Ask Emily: A layered problem
By Susan Pugh on Feb. 28, 2008
Dear Emily: I am a very voluptuous woman, and have a hard time finding business attire that doesn’t draw attention to my chest. I want my employers to take me seriously, and look at my ideas — not my body. Are there any clothing suggestions you can give me?
— Too busty for business
Dear Too busty for business: No matter what your body type, a good rule of thumb is to pull attention away from your “trouble” areas. For your particular problem, go for the layered look. Wearing fitted blouses with a suit jacket or loose fitting cardigan sweater on top may help to minimize the busty-look. Also, choose a jacket with a higher stance and that has only two or three buttons. Remember that not all clothing stores are created equally. A well-made suit at one store may fit your needs exactly, whereas a similar looking suit of a lesser name brand may miss the mark.
Dear Emily: I am 19 years old, relatively new to following politics. Recently, I was really disheartened to hear about the Barack Obama plagiarism scandal. I know that the presidential hopeful said he only used “similar” lines in his speeches to those of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, but it still strikes me as wrong. I really thought Obama was the real deal, and now I’m wondering if any political candidate can be trusted. Tell me why anyone should bother to vote or support a candidate anymore.
— Grudge against government
Dear Grudge against government: You aren’t looking at the big picture here. It’s true that there isn’t one presidential contender right now who hasn’t had his or her name associated with controversy, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on voting. On the contrary, you need show politicians that you aren’t going to sit back and let others make decisions for you. Check out the non-profit organization Rock the Vote. The group motivates young people to create positive social and political change in their lives and communities. And as they say on their Web site, the organization’s work doesn’t end when the polls close. Rather, it encourages people to take action on the issues they care about by doing things like signing petitions, running for office or contacting their elected officials. The point is, if you don’t like your options, do something about it. Don’t sit back and do nothing but complain.
Dear Emily: I recently took a job as a waitress at a bar to make some extra bucks for college. I told my parents I got a job, but left out the details — like the skimpy uniform I have to wear or the terrible hours I have to work. They started to ask me more questions about my place of employment, and even said they want to come visit me and see where I work. Now what do I do?
— Working as waitress
Dear Working as waitress: The problem with sneaking around is that eventually you get caught. So spare yourself this guilt and stress, and either quit your job and find something more suitable, or keep your job and convince your parents that it is the right choice. Of course, if your parents are paying for your education, you are going have to understand why they don’t want you to have a distracting job. And you should respect their wishes. So be prepared to make a trip to your career center at school and look for a better employment match.
Have a question on love, life, or etiquette? Don’t be shy — Ask Emily at or write in care of The Burg, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506. Then go to http://www.the-burg.com, where you can leave a comment.
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