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Read Fashion Secret Archives Here
July 2003 Fashion Secret
It's What's Inside That Counts --
Let's Talk Bras & Panties
Yes, beauty comes from the inside out. We all know that good, healthy self-esteem is critical to feeling good about how you look.. But, for a moment, let's not go quite that deep. Let's look one layer below the surface instead.
Not long ago, I went to NYC for business. As I waited for my train, I sat at South Station in Boston, watching people as they arrived and went about their day. Of notable interest was their clothing. (Of course, you're not surprised to hear that I notice these kinds of things!) This day, however, my observations took a slightly different twist. I couldn't help but notice that some women might have chosen a perfectly lovely outfit, but the beauty of it was undermined by their undergarments. I don't think they had any idea of this.
I think that sometimes, like cats, we figure that if we can't see it, no one else can either. Wouldn't it be nice if this were true! Of course, it might not be obvious what brand or color our undergarments are, but if they don't fit properly, they will adversely affect the look of the outer garment. Pantylines, bras that didn't fit right, slips that showed... in each case a minor adjustment would have alleviated this concern.
Pantylines and ill-fitting bras are the biggest culprits. Today, when pants are made of lighter fabric and are worn more snugly because of the wonderful addition of stretch, what you choose to wear underneath them makes a big difference. It's easy to check out how you look from the front. If that's as far as you go, however, you're missing a very important view! I recommend taking a look behind as well. Remember, just because you can't see it, doesn't mean others can't! And, sometimes pantylines are not visible when you're standing perfectly still (which is often how we look at ourselves in the mirror). As soon as you move, sit or bend, however, they become very obvious.
To alleviate the pantyline dilemma, you have at least 3 options:
- Wear a thong.
Loud groans abound! Before you completely dismiss this idea, let me tell you my experience. Two years ago, I went to esthetics school. I was easily the oldest in my class of 19. Many of the women were between 18 and 25 and there were several in their 30's. They all wore thongs. After being around that energy every day for 5 months, I acquiesced and bought a pair. At first, like you, I was thinking..."how can they stand these things?" But, I was determined and did my research. I looked for a pair that was thin in the back and made of soft silk. After less than a week, I was sold. They were extremely comfortable, and I no longer worried about pantylines (and when you're wearing white pants -- the esthetics uniform -- this is a constant dilemma).
Not too long after that, while shopping in the lingerie department of Nordstrom, a woman was at the checkout counter buying some lingerie and contemplating a pair of thongs. She looked at me (I suppose because I was the only one around) and asked if it is okay for a woman over 40 to wear one of these? Why not, was my answer to her. No one's going to see it and your clothes will fit more smoothly. So, my advice to you, if you aren't already sold on them, is try them. And, keep them on for more than 10 minutes before you decide they aren't for you!
- Seamless panties.
Yes, they make panties that are specifically designed to give a no-pantyline appearance under your clothes. They are not quite as effective as a thong, but they help.
- Body contouring undergarments.
The most popular of these is Spanx (as made popular by Oprah!). They are like pantyhose, only they stop somewhere mid-thigh or just below your knee. The purpose of them is to hold in and smooth everything creating a seamless look. My one word of advice...in the summer, a thong is cooler!
As my mother used to say... It's What's Upfront that Counts:
The purpose of a bra is to give you support and make your clothes fit well. As we get older, our breasts tend to droop a tad. A good, well-fitting bra can remedy this and be reasonably comfortable. Many women don't have a clue as to how to fit themselves to a bra. Many wear bras that are too large or too small for them and consequently, their clothes don't fit properly. I highly recommend going to a lingerie department (usually a smaller store, like Lady Grace, is better) and get help being fitted to the right bra. Even if you don't buy one there you can still get an idea of what to look for and what size you really are. It might surprise you, and it will make a world of difference.
Just consider...do you need more lift, better support, larger or smaller cup size or larger or smaller band size? Even if you aren't sure, your clothes speak volumes. I've researched a few websites that might be helpful.
www.freshpair.com (seamless panties)
www.spanx.com
www.brafitters.com
www.ladygrace.com
www.biggerbras.com
This week, buy a new bra and panty set and see if you feel any different. Give yourself an extra treat and buy ones that match — they feel extra special that way!
Copyright 2003, Total Image Consultants - All rights reserved.
Fashion Secret 2003 is written and produced by Total Image Consultants. Please direct all questions and comments to ginger@totalimageconsultants.com.
If you would like to forward this newsletter, we ask that you do so in its entirety. Do not alter its content or form and please include copyright info. Thank you. To purchase Ginger's book "Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You", please visit www.totalimageconsultants.com or www.amazon.com.
Woman's image courtesy ArtToday.com
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