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Galway Advertiser 2002/2002_07_04/GA_04072002_E1_026.pdf
HOLIDAY M O O D has descended. Even if the rain is still around, many people's thoughts are t u r n i n g to holidays. Some plan to while away their break on some exotic golden beach com plete with azure sea and leafy palms. Others will opt for this country and hope that the sun will shine long enough for them to get a half decent tan and get their feet wet on a few occasions. Whether it's Lanzarote or Lahinch, you will need a swimsuit or two to get you through the summer. Many people put off buying one until the last minute and then are faced with little choice and changing-room queues full of stressed-out women. And that's just the beginning! Then, there is the tor turous job of deciding whether to buy a bikini or one-piece, which colour looks kindest and facing up to the reality that your proportions veer towards the generous while what's on offer looks like it would just about fit Barbie. It's easy to panic buy at a time like this. So, how can you avoid falling into this trap? Begin by taking a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. This may not be easy but you've got to do it if you want to save yourself money, time and embarrassment! Work out what your body shape is and decide what your good and bad points are. Have you got big hips or a small waist? Or are you an apple shape who collects weight around the middle? Once you have established what category you fall into, you can then work at disguising any imperfec tions and playing up your good points. You should dress to suit your figure, budget and lifestyle so bear these in mind before you hit the shops. Remember to put on some make-up - enough
to make you feel reasonably attractive - and wear comfortable clothes, ideally ones that are easy to get in and out of. You may be trying on many swimwear items before you find the perfect one.
WISE BUYING
Now, for what to buy. Should you opt for a onepiece or a bikini? One-pieces will give you protec tion from the sun's dangerous rays because they cover more. That can be a good thing too if you want to hide your less than perfect parts from public scrutiny. However, if yoi; have a long body and short legs, a bikini may look better. One-piece swimsuits emphasise the length of your body while two pieces shorten it. Colour is another consideration. Should you opt for bright and breezy summer shades - sizzling cerise, canary yellow, ocean blue or hottest red - or would dramatic black be a better option? Black appeals to many because it is slimming but it has the disadvantage of draining colour from you so if you are pale to start with, black could make you look deathly. However, if you are sun-kissed, you will look wonderful in black, even if you have been stuffing yourself with goodies for seven days! Pastel shades are easy to wear, too, as are most of this sea son's top shades. If you are an apple shape, choose a one-piece. You need to slim down your middle section. This can be achieved by wearing vertical stripes or pan els. Avoid high legged swimsuits and halter necks. If you are pear shaped (have a small bust and big ger thighs) you will need to concentrate on your
bottom half and take a few inches off by illusionary means. Avoid high-cut bikinis or one-pieces because these will look bad on you. Opt for ones where the bottom half is black and the top is a lighter colour to create a flattering look. To create a more curvy shape, choose tie-fronted designs or those with niching, gathers and frills across the front. Padded or underwired cups will also give the impression of a fuller figure. Bikinis are wise choices for those with hour-glass shapes. Choose a top with support so look out for underwiring. Dark colours are best to create a slim appearance.
DON'TS
* Buy white swimwear, it becomes see-through in water * Opt for one-pieces with holes or lacing up the sides. Flesh will bulge out of the gaps and you'll get an odd tan * Choose items with metal buckles. These will attract the sun and you could end up with bums * Buy a size too small in the hope that you will be slimmer by the time you go on holiday. You won't! * Put off buying your swimsuit until the last minute. Your choice will be limited and your patience frayed * Opt for dazzling stripes or dramatic leopard skin prints unless you want to stand out on the beach this summer
DOS
* Think before you shop. Decide what colours and styles suit you best. Look through the latest fashion magazines to get some ideas if you are unsure * Look at the garment in natural light, if possible. It may appear a different shade under fluorescent light * Think twice before reaching for something in a bargain basket. Ask yourself why is the price slashed? Could it be that the shop wants to get rid of it quickly because no-one would pay the full price for it? * Take your colouring into consideration and choose shades which accentuate this * Choose a style which will fit in with your lifestyle. If you intend to swim, run and enjoy an active holiday, make sure the swimsuit you choose will live up to this * Buy a sarong. They are wonderful cover-ups, look smart and are easy to pack
Alateen meetings
Anyone interested in contacting Alateen, th( support group for young people affected bj problem drinkers, - which was featured it this page last week - can do so by telephoning (01) 8732699 from 1 0 3 0 a m to 230pm (week days). They can also attend local Al Anon meeting! w h i c h t a k e p l a c e at O z a n a m House, Si Augustine Street, Galway on Tuesdays ant Thursdays at 8.15pm as well as at a host ol locations throughout the city and county. A full list of venues is provided in its advertise' ment in the Social and Personal column of tht classified section of this newspaper.
Turquoise bikini with diamante detail bv Statement at 17 euro and co-otrlinaaDng sarong at 12 euro
Black and white check bikini by T w e k a * 4 5 e u r o and black chiffon sarong at 12 euro
Brown underwire one piece with doable strap detail by Pastnnette at 67 euro. All fashions from Roches Stores.