And now, swimwear with tummy control

DEAR RISSA,

I’m looking for a stylish swimsuit with tummy control. Imported brands never seem to fit perfectly on my Pinay body frame.                                                  

JADE

I know how it feels to go around the mall and see your “dream” swimsuit, only to try it and realize the fit isn’t flattering at all. Imported swimwear brands seem to be built for Americans and Europeans. The Pinay body generally has a shorter torso. Filipinas are also still quite shy to wear bikini bottoms that reveal too much and still prefer a little more coverage.

I really like the local brand Anemone Swimwear, which seems perfectly made for Filipina bodies. The first time I saw it, I thought it was imported because the fit, fabric, and design were so good. For the quality, prices are amazingly pocket-friendly, too. Their latest collection is so cool because apart from designs you can mix and match on your own, Anemone Swimwear now features Anemone Control, a special lining that provides control to areas where you need it, like the tummy. The fabric they use now also offers Ultraviolet Protection Factor — similar to SPF, this is a rating system for a fabric’s sun protection. Anemone Swimwear provides UPF50++ which means it can block out at least 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can totally skip sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply sunblock on areas which will be exposed to the sun. It’s always best to apply it 20 minutes before you put on your swimsuit so it can be well absorbed before you head out into the sun.

RISSA

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Try dry shampoo: Clean and conditioned hair is always limp and dry shampoo sprayed on it really goes a long way in terms of giving volume and texture.
 

RX for limp hair

DEAR LUCY,

My hair is really limp and thin and I use all these styling products to make it thicker, but the product just weighs it down after a bit and my hair looks greasy. Help! 

Also, how do I elongate my legs when I wear wide-leg trousers?  How about for culottes or a mid-length dress?                                                                   

ERICA

A hairstylist once pointed out to me that the best time to fix and style hair is when it has been applied with product already, and then brushed out again.  Since we Filipinos love to take a shower daily, sometimes even twice a day, dry shampoo will do the trick. Clean and conditioned hair is always limp and, personally, I find that dry shampoo sprayed on it really goes a long way in terms of giving volume and texture. Try it! 

To elongate your legs, wear platforms, but make sure the pants pretty much cover your shoes.  Platforms give extra height, too, so that is another plus.  For culottes or a mid-length dress, a wedge (especially in a nude color) will work.  Pointy pumps (again in a sexy patent nude) is also always foolproof. Nude shoes are so versatile.               LUCY  

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.