Undergarments
Win This: Freya Camisole Set
What: Win a Freya Camisole (size medium) and matching panty (size large).
Why you want this: Freya makes sexy, stylish undergarments for those of us with a little “extra” up top. Plus this camisole set, which retails for $95, is a great layer to wear underneath falls hot new trend.
How to Enter: Name your favorite fall fashion trend
Contest Details:
- Contest ends October 31st at 11:59pm
- Open to TBF members ages 18 and older, living in the continental US
- One entry per member
60% OFF Clearance Sale at BareNecessities.com
The Lowdown: Look, it’s time to clean out your drawers and get some new undergarments. Take advantage of this great sale and clearance event at BareNecessities saving up to 60% on selected items such as bras, panties, loungewear, sleepwear, etc. Plus, score free shipping for orders worth more than $100.
Here’s some great finds:
This Dolce & Gabbana: Animalier Push-up Bra, originally $215, now $119.99. The very dramatic and ultra-sexy Wolford: Champagne Corsage with original price of $445 is now reduced to $213.59. The La Perla: Venus Brief is reduced to $64.79 from the original price of $163.
Best Budget Underwear
It seems that undies are a lot like high heels. When they look good, they don’t feel good. And when they look bad (or just plain boring), they feel awesome. So, lingerie makers - why can’t you seem to mass produce a pair of underwear that’s cute and comfy? Oh and also, here’s the real kicker, affordable? Ladies who want seductive, stylish, and/or snug panties are forced to search high and low for the right pair at the department store. And then, shudder, they may just feel compelled to try on several pairs in the dressing room before checking out!
We already know to buy the bulk of our undergarments at Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, and Target, and we love online warehouses like BareNecessities.com, but we want your opinion - what brands and what stores deliver high-quality, low-cost underwear?
Extra 20% Off Clearance at BareNecessities.com
The Deal: Get an additional 20% off clearance at BareNecessities.com
The Lowdown: Face it, that faded t-shirt and cut off sweats might be budget friendly, but they’re not what a fashionable girl should be getting her beauty sleep in. If you recognize yourself in this post (yeah, we’re guilty too) a sleepwear upgrade is probably in order.
To that end, this sale at Bare Necessities might just have your name all over it—get an additional 20% off clearance items, and while the selection isn’t huge, there are some quality name brand pieces that will keep you both comfortable and cute. We like this Jones New York solid satin gown on sale for $29.99, (it comes in plus sizes too), and this Calvin Klein stretch modal chemise for $39.99. Bras, panties, hosiery and more are also on sale, so if you’re undergarment stock is lacking, you’ll want to check out the whole range to get the most out of your shipping fees.
Shop: BareNecessities.com
Plus Size Bra and Panty Sale at Old Navy
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: The $15 plus size bra and panty sale at Old Navy
The Lowdown: Old Navy isn’t usually the first place we look for undergarments (or second for that matter), but it turns out they not only have a lingerie collection (comprised of both typically Old Navy-esque wholesome basics and some more feminine pieces) but they carry bras in sizes up to 46DDD.
We can’t stress enough the necessity of a seamless t-shirt bra in every woman’s undergarment wardrobe, and so for $15 this might be time for plus size girls to pick up this versatile full-coverage version, starting in size 40C . Panties are also on sale, with three pairs for $15; we all know how hard it can be to find plus size panties that are actually pretty, but Old Navy’s got your back—these plus stretch lace bikinis come in sizes up to 4X.
Shop: OldNavy.com
Save on Plus Size at Lane Bryant’s Cacique Semi-Annual Sale
The Deal: Save on undergarments and sleepwear for plus size girls at the Cacique Semi-Annual Intimates Sale
The Lowdown: Cacique is one of our favorite budget undergarments line for full-figured women, particularly when we can pick up pieces on sale (seriously, we know that larger sizes require a little more fabric, but the regular prices are more, er, inflated than they should be). Shop the semi-annual sale at Lane Bryant and get 2 bras free when you buy two; get five pairs of panties for $25; and find plus size sleepwear for just $12.99.
While the sleepwear is a good deal if you really need something new, we’re all about focusing on the bras here (after all, a good foundation garment can make or break an outfit): the smooth Balconette bra, for example, may not be exciting but it will be invisible under a smooth tee or satin top, and this Lace Plunge Bra is a good choice for those deeper v necklines (and if you’ve got it, might as well show it off). And if you, like most curvy girls, would like a little more support in the form of wider shoulder straps (but in a bra that does NOT look like an ace bandage), we’d pick this Bali Seductive Curves bra.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Save 25% on Calvin Klein Underwear at Figleaves.com
The Deal: Save 25% on Calvin Klein items at Figleaves.com, through Oct. 9
The Lowdown: Love Calvin Klein undergarments (and more) but not so crazy about the pricetag? Right now get the quality you love for less, and save 25% on Calvin Klein underwear at Figleaves.com. Need something suitable to wear underneath all those pretty holiday dresses you’ll surely be slipping into soon? Try this Calvin Klein 365 Sheer Plunge Bra, on sale now for just $18.
Shop: Figleaves.com
Free Shipping on $100 or More at Bare Necessities
The Deal: Get free shipping on U.S. orders of $100 or more at BareNecessities.com through Sept. 30
The Lowdown: Free shipping on orders for $100 or more means shopping from home without the additional cost, and what’s better than that? Bare Necessities is a fave source for popular undergarment brands—like Bali, Wacoal, Calvin Klein, Playtex, Elomi, and many many more. Another reason to shop? Spanx—Bare Necessities has a big selection of the popular body shapers, and with all those holiday events coming up? Now might be the time to stock up . . .
Shop: Bare Necessities
25% Off Jockey at BareNecessities.com: Daily Deal
The Deal: Save 25% at the Jockey Sale at BareNecessities.com. through Sept. 1
The Lowdown: Save 25% or more on women’s Jockey items at BareNecessities.com—and we’re not just talking panties here. These great-for-layering Classic Cotton Tank Tops , for example, are on sale now for $7.99 to $9. And if it just happens to be panties you’re looking for? There are plenty for less, including these Jockey Ultimates Stretch Cotton Hi-Cut Briefs for $7.12.
Shop: BareNecessities.com
Best Bra: Really Cheap Bras—BestForm Invisibras
“This Contest Has Ended”
Sadly, there’s not many things you can buy for $11 bucks, but, thanks to Bestform, your girls can stay up even as the US dollar continues to fall. The intimate company features a collection of basic, comfortable bras for well under $15.
Style?
Weelllll… It’s not La Perla, but as long as they keep everything packaged and moving in the right direction for a cheap price, the bras would make excellent everyday bras. The bras do, however, feature disappearing edges and light padding, which means a smooth look under tight shirts.
Bestform Invisibras are available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Zellers, and Shopko.
WIN THIS: POST YOUR BEST BRA CARE TIP BELOW and WIN ONE OF THREE BESTFORM INVISIBRAS BALI CONCEALER BRAS in Size 34B
Boy Shorts 3 for $10 at Wet Seal: Daily Deal
“
The Deal: Boy shorts on sale, 3 for $10 through 2/29 at WetSeal.com
The Lowdown: Stock up on underwear separates and sets from Wet Seal, the place for polka dot boyshorts and zebra print panties - and that’s just for your conservative self. Panties are also on sale, 5 for $12.50 for a limited time only!
Shop It: WetSeal.com
Best Bras for a Big Bust: Fashion Advice
We’ve said our piece about bra fitting tips for big-busted women (read more here). Now here are five picks to try, keeping fit and support in mind, without making you look like your great-grandmother.
Wacoal Pretty and Polished underwire bra, on sale now for $18 (regular price: $60) at Amazon.com. This bra manages to be beautiful and provide full coverage (and support), which is no small feat.
Cacique seamless full coverage, $46, at Lane Bryant. We love this bra because it supports while giving the smooth seamless look you want under your clothes—and it comes in more than just basic white and nude (purple couture anyone?)
Bali Seductive Curves Underwire Bra, $30, at Lane Bryant. This is the go-to bra for your plunging necklines—it manages to provide support with molded foam cups, underwire, and wide (but not ugly) straps.
Bali Double Adjust Seamless Underwire Bra, $22.99 at Just My Size. This is one of the most budget friendly options, and a great everyday bra by a trusted brand. We like that it’s truly adjustable, meaning you’ll get a better fit.
Goddess Delilah underwire bra, $38, at Bare Necessities. Every woman deserves to have a gorgeous, sexy bra, and for the full-figured woman, this is it. Sheer and lacy, but with the coverage and structure you need.
Best Bras on a Budget: Five Things Every Woman Should Have in Her Lingerie Drawer
Many of us make the mistake of completely neglecting what goes underneath. Not having the proper undergarments means that the clothes on top don’t look or feel as good as they should. Knowing this, The Budget Fashionista has complied this quick list of five things every women needs in her lingerie drawer:
1. A pair of Assets. Fact: Even the most slender of us women can benefit from a little “packaging” (ask Jennifer Love Hewitt). Assets, sold at Target and made by the same folks who make spanx, hold you in at about half the price of the more expensive brand.
2. A half slip. Here’s why you need a half slip: manufacturers are not lining dresses anymore, which means there’s little protecting you from an unfortunate mooning incident on a windy day. Also, don’t underestimate the effect of lighting conditions in different locales. The slip doesn’t need to be pricey (pick one up for next to nothing at Marshall’ or TJ Maxx) it just needs to be the right length. Too long and you’ll look like you don’t just shop in the bargain basement, you actually live there.
3. A basic black (or flesh colored) bra. White bras are great, but we all know that sometimes they show, and that’s not a good look on any one. A simple flesh colored bra is a necessity and if you’re unable to find one that is close to your skin tone, then try a basic black bra.
4. A camisole that can double as a bra. This means a camisole with some reinforcement lyrca-type fabric and/or a built in shelf bra.These bra are a great alternative on days you don’t want to wear a bra and/or when you want to have a little extra covering underneath a low cut sweater.
5. A pair of basic flesh-colored nylons. Yes, we know your Granny has these too, but they do come in handy from time to time, especially if a) it’s kind of chilly, b) you haven’t shaved, c) for more conservative environments like a job interview and/or church
photo courtesy of Target
Fashion Advice: Best Bra Tips for VERY Large Chested Women
Dear Budget Fashionista:
I need some serious help! I have HUGE breast (44J) and I need help finding a good bra that fits.
Answer:Figure Magazine recently wrote some great tips on finding a good bra if you cup “runneth over” which included, looking for spillage, focusing on wide straps, and making sure the middle section of the bra lies comfortably against the center of your chest.
Focus on fit and support rather than style (meaning the dreaded underwire). Yes, you want to rock the frilly lace bras, but no one will notice it if your breast are hanging down to your knees.
Jockey Tactel Nylon Pieces, $8.50-$22
What: Angela slips into Jockey’s Tactel nylon underthings.
The Lowdown: I’m always little leery of these newfangled fabrics - I’m not adverse to manmade materials, but some of the names (like “Tactel”) conjure up images of beakers and sterile labs - not exactly, well, sexy.
Still, Jockey’s got it right with this Tactel stuff - I don’t know precisely what it means, but the fabric is smooth, supple and feels great on your skin. The camisole does its job, with adjustable straps, no itchy seams, and lightweight enough to wear all day without overheating.
As for the no-panty-line promise - well, it holds true for the most part, though I have a pair of New York and Company chinos that are the ultimate VPL test, and these didn’t quite pass. Of course, I have yet to find a panty that does, so I’m not going to hold that against them.
Yea or Nay: It’s a yea.
Buy It: At Jockey.com. Camis range from $18-$22, and come in regular, tank and V-neck styles, and panties retail for $8.50, in cuts from thong to brief.
Playtex Delightful Dots Strapless Underwire Bra, $29.00
What: Angela tests Playtex’s latest take on the strapless bra, available in black, soft taupe, and white.
The Lowdown: The name is a mouthful, but it does the job. Not only is it strapless, underwire and delightfully dotty, but it’s also convertible (halter, criss-cross, conventional) and comes in half-sizes. All of which makes me happy. Comfort? Well, as far as strapless underwire bras go, this is a good one- good support and stayed in place as well as can be expected. The straps attach and detach easily, and stayed put when adjusted. However, this is not a product for those of us blessed with a little extra on top; sizes range from 32 Nearly A to 36 Nearly C.
Yea or Nay: An overall yea, though I have a hard time getting too excited about a strapless bra. The bra looked great and keep everything moving in the right direction.
Buy It: Online go to OneHanesPlace, or visit the Playtex Bras Web site for a retailer near you. While you’re there, be sure to enter to win a free Playtex bra - they give away five a month!
Fashion Advice: Where to Find Affordable Plus Size Bras and Undergarments
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I wear a size fourteen and have quite a large chest. I’m looking for comfortable, sexy and affordable cotton bras for the summer. Do you have any advice on where I can find them?
strong>Answer: This is a topic I know, oh so well. One of the best places to find affordable, sexy bras if you where a C cup or higher and/or are plus size is Lane Bryant. Their Cacique line of cotton bras and panties are crazy stylish (even my thinner friends wish they could wear the line) and cost well under $35. If you hit the store, or the site- which has a larger selection of sizes, at the right time you might even be able to score a Buy-One-Get-One Half Off deal.
Also, if you live near a Dillards, they have a wide selection of sexy plus size bras as a part of their Cabernet line.
Discuss this topic in the Fashion forum.
Fashion Advice: Getting Rid of Pantylines
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I have a problem with visible panty lines and am not into wearing thongs. Which manufacturers make panties that eliminate this problem?
Almost every manufacturer has a version of the NVP (no visible pantyline) undergarment. Some brands to try are Bali, Jockey, Wacoal, and even Target brands. Make sure to look for underwear that has what is called laser edges, which are very thin edges that leave no line. You can also try wearing a pair of spanx power panties, they don’t leave lines and tuck you in a bit.. but they can be uncomfortable.
Image courtesy of Bali.com
A Hook Up Just for You: Drinks, Dancing, and Drawers at Frederick’s of Hollywood’s New Store
This is for all of my LA readers, who are suffering through heat and power outages. You really need a drink and some free undies!
Lingerie legend Frederick’s of Hollywood will be opening its doors every Friday from July 28-August 18 to host happy hour style soirées from 5:00-8:00 at their swanky new flagship store located at 6751 Hollywood Blvd (1 block east of highland). Sponsored by MySassyCity.com, shoppers can stop by for free cocktails, dj spun mixes and of course, sexy lingerie at discounted prices! Fashionistas who attend these events will receive 20% off anything in the store! Want to check out the goods before the event? Go to www.fredericks.com to view Frederick’s latest fashions. Click here to RSVP.
Dates:
Friday July 28
Friday August 4
Friday August 11
Friday August 18
Time: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Location: Frederick’s of Hollywood, 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
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Fashion Advice: Invisible Support
Dear Budget Fashionista
I have kids and my breast aren’t as perky as they use to be. Sometimes I see very cute clothing (like the black knit dresses), that you can’t wear a bra with. I wanted to know if the “sticky” bras really work.
A: If you’re a full C cup or larger, the sticky bras won’t work. And even, if you’re a C cup or smaller, the sticky bras won’t be able to provide much support to heavy breast and you have to be careful not to sweat too much because the adhesive of the bra can loosen and cause a sagging moment.
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