Sexy clothes are "Better-than-Bare"

Lingerie to fit YOUR body

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Whether you are trying to find just the right gift for a loved one, or looking for advice on what styles will look best on you, having a basic and realistic view of body shape will go a long way towards maximizing your investment. A little thought about what your attributes or weaknesses are will allow you to look as alluring as you feel. Don't get us wrong; you don't have to be stick-thin and perfectly proportioned to be sexy. Lingerie is the great equalizer. In some ways, buying lingerie is almost self-defeating. If you pick the right style, color and size, no one will even notice the cloth draping your body. So read along, and see suggestions we have to help you make the best purchases. Click on the pictures to see examples of the outfits we suggest for each example For the Woman with: a Bigger Bottom

If the backside is a little large, the best bet is a thong bottom with some width to the back. Having around 1/3 coverage will make things look a little smaller, still show ample cheek and elongate the leg line. Things to avoid: Very skinny g-strings (they accentuate the size) or full coverage "granny panties" (makes the bottom look even wider).

For the Woman with: a Pear Shape

The secret here is to call attention to the bust, and have a solid opaque bottom that just slips over the hips. This will draw attention up, and the flaring A-line shape will slim the butt and hips. Things to avoid: Drawing attention to the middle. Don't wear something with a pattern along the midriff, and avoid panties that cut straight across the thighs. These will cut visually cut the wearer off, and make the legs look shorter and heavier.

For the Woman with: Large Breasts

Wearing a full coverage top will provide support and visually balance the look. What you want is to make the bust look controlled and proportional. Also, this type of top won't leave visible lines in anything you wear over your sexy outfit. A bikini brief will help you look youthful, and not like 'matronly'. Things to avoid: Demi-cups, shelf bras or other styles that accentuate the bust spilling out of the top.

For the Woman with: a Large Tummy

If you have a belly 'pooch', try wearing a babydoll with a closed front and some type of pattern. Add a thong or sexy pair of panties that will visually extend your legs.Things to avoid: Don't wear an open-front babydoll that frames what you are trying to not call attention to. And don't be tempted to buy either the top or bottom too small, as edges digging in really make like you are wearing things that are just too tight.

For the Woman with: a Slim Build Slimmer women want to compliment their frame with something light and airy. Feminine lingerie matches the delicacy of the frame, especially in sheer fabrics. things to avoid; Slim women can wear almost anything, but want to avoid anything that is either too visually heavy or that is too large. Otherwise you look like you are wearing something meant for someone else.

For the Woman with: an Hourglass Figure

Curvy women want to wear something that accentuates the waist, like a bustier. Adding some soft boning and a pretty matching bottom will really make your silhouette rock. Things to avoid; items that are loose fitting can make an hourglass shape look large and shapeless. Stick to fitted items. And point attention to the waist, not above or below.

Sports bras are still bras, they need to fit

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Although many people think one sport bra is pretty much the same as another, this is not true. Just as a properly fit everyday bra can make huge differences in comfort, a little judicious research can make your active time more enjoyable. Chafing, uncomfortable movement, lack of support; all these things will throw you off your game in a heartbeat.

Fit The bra should fit firmly enough to control breast motion, but not so tightly as to interfere with breathing. During vigorous movements, the entire upper body should move as one unit, with limited bouncing of the breasts. Give the bra the jumping-jack test to be sure it meets these criteria.

Support Minimal movement of the breasts within the bra is important to reduce chafing. Larger-breasted women will probably be more satisfied with molded cups. For maximum support, look for minimal vertical (neck to navel) stretch in the fabric. Horizontal stretch is necessary to get the bra off and on easily and not interfere with breathing.

Fabric Prevent moisture from accumulating. The bra should be a blend at of least 50 percent cotton and a breathable material such as Lycra mesh to help evaporate sweat and keep odor in check. Cotton provides more comfort than synthetic materials, reduced stretch, and greater support. The bra also should be lined under the breasts and under the arms with material like CoolMax that removes moisture from the skin by wicking the sweat outward.

Seams Poorly placed seams can irritate the nipples. Cups should be seamless or at least have covered seams. Hardware like hooks or fasteners must be covered with fabric and should be cushioned for maximum protection.

Straps Choose wide, nonstretch straps for best results. In addition, a wide “Y-back” panel can help increase support. Some sports bras offer a two-hook back for an adjustable fit.

Mobility Many sports bras are shaped like halter tops. Be certain the armholes allow ample room for the unrestricted arm movements necessary during exercise and for freedom from chafing.

Tips for Properly Fitting a Bra

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:23:00 +0000

According to experts, chances are the bra you have on right now is thewrong size. Conservatively, 8 out of 10 women are wearing a bra that either doesn't fit them properly now, or possibly never fit right to begin with. Why is this? There are many reasons:

You are wearing a bra that has stretched or sagged out of shape with time and wear
You bought a bra by size only, without making sure it fit your body
You are wearing a bra that just isn't made for your body type
You were measured by a professional for a bra, and are still wearing that same size years later.

How do you know you have the right bra?

First, your breasts should sit comfortably in the cups. This means cradled by the material, with no part of your breasts dropping out the bottom or bulging over the top. You should not feel the underwires digging in to your breasts, ribs or breastbone. You should feel supported, but not squeezed. You should also not see any extra material or saggy cups. The band supports the majority of the weight, not the straps. The band sits level all the way around your body, front and back. It especially should not rise up in the back.

How to measure for your bra

First, always wear your most comfortable bra when measuring for a bra. Not wearing an under-garment when you measure will almost always lead to buying a bra that is too small. Next, if possible have someone else measure you. Just the act of reaching up to hold a tape measure will cause your measurements to change. Last tip, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE NUMBERS!!! Measurements are just a way of putting you in to the correct size garment. Saying you are a certain size is a form of vanity that will inevitably cause you to lose sight of the most important feature of your bra, COMFORT. So, feel free to say you are whatever size you want, even cut the tags out of your bra so no one sees. But NEVER, EVER lie to yourself and buy the wrong size.

Band Size

As mentioned, start with your most comfortable bra. One which does not compress or minimize your bust. Standing in your normal posture, with your arms hanging naturally by your sides, measure around your body just under the armpit, high across the back and over the top of your bust. You should be able to hold 1 or 2 fingers inside the tape measure to make sure it isn't too tight. Take that measurement, and ROUND UP to the nearest even number. This is your Band Size.

Cup Size

Again standing naturally while wearing that comfortable bra, measure loosely across the fullest part of your bust. Again, don't pull the tape too tight, but also don't leave it too loose. Take this measurement, and subtract the band size. Using the difference in measurements, find your cup size in the chart below. IMPORTANT NOTE: Very rarely will you land on a round number for this difference. And unfortunately whether you round up or round down depends on your body and the bra style. So use these numbers as a starting point, and move up or down a cup size until you have the one that fits the best. You will find that each manufacturer is a little different, but they usually are consistent across their model line. US CUP SIZES Less than 1" AA 1" A 2"B 3"C 4"D 5"DD 6"DDD **If you don't see the number you got when you did the math, please email us and we will be glad to help you determine what size to order. Final words on Bra Size When you try a bra on, first thing you should do is position yourself properly. Using your hand, reach across your body to the opposite side breast and cradle it gently. Use your hand to lift it lightly, and bring the breast tissue from the side or bottom forward and up. Don't pull it, gently set your breast in place where is is supported by the cup material. All women have breasts that are slightly different sizes. On some women it is totally invisible, others it may be as much as a cup size or more. Fit your bra for your larger breast.

Now, PUT ON A WELL FITTING T-SHIRT. This is the best way to see what your bra does for your looks. Any un-natural bulges? Wrinkles in the cups showing through? Edges of the cups gaping and causing bulges? If you look great in a nice t-shirt, you will look great in everything else. Don't rest until you find the one that really makes you look your best.

The band should stay level complete around your body. If it lifts at the back, it is probably too big.
The center gap of the bra, between the breasts in front, should be flat and centered. It shouldn't extend over the edge of the breast. If it does, you may need to go up a cup size.
Underwires should not dig in. If they do, you need to adjust cup size.
Straps should help support you, but the majority of the support should come from the band. The straps just keep everything in place. If the band is too big, the straps will dig in to your shoulders, and also stretch more over time.

Speaking of stretch, always give your bras a day off. Wearing your favorite bra 2 or more days in a row will lead to it wearing out and stretch much faster. Today's fabrics will recover if you give them a break. Do this whole exercise again every 6 months. Women's bodies change for a variety of reasons. You may need to adjust up or down to ensure you continue to get the best service and support from your under-garments.

See the Beauty in Lingerie

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:45:00 +0000

I am amazed at how many people are embarrassed about lingerie, or shy and bashful, or misunderstanding of lingerie companies. I have been finding out more and more how most people are uptight about lingerie and mis-trustful of it’s retailers…

Some act like lingerie is disgusting. Pleeeeaassseee, what is disgusting about a beautiful person in a gorgeous gown, or chemise? Some act like they shouldn’t let others know that they find lingerie exciting. Whyyyyyyyyyy not? Some love lingerie. but, hide their feelings about it, and, never let anyone know how much they love it, order it, or wear it. What is up with this???

Myself, I adore lingerie. There are certain lingerie styles and accessories which do not appeal to me, but, hey, that is true with everything. Maybe you adore being looked upon as a temptress, as sensuous and exciting, for that is what makes a relationship healthy and strong. I love the materials, the styles, the cut, the detail, the feminine edge to the kind of lingerie which I choose; ladylike, soft, sexy, and with an impact which can take the breath from a man. It is feeling of pure pleasure to see a man enthralled by his partner draped in beautiful, glamorous materials, which flow on the body, or hug the curves, creating a much more enticing goddess…

Granted, there is hard core lingerie and accessories, but, that is a personal choice, and, from a business sense, a very profitable business it is. One has the choice of finding that which is true to their nature and lifestyle. If you are opposed to the harder elements of the lingerie industry, there are plenty of options available, which cater to personalities such as yours.

Lingerie is a wonderful part of life. It enhances, it creates allure, fantasy, and brings one into touch with their ’star’ side. When you allow yourself to become a new character with each lingerie ensemble, you are releasing a side of you which is carefree, confident, and bewitching. Nothing spells romance better than a couple who can share their fantasies, or act out new ones which they have devised together. Nothing keeps a couple closer than those who are open to their sensuality; it is love personified, demystified, and, fully shared, and, from my stand point, it doesn’t get much better than that…

Then, there is the attitude some have which won’t allow them to experiment with the lovely choices of lingerie because they feel that it would not look good on them. Believe me, there are so many choices, you are certain to find plenty which will look great on you. Age is no factor either, for you can find exquisite full coverage, if you feel you need it. But then again, your partner has already seen you as you are. Don't they deserve to see you as the dramatic and devastating sensual being you are deep inside?

Yes, lingerie is essential for many reasons, and, it is nothing to hide from. It is the silver lining in the black cloud of stagnation in a relationship. It is the spark of fire which keeps the love alive. It is the stuff which dreams are made of, and that keeps dreams alive. Lingerie is a statement of that which needs not be spoken, but simply enjoyed by all involved…

Style Imposters - Getting the look for less

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:53:00 +0000

No doubt there are a lot of women out there who really would love to wear expensive lingerie. It makes them feel good, which makes them look good. But not all of us can just crush our credit cards under mountains of debt to do it. So, what about the rest of us?

Well, the idea is that you can get very similar styles to some very high end items, but spend just a fraction of the price. Will they be exactly the same? No, that isn't likely. Even if an item is vastly over-priced, there is a certain amount of cost that goes in to these that make them so precious. But if you want to get 90% of the way there, for less than 20% of the cost, read on.

One of the biggest reasons some of these brands charge as much as they do is because, SURPRISE, they can!! People line up to buy them, even if only to say "Look, I'm wearing a "Chemise de Snooty".

Another reason they have to charge so much is because they pay huge amounts out in marketing and merchandising. Those ads in the glossy magazines don't come cheap. Or the billboards in Time Square. So they have to recoup that money from somewhere.

Enough about that. What you are no doubt interested in is "How do I find these items?" Well, periodically we will try to show you some items that we think are fairly comparable, one from a high end company and one from a much more reasonably priced line. We won't try to convince you a $5 Ebay special is the same as a designer original. But we will try to provide a reasonably priced alternative and reasonably well made outfit.

Babydoll

LEFT: Dolce and Gabbana Charlize Babydoll $233

RIGHT: Elegant Moments Lace Bodice Babydoll Set $20

Both of these lovely outfits have a stretch lace bodice and sheer body. Both are made from combinations of man-made fibers, including nylon. The D&G piece is the babydoll only, with the matching thong costing an additional $94. The Elegant Moments outfit is a set.

Chemise

LEFT: Cosabella 'Pearl' Babydoll Chemise $125

RIGHT: Fantasy Lingerie Sheer Chemise $31

Lingerie Sets

LEFT Chantelle Intimates 'Caprice' Bra and Tanga Bra $115, Tanga panty $68

RIGHT: Fantasy Lingerie Lace Demi Bralette Set $24

Before I get all kinds of flaming from my readers, let me repeat one more time: you ARE NOT going to get high fashion for low dollars. Yes, there will be a difference in construction quality. Yes, there will be a difference in the feel of the material. And you will be buying online instead of a fancy specialty store.

But look at these up-sides:

We are talking about something you wear on special occasions, for a special purpose. These clothes do not have to survive long term wear and every day washing.
All the items here are manufactured using man-made fibers. Just varying degrees of the same processes. So we are not talking about "silk and a sow's ear".
You get 90% of the style for 10-20% of the price.

Now, if you use a small portion of your savings for a nice bottle of champagne, the differences will become smaller and smaller as the evening carries on............

Yet another Bra Fitting Article

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:37:00 +0000

As a curvy girl it used be so difficult to find a bra that is both gorgeous and comfortable. There is no need to settle for badly fitting lingerie that you don't want to wear everyday. You know what feels good and if you get it right you'll see an improvement in your posture, your comfort and your confidence! Mostly though you'll be proud of your new gorgeous silhouette. Being “measured” for a bra is not the same as being “fitted”. Tape measures can provide a rough guide, but you only know if a bra fits by trying it on! Don't squeeze your boobs into a bra that isn't perfect. Different brands and styles all fit slightly differently. Never assume that if you wear a Brand X bra in a 30G you will also wear a Brand Y in a 30G. Every brand differs in size and style so you may need to try and few ranges to see which is best for your own shape! WHAT YOUR BRA SHOULD LOOK LIKE?

The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable.
When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
The wires should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in.
Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top meets your bust.
You shouldn't have any bulging over the top or sides of the cups.
Your bra band should have enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the center front.

TRYING ON TIPS

Start by fastening it on its loosest hook. You will be able to tighten the bra if it starts to give in the back when you've worn it a few times.
Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure that they are not too loose.
You may need to adjust your breasts to make sure they are in the cups properly.
If the back feels too tight then you should try a size up (e.g. 34 to a 36) If the cups are too small then try a cup size larger (e.g. B to a C) REMEMBER: Not all Bras are the same! Different brands and styles will vary even if they are the same size. Don't be surprised if you need a totally different size than the bra you are wearing!

WHY DOESN’T MY BRA FIT PROPERLY?

The most common mistake is wearing a size too big around the back and too small in the cup. E.g. a 36D instead of a 34DD. Listed below are the common symptoms of a bad fitting bra and the solutions:

I am bulging over the top or sides of the cup.

The cup size is too small. Your breasts should fit within the cups. Try at least one cup size bigger.

My bra rides up my back.

The back size is too big. Try a least one back size smaller. You should have a snug fitting horizontal band running around your back.

The wires stick out at the front or dig in under my arms.

The cup size is too small and not fitting around your breast properly. Try a larger cup size.

The straps are digging into my shoulders.

The back size is too big. The main support should be coming from the strap around your back. If the back is not tight enough the straps will take all the strain. Try a smaller back size.

The cups are wrinkly.

The cup size is too big. You are not filling the cups properly and should try a smaller cup size.

If you are still unsure when buying a bra or when you have received it at home, contact our customer service team. They will be happy to give you Free fitting advice on styles and brands and help you decide if bra is fitting correctly.

Sexy Costumes - do you sometimes wonder.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Looking for a way to add some zing to your sex life? How about trying some sexy costumes? Many women are hesitant to indulge in them, and men are unlikely to make the purchase as a gift for the bedroom. Why? There could be the fear of feeling silly, fear of being laughed at and fear of being outright rejected because of desiring to indulge in fantasy. So do you proceed? First, try bring up the subject of sexy costumes with your partner. Ask about how he or she feels about an exotic bustier or a French maid outfit. After all, we’re all human, and we all have fantasies. From this question, there are 2 possible answers. You may be delighted to learn that your partner has some fantasies of his or her own that could be fulfilled by wearing costumes. Great, move on from there. But if the answer is a very strong 'No', it may be best to let the subject go for now and try again later. The most important part here is to remember, your partner is rejecting the idea of a costume, not rejecting you. So don't escalate the tension by trying to argue or convince. Costumes are highly personal, and you need to allow for different tastes After this initial inquiry is successful, the next step is giving sexy costumes a try. Ask if your partner would like to buy some to give the idea a whirl. Since you already know that your partner is interested or curious about that strapless bustier or some sexy costumes, you can be sure that you’ll get a yes. A great way of shopping for sexy costumes would be for both of you to slip into robes, open a bottle of wine and go online. One quick search will provide you with a tremendous number of sources for sexy costumes. Browsing through sexy costumes will help relieve any lingering anxieties either of you may have about using costumes to add some spice to your bedroom activities. There are so many choices that you’ll see how common dressing in sexy costumes is, and playing out your fantasies will seem like a pretty normal thing to do. Doing your browsing and shopping together also helps you talk about your fantasies. This is a great way to learn more about your partner and what turns him or her on. Who knew he had a thing for nurses? Who knew she had a thing for pirates? You may find out you both have the same fantasy, which is wonderful. The more you know about your partner, the better you can please him or her. Maybe you can start with sexy costumes for a shared fantasy, then later move on to taking turns trying different costumes so that each of you have a chance to live out your fantasies, because that’s what sexy costumes are designed to do - help you indulge your erotic side. With the right partner and the right costumes, who knows what might happen - and isn’t that part of the thrill?

Show off your goods without going over the top… or coming out of your top!

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Ever wonder how to get the perfect amount of cleavage for any occasion? No matter your size, here are some great tips to push up your girls without looking fake.

Trick #1: Silicone inserts

Silicone is wonderful because it allows for a smooth look under even the tightest of clothes. Removable silicone pads allow you to augment your bust line however you want. For smaller busts, you can select an add-a-size insert to increase the size of your breasts by a full cup size. For larger busts, you can choose a flirty cleavage look or simply round out your shape. Just slide the insert into your bra, placing it along the bottom edge of the underwire (or, in the case of a non-underwire bra, along the bottom band of your bra) for a push-up towards the top, or along the side of the underwire for a push-up towards the centre. Lift up your breast in the cup and gently let it fall back into your bra to make sure the pad is snug between your skin and the bra.

Trick #2: Push-up bras or demi-bust bras

Some bras come equipped with either removable or non-removable cookies (some are fabric pads, others are filled with air or water or even silicone) that help get a push-up look. The bonus of bras with removable cookies is that you can opt to insert or remove the pads, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, all in one bra! Demi-bust bras are not necessarily padded but do reveal slightly more cleavage since they come down lower in the middle between the breasts. Either way, these bras are comfortable enough and convenient enough to wear daily for a slight enhancement (or more, depending on whether you put pads inside or not).

Trick #3: The seriously low neckline

Bras like the U-Bra by Arianne are specifically designed for shirts and dresses with a very low V-cut in the front. Since a regular bra will be visible underneath, bras like the U-bra fall much lower in the front while offering an extra push-up towards the centre, creating cleavage that’s irresistible!

Trick #4: Camisoles with integrated bras

Don’t like wearing a bra? Try a camisole with an integrated or shelf bra. Such garments are worn as clothing (outerwear) but because there is an integrated foam padding inside the bust, you get a light to medium support while still enhancing your bustline, without a bra and without pads. You can also wear these camisoles with a push-up bra to get an even more pronounced bustline.

Trick #5: Convertible bras

A convertible bra allows for the straps to be crossed in the back or clasped behind the neck (halter). By crossing or adjusting the straps behind the neck, you can discreetly push your breasts toward the centre (ideal for a V-shaped shirt). Most convertible bras are slightly padded or lined, so they offer a seamless look while enhancing your cleavage.

Thin is no longer "IN"

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:26:00 +0000

According to an article on PRNewswire, a recent poll shows 80% of men want curvy voluptuous women, not rail thin stick models. In the last 20 years, fashion models have gone from a size 8 to a size 0 for runway models. Within the same time period, the average American woman has gone from a size 10 to a size 14. Yet, American women, according to an online poll, see the super thin stick models and feel they are unattractive and are unhappy in their average or curvy bodies. There are over 8 million people in this country who are anorexic, bulimic or have eating disorders. Most of them are young women. "Young women look at these magazines showing super thin models and think they should be like them in order to be attractive."Yet contrary to popular belief that skinny is desirable, a recent poll ran showed the truth that men like some meat on a woman!" says Nancy Hayssen author of "101 Sexy Secrets: How to Be Hot, Sexy & Beautiful at ANY Size!" According to this same recent online poll of men ages 18-50 years and older, 80% of men are attracted to women that are curvy and voluptuous such as Jennifer Lopez or Queen Latifah, and an additional 15% are attracted to average bodies.Surprisingly, this leaves only 5% of men that actually find rail thin anorexic looking women like Nicole Ritchie and models we see on the runways as truly beautiful.Even more shocking when asked the question: "Who is the sexiest woman ever?" the winning response was "my wife," beating out historic beauty Marilyn Monroe, who came in second place.The average American woman is 5′4" and wears a size 14. This also happens to be roughly the size Marilyn Monroe, considered one of the most beautiful women celebrities of our time would have been today. Size 14 is considered plus size, therefore, the average American woman is plus size. This is good news for women everywhere since men are really attracted to average curvy women."We’re being lied to everyday. The fashion industry and Hollywood have spread the MYTH that men want skinny anorexic looking women. The truth is–it’s plus size or curvy women that are considered beautiful," says Ms. Hayssen. She now speaks out about the reality of what men really want through the internet and the radio letting the public know what the "real skinny" is.The truth is you don’t have to be skinny to be beautiful…in fact it’s the exact opposite!

The secret behind Underwires

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Have you ever bought an underwire bra in your size and felt like the underwires didn’t fit right? This posting is to help you understand bra underwires and how they are designed, selected and ultimately sewn into your bras. Let’s begin with some basic geometry. Breasts, for the most part, are shaped like orbs. They have a diameter and a projection. When selecting your cup size (e.g. B, DD, G, etc.) you’re basically choosing a size that addresses your breast projection — how far out from your body your breasts project.

Your breast diameter measurement, on the other hand, is already predetermined by the manufacturer who makes your bra. Your band size (32, 38, 42 etc) has a pre-determined breast diameter built into it in the form of an underwire. That’s right, manufacturers determine your breast diameter whether you like it or not, when they decide on the underwire that will be sewn into your bra. And all lingerie manufacturers pretty much follow the same sizing conventions with regard to diameters. As a side note, augmented breasts tend to have a wider diameter than their natural counterparts. This is why many augmented women tend to wear larger cup sizes than they thought they would wear - it's to get the correct fit with a wider underwire.

So, now that you know this, you can understand why changing your band size will also change your breast fit. And here's another industry secret. Manufacturers use the same underwire in different bra sizes. This is done to reduce the number of different underwires they need to work with., but it also makes sense. Remember, your cup size is determining your projection. A woman with a larger band size, but with the same projection should also have the same diameter - in theory. Here's an example to explain how all of this works. Suppose you are a 36C. The industry has quantified over the years that your projection is the same measurement as a woman who is a 32DD, 34D, 38B and a 40A. So, most of the time, these bra sizes will all have the same underwire sewn into them. This makes sense when you consider what you do with weight fluctuation. If you are in a 36C and the cups fit, but the band is too tight, the correct size change would be to go up a band size to a 38 and down a cup size to a B to maintain the same cup volume. After all, your girth changed; not your breast diameter.

I put this chart together to guide you in all of this. So, the next time you feel you need to change your bra size, stop and think about what needs to change. If it’s just your band, consult with this chart to find the next size you should consider moving to.

30A	30B	30C	30D	30E	30F	30G	30H	30I
32A	32B	32C	32D	32E	32F	32G	32H	32I
34A	34B	34C	34D	34E	34F	34G	34H	34I
36A	36B	36C	36D	36E	36F	36G	36H	36I
38A	38B	38C	38D	38E	38F	38G	38H	38I
40A	40B	40C	40D	40E	40F	40G	40H	40I
42A	42B	42C	42D	42E	42F	42G	42H	42I
44A	44B	44C	44D	44E	44F	44G	44H	44I

Underwire shapes can and do vary among brands and manufacturers. In fact, many feel their underwire grading and shaping choices are the trade secret to their fit. This is why you'll find slight underwire variations among manufacturers (however they will not tell you or us what they are). This explains why one manufacturer may fit you better than another.

Underwires also have different lengths - their curve will follow the same size circle, but, like a pie chart, the diameter length can vary. For example, demi cup bras, balconette bras, bras labeled "petite" and low-plunge bra styles generally have shorter wires. If you are short in stature, this is good to know, because a shorter wire will have a less chance of poking you under your arm since these wires do not come up as high. Strapless bras tend to have the longest underwires, and for good reason. Without strap support, a strapless bra requires more wire to circle around the breast in order to give proper support and keep the bra up.

Now that you understand underwire sizing, you can understand why underwire swimsuits with just a cup size like a "C" don’t fit all C cup women. And, for you analytical types who are probably wondering, when underwires are graded to create their different sizes, the diameter increase is approximately 3/8" and the underwire length increase is approximately 5/8". Underwires are also engineered to have some spring. Once a bra is fastened, horizontal pressure is exerted on the underwires so that they splay or spread. Then, when a bra is unhooked, the underwires return to their original shape. This springing or splay gives additional support to your breasts by exerting inward pressure on them - like a gentle squeeze. If you are in the wrong size bra such that your breasts are wider than the splayed diameter of the underwire, over time the pressure and weight of your breasts can cause an underwire to break in half. If this happens to your frequently, you are probably in a bra with too small of a band size, or one where the cups are too small.

I appreciate that learning all of this may be a little overwhelming. But, you should also know that manufacturers work very hard to get you the best fit possible and try and make your size selection easy. However, it’s always nice to know the logic behind what they do.

The Cup Size Shell Game - How to win

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Finding a bra you love only to discover its size range stops just before your bra size can be frustrating. However, in some circumstances, you may not be totally out of luck.

Say you’re a 40C and the bra you have found stops at 38DD. You MIGHT be able to wear the 38D or 38DD in that bra if the band doesn’t feel too tight. Deviating from your traditional bra size is called the cup size game. Substituting bra sizes really works more successfully on women with band sizes 40 and above and D cups or larger because there is more breast tissue and body circumference to work with - a 2" band increase or a 1" bust line circumference increase is less significant than on a smaller framed person. But, smaller framed women also have way more bra choices.

There are 2 important things you need to know about cup size. The first is that a cup size on one band size is not equal to the same cup size on another band size. In other words, a 32D bra has smaller cup volume and diameter than a 34D bra even though both bra sizes are a D cup. So I bet you’re wondering why the industry assigns the same cup size to both.

Cup size is a measurement of how far your breasts project from your chest wall. Each cup size denotes a 1" increase in your body’s CIRCUMFERENCE measurement at your bust line. Knowing this fact can help you zero in on your correct bra size. For example, you try on a bra and the band feels comfortable, but your breasts are spilling out. Keep going up in cup sizes on the same band size until you find the bra that fits. Alternately, the cups fit great, but the band is too big. When you go down a band size, you now know that you need to go up a cup size to maintain the same underwire diameter and similar cup volume (Example: Go from a 40C to a 38D).

The second important point about cup size pertains to women with cup sizes larger than a D cup. Trying to find cup equivalents among brands can be very difficult. In one brand you are a DDDD, but this same cup size can be a G, F, or FF in other brands. The first thing you should know is that all manufacturers size their cups up by 1" circumference increases. They may call their sizing by different letters, but the increases between sizes are uniform. So, as mentioned above, find out how many cup sizes above a D you are. At HerRoom.com, when you look at the sizes available in a particular bra, HerRoom displays the cup sizes in order from smallest to largest. If you are 4 cup sizes larger than a D cup, you can count 4 sizes from D to find your correct size in that particular brand. Again, it doesn’t matter what the cup size letter is. Just make sure you count the right number of sizes above their D and you will have the right size.

When a manufacturer grades his patterns to create different sizes for a bra style, he moves the bust points slightly wider with each cup size increase. B cup bust points are 1/2" farther apart than A cups. Bust points get 1/4" farther apart between B, C and D cups, and 1/8" farther apart with larger cup sizes. Now that I’ve shared the cup size game with you, I want to make a final point. It is always best to purchase your true and accurate bra size if you want to maximize your proper fit.

You don't have to just sleep in bed....

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Now here’s a statistic we’ve got to change:

Fox News reports that according to an unscientific poll, just 10 percent of married women said they usually wear sexy lingerie in bed. More than half prefer a ratty T-shirt or comfortable pajamas, while a third sleep naked. This is the same survey that reports that nearly a third of the married women polled stick to their own side of the marital bed. Another third said they don’t have time for sex with their husbands.

Hmmm–could there be a correlation? Worn-out T-shirt…silk nightgown…no sex…sex. Perhaps we can all start by wearing something other than ratty gym clothes in bed. Maybe we need to proclaim one night a week go-to-bed-hot night and start right here with some silky smooth sleepwear.

Figure Shapes - The Pear Figure

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:02:00 +0000

The lingerie industry has come up with six figure types that they feel captures every woman. I know this sounds kind of crazy, but the truth is I have yet to find a woman I couldn’t classify in one of them. By knowing your personal figure type, you can make smarter lingerie choices that will enhance your best points and disguise your less-than-favorable ones.

In the near future, I’m going to talk about each of these figure types. They are The pear shape, apple shape, column shape, the hourglass shape, the almost hourglass shape and the cornet shape.

The figure type known as the pear shape can usually be recognized by a small upper body and a large and heavy lower body. Her shoulders are narrow, but her hips are fairly wide and her thighs are quite heavy. Thus, in silhouette, her body would have the shape of a pear. In most cases, the size she wears on top is 1 to 3 sizes smaller than her size on bottom which can make it very difficult if not impossible to buy dresses.

So, what are the best lingerie options for a woman with this figure type? Let’s start on top. The goal here is to balance the body shape. So, for a pear shaped woman with a small cup size, select a bra that is padded and gives the breast some more volume. This will make the upper portion of her body look more in proportion and have the added benefit of creating the look of a waist. For pear-shaped women with larger breasts, make sure breasts are lifted and supported. Again, you get a waist and you’ll look like you’ve lost weight.

Now for the bottom. I love repeating a comment made by Tyra Banks. She noticed that the skimpier the bathing suit, the slimmer she looked - especially when she had put on a few pounds. Her comment is absolutely correct. Women with large thighs and hips look much slimmer in a brief that is high cut on the sides and with a lower rise. This makes your legs look longer and slimmer and because the briefs are lower, your hips and thighs will look more in balance with your shoulders. The absolute worst look for you would be to stick on a big full coverage brief.

One final note on this figure type. It is almost impossible to find a longline bra that will fit you. The manufacturers had to make a decision as to your hip size, and they have chosen to design longline bras to accomodate a woman whose top and bottom are more in proportion. So, my suggestion to a pear shaped woman who simply must have a longline bra is to purchase a corset with a back or front lace-up. This will allow great fit flexibility and better contouring to your unique shape.

Remedies for Common Bra Fitting Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Not too long ago, I posted a checklist to determine if you were wearing the correct bra size. Check it out now. It will give you some visual clues to look for, which we reference in today's post.

Okay, so now that you have done the checklist let’s go through your answers. If you said "no" to any of the questions, I have the answer for you below.

So there you have it. You can be your own best bra fitter. And one final point. when you change band sizes, this is a major size change. When you go up a band size from a 36C to a 38C, for example, in actuality you are going up a band size and up a cup size because a 38C cup is the same cup size as a 36D. Conversely, when you go from a 38C to a 36B, (down a band and a cup size) you are going down a band size AND down 2 cup sizes because the cup size in a 38C is the same volume as a 36D. In other words, going up a band size and keeping the same cup size means you are going up a band size and up a cup size. Conversely, going down a band size and keeping the same cup size means you are going down a band size and down 1 cup size. So, changing a band size is a huge size change and also changes cup sizing as well. Changing a cup size within a band size is fine tuning - as long as you keep the same band size, you can go up and down a cup size to hone in a better fit. So, get your band size right first, then play around with cup sizes.

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:07:00 +0000

How do you layer your shapewear?

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:57:00 +0000

I think all of us at one time or another have wondered about the proper sequence of undergarments. Let’s say you have a pair of pantyhose, a panty, and a piece of shapewear. In what order do you put them on? Do you wear all of them or forfeit something? This question was posed to 13 shapewear vendors including Spanx, Bali, BodyWrap, Va Bien and TC Fine. We were stunned to hear they all had the same response. It was, forget the panties, put on your pantyhose, and then put on your shapewear. Are you surprised? We were. For starters, most of us felt panties should be worn. The reason the manufacturers feel they aren’t necessary is because they all make shapewear with a cotton crotch or an accessible crotch. Therefore, shapewear is specifically designed to eliminate the need for panties. In a poll of the women, the responses fell roughly along age lines. The younger crowd agreed about not wearing panties. Many had tried panties on under their shapewear, but found that the panty created an additional line - even when they tried laser edge cut panties like Commandos. The more mature crowd simply likes the idea of panties and wouldn’t consider not wearing them. The reason pantyhose go on first is because if put on over shapewear, they tend to slide down due to the slick nature of the shapewear fabric. You can spend the night feeling your pantyhose inching down your body and finding yourself in the ladies room several times in order to pull them back up. The panthose can also cause a line that otherwise would be smoothed out if shapewear was put on over it. Now, that said, there are several shapewear pieces that have silicone gripper tape along the legs to keep the shapewear in place. Putting this gripper tape on top of pantyhose renders it worthless, and could possibly cause a run in the pantyhose. So, there can be some conflicting results in this situation. Personally, this is what I do. I don’t wear panties. I also don’t wear pantyhose. If I want leg covering, I buy thigh-high stockings. Since my shapewear of preference is a biker short style, I first put on my thigh-highs, pull up my shapewear, and make sure the top of my stockings are secured by my shapewear. Now, I really only have one layer on, I’m comfortable, not hot, and have a very simple solution when I need to visit the ladies room.

Quick Checklist: Are you wearing the right sized bra?

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:15:00 +0000

First, you need to start by putting on your best fitting bra. If possible, this bra should not have any padding. Get in front of a mirror and look at yourself. Now, go through the following check list and choose "yes" or "no" next to each point:

Is the center of your bra sitting flat against your body? If you are wearing a minimizer bra, or a soft cup bra and have breasts larger than DD cups, this may not be the case. In these two cases, the center not resting against your sternum is okay.

Are your underwires sitting under your breasts in your breast crease and not poking out?

Is all of your breast tissue contained in your cup? If you are wearing a demi style bra or low cut bra, your breast tissue may not be in your cup. This is fine unless you feel the tissue is spilling out of this style.

Do your cups fit with no gapping or puckering?

Are your shoulder straps comfortable and not falling off or digging into your shoulders?

Is your nipple line half way between your shoulder and your elbow?

Is the bottom of your bra level and parallel with the floor?

Are your hook and eyes on the tightest or middle setting?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, you’re in the right bra size. The number one mistake women make is wearing a bra with cups too small and a band size too big. Or put another way, she is wearing a 38C instead of a 36D. For some reason, women are more willing to go up a band size than a cup size. But when you’re walking around, no one is looking at you and thinking you have a certain bra size on. They only notice if you look good or not. So, don’t get hung up on your bra size; it’s just a number and a letter or two. The goal is to have you looking and feeling the best you can.

Watch for an upcoming post that will have even more details, and how you should address these issues

5 Must-Have items for your Lingerie Drawer

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:28:00 +0000

The other day, Oprah had a show about women getting their sexy back. Her style team from O Magazine took 5 women and transformed them into really attractive and sexy looking goddesses. It was truly impressive. Part of the show had a segment from Susan Nethero sharing her list of 5 lingerie must-haves every women should have in her lingerie drawer. Here they are:

A Date Night Bra - This is a bra that is pretty and makes you feel pretty when you wear it out in the evening. One idea was for this bra to be in a color other than nude - like red. I think black can be a good choice as well.

A Demi Cup or Cleavage Showing Bra - A demi cup bra has cups that cover less of your upper breast tissue. This allows you to wear lower necklines. A cleavage showing bra, I call a plunge bra. The center panel is cut very low so that you can wear lower v-necks or be able to keep one more button unbuttoned.

A Strapless Bra - I find myself more and more reaching for a strapless. With today’s unusual necklines, a strapless sometimes seems like the only choice if you want to wear a bra.

An Elegant Camisole - I must confess that I frequently forget about the camisole option. It’s a great solution as a layer under jackets and sweaters. As winter approaches, and we all must go in and out of hot and cold temperatures, having a pretty camisole as your base layer can give instant relief when you want to take off something to cool down. And, there are great support camisoles that not only look pretty, but give you the added smoothing benefits.

Matching Bra and Panty Sets - After this recommendation, Oprah polled her audience as to how many women were wearing panties that matched their bra. Not many raised their hand. A conversation between Oprah and her stylists ensued. The overwhelming opinion is that women who wear a matching set feel more confident when they walk and talk - even if no one but themselves know they have it on.

So there you go. If you don't have these, run out and get them. If you do, check them to make sure they still 'serve their purpose'. Nothing lasts forever, and you deserve having a little fashion treat every once in a while.

How do you put on your bra?

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:00:00 +0000

There’s the old saying that we all put on our pants one leg at a time. However, when it comes to bras, this is not the case. Over the years, we women have come up with a couple of clever techniques for putting this uniquely feminine garment in its proper place.

The Hook and Spin Method:

This way of putting on a bra is the most common among women with smaller breast and who also have a small or average waist. Also, women who have dexterity issues find this method simpler as well. Simply put, you wrap your bra around your back and hook it in front of you. You then turn your bra either clockwise, or counterclockwise (depending on the way the label is sewn so as not to bunch up) until the two cups are underneath your breasts. Adjust your bra band so that it is directly under your breasts, and the underwires are properly placed in your breast crease, then slip your shoulder straps up onto your shoulders.

Though your bra is on, you are not done. There are a couple more steps that you need to do to insure you have your bra in the proper position so that it will remain comfortable throughout the day and give you proper support. Run your finger under the back hook to make sure the label of your bra, if there is one, is laying flat. Tug down on the back of the bra while looking in the mirror to make sure the front and back of your bra are parallel with the floor, and that the bra back is tucked just under your shoulder bones. Next, bend forward at the waist and with your right hand, go under you left breast and lift it into the bra cup. Then repeat this on your right side. Look inside your cups and make sure your nipples are front and center. If you have a seamed cup, make sure your nipple is directly behind the seam. This will help reduce nipple show-through. Now, stand up and look at yourself. If you are happy where everything is, you are good to go.

The Upside Down Hook and Spin Method:

This method is almost the same as the prior method with the exception of the start. You fasten your bra in front of you, but your bra is upside down and inside out. After spinning your bra around so that the cups are in the center, you now flip your bra up to put it in place and then follow all the same steps as above. This technique is a great one for today’s contour bras that already have pre-shaped cups. It prevents the cups from getting smashed or creased before putting your bra on. If you haven’t put your bra on this way before, it may take a few tries to get it right, but once you learn to hook your bra inside out in front of you, it’s a very simple method to use.

Front Loading Method:

Large breasted women, women with apple figures, soft cup bra wearers and women in a hurry tend to use this technique to put on their bra. You begin by putting your arms through the straps of your bra, you then hold the back wings of the bra in each hand and wrap your arms behind you to hook your bra together. Once the bra is hooked, you really need to bend forward at the waist and place your breasts into your cups to make sure they are centered and pulled up into the cups before standing up. Again, a check in the mirror should be made to make sure the back of your bra is pulled down and even with the front of your bra, your tags are flat, and your breasts are up and in your cups. If you have cup seams, you should make sure they are resting on top of your nipples to reduce nipple show though.

An important note here. This technique can be very challenging for women who are not limber enough to put their two hands behind their back. So, as we get older, this technique will become harder. It is also difficult to tell if the bra is on the proper closure without checking in the mirror.

For modesty reasons, many women use this front loading technique because it immediately covers your breasts. I know that I use it when I’m in a dressing room and the sales clerk can be heard coming down the hall. But when using this technique it is also very easy to not get your breasts correctly into the cups and have the back of your bra resting too high on your back. So, this technique more than the others needs the final steps to insure proper fit.

Over the years, I have heard lingerie experts state that the Hook and Spin method wears down your bra. The thinking is that the spinning process on your body breaks down the elastic and causes your bra to age more quickly. I think this is absolute nonsense Our bras are not designer gowns that need to be preserved for our daughters. They are underwear that will go through many washings and wearing before being replaced. The convenience of the Hook and Spin method far outweighs any minor stress put on the elastic as you spin it around your waist.

A note on underwire bras. However you put it on, you must make sure to check that your underwires are resting in the natural crease where your breast begins on your chest. The underwire should be resting on your ribcage. If your underwire is resting on breast tissue, your breasts need to be pulled up and into your bra cups until this is not the case. If you can’t do this, you are in the wrong size bra.

I would also be remiss if I did not speak of "The Jiggle" technique for getting your breasts into the proper place in your bra cups. I personally use this technique more than putting my hands inside my cups to adjust my breast tissue. To perform the jiggle, bend forward from your waist, pull down on the center of your bra and jiggle your bra back and forth until you feel your breasts are resting appropriately in the cups. When you stand up, you will see that your breasts are sitting higher in your cups, are fuller looking and look more youthful.

Another reason not to go bra-less

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:39:00 +0000

A woman watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from a picnic table found out that her bra can do more than lift and support: It also slowed a falling bullet.

The .45-caliber bullet struck Debbie Bingham, 46, after someone fired a gun into the air about 20 minutes before midnight. She still needed stitches, but the wound might have been much worse except for the bra strap, police spokesman George Kajtsa said.

Bingham, who was in town from Atlanta, Georgia, said she is thankful for the undergarment, which she said was “very cheap.”

“I’d love to have a couple more of those bras,” she said.

Bingham said she was listening to music and enjoying the fireworks with her daughter and son when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder.

Then Solanda Bingham, 30, noticed blood seeping through her mother’s white shirt, and they found the bullet lodged halfway into the gold-colored bra. The other half was barely breaking the skin, Bingham told WTSP-TV.

Kajtsa described the wound as a “big scratch with bruising.”

St. Petersburg police were searching for the shooter to determine if the shooting was intentional, Kajtsa said.

A little something about Men's Underwear

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Ladies, we have news for you:

That underwear you’ve been buying your husbands and sons all these years, figuring they didn’t care enough about drawers to replace the worn ones … well, men do care. Really. Some are downright passionate about Men’s Boxers & Briefs.

Yet unlike women, who will drone on for days about the merits of a good bra, men don’t like to talk about such things. So they graciously accept whatever you purchase and suffer in silence if they don’t like it.

That could be changing.

According to underwear manufacturers, men are (gasp!) buying their own underwear in greater numbers, and wielding more influence over those who buy it for them.

They’re even venturing into new silhouettes and colors.

Underwear retailer C-IN2 offers low-cut styles to accommodate low-rise jeans, for instance. Even stalwarts such as Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren are cautiously flirting with undies that go beyond the requisite solids and plaids.

Macy’s says its biggest growth in men’s underwear has been in the newer silhouettes, including what it calls “midways,” the male equivalent of boy shorts for women. They’re halfway between briefs and trunks, and come in wovens and knits.

The department store’s hottest-selling color is black.

Jockey International reports that sales of black underwear over the holidays were up 18 percent from the same period in 2005. Sales of white underwear were largely flat. And the company’s new “3D Innovations” line (which Jockey says allows for more freedom of movement because it has fewer seams) comes in white, black, “denim heather” and “charcoal heather,” with red accents.

“We don’t know if it’s a brave new man or if it’s been there all along, but we’re trying to respond to what our customers want,” says Tim Pitt, Jockey’s vice president of global marketing and advertising.

They ought to. Men’s undies accounted for $3.6 billion in sales during the fiscal year ended in October, up from $3.3 billion the year before, according to the NPD Group, a market research firm.

Steve Buehry is general merchandise lines manager at a grocery-department store in Indiana. It wasn’t news to him that guys are showing more interest in their drawers.

“You can always tell when guys are shopping for underwear because they rip open the packages to check the size,” he said. “Women leave them intact.”

Wayne Johnson, 18, is among new-generation men who prefer not to delegate underwear-buying. He likes boxers, and doesn’t shy away from loud colors or patterns.

Johnson is a big fan of cartoon character prints, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo. But although the Indianapolis teen likes the baggy jeans look, he draws the line at underwear waistbands that peek out from beneath his pants. “That’s nasty,” he says.

Jack Norris, 65, buys his own underwear, too. He’s a briefs man, through and through, and he’ll have none of those funky new colors, thank you very much.

“When you’re in the shower after you’ve played golf or done something at the gym, and a guy puts on those bikini pants in pink, the conversation stops. That’s all I can tell you,” he says.

Still, Norris doesn’t begrudge those with passionate opinions about underwear. “If you get the wrong underwear, it’s really uncomfortable and irritating all day long,” he says. Steve Williams, 42, welcomes the new styles and colors, and wishes there were more to choose from, in cotton boxer lines, for special occasions. “The only alternative we have to daily duty is novelty - silky drawers with large lips, cartoon characters or paisley prints,” he said. “To be honest, putting on silky drawers, regardless of the rationale, doesn’t exactly make me feel manly. What’s he wearing under there? Briefs, also known as tighty-whiteys, are the venerable standby that boys and men have worn for decades. They’re most often white, made of cotton and tight-fitting above the thigh. • Boxers are loose-fitting shorts that come in a variety of fabrics and colors. The fly usually consists of overlapping fabric and sometimes has buttons. • Trunks are boxers cut very short. • Boxer briefs combine the close fit of briefs with the longer shorts of boxers. They’re usually cotton. • Bikinis are close-fitting briefs with a low waist and no fly. Colors and fabrics vary wildly. • Thongs cover the essentials and not one square inch more. No color, print or fabric is off-limits.

100 years of Bra History

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:12:00 +0000

The bra is ubiquitous. Whether you wear one or you’ve fumbled around in the dark trying to unclasp one, most everyone has encountered the most provocative of undergarments in one of its many forms. Whether for exercise, work, nursing, comfort or seduction, most women, from almost A to double J, possess a rainbow of bras for a variety of occasions.

And on its 100th birthday, the bra has never looked better.

The bra evolved immensely during the past 100 years to become the garment we know, love, sometimes hate, and wear today. Here is a timeline of notable events in the history of bras:

1907: The word “brassiere” first appears in American Vogue.

1907: The loose dress designs of Parisian couturier Paul Poiret allow women to ditch the corset and adopt the brassiere. Poiret says, “it was in the name of Liberty that I proclaimed the fall of the corset and the adoption of the brassiere which, since then, has won the day.”

1910: American socialite Mary Phelps Jacob rejects the corset and fashions her own underwear from silk handkerchiefs and ribbon. The next year she is granted the U.S. patent for the brassiere.

1923: Russian immigrant Ida Rosenthal and her husband William create Maidenform. Rosenthal will go on to pioneer different cup sizes and patent a strap fastener.

1935: Warner releases the A’lure Bra, marking the first time a company uses the abbreviated version of the word “brassiere.”

1937: Warner creates the first cup sizing system. Many previous bras relied on stretchable cups for fit.

1940: World War II makes steel a precious commodity. This effectively kills the heavy steel corsets still worn by some women.

1950s: The missile bra look is popularized by Hollywood “sweater girls,” including Lana Turner and Jane Russell, who wear pointier bras and tight-fitting sweaters to accentuate the bust.

1951: Wrapture releases the Tres Secrete inflatable bra, which allows the wearer to inflate cups to the desired size by blowing in a straw.

1959: Lycra Fiber is invented by scientists at DuPont. This stretchy fiber makes it possible for bras to fit close to the body without sagging or losing their shape, allowing for more comfortable and better-fitting bras.

1964: The Wonderbra, which aims to “lift and separate the bust,” is launched. The Wonderbra will surge in popularity again in 1994 thanks to the “Hello, boys” ad campaign starring supermodel Eva Herzigova.

1968: Demonstrators at the Miss America pageant throw bras, corsets, nylons and other constricting clothing into a trash can to protest the effect of beauty standards on women. Although much has been made about feminists burning bras during this era, there is little evidence these events actually occurred.

1977: Underwear giant Victoria’s Secret is founded in San Francisco. By 1996 the company will have an annual revenue of nearly a billion dollars.

1977: Hinda Miller, Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith sew two jock straps together and call it the Jogbra. The first sports bra is born.

1991: Madonna vogues her way around the world, wearing Jean Paul Gaultier’s famous conical bra for her Blonde Ambition tour.

1995: On an episode of “Seinfeld,” Kramer and Frank Costanza attempt to go into business selling a Velcro-fastened bra for men and argue whether to call it the “bro” or the “manssiere.”

1997: Italian manufacturer Santoni develops a circular knitting machine that allows bras to be sewn all at once, instead of sewing separate pieces together, making seamless bras possible.

1999: Soccer star Brandi Chastain strips off her jersey after scoring the winning penalty kick at the Women’s World Cup, revealing her sports bra and creating a media sensation.

Here are fashion trends to look for next year

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:25:00 +0000

From the Detroit Free Press: Four fashion capitals and four weeks of runway previews didn't add up to a single must-have look for spring-summer '09.

That might be just fine with consumers who, considering the economic meltdown of recent days, probably are in no mood to start their shopping lists for next season.

Of course, designers couldn't have predicted such a stark picture when they started crafting these collections months before their previews in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Still, there was a collective movement toward a looser shape compared with the buttoned-up style of fall.

The passing of Yves St. Laurent in June, the time when many designers were putting together their spring collections, also appeared to have a strong influence, especially in safari and tribal touches.

Some things seemed made for runway drama -- like the harem pants that were ubiquitous in New York, and made encore appearances in Europe -- but received a lukewarm, at best, reaction from retailers.

Designers typically offer a more toned-down version of the collection to store buyers in follow-up showroom appointments, and those probably give a better sense of what's to come, says Candy Pratts Price, executive editor at Style.com. "This is what you saw, not what is being delivered."

Here's what editors, stylists and retailers came home to consider:

The bare look

Call it sand, skin or champagne: There was a steady parade of nude colors on the runways, although models weren't necessarily showing a lot of skin.

It didn't matter. The effect of flesh-colored clothes -- whether they're flashy with sparkle or more sophisticated in an earth tone -- is sexy.

"Everyone did nude, but it wasn't lingerie nude all the time -- it was an interesting mix with yellow and orange," observes Price.

And, she adds, these flesh tones weren't used to complement delicate, romantic pieces as much as strong, futuristic looks.

Shrug it off

Designers offered up the modern goddess as their collective muse, showing a string of one-shouldered looks. Most of the outfits were evening gowns but the asymmetric style was also popular with more casual, shorter silhouettes.

Sometimes the off-kilter line creates a longer, leaner appearance; sometimes, though, the outfit just looks askew.

High and mighty

The gladiator may reach its full height of popularity in spring '09. What started as a flat summertime-sandal alternative to the ballet slipper has gotten a progressively higher heel as the years have gone on. The shoes on the runway this go-round had towering heels, tough-girl styling and sometimes seemingly unstable architecture.

Price noted that at bellwether accessories house Prada, the models had trouble making it down the runway.

"I love high heels, but I have to be able to work in these shoes," she says. "I want to be able to evacuate a plane in my shoes and I'm not sure I could in these."

Feeling the squeeze

While a more relaxed shape dominated, there was a proliferation of tight corsets, too. It was the yin to the yang, and the "va" in vavoom. Corsets were featured in old-school cocktail dresses and playful rompers. Prada also adopted bra tops, so the lingerie look may linger awhile.

Carol Mitchell, owner of an upscale boutique in McLean, Va., said her suburban D.C. customers prefer something with a fitted shape to a flowing silhouette. She's confident that Dolce & Gabbana's bra dresses will do well in her store.

"You see that Dolce & Gabbana dress and you know this is just going to fit so well. ... The bones they use are the same ones the ballerina costumes are made of, so they move and they are not stiff. The fabric probably is stretch, too. It's comfortable but looks great."

Feeling orange, pink, blue

Either the fashion industry isn't going to let the shaky economy drag it down -- or designers are trying to escape it. There was a clear tropical influence on the clothes for spring-summer. If nude is the must-have neutral over standard black and white, then tangerine orange and hibiscus pink, along with ocean blues, are the favorite infusions of color instead of pastels.

The top-tier designer labels in Mitchell's store, including Lanvin and Narciso Rodriguez, also adopted a fiery red, but it was with undertones of orange instead of blue.

It feels good to surround yourself with these colors after the winter, she says, but those really starved for brights actually will start seeing color trickle in during November when resort-season clothes begin to appear.

Push-up bra voted greatest fashion invention ever

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:52:00 +0000

With its magical ability to make mountains out of molehills, it is the secret weapon in many women’s lingerie drawer.

No wonder the push-up bra has been hailed as the greatest-ever fashion invention.

It beat boot-cut jeans to the title in a poll of 3,000 women.

Pull-in pants, which allow the wearer to hide a wobbly stomach, came third followed by stilettos.

Film director Howard Hughes designed a type of push-up bra for Jane Russell to wear in his 1943 film The Outlaw, although Russell later claimed she never wore it.

In Canada in the 1960s, the Wonderbra was developed and it enjoyed moderate success around the world. But it was not until the early 1990s, when it was marketed with a picture of Eva Herzigova and the words “Hello Boys”, that sales started to soar.

Caroline Adams for Debenhams, which polled its customers on their fashion favourites, said: “Push-up bras have become a wardrobe weapon for millions of women across the world.

“It not only makes women feel incredibly sexy but it creates the ultimate cleavage.

Other fashion items to feature in the top 20 include stockings at 11 and the G-string at number 12. The bra-boosters known as chicken fillets also made it into the top 20, in 15th place.

Sexy is as sexy does

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Let's face it, perfumes and aftershaves are more often than not marketed on sex appeal. Fragrance ads are full of young, sexy, toned and tanned models in provocative poses. Of course perfumes aren't the only products promoted on sex appeal. I mean who can forget those Calvin Klein underwear ads featuring Marky Mark Wahlberg? But some perfume ads tread a fine line. Case in point, the latest Calvin Klein for Secret Obsession featuring Eva Mendes which was banned in the US by network censors for being too provocative. The point is that the premise behind these ads is that by wearing perfume X or aftershave Y, you too can be as sexually appealing as the models in those ads. Even the names of some perfumes are suggestive - 212 Sexy, Allure, Irresistible, Lovely and the list goes on. But is this just marketing hype or is there some reality in this? Can wearing perfume or aftershave really make you sexier?

A lot has been made of the link between our sense of smell and the way we feel, and it's now a well established fact that certain smells can evoke different feelings of calm, excitement or wellbeing. But how does this relate to sex appeal? Putting aside for a minute the whole pheromone/body chemistry side of things, sex appeal has a lot to do with body language and how we behave. After all, a confident person (and I say confident, not arrogant) has a certain appeal to the opposite sex.

So how does this relate to wearing perfume or aftershave? Well a recent study conducted by Unilever and the University of Liverpool in the UK aimed to find out. What made this study so interesting however, was the fact that they were not interested in smell at all but rather how just the act of wearing, in this instance, deodorant could make men more attractive. It all sounds a bit unbelievable I know but bear with me.

To begin with, women were asked to rate the looks of a group of men based solely on their photographs. The men were then divided into two groups. Half were given a fragranced deodorant product while the other half received an unscented variety which they then used for two days. Two days later, the men were recorded on video talking about themselves for 15 seconds. Now here's where it really gets interesting, the women then watched the video clips without any sound and were asked to rate the men again (pay attention now men). Without knowing how the men actually smelt, they gave much higher scores to those who had been using the fragranced deodorant.

So what does all this mean? Well, the men were interviewed after the experiment and those that had worn the fragranced deodorant said that they felt that their self-esteem had actually risen during the experiment. This increase in self-esteem and confidence would most likely have come across in their body language and been picked up, albeit subconsciously, by the women. The conclusion from this study seems to be that anything that can boost your self-confidence as a man, in this case wearing a fragranced deodorant, can make you more sexually appealing to women.

I think it's safe to say that the same principle applies whether you're male or female and if you're wearing deodorant, perfume or aftershave. Just by wearing something that makes you feel good about yourself makes you feel more self-confident and that in turn, makes you more sexually appealing. It looks like those sexy perfume ads are based on some truth after all. So next time you hand over your hard earned cash on a fragrance product, be it perfume or aftershave, know that whether you realize it or not, you actually are getting more for your money than just nice smelling water. You may actually be getting bottled sex appeal. As far as the tan and the perfect body on the model in the perfume advert, that's a little more difficult to achieve.

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