27.5 Advice on Personal Style

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Achieving great style is very private!  

 

We often fall victim to the latest designs, following trends, without having a strong sense of personal style—we can easily turn into mannequins. 

 

Our approach to the way we dress says so much about who we are and what we stand for, but it can also be a fun way to express ourselves.

 

Some say being stylish is hard to achieve, but I believe—with some help and a little inner search—great style is achievable for everyone despite their circumstances.

These are my 27.5 tips to guide you to establish & enhance your style:

1. We have to confess that we can be easily influenced by trends and the latest fashions, although they might not fit with our lifestyles and aren't helping us elevate a personal style that is both smart and practical.

2. Nothing says style more than quality, timeless apparel.

3. Wear what fits, regardless of age, budget, lifestyle, or figure.

4. Embrace your shape. we are the toughest critics of our bodies, dress the body you have right now.

5. Don't worry about the size labels. Unfortunately, there is no set standard for clothing sizes—always check the sizing for each garment, and don't ever wear something too snug.

6. Have a good tailor. They aren’t magicians, but a good tailor can transform a garment.

7. Try to stick to the basics, they’re more versatile. A great print might grab attention, but it becomes boring after a couple of wears.

8. Wear neutral colors; with blacks, whites, browns, and blues you can build endless combinations. These essentials provide a great blank canvas that can be accessorized with trendier additions.

9. Don't dress head-to-toe designer. Yes, a fabulous Chanel jacket will always be a staple piece in your wardrobe, but let your personality shine through by mixing labels/designers. If you do buy designer pieces, make sure that they are original.

10. Shop different labels/stores. Widen your selection—there are always new brands to be discovered.

11. Challenge yourself and try new things. Go outside your comfort zone.

12. Wear lingerie that fits, is comfortable, and is pretty.  Knowing that you wear something nice that only you know, can give you special, magical confidence.

13. Less is more—with a fully packed closet, it is hard to choose an outfit. However, with fewer items, you have more creative freedom.

14. Have a well-organized closet, with good lighting and ventilation. Just like your style, your wardrobe has to fit your lifestyle. A full-length, well-lit mirror in the room where you get dressed is a must.

15. Take good care of your pieces, and hang them clean on a proper hanger, buttoned, and zipped.  Read all care labels. Have an emergency kit: safety pins, bra clips, lint brush, double stick tape, sewing needle, and basic colored threads. Remember that your shoes and bags need good conditioning at least once or twice a season even if you did not use them.

16. Take time to put your outfits together. Usually, when something looks effortless, it is well-rehearsed and well-planned.

17. Don’t be afraid to play dress up; take a picture of the ensemble when you find a great new look. Know when you need to button/unbutton a blouse or roll up/down a shirt cuff or a jacket sleeve.

18. Create your look-book. When you need a particular look, you'll already have everything cataloged.  

19. Make a shopping list. Don't shop on a whim—know exactly what you‘re missing or might want to replace from your collection.

20. Be cool, don't try too hard, and relax. Remember, it’s okay to look a little "less done."

21. Take charge, and plan your day! Have designated time for the things that are important to you and add 30 min to an hour for unexpected things.

22. Develop a self-care routine and set up a schedule for manicures/pedicures, and hair/skincare appointments.

23. Create a daily care routine—it doesn't matter if you are 27.5 or 72.5, you need to take care of your skin regularly. Make it a little "me time" every day!

24. Exercise! Find a way to move your body and mind that energizes you.

25. Love yourself!  We show our love to our partners, kids, parents, and friends. We need to carve out time for ourselves and always be grateful.

26. Accessorize.  Find unusual pieces that compliment your outfit—be creative, and dare to step out of the box. Always add an unexpected element to your look… and make it your signature! Check out www.chiclery.com or www.etsy.com/shop/CHICLERY for some unique pieces.

27. Be honest!  As you rediscover your new style, celebrate what you like—observing the positive changes we plan to carry out leads to further improvements.   

27.5 Smile! As you might have guessed, the ".5" after 27 is the most valued time in my life, and that's why I left the most important advice on my to-do list on achieving great style. It is the best accessory that you can ever have, and will work with every outfit!   

Lingerie part 2

PANTIES

Yes, there are many studies telling us about wearing the wrong bra. We don't need too much research to know that we wear badly fitting underwear all the time. We are seeing granny panties showing under see-through clothing and low waist jeans. I guess we got "immune" to pantie-lines. When I advised a client about her pantie lines, she told me it's OK: "at least people know that I'm wearing underwear".

Underwear can be the most distracting garment that you wear, if it doesn't fit. Imagine what can it do to your comfort and confidence level.
We only need about 12 to 25 pairs of well fitting underwear.
For panties too, first you need to make sure that you wear the right size. It is very easy (much easier than for your bra) to measure for size.

How to measure for the right size pantie?

To determine the proper size, you only need two measurements:

• waist measurement
• hip measurement

Waist measurement:

Place the measure tape around the natural waist. If you need to locate your natural waist, bend to the side, and the crease will be the location of your natural waist.

Hip measurement:

Place the measure tape around the fullest part of your hip.
When you take these measurements make sure that the tape measure is always parallel to the floor.

There are two types of sizing for underwear:

• by numbers - like 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.
• by letters - XS, S, M, etc.

The chart below will help finding the right size in both sizing:

Waist measurement	Hip measurement	Panty size	Panty size
23”-24”	33”-34”	4	XS
25”-26”	35”-36”	5	S
27”-28”	37”-38”	6	M
29”-30”	39”-40”	7	L
31”-32”	41”-42”	8	XL
33”-34”	43”-44”	9	2XL
35”-36”	45”-46”	10	3XL
37”-38”	47”-48”	11	4XL
39”40”	49”-50”	12	5XL

Styles to choose from:

1. BIKINI

• The most popular choice. 
• Provides moderate seat coverage. 
• Flattering style with narrow sides. 
• Sits well below the belly button.
• Less visible under clothing.

2.  FRENCH CUT BIKINI

• Features high leg holes, rising just above the widest part of the hip.
• Provides moderate seat coverage.
• Some women prefer this cut as the elastic around the lower leg can be tight and uncomfortable.
• The high leg cut is giving an illusion of longer legs.

3. STRING BIKINI

• Sits inches below the waist.
• Provides moderate coverage. 
• The sides are constructed with thin fabric/elastic strings. 

4. BRIEFS

• Commonly known as "Granny Panties".
• Gives full coverage.
• The waist band sits at the belly button or above.
• Do not wear them with low rise bottoms!
• In recent seasons there is a new revival of the high brief, made of beautiful lace. Worth checking it out!

5. BOY-SHORTS

• They look like hot pants, and they are a very cute solution.
• The ultimate full coverage panties.
• It is a newer panty silhouette.
• The waistband sits below the waist.
• Does not have the obvious panty lines.
• They have fewer tendencies to ride up.
• Look for a style that has gusset crotch design.

6. THONGS

• This style has minimum coverage.
• The waistband sits on the hips.
• Usually has a high-cut leg.
• There is a strip of material/string running up the back of the underwear and flares out into the waistband.
• There is minimal panty line with this style.
• It may look uncomfortable, but if you find the right fit, you might have the most convenient panty in your drawer. 
• Select fun colors, textured fabrics if you know there is a chance they may be seen under low rise jeans.

7. HIPSTER

• This style sits on the hips.
• Features  low leg holes.
• Provides full coverage.
• Excellent choice for conservative women wearing low cut bottoms.

We usually have more underwear than what we need. Please go and try them on and leave only the once that fit and look well. Replenish your pantie stocks every 2-3 months.

Panty fit checklist:

• Waistline should be snug, but not binding.
• If the waistband keeps bunching up or rolling in the front, try a smaller size.
• The right size waistband should stay in place and feel comfortable.
• Leg openings should be snug, but not binding.
• Leg openings should be evenly arched on both legs.
• If you have trouble with snug leg openings, try a style like a French Cut Bikini or  Boy-shorts. 
• Buttocks should be cupped by the fabric evenly.
• Try to choose styles with a cotton crotch insert.
• The crotch should fit naturally against your body.
• The crotch should not have any excessive fabric in the front and/or the back.
• If your underwear is riding up , the elastic might be too loose.
• The proper fit should be balanced, symmetrical. 

Replace underwear that is ill fitting, lost it's elasticity, or it is discolored. I advise a panty drawer check every 2-3 months.

SHAPE-WEAR

Today's shape-wear can change your body as soon as you can put them on.
According to some manufacturers, it may take 5 to 10 minutes to squeeze on one.
You can guess that I'm not the biggest fan of this piece of lingerie. I don't think that we should spend time and money on something that takes such an effort to put on (let's not visualize the taking off part). I can't image it being very comfortable either.
If you have something to "hide", you should deal with it in a different way:

• Eliminate garments that are made of stretch fabrics.
• Choose well constructed garments with seams that shape the piece in the right places.
• Know your body and use clothing  to play off  your best assets.
• Wear a silk slip/camisole/shell under the clothing to smooth and cover lines.
• Find a bodies-suit with a good fitting attached bra.

Generations of women fought against constructive undergarments, millions of ladies burned their corsets and later bras. I don't think their goal was for the modern woman to live in latex shape-wear.

I would like to remind you that your lingerie wardrobe should include lounge-wear and your sleep-wear too. PLEASE make sure these garments get the exact same attention as any other garment that you wear. They should fit well since these are the pieces that you wear when you want to relax. Treat yourself to something luxurious to enjoy the precious "down-time" in your busy day.

Threat yourself as you would be treating the most important person in your life!

What's next? I'll dwell into the closet - how to start cleaning it, organizing, planning for a new and simplified, workable wardrobe that reflects your personality. 

Just Happened In The Lingerie Department

I bet you all doubt yourselves sometimes. When I decided to start writing about style and fashion I knew that there was a need for it, but I never imagined the seriousness of the issue. We could call it coincidence, fate, sign or just cruel reality, but what happened to me last week solidified my confidence and my drive to reach as many women as possible with my blog.

Just before posting my article on lingerie, I decided to  check out the local department store lingerie section, with the intention to find something beautiful for me. As I am looking around I over hear a client asking the saleslady that she would like to be fitted for a new bra. The saleslady apologizes explaining that she is not a full time worker and she has no idea how to measure for a bra, but she'll call somebody. Surely I can hear on the loudspeaker that there is assistance needed in the lingerie department for a bra fitting. I bet most of you can feel the client's anxiousness to just get out of the store or hide under a rack.

At this point I am invested in the outcome. Very soon an older, short, sweet lady rushes to the counter claiming that she was sent here to do a bra fitting, even though she was never trained to perform one, but "I guess I have been doing a good job so far". I was standing at the counter now, ready to pay for my purchases and go home. Then, I tried to put myself in that clients shoes. She came to this store (one of those higher-end department stores), to finally have a fitting for a bra, because for sure she had many days when she wasn't feeling great in her undergarments. So what do I do? If you know me, you'll know that I would never do something like this... I offered to measure the client myself.

The two salesladies were so happy that they didn't have to do it, they run and came back to the counter with the lady in need of a new bra. We were in the fitting room, with measure tape in my hand when the costumer was getting undressed and thanking me that I offered to help, since she always had problems with bras, but was terrified to go and get fitted. She continued that since she was pregnant now, for some reason she was not feeling so insecure, so she just came to get that dreadful bra fitting.

It took me 2 minutes to measure her, and she was ready to shop for that new bra. The salesladies were at the door waiting for us, thanking me and whisking the client away in hopes of making some "good" commission on her purchases. My new friend was sending her blessings between the overstocked shelves of lingerie, saying this is her "Lucky Day".

I still can't believe where we stand today in how we try to "help" a client! Please! Take a measure tape,  and measure yourself, have your bra size ready. Check how your current bra is fitting, go over the bra style list, and know the type that you need. The saleslady is willing to help you (most of the times), but you are in control if you are well informed, and your purchase will be even sweeter when that delicate undergarment will finally be comfortable, giving you that special feeling of "je ne sais quoi" that is so flirty and confidently feminine, and just a touch provocative.

Welcome 2015!

This year, just as much as last year, time is running fast. We are at the end of January, and I already feel guilty, since I hoped to post every two weeks a new article. The last few weeks, I worked to put together all the information about lingerie. The idea was to have one article that everybody could easily read at home or access when shopping, as reference. After much consideration, I decided that it would make more sense to divide the subject in two or three articles. These creative bumps just added to my technical limitations. Don't forget I am a beginner to this new world of technology.

My goal was to reach many women with my posts, but deep inside I was hoping that I will be able to convince my sisters to "please read my blog". To my surprise the response is fabulous! I appreciate the interest, expectation and anticipation that you all showed me during these beginning weeks towards the 27dot5 blog. Please keep the communication open!

So let's get busy and get to the subject that we all want to talk about but it's not that easy.

LINGERIE part one

This is a very private matter. The fact is that we daily deal with uncomfortable undergarments, but we can't always find someone to help with our problem. There are plenty statistics and surveys showing that most of us wear the wrong size/fit bra, I will not take your time on this with my opinion.

What is the solution? Going to a bra fitting might be the answer, but let's be honest, it's not the place we willingly want to be. I will show you how to measure yourself for your bra size and give you all the info on how to find the best fit. But first let's see what we have and what we need in our lingerie drawers.

It is a total misconception that beautiful lingerie is for the enjoyment of the others, or it's only for those model size and shaped women that are 27.5 years old or less.
When you choose to wear lovely lingerie, you carry with you throughout the day, a quiet, flirty secret that boosts your self-confidence, that can't be taken away. Wearing something pretty under your clothes, is knowing something no one else knows (unless you show it to someone special). This feeling is part of that feminine mystique, that is oh so alluring to those around us.

What makes your lingerie wardrobe? You'll need one or two weeks supply of comfortable bras, panties, socks, stockings, nightgown/pajamas, shape wear. Do not overstock with the same style, you will get bored with very soon.

BRAS

We don't need to many bras, I suggest a minimum of one week to maximum of two weeks supply. Alternate them, don't wear the same bra every day, let the fabric "rest". Your bra should have a day off between wearing, since the body heat tends to loosen the fabric. It is a good idea to have different bras for winter and for summer, styles with extra padding actually provide extra warmth.

How to find the perfect size and fit bra? You will need a measuring tape, paper and pen.

Measurements: wear a comfortable bra, without padding, not a push-up or a minimizer. Place the measuring tape around the smallest part under your breasts, on the ribcage, parallel to the ground. Pull the tape tight and get the smallest measurement on your exhalation. Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole, write down the number. This number (rib measurement) will help you find your bra band size.

Bra band size chart:

Band size	32	34	36	38	40
Rib measurement	27” - 29”	29” - 32”	33” - 34”	35” - 39”	39” - 41”

Band size	42	44	46	48	50
Rib measurement	42”	43” - 45”	46” - 47”	48” - 49”	50” - 51”

Next, place the measure-tape around the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be comfortably placed, not tight. Measure and round this number to the nearest whole inch. Write down the number. Subtract the bra-band measurement from this new number, the difference will help you find your bra cup size.

Bra cup size chart
 

Difference in inches	0"	1"	2"	3"	4"	5"	6"	7"
Cup size	AA	A	B	C	D	DD	F/DD	G

Now that you found your bra size, let's see what choices you have.

BRA STYLES

Depending on your needs, I created a quick chart to easily identify the bra style that would fit you. I ranked each style on the most common properties that we look for in a bra:

• Support  -some breasts need more support than others, not only depending on the size.
• Versatility - gives you options to wear with different strap configurations, or wear it under different necklines and/or armholes.
• Look - we always try to buy the prettiest pieces, but some style are "better" looking than others.
• Shape - under this column I look for how the cups changes the shape of the breast.
• Cleavage - to me cleavage is the canvas to your neckline. We have to be aware that if we lean forward what will be shown, or if we have a tight top what will show through.
• Coverage - I believe that modesty should be part of our style, I don't refer to button up to your nose modesty, but nipples shouldn't show through your garments, many things should be left to the imagination.

I used a 1 to 5 scale, showing the least to most.

	CONVERTIBLE Straps are detachable, easy to configure depending on the top you wear	Support 4 Versatility 5 Look 4 Shape 3 Cleavage 3 Coverage 4
	STRAPLESS Bra without shoulder straps, usually with a wider bra band	Support 2 Versatility 3 Look 4 Shape 3 Cleavage 4 Coverage 3
	CONTOUR Has molded seamless cups, with a layer of shaped foam	Support 4 Versatility 3 Look 3 Shape 4 Cleavage 4 Coverage 5
	DEMI Cups have shorter under-wires	Support 4 Versatility 4 Look 5 Shape 4 Cleavage 5 Coverage 3
	PUSH-UP Has a special padding to push breasts up & inward	Support 4 Versatility 4 Look 5 Shape 4 Cleavage 5 Coverage 3
	SPORTS Designed to minimize breast movement during exercise	Support 5 Versatility 1 Look 1 Shape 3 Cleavage 2 Coverage 5
	FORMAL BACKLESS Strapless version with long torso line	Support 4 Versatility 5 Look 5 Shape 4 Cleavage 5 Coverage 3
	SEAMLESS/T-SHIRT Cups are made of a single piece of fabric that has been shaped over a pre-determined breast form	Support 4 Versatility 3 Look 3 Shape 3 Cleavage 4 Coverage 4
	SEAMED The cups are made of 2, 3 or 4 parts	Support 5 Versatility 4 Look 5 Shape 5 Cleavage 4 Coverage 4
	MINIMIZER Created to reduce the breast size	Support 5 Versatility 2 Look 3 Shape 4 Cleavage 3 Coverage 4
	BRALETTE Pull-on, wireless, un-lined style	Support 1 Versatility 1 Look 3 Shape 1 Cleavage 3 Coverage 2
	PADDED Extra padding is inserted to create more definition	Support 4 Versatility 3 Look 4 Shape 3 Cleavage 4 Coverage 4
	SOFT CUPS Bra without under-wires or padding	Support 4 Versatility 3 Look 4 Shape 4 Cleavage 4 Coverage 4
	FRONT CLOSURE Bra that closes in the front, instead of the back	Support 4 Versatility 3 Look 4 Shape 4 Cleavage 5 Coverage 4
	PLUNGE Has a low center panel to allow for plunging necklines	Support 3 Versatility 4 Look 4 Shape 3 Cleavage 5 Coverage 4
	SHELF Under-wired bra with a small lower cup, not covering the nipple	Support 3 Versatility 4 Look 5 Shape 3 Cleavage 5 Coverage 1
	RACE BACK The back is designed to allow maximum movement of the arms and back without any strap slippage	Support 4 Versatility 2 Look 3 Shape 3 Cleavage 3 Coverage 3
	LONG LINE The bra band is extended from just an inch below the breast line to waist or lower	Support 5 Versatility 4 Look 5 Shape 5 Cleavage 5 Coverage 5
	ADHESIVE Reusable bra cups that have adhesive along the sides	Support 1 Versatility 5 Look 1 Shape 2 Cleavage 5 Coverage 4

Bra fit checklist 
 
Cups: Should never be baggy - if they are, downsize. Should hug the breast well, if breast tissue is overflowing, go a cup-size up.

Under-wire: The center front of the under-wire should be flat against the breastbone, if pulled away you should go up a cup-size. The under-arm side of the under-wire should sit flat against the ribcage, without digging into the breast tissue.

Straps: Most of the support comes from the straps. If the straps dig into your shoulder, it is because your band size is too big.

Bra band: Always should stay in a straight line, parallel to the ground across the back. If it rises up at the back, you need to go down a band size.  Don't forget! Almost every bra has 3 sets of hooks to adjust for a perfect fit. Use them!

Color
 
Unless you go for a look that shows your lingerie under your clothes, underwear should be unobstructive.

Nude:  Wear nude bra under white clothing, it is less noticeable. Tends to keep its color, white often turns yellow/grey with time. Should choose a tone as close to your skin as possible.

Black: The most used color in the "world" of lingerie. Showing a black bra through, might be more of a fashion statement and less of a mistake.

If you wear a lot of a certain color, you should get lingerie in the same color or something that compliments the color.

Care
 
Label might say "Hand Wash Only", but most bras can safely go into the washing machine, in a gentle cycle, unless we are talking about that silk or French lace number.

•  If there is a stain on your bra, treat the spot with mild soap, gently rub and let it soak for a few minutes. 
• Only use cold or warm water, hot will break down the delicate fabric and the elastic. 
• Cotton bras could be washed in hot water, but it will shorten the life of the garment. 
• When washing, close the hooks on the bra, this will avoid snagging it onto other clothing. 
• Very useful to have a mesh lingerie bag to keep all your lingerie from other clothing in the wash. 
• The delicate pieces of lace, silk and ornated bras should be soaked for a couple of minutes, maybe a half an hour, and then rinse well. 
• Do not ever put your bra in the dryer! Air dry or line dry all your lingerie pieces. 

I believe that now you have plenty of information to choose wisely your new bra collection. It will take time to find the perfect pieces, but it is worth it! Do not give up, there is a bra that is perfect for you. With Valentine's Day coming up, please shop for something that YOU will feel great wearing it. Don't buy something that will take precious "real estate" in your lingerie drawer and you'll never wear again. If shopping on-line, look for companies that allow easy return in case the fit is not perfect.

Do not put underwear that you never intended anyone to see!

What's next? In the coming post I'll discus panties and shape-wear.

Chose to care for yourself, enjoy the body you have, and treat it well!