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One of the most prominent and alluring parts of a woman’s body is the breasts, and a properly-fitting bra makes all the difference in how the breasts look. It also affects whether the woman is comfortable as she goes about her day. With the majority of women end up picking the wrong bra size, ladies need some basic tips on how a bra should fit.

Tip #1: Your breasts should sit between your shoulders and elbows.

In a good bra, your “girls” should have enough support that the nipple is right around the midpoint of your upper arms. If the apex of your breasts is higher than this, the bra either has too much lower cup padding, is sitting too high around your chest, or has straps that are too short. If the apex of your breasts is lower than the midpoint, you likely have a bra that is too big or which has stretched out.

Tip #2: Pay attention to the hooks or clasps.

In general, the more hooks a bra has or the longer the clasp is, the more support the bra can provide, simply because more hooks or vertical length on a clasp requires a wider bra band. Wider bra bands distribute the weight of the breasts over more of the back. Front-closure bras can be more supportive than ones that have the hooks or clasps in the back, because there is no break in the back of the band where stress is high. Another trick is to pick your bra based on the hook closest to the end of the band. This way, you can shift to inner hooks as the bra stretches from wear and still have a good fit over time.

Tip #3: Try a shoulder tease.

Mistakenly, women believe that much of a bra’s support comes from the straps. In reality, the majority of the support comes from the band and cups. Slide the straps of the bra off your shoulders when you’re trying the bra on. If the bra slips at all, it’s too big. If your straps slip off regularly, they’re either too loose or too close to the edge of the shoulders. Tightening the straps, using wider straps, and switching to a different back design that brings in the straps toward the neck all help.

Tip #4: Use the finger test.

With much of the support for a bra coming from the band, it’s imperative for the band to be neither too tight (this causes chafing) nor too loose (this causing shifting). You should be able to put at least one finger between the band and your skin.

Tip #5: Be aware of where the bra sits on your back.

When fit properly, a bra band should sit horizontally across your back. It shouldn’t rise up toward the space between your shoulder blades. If it does, you’ve either adjusted your straps so tightly they’re pulling up the band or have a too-big or stretched-out band.

Tip #6: Watch for poppage.

Poppage refers to the overflow of breast tissue from the cup of the bra. It is not the same thing as the cleavage that happens when a good bra gives good lift and presses the breasts toward each other. It happens when the cup size is too small or when the bra has excess or wrongly-placed padding. Look not only at the top of the cup, but also at the sides. If you’re spilling out, go up a cup size. If this is too much of a change for you, look for a manufacturer that makes half sizes or try a cup insert to get the breasts to sit properly. If you go for a demi bra that does not cover the entire breast, try to find one that offers ¾ coverage instead of ½.

Wanda Marie Thibodeaux

For connoisseurs of high-end fashion and culture, the efficiency of modern flight opens up an overwhelming number of options to consider when planning a holiday. If you are looking to escape the mundane and be the envy of your social circle, you simply cannot go wrong with these three cities.

Paris, France

The undisputed crowned jewel of shopping, Paris promises to leave behind priceless memories that will be treasured for the rest of your life. If up to the minute fashion is what you crave, be sure to visit the Saint Honore district. Here you will find all the big name designers mixed with a wide variety of cutting edge concept shops. Aside from clothing stores, you will find a nice selection of places to purchase top of the line cosmetics and home furnishings that will make you feel like royalty. If rare jewelry, antiques and fine art are your desire, look no further than the Marais Quarter.

Ma Coeur Ouvert à l’inconnu

Of course no trip to Paris would be complete without experiencing its world famous department stores located on Boulevard Haussman. No matter what your interests are, you can find your bliss in Paris.

Milan, Italy

The birthplace for many of the designer brands you know and love. Milan is the only real contender for the throne when it comes to the title of fashion capital. While ideal for shoppers with deep pockets, you will also find an amazing array of affordable options for new and second-hand clothes that still retain all the style and class that is expected from Milan. Quadrilatero d’Oro houses all the name brand designer studios and is worthy of a visit, even if just for the sake of taking in the suave atmosphere.

Milan Fashion Capitol

If you are looking for something a little less pricey, be sure to take a stroll through Navigli and Corso Buenos Aires. Here you will find unbelievable bargains at the many charming second hand and thrift shops. For a shopping experience that will feel like a dream, visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. This original 19th century shopping mall is a hallmark of the city and is almost certain to seduce you with its unique charm. Milan is a great alternative to Paris when it comes to shopping in Europe.

Los Angeles, California

If you want to feel like a true celebrity, a shopping spree in Los Angeles is just what the doctor ordered. The cultural epicenter of the world and home to the most elite amongst the rich and famous, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles offers a shopping experience unmatched anywhere else on the planet. If you want to shop with the stars, head over to Rodeo Drive. Be warned though, you need a hefty spending limit if you plan to do any kind of serious buying here.

Top Three Shopping Cities in the World

If you want to find more reasonable prices without sacrificing class, head over to Venice. Here you will find everything you need at prices that aren’t outrageous enough to ruin your shopping experience. No matter what your budget, Los Angeles is worth it merely for the chance of bumping into your favorite celebrity. It’s more common than you think.

The above three cities all stand apart from the rest by offering the shopper a proper blend of sophistication, culture and atmosphere. If you consider yourself a serious shopper, make sure to visit all three at least once in your life.

Lucien Vitori

Are you envious of women who have an unlimited clothing budget? Don’t be. You can dress like the wealthy even if you don’t have their bank account. Here’s how.

You may not have a ten-million dollar bank account or the clothing budget of a princess, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you do. People often form a first impression of a person based on their sense of style and how they dress. So what if you have the bank account of a pauper? With a little wardrobe planning and ingenuity, you can dress like the wealthy even if you have a poor girl’s budget. Here’s how to look rich – and still stay within your clothing allowance.

Be Understated

Have you ever noticed how wealthy people who can afford any clothing they want, dress in an elegant, understated manner? When it comes to fashion, think quality not quantity. Instead of filling your closet with “impulse” clothing you’ll never wear, invest in a few, high-quality pieces. Choose clothing in dark and neutral shades with simple lines – and stay away from “frou-frou” and fussy or loud pieces.

You can’t go wrong with simple, high-quality pieces in solid colors you can mix and match – and they never go out of style. Add interest with a few well-chosen accessories. Stay away from bright colors except as an accessory. Black, navy blue, dark brown and charcoal gray always look elegant and refined, no matter the occasion – and they’re the best investment on a limited budget.

How to Look Rich: Invest in Designer Shoes and Handbag

Even if you can’t afford high-end designer clothing, if at all possible, splurge on a pair of designer shoes and a designer purse. When you wear expensive-looking shoes and carry a designer purse, people assume the rest of your outfit is designer too. You don’t have to tell them otherwise.

When you buy less clothing, you can channel some of the money you save into designer footwear and a big-name handbag. To look rich, another piece to spend a little more on is an elegant coat in a dark color. When you’re out and about in cold weather, it’s the first and only piece many people will see.

Be a Smart Shopper

You can get incredible bargains on high-end designer clothing on sites such as Ebay. Stick to buying accessories, shoes, tops and coats since it’s difficult to judge how pants, skirts and dresses will fit without trying them on.

Haunt local consignment clothing stores in your area, especially those close to wealthy neighborhoods, for designer bargains – and don’t forget about thrift stores. Some thrift stores get high-end clothing donations that are still in great shape. Check the newspaper for yard sale notices that list designer clothing as one of their offerings. You could hit pay dirt, and get designer pieces for almost nothing.

Be the Accessory Queen

Have a small wardrobe of simple, elegant pieces, but dress them up with knock-out accessories. To save money, learn how to make your own earrings and necklaces. Visit a bead store and discover how easy it is to put together a necklace and a simple pair of dangle earrings. Using semiprecious stone or faceted glass beads, you can create a necklace for $10.00 that would cost ten-times more in a high-end boutique. Build an impressive jewelry wardrobe that even the wealthy will be envious of. Plus, it’ll be uniquely yours.

La Belle dame sans l'argent | Belle! On a Budget.

How to Look Rich and Dress Wealthy: The Bottom Line?

Think simple and elegant when it comes to clothing, shop smart – and quality over quantity. You may not have the bank account of the ultra-rich, but those women who have everything will have nothing on you when it comes to style and elegance.

 Dr. Kristie