Body

Are you sure you’re wearing the right size bra?  

Here’s how to find your perfect fit:

Keep your bra on.

To get your bra size (numerical – 32, 34, 36 etc.), wrap a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the bottom bra edge.  Make sure it’s not too tightly wound.

Add 5 (29″ + 5 = size 34)

If you measure over 33″, add 3 (size 36)

If the total adds up to an odd number, say 37, round up to 38 for size.

To get your cup size, measure over the fullest part of the bust.  The difference between this measurement and the bra number is your cup size.

Check out the chart below for cup sizing.

If the difference is:           Your cup size is:
Up to 1⁄2″ ………………….Nearly A Cup (NA)
1″…………………………….A Cup
1-1.5″……………………….Nearly B Cup (NB)
2″…………………………….B Cup
2-2.5″……………………….Nearly C Cup (NC)
3″…………………………….C Cup
4″…………………………….D Cup
5″…………………………….DD Cup
6″…………………………….DDD Cup

Simple, isn’t it?  So are you wearing the right-size bra?

There just isn’t anything more fashionably offensive than under-garments gone wrong. You just can’t contain fabulous if your panties are ill-fitting, showing through, peeking out or if your bra-straps are hanging out with your elbows!

<— Double-whammy no-no

The Wonderful World of Bras

T-Shirt  - The molded, petal-lined cups will create a smooth finish under the lightest of tops, as well as prevent any show-through (make sure to wear a flesh-tone bra for whites!)

Strapless - Don’t go smaller in the hope that it will help this style stay put. What keeps the bra in place is having the band fit perfectly.

Special Occasion - Introducing…the totally backless bra! InStyle Mag tried it – and it passed their thoroughly scientific “jump around” test

Plunge - Its frontal benefits are obvious. What you can’t see: a convertible back, so you can change the straps into crisscross ones.

Is it time to say good-bye? Revealing questions as to whether or not it’s time to part ways

The center of your bra should lie flat against your breastbone and not gape.
The straps should be adjusted so they don’t dig into your shoulders.
The band at your back should not ride up.

  Ahh…panties!

So in the last year or so, a few choice celebrities physically declared a no-panties charade, but let me just tell you – panties, my friend, are always in style.  Just don’t do what that poor lady did up there, and don’t – I repeat – Don’t wear the wrong size or style!

Thong - Works well under pants and jeans. If you’re wearing white, forego the matching white thong and opt for a flesh tone instead. Make sure, make double sure you get the right size – that means no squeezing!

Bikini - Get microfiber versions with laser-cut edges so no elastic will dig into flesh (or show up underneath clothing)

Boy Shorts – (love-these!) The low rise means it works well under drop-waist skirts and pants. These are so comfortable to wear – especially underneath dresses.

 You can’t deny it when you’re in the presence a self-loving, self-believing, self-assured kind o’ woman . The air she gives off is…captivating, mesmerizing - and it sends you wondering where you can get a bottle o’ that. Bad news is, it doesn’t come in a bottle. Good news is, it’s free and you’ve already got it – you’ve just got to find out how to own it.

The LBD

You’re looking for a classic piece here.  And by classic, I don’t mean a boring, no-fun, no-spunk dress.  You’ll know you’ve met the one when you’ve got it on, it’s not too tight, not too frilly,  and feels materially superior.  It’ll demand that you straighten out your back and wear it with poise and dignity.  

Don’t be afraid to spend your hard-earned money on this particular dress.  It will be worth every penny as you will find that you can come back to it year after year for just about any occasion.  

Now, an lbd just wouldn’t be justified without her sweet friends: jewelry, brooches, scarves, bracelets, hair pins, etc.  Accessorize your lbd!  This is where you get to really tell your story!

It’s a black canvas – dare to take risks and pair it with purple heels or knee-high boots.  Keep it coordinated, though, so that the overall effect is stunning and not confusing.  And consider the event as well – cater your look to parallel.

If your dress is romantic, pair it with satin – something luxurious, smooth, sensuous.  Or go the total opposite and wear it with your hair down and cowboy boots.  

You can do whatever you want – that’s the beauty of fashion!  Just don’t lose yourself but instead, strut your lbd with definition and conviction!

That’s Cindy Crawford.  At 43!  Wow, I’m amazed at how fit she looks, and at closer glance, how beautiful her skin still is!  

So, apparently, she attributes her stunning glory to “a day cream with antioxidants, a sunscreen, a night cream, and an eye cream”.  She also swears by microdermabrasion – and protecting the skin on her hands, neck, and chest.  Emphasis on the hands, neck and chest.  

I’m a self-declared, up-and-coming skin care maven, and even I tend to throw caution to the wind and focus solely on my face.  (C’mon, I know better that that!)  But today, I will assert to divert from those careless ways and start paying careful attention to the health and beauty of my whole entire body.

Hands, neck, and chest…hands, neck, and chest.  This is my plan of action. 

Hands:

RoC Retinol Correxion Hand Repair, SPF-15 because #1) It includes avobenzol for UVA (aging) protection #2) Several antioxidants for skin, and retinol – all in stable packaging, and #3) It moisturizes well without leaving hands slippery. 

Face, Neck & Chest

Paula’s Choice Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 because #1) I live in CA, where it’s sunny #2) The formula is light and silky #3) It’s great for my dry skin

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 because I will need touch-ups throughout the day. (And who likes to reapply sunscreen over makeup? )