The Best Shapewear for Every Outfit

Ahhh shapewear, the new most important under-accessory. Good shapewear can help you smooth out any lumps and bumps and, depending on the shapewear, make you look a size smaller as well. Who doesn’t want that?

Modern shapewear has come a long way from the uncomfortable girdles and bullet proof corsets of yesteryear. New technologies now make shapewear that is not only functional, but quite comfortable and stylish as well. Following is a list of the best pieces of shapewear for a variety of outfits. Remember, it doesn’t work if it doesn’t fit what you’re wearing.

Wrap Dresses

1. Extra Firm Control Open-Bust Torsette Full Slip – Control yourself in all-day comfort with the innovative collection from TC Fine Intimates. Perfect for giving you the smooth, firm look you need under your wrap dresses. Buy at Bare Necessities for $74.00.

Backless Dresses

2. Fashion Forms Women’s U Plunge Bodysuit – A nice sexy backless or low back dress is nice whether it’s for a night on the town or a pretty summer day dress. However, all of aren’t blessed to be able to go braless so some support is still needed. Fashion Forms Women’s U Plunge Bodysuit does just that and at a great price. Buy at Amazon.com for $28.00.

Skinny Jeans

3. Fat Free Dressing High Waist Thong – No more back fat and muffin tops. The Maidenform Fat Free Dressing High Waist Thong offers firm control in a flattering high-waist design. Comfortable and soft to touch. It will give you a smooth silhouette under your skinny jeans or any stretchy jeans. Buy at Figleaves.com for $40.00

Pants

4. Skinny Boyshorts by Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers – These shapers from Skinnygirl give you the smooth, no panty-line look in you need in your pants. These seamless boyshorts are constructed from ultra soft microfiber, that gives light control to the midsection, lower abdomen and hips. Buy at Amazon.com for $30.62.

Knits

5. Flexees® Decadence Camisole – Maidenform’s Flexees® Decadence Camisole is so comfortable you forget it’s shaping you! There are built in bra cups and adjustable straps. This camisole will keep you looking sleek and smooth under any of your sweaters and other knits. Buy Madienform for $42.00.

Plunging Necklines

6. Maidenform Sexy Plunge Bra – You want to wear that sexy shirt or dress with the plunging neckline, but there’s no way you’re going without a bra. Maidenform’s Sexy Plunge Bra was made with you in mind. This sexy bra gives you the support you want in the shape you need so you can wear all of your sexy tops and dresses. Buy at Maidenform for $30.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Handbags

The Best Handbags of the 2013 Holiday Season

Yes! It’s the time of the year again. Time to put some mileage on those credit cards and buy gifts for your loved ones, for yourself or point your loved one in the right direction for buying you a gift. . Our Holiday Gift Guides look to make those all important gift buying decisions easier for you. This guide focuses on handbags, cause what woman doesn’t like a new handbag. And this holiday season doesn’t disappoint on the option. There are bags from Ralph Lauren, Coach, Furla and many more. So, take a look and if you like what you see, be sure to use the buttons at the bottom of the page to share with your friends and family alike.

1. Cole Haan Parker Nylon ZipTop Shopper Tote Bag Black – I like a good tote. You will find more than one on this list because of my affinity for them. It’s nylon with leather accents and gunmetal hardware. $198 at Neiman Marcus.

2. Dkny Leather Shoulder Bag – This color is awesome. It’s also small and compact, for those who don’t like the big bags. It’s an orange leather shoulder bag featuring a gold-tone top zip closure, gold-tone chain and leather shoulder strap. $135.48 at FarFetch.com.

3. Furla Handbag Candy Bauletto Satchel – You gotta love this color of this Furla handbag. It just screams young and fun. It’s made of molded rubber gel and has double handles with 6″ drop. $248 at Macys.

4. Vince Camuto Handbag Leila Tote – LOVE this color and once again it’s a tote! It’s a 100% leather and has a shoulder strap length of 22″. $198 at Amazon.com.

5. Fossil Sydney Leather Shopper – After a tote, the satchel is my next favorite style of bag. This bag from fossil is a gleaming metallic collar that refreshes the structured silhouette of a favorite leather satchel. $178 at Nordstrom.

6. Lauren Ralph Lauren Handbag Tate Hobo – I love the shape of this bag. Designed with a removable shoulder strap, this spacious hobo is crafted from solid textured leather and features Ralph Lauren’s signature polished metal monogram. $198 at Ralph Lauren.

7. Madison Small Phoebe Shoulder Bag In Leather – The color of this bag is just awesome. It’s also a nice small bag for those who like their handbags small, definitely not for the tote, satchel set. $328 at Coach.

8. Vince Camuto Handbag Janet Drawstring Bag – This bag reminds me of those purse backpacks that were popular some years ago. This handbag features a longer shoulder strap, gold-tone hardware, an interior back wall zip pocket, and an organizational panel with 3-slip pockets. $178 at Lord & Taylor.

9. Tignanello Handbag Polished Pockets Leather Hobo – Love the shape of this bag and how compact it is, and of course how many pockets it has. It holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology and a bottle of water. On sale for 117.99 at Zappos.com.

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The 9 Best Bras for Large Breasts

Big Breasts Need Pretty Bras Too

As a woman who wears a DD bra, finding bras that give me the support I need and are pleasing to the eye can be difficult. I shouldn’t have to sacrifice one to have the other, and when your breasts are a DD or better, support is going to win out over looks every time. As big breasted women, I think there are five things we all look for in a bra:

1. Support – let’s face it DDs or larger rarely come ‘perky’ and if you had children and/or nursed that child, you may need some help keeping them where you would like them to be.
2. Comfort – Just like your undies, you need your bras to be comfortable all day, not just part of the day. Nothing is worse than that bra that stopped working six hours after putting it on and you easily have another 12 to go before it can come off.
3. Durable – Big boobs aren’t exactly cheap to cover, so what ever bra you purchase you need it to last. Losing its shape and it’s ability to support after just a few washes does you no good.
4. Affordable – The bigger the boobs the more expensive the bra. Ultimately you don’t want to have to break the bank on a piece of clothing very few will see.
5. Pretty – Just ’cause our breasts are big does not mean we don’t want and expect pretty bras. Our boobs go on dates too and we need date night undergarments just like everyone else.

With that list in mind I compiled a list of the best bras for large breasts. The following bras meet at minimum 3 of the 5 categories above, with many meeting all five. They are a perfect addition to your bra collection and will last you a good long time, giving you the lift and look you desire.

1. Awareness Full Figure Underwire Bra by Wacoal – This Wacoal bra supports, flatters and manages to be sexy all at the same time. Buying this bra also supports all women with its breast cancer awareness ribbon tag on the back. Cost: $64

2. La Femme Underwire Bra by Wacoal – This bra by Wacoal shows just because it’s for big breasts doesn’t mean it cant’ be sexy. The bra offers full coverage with a little sheer, peekaboo action at top, fully stretch, back adjustable straps and 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure. Cost: $28.99

3. Non Padded Doreen Cotton Bra by Triumph – What this Triumph cotton bra lacks in style it makes up for it in comfort. It is made from soft, cotton rich fabric that feels cool next to the skin. Available up to a G cup. Cost: $52

4. Le Mystère Minimizer Underwire Bra – If your boobs are preventing you from wearing any of your favorite clothes than this minimizer by Le Mystere is just what you need. This minimizer will reduce you by one full cup size, while not sacrificing comfort. Cost: $62

5. Le Mystère Dream Tisha Full Figure T-Shirt Bra – Oprah approved and Winner of a CILA (Contours International Lingerie Award) this t-shit bra by Le Mystère may be not be a looker, but it is high on comfort. Cost: $35

6. Freya Lyla Underwired Plunge Bra – A beautiful lingerie must-have. Based on bestselling Arabella, the Lyla Underwired Plunge Bra from Freya is detailed with delicate, floral embroidery and has “date night” written all over it. Cost: $34.80 (on sale)

7. Faye Plunge Underwire Bra by Freya – This beautiful full coverage bra by Freya let’s the world know big breasts deserve sexy and delicate too. It has ultra sheer lace, a plunging neckline, with ribbon bow accents. Cost: $60

8. Rio Balcony Bra by Freya – The scalloped trim and lace texture spice up this bra by Freya that comes in nude, black and white. It has a 3-part cup underwire balcony bra, mesh-lined cups provide subtle concealment and soft microfiber wings.

9. Freya Active Underwire Sports Bra by Freya – The only sports bra on the list, Freya’s Active Underwire Sports Bra gives you all the support you need during your workouts. No more need to wear two and three sports bras in effort to hold the girls down.

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