Welcome back!

It’s sure been awhile, but many exciting things are happening at once.

It’s the first anniversary of the online launch of Bra Doctor Lingerie, so to celebrate, Now That’s Lingerie.com is offering 25% off all Bra Doctor styles!  So far, the feedback has been very positive, and we can’t wait to hear what you have to think about our collections… with even more new styles to come.

Enjoy browsing, and let me know what you think!

More news to come very soon…

Your Bra Doctor bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

What are YOU doing this summer? Weddings, parties & weekend getaways are already filling up my calendar.  I enlisted the help of some girlfriends to help me sift through my closet, and donate things I haven’t worn in ages.  Now, the quest to find the right clothes for each occasion– a serious challenge for any woman! My goal is to escape the darker tones from Fall and Winter past, and invite some color into my wardrobe… all while taking advice from the pros and top designers (and sometimes, my girls).

Sunshine 2-Way Reversible Top with Bell Sleeves by Papillon [Continue Reading...]]]>

What are YOU doing this summer? Weddings, parties & weekend getaways are already filling up my calendar.  I enlisted the help of some girlfriends to help me sift through my closet, and donate things I haven’t worn in ages.  Now, the quest to find the right clothes for each occasion– a serious challenge for any woman! My goal is to escape the darker tones from Fall and Winter past, and invite some color into my wardrobe… all while taking advice from the pros and top designers (and sometimes, my girls).

Sunshine 2-Way Reversible Top with Bell Sleeves by Papillon Blanc, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Quit playing it safe with basic colors! Stand out from the crowd– whether at barbecues, weddings, beach parties, or on a dinner date– with head-turning prints that make a bold statement.  Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenburg, Betsey Johnson and other designers include eye-catching colors and mesmerizing prints in their Spring 2010 runway styles.

Papillon Blanc’s newest Ready-to-Wear collections are walking canvases of rich colors emblazoned on luxurious microfiber fabric.  Stunning dresses and tops incorporate warm blends of amber, rose, gold and cool turquoise tones, with splashes of basic white and black for contrast.  Abstract floral and paisley prints definitely break the monotony from your usual basics, but are still versatile and demure enough to wear anytime: to weddings, dinner dates, cocktail parties or work engagements.  Tone it up or down with your hairdo, jewelry, shoes and bag, but keep the volume low: bring out only one color with your add-ons, or stick to basic white, taupe and black to really emphasize the uniqueness of your outfit.

Fashion tips, trend alerts or advice?  Share them with us!

Comment here, on Twitter, or contact me at
fashionistalisa@nowthatslingerie.com.

See you soon with a sneak peek of what’s in store for Fall fashion!
Lisa

It’s hard for most anyone (other than models, of course) to look classy when wearing an ultra-short dress or skirt.  Thankfully, the rest of us can be satisfied with knee-length dresses and skirts that reveal just a flattering peek of our thighs!  If your outfit is a bit sheer and you don’t want to [Continue Reading...]]]> What’s up with hemlines this season?  Panty-peeking minis, sophisticated knee-length and mid-thigh skirts & dresses… this Spring has a little something for everyone.  Let’s start with a peek at some runway fashions to inspire your personal style & revamp your closet!

It’s hard for most anyone (other than models, of course) to look classy when wearing an ultra-short dress or skirt.  Thankfully, the rest of us can be satisfied with knee-length dresses and skirts that reveal just a flattering peek of our thighs!  If your outfit is a bit sheer and you don’t want to reveal that much skin, try wearing something else underneath.  Arianne’s Kelly collection has a 19″ half-slip with a lacy hem on the bottom for skirts, and a basic, opaque 35″ full slip for dresses, with adjustable spaghetti straps.

Kelly 19" half-slip with lace hem, Kelly 35" adjustable full slip, both by Arianne and available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Plus, try wearing some invisible underwear to eliminate any panty lines!  Take a look at Elita’s aptly-named Invisible collection.  This way, nothing but your beauty will detract from your sexy outfit!

Elita low-rise Invisible panties (thongboy and thong shown), available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Check out last week’s Style update: Ruffle-Mania!
Stay tuned for your next style update: Boyfriend Blazers (& what to wear under them)!

Questions about fashion and beauty?  Ask Fashionista Lisa!
e-mail me at fashionistalisa@nowthatslingerie.com!

Iris mini-ruffle dress by Arianne. Available at Now That’s Lingerie.com

Score this super chic look in a wallet-friendly way.  Check out Arianne’s Iris collection, which offers a layered look complete with miniature ruffles for [Continue Reading...]]]> Ultra-girly frills, appliqués, ribbons, bows and lacy embellishments are all the rage right now in everything from work clothes, street wear or cocktail gear.  Spied on the catwalk by designers like Chanel and Armani, among others, ruffles are making a major comeback.  Flaunt your sexy self in some hot new items and feel at your utmost feminine.

Score this super chic look in a wallet-friendly way.  Check out Arianne’s Iris collection, which offers a layered look complete with miniature ruffles for an eye-catching yet discreet appearance.  You can wear the sensual knee-length dress to your next party or dinner engagement, or pair the top with your favorite pants before you go dancing this weekend.  Both are lined for opacity and offer wider straps to help hide your bra underneath, and the shape of the bodice is extremely flattering, sleek and sophisticated.

Plus, check out Arianne’s elegant, exceptionally versatile Eve top with ruffles along the neckline, or the Nora silk collection with satiny ruffles along the neckline and down the front of the bodice.

Check back next time to find out what’s up with hemlines this season in Skirting the Issue!

Or see my last style blog: Sheer Sophistication.

Questions about fashion and beauty?  Ask Fashionista Lisa!

e-mail me at fashionistalisa@nowthatslingerie.com!

]]> http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/style-ruffle-mania/2010/03/12/feed 0 http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/style-sheer-sophistication/2010/03/09 http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/style-sheer-sophistication/2010/03/09#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:51:11 +0000 admin http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=115 Some of the biggest names in fashion have introduced their new lines in New York and Paris for Spring Fashion Week.  Amongst the eye-catching melee of colors, daring ingenuity and bold cuts, many style themes emerged.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be covering the fashion styles that will be all the rage this spring.  Plus, I’ll give you some budget-friendly suggestions on how to get your own catwalk-inspired gear.

Whether it’s lightweight, diaphanous fabric, sheer lace prints or appliqués, recent trends are resplendent in their femininity and sensuousness.  Spring’s dreamy dresses with long, flowing skirts give [Continue Reading...]]]> Some of the biggest names in fashion have introduced their new lines in New York and Paris for Spring Fashion Week.  Amongst the eye-catching melee of colors, daring ingenuity and bold cuts, many style themes emerged.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be covering the fashion styles that will be all the rage this spring.  Plus, I’ll give you some budget-friendly suggestions on how to get your own catwalk-inspired gear.

Whether it’s lightweight, diaphanous fabric, sheer lace prints or appliqués, recent trends are resplendent in their femininity and sensuousness.  Spring’s dreamy dresses with long, flowing skirts give off a majestic appeal while maintaining a sophisticated edge.

Diva sheer camisole by Arianne, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Sheer tops in ready-to-wear styles lend versatility to this coveted barely-there, glamorous look.  Arianne’s Diva camisole has a stunning lace, corset shape and lined bodice– making it a daring ensemble when paired with your favorite jeans or skirt.  Another versatile top by Arianne is in the feminine Keri collection: it’s lined for opacity all over, except the sleeves are still sheer… plus it has a cross-your-heart neckline and has scalloped edges along the bottom hem!  Both tops feel light and airy, just like this pink dress by Christian Dior (above).  The sheer look is definitely one to love this Spring!

Keri floral cross-over lined top with sheer sleeves, by Arianne. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com.

Stay tuned for my next fashion blog: Ruffle-Mania!

Questions about fashion and beauty?  Ask Fashionista Lisa!
e-mail me at fashionistalisa@nowthatslingerie.com!

Let me start with one of the basic principles of bra fitting (you can see my other blogs on this by clicking here).  When your bra fits properly, the underwire should contour all of your breast tissue (from under your arms to where your cleavage resides) and lay flat against [Continue Reading...]]]> So many bras these days are constructed with underwire, that women are becoming increasingly convinced that all bras should have an underwire.  But then, why would most companies still offer several non-underwire options to their customers?  I’m going to help solve the mystery of what an underwire actually does for you.

Let me start with one of the basic principles of bra fitting (you can see my other blogs on this by clicking here).  When your bra fits properly, the underwire should contour all of your breast tissue (from under your arms to where your cleavage resides) and lay flat against your breastbone in the front, without constraining your breasts or rubbing against your skin.

Dahlia bra and panty set by Valisère (Triumph). Size range: 34-40, D-DD cups. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com.

The purpose of an underwire is to contour the natural shape of your breast by encompassing the entirety of your breast tissue and giving it lift and a round shape.  When encased in those cups, your breasts will only be supported to the extent that the fabric of your cup covers your breasts.  For example, let me compare two distinct types of underwire bras.  If you’re wearing a padded push-up bra (most of which offer only minimal support), you are getting less support than if you were wearing a full cup minimizer (intended to deliver the utmost support).  But both bras have underwire.  So what determines this difference in support levels?

For any bra, the straps, elasticated back band, fabric, stitching, underwire and coverage all work together to play a crucial role in perfecting your comfort.  The majority of the support of a properly fitted bra lies in the elasticity (or firmness) of the fabric of your cups, plus the stitching (if any) on or along the cups.  (The reason I emphasize properly fitted is because, if your bra doesn’t fit, it doesn’t matter what style you’re wearing– you will not be get the support that the physics of your bra intended!  Click for more of my blogs on bra fitting.)  So, if your bra cups only cover half of your boobs (like in a demi-cup or demi-bust bra), then chances are, your bra won’t give you as much support as a full-coverage bra– regardless of whether there is or isn’t an underwire.  This also means that a bra with a stretchier fabric on the cups will support your breasts less than a bra made with a sturdier, less extensible fabric.

So that’s part of understanding what underwire can do for you.  Before I continue, I want to make something clear.  Just because you may prefer to wear non-underwire bras does NOT mean you are getting less support than a woman who wears underwire.  Many non-underwire bras are equipped with a supportive elasticated band around the torso and have seams that are stitched internally in such a way as to provide shape and support.  Full support bras DO exist without underwire and their support can be comparable to that of an underwire bra.  The major difference is that the shape of your breasts will sometimes be different in either type of bra.  You see, underwire works to envelop the entirety of your breast tissue, from beneath your arms and below your breast, bringing their weight closer to the front and slightly lifted upwards.  Some non-underwire bras may constrain the breast tissue nearer to your body, but this may make your breasts seem smaller, especially since your breasts will seem less separated from each other than if there was an underwire contouring each breast.

The Vintage Touch wire-free bra by Warner's offers a naturally rounded fit and unparallelled comfort. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com

So what have you learned?  Properly fitted, underwire bras help give you a more precise fit while supporting your breasts, but what more fully determines the support level are the fabric (and stitching) of your bra cups (more on this in a subsequent blog!).  All these aspects (and more, like the strap’s width) work together to provide support.  For women who do not like underwire bras and find them uncomfortable, don’t fret– there is still a wide range of non-underwired bras available for your comfort and convenience.

For all your bra fitting questions… contact me at celinethebradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com!  I hear from dozens of women every week with a wide range of bra fitting issues, and I respond to them personally.  So don’t hesitate or wait to feel comfortable in your bras.

See you next time!
Your Bra Doctor
bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

Lusty Lace Just slipping into a lacy piece of lingerie can make any woman feel exquisitely feminine! Discreetly show off your goods in colorful lace like this fitted [Continue Reading...]]]> Sometimes it’s best to leave a little something to the imagination– one of the founding principles of lingerie wearers and designers! Leaving a tiny peek here or there of your bare skin in your flirty lingerie will give your partner a slow, sumptuous tease. Here are some of my favorite sheer and lacy items, ideal for a delectable visual and an ultra-sexy sensation every woman should experience!

Lusty Lace
Just slipping into a lacy piece of lingerie can make any woman feel exquisitely feminine! Discreetly show off your goods in colorful lace like this fitted Tiffany camisole with corset lines, or with a comfy bra and panty set that will make you smile slyly to yourself, even if you’re the only one who knows what you’ve got on underneath!

Sheer Heaven
You probably won’t get a halo, but you’ll surely feel uplifted in one of these sheer ensembles! With a delicate combo of mesh and lace, these pieces reveal more of your skin than lace alone, contouring your silhouette with a sexy and enticing layer of eye-catching fabric.

Picture Purr-fect Prints
A feast for the eyes! Original prints like the Feline Fantasy collection by Now That’s Lingerie or the newsprint-inspired Alexis bra and panty set, lend a more flirtatious effect to your sheer appeal. Express your sensuality with a semi-transparent print like these and let your unique femininity peek through!

Thanks for coming, and stay tuned for my next blog, Valentine’s Day, Version 2010!

Lisa, your resident lingerie fashion blogger!

Ideas for upcoming blogs? Bra fitting or lingerie fashion questions? Contact us!