This is an embarrassing issue, but I have lots of problems finding the correct bra for my shape. What should I do?

Signed,

Lumpy bumpy

Dear Lumpy,

Aren’t you lucky. Lingerie is my obsession!

For many years, I myself was wearing the wrong bra – until I was fitted and realized, not only did it make my breasts look bigger (a fabulous thing when you are an A cup), but it also made my posture improve, and me appear slimmer!

As luck would have it, my BFF is currently an associate at Victoria’s Secret in NYC, and she has learned tons from her time on the floor! Allison says finding the bra that fits is one of the most important things you can do to improve the way you look in your clothes. “The bra shouldn’t gap at the sides, and the cups shouldn’t create a dent in your breast tissue. If you’re having any of these issues, you should reevaluate your size or be measured. A bra that fits well can make you look slimmer and can improve your posture.”

She goes on to say that if your current bra is gapping, you might want to go down a cup size. If it is creating a dent or a lumpy appearance under your clothes, try going up a cup size, and the band should fit comfortably around your body and should not dig in to your skin.

Here’s some more tips to go by:

1 – If your cups are baggy, that’s a sign you are wearing the wrong size. Try going down one cup size. Also, if your cups are creasing around the nipple, try to decrease your band size so that the fabric becomes taut.

2. That said, the opposite problem is just as bad. If your cleavage is spilling out over the tops, your breasts do not look bigger, you just look lumpy. You are probably wearing too small of a cup size, so try going one size up.

3. Your support comes not only from the cups and straps, it comes from the band size. If you are wearing the wrong size, your bra will dig into your flesh and you’ll have those tell-tale marks when you take it off.

4. A great way to test your fit is to stand sideways and look at your profile in the mirror. If your bra band is at the same level all the way around, you are wearing the right size. If it’s riding up, you are wearing the wrong size AND creating the illusion of back fat!

5. Here’s a tip that I love: A great way to see if your bra band is the right fit is if you have just enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the center front. No more, no less!

6. When you get a new bra, don’t get one that JUST fits, get one that DOES fit. That means being able to close it on the last hook. You may not know this, but a  bra band can grow as much as four inches after a series of wash and wear. That means with wear, you will ultimately need to tighten it, so you want one that starts out fitting snug (but comfortably). .

7. Is your underwire flat at the front? The center of the front of the bra should be flat against the breastbone. Otherwise, you may need to try on the next cup size.

8. In a related note, the wire at the side of the bra should also sit firm on the ribcage, but not dig in. (Again, those telltale marks!)

9. Do a test drive – put on a fitted t-shirt. Then,  look at yourself from all angles. The idea is to have an uplifted look, but no sagging or bulges.

10. Once you have done your test drive, and walked around in your bra, seeing how it feels and looks, you are ready to go forth and enjoy!

You always speak about the best of jeans – so what ARE the must-have jeans?

Signed,
Denim Deprived

Dear Deprived,

Bleached, ripped and torn– to avoid looking too sloppy, these bedraggled jeans look best when everything else you are wearing isn’t as unkempt looking, but still casual.

Boyfriend Jeans: I have a denim OBSESSION. So, it’s hard to for me to widdle it down past “I want it all!” But I interviewed Bridgette Raes, author of the book Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want, and she gave me some great tips!

A more relaxed leg, and a rolled up cuff–definitely a great relaxed and easy look for spring. My preference is to wear these jeans with a fun pair of flats, sandals or small wedges. A pair of stilettos worn with cuffed, pegged jeans seems very pirate-ish to me. Another link to boyfriend jeans

Colored Denim
The forerunners in colored jeans for spring ‘09 are grey and khaki. The nice thing about jeans in these colors is that they are neutral in shade and can, in most cases, be worn with any color. Perhaps a red shoe with the grey jeans, or a metallic sandal with the khaki?

Slouchy, Wide Leg Jeans
A nice, elegant denim look that must be worn with caution. To avoid looking like a big slouch, wear a top (that isn’t too long) with waist shape vs. a big baggy top. The slimmer top proportion with a relaxed jean style is much more flattering, and slimming! Additionally, wide leg jeans are not great for petite gals, or women with short legs. The wider leg will only make short legs look shorter.

Flared Jeans
Slim fitting with a flare that begins at the knee, these jeans are flattering because the fit and flare silhouette, counterbalances and slims a wider hip and thigh area. Great for a relaxed look, but can also be very elegant. This style looks great with a jeweled sandal or a tall pair of heels–just hem your jeans accordingly. Having two pairs, one for flats and one for heels, isn’t a bad idea.

Dark Denim
Dark denim is great to wear when you want to look a bit more dressed up and polished. With all the destroyed, distressed and slouchy jeans out there for spring, the dark denim is a trend nice polished palette cleanser for your wardrobe. Be sure to have at least one pair in your wardrobe for your dressier plans.

Slouchy Skinny
Slouchy skinny jeans (can you say contradiction?) are skinny jeans that have a longer rise (the measurement from the crotch of the jean to the top of the waist), and are called the “compelling alternative to the too tight jean.” The look: skinny jeans with a bunchy, slouchy crotch area. The skinny jean is nothing new, and the slouchy skinny jean can be worn just like our old classic skinny jean style. Can’t find slouchy, skinny jeans? Try buying a pair of jeans one size too big.

Hope that helps!

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I was kissing my boyfriend and his scratchy stubble left red patches on the tip of my nose, my chin and upper lip. What is this?

Signed,
Burned Lip

Dear Burned Lip,

While you were kissing your boyfriend his stubble caused physical trauma to your face commonly referred to as “beard burn.” Beard Burn is caused tiny microscopic abrasions and will leave your skin tender and visibly red.

If you are suffering from beard burn try to avoid scrubs and alcohol based products as those will cause additional irritation. Also, apply a calming product with soothing ingredients, such as cucumber and green tea extract, which will reduce the redness in your skin (try MD Skincare® Hydra-Pure® Redness Soothing Serum). Finally, disguise any remaining redness with a concealer or tinted moisturizer.

Hope that helps!

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Dear Aly,
Are there any easy ways to adapt my summer clothes for fall and winter wear? In this economy, I can’t justify updating my wardrobe!

Signed,
Strapped for cash

Dear Strapped,

Updating your wardrobe is easier than you may think!

	Shop Me Time Tees and Women’s Apparel!

For my own wardrobe updates, I love to be able to reuse my favorite tunics and jumpers as the weather gets colder. This is so easy to do! A hot pair of opaque tights and a long-sleeve tee makes a summer dress a winter jumper. And a cardigan over the ensemble has you ready for winter.

The sky is the limit…I’ve adapted everything from overalls to babydoll dresses.

This outfit works fabulously with your fave boots – and can be both appropriate for office attire and evening fun!

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Dear Aly,

As the holiday shopping season unfolds, do you have any advice for budget-friendly fashion finding?

Signed,
Frugally fashion-forward

Dear Frugal,

Boy do I ever!!! Due to the economy, 52% of consumers plan to buy fewer holiday gifts (according to recent survey by SmartBargains.com). These tough economic times may change your holiday shopping habits, but it doesn’t have to affect your gift giving spirit. In fact, it’s now more than ever a time that it is better to give than receive! I spoke with Shari Shakun, head “bargainista” at Smart Bargains, and we came up with great tips that I’ve incorporated into my own smart shopping:

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Stay tuned as Aly discusses skinny jeans and casual Friday!

Dear Aly,

Are the rules the same regarding “power suits” when going on a job interview? I have one coming up and I’m not sure I’m wardrobe-ready.

Signed,
Powerlessly panted

Dear Powerless,

Do not worry! The rules, they are a-changing!

While it’s important that you look professional, always, different interviews call for different attire. What would be appropriate to wear, say, for an interview at a bank would stick out like a sore thumb at a fashion magazine!

In general, in current trends, women are wearing slimmer silhouettes and (finally!) saying goodbye to the boxy suits of the prior decade. Also, gone are the black/gray rule – Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin showed us during the election that red truly is – and always has been – a power color. So, maintain those staples, but consider that splash of color – it can’t hurt, and just may help show some personality.

The shape of things to come is more slimming and body skimming. Skirts should be right at knee length — or slightly above or slightly below – but minis are a no-no, unless you are interviewing to be a go-go dancer!

Do not take the rule of dressing for the interview in tandem with how you would dress for the job too far though. Dressing nicely is a show of respect to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to – even if you may be wearing jeans on the job, you aren’t going to wear it when trying to put your best self forward on that first meet and greet!

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Don’t Be Shy… Submit Your Question to Aly >

Stay tuned as Aly shares some holiday shopping secrets and
discusses skinny jeans!