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Plunging Necklines – How Do They Stay In Place?
Today’s Daily Mail article highlights this season’s trend for the plunging neckline. The plunging neckline is the trickiest of all to pull off successfully. The golden rule: rely on your natural shape and plenty of fashion tape or strips of Elastoplast! If you can’t get the dress to work, don’t try!
Gwyneth Paltrow’s bustline naturally suits a plunge dress. Why? The fullest point of the bust is sitting in the correct position naturally – halfway between the elbow and shoulder whilst the side of the bust is sitting in line with the hips. For dresses like this, the only option is to either stitch bra cups into the dress or use tape to hold the bust and dress in place.
Top tip: stand in front of a mirror. Cup the bust in your hand and lift so the fullest point is in the center of the breast form-halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Attach reusable gel petals. Then use fashion tape or Elastoplast strip horizontally and vertically, to hold the bust in this position. Use fashion tape to stick the dress to the body to avoid ‘flashing’.
Realistically: there are only certain shapes that can wear this trend. If you need to wear a bra, stitch a panel of fabric across the plunge V, covering the bra but without spoiling the neck line. Choose a sheer or coordinating fabric.
Liz Hurley has a different body shape to Gwyneth. A great shape dress for hourglass and fuller busted ladies. A low front has become her signature dress line. This dress appears to have support built into the dress. This gives ‘volume’ in the bust part of the dress, ensuring that it fits perfectly around her bust, keeping her bust in place. By partially supporting and shaping the bust, Liz is creating a natural look and ensures all eyes are center front.
Top tip: Dresses like this nearly always have to have cups or shaping built into the dress. This lifts the bust and emphasise the waist. We always ‘cut and stitch ‘bras to fit under this type of dress rather than attempt to find off the peg bras to fit underneath. A good T-shirt bra supports itself so allows the straps and cups to be altered to fit under dresses. A great way of reusing worn bras is to cut and stitch into your favorite dress
Demi Lovato again, has a different bust shape. Fitting a bra underneath a dress like this is almost impossible. The collar detailing is hiding the work going on underneath.
Top tip: If want to try to get the same look, attach gel petals and use tape to hold the bust in place by running the tape horizontally and vertically across the bust. To ensure the dress stays in place, use fashion tape to stick to the body.
The essentials for a plunge dress:
Fashion forms gel petals and Fashion forms lingerie dispenser tape – available at Selfridges. (lingerie accessories)
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk 11th November 2011
Article by: Sara O’Regan – Founder of Bra Sense Ltd – www.brasense.co.uk
3 Quick Tips to buying Shapewear
Good Shapewear should fit like a Herve Leger dress. In fact, good shapewear should make any dress or outfit look and feel amazing! So, here are our top 3 tips when looking for Shapewear.
Tip 1: Size – Always buy a size that fits your largest point, – not your smallest.
If the Shapewear is fitting over your waist and hips- make sure the size fits the largest measurement not the smallest. Shapewear doesn’t just have to fit the width but also the distance between the two points. This is why size is key. Shapewear does stretch but overstretch it and it starts rolling up. Too small at the top or bottom edge, it simply creates rolls.
Hint. if your shapewear is rolling down, the size is too small. Shapewear should stay in place by itself.
Tip 2: Quality – Don’t compromise on quality. Shapewear is about one garment having the ability to fit smoothly against the smallest and largest point of your bodyshape. Like many things quality is key.
Hint: Treat shapewear as a cost per wear item. Uncomfortable and you wear it once. Comfortable and you wear it time and time again.
Tip 3: Shape – Choose a piece that smooths your key areas. If you want it to slim your tummy, always choose a piece that sits above and below this area. A piece that smooths the tummy but cuts into your legs will show as a bulge elsewhere.
Hint: Always recognise your bodyshape and choose the right style. Always ensure that the shapewear sits above and below the area you are trying to smooth, whether tummy, waist or thighs. if the shapewear fits the hips, but too large aroudn the waist, its the wrong design for you.
Coming Up: Our top shapewear pieces for your shape
Author: Sara O’Regan Founder of Bra Sense Ltd www.brasense.co.uk
Look slimmer instantly – just by bringing the bust and hips into line
Gok Wan says that the majority of fashion is designed for an hourglass shape> do you know what – he is right! Fashion is designed to fit around curves and create the illusion of a perfectly proportioned body i.e. an Hourglass shape. If you look ‘in proportion’ you instantly look slimmer and toned. It’s when one part of the body looks ‘out of proportion’ that draws attention to that larger or smaller area.
In Photo A – the bust looks smaller and the hips and middle therefore look larger, because the bra the lady is wearing is creating that out of kilter proportion.
In Photo B – the bust has been ‘lifted up and out’ bringing the bust and hips into line and proportion with each other. This instantly makes the top half and bottom half look in synch and therefore slimmer and younger!
So what does ‘bringing the body into line’ mean?
The key focus areas are bust, waist and hips. The distance between the 3 and the difference in width is actually what creates the curves. All shapes are created according to these 3 points.
Kim Kardashian as a natural hourglass has her bust and hips in line with each other. If you look at the white dress, the side of the bust and the hip will actually be in line with each other and mirror the shape of each other. This is a perfect example of bringing the body into line. The shadow created by the bust ‘hides’ the side of the body and enhances the hourglass shape.
There are some key secrets for body shapes: If you look at the drawings you will see what role the bra needs to play to bring the bust and hips into line with each other, making you look slimmer instantly.
Apple needs shape. The fullest point needs to sit halfway between the elbow and shoulder as this positions the bust in line with the hips and ensures clothes sit less tightly on the midriff, meaning less cling around the tummy area.
Athletic shape needs to keep smooth lines and a sleek shape. Avoid push up bras, you don’t need enhancing but a bra that ‘creates’ the fullest point itself.
Pears need to lift and shape the bust to bring the bust into line with the hips. This instantly makes you look slimmer and younger.
And finally
The hourglass – when the bust and hips are inline, the waist is more defined, the body looks longer and slimmer and neither the bust or hips look large ………. whatever the clothes size.
Author: Sara O’Regan Founder of Bra Sense Ltd
How your bra changes your jacket and blouse size
Clothing is designed around the 3 fit points, which seems obvious. What’s not obvious but every bit as important is that design assumes the distance between the three points of bust, waist and hips. Getting the right clothing item depends upon your true proportions ; shape, size and distance between fit points, being supported in the right shape, size and place by your underwear. If your bra is wrong, your clothes won’t fit. This is especially true for jackets, tops, blouses and dresses. So, this is when the correct style shape and bra size become extremely important. Just compare these two pictures.
If a tailored jacket, blouse or dress were to be measured to fit each of the 2 pictures, they would be two different sizes, even though it’s the same person.
This is because the position of the bust affects not only its measured size at the fullest point, but it’s position in relation to the fullest point of the jacket and the distance between the bust and the waist. Only if the bust is correctly positioned and fitted with the right bra can a jacket fit you properly.
On the two tailored jackets below by Head and Griffiths you can clearly see the bust, waist and hips tailoring and the distance between the three points.
Tailor made jackets, shirts and dresses can give you a tailored shape just for you but it’s even more important to have your bust position and shape just right. It’s designed to fit you at your best, not hide your needless imperfections.
For off the peg jackets, blouses and dresses, the fullest point of the bust, waist, hips and the distance between them will already be predetermined. If the fullest point of the bust isn’t in the correct position for you a larger jacket size will be needed to fit over the bust and hide the mistake. This may then cause the shoulders to be too large, as well as changing the shape of the jacket by dropping the jacket waist lower and the hips lower on the body. The distance between the 3 becomes less but the larger sized jacket actually expects more. Remember that the right underwear is always the correct starting point. It really is the foundation for fashion.
So, if you’re tempted to buy a size larger to fit over a certain point, always check your bra shape and size first. When looking at clothes, look to see if the shape of the clothing mirrors your shape. Think about the bust, waist and hips! What shape do they create?
Author: Sara O’Regan – Bra Sense Ltd www.brasense.co.uk
For more information on Head and Griffiths visit www.headandgriffiths.co.uk/
What’s In Your Closet – We Asked Four Denim Experts For A Peek Into Their Closet.
We find out how these four denim aficionados like to style their denim and which styles work for their different body shapes. Making their life’s obsession their life’s work, we get an exclusive peek into their past, present and favourite jeans.
Edited by Sam Remer ( ilovejeans denim expert)
Related articles
- Ultimate Fall 2011 Denim Guide (collegecandy.com)
Fitqueens love Norma Kamali Swimwear.
The Net-a -Porter newsletter has just arrived in our inbox with the latest swimwear designs from Norma Kamali. The collection uses Lycra and Spandex for the ultimate in stretch, control and shape.
There really is something for every shape. Our favourite pieces are:
The Snake Mio one- shoulder swimsuit by Norma Kamali
Key points: High leg, angular neckline
Ideal Body Shape: Athletic and small hourglass (Size 8/10)
This one shoulder swimsuit is outstanding. The diagonal striping adds curves to a straight figure, whilst the one shoulder detail and angular neckline matches your bust shape perfectly. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing or pair with wide leg trousers for the perfect boat to bar look.
The Jorge embellished cutout swimsuit by Norma Kamali
Key points: Low leg, cutaway sides, angular neckline
Ideal Body Shape: Athletic
For the ultimate show shopper which no other shape can pull off! The silver disk embellishments make it a poolside hit. Team with wide leg trousers or maxi skirt for a day to evening outfit!
Halterneck wrap swimsuit by Norma Kamali
Key Points: High leg, Nipped in waist, Triangular neck line.
Ideal Body Shape: Hourglass
Nothing screams old Hollywood glamour like this halterneck wrap swimsuit. Flattering neckline and high-leg briefs made it a win win choice for an hourglass. Cleverly combining high leg front and shaped back, this style will shape, smooth and lift the bum for most hourglasses. The clever folds accentuate the waist and your perfect waist to hip ratio.
Tara reversible ruched bikini top by Norma Kamali
team with TeaJonny D high-waisted zebra-print bikini briefs by Norma Kamali
or Bill high-waisted bikini briefs by Norma Kamali
Tankini Key Points: Higher neckline, tummy control, expandable middle and bottom
Ideal Body Shape: Apple and Pear
The ruched tankini is ideal for pears and apples. The folds at the back allow the top to expand for the bust and/or the middle. The central ruching flattens the tummy whilst the overall design helps to separate the bust, waist and hips. For apples and pears, I’d avoid the matching skirt and choose the high waisted bikini bottoms or team with the zebra print bottoms for a smoother look.
Bill ruched halterneck swimsuit by Norma Kamali
Key Points: Circular cup design, low leg, tummy control
Ideal Body Shape: Apples and Pears
What makes this collection so different is that the ruching appears at the back and front. This will allow the suit more movement at the front – making it easier to fit over your wider areas – ideal for apples and for pears, whilst still fitting your smaller area.
For pears and apples, the cup design lifts and enhances the bust shape whilst the longer length rushing creates a smooth silhouette by balancing your bust and hips.
By Sara O’Regan – founder of Bra Sense Ltd
For more information about the Bra Sense Swim Fit or the Bra Sense Bra Fit please email
Swimwear shapes for your shape!
Summer’s here ………. and it’s swimwear time again. What do I like? What suits me?
The absolute Golden Rule is to make sure you know your shape. It’s the foundation for making the right decision and choosing the right swimwear for you.
Swimwear is one of the harder things to fit, because like bras and denim, it is fitted to our shape in our size. Elastane allows the fabric to stretch over the widest points and fit against the smallest points. Swimwear is probably the only garment we have that has to fit over the bust, waist and hips! It needs to fit both the smallest and widest part of the body.
Over 60% of us will probably be a different dress size at the top compared to the bottom. Swimwear doesn’t just assume a certain size for the bust, waist and hips, but also the proportion of those sizes relative to each other and the distance between the bust, waist and hips. This is where knowing your shape matters, because your shape is what determines those proportions. An hourglass will need more stretch at the back for the bottom shape than an athletic build, even if they are the same label size. So any one size 10 swimsuit won’t fit an athletic and an hourglass shape. If we look at the bust again, we know from past blogs that the bust isn’t just about volume but also about depth. So again, an athletic and pear can have the same bra size – but need different styles. The same is true of swimwear. The depth of the bust in relation to the actual volume is different between the shapes. Use the swimwear designs below as your shape guide for each of the different body shapes.
Apple:
As an apple, the widest point is around the middle of the body. This is likely to be where the swimsuit narrows for the waist area. Fitting to the widest point means a larger size is required, but this means that the bust, waist and hips are sitting in the wrong place within the swimsuit making the narrowest points of the swimwear fitting over the widest points of the body – and vice versa!
What we recommend: Apples are better choosing a tankini or a swimsuit that has stretch around the middle. With a tankini, choose a fuller style so that the tummy is automatically taken into account, meaning the correct size for your shoulders and bust can be worn. Ensure the fullest point of the bust is sitting in the correct position – giving you maximum lift and support, matching the width of your bus to your hips. By wearing with a deeper brief such as a full brief or maxi brief with a lower leg you’ll create a smooth and controlled silhouette.
Golden Rules for Apples : Aim t
o balance the bust and hips first. Use patterns and small folds of fabric to draw the eyes up to the bust and away from the body! Necklines are key for this. Avoid triangular shaped necklines as they sit the bust lower. Deeper briefs which hold the tummy in and avoid creating rolls are
Pear shape:
Pear shaped girls are generally larger on the bottom than the top. Pears are looking for swimwear to enhance the bust shape and create an hourglass silhouette by matching the bust width to the hips. Top shape and bottom shape are again key for a pear.
What we recommend: Steer clear of triangular shaped cups in bikinis swimsuits and tankinis. This will make the bust look smaller and the hips bigger by lowering the bust and reducing the width. Look for tankinis, bikinis or swimsuits that lift the bust and have a definite fullest point – just like bras. Choose tops that have the shoulder straps at the outer part of the cup. This makes the top half look wider and in proportion with the hips. For bottoms, avoid short styles and string bikini bottoms. Choose a fuller style that elongates the legs, slims the hips and remember – make sure the lines do not dig in at the sides or around the middle! Folded briefs are great for pears meaning you can sit the line exactly where you need it without it digging in.
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Golden rules for pears: Avoid triangular shapes- these will not support the bust once lifted. Aim for a brief shape that fits above your widest point without digging in.
Hourglass Shape:
Hourglasses can have great fun with swimwear. Bikinis, tankini’s and swimsuits all flatter the hourglass shape! Ensuring the bust part has enough volume is key. Hourglass shapes are all about balance. Create the balance between the hips and bust and then outline the middle and waist. Necklines are key – look at the examples below.
What we recommend: As an hourglass, it is almost impossible to fully cover the bust so avoid swimwear that cuts straight across the bust. Why? Because your breast actually extends up to your decollage area. Strapless styles cutting straight across sit the bust lower on the body, making your bust smaller and your hips bigger rather than lifting you up and out! Whatever style you choose – remember your golden rules:
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Golden rules for Hourglass: Choose a triangular cup style cup with volume in the cup. Opt for a higher leg bottom with enough depth and stretch to sit at the bottom of your back. Tie side bikinis look great from the front but usually aren’t deep enough to be flattering from the back. Avoid shorts and low rise bottoms. They’ll be too short at the back.
Athletic Shape:
If you have an athletic shape triangular bikinis, monokinis and cut away sides are made for you! Summer is your season! Athletics have a slender shape. Use the design of the swimwear to create the curves! You are the one and only shape that can really wear the low tie bikini bottoms and the triangular shaped tops which the high street is full of! Look for low rise bikinis, tie sides to emphasise the hips and triangular cup shapes and straps coming in to the body to add curve to the bust and draw the eyes up to it. Steer clear of rouching and frills – this will draw the eyes away from the clean lined look and hide your sleek physique. With a large proportion of swimwear designed for your shape – this really is your season!
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Golden rules for athletic: Think flatter cup shapes – you need the coverage rather than the fullness.
For more information on the Bra Sense Personal Bra Fit or the Bra Sense Personal Swimwear Fit to find your key shapes and sizes, please email service@brasense.co.uk
Author: Sara O’Regan – Founder of Bra Sense Ltd
Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic – A Great Success!
Sam & Sara – FitQueens (above) Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic – Fenwick Brent Cross.
Well we definitely caused a buzz in the classics department on level 2, Fenwick Brent Cross, offering customers a bespoke denim fitting service using Wizard jeans.
My first customer of the day was a lady of 85! Just goes to show you’re never too old to wear jeans! Our mission was to proove to customers that “Shopping for your shape” is key when buying jeans. Customers loved the attention of the fitting service and said it really was the only way to buy jeans successfully. The lucky customers got free alterations on the day and a £10 voucher if they bought two pairs! The event boosted Wizard Jeans sales by 100% on the day!
If you would like a FitQueens fitting service for denim, bra’s & swimwear in your store please get in touch.
A Good Service, Good Jeans – Job Done!
It’s been a crazy week of promoting.
With only four day’s to go before the Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic we’re really excited! We know how great the fit is on these jeans and once you get in a pair you won’t want to get out!
Our aim is to get you in a pair of jeans specifically for your body shape and show you how the Wizard Jeans look, fit & feel. There’s no hard sell as the proof is in the jeans.
The beauty of the Denim Clinic is that the denim experts will guide you through the styles and suggest tops, jackets & accessories to go with your new jeans. If your new jeans need taking up we will be able to pin & offer an alteration service for your purchase.
The good news is that at the event if you purchase a pair then you will get £10 voucher off your next pair of Wizard Jeans!
Enter a free draw at the event to win a pair of Wizard Swarovski jeans worth £195! below.
The fittings are on a first come first serve basis so come early and put your name down on our list and we will give you a time slot.
Looking forward to meeting you at Fenwick Brent Cross, Classics department, 2 Level on Tuesday 24th, 11am -3pm.
Don’t forget to bring the shoes you wish to wear with your jeans!
Sam x
FitQueens 
