Your everyday bras will give you comfort and support for a full 12 months if (and it’s a big “if”) you do the following:

• 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.

The first few weeks of a New Year are the perfect time to remember the parts of your wardrobe that often fall by the wayside. Set aside time to think about the items below and add them to your shopping list if they need replacing or updating. The list pertains both to ladies and gents so have a squizz at your significant other’s wardrobe after you’ve gone through yours.

• 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.

I recently discovered this gadget and it really works. It’s called the strapper and it’s a handy little tool that converts a normal bra into a racer back. It’s perfect for the situation where necklines and armhole openings of tops and dresses are cut close to the neck. The strapper will even work with the odd halter top if the styles aren’t backless. For $6 you’ve saved yourself the expense of buying a strapless bra and the annoyance of having to constantly adjust falling bra straps . Hide the strap and reveal the shoulder bone with this nifty little accessory.

The bra baby is a “revolutionary new washing system that protects your finest intimate apparel from the wear and tear of the washing machine”. It’s like a hard, plastic, oval egg shell that encages the bra and prevents it from being squashed, stretched and agitated during washer/dryer spin cycles.

This sounds like a good idea for the washing machine, but I’d still refrain from putting my bras in the dryer. Elastic does not like excessive heat no matter how well you protect it on the outside. The heat causes elastic fibers to contract and then break down, making them lose their elasticity (which is also why we should never tumble dry our jeans).

Good bras can cost up to $90 a piece and caring for them is essential. At $19.95 for two, the bra baby might be worth the expense (as long as you continue to hang-dry your bras).  I’ve been using the bra bag for years, but perhaps it’s time to update the way I baby my bras. Have you tried the bra baby? If so, leave a comment and let us know how it worked out.

If you’re looking for sexy coverage that’s simple chic, Undertease is the brand for you. The online company makes superb longer length camisoles and undergarment T’s that prevent you from tugging and adjusting at your clothing unnecessarily. Layer with these dream T’s  and eliminate the fashion faux pas forever.

They’re a dash pricey ($24 for a strappy camisole), but well worth the expense. They launder easily and retain their length, shape and drape, something few T’s can do. This smooth, slimming, cotton-rich and comfortable staple will complement any wardrobe. Tease a little and cover up your assets.

Undertease lace T and classic camisoles. Be prepared to wait – it’s a small company with huge demand. But if you’re patient, they’ll have you covered.

Camisoles are an extremely important part of your wardrobe. Cropped, rigid, highly lacy, shiny and often itchy cami’s sold in underwear departments are no longer the norm. The camisole has transformed into an unfussy, longer, softer, more stretchy and superbly comfortable item that’s part of everyday outerwear. After a proper bra fitting, finding a range of camisoles that work for you is the next step.

Camisoles are fabulous because…

• They smooth out your silhouette underneath your clothes, thereby giving you a slimmer and more polished appearance.
• They make an outfit more interesting when the top and bottom peak through from underneath (either through a contrasting colour or fabrication).
• They act as a flattering layering item by deflecting the eye to your upper body.
• They give you effective coverage when you bend over (both on top and bottom).
• They can make ultra trendy looks wearable.
• They keep you warm when it’s chilly.

There are countless options. From built in-bras, solids and prints, to v-necks, lace trims and breathable cotton-rich fabrications. Express, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a particularly good assortment at the moment. Try the concept if it’s new to you. If you already sport the look, ensure that you have a good collection. My wardrobe wouldn’t function without them.

Basic, longer camisoles are available alongside most clothing ranges.

You should. The right bra gives you curves and slims you down. Start with your bra drawer when you spring clean and weed out over the next few months. You need at least 5 fabulous, everyday bras that give you the comfort, shape and support that you need to feel like a bombshell everyday.

Make sure…

• that you wear an underwire if you are a C-cup or larger, because you’ll need the support.
• that you actually wear a bra and not just a camisole if you are small-breasted, because even small assets need enhancing. A camisole cannot give you the definition that a bra can.

Treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day gift today and buy a bra that you love.

 Styles from Bare Necessities and Nordstrom that might whet your (and that special someone else’s) appetite.

Sleepwear is where I personally draw the line – there is no style quotient in the land of nod and comfort is the only criteria. If you can’t wear itchy lace sets, that’s okay (I certainly can’t). If you dream best in boxer shorts and a tank, go for it. Shapeless, roomy, comfy PJ’s  are adorable and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

With sleepwear costing as much as outerwear, it’s usually the last item on my shopping list. Then again, this aspect of your wardrobe is extremely personal and best left between you and your bed sheets.

Victoria’s Secret has a super variety of sleepwear, but their quality is not high end. Not a bad place to get a cheap quick-fix if you need something fancy (or sexy).

I recently attended another bra seminar hosted by Chantelle (the words’ largest manufacturer of French lingerie). The information that their company provides is excellent and I’d like to share some of the highlights:

• Each bra can have up to 40 different parts to assemble. 
• Eight out of ten women worldwide are wearing the wrong bra size.
• Women generally make the mistake of going too wide on the band width; and too small on the cup size.
• The back of your bra offers 60-70% of the support, which is why it needs to fit snuggly.
• Cup sizes are not created equally. For example, the cup size on a 32C is much smaller then the cup size on a 38C.
• Bra sizes are not standardized across various brands. You might need to try on 10 styles before you hit one that’s perfect for you.
• Bras should not be worn more then 2 days in a row or twice between washings. The elastic needs to recover in order to continue providing good support and this can only happen after it’s been washed and left to rest.

It’s imperative to wear a well fitting bra. It will improve the look of your clothes and will allow you to feel comfortable and confident all day. Chantelle services women from sizes A to H, but tends to run smaller than American brands like Wacoal and Maidenform. If you haven’t done so already, I strongly recommend that you try a Chantelle bra – you might become as loyal to the brand as I have.

Find Chantelle bras in department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

Undergarment T: a neat, form-fitting short or long sleeved t-shirt that’s found in the underwear area of a department or chain store.

It is not an outerwear garment and should not be confused with one. The T usually consists of combed cotton (richer and softer then normal cotton) and sometimes a percentage of lycra for added comfort. Its neckline is high, narrow and immaculate. It can have either a cru or V-neck and is available in a range of colours. White is the most popular and versatile colour; but black, grey and blue are close seconds.

It’s an essential item for men all year round because it is:

• Practical – it soaks up perspiration and prevents unsightly underarm patches. It’s also an extra layer for warmth.
• Comfortable – it’s nice to have a soft and stretchy knitted item close to your body before you add a shirt, pullover, sweater or outergarment T.
• Pristine – it makes you look neat, well groomed and put together – it’s like a “finishing touch”.
• Interesting – it adds an extra bit of interest to an ensemble as a layering garment.

Plain outerwear T’s bought in the clothing sections of stores do not do the same job. They aren’t as soft, fitted or pristine-looking which is precisely the point. Undergarment T’s should always be worn underneath collared shirts, styled knitted T’s, sweaters and other knitwear items. If you live in North America – Banana Republic has the best assortment.

Here are undergarment Ts from Banana Republic layered underneath shirts and knitwear. The neat, high neckline is an important part of the look.