Nobody's perfect, not that you could tell it from the images in the fashion magazines. Anyone who has ever watched a model being transformed from a lanky kid to a glamour goddess would know that even these rare lovelies need the services of a dresser, makeup artist, hairstylist and a photographer with the talent to disguise figure flaws. All that for a split-second image frozen in time.
The rest of us, who have to get through the day and on with our lives in full view of the world, need more practical help.
Designers and manufacturers are beginning to jump on the idea that instead of dressing an ideal shape, there's a bigger market out here of women who have some age and hips on them.
The latest entry in the help-for-thighs category is L'eggs Smooth Silhouettes body contouring pantyhose. These have substantially more power and length than older tummy-control varieties. They come in two weights of leg control -- medium and sheer -- and are priced under $5. Colors range from the predictable drugstore and supermarket nude to black. A test drive, however, proved them to be almost as slimming as designer versions, which can run as high as $20.
It isn't all just a battle of bulges. Older women may maintain their weight, but the natural changes in their proportions and posture may cause them fitting problems. With the years, women may lose height, become more rounded in the shoulder, thicken in the middle and flatten out in the posterior.
Bethesda designer Ann Lowell has introduced the Anne MacTavish label, a line for the mature customer who wants fit and some zip in styling. The traditional styles feature generous pockets and hidden closure systems that require no fuss with buttons or zippers. The average price for the coordinated separates is $40, and they are washable.
Ms. Lowell hopes to be in stores soon. In the meantime, she sells out of her showroom at 611 Rockville Pike. Call (800) 222-3128 for information.
In the works for spring '96 is Delta Burke Design, a plus-size line conceived by one of TV's "Designing Women." The actress, who knows how to play the belle to the hilt, plans a full complement of career clothing, sportswear, accessories and lingerie.
Less-endowed women have mentors, too. Gossard, creator of the Super Uplift push-up bra, wants to hear real-life tales from the front. It is sponsoring a contest for women with the funniest push-up story. The best stories, in 200 words or less, will receive a bra wardrobe. You must mail entries by March 15. You must be 18. You must include your phone number and, of course, your bra size.
Write to Loving & Weintraub, 655 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10021. Attention: Bra Contest.
Careful what you tell. The stories may be made public.