Wearing the right kind of bra helps you look slim, says lingerie expert

Wearing the right kind of bra can help you shed 10 pounds in 10 seconds, suggests a lingerie expert.

In her guide, “The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra,” the 32-year-old Jené Luciani, says right fit can help you look thin.

She calls it a powerful little piece of fabric, reports the New York Daily News.

Although, it is tough to pull off the bra-out look without looking cheap, she says it shouldn’t be worn by anyone over 30.

Regular gals can adapt a modified version. For instance, try getting a classy sheer black shirt or white button-down shirt and letting the top of a black lacy bra peek through underneath.

Luciani has herself had problems finding the proper foundations, when Victoria’s Secret’s Miracle Bras came to her rescue.

She revealed that her left breast was much smaller than the right. The Miracle Bra has removable pads, which allowed her to take out the padding on the right side but not on the left.

After undergoing two surgeries to correct her breasts, Luciani was diagnosed with tubular breast syndrome, a condition that causes the breasts to develop in a tube shape.

Even though she believes she was born with it, but Lucaini says wearing the wrong type of bra may have contributed.

Girls ditch their frilly lingerie for thermals

Sales of thermal underwear soar as temperatures plummet to -15C

Feeling sexy seems to be the last thing on women’s minds right now as sales show they’re swapping lingerie for thermals.

New sales figures have revealed that girls are ditching their frilly lingerie for thermals as temperatures plummet to -15C.

There’s nothing sexy about being cold, and it looks like girls are picking comfort over class as record numbers of long johns have flown off the shelves.

And women are keeping their not-so-naughty thermal secrets under wraps, with sales of faux-fur coats raising by 22 per cent.

The Nightwear Collection

Lingerie shopping made easy & ‘sexy’

A sexy set of lingerie might appear to be the most intimate gift for your girl, but buying it or rather buying the right kind of lingerie can be quite a daunting task.

Particularly, if you wish to increase your intimacy with her, a wrong choice can do more harm than good. After all, nothing can be as embarrassing for a girl than getting a sexy corset in a size that’s way too small, or big, for her.

So, if you want to avoid the untimely death of your relationship, better brush up your style sense before going lingerie shopping for your girl. We bring you a few quick tips:

Size and style rule the roost: The first step to avoid making a blooper is to know her actual size and her taste. While buying a smaller size may cause her embarrassment, buying a larger size can give her an indication that you think she is bigger than what she actually is. So, it is always better to do a little homework beforehand. Check out her lingerie drawers and examine the labels where her size too will be mentioned.

Similarly, having an idea about her style sense will be a big help. Buying a bold black corset may be a wrong choice for a girl who loves flowery lacey stuff. A bad choice can only make her cringe, so observe what she loves to flaunt when you get into some steamy action. If you manage to get even a little close to what she loves, know that you have hit the jackpot. After all, finding her something she loves to flaunt is the greatest achievement for a man. So, let the time be your guide!

Shop for her body type

If she is tall and slim: Garter belts cut the body horizontally and make your leggy lass appear all the more sexy. These belts accentuate the legs and highlight the curves in her body. These belts form the basics of sexy lingerie and stand a rare chance of going wrong. Just make sure you buy complementing stockings, underwear and a bra to complete the set.

If she is voluptuous and well-endowed: Nothing works better to turn a big bust line into a sexy cleavage than a corset. Not just that, it also takes attention away from her fuller tummy by giving it a flattening effect together with highlighting the waistline.

If she is bigger and fulsome: If you think a tight fitting corset or bra will squeeze your fulsome babe into a lesser size, you are heading into trouble. Rather than making her realise she is big, give her something that not only makes her feel comfy, but covers her rounds in the best possible way. A sexy negligee will do the best to hide all the sins. Something like a baby doll that‘s fitted at the bust and flairs down, her bum will not only accentuate her cleavage but will also camouflage her big bottom. Go for dark colours as they have a slimming effect; nets and see-through fabrics are absolute no-no’s.

If she is fit and athletic: Wanna make your tomboyish girl look sexy for a change? Boy shorts in a sexier style are what you must buy. Not only will they make her athel etic bod look curvier, they will also accentuate her well toned butt. Anything from a bra to a corset complements a boy short well. So go ahead and let your sporty babe pose sexy tonight.

If she is shy: Not everyone is blessed with a girl who is confident enough of her body and doesn’t mind sporting even the most daring of lingerie styles. If your girl is not very comfortable flaunting that tiny-miny underwear that you bought for her, just ease her by adding a satin robe. The robe will take away her hesitation and the satiny effect against her body will make her feel sexy and sensual. And you never know what else it does to her mind and you might just get lucky!

Points to ponder

• Make sure what you buy doesn’t accentuate or clings to a body part that she prefers to hide. For example a big tummy or thighs…you know your girl so better pick up something that flows down those areas making her look curvy.
• Your aim should be to gift something that enhances her best assets.
• Darker colours have a slimming look.
• When it comes to fabric, cotton is a big no, as women prefer it for everyday use and as a gift option, looks boring.
• Lace, silk and satin are the safest bets. They look sensuous and feel beautiful on the skin too.
• Go for lycra only if either your girl has a ten-on-ten figure or doesn’t mind showing off those buldges. The fabric has a tendency to cling to the body.
• Same goes for nets and see-through fabrics. Buy only if she is comfy carrying them.

Make the sales woman your friend for a day, tell her your choice and let her help you find the best piece for your princess.

Lingerie shopping made easy & ‘sexy’

A sexy set of lingerie might appear to be the most intimate gift for your girl, but buying it or rather buying the right kind of lingerie can be quite a daunting task.

Particularly, if you wish to increase your intimacy with her, a wrong choice can do more harm than good. After all, nothing can be as embarrassing for a girl than getting a sexy corset in a size that’s way too small, or big, for her.

So, if you want to avoid the untimely death of your relationship, better brush up your style sense before going lingerie shopping for your girl. We bring you a few quick tips:

Size and style rule the roost: The first step to avoid making a blooper is to know her actual size and her taste. While buying a smaller size may cause her embarrassment, buying a larger size can give her an indication that you think she is bigger than what she actually is. So, it is always better to do a little homework beforehand. Check out her lingerie drawers and examine the labels where her size too will be mentioned.

Similarly, having an idea about her style sense will be a big help. Buying a bold black corset may be a wrong choice for a girl who loves flowery lacey stuff. A bad choice can only make her cringe, so observe what she loves to flaunt when you get into some steamy action. If you manage to get even a little close to what she loves, know that you have hit the jackpot. After all, finding her something she loves to flaunt is the greatest achievement for a man. So, let the time be your guide!

Shop for her body type

If she is tall and slim: Garter belts cut the body horizontally and make your leggy lass appear all the more sexy. These belts accentuate the legs and highlight the curves in her body. These belts form the basics of sexy lingerie and stand a rare chance of going wrong. Just make sure you buy complementing stockings, underwear and a bra to complete the set.

If she is voluptuous and well-endowed: Nothing works better to turn a big bust line into a sexy cleavage than a corset. Not just that, it also takes attention away from her fuller tummy by giving it a flattening effect together with highlighting the waistline.

If she is bigger and fulsome: If you think a tight fitting corset or bra will squeeze your fulsome babe into a lesser size, you are heading into trouble. Rather than making her realise she is big, give her something that not only makes her feel comfy, but covers her rounds in the best possible way. A sexy negligee will do the best to hide all the sins. Something like a baby doll that‘s fitted at the bust and flairs down, her bum will not only accentuate her cleavage but will also camouflage her big bottom. Go for dark colours as they have a slimming effect; nets and see-through fabrics are absolute no-no’s.

If she is fit and athletic: Wanna make your tomboyish girl look sexy for a change? Boy shorts in a sexier style are what you must buy. Not only will they make her athel etic bod look curvier, they will also accentuate her well toned butt. Anything from a bra to a corset complements a boy short well. So go ahead and let your sporty babe pose sexy tonight.

If she is shy: Not everyone is blessed with a girl who is confident enough of her body and doesn’t mind sporting even the most daring of lingerie styles. If your girl is not very comfortable flaunting that tiny-miny underwear that you bought for her, just ease her by adding a satin robe. The robe will take away her hesitation and the satiny effect against her body will make her feel sexy and sensual. And you never know what else it does to her mind and you might just get lucky!

Points to ponder

– Make sure what you buy doesn’t accentuate or clings to a body part that she prefers to hide. For example a big tummy or thighs…you know your girl so better pick up something that flows down those areas making her look curvy.

– Your aim should be to gift something that enhances her best assets.

– Darker colours have a slimming look.

– When it comes to fabric, cotton is a big no, as women prefer it for everyday use and as a gift option, looks boring.

– Lace, silk and satin are the safest bets. They look sensuous and feel beautiful on the skin too.

– Go for lycra only if either your girl has a ten-on-ten figure or doesn’t mind showing off those buldges. The fabric has a tendency to cling to the body.

– Same goes for nets and see-through fabrics. Buy only if she is comfy carrying them.

Make the sales woman your friend for a day, tell her your choice and let her help you find the best piece for your princess.

Fashion Reality Check: No One Wears Just Lingerie

Fashion Week’s underwear looks leave a lot to be desired for real women

The lingerie-inspired looks currently abounding on the Paris runways make a person wonder: What woman would really leave the house wearing “micro miniskirts, transparent blouses, pointy Mad Men bras, and panties worn as shorts”? The looks “reveal how hard the industry is struggling to grab shoppers’ attention,” Christina Binkley writes in the Wall Street Journal—but will that work for the average shopper?

“Women want to look that way—and the husbands who pay for the clothes want them to look that way!” a boutique owner told Reuters. But she needs to get in touch with the average woman, writes Amy Odell for New York: “When we get dressed, we want to get dressed—not look as though we’re heading to a secret after-hours side job. And we buy our own clothes.”

Fashion Week’s underwear looks leave a lot to be desired for real women

The lingerie-inspired looks currently abounding on the Paris runways make a person wonder: What woman would really leave the house wearing “micro miniskirts, transparent blouses, pointy Mad Men bras, and panties worn as shorts”? The looks “reveal how hard the industry is struggling to grab shoppers’ attention,” Christina Binkley writes in the Wall Street Journal—but will that work for the average shopper?

“Women want to look that way—and the husbands who pay for the clothes want them to look that way!” a boutique owner told Reuters. But she needs to get in touch with the average woman, writes Amy Odell for New York: “When we get dressed, we want to get dressed—not look as though we’re heading to a secret after-hours side job. And we buy our own clothes.”

Maternity and Nursing Bras

Your special time requires special lingerie.

It’s important to have the proper bras during pregnancy to relieve breast strain and give needed support. Your breasts are made up of fatty and connective tissue, and glands. During pregnancy, each breast becomes 10 to 18 ounces heavier due to increased fluid and mammary gland growth. This puts the surrounding skin and tissue under considerable strain. Without proper bra support, your breasts could become deformed, and for women with already large breasts, there can be significant tension in the neck and shoulders.

Maternity Bra vs. Nursing Bra – Many women use these terms interchangeably, but a maternity bra is very different from a nursing bra. A maternity bra (also known as a pre-natal bra) is worn both before and after pregnancy if you are not planning on breastfeeding. The cups on a maternity bra are designed to be stretchy so that the bra can grow with your growing breasts. These bras also come with additional breast support.

A nursing bra (or feeding bra) is worn once your child arrives, and you have made the decision to breastfeed. The cups are designed to drop down from a clip, thus exposing your breasts for nursing. Nursing bras are usually seamless and have an all-around breast support system to give a natural shape and provide much needed support.

When is the right time to buy a maternity bra? The right time is as soon as your breasts begin to swell and your existing bras no longer fit. This is usually from the 4th month onward. Maternity bras are specially designed to give extra support. They are also made to fit comfortably on the first (tightest) hook early in your pregnancy, and adjust to the final (loosest) hook by your last trimester. However, it is not unusual for women to need a whole new size bra towards the end.

How do I measure for a maternity bra? Wait until your fourth month of pregnancy, then, wearing your most comfortable bra, measure yourself as described in our “Measuring for the proper bra fit” section.

What features should I look for in a maternity bra?

A comfortable maternity bra should have wide side bands and shoulder straps to support growing breast tissue. Shoulder straps should have some cushioning and not stretch.

• Look for a bra with three or more back closures to offer the most flexibility in fit. A maternity bra should fit you on the tightest hook when you buy it – this will allow you to loosen the band as you grow.

• The bra’s band should lie under the breasts and on the rib cage – not creeping up on the breast tissue. If the breast tissue is receiving pressure, this could lead to a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection.

• Be sure the cup is large enough to give you adequate coverage and depth for your breasts. If the cup is not large enough for proper coverage, some of the breast tissue may spill out on top and under the arms resulting in inadequate support.

• If you will be pregnant during hot summer months, or you find yourself getting hot easily, look into bras made with cotton or wicking microfiber. And remember, you will be wearing these bras for several months after your baby is born, so it’s wise to buy a good bra that will adjust with your changing sizes.

Should my maternity bra be soft cup or underwire? Properly fitted underwires generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, softcups are usually more comfortable when the breasts are at their fullest. This is during the last months of pregnancy and during the first month of breastfeeding. If you do choose an underwire bra, it is imperative that the wire fits well under and behind the breast tissue. Any pressure on the breast tissue can result in a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection. Wearing an underwire while sleeping is not recommended.

When is the right time to buy a nursing bra? Try and wait until about the 8th month to buy a nursing bra since your breasts should stabilize by the7th to 8th month of your pregnancy. Then, buy one cup size larger than your measurement at 8 months. In general, this is how much a woman’s breasts will increase once milk comes in after the birth. Do not wait until your baby is born to buy a nursing bra. There is too much going on in your life by then and you will benefit from having your nursing bra as soon as you start nursing.

Any special tips on a nursing bra? • Look for a bra that provides convenient, easy access to the breast. A bra that allows the cup to be opened with one hand can be helpful when you’re holding your baby and preparing to breastfeed.

• Choose a bra made of cotton or other smooth breathable fabric. Bras made with synthetic materials may trap moisture against your skin. Make sure that any decorative details (e.g. lace trim) are not scratchy and irritating to your skin.

• A bra with a four-hook back closure is going to offer you the most flexibility in fit.

• The straps should be wide, cushioned, and non-stretch for best support.

• The band of the bra should fit comfortably on its widest setting because after the birth, your band size will begin to decrease.

How much is my breast size going to change during my pregnancy? There is no standard answer. Some women change in size drastically and require several different bra sizes throughout their pregnancy, other women change very little until the baby arrives and milk production begins. Your best guess is to ask your Mom what her breasts did during her pregnancy. Immediately after the birth, you can expect a surge in your breast size as they begin to fill with milk. This can be painful. Establishing a regular feeding schedule will balance your milk supply and relieve any breast pain. After 2 weeks of nursing, your breasts should re-stabilize to about one cup size larger than your maternity bra size.

Why can’t I wear regular bras throughout my pregnancy? During and after pregnancy, your breasts undergo numerous changes. They are enlarging and becoming heavier and more sensitive. So, for late pregnancy and after delivery, choosing a bra that provides proper support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued. Normal bras simply aren’t designed with these issues in mind. However, having said this, there are every-day bras that could work as maternity bras. They just need to have stretchy cups and good support. Some women opt to wear sports bras as their maternity bras because they are designed to be super supportive.

How many maternity/nursing bras do I need? Most recommend that you have at least three maternity/nursing bras so that you can wear a fresh one every day. One to wear, one to launder and one as a spare just in case….

Your special time requires special lingerie.

It’s important to have the proper bras during pregnancy to relieve breast strain and give needed support. Your breasts are made up of fatty and connective tissue, and glands. During pregnancy, each breast becomes 10 to 18 ounces heavier due to increased fluid and mammary gland growth. This puts the surrounding skin and tissue under considerable strain. Without proper bra support, your breasts could become deformed, and for women with already large breasts, there can be significant tension in the neck and shoulders.

Maternity Bra vs. Nursing Bra – Many women use these terms interchangeably, but a maternity bra is very different from a nursing bra. A maternity bra (also known as a pre-natal bra) is worn both before and after pregnancy if you are not planning on breastfeeding. The cups on a maternity bra are designed to be stretchy so that the bra can grow with your growing breasts. These bras also come with additional breast support.

A nursing bra (or feeding bra) is worn once your child arrives, and you have made the decision to breastfeed. The cups are designed to drop down from a clip, thus exposing your breasts for nursing. Nursing bras are usually seamless and have an all-around breast support system to give a natural shape and provide much needed support.

When is the right time to buy a maternity bra? The right time is as soon as your breasts begin to swell and your existing bras no longer fit. This is usually from the 4th month onward. Maternity bras are specially designed to give extra support. They are also made to fit comfortably on the first (tightest) hook early in your pregnancy, and adjust to the final (loosest) hook by your last trimester. However, it is not unusual for women to need a whole new size bra towards the end.

How do I measure for a maternity bra? Wait until your fourth month of pregnancy, then, wearing your most comfortable bra, measure yourself as described in our “Measuring for the proper bra fit” section.

What features should I look for in a maternity bra?

A comfortable maternity bra should have wide side bands and shoulder straps to support growing breast tissue. Shoulder straps should have some cushioning and not stretch.

• Look for a bra with three or more back closures to offer the most flexibility in fit. A maternity bra should fit you on the tightest hook when you buy it – this will allow you to loosen the band as you grow.

• The bra’s band should lie under the breasts and on the rib cage – not creeping up on the breast tissue. If the breast tissue is receiving pressure, this could lead to a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection.

• Be sure the cup is large enough to give you adequate coverage and depth for your breasts. If the cup is not large enough for proper coverage, some of the breast tissue may spill out on top and under the arms resulting in inadequate support.

• If you will be pregnant during hot summer months, or you find yourself getting hot easily, look into bras made with cotton or wicking microfiber. And remember, you will be wearing these bras for several months after your baby is born, so it’s wise to buy a good bra that will adjust with your changing sizes.

Should my maternity bra be soft cup or underwire? Properly fitted underwires generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, softcups are usually more comfortable when the breasts are at their fullest. This is during the last months of pregnancy and during the first month of breastfeeding. If you do choose an underwire bra, it is imperative that the wire fits well under and behind the breast tissue. Any pressure on the breast tissue can result in a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection. Wearing an underwire while sleeping is not recommended.

When is the right time to buy a nursing bra? Try and wait until about the 8th month to buy a nursing bra since your breasts should stabilize by the7th to 8th month of your pregnancy. Then, buy one cup size larger than your measurement at 8 months. In general, this is how much a woman’s breasts will increase once milk comes in after the birth. Do not wait until your baby is born to buy a nursing bra. There is too much going on in your life by then and you will benefit from having your nursing bra as soon as you start nursing.

Any special tips on a nursing bra? • Look for a bra that provides convenient, easy access to the breast. A bra that allows the cup to be opened with one hand can be helpful when you’re holding your baby and preparing to breastfeed.

• Choose a bra made of cotton or other smooth breathable fabric. Bras made with synthetic materials may trap moisture against your skin. Make sure that any decorative details (e.g. lace trim) are not scratchy and irritating to your skin.

• A bra with a four-hook back closure is going to offer you the most flexibility in fit.

• The straps should be wide, cushioned, and non-stretch for best support.

• The band of the bra should fit comfortably on its widest setting because after the birth, your band size will begin to decrease.

How much is my breast size going to change during my pregnancy? There is no standard answer. Some women change in size drastically and require several different bra sizes throughout their pregnancy, other women change very little until the baby arrives and milk production begins. Your best guess is to ask your Mom what her breasts did during her pregnancy. Immediately after the birth, you can expect a surge in your breast size as they begin to fill with milk. This can be painful. Establishing a regular feeding schedule will balance your milk supply and relieve any breast pain. After 2 weeks of nursing, your breasts should re-stabilize to about one cup size larger than your maternity bra size.

Why can’t I wear regular bras throughout my pregnancy? During and after pregnancy, your breasts undergo numerous changes. They are enlarging and becoming heavier and more sensitive. So, for late pregnancy and after delivery, choosing a bra that provides proper support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued. Normal bras simply aren’t designed with these issues in mind. However, having said this, there are every-day bras that could work as maternity bras. They just need to have stretchy cups and good support. Some women opt to wear sports bras as their maternity bras because they are designed to be super supportive.

How many maternity/nursing bras do I need? Most recommend that you have at least three maternity/nursing bras so that you can wear a fresh one every day. One to wear, one to launder and one as a spare just in case….

Lingerie with a safety feature

London – The designer of a bra that turns into two gas masks was among the winners of the 2009 Ig Nobel prizes.

The aim of the awards is to honour achievements that “first make people laugh and then make them think”.

Dr Elena Bodnar won the public health prize for the bra that, in an emergency, can be converted into two gas masks.

She demonstrated her invention and gave one to each of the Nobel laureates as a gift, reports the BBC.

London – The designer of a bra that turns into two gas masks was among the winners of the 2009 Ig Nobel prizes.  The aim of the awards is to honour achievements that “first make people laugh and then make them think”.

Dr Elena Bodnar won the public health prize for the bra that, in an emergency, can be converted into two gas masks. She demonstrated her invention and gave one to each of the Nobel laureates as a gift, reports the BBC.

A lofty affair!

Some workers’ unions in Her Majesty’s kingdom have decided to take a high stand, literally, against heels in the workplace.

In a country that has pretty firm rules about dress codes, heels are a given with any kind of office attire. The unions say women should have the choice to wear more ‘sensible shoes,’ especially in professions that require them to be on their feet for long to prevent injuries. But do we hear the women complaining? Instead, a lot of them are crying out that the ‘killjoy fashion police’ is out to ban stillettoes in the workplace.

Some have even taken this debate that’s seemingly just about comfy shoes, to the more lofty platforms of social/feminist debate. Those who oppose heels say that they sexualise women and reduce them to objects. While the women who fiercely defend their stillettoes to the last sixth inch claim that this is their only way to feel ‘empowered’ in male dominated boardrooms where a lot of pow-wow with men often turns into a battle of the sexes. A British newspaper even quoted an MP as saying that she worked in a male dominated job where her colleagues had ‘killer instincts,’ and the ban was an attempt to ‘cut women like her down to size!’

Looks like women’s shoes have indeed kicked up a storm, and not just in fashion circles. But let’s face it; back home too, some professions do require their employees to glam up. Everyone wants to be served by an attractive airhostess who sashays elegantly down to you with that tray of goodies. Whether it’s front offices in hotels or women in PR, business honchos or shop assistants, you’d expect the face of an organisation to have dolled up feet!

Mehr Rampal doesn’t think the workplace demands you to wear stillettoes, but the standard one to two-inch heels. “Once your job asks you to wear heels, you just need to find comfortable shoes,” she says. But are heels a necessary prerequisite to working well? Don’t men work fine without them? “Heels are more formal,” replies the former supermodel, “They complete the outfit, and you carry yourself better.” But what about the wider ‘heels are demeaning/no they’re empowering’ debate? “I think the whole thing’s ridiculous!” she says, but admits to not being a heel person herself. “I’m a complete chappals person, I love my kolhapuris !” she laughs.

We find another staunch defender of high heels in Ekta Chaudhary, the Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2009. “The whole fight’s so ridiculous, to each, his own.” Confessing to being a heel fanatic, she says, “If heels get taken away from us, I’d be very upset. I die in my heels, I get bruises, but I still love them!” But she’s quick to add, “Air hostesses don’t have uncomfortable heels. If they can wear six-inch stillettoes to parties, they can surely wear one-inch heels to work. We models have to wear five-inch heels all day. When women wear heels, they look nice, it gives them a sexy walk and makes their posture right.” Ekta isn’t spared from a woman’s emotional connect with her shoes either. “I feel empowered in my heels. The strut and stride you get when you’re wearing a great pair of heels… you just stand tall and look so pretty! And I love that feeling.”

Elegant or uncomfortable, empowering or objectifying, women will always prize their shoes as jewels in their closets. For some, the whole debate doesn’t even exist. A website quoting a union delegate in Britain about the proposed ban sums it up perfectly. “Why is it only aimed at women? Hasn’t anyone heard of Berlusconi?”

Some workers’ unions in Her Majesty’s kingdom have decided to take a high stand, literally, against heels in the workplace.

In a country that has pretty firm rules about dress codes, heels are a given with any kind of office attire. The unions say women should have the choice to wear more ‘sensible shoes,’ especially in professions that require them to be on their feet for long to prevent injuries. But do we hear the women complaining? Instead, a lot of them are crying out that the ‘killjoy fashion police’ is out to ban stillettoes in the workplace.

Some have even taken this debate that’s seemingly just about comfy shoes, to the more lofty platforms of social/feminist debate. Those who oppose heels say that they sexualise women and reduce them to objects. While the women who fiercely defend their stillettoes to the last sixth inch claim that this is their only way to feel ‘empowered’ in male dominated boardrooms where a lot of pow-wow with men often turns into a battle of the sexes. A British newspaper even quoted an MP as saying that she worked in a male dominated job where her colleagues had ‘killer instincts,’ and the ban was an attempt to ‘cut women like her down to size!’

Looks like women’s shoes have indeed kicked up a storm, and not just in fashion circles. But let’s face it; back home too, some professions do require their employees to glam up. Everyone wants to be served by an attractive airhostess who sashays elegantly down to you with that tray of goodies. Whether it’s front offices in hotels or women in PR, business honchos or shop assistants, you’d expect the face of an organisation to have dolled up feet!

Mehr Rampal doesn’t think the workplace demands you to wear stillettoes, but the standard one to two-inch heels. “Once your job asks you to wear heels, you just need to find comfortable shoes,” she says. But are heels a necessary prerequisite to working well? Don’t men work fine without them? “Heels are more formal,” replies the former supermodel, “They complete the outfit, and you carry yourself better.” But what about the wider ‘heels are demeaning/no they’re empowering’ debate? “I think the whole thing’s ridiculous!” she says, but admits to not being a heel person herself. “I’m a complete chappals person, I love my kolhapuris !” she laughs.

We find another staunch defender of high heels in Ekta Chaudhary, the Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2009. “The whole fight’s so ridiculous, to each, his own.” Confessing to being a heel fanatic, she says, “If heels get taken away from us, I’d be very upset. I die in my heels, I get bruises, but I still love them!” But she’s quick to add, “Air hostesses don’t have uncomfortable heels. If they can wear six-inch stillettoes to parties, they can surely wear one-inch heels to work. We models have to wear five-inch heels all day. When women wear heels, they look nice, it gives them a sexy walk and makes their posture right.” Ekta isn’t spared from a woman’s emotional connect with her shoes either. “I feel empowered in my heels. The strut and stride you get when you’re wearing a great pair of heels… you just stand tall and look so pretty! And I love that feeling.”

Elegant or uncomfortable, empowering or objectifying, women will always prize their shoes as jewels in their closets. For some, the whole debate doesn’t even exist. A website quoting a union delegate in Britain about the proposed ban sums it up perfectly. “Why is it only aimed at women? Hasn’t anyone heard of Berlusconi?”

Proper undergarments prove vital to making any outfit work

Underwear is supposed to be basic. From boy shorts to granny panties, each girl has her own preference. For most of us, T-shirts and jeans are the norm, and the day-to-day decision about what to wear underneath is something we do not give much attention to.

However, to spice it up, wearing a little something sexy underneath an everyday outfit can give you a secret boost of confidence.

When it comes to bras, a proper bra fitting is key to finding the perfect size. If you are unsure, make a visit to a specialty bra store like Victoria’s Secret or the intimates section of a department store. An employee can help take the guesswork out of figuring out the perfect fit and give advice on what bras work well for different body types.

Bras have a six to 12-month life. However, depending on the frequency of wear and care, this time could be shorter or longer. Yet one thing is for sure: No one bra is going to last throughout your college career.

For girls who are active and exercise frequently, having a sports bra is essential. When picking out a sports bra, know that it should fit more snugly than an everyday bra. Keep in mind your activity level when trying on sports bras. Do some jumping jacks or run in place and test how much support the bra gives you. Remember not to machine-dry a sports bra — the elasticity of the fabric will wear down and the support that it once gave you will be gone.

A general rule about bras: your bra straps should not be showing. There are products, like Strap Perfect, that attach to your bra straps and keep them out of sight. These come in handy when wearing racerback tops or dresses.

Visible panty lines are also something to avoid. With special occasion dresses, or dress pants and skirts, panty lines are something that will automatically ruin an outfit, which is why every girl should look into buying thongs for this specific purpose.

Other undergarments that girls choose to invest in are Spanx, a spandex undergarment designed to slim away any appearance of fat or panty lines. These come in handy for outfits where you want a smooth, slender silhouette. Spanx are available in several styles and vary in price. Spanx also come in a variety of pieces and are available in camisoles and corsets, along with full-body pieces and hosiery.

For dresses that have low backs or plunging necklines, wearing a regular bra is not an option. However, there are specialty bras that can solve your problem: strapless, convertible, backless and adhesive bras are available at almost all retail intimate stores. Another trick, especially for low-cut dresses, is dress tape — a special double-sided tape that keeps fabric in place and is easy to remove.

Hosiery is something that has become known as outdated over the past few years. However, it is making a comeback, as are leggings. Considering hosiery comes in a wide array of colors, patterns and lengths, it can be paired with any evening outfit or dress skirt. When it comes to hosiery, make sure it matches properly with your outfit and the occasion and make sure a level of taste is present … in other words, do not wear fishnet stockings to a business meeting or when meeting your boyfriend’s parents.

Underwear is supposed to be basic. From boy shorts to granny panties, each girl has her own preference. For most of us, T-shirts and jeans are the norm, and the day-to-day decision about what to wear underneath is something we do not give much attention to.

However, to spice it up, wearing a little something sexy underneath an everyday outfit can give you a secret boost of confidence.

When it comes to bras, a proper bra fitting is key to finding the perfect size. If you are unsure, make a visit to a specialty bra store like Victoria’s Secret or the intimates section of a department store. An employee can help take the guesswork out of figuring out the perfect fit and give advice on what bras work well for different body types.

Bras have a six to 12-month life. However, depending on the frequency of wear and care, this time could be shorter or longer. Yet one thing is for sure: No one bra is going to last throughout your college career.

For girls who are active and exercise frequently, having a sports bra is essential. When picking out a sports bra, know that it should fit more snugly than an everyday bra. Keep in mind your activity level when trying on sports bras. Do some jumping jacks or run in place and test how much support the bra gives you. Remember not to machine-dry a sports bra — the elasticity of the fabric will wear down and the support that it once gave you will be gone.

A general rule about bras: your bra straps should not be showing. There are products, like Strap Perfect, that attach to your bra straps and keep them out of sight. These come in handy when wearing racerback tops or dresses.

Visible panty lines are also something to avoid. With special occasion dresses, or dress pants and skirts, panty lines are something that will automatically ruin an outfit, which is why every girl should look into buying thongs for this specific purpose.

Other undergarments that girls choose to invest in are Spanx, a spandex undergarment designed to slim away any appearance of fat or panty lines. These come in handy for outfits where you want a smooth, slender silhouette. Spanx are available in several styles and vary in price. Spanx also come in a variety of pieces and are available in camisoles and corsets, along with full-body pieces and hosiery.

For dresses that have low backs or plunging necklines, wearing a regular bra is not an option. However, there are specialty bras that can solve your problem: strapless, convertible, backless and adhesive bras are available at almost all retail intimate stores. Another trick, especially for low-cut dresses, is dress tape — a special double-sided tape that keeps fabric in place and is easy to remove.

Hosiery is something that has become known as outdated over the past few years. However, it is making a comeback, as are leggings. Considering hosiery comes in a wide array of colors, patterns and lengths, it can be paired with any evening outfit or dress skirt. When it comes to hosiery, make sure it matches properly with your outfit and the occasion and make sure a level of taste is present … in other words, do not wear fishnet stockings to a business meeting or when meeting your boyfriend’s parents.