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The
Clothing Chronicles ================================================
In This Issue: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the weather heats up and clothes come off during these early days of summer, I'm seeing all sorts of things that are better kept under wraps. Arms, busts, thighs -- you name it -- I usually see more most days before 9 am than is legal in some states before sundown. One of the hazards of working across the street from a college campus, I suppose. Since we've already addressed many of the faux pas associated with warm weather clothing over the last few weeks (see the archives at: http://www.theclothingchronicles.com/archives/index.htm if you're a new subscriber or missed part of the series), today we're going to look at what you should wear UNDER what you wear. Yep, it's time to talk unmentionables Enjoy!
Diana P.S. If you're enjoying your subscription to THE CLOTHING CHRONICLES and think some of your friends my like it too, please feel free to forward it to them, fully intact. Thanks! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATTENTION Image Professionals! Need help putting together a group presentation? Not sure what to cover or where to get examples of what you're talking about? Here's a resource that offers PRE-PACKAGED talks for image pros, with an presenter's manual, Power Point presentations, even handouts for the group. Great-looking and ready to give, these "buy it today, give it tomorrow" talks will save you TONS of time and effort! http://www.dianaprefers.com/books/presentations.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What To Wear Under What You Wear As I was driving my daughter to school the other day, I saw a heavy-set woman walking toward me wearing a tank top and shorts. At first glance, my initial thought was, "she needs a new bra." Upon closer inspection as I waited for her to cross the driveway where I needed to pull in, however, I revised that: "She needs a bra" - because she wasn't wearing one. Her generous Double DD bustline was completely out of control under her thin top. Frankly, I was amazed that any woman would feel comfortable enough to let that much flesh bounce around uncontained in public. Never mind that it looked ridiculous. But that wasn't the only undergarment mishap I saw that day. Over the next two hours, I was subjected to slipping bra straps, exposed thongs, granny panty lines - enough to realize that many women are in need of some serious help here. If you're one of them, let's take a moment to talk about unmentionables. BRAS For years, foundation garment experts have maintained that at least 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Since changes in weight, age, and pregnancy all impact bra size, I'd say that estimate is accurate, maybe even low. With that in mind, let's look at a few bra basics before we move on to what to wear when.
1. You should be re-fitted for bras once a year, or once every six months if you've recently added or lost weight or are pregnant or nursing. Most department and better lingerie stores either have a fitter on staff or have one who rotates through on a regular basis. Call ahead to ask about this service. 2. If you don't feel comfortable having a stranger help you with this or if you can't find a fitter where you live, you can do it yourself using the instructions on this site, http://www.biggerbras.com/how-to-fit-a-bra.shtml As an added bonus, they even recommend manufacturers for each cup size. 3. Keep in mind that like clothes and shoes, there are no standard sizes for bras. One manufacturer's 36B may be another's 38A. You have to use the size as a guideline only and actually try them on to find the right one for you, because they can vary by manufacturer. 4. If you're a B-cup or larger, always wear an underwire bra for added support. If you're a Double DD or larger, check out these extended size resources: So now that we've talked about proper fit, here are some style guidelines to keep in mind: 1. The most versatile colors of bras to have are beige and black. Always wear a flesh-colored bra under white clothes so that the bra disappears against the skin. White bras show through white clothes.
Finding a properly fitting bra that makes you look good without being seen is the hallmark of a true performer. Invest in several of these wardrobe staples. PANTIES What do you look like from behind when you're strolling along, attending to life? Are you giving those behind you a glimpse into your underwear drawer? Or are you making them wonder if anything comes between you and your apparel? We've all been behind the first type of wearer. From granny panties to thongs to bikinis digging into cellulite, we've seen all sorts of backsides jiggling off into the sunset. And frankly, it isn't pretty. Your goal, as always, is a smooth, seamless look. You don't want anything to distract from the line of your clothes, least of all panties that are too small, too dingy, or so bright that they show through your apparel. Here are some guidelines for getting a smooth, seamless look: 1. Start with flesh-toned underwear that disappears against the skin under clothes. 2. Make sure it fits properly. If you've recently added or lost some weight, it may not. You don't want anything too tight or too loose.
4. If you like thongs (and many women do), remember that while this style makes panty lines disappear, it requires a firm bottom to look right. Also, unless you get a low-rise thong, the waistband will show under low-rise clothes whenever you bend over.
So what's the bottom line here? Since your foundation garments can have such a great impact on how your clothes look, take a little time to find the styles that work best for you. If you look for smooth, seamless pieces in flesh-colored tones, you'll be able to wear them under just about everything. And you'll keep everyone guessing as to what you wear under what you wear.
************** Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com ------------------------ Published by:
Top Drawer
Publications, LLC Copyright © 2004 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved. |
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