Now that we have all decided to be our own Biggest Fan we need to look the part. While what on the inside matters way more than what’s on the outside, the outside is important too. I know I feel better when I look better and feel great when I think I look great. Notice I said I. I’m not talking about pleasing others or following trends or trying to measure up to some sort of ideal. I’m talking about deciding that I am my own biggest fan and I want to feel great and look my best. So how do we do that?
That was the point of the Full Figured Fashionista Class held at BellaNor Boutique. If you read my post from earlier this week, Are You Your Own Biggest Fan, I know you are anxiously awaiting the tips and pointers I picked up at BellaNor’s. So here goes:
Shape wear!!!!
Go get some! Shape wear is for all sizes and comes in all sizes. It is not just for fuller figures. Most of us could benefit from a tighter look. Now I’m not talking about hard core girdles or corsets or things that are uncomfortable. I’m talking about the kinds you can get a most department stores and even target that are designed to smooth you out and hide the lumps and bumps you don’t want to show while lifting the ones that you do want to show. I personally have used Spanx and the Assets brands. Make sure you buy it in your actual size. Buying it in a smaller size will be counterproductive as the shape wear will give you bulges instead of smoothing things out. To maintain your shape wear do not fully dry your shape wear in the dryer after washing it. Treat it as you would bras and hosiery to get longer life. Don’t be afraid to wear it every day. Buy the correct size and the brand that you find most comfortable so that you can wear it daily. I always considered shape ware something to put on under that special dress. It never occurred to me to wear it on a regular. Now I’m thinking why wouldn’t I want a smooth silhouette all the time???
Get Fitted!!!
Go and get a proper bra fitting. Clothes often will not look right if you have on the wrong bra because they are cut with the expectation that your boobs will be in line with the middle of your arm. Most women are wearing the wrong size. Here are a few ways to tell if you wearing the wrong size. When you look in the mirror standing sideways does your bra have a see saw effect? Meaning is the back of the bra higher than the front. Your bra should be even in the front and back. When you take your straps down your boobs should not fall down with it. The shoulder straps should not be the main support of the bra. Lastly you should not have a uni-boob. Each breast should be fully in the cup and the middle of the bra should be flush against your skin, giving you two separate boobs and not one uni-boob. Two is better than one 🙂
Don’t Postpone The Pretty!!!
Chanea (the lovely owner of BellaNor) says she gets many women coming into the shop saying “oh I’m not buying any clothes because I’m losing weight”. If you are in the process of losing weight or getting in shape or experiencing any other type of transition phase don’t deprive yourself of nice fitting garments. Looking and feeling your best should not have a size prerequisite to it. Also, looking in the mirror and liking what you see during the weight loss process can be a huge motivator to keep up the good work. I’m not saying break the bank. Get just a few pieces in your current smaller size that will help you look your best even if you are not at your goal.
Wow! I really got a lot out of this class. So much so that I’m going to break now and pick this up a little later with more tips. I don’t want you to get bored before I get to the good stuff 🙂
So for now, mention your unmentionables. Do you wear shape wear? Do you wear it every day or just on special days? And when was your last Bra Fitting? And for any fellas reading, I heard there are shape wear tee shirts for men. Would you or have you worn one?
Anonymous says
I found some really good shapwear at walmart. It has changed my life. It is not as constricting as other brands but it gets the job done. It looks like the old fashioned swimsuit and comes to the thigh. I can wear my own bra with it which just gives it a more streamlined look. I was able to wear a skirt last week that was a little snug before. Before I had just worn it with dresses. My new best friend.
Lynne at The Sweet Midlife says
This is brilliant. I know that my bras are the wrong size, and we just had pictures done. In some of them I look like I ate an anaconda because I have on the wrong undergarments. Sigh. Thanks.
DJrelAt7 says
I have the assets shape wear from target, and I normally wear it under a fitting dress, and thats it. I do know people who have done that, worn shape wear every day, that does make sense to do, why wouldn't you want a shapely body everyday. I see so many people with the improper bra size on…I just shake my head. How does one tell someone, umm excuse me, but you're not wearing the proper size? Any suggestions for the next time I spot someone doing so?
Didn't know that they was shape wear for men, might be worthy of a post on its own. 🙂
Optimistic Mom says
Yes!!! Proper bra fitting is a must! I had it done last year and it made a big difference. I confess the new items made a difference. 😉
Joyness Sparkles says
I cannot agree more with shapewear AND being PROPERLY fitted!
I don't think any men read this (I hope not anyway) so I will share that I am an EE in my bra size. One of the first places that I had been fitted at tried to tell me I was a B. I still laugh about that ridiculous-ness. 🙂
trininista says
Spanx for life! lol