LIKE A GIBSON GIRL!

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

LIKE A GIBSON GIRL!

So You Want To Look

THE Gibson Girl figure is the fashion, and the accent is on the bosoms. The proud, high-breasted figure is as frequently the result of your own handiwork as of Nature's, Dr. Mary MacFadyen, physician, and author of the recently published book "Beauty Plus," says. Her prescription is correct posture, proper foundation garments, dressing for better proportions, and exercise to correct defects.

BySylvia Blythe

If the bust is small, swell out your chest with good posture. Flatten your back against the wall. Walk out in the same erect position, and measure your chest. See if you have not added two full inches. Mould the bust into firm, youthful contours with one of the modern cupshaped, uplift brassieres which support without constriction. Soft elastic fabric with two-way stretch, sturdy satin with cleverly inserted elastic bands, and gar-

mentti of net and lace which conform to the chape of the breasts, arc designed to mould, separate and elevate the bust to its natural position. Increase the apparent curves of the bust with blouse fullness, released, Empire etyle, at the diaphragm; with shoulder pleats and darts; with yokes which gather in blouse width below the armholes. Emphasise the bust with plain, high necklines, close-fitting hiplines, and narrow skirts. Bring it to better figure alignment with blouses, boleros and jackets of light-coloured, thick, shiny fabrics, worn with contrasting dark skirts. Massage and so-called "nourishing" creams are of little value in developing the bust, and the practice of cupping is ill advised because of the serious injury it may cause to breast tissues. Improve the bust contours by improving your general health. Eat nourishing food, walk in the open, get plenty of sleep. If the bust is too large for good proportions, do not try to conceal its size by slumping. Hold your chest up proudly for good carriage, and choose an all-in-one type of foundation to miniInise its size. Such a garment controls the entire diaphragm and gives you a smooth, flowing line. Strive to minimise its importance by dress details which conceal its outlines. Hip-length jackets and loose blouses with fullness released at a low waistline •will do this. If they are of the same colour as your gown, long jabots, Tuxedo, shawl and other loosely hanging collars will focus less attention upon the bust. Dress your hips for more width, and the bust will appear smaller, and let skirt flare give balance. If you are overweight, dieting to reduce your entire figure will also reduce your bust measurement, but it is advisable to consult a physician. Never resort to an operation to reduce the bust without expert medical opinion. Exercise will show results in reducing the large bust. The same exercises, paradoxically enough, will also develop chest muscles underneath the small bust, and set it off to better advantage. Stand erectly before an open window. Inhale deeply, extend your arms straight in front of you, then high over your head. Hold your breath to the count of 10, lower your arms and exhale. Repeat five times. Then, try this backward swimming stroke. Stand with both arms at your sides. Lift your right arm up, and imagine that you are pulling with difficulty through the water. Keeping your arm straight, stretch it forward and upward over your head. Swing it down behind you to your side. Repeat with the left arm. Practice this 10 times at first, and increase the number. Stand erect with your arms at your ide. Swing them up quickly to shoulder evel, then on over your head as high is you can lift them, and slap your iiands together with considerable pressure. Do this 20 times.