Friday, September 30, 2011

Underneath it All

I write a lot about fashion, trends, and style, but like a great piece of architecture, the key to looking great in your clothes is a great foundation.

As curvy women, it can be incredibly difficult to find shapewear and bras that fit us well but also don't look like something our grandmothers would wear.  Because the search for this stuff is so difficult, sometimes we ignore it and buy whatever is affordable, or even whatever we can find.  The truth is, the right supportive bra and shapewear can make a difference between you looking gorgeously curvy and sloppy. 

Shapewear

This stuff is incredible.  As Spanx-brand hosiery and undergarments took off, women of all sizes started wearing shapewear under their clothing not simply to make them appear thinner, but to smooth out any lumps and bumps that keep our figures from looking the best they can.  As far as I'm concerned, there isn't one woman out there who wouldn't look shapelier with a smoothing garment under her dress, and here's why:  of course they help to perfect a woman's figure, but they also create that impossible-to-fake aura of confidence that makes us look and feel invincible.  Now that I've sold you on the idea, there are a TON of options out there, and because every body is different, I can't recommend something that is universally appealing.  However, I can tell you that because these pieces are so important, it is worth the search to find your shapewear soulmate.  My personal favorite (found at Target) is from the Assets collection, which is nearly identical to Spanx, but half the price:

    Prices vary depending on style


This collection has a WIDE variety of pieces including full panty hose, footless hose, and even swimsuits (yay!)  My recommendation for buying Assets or any other shapewear is to get them in a nude color so they go under any garment effortlessly, and to carefully read the sizing guide on the back before buying so you're sure to get the optimum fit.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed, and that you'll feel like a million bucks.

Bras

Now this may seem obvious, but the right bra is ESSENTIAL for workin' it in your clothing.  I'm not ashamed to say that if I'm wearing a fairly covered-up top (say, a turtleneck) I'll wear a sports bra underneath it because it provides the most lift.  Why would I do this, you may ask?  Well, the higher your chest is lifted, the a) perkier it looks and b) the more your natural waist is revealed, helping to highlight your gorgeous hourglass figure.  Just like in shapewear, every woman's preferences and needs are different, but my favorite brathat is supportive, sexy, and made for larger sizes is the Panache Superbra.  You can find it in some department stores, but you'll likely get better prices with a thorough online search at sites like BareNecessities.com and Figleaves.com. 




           Pretty AND supportive!


So ladies, I know this post may seem like I'm recommending obvious things.  What woman doesn't have a bra and a slip or two in her closet?  But what I want you to do is make sure that these items fit you like a glove, and that they make you feel incredible, rather than satisfactory.  The confidence that you'll get from great shapewear pieces is well worth the shopping trip :)

Got any burning questions?  Email us!  And, as always, happy shopping!
-Samantha

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...