Are You Getting All the Support You Need?

Much like in business, in your personal life you need to be able to count on that support. I'd like to address a different kind of support systems, a very underestimated but important topic, close to all "the girls"; it can add curves, reduce weight, lift up, bring together and help with all-around balance and posture. Now, that is an unconditional friend: the Bra!

As an Image Consultant I can say that it's probably one of the most difficult items to shop for yet one of those that make the most difference with garments. When a bra fits well, so does the dress, or the top and it shows, in the attitude, the vibe and the strut...

70% of women wear the wrong size bra. If your bra creates bulges, the cups don't fill, if they spillover or there's too much cleavage, if the breasts are too far apart, or the band digs, chances are you are wearing the wrong size bra. Don't panic, tips and principles spelled out ahead; a lesson in basics and simple facts to keep in mind:

1. The band of the bra should fit snug around the torso but not too tight where it digs into your skin creating unflattering bulges, neither should it be so loose that it moves around creeping up and changing the center point, exactly at the sternum.


2. Cups should lie flat against the skin, enveloping the breast, no puckering (too big a cup), no poking (too small).


3. If the cups and straps fit but the band is not long enough to go around the torso in a way that a finger can fit through, then an extender would be a good solution. They are sold in most places where you buy your bra.


4. Different bras are meant for different purposes and lifestyles: underwire, soft cup, balconnet, racer-back, minimizer, push-up, padded, convertible, full coverage, breast feeding and mastectomy bras. When buying a garment with a unique cut, neckline or back opening, make sure that you consider the undergarment. It is wise to try it on with the correct bra before committing to it just to make sure you are comfortable with it and you have all the necessary pieces that you need to be able to wear it even for a last minute dinner. It's a great stress reducer!



5. There has been a 150 percent increase between 1998 and 2003 in the number of U.S. women opting to have both breasts removed to minimize the possibility of cancer spreading. If you have had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy find a certified bra fitter that can assist you with selecting a bra that is right for you, for the type of surgery you had, the stage of healing and the placement of the scars. The American Cancer Society's web site www.cancer.org is a great resource for searching this and other related information.



6. Take good care of your intimate apparel so it lasts longer. Hand washing bras in cold water and drying on a flat surface over a towel, are best. However, if you need to use a washer and dryer, the delicate cycle is a must; use a delicate fabric wash as well, it is gentler and it prolongs the life of your undergarments.


7. Is your cup full? Find your size. Sizes range from: AA, A, B, C, D, DD also called E, DDD or F, G, H, I,J, and K. Some manufacturers also have half sizes for cups that fall in-between the most common ones and others offer petite as well, which tend to fit breasts which are closer together.


8. To be or not to be? Unless you are participating in a wet T-shirt contest, color bras under a white top are not advised. Better choices for a feminine, intriguing approach and depending on the skin tone are: beige, taupe, buff, chocolate and in some cases, off white for a more daring look (office staff, please disregard). T-shirt bras have a smooth finish that makes them poetically invisible and good under practically everything versus the lacy construction of the more commonly known as "sexy lingerie". I recommend lace for wearing under "forgiving fabrics", those that don't show everything under the sun, unless the desired effect, of course, calls for a purr....

For those who have a more difficult time finding the right bra, there are a number of specialty stores; you can search the internet or ask your trusted local wardrobe consultant or boutique to see who they work with.  It is important that they work with a vendor with access to a large selection of brands and that is available to meet you and measure and consult with you about your particular isssues.  How long should a bra last? You need retire the bra when you can pull the back band more than 1 inch away from your back.  When you have it clasped on the tightest hooks and you are still tugging, shifting and moving you bra and breasts into place throughout the day, it is time to say goodbye, no matter how attached you are to your "buddy". Most brands suggest that their bras are only good for a year if the bra isn't being worn daily or very frequently; the less you wear it, the longer you can keep it, so stock up on bras and get pretty ones too!..

A word (or two) of advice from the wise: as your body grows older and changes, so should your bra needs. Go for fitting at least once a year. Buy bras that make you feel as well as look great. A properly fitting bra can do wonders for you, your clothes and, may I add, for your self esteem; the gift of our undercover friend is simply priceless: the inner hug that just makes us feel secure and stand tall...

When It's All About The Underwear

How many times have you fumbled through your underwear drawer only to pull out a mismatched pair of panties to go along with that well worn bra? Chances are you've been shopping separately for your underwear. It's time to build a better and sexier you by starting your day with match sets.

Match sets are exactly what they imply, a matching bra and matching panty set. You have probably heard the term foundation. When the word is applied in the fashion world it refers to those products that help shape our free form bodies such as corsets, bustiers, girdles, bras and panties. It only makes sense to start off each day with a fantastic foundation to build upon. After all, a lady wants all her important assets to be shown off in the best possible manner.

Fortunately the fabric styles and choices vary greatly for match sets. One can have cotton to satin or silk as fabric choices, just to name a few. The styles are about as varied as their are individuals in this world. You can go from conservative to chic to sexy in a matter of, well seconds it's just a matter of changing sets. Just consider how great you will feel fashion wise and emotionally being able to go into your underwear drawer and select a wonderful match set. For instance, let's say you selected a pair of shiny satin panties and a shiny satin bra. Admit it, you'd feel pretty darn sexy, wouldn't you. I know I would.

You are beginning to realize that it really is all about the underwear. Just think how fresh and up to date you will look putting on match sets. One important note women should realize is how important it is to remeasure themselves every six months to ensure they haven't gone up or down in size. Eighty percent (80%) of women don't wear the proper size bra. Bras need to be replaced almost as often due to shrinkage and wear. The last thing a lady needs is to have her underwear being the talk of the town. Of course we want to be noticed, but for the right reasons. Time to get shopping and remember start matching you'll be much happier as a result.

Plus Size Fashion Secrets To Look Your Best At Any Size

Number one. A great fitting bra. The perfect bra gives you support, comfort, and helps you feel beautiful. Four out of five women wear the wrong size. Do you? Does your bra ride up in back? If so, your band is too large. Do your cup lines show? If so, your cup is either too big or too small. Give your bustline a lift. Wearing a supportive bra makes your torso look longer and thinner.

Pick a collar or neckline that flatters you. Emphasize your best assets with this simple shopping secret.

To accent your neckline, try a boat neck line, which opens up to the shoulder with a slight curve. Boat neck and different straighter necklines make a longer face look better... Scooped or dipped necklines are more slimming. than crew necks. They break up large expanses of skin.

Unbutton a few buttons to create the V-neckline that pulls the eye up to your face. A simple V neck elongates a round face, A low V neck will show off your cleavage.

It's tempting to take cover in a turtleneck, but if your bustline is large, the extra fabric may make you look even larger. Drape your shoulders with a wrap or pashmina. They're not only practical, they're sophisticated too.

Wear a belt with confidence. You can wear a belt and look good at the same time. Hip-slung belts worn ultra-low with low-rise jeans looks fresh and young. Belts or ribbons at the waist are feminine and a great way to add color to a monochromatic look. If you're timid about drawing attention to your hips, start with a chain-link belt and work your way up to the newest wide-metal and leather styles.

Toss on a pashmina. These oversize scarves drape around her torso, skimming past trouble zones so you look super slim underneath.

Try a long necklace. A drop pendant or long string of beads is the most slenderizing piece of jewelry a woman can own. It elongates your upper body.

Pick heels. Even a low heel adds shapeliness to legs, making you seem tall and trim.

Keep your denim dark. Indigo and black are your most flattering and stylish choice for jeans.

Match your hose and shoes. Wearing the same color from head to toe creates a long, lean line.

The Facts About Plus Size Lingerie

Plus size lingerie offers you more choices than ever before. Whether you want a pattern or design that is just practical and comfortable to wear, or something that is sexy, sensual or caters to a certain fantasy, there are options available to you. In this article, we will discuss the different facets of plus size lingerie.

First, let's start with the definition of what plus size lingerie is. Typically, it refers to sizes of lingerie that are 14 or greater, or are 1X or larger. In fact, the term plus size lingerie is a bit of a misnomer, because around 40% of American women wear a size 14 or greater.

However, due to the perception of the American media and general public at large, most shops tend to carry little in these sizes. This is ridiculous, because it forces women to have to search high and low to find lingerie that is sexy and comfortable. Good thing demand has risen so sharply, and that technology has changed.

Manufacturers have now responded to the plus size market segment, and there are currently more options available for plus size lingerie than ever before. Additionally, it is easier to purchase as well. Gone are the days where you had to be in a big city that had those rare specialty large-size lingerie stores. Anyone who has access to the Internet today can find the perfect lingerie for their needs.

Of course, if you find a plus size lingerie store on the Internet, it can be kind of intimidating. This is because there are now too many choices, where before there were too few. However, take some time to digest it all, and to familiarize yourself with the differences between the different types of patterns, and how to search the website.

With a little bit of research, and some focus, you should be able to find exactly what you want in little to no time at all. If you're still confused, e-mail or call the company. Any reputable company will have contact information that you can use to get the proper customer service. And if they don't respond back quickly, then is probably wise to move onto the next lingerie store.

Womens Underwear - A History Of The Bra

Today, women's underwear choices are numerous. Matching bra and brief sets are extremely popular, offering the best in both style and function. In fact, these sets seem so basic that it is hard to believe that there was a time when they did not exist. However, modern women's underwear styles are fairly recent inventions. Provided here is a brief guide to the history of the brassiere.

Ancient Cultures

In Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, breasts were generally uncovered. Women's underwear was basically unknown. Both men and women wore simple tunic-style garments. However, it was usual to expose the breasts, particularly in Greece, where female breasts had almost mythic significance. Greek women did, however, cover the breasts with tight, supportive bands known as apodesme when competing in athletic activities.

In Ancient Rome, breasts were less emphasized, and both men and women wore loose tunics that covered the chests. Young women sometimes wore a version of the Greek apodesmos, called the strophium, to minimize their breasts. This could be considered an early example of women's underwear.

Medieval

Contrary to modern mythology, medieval women did not wear bodices designed to enhance the breasts. In fact, it is believed that the Holy Roman Empire specifically forbade women to support their breasts or draw attention to them. Bodices were straight and designed to minimize rather than enhance curves. Women's underwear consisted primarily of simple shifts worn underneath a bodice and full skirt.

Renaissance

Renaissance style was far different than medieval style in many ways. In women's fashion, it became stylish to show décolletage. Breast feeding was discouraged among the upper classes due to the effect that it could have on the breasts. During this time, rudimentary corsetry developed.

The Age of Corsetry

Once corsets were introduced, they proved to have great staying power. Shapes and styles changed over the years, but the corset remained the women's underwear choice until the late nineteenth century. Of course, there were generally more practical alternatives for women who worked, either inside or outside the home. Even these garments, however, generally resembled corsets but were less compressive.

Clothing Reform Movement

In the late 1800s, two movements began that would ultimately lead to the development of the modern bra. Early feminists recognized that freedom from restrictive women's underwear was necessary before women could take on a larger role in society. Meanwhile, doctors began to recognize the health risks of tightlaced corsetry.

In the late 19th century, numerous patents were filed for breast-supporting corset alternatives. However, many of these designs were never manufactured. Only a handful of educated feminists and female athletes purchased the early bras.

World War I

World War I brought a lot of support for the emerging bra movement. Steel was commonly used for the stays in corsets, but was needed for the war effort. Meanwhile, women went to work in factories and industrial plants in great numbers. Societal attitudes began to change.

The 1920s to the 1960s

After the war, the bra became much more accepted. By the late 1920s, it had replaced the corset as the major staple of women's underwear. Shapes and styles changed with fluctuating fashions, but the garment remained largely the same.

Counter Culture

The women's liberation movement of the 1960s led record numbers of women to stop wearing bras altogether. Although bra-burning was likely much less common than urban legends would indicate, many women simply stopped wearing them.

Bra manufacturers fought back by capitalizing on the sexual liberation of the time to introduce increasingly daring alternative styles. It was during this time that women's underwear options dramatically grew.

The 1970s to Today

Today, women's underwear is big business. Sexy lingerie and matching lingerie sets are quite common. Whether you are in the mood for a demure and elegant bra and brief set or something a bit wilder, your options are virtually unlimited.