Despite recent innovations like the Hanky Panky, the G-string panty (or thong) is not for everyone. But now there is an alternative route to invisible panty lines: “the no panty line promise” modern brief by Jockey underwear. Sue introduced us to them in a recent comment and as soon as I had a chance I did a fit trial.

They are brilliant! Boy short style underwear is my preference and these are the most comfortable pair I’ve worn. The fabric composition is a nylon spandex blend with 100% cotton gusset. Panty lines are kept invisible by overlocking the hems instead of finishing them with elastic. There is enough stretch in the fabric to keep them perfectly in place the entire day (no panty plucking).

They are available at Macy’s or any other department store that stocks Jockey underwear. Colours are abundant and run from a sizes S to XL. Thanks to Sue for sharing this valuable information. At $8.50 a pair – we have another solution to visible panty lines!

The Modern Brief from Jockey.

The most common foot size that I dress is an American size 9 (European size 40). Size 9s are fairly easy to find, but things get tricky from thereon upwards. A subscriber to my blog has shared information with me about a solution to this very problem. She has a daughter with a size 12 foot and they battled to find pretty shoes until they discovered Kathryn Kerrigan, an online store for tall women.

Sizes range from 6-12 and prices seem reasonable. If you are tall and need a size 12 shoe, or if you know somebody that does – the above site might prove useful.

NYDJs are ideal for mature women carrying weight around their midsection. The brand is marketed as the “tummy tuck jean that’s made for real women with curves.”  It’s available in regular and petite and up to a size American 16. Their cut has a girdle effect for the tummy area with straight or boot cut shaped leg widths. They are also offered in dark washes which are always a better idea when it come to denim.

I cannot take credit for finding this brand of jeans. My friend Laurel (another personal dresser at Dress for Success Seattle) took a chance and bought them for a friend’s 68 year old mother who is a perfect size 12P. They fitted absolutely splendidly! They were updated, chic and elegant. Well done to Laurel for getting her friend’s Mum jeans on the absolute first try (a tall order for most) and thank you for sharing this valuable information with us. 

You might not be the target customer for NYDJ’s, but if you know some else who might be – pass on the good news.

NYDJs from Nordstrom.

Some of the biggest fashion disasters happen with tops that are made out of jersey. Jersey is a thin, clingy and unforgiving fabric. Jersey tops reveal the outline of every part of your torso, and this is not for everybody. Men and women with a little extra around the middle who wear low rise pants and clingy jersey tops unfortunately resemble muffin tops. This blog entry is a sequel to “rising above your belly”, which encouraged ladies who carry a bit of weight around their waist to wear higher rises. Now that you have a solution for your bottom, what should you do for your top?

Here are a few solutions:

• Wear knits other than jersey – look for cotton, viscose and merino wool blends. Their thicker texture is less clingy, more flattering and very versatile.
• Layer your clothes – this will draw attention away from your mid section. Pop another layer…
  • under your knitted /woven top (e.g. camisole or longer length t-shirt)
  • over your knitted/woven top (e.g. jacket or cardigan)
• Look for prints and texture – knits with textures and prints have better “camouflaging capabilities” then plain versions do.
• Wear button down woven blouses and shirts – the rigidity of form fitting garments made of woven fabric will skim the contour of your body perfectly and give you a pretty waistline.

Stay away from jersey and opt for chunkier knitted tops or shapely woven shirts to eliminate “muffin top” syndrome.