Let's Talk Underwear

Underwear. We all wear it....don't we? Early on when I started this project, I wrote about the importance of wearing a good bra in the right size. With some of my Christmas money, I decided to buy new underwear. I went for a bra fitting over Christmas break--something I do once a year-- and I am wearing the wrong size right now. So many of us are. I didn't think things had changed much since my last fitting, but I was wrong. If you gain or lose weight, please know that your cup size may have changed ever so slightly, too.

I didn't get a chance to get to the mall without my boys. If you know my boys, you can understand why I don't want to take them bra shopping with me. When we walk by the lingerie racks anywhere, you know Benjamin will yell "BOOBIE COVERS" so that everyone will hear him as my face gets beet red.

I combined my love of good quality items with bargain hunting online and what did I find?

I bought 6 bras and 10 pairs of panties.

I spent a total of $34.53 on 10 pairs of Cacique panties in various styles from cotton bikinis to lace and satin "cheekies" and everything in between. $6.50 of this was on shipping.

The 6 bras are all Barely Breezies and Breezies and were $26.95 plus shipping, coming in at $32.95.

My grand total was $67.48. The retail price on these items? Let's see--the panties are typically $16 to $18 each. That's between $160-180 for those. Each bra I bought retails for $40-50 each. On QVC, they can be found for about $31-35. I was able to buy $270 in bras for under $30.

My finds all came from eBay. Seriously. I know what you're thinking. "Really? eBay?" Yes, ladies. If you are a bargain hunter, look for your undergarments on eBay. I have bought so many good quality items there--there are dozens and dozens of shopkeepers their who sell just one brand of item. They are brand new. Please know that you're not getting used unders. Nope. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller with good feedback and make sure it says NEW in the listing.

No one wants to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on lingerie. Seriously. Do you? I also know that most of us don't always feel beautiful and feminine in the standard Hanes and Fruit of the Loom selection from Target. I like Cacique panties. You can buy them at Lane Bryant. They are sold like your pant size and they start at a 12. If you wear a size 12 jean, I highly recommend a size 12 Cacique panty. You will notice a huge difference as opposed to buying from the standard 5-6-7-8-9-or bigger in other brands.

Me? I need a 14/16 panty from Cacique. That's one of those things I discovered. Yes, I can wear a 12 jean, sometimes a 14...but my rear is a 14/16. I am sure you wanted to know that, right?

Anyway, I wanted to save you gorgeous ladies some money and tell you how I found all this lingerie for a fraction of the cost! 

shades of gray

Gray is everywhere this winter and it is a fabulous neutral. My favorites are shown below. I just love the gray tunic and may just have to buy that one!

Where to Buy:

Tunic from Lucie Lu!

$46

Studded belt from Torrid

$16.98

Gray pom pom scarf from Fair Store

$12

Wide leg ponte pants from Lane Bryant

$44.99

The Latest Bully: Kathy Griffin

When did it become socially acceptable to bash people because of their body type? It's not politically correct to make fun of people because of their race, sexual orientation, religion, etc. (NOR SHOULD IT BE!), but it seems more tolerated in society to bash people because of their body type.

The latest bully is comedienne Kathy Griffin. She was performing for US troops and made some hateful comments about Palin's recent stint on ABC's  "Dancing With the Stars". Griffin stated that Bristol was "the only contestant in the history of the show to actually gain weight...She gained like 30 pounds a week...I swear to God, it was fantastic. She's like the white Precious." 

Griffin was reportedly booed by the audience. It's a good thing. First of all, if you know me at all, you know my views on Sarah Palin. I won't even go there. This blog isn't about politics. That doesn't mean I think it's OK to bash her daughter. Or anyone. It's not.

Bristol Palin is a mom. She had her baby not that long ago. I can tell you if you're unfamiliar with carrying a baby and giving birth, it can do a number on your body. I had two boys 21 months apart. It was a battle--a constant battle--to shed the weight.

Back to Bristol--She is a pretty girl. Is she rail thin? No. So what? She is a curvy girl who busted her rear end working out (yes, dancing is a workout) for the world to see and critique. Still, there are people out there who are narrow minded and cruel like Griffin and think it's OK to target someone based on appearance. It's ironic she feels compelled to put others down based on their looks considering most of the comedienne's face was created during plastic surgery.

Griffin is just one in a long line of close-minded, mean-spirited people making cruel comments about people's weight. We recently talked about a Marie Claire blogger who made ignorant and hateful comments about overweight people in her column about CBS's "Mike and Molly" and a website dedicated solely to speculating whether celebs have packed on a few pounds.

So when did this become viewed as OK? I'm curious....

You CAN Wear Jeggings!

There are so many ridiculous "rules" for what a curvy girl can wear. There simply is no hard and fast rule, as long as you dress with your own proportions in mind. It bugs me when I read a blanket statement like "Curvy girls can't wear skinny jeans" or "Curvy girls can't wear stripes."

When dressing, your body type and particular shape is something you need to consider. My friends and I were just discussing jeggings the other day. One of the beautiful ladies involved in the conversation said her clothes were feeling a bit tight and she was at Target and happened to try on a pair for the heck of it. She was telling us how comfortable hers are and that she loves how they look on her.

Some of the women involved haven't even tried them on either because of the so-called rules or because they just didn't think they'd be comfortable or flattering.

Ladies, there just may be a right jegging for you!

Jeggings are essentially leggings married to a pair of jeans. They are stretchy and slim like leggings. As with traditional leggings, you need to pay attention to proportion. There is a right fit out there for you, whether you are a size 6 or a 16 or a 26. Do not let anyone tell you that you're too curvy to wear them. It may take trying on two or three pairs to get the right one, but you can. It is also crucial to use common sense. Would you wear leggings with a cropped top? No. Would you wear a skin tight top with leggings? Hopefully not. This look doesn't work on anyone. I am talking to you skinny ones, too. These are the "rules" I'd follow as well with jeggings.

I actually found a pair in Sears not long ago. The waist is just high enough and the cut just right to make it my favorite pair. I just saw them online for 75% off--they are $10! A word of advice: I would size up. As you know, I hover between sizes. Sometimes I need a 12. In some brands, I need a 14. I bought a 14 in these and the fit is perfect.

Other good choices if you have curves:

Old Navy plus jeggings go up to a size 30.

$32.50

Torrid jeggings

$22.98

A couple of questions people might be wondering. The first one is, "What kind of top do I wear with jeggings?"

I recommend a flowing tunic over them.

Gray tunic from Lane Bryant, $59.95

Tie sweater vest from Old Navy, $36.50

Zebra tunic from Dana Buchman, $19.99 (sale!)

Purple tunic from Old Navy, $24.50

You also might wonder about the best shoes for jeggings. My advice--a fun pair of little booties, heels, tall boots, or ballet flats. All four will work well. Here are some from Mossimo at Target:

Booties, $39.99

Platform pumps, $32.99

Tall boots, $29.99

Ballet flats, $12.99

Coupon Code to Share

The kind folks over at eShakti asked me to share a special coupon code with you today. This is valid through the end of the month.

Use code KaJ86P at checkout and you'll save 15%.

New to eShakti? This is a great site. They offer clothing for women sizes 0 to 26W and for only $7.50 more, they will make each item to measure YOUR body! Have a size 10 waist and 14 hips? Never fear! Input your measurements and finally have clothes that fit without having to go to the tailor.

Some of our favorite eShakti finds:

I have the felted pea coat coming my way as we speak.

$99.95

This would be stunning with dark skinny jeans and heels....Add a few bangles and you're all set for date night!

$39.95

I adore this! Timeless and has a vintage vibe.

$54.95

{we love leopard}

Leopard fleece gloves by Jessica London for Avenue, $9.99

Wrap dress from Lane Bryant, $59.95

Mesh brief from Torrid, $12

Tunic from Fashion to Figure, $28

Boots from Shop Style, $37.99

Leopard vest from Nordstrom goes up to a 16-18, $98

{boots}

One of my biggest pet peeves this time of year is boot shopping. I have 50/50 luck. If I search and try on several pairs, I usually can go to the mall or to Marshall's and come home with a pair of boots that fits perfectly in an afternoon.

One frustration I have is that some boots are cut really narrow across the calves. If I look for a wide width boot, it fits really well in the calves, but not in the foot. You see, my feet are actually quite narrow. I wear a 9.5 to 10, and generally wear a medium width, sometimes a narrow. Not all curvy girls have wide feet.

I found some really pretty boots online to share with you from One Stop Plus. What I noticed right off the bat is that while you can buy extra wide widths, you can also get medium widths, so they will fit nicely everywhere.

Some favorites:

$59.95

$69

$68.99

$65.99

....and don't forget rain boots! Here are some from One Stop Plus. I love rain boots and have a pair I scored for $6 on the Target clearance last year. They are black and white polka dots with a fuchsia lining. Check there first for budget-friendly pair. I saw some cute zebra ones there just the other day!

I love these plaid ones, too!

$47.99

{baby it's cold outside}

It's getting chilly in Upstate New York. It's currently in the 40s with pretty heavy rain and a cold breeze. Inspired by this not quite lovely fall day, here are some coats to keep the chill off and have you looking fab:

Faux fur from Avenue

$59.95

 Timeless camel from Avenue

$129.99

Gray with sweater trim from Lane Bryant

$129.50

Faux leather with leopard lining from Fashion to Figure

$55

{friday's fashion file: a pretty weekend look}

There is something fun about the poncho.  When I was 5, I had a blue, white, and pink poncho that my mom used got for me. I remember wearing it with a corduroy skirt, tights, and brown leather clogs. Now, 30 years later, I am loving them again.

I lucked out the other day at the local Salvation Army thrift shop. I found a stunning fuchsia angora poncho. It was $2.61 with tax. It is warm, yet light, and it looks swell paired with dark denim and a fitted black long sleeved tee underneath. The poncho will cover a multitude of flaws--from the dreaded muffin top to a large chest. When draped properly, it can actually help create a lovely silhouette.

I found a pretty one at Faith 21 as well to show you. I've put it with some other budget-friendly finds that will give you a great weekend look, or for busy moms like me, and everyday look.

Shopping List:

Poncho from Faith 21, $24.80

Jeans are from Fashion to Figure, $40

Bracelet from Etsy's Heaven for Bead, $12