French Women and their Lingerie by French Essence

I am an avid reader of French Essence. I want to share this latest article with you. It is about French Lingerie!!!

First let me introduce you to Vicki Archer, creator of this lovely blog.

 She is an Australian writer who lives in both London and the South of France. Vicki and her family took on the challenge of buying and moving to an abandoned olive farm.

I adore her blog and enjoy her portrayal of life in France.

She has written 2 books.  My French Life and French Essence

Check out her list of French Films and sign up to follow her adventures in France.


I agree completely with her outlook on lingerie and her view of most women's relationship with lingerie. An interesting perspective. I hope you enjoy this.

french women and their lingerie... 

by Vicki Archer

I read somewhere yesterday that French women are the biggest buyers of lingerie.... What does that mean? Other than that women in general love their pretties, it simply means that some women like lingerie more than others. There are all sorts of assumptions made from this data about nationality and sexiness...a difficult one to determine and not one that I am going to run with, however....

What I do know is that for French women lingerie is a staple in their wardrobe. Pretty underwear is not something that is at the bottom of the shopping list or neglected like a long overdue manicure. Lingerie is as important as the well cut dress that covers it. Lingerie is part of the ensemble; like the handbag and heels, it all has to work. One of the reasons I know that French girls are big spenders on lingerie is that in every village, town and major city there are more lingerie boutiques than any other. In our small village there are several boutiques selling top brands of lingerie. These boutiques are the ones that seem to endure despite seasonal trade and downturns in the economy.

Lingerie is a win/win purchase and maybe French girls have that figured out. Emotionally, if we feel good on the inside then we feel better on the outside. This is something we all strive for and this same logic should apply to how we dress. Knowing that what is underneath is just as fabulous (if not more) as what is on show gives a spike to the morale and a boost to the confidence....and we all know that confidence is the key to looking fabulous and appealing to others. Dressing is so often not about ourselves; women dress to please the loves in their lives or more often than not their girlfriends. Lingerie does not have to be exclusively for others, it doesn't have to be about our partners, lingerie can be selfish. Wearing gorgeous underwear should not only be for seduction, lingerie should be a weapon of self esteem.

Buying underwear is a bit like buying jeans we need to be in the best mood, we need to have time and we need to be forgiving of our flaws. French girls are not perfect, they have lumps and bumps like the rest of us, but perhaps they are kinder to themselves. Our bodies will never be as we want them, that is a curse (rightly or wrongly) that women live with, but wearing pretty lingerie is not reserved for the perfect body; pretty lingerie can be worn by all. In France I have noticed that the most exquisite pieces of lingerie come in all sizes and unlike fashion, underwear does not enforce unspoken rules about who can and who can't. There is a sense of liberation in knowing that you can buy exactly what you like in the size you need; French girls know this, we should too. xv








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Introducing www.PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com

As a reader of this blog you will probably know that I am also a Plus Size Lingerie Website owner….or maybe not.

 The other day I had a woman contact me with some questions. After sending her some advice she was surprised that I am also a shop owner. This, in turn, surprised me.

I think I refer to my site constantly but this may not be so.

My website adventure began after many years of creating clothing for women. Many of my clients have been plus size girls who had difficulty finding a stylish wardrobe. It was never a problem to design and produce the outfit but then came the underwear problem!!!

These wonderful ladies were struggling to find nice lingerie. My work in film has given me the opportunity to work with exquisite lingerie for many petite actresses. Over and over the same thoughts always occurred to me. “This lingerie is Gorgeous! Why don’t they make this for bigger gals?”

Being an avid internet user and shopper it slowly became clear that I should develop a resource for plus size women’s lingerie.

That was 4 years ago.

My website boutique www.PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com offers a wide range of lingerie for the curvy woman. I am constantly struggling to find fashionable and beautiful lingerie in the widest selection of sizes.

A quick look at lingerie available from my web boutique in Plus Sizes!

I treat my website as a neighborhood boutique and act as if I am the local shop keeper. I love to interact with my customers and offer old fashioned customer service. I believe women enjoy interacting with other women…specially concerning underwear!

I invite you to come and view my website. Send me your comments or suggestions.

I strive to create a friendly, easy to use, center for full figured lingerie. My business is based on long term customers and continuing referrals. So if you like what you see, please recommend it to others. If you don’t like what you see, please tell me so I can continue to improve and fill the needs of todays woman.

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Introducing the New Goddess Bra - 6011

Goddess 6011 molded seamless underwire minimizer bra!

Wow this new bra packs a real punch.  It has is all!!

Goddess is a brand that remains very popular for it’s generous size range. Size and fit are the key to a great bra but let’s be honest, it is all about the look as well.

Every woman wants to look and feel sexy in her foundation garments. Why not have comfort, fit and style?

Goddess is a tried and true bra line and a classic for many women. I have noticed they seem to be stepping up in the design and style department lately. What a wonderful direction to be heading in.


Featured here is the new style to take the place of 3910. It has retained of the same great features while becoming this modern bra.

This is a fantastic t-shirt bra. It is called this for it’s smooth, molded construction. It intentionally avoids seams and lace that can show through t-shirts and fine materials. A great feature for plus size women as this can create a slimmer look. No need for extra fullness over the bust. A t-shirt bra is a basic with todays fashions. You should have at least one in your drawer.


This style also acts as a minimizer bra and can reduce the bust size by 2-3 inches. This is simply done by compressing the breast tissue slightly.

There is an underwire and widened side panels for added support. The side panels also help to control the excess fullness.

The straps are a wider elastic for comfort over the shoulder. Most of the weight will be supported by the wide back band and not the straps. The back styling has an exaggerated U shape which stops straps from falling off the shoulders.

This beautiful, simple bra comes in black and nude. The size ranges from 36 to 48 band and D, DD, DDD, G and H cups.

Goddess, in a shocking move, has been discontinuing bra styles that have been produced for over 40 years…without warning. This has been causing some panic in women who have worn specific styles for a lifetime. How nice to see the new replacements are ready to outshine the old classics.

Have faith in this iconic brand and give a new style a try. As always Goddess bras are a great value. You can afford to stock up.

Let me know if you have tested out this , or other, new Goddess styles.


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Aviana Plus Size Minimizer Embroidered Bra

SATURDAY STYLE SPOTLIGHT – Sexy Soft Cup V-Neck Bra

sexy plus size bra

       

Aviana Bras are made strictly for full figured women. Their sizing begins at a D cup. This is special as most bra manufacturers start at an A cup and continue to grade up. This system looses proportion as it gets into the higher size ranges.

Aviana focuses on fit and comfort and they know what they are doing. This company has been producing lingerie since 1985.

This style is called the ”soft cup embroidered minimizer bra”.

Here are it’s highlights:

• lowered v-neck
• minimizer style that rounds not flattens
• 3 part shaped cup for good fit
• built in hidden sling for support and lift
• wire free
• Sizes 36 DDD/F thru 44M
• wide shoulder straps and deep side panels
• GORGEOUS feminine details

I think this style offers fit and support as well as being a sexy, feminine style.
Have you have worn Aviana? I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Technorati Tags: plus size bras,full figure bra,Aviana bra,embroidered plus size bra,sexy plus size bra,minimizer plus size bra,wire free plus size bra,lace plus size bra,cup size M bra,large cup bra

6 Underwear Resolutions

New years resolutions!     

Who started them anyway? 

We all think about them. 

We all plan them. 

They are the same ones every year.

We rarely ever fulfill them.

We feel deflated when we fail.

---

I have an idea… her are some New Years Resolutions you CAN fulfill and just how to do it! Say after me…

  This year I am going to loose one dress size.
Get yourself a great body slimmer. Pull it on and voila, one size smaller.

   This year I am going to walk tall and confidently like I am a woman with something no one else knows about.
Wear thong underwear! If they are new to you, you will be surprised at how secretive you will feel. Even if it is only for special occasions it is worth the experience.

  This year I am going to nurture my feminine side.
As you dress treat yourself to beautiful underwear. No more mismatched sets. No more holes, pilled fabric, bagged out elastic or poor fitting pieces. Throw out the granny stuff no matter what age you are. 

  This year I am going to pamper myself once a month.
Do something you are always too busy to do. Enjoy a cappuccino, read a book, have a pedicure or go to a chick flick. As women we work so hard and so seldom take time for ourselves. We need to energize ourselves once and a while.

This year I am going to see red.
Get a red bra and panties set. Every woman should have a set in their delicates drawer. It will ignite your soul, warm your spirit and light your fashionista within.

  This year I am going to go wild.
Leopard prints and exotic hides in a corset, nightie set or panties. Bring out your feline tendencies.
So get to work and master these resolutions. Then the next time you are chatting with the girls you can say, “Resolutions? I have kept mine all year long!”

2011 is going to be great!

What are your underwear resolutions?

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Unique Plus Size Bra and Panty Set

SATURDAY STYLE – Plus Size Mocha Bra and Panties

This set one of my personal favorites!
Fantastic European made Plus Size set by Tatiana.
The lace is gorgeous and the combination with the soft cream colored lycra created an elegant set.
You very rarely see brown shades in lingerie. I love the cream and brown combination.
This is a wonderful special occasion set.


This is a beautiful bra for sizes 36E - 40E.
It is an underwire bra with wide set straps leaving an open neckline. The lower part of the bra has a very slight padding.
The straps are slender and the back band has 1 set of of hooks.

With the heavy embossed lace it is easy to overlook the small detail that make this bra so special.
Notice the cute, thick little bow at the center front.
How adorable!


The panty is full cut to the waist but the high cut leg opening still gives a seductive look.
The curved inset of the lace shows a slimming shape on the front.
The lace has a solid look but is soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.
Panty sizes XL – 3XL.
The back of the panty is ultimately plane. No frills or lace to obstruct a smooth line over the butt.
A generous cut allows this panty to offer full coverage.

I am calling this a set although each item is sold separately.

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The 2010 Undie Awards - Plus Size Winners

This is a little known awards contest that votes for the favorite choices in lingerie made by customers of http://www.herroom.com/ . I have noticed it for a couple of years now and am always interested to see the winning choices. Of course the majority of the categories are not plus size so I will not list them all. You may like to see what other women have chosen as their all time best bras.


Winners in the Full Figure Categories…

Favorite Overall Full Figure Bra

And the winner is Keira by Elomi

The Goddess Keira Underwire Bra, from the Goddess lingerie collection, is an ultra-supportive underwire bra with lovely satin cups that feature sheer tops. This Goddess full cup bra has limited stretch straps and a leotard back construction to prevent strap slippage. You'll get amazing support in a beautiful design when you wear the Goddess Keira Underwire Bra.






Favorite Full Figure Strapless Bra

And the winner is Smoothing Seamless Strapless Bra by Fantasie

 I am not familiar with this bra so I don't have any information  to add.

Have a look at my favorite strapless bra by Elomi.




 

Favorite Full Figure Minimizer Bra

And the winner is Satin Tracings Minimizer Bra by Bali
Bail's best selling minimizer bra. Minimizer styles are ideal if you are looking for reduction without flattening - resulting in a beautiful, slimmer silhouette. Bali's ingenious design provides full coverage with bustline reduction up to 1 3/4” for most styles.







Are any of these your favorites?


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 Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Look slimmer instantly with Plus Size Minimizer bras

A fast and easy way to look slimmer instantly is the minimzer bra. All big busted women should own a minimizer bra. These work wonders on your body shape. Most will reduce the bust size by up to 2”. This can drastically impact the look of your outfit.
Some women use these for special occasions and some wear them everyday. These bras work to hold the breast tightly to the body creating a slimmer silhouette while maintaining a beautiful shape.
Bali and Olga are two companies that make lovely minimizer bras at affordable prices. The styles are pretty and feminine to boot.

Here are 3 great choices to consider.
 
 Lace Desire Minimizer Bra by Bali.  Gorgeous lace and delicate style details. Available in black and white sizes up to 42DDD.

Passion for Comfort Seamless Minimizer Underwire by Bali. A smooth design great for wearing under t-shirts and thin fabrics. Comes in White, Toffee and Soft Taupe. Sizes up to 42DDD. Great tagless feature!

http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/product/V-3562
Satin Tracings Minimizer Bra by Bali.
Bali's ingenious design provides full coverage with bustline reduction up to 1 3/4”. A smooth style with feminine touches. Available in 4 colors, up to size 48DDD.

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Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Technorati Tags: plus size minimizer bra,plus size bras,bali bra,minimizer bra,plus size slimmer

Bali Comfort-U Back Review by Curves and Chaos blog

I would like to introduce a blog I have been following for quite a while. This is a wonderful Plus Size Fashion blog with a light hearted look at fashion trends, helpful hints and a fun outlook on life. Check it out.

Meet Curves and Chaos

Curves & Chaos is a blog for the Curvy woman who is glamorous, fabulous, foxy, and then some.

Me...on the other hand? Read the blog and you'll find out.
In a nutshell this is about me. Wife. Angeleno. Latina Blogger. Friend. Sister. Daughter. Cat lover. Dreamer. Traveler. God Mother. Catholic Chick. Fashion and Celeb Obsessed. xoxo, me (Monique)

This is a great post written by Monique and posted at

http://www.curvesandchaos.com/  Enjoy.........

Bali Comfort-U Back Review
Finding the perfect bra is probably one of our biggest headaches. Especially, if you're a curvy woman with a larger chest.

So, when I was contacted to try Bali's Comfort-U Back bra I was pretty excited. This new line features the beautiful Helena Christensen and boasts about the straps and the back of the bra staying in place. You know I had to try it out.

They sent me the Flower Bali Underwire bra. I actually wore this bra on my birthday and I was quite surprised at how comfortable it was. The straps never fell down and the back of the bra never rode up once, I guess I can thank the wide side straps and U-shape for that.




I wasn't spilling out all over the place either. The only issue I had was the actual shape it gave my breast. I guess it's natural, but I felt like they had a little bit of a cone shape. I would prefer them to have more of a round form.



As you can see in the pics above, the quality of the bra was great. It's a very basic white bra with a simple floral design. They have a lot of different styles if this one isn't for you.



I am big on comfort and affordability when it comes to undergarments. The Comfort-U bras have suggested retail prices of $29 to $36. That sound pretty good to me!!

"We are excited to let women in on the secret to a great bra-it's in the back."-Jennifer Stell, Bali senior marketing manager





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 Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Top 5 Most Common Mistakes when Laundering Bras

1. Machine washing - The repetitive motion and twisting of the washing machine is too rough on bras. The action will destroy the elastic properties of the lycra causing loss of support of the bra. Because the hooks in the back will be free to fly around they can snag on the lace of the bra or on other clothing. It only takes a small snag to develop into a large hole in lace. Detergents can be too destructive on the fine fabric used in bras.
2. Machine Drying - The high heat of the dryer kills the elastics and lycra in lingerie. Tumbling around alone or with other items will cause snags and pulls of the lace. Pills along the straps will develop quickly.
3. Dry Cleaning - The heavy chemicals that are used in dry cleaning will instantly break down the lycra and remove stretch leaving the undergarment baggy.
4. Bleaching - You may be tempted to brighten your lingerie with bleach however this never works. Most lingerie now has synthetic materials that will turn yellow in reaction to bleach. It also kills the lycra and stretch fibers.
5. Ironing - This is unnecessary and will damage the lace and elatistic of the bra.

Of course the best solution is to hand wash your lingerie and hang it to dry. If you are too busy to do this the next best solution is a lingerie washing bag. Put the items in the bag to protect them in the machine. Use low water temperature and no heat drying. A gentle cleaner works the best like a low soap natural liquid or hair shampoo.

This is the busy woman’s solution that works very well. This little gadget is also great for panties with lace details.

It sounds old fashioned to hand wash items but if you can find the time you will be astounded as to the difference it will make and how long your lingerie will last.

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Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
http://www.PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Introducing Plus Size Lingerie Brand Elomi

The great Plus Size Lingerie manufacturer, Evenden, has developed a new line called Elomi. You will recognize some of the lines manufactured by Evenden as Goddess, Rigby & Peller, Freya, Fantasie and now Elomi.

Evenden is using all their past experience to create this great line for fuller figures. The difference with this line is the sexier styling. You will see bras with reduced coverage cups and panties with peek-a-boo panels.

I love this line for their choice and combinations of lace, fabrics and colors. The size range is up to 48FF although not in all styles.

Here is what Elomi has to say about their lingerie for curvy girls.....

The Perfect Fuller Figure Fit

You’re strong, confident and like to take care of your appearance. So fit is everything. Without it you can feel uncomfortable and insecure. Elomi lingerie is individually graded and tested on women with fuller figures so we can offer you unrivalled support that leaves you shimmering with confidence. All over.

So what’s our secret? Simply that every Elomi bra is carefully created around these key specialist features:

• Straps - Restricted-stretch or padded straps increase comfort and support.
• Leotard Back - Narrowly placed straps at the back eliminate slippage.
• Hook & Eyes - Two rows in our smaller sizes and three rows in larger sizes provide even more support.
• Fabric - We use supportive and controlling fabrics, especially for wings.
• Wires - Extra cushioning around the wire casings make our bras even more comfortable.
• Seamless Quality - You deserve the best of everything. Which is why Elomi only use the finest fabric and lace. They’re then tested for comfort, strength and longevity ensuring you love your lingerie for as long as it lasts.
• Extraordinary Style - Whether it’s style or shape, comfort or colour, Elomi designers know what fits. Each and every one of their designs tell a story inspired by the world’s leading fashion trends.

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Owner/Designer & Fashion Consultant

http://www.PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com

Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, & More

Tyra recommended Plus Size Front Closure Bra

Recommended by the Tyra Banks Show on "Picking the Right Bra and Panty" episode.

Most women choose front closure or back closure, as to what feels natural to them, and stick with it for life. It is just like sleepwear choices, a night gown verses Pjs. It is what feels right.

Plus size women have traditionally not had a great choice so most wear a back closure bra by default.

Playtex bras have solved this problem by taking their best selling plus size bra and creating this great variation on a good thing. They have keep the best features that give a wonderful fit and maximum support. To this they added a popular detail not often found in plus size bras - FRONT CLOSURE. This is sometimes called spa styling - I still have no idea why. In the front they added large hooks and eyes that lie flat and are easy to close.

The choice of front verses back closure can just be a personal preference however if you have mobility issues in your arms, shoulders or fingers a front closure bra can be a lifesaver.

The Playtex 18 hour Easier on Front Closure with Flex Back is available is sizes from 36B through 54DDD. The three color choices are black, white and light beige in a comfortable microfiber fabric in a floral woven print.

The name mentions Flex back. This is a new design of elastic that criss crosses the back and helps to hide back fat by smoothing the back and sides. This has become a common problem with many of the trendy thin knits and body hugging styles that reveal every fold our body produces.

This bra has it all. Comfort, support, moisture wicking fabric, back control, front closure and pretty.

What is your closure of choice? Post it below.

Brenda
Owner/Designer & Fashion Consultant
http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/
Brenda@PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, & More