Yummie Tummie FT1030 (click for details)

The “Top” is the focus for fall.  Most of the fashion mags are showing the top paired with pants, skirts and the return of the cardigan sweater.  When it comes to outerwear/shapewear how perfect that you don’t have to worry about what’s underneath.  One top does do it all, and many companies are following the trend.  One piece of fit advice would be to possibly go up a size because they tend to fit snug. The right size bra is a requirement.  I have seen women wearing items such as this and the bra is “cutting” and making lines.  The focus should be on you, not a bad bra fit.  A contour bra lightly lined is my suggestion for the total smooth package.  Get your dance on, because you will celebrate when you see how good you look!

Wacoal 851112 (click for details)

As I was watching Lady Gaga on the Today Show and her videos, the Fame Monster as she affectionately calls herself wears great fitting bras.  Bravo Lady Gaga! Some have been simple and some bedazzled and some a big WOW.  I am a fan of the beautiful bra.  The bra that when we put it on says ” I need to be seen”.

Wacoal 843112 (click for details)

Of course, the majority of us are not bold enough like Ms. LG, but we have those times when if we are going to show it, flaunt it and look fantastic.  The ruffle top, and vintage inspired collections that have returned have allowed us to wear lace with seams.  As we approach fall, put a lace bra on the list.  Black is back in a big way, but keep it sexy with a touch of color.  Bella…

Armani 162400-CC215 (click for details)

I was recently shopping in a department store and a sales associate commented , “check out the designer collections on sale”.  At first my gut reaction was can I afford it?  I got over my fear and perused the lovely selection.  In fact, the price point was the same as a regular priced item I had just seen in another department.  I bought a top that can take me from day to evening.  What a deal!  This challenged me to write about Lingerie Designer collections like a bra and panty set that can make a statement and  be incorporated in any season.

Armani 162437CC295 (click for details)

The size issue is a challenge because most are European labels and they will stop around a 36C.  However, more companies are expanding their horizons and doing D and double D cups.    I recommend getting at least two or more bottoms when buying a matching set.  Just like clothes, you would want to match and feel confident from the inside out.  The other concept is to buy a secondary pair with a 3 for Offer.

Armani 162621-CC215 (click for details)

When you buy volume you save.  This way your bra gets mileage and you can wear it more often.  The options are endless for every woman.

Shape fx 34695 (click for details)

As we end July with a focus on must have items for the summer season, one of Lingerie Fit Expert favorite items is day wear/play wear.  These are the items that cross over between lounge and hitting the town.  The best part is the incredible shaping solutions that are inclusive in the items.  That’s right, you don’t have to add another undergarment to look sensational.  In the heat wave we just experienced, who would want to add on another layer.   The new “it” shoe is the platform. Add this with your shapewear item and your hot mama in the city!

Hanky Panky 471202 (click for details)

The category of underwear for women has exploded!  Boy shorts, briefs, high cuts, thongs, and more.  I am simply amazed at how many pairs of underwear a woman could own if she wanted to have some for a whole month.

Cosabella AIREZ07ZL (click for details)

You would never get bored, and the color choices are endless.  This summer, I am encouraging all my clients to do pretty underwear that is both comfortable and sexy.  Is it possible?  Absolutely!  If you love boy shorts then try stretch lace or cotton.  If you like a classic brief or high cut, then micro fiber is going to be your friend for both coolness in hot climates, and a comfortable stretch if you like full coverage in the rear.

Jockey 1338 (click for details)

Because women tend to wear a lot more dresses this time of year, wearing colors and prints is easier.  Instead of basic black with a sun dress, try a fun print.

Whimsy by Lunaire 15232B (click for details)

Many women do not realize that pale pink is the new “nude”.  If you have a fair complexion, it’s a nice change from the ordinary choices we pull out of our drawer.

What’s your choice?  Be adventurous this summer.

Freya 4502 (click for details)

One of my friends forwarded me an article from the New York Times (Saturday, June 19, 2010) on a week long Fashion Week in New York targeted for Retailers with the purpose to buy more plus size fashions.  I absolutely loved the article and it truly resonated with my spirit and business.

TC Fine Intimates 4045

I am a champion for women of every size.  As a plus size diva myself, I applaud any manufacturer who provides women with options that make her feel beautiful and allow her to express her personal style regardless of size.  It is just a number, right?  In the bra fit world, the size issue has been resolved with designs for women from a D to K.  I remember my own journey of walking into a store to purchase a “G” and the stares and gasps were heard from the sales people.  As a D, I have a plethora of styles to choose from any day of the week, but I have not forgotten what it feels like to be the other woman.

TC Fine Intimates 4042 (click for details)

Now, I can personally service any client in this category and provide over 100 styles.  I find it inspiring that Lingerie companies got it together and developed sizes that fit for women with curves.  I guess the metaphor is true…“change begins on the inside first”.  Lingerie is an important connection to self, and besides with all those fabulous clothes coming down the pike based on the article, a woman will be able to wear anything including body conscious, trend, and designer.  In my opinion, shapewear will reign as the “Must Have Item” for women to embrace every trend.   How wonderful, intimate apparel and fashion have an exciting future together.

Annette S-302 (click for details)

The other day I was at the mall and saw a woman wearing a black sun dress that was stunning until I walked up to her closer and saw her bra straps.  I am sure we have all had wardrobe malfunctions and challenges.

Natori 132005 (click for details)

What’s a woman to do?  We as women should always be thinking about arming ourselves with summer wardrobe solutions that empower us to live life to the fullest.   I am certain that the woman I noticed only wanted to wear her beautiful dress, but was not equipped with the right undergarments. I believe in solutions, not problems, so my recommendation for the black dress diva would have been a bra that allows you to take off the straps and do a clear strap. The other option, and a big come back trend is the tube top.  The tube top can be a bra or an entire camisole that provides a shapewear solution as well.  I love this!

Annette S-301

Wacoal 945184

Wacoal 953184

I absolutely love precious stones.  The color palette  in lingerie looks similar to some of the stones I love including rose quartz and turquoise.  Turquoise is such a strong, passionate stone.   It’s a color that looks spectacular on just about anyone. Finding the right shade for you is the key. The bra can be work as a peek-a-boo camisole with the right blouse or shirt. A t-shirt adds a fresh pop of color to neutral, chocolate, or black.   Remember, fashion lingerie is made to compliment fashion trends.

Splendid STMJ 4038

Finding a shade in pale tones may not work if you’re ethnic or have dark undertones.  Find a way to work turquoise into this season’s wardrobe.

TC 4043 (click for details)

A couple of years ago when I saw infomercials showcasing shapewear that had a bra peeking out of the top, I thought NO WAY!  I am not recommending nor would I ever consider wearing this myself.  As they say, never say never…In late fall, I tried one on a client who had mentioned she never could find shapewear that fits.  It was no joke, and I went through several collections until we pulled out the then “no way” undergarment.  Winner! My client beamed for joy and her challenge had ended.  It again proves that one style does not do it all for every woman. The torsolette is the hottest trend in shaping.  It allows you to wear the bra of your choice while the torsolette tones and trims your mid section.  As we enter into summer, this is a must have if you have had challenges wearing shapewear camisoles or one piece undergarments that have pulled you down, or not provided enough lift.

I would also recommend for people who have lower back pain.  I have had several clients report back that they stood taller, and they did not feel so frumpy and there lower back pain disappeared.   Remember, if you don’t have shape, lift and support your undergarments are not working for you.

Hanro 1307 (click for details)

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms, grandmothers and even new moms to be! As we enter into this treasured holiday season, I took a moment to think about what would be the perfect gift for mom in the lingerie department.

Hanro 1305 (click for details)

This year, I selected the “Lingerie Wardrobe”.  I define this as the items that most women would not buy themselves, but secretly have them on their wish list.  The luxurious camisole and panties or the cotton candy soft to the touch night shirt….why not all three?

Hanro 7661 (click for details)

These items are versatile and can help mom go from day to evening.  When I worked in retail, women would always mention how they loved the practical items such as cotton underwear or a night shirt when exchanging gifts.   You can give mom basic cotton to stretch micro fiber. Have a wonderful day!