An early inflation technique from 1968

It all started with the WonderBra, designed to produce a sexy, erotic and alluring cleavage to even the most petite bust. Fashion model Kate Moss praised them in 1994 with her comments to The New York Times Magazine: “I’ve got a couple of those Gossard WonderBras. They’re brilliant, I swear, even I get cleavage with them”.

At the same time Eva Herigova was making a splash with her racy billboard ads for WonderBra. In the famous poster image of her in a WonderBra, gazing down at her breasts and the caption “Hello Boys”, was she addressing male admirers or her breasts?

The WonderBra ad that sent men veering off the road

Since then we’ve been bombarded with “fashionable” images of stick thin celebrities and models displaying their impossibly orb-like breasts. But with or without plastic surgery they wouldn’t have nearly as much impact without a “booster” push up bra, a ‘must have’ bra for any woman’s low-neckline wardrobe!

Commonly called “push-up bras” by most brands, these friendly bra styles help significantly lift and press together the breasts using permanent or removable pads made from foam, gel, silicone, air or water. Some versions use graduated foam cups or built in “bump up” pads which are molded into the interior foam and are lightweight, so there’s no need to worry about inserts falling out!

19604519 Tactel Change Seamless Push Up Bra by Change of Scandinavia

So for maximum impact I’d strongly recommend that you try the Change of Scandinavia’s Tactel Seamless Push Up Bra. It uses the newest foam technology with built-in pads to boost your bust, it’s extremely lightweight, breathable (essential for summer), and the super soft Tactel fabric makes it fabulously comfortable for everyday wear. (See also Calvin Klein’s f2892 Seductive Comfort Customized Lift T-Shirt Bra).

For smaller-busted ladies, Triumph’s 3070 Petites Push-Up T Shirt Bra and the 3040 Diamond Jacquard  Petites Push Up Bra are ideal. The cups are tilted upwards and inwards to produce the best cleavage possible, and the built in pads give an additional “boost”. Because the cups are completely smooth, these bras are perfect under fitted tops too!

One of the prettiest and most curvaceous booster bras I suggest is the new 1838 Lacy Push-Up Bra by Triumph. As well as the foam padding it includes small removable gel pads so you can decide how much cleavage enhancement your outfit can take! With convertible straps too, this bra (and Triumph’s Seamless 1738 version in this new collection) gives you the option to cross the back or replace them altogether with transparent straps (sold separately).

1838 Push Up Lacy Bra by Triumph

And of course if you want to add additional boost to any of your regular push up bras then try adding Bra Doctor’s Silicone Enhancers or one of the Flaunt silicone pads by Fashion Essentials. Take a peak at Now That’s Lingerie’s selection of their most popular pads designed for all kinds of effects, petite to fuller-busted women.

So have fun flaunting your cleavage this summer – Now That’s Lingerie has the bras you need to give you (and your lingerie wardrobe) an extra oomph!

Ask me about fashion!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Hello Boys image from mydaily.co.uk : Wonderbra’s Hello Boys campaign featuring Eva Herzigova voted most iconic ad image of all time : MYDaily UK

Gisele, Salma & Scarlett images:Hollywood pictures galleries: 5 Pictures Scarlett Johansson Search Results gisele bundchen–Backseat Cuddler ; Hollywood Celebrities Wallpapers: August 2008

Hard-to-Wear Trend #1: High-Waisted Shorts & Pants

"Mom-Butt"

Ever heard of “Mom-Butt”? This is a hilarious, albeit cruel, term for women sporting high-waisted bottoms that don’t fit, resulting in the bunching of fabric in awkward places, and it is extremely unflattering! Mom-Butt is concern #1 when it comes to this trend, but luckily for us gals, it’s also totally avoidable. In high-waisted pants & shorts, a high-cut thong is your best bet; the less fabric in the general bum area, the better, and the higher cut helps hold the tummy in and makes for optimum comfort. (Believe me, I’ve worn low-rise undies under high-cut bottoms and something about two different waist-lines just doesn’t feel right!)

The second most common concern I’ve heard from women is that “high-waisted pants/shorts

See? Whitney Port looks great in her perfectly-fitted high-waisted shorts!

The second most common concern I’ve heard from women is that “high-waisted pants/shorts make my stomach bulge!” Not true – with the correct fit this won’t happen. It’s really just a matter of getting used to a new silhouette; sure, this trend shows off your curves, but think of 1950s pin-ups – who’s complaining, right?

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Hard-to-Wear Trend #2: “Costumey” Clothing

I’m willing to bet 5 bucks you’ve dressed up as a hippie or a rock star for Halloween at least once. Am I right? Knew it. Many women feel silly trying out the super-hot Bohemian or Biker-Chic trends for this very reason. I can see why, especially if you try and go head-to-toe Hippie or Hell’s Angels like we see on the runways. The trick to looking hip and hot in boho or biker garb is to add pieces here and there. For example, pair an airy floral top with modern jeans, a simple pair of sandals and minimal jewelry. Or try a leather jacket over a pretty summer dress. Et Voila! You’re one smokin’ lady.

Hard-to-Wear Trend #3: Heels!

Heels are always trendy, and they are my best friend. At 5’3″ I wear 4 or 5-inch heels to work every day and, believe it or not, it isn’t a total nightmare! Especially this year, as fashion changes and embraces different styles both new and old. For example, the kitten-heel is back! That’s right, kitten heels are cool again! A simple solution, kitten heels add a little bit of height and a whole lot of glamour to your look. They’re comfy and not at all over-the-top so if you’re not a heel-lover, this option’s for you!

The second solution (and my personal favourite) is the platform! Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac is one of my style icons, and she’s worn platform boots since before, during and even after they were cool. It just so happens – and much to my delight – that these beauties are in style again! A platform is great because you can go pretty much as high as you want, without the discomfort and cramping that sets in from walking around with your feet at some ungodly angle all day.

So next time you go shopping, remember there’s no more excuses not to try out the season’s most fabulous trends. Stand tall, be brave and jump in! I promise: you will look awesome.

Ask me about fashion! E-mail me: rachel@nowthatslingerie.com

See you soon!
Rachel

This early in the season, a cardigan or, better yet, a blazer is your best friend! Professional, flattering and available in a variety of cuts, colours and fabrics, a blazer can be thrown on over your warm-weather clothes to keep you warmer in chillier air-conditioned spaces. Here are some examples of the different kinds of flattering blazers to try this season: fun & funky stripes stay professional when applied to such a traditional shape; a pretty, dusty pink number that is feminine and comfortable with its looser fit; bright tones that can be bold and appropriate, as in this yellow jacket and finally, even traditional can be funky, as you can see in the puffy shoulders and long sleeves that have been added to this black piece.

I can't get over these bold blazers! So Pretty!

As things heat up outside, a blazer might eventually feel too heavy, like in July-August, when temperatures can soar to heights that seem unimaginable in the freezing cold, winter months. It’s when this happens that most people slip up and make the biggest fashion mistakes; spaghetti straps, short skirts, shorts and all sorts of other inappropriate pieces seem to wiggle their way into the working woman’s wardrobe when she feels too hot to function! Have no fear, however; while the maxi-skirt trend doesn’t translate too smoothly into the workplace, its cousin, the midi-skirt, does! Light and airy, a midi-skirt can provide the relief you need while still looking polished. Go for midi-skirts in solid colours for work and accessorize minimally. Personally, I love the look of a good-quality black or white t-shirt tucked into one of these pretty midis with a classy, medium-length necklace.

My closet is full of midi's - modern, edgy, vintage, and feminine, these skirts have it all.

And on a final note, here are a few don’ts, simply because they are not always obvious! Bermuda shorts are acceptable in some workplaces but it’s best to check, and shorts that hit any higher on the leg are never appropriate in professional settings, even in pretty fabrics or baggy cuts. The same goes for flip-flops and summer dresses that look beautiful, but fall too far on the casual side of things. And finally, halter tops/spaghetti straps, no matter how nice a top looks, are not suitable for work – unless, of course, you pair it with a lovely cardigan or blazer, as shown above!

A few easy mistakes!: These pieces are all gorgeous, but not quite workplace appropriate. Save lovely, casual clothing like this in the evenings and on weekends!

Happy summer!

Rachel

(All images created by author at www.polyvore.com)

I’m very excited about today’s blog because I’m going to get personal with you.  So here I am, opening my closet and therefore my heart, to you, our lovely Bra Doctor readers, to peek at some of the ensembles I can’t wait to flaunt this season!

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My cute & casual look for outdoor festivals and events...

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... and coordinating, caramel leather, lace-up boots. (They remind me of old fashioned ice skates!)

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My favourite part of summer in Montreal is its endless stream of festivals! Big, outdoor barbecues with friends and evenings of live music, good conversation and total relaxation are what I live for. I keep it casual at these events, especially with all of the dust that generally gets kicked up outside. Stay cute in a pair of sky-high-waisted denim shorts with a plain white tank under a pretty button-down, like this burgundy one of mine, shown above! Since high-waisted shorts show lots of leg, I usually opt for zero cleavage. An unpadded, seamless bra with good shaping capabilities, like Warner’s Flex Revolution Shaping Bra helps to pull off the ultra-casual, plain-white-tank look flawlessly. In this outfit, I’ve tied it all together with my favourite vintage brown leather belt and a low-heeled pair of boots in a similar, caramel tone.

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Take fashion to the limit! Bold colors and busy patterns like this floral are surefire attention grabbers, making you impossible to miss.

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We’ve all heard the song, “Summer Lovin’” from the classic film, “Grease”, and I’d say they were definitely onto something. The friendly, positive energy and hot, humid weather of the city definitely gets hearts pumping faster during the summer months! When I’m feeling flirtatious, I like to go super-girly. Pictured above is my favourite vintage floral dress, which I’ve cinched at the waist with a ruffled, black leather belt and tossed my new jean jacket on top. As a large-busted girl, a supportive strapless bra like Calvin Klein Underwear’s Seductive Comfort Strapless is the key to wearing this dress comfortably.  To play up the 70s vibe and coordinate with the black belt, I’ve added this unique pair of suede platform shoes (below) to the ensemble!

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I am in love with these black, suede shoes because of the bizarre combination of the platform and short, skinny heels.

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And finally, for a look that is pretty, put together and feminine while still being comfy and laid-back, reach for your favourite pair of jeans. Simply pair it with a stretchy or flowy top, like the floral one shown here for a comfy combo that will turn heads while still feeling great! A crisp, white pair of Keds, or a flat pair of sandals will compliment this look nicely, but I’m a sucker for heels and for me, this gorgeous pair of stacked-heel sandals is the cherry on top of this ensemble!

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The sleeves of this top are loose and flowy thanks to its semi-circle shape. Perfect for the hot summer heat!

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I bought these over the weekend - couldn't be more in love!

So there you have it, folks – a glimpse into my dear, darling closet! I hope I’ve encouraged you all to embrace your inner bohemian flower-child, and wish you a wonderful week!

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Until next time,

Rachel

rachel@nowthatslingerie.com

Walking the walk along Miami Beach

While Las Vegas seems the most popular ‘guy’s destination’ for weekend getaways, Miami has become the girls’ equivalent. It’s the ideal place to relax poolside, indulging in pampering at the spa (there’s one at each of  the most fashionable hotels), cocktails at sundown (don’t they taste better in a balmy, tropical paradise?), and dancing through the night (there are usually nightclubs at the trendiest hotels too). And like all the girls who vacation in Miami it’s the best place to try out your teeniest summer dresses and miniscule bikinis, nothing looks too wild or out of place! It’s really a lot of fun for groups of girls – many of the bigger sea front hotels are resort-like with fully serviced poolside loungers, private beach areas, bars, 5 star restaurants, spas and nightclubs so you never have to leave the premises – perfect if you’re there for a limited time.

For dinner or cocktails dresses are worn short and colorful, and as the evening progresses and the nightclubs open the outfits get way shorter – so be prepared to bare some (hopefully bronzed) leg and be sure to wear decent undies if you’re going this short! The shoes are ‘skyscraper high’, either wedge or platform heels – not so good after a few cocktails!

Shocking pink is everywhere, from bikinis and cover-ups to tank tops and t-shirt dresses. I spied a girl poolside looking stunning in a shocking pink floor-length chiffon kaftan over a white bikini. There were printed ‘mini’ belted kimonos which looked adorable as bikini cover-ups worn with high wedge sandals. Little vintage style slip dresses in fine cotton with ruffled necklines and tiered hems looked sweet and very ‘Boho’ accessorized with jeweled thong sandals.

Many of the bikinis the girls were wearing were deliberately mismatched with a different top and bottom – which is how they’ve  been sold to us by designers for a couple of seasons and it’s obviously caught on. Many prints or solids were boldly edged with contrasting color print trim, like checks on florals, and there were lots of big geometric prints and stripes, ruffles and ruching, all in bold bright colors, and of course there were plenty of what Miami is well known for: ‘the Brazilian’ bikini bottoms – only for the super confident and very tanned!

Have fun checking out the looks I’ve put together and let’s look forward to some fun in the sun!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

All fashions from Net-A-Porter: NET-A-PORTER.COM | Luxury Designer Fashion | Women’s designer clothes, shoes, bags & accessories

Title image from America Trek: America Trek: South Beach-Miami Beach

Amulette's "Joie" Collection, Spring/Summer 2011

Hello There!

I am delighted to announce that peaches, pinks and oranges, some of my summer favourites, have absolutely dominated the runway and covered the pages of lingerie catalogues this season. As a woman with a warm, “Autumn” skin tone (learn about your skin tone here!) and one who loves to dye her hair, the warm undertones in corals and oranges compliment my golden freckles and green eyes, my natural hair colour – light brown –and the bright red shades I like to try on every once in a while. For women with cool complexions, rosy pinks, peaches and coral shades that fall into the “neutral” category are equally as complimentary of blue or rosy undertones and chestnut or blonde hair colours. I would say the greatest thing about this palette is how universally flattering it is!

Amulette's "Romance" Collection, Spring/Summer 2011

One lovely brand that has picked up on this beautiful summer colour trend is Amulette lingerie. In dreamy laces and flowing chiffons, Amulette’s spring/summer 2011 collections are ultra-feminine, yet bold, in eye-catching patterns and bright colours. The new “Joie” collection features a number of dainty “Bralets” in some stunning colour combos. Pink, peach and orange are mixed together with dark plum in Bralet 1121006 and Babydoll 1021010 for a cooler touch, while Bralet 1121008 combines fuchsia and orange for a warmer look with a modern edge. The “Joie” Bralet 1121010 and matching “little thong” in one beautiful coral colour can go either way!

Amulette’s “Romance” collection offers some equally beautiful pieces in softer, muted peach tones. For any recessionistas seeking a vintage, antiquated look, a warm peach colour provides a sure throwback to the Roaring 20s, while floral laces in a cool, dusty beige (bustier 2121017 and its companion the “French Knicker”) are evocative of a dreamy, turn-of-the-century scene in lovely France.

Thrill Me Peach Plum Balcony Bra and Thong from Showgirl by Curvy Kate

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UK Plus-Sized brand, Curvy Kate, available in cup sizes D-K, has also taken part in the season’s colour trend, featuring some absolutely gorgeous coral pieces in their “Showgirl” collection! The Thrill Me Peach Plum Balcony Bra-and-Thong set, made from bright and shiny satin with a black mesh overlay, is supportive, sophisticated and fun. An even sexier, va-va-va-VOOM look can be found in the Tempt Me Black Scarlet pieces, hot pink pieces with their black lace panels.

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Tempt Me Black Scarlet Showgirl Bra and High-waisted Brief by Curvy Kate

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Finally, from the Spanish runway, Andres Sarda’s Spring/Summer 2011 lingerie collection, made up of mostly neutral shades, featured show-stopping, head-turning punches of colour in hot pinks and corals, such as the bra and panty set featured below.

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Image from Andres Sarda, Spring/Summer 2011 Online Catalogue

So there you have it, darling readers – something for everyone in this summers’ fashion trends!

Wishing you a lovely week, and until next time!

Rachel

http://www.curvykate.com/curvykate-lingerie-collections-ss2011.php

http://www.andressarda.com/ss11/

http://www.amulettelingerie.com/

Choosing the most flattering lingerie for your skin tone can be just as challenging as finding the right fit. Luckily I’m here to help! With the following tidbits of advice, looking your best in lingerie is as easy as 1-2-3!

1.   Determine Your Skin Tone:
A common trick in the beauty industry is to divide the endless complexions of the world into four “seasons”. These categories are based less on the exact colour of your skin and more on the less perceptible undertones, which actually plays a much larger part in choosing flattering hues in clothing!

Winter: People with wintery colouring have blue or very rosy pink undertones to their skin. This includes very pale, yellow-ish, very dark skin tones and usually, dark eyes. Many Asians, African-American and natural blondes fall into this “cool” category.

Summer: The other “cool” complexion out there is the summery one. Women with summer skin can also have blue undertones, but are more likely to have very pink ones.  Skin is usually very pale and pink, and hair is usually blonde.

Autumn: Women with autumn colouring have warm, golden undertones in their skin. Many redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes or golden flecks in their irises fall into this category, although some golden blondes and black-haired women are autumns, as well.

Spring: Spring skin tones are the other type of warm skin tones out there. These women usually have very pale skin that is peachy rather than pink, like winters, and generally have natural red, strawberry blonde or very light blonde hair. Very clear blue or green eyes are usually indicative of spring colouring.

2.   Check This List and Find Your Colours!

Winter: Black, White, Navy Blue, Dark Red, Hot Pink, Light Blue, Pink, Yellow

Love Rush Lace Underwire Bra by Blush Lingerie in Azalea

Summer: Powder Blue, Dusty Pink, Mauve, Lavender, Plum, Pale Yellow

Emilia Padded Underwire Bra by Eva Lingerie in Lavender

Autumn: Camel, Beige, Olive Green, Orange, Gold, Dark Brown, Dark Grey, Red

Jungle Impressions Underwire Bra by Naturana Exklusiv

Spring: Peach, Camel, Golden Yellow, Golden Brown, Aqua, Bright Green, True Reds, Ivory, Coral

Light Luxury Wire Free Cross Over Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie in Crimson Fury

3.   Strut your stuff!
Confidence is key, and nothing is more irresistible than a woman who loves herself, inside and out!

Well, I’m off to check out some lovely Autumn coloured bras, so here’s wishing you a great week and a fun lingerie makeover!

Rachel

Eat your way to a better, healthier lifestyle with berries, high in antioxidants.

1. Get in touch with Mother Nature. Exploring the great outdoors is a natural, fun and surefire way to stay healthy while enjoying activities as diverse as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, jogging, biking and waterskiing.  Let the sun naturally fuel your body with Vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium, boosts your immune system and helps prevent osteoporosis, and leaves you energized.  Use sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 to keep harmful rays from damaging your skin.

Tri-Action Wire-Free Sports Bra by Triumph International, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

2. Get a REAL Sports Bra THAT FITS. Over time, your bras naturally wear and tear, making it crucial to renew your wardrobe at least once a year and make sure your bras fit properly.  This DEFINITELY includes your sports bras!  Your breasts’ and skin’s elasticity decrease naturally with age, pregnancy, weight loss or gain, etc. If you wear a sports bra that doesn’t support properly, this process is sped up, making your breasts bounce and causing small tears in the ligaments that keep your breasts firm, potentially causing sagging.

3. Vitalize. Get a dose of energizing, exotic fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like pomegranate, berries and kiwi, or veggies like peppers, spinach and ginger.  Incorporate these into your breakfast to get a kick-start to your day, or fill small tupperware with fun salads to grab when you’re on the go or for a healthy mid-morning or afternoon snack to get a natural, revitalizing boost of vitamins and minerals without the burnout effects of caffeine or energy drinks.  Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are also rich in antioxidants and are a super tasty and creative add-in to your cereals and fruit salads.

4. Clear your mind and lower stress.  Try meditating, yoga, tai chi or other relaxing, invigorating low-impact exercises that tone your body, relieve stress and help you relax.  Doing any kind of physical activity boosts endorphins, increases muscle and blood circulation, which will make you feel happier and less stressed.

Yoga balances body and mind, relieving your stress.

5. Clean out your space. Organize To-Do lists, recycle old newspapers and magazines, tidy your drawers, or host a garage sale on your block.  Donate clothes that no longer fit or that are just so 90′s you’ll never wear them again.  By getting rid of clutter in your personal space, you’ll ease your mind and feel refreshed, instead of stressed and claustrophobic. Plus, you’ll also have much more room to store the shoe boxes stacked five feet high in your closet…

Share YOUR tips for fitness and healthy eating with us!
Comment here or e-mail me (Lisa) at nowthatsliving@nowthatslingerie.com.