). For the entire bust to hip region, try something like Spanx's Black Scoop Neck Top ($95). Though pricey, it does the trick and will last for ages.As for clothing that conceals this problem area, know that the fashion-world is way ahead of you. For ages women have worried about their waist line, so designers have plugged away at creating the most flattering clothing for their clients.
Some styles use shapes and colors to minimize your stomach, like this Bebe 2b Bethany Sheath Colorblock Dress in Black and White ($34.95). This vibrant NY Collection Dress ($39.99) also makes your entire body look slimmer because of the black side paneling. You can also check out more colorblock dresses on AOL Shopping.
Other styles manipulate fabric to conceal and accent areas you prefer showing off. For example, high waisted empire dresses and shirts accentuate the narrowest part of your waist (just under the bust). Examples include this Cha Cha Vente Dress ($32.99), ECI's Three Quarter Sleeve Beaded Empire Waist Dress ($79) and this Style&Co.'s Kimono Sleeve Printed Beaded Empire Waist Tunic ($39.99).
Wrap dresses also conceal a round tummy, like this Victoria's Secret Faux Wrap Dress ($69.50), The Limited's Ruffle Wrap Shirt Dress ($49.99) or the NY Collection Short Sleeve Solud Jersey Wrap Dress ($39.99).
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Comments page 1 of 2
Lowest Rank
Glenn Posner said 10-16-2011 @3:28AM
Look what men have to deal with....it's disgusting how much women let themselves go.
replyHighest Rank
Savannah said 10-17-2011 @2:50AM
Your disgusting for reading a women's article about bra's...loser!!
Highest Rank
lisa said 10-16-2011 @5:17AM
Oh yea like men over the age of 26 look any better with your balding heads and beer bellies!
Highest Rank
Tracy said 10-16-2011 @5:59AM
Oh and then there is the need for viagra because your "parts" just stop working and can't keep "up"
Highest Rank
Lisa said 10-16-2011 @7:34AM
SO what do you do for that beer belly that women find so disgusting?
Neutral
gina said 10-16-2011 @12:35PM
bumps like you are the worst things we have to deal with LOL
Neutral
Carole said 10-20-2011 @3:04AM
You guys are so mean to men lol They're not half as bad as fake girls :) Guys keep it real.
Highest Rank
Marissa said 10-16-2011 @6:42AM
I found this article very insightful for women and myself (boy to girl cross-dresser). A proper bra fitting is a good idea. It will save you lots of money.
replyHighest Rank
cgw said 10-16-2011 @7:46AM
great...a bra for back fat that doesn't show the model wearing the damn thing...I mean seriously
replyLowest Rank
teltech543 said 10-16-2011 @8:13AM
I guess this is the easy way to fix things if you don't want to lose weight and exercise a little.
replyHighest Rank
Kookie said 10-16-2011 @9:22AM
Young slender girls, of which the models are, do not have these problems. How about showing a few models who are matronly and see how they fix the problems. I don't think they can.
replyLowest Rank
MARTIN said 10-16-2011 @10:06AM
THIS IS ALL ABSURD, EXPOSING ANY PART OF THE SKIN CAN CAUSE SKIN CANCERS, THEESE MANUFACTURES OF SKIMPY CLOTHING SHOULD BE SUED FOR CAUSING SKIN CANCERS.
replyLowest Rank
Kelly said 10-16-2011 @10:06AM
Really? And here I always thought the best way to get rid of those terrible rolls, those damn sags and bumps is to lose a few pounds! Oh wait!!! That's not the answer today is it? The answer today is NOT to fix the problem but rather to find the very best way to cover it up.
replyHighest Rank
fvfdgm1 said 10-19-2011 @5:01PM
You can do both! Why can't you look good while cutting back & working a food program? I think feeling good about how you look makes it easier to stick with your diets. The voice of experience speaking here!!
Lowest Rank
Kelly said 10-16-2011 @10:12AM
LOL damnnnnn, did someone touch a nearve maybe??? LOL Come on ladies, can't you do a little better than beer bellys and parts that stop working? I mean after all, those two problems are becuase of us females in the first place right. I mean, if you're going to throw a few tid-bits out there of guys and what WE have to deal with, can't you be a little better at it? I have an idea! If you wants some good "come backs" or "cut downs" maybe go ask your husband or boyfriend? Just a thought...relax girls!
replyHighest Rank
Debra said 10-16-2011 @11:05AM
I have stuggled with finding the perfect bra for years. I am very thin but have DD's. The greastest bra to ever happen to me is hands down the Soma vanishing back bra. I tried the saasybax but it did not offer the support my heavy dense breasts required. This bra is perfect on all levels. No back bulge showing through. side support no gaps on the sides and unbelievable comfort all day. After waering the first one i bought I went back for 2 more. Thank god for this creation!!!
replyHighest Rank
KC said 10-16-2011 @11:49PM
What in the name of anything holy is the point of having women measure with so called easy fit charts if THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO GOD DANGED CONSISTENCY IN SIZE!! Are you hearing the frustration here? I recently ordered the same exact bra and size that I recently ordered. There was a full three inch discrepency in band size. To shed further illumination on the topic the older bra was sewn in Honduras, the new one- in Thailand. Until some quality control is established, anything said in this article is a joke.
replyLowest Ranked
lisa said 10-19-2011 @5:13PM
Here's an idea, lose some weight!
replyNeutral
lisa said 10-19-2011 @5:15PM
Oh whatever! The make the clothes, they don't make you wear them!!!
replyLowest Rank
E said 10-19-2011 @5:32PM
"The secret to getting rid of those lumps on your back is a well-fitting bra."
replyWrong.
The "secret" is to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and not be fat.