Supporting your Assets

When I was younger, I couldn't wait to wear a bra. When I finally started wearing a bra, it was a sports bra. Nothing says "welcome to womanhood" like a uni-boob. Thankfully, training bras have come a long way since 1993. Once I transitioned to the awkward "real" bra, I never really appreciated what it could do for me until college. To me, it was just a necessary evil. Once I discovered the power of a perfect bra, I have felt the need to tell the world - so listen up!

Ladies, you need to have a clear definition between your chub and your assets. Your chest should be well supported - regardless of age. Comfort is definitely a consideration but should not be the end-all. Here is what you should look for in an amazing "over the shoulder boulder holder" (thanks for that phrase, Punky Brewster).

1. Proper sizing. Go to Victoria's Secret, Sears, JC Penny, or a bra specialty shop and get fitted. Then, stay pretty much within that range. "Range?" You ask? Yes. Each bra and each brand will fit differently so try on multiple bras unti you find the one that matches with the rest of the advice below.
2. Support. 80% of the support should come from the back strap. It should fit loose enough so you can fit 2 fingers under the back strap and it is best to start on the middle hook.
3. Adjustable straps. If your chest is still "saggy", adjust your shoulder straps. A new bra should allow the shoulder straps plenty of "tightening" space. As the bra gets older, you will want to be able to tighten the shoulder straps. Also, the ability to criss-cross your straps will give unbelievable support. Try it sometime!
4. Underwire. Hear me out on this one. If the bra fits well, the underwire will lay flat against your ribcage and along the outside of each breast. A well-fitting bra will be comfortable. Make sure you are wearing the right size...then try several styles. The lift provided by the underwire is unmatched.
5. Padding. Just because you are well-endowed, doesn't mean you shouldn't have some padding in your bra. Good padding in the base if the bra cup will give your chest the extra boost it needs.
6. Fun. Buy a bra you like and that you are comfortable in. Wear it all day and if you decide you like it, but several more...and then throw out your boring bras:)

Good luck, ladies. A well supported chest makes your waste look thinner and balances out your hips.

Friends don't let friends wear packaged panties

So the search for good underwear continues. Each chunky girl I talk with seems to have the same issue: poorly made or frumpy underwear. Ladies, I would like to inspire you. Just because you are not a size two does not mean you have to wear granny panties. Underwear is the only exception to the "just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it" rule. In fact, I strongly encourage you to wear sexy, fun, inspiring, feminine, undies.

I understand everyone's body is different. You may prefer thongs while I prefer boy shorts. Whatever works. Recently I had the underwear discussion with a friend. She wears a size 22 pants and needed to get new panties. I recommended she try American Eagle (aerie) boy short underwear. She thought I was crazy...and the logic that followed is legit. If she cant wear their clothes, how could she wear their underwear? That is where the stretch comes in. I have been wearing aerie undies for 7years and must admit that they are my faves. They fit well, wash well, and last long. They come in all shapes and just in care you were wondering, I wear an XL but haven't fit into their clothes since I was 9.

Why aerie?
- Lane Bryant underwear are not only cut to be pulled up to my bra, but also refuse to keep their shape. Instead if my chub staying put in my undies, my undies stretch almost to the point of falling off. I don't know about you, but my underwear inching down my legs while tooling around in Walmart is not my idea of sexy.
- Avenue offers granny panties, if that is what you are in to. They have some cute styles and prints but be prepared to have them come way higher than your natural waist. I just love bending over and letting the world see my cute panties pulled higher than my jeans...
- Torrid has cute underwear that aren't frumpy, but I have yet to review a pair. I actually was just there last night and decided against purchasing a pair to try. The fabric and cut was astonishingly similar to Lane Bryant's undies...and I know too well how badly that money was wasted.

Okay, so what do you do if aerie doesn't fit you? Department store undies are a good alternative. I will post my findings as I come across other fits, brands, and cuts as well as continue to hope LB and Avenue get their act together so all the workers in aerie don't think I have a poor misconception of my pant size.