I really love Second Base!

Okay, let me explain. Second Base is actually a new style of camisole that Angie asked me to try. According to the website, it’s the first camisole made to layer, leaves no bulky lines around the hips and waist, and is silky soft and eco-friendly. That sounds pretty great, right? Angie wanted to know if it could be a good choice for warm weather layering.

As someone with a larger chest, I know a little something about layering. I have a bit more cleavage than I care to display, but I learned a trick right here at YLF that makes any top wearable. I just pop a camisole underneath and I’m good to go! A cami gives me just a little bit of extra coverage, and I wear one almost every day. The problem is, I live in sunny Southern California, and when the temps start to rise, the extra layer of fabric clinging to my body is uncomfortable. In the summer, when it really heats up, wearing a cami can be unbearable. But – I still need the coverage. I’ve often struggled with how to wear my favorite tops in the hot weather and not roast to death.

I think Second Base has solved my problem. It looks like a sports bra, except it’s incredibly light and silky-feeling. It’s offered in black and white, XS to XL, in two different styles. (The website has lots of great pictures.) The “Meredith” has wider straps that are not adjustable, with coverage similar to a tank top. My favorite is the “Sarah,” which has thinner straps that I can adjust for a little extra coverage. But the real beauty of either style is they only cover your bra, so you don’t have extra fabric heating up your body.

I did notice that neither style completely covered the bottom of my bra, but this did not bother me at all because A) no one sees under my shirt, B) there’s enough coverage up top, and C) have I mentioned the part about not roasting to death? In fact, Second Base was so comfortable I totally forgot I had it on. I intended to try it out with a bunch of different tops, but I got distracted and about three hours later I remembered I was still wearing it. Most excellent!

Bring on the summer heat. I can finally keep covered, and still keep cool!

Second Base is offering 20% off and free shipping for YLF readers. Just enter “YLF” as the promotion code when you make your purchase.

What you’re after is micro fishnets. The holes are small and tightly woven, and the nylon is fine and pretty. You can barely see that you’re wearing fishnets and the overall effect on your legs is more of a textured sheen. The look is sophisticated and a little unexpected. I’ll go so far as to say that a classy pair of fishnets works with everything and on anyone. Totally flop proof.

Fishnets tend to be a smarter look, but they can be dressed down pretty effectively. They are ideal with a denim skirt, flat casual knee-high boots and basic knitwear. I also like to pair them with my 20 eyelet Docs. Don’t think that you need to stick to black either. Brown, grey and nude fishnets are just as great.

My favourite brand of micro fishnets are by Oroblu. They’re expensive at $19 a pair, but they last and they look sensational. DKNY has just brought out a great micro fishnet option this season. Packaged in a flat gold box (the luxury collection), you’ll find them in most department stores. They cost $17 and offer the same Oroblu effect. If you live in the UK and have a Marks & Spencer close by, be sure to head for their hosiery department. They sell fabulous plain micro fishnets and versions with polka dots. So fun!

Give them a try. They kick all sorts of outfits up a notch and make an affordable and stylish little Christmas present.

I haven’t tried these Wolfords, but they look like a great pair of micro fishnets. At $40 they are quite pricey.

I see many women wearing nude or white bras under their white tops and nothing else. Although the color of the bra works, it doesn’t look so fab. White tops are usually more transparent than other colours and the addition of a white cami gives the top the appropriate coverage and extra visual interest.

I’m all for creating contrast, but I don’t fancy the look of other colours under white. It never looks quite as magical as the crisp, clean impact of white on white.

These camis are made of a rich cotton-spandex and bound with a pretty sateen. They come in about 20 different solid colours and have sufficient length for layering if you’re petite or regular height. The neckline is pretty high and the fabric stability is impressive. They don’t have a shelf bra and are as soft and comfy as can be.

They run a little small, so go up a size. I’ve triplicated my black and white camis and bought a few other colours. Despite getting washed and tumble-dried frequently, they have lasted quite well. It’s a win.

Which are your current favourite camisole brands and why?

Nordstrom offers additional colours at store level. Unfortunately, there are only six shades to choose from online.

The Yummie Tummie is a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this item is not supposed to be hidden. It acts as a visible layering piece under a jacket, top or dress. But there’s nothing stopping you from covering it up. It’s available in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths in most department stores and online. It’s versatility is key, but you pay for it at $62 apiece.

I haven’t personally fitted one on, but have seen it’s positive effects first hand with my clients. It works and is worth a try if you’re prepared to wear shapewear.

I suggest shapewear to my clients as a last resort. We first try to find clothing that flatters without shapewear, because that’s the more comfortable option and one less item to think about. But I do have clients who are happy wearing shapewear daily and it does make a visual difference.

They are fabulous. The leg openings are lined with an ultra thin layer of rubber to ensure that your undies stay put. And it really works. Ultra soft and breathable microfiber, a cotton gusset and an assortment of colours might make these knickers the answer to your thong-free days. They launder well and the rubberized finish has not irritated my sensitive skin. I’m chuffed.

The sales assistant suggested going up a size if you’re a little curvier on the derriere or thigh because panty lines can’t vanish if the rubber is too tight. I’m converted and have made use of their offer by getting 3 for $27. Here’s to no more panty lines.

I personally like the look and coverage of boy shorts, but there are many other options if that’s not your cup of tea. This collection is available online if you don’t have a Soma store nearby.

Thanks for the information Nicole and Ana. Shock Absorbers are available on Figleaves.com. Here’s to no more jiggle when we wiggle.

]]> http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/07/sports-bra-the-ultimate-shock-absorber/feed/ 10 http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/14/treat-yourself-on-valentine%e2%80%99s-day/ http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/14/treat-yourself-on-valentine%e2%80%99s-day/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:16:43 +0000 Angie http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/02/14/treat-yourself-on-valentine%e2%80%99s-day/ There are frequently “hidden” items that we need, but that we don’t like to purchase because we’d rather spend money on items that get noticed right away. We neglect these items either because we have a limited budget, or because we’re not excited about them. Bras, undies, socks, lounge clothes, workout wear, sleepwear, bathrobes, slippers, perfume, make-up and socks often fall into this category.

For the love of your wardrobe, treat yourself (or be treated to) at least one of these everyday essentials. Treat someone else that you love to one of their hidden wardrobe needs. I am definitely treating myself to a sweet pair of pajamas for Valentine’s Day. My wardrobe deserves it.

• Purchase great quality bras
• Rotate at least four bras so that each of them gets equal rest and wear
• Launder them with love and NEVER use the tumble dryer
• Don’t use them for working out; that’s for sports bras
• Store them neatly to preserve the molded shape of the cups

Purchasing fabulous bras can set you back a pretty penny and it’s therefore worth the effort to make them last. Yet another way to increase the ROI of your wardrobe.

By the way, Nicole started a very informative thread on bras in the forum. Be sure to take a look.

• Slippers or house shoes are an essential part of your wardrobe if you don’t like to wear shoes at home. Walking around in socks is fine, but if your feet hurt after a day of stomping around on hard wooden floors, then a super pair of slippers is the solution.
• Loungewear that looks and feels great is a must because lounging with style is important, and I can’t stress this point enough.
• Workout wear that’s flattering, comfortable and practical makes exercising a joy. Make sure that you work out in pukka workout wear because old sweats and T’s won’t do.
• Socks need to work with your wardrobe and be free of holes. Make sure that you have the right assortment of colours and thicknesses to suit your needs.
• Underwear is often neglected and it’s where your style quotient starts. Check that bras, undies, camisoles and boxer shorts are in good condition and in the right size and silhouette.
• Make-up drawers get overloaded with lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners and shadows that are either dated or expired. Get rid of the junk and keep your make-up drawer clean and minimalist.

Closet editing was a popular New Year’s resolution so we’ll recap how to proceed with this process effectively in a few blog entries.