A Sure Foundation

So, you have a fantastic dress, killer shoes, jewelry, trendy bag, a flattering hairstyle,impecable make-up, with manicured hands and feet.
But you just don't look "pulled together". You feel there something missing. You continually look in the mirror trying to figure out why your clothes just don't "hang" properly on your body. Take a closer look.

Can you see it? Here's a hint. It's right under your outfit!

Yes, your undergarments. Think it's no big deal? Well that's where you're mistaken!

Everything that you put on under your clothing affects the way the clothes fit. So before we get into choosing flattering garments for your body or the importance of accessories, hair and make-up.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty!

What's Holding You Up?

First let's talk about the girls. Did you know that the right bra can actually make you look younger? It's true. A good bra should be uplifting, supportive, and flattering. Just like a good friend. The first thing you should do is take out the best bra you have or your favorite bra (if you have it on, great!) Look in the mirror, do you have a shelf in the middle of your chest or does it look more like a downward slope? Do you have spillage in the front or on the sides? How about the dreaded "uniboob", this occurs when your bra gives no separation. Finally, is your bra strap digging into your shoulders leaving marks that resemble a valley?

Girlfriend, you need to throw that bra away and get a new one!

The first step is to get properly measured. I recommend the following places, Lane Bryant, Cacique, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, JC Penney, Dillard's, and Nordstrom's. These stores usually have trained bra experts and can give you accurate measurements. I don't recommend doing the measuring yourself. To get an accurate reading, you need someone else to do it. So get your girlfriends together and head to the mall for a day of fun and bra shopping!

Now that you are armed with the correct measurements, it's time to get a bra. There are several styles out there. Keep in mind that color is not the only thing to consider when purchasing a bra.

*SIDE NOTE* do not wear a white or black bra under a white shirt or blouse. Both colors are clearly visible. Find a bra that matches your skin color and wear that under white. Trust me, this works!

My favorite bra is by Cacique, it is called the 6 in 1. It has interchanable straps (clear and colored) and it can be worn strapless. My favorite part is how the straps can be moved to accomodate any dress or top.

The stores I mentioned earlier, have the best selection for full and plus sized divas. Do not be afraid to spend money for a bra. This is an investment. You are only wasting your time buying a cheap bra! DON'T DO IT! You are worth the extra money! To extend the life of your precious investment, hand wash them and hang them to dry. Putting them in the washing machine and dryer only breaks them down.

More Than A Fig Leaf

Let's talk panties! I think worse than a uniboob is "creepers". Creepers are panties that wedgie themselves. The remedy for this is to simply buy panties that FIT! Your dress size determines your panty size. So to get the size panties you must be truthful about your dress size. Just remember, it is only a number, your only focus should be fit.

Panties like bras come in different styles, but not all styles were made for all women. The number one rule is to make sure your panties cover your rear. Panty lines are a no-no. Too loose or too tight is not good either. Remember, cotton panties are the best choice!

The Wearable Vaccuum

Shapers should suck in and not create new bulges. Choosing the right one is key. It should be the proper size and make your clothes fit smoothly. The most popular shaper is Spanx. If that seems a bit out of budget, try Assets, the same company that produces Spanx sells Assets. You can usually find them at Target. I've worn both and I have to say the money spent for the Spanx was well worth it, but the Assets was close.

Now that you've got these tips, use them! This is just the beginning.

Next, we'll talk about choosing the right clothes for your body.

Welcome!

This is a call to full figured beauties everywhere to stand proud and claim thier curves!

That's right ladies! If you've got 'em, be proud of 'em!

Here you will find information on fashion and beauty, body image and inner beauty, shopping deals and plus size celebrities!

I hope that you find information here that you can use, have a couple of laughs, and gain some confidence!

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Camille
The Full Fashionista