Your Ultimate Plus Size Lingerie Boutique

Ebony (February 2006)

SUGAR AND SPICE
"You're a dainty darling in this Southern Belle two-piece, lace-up ruffled corset paired with ruffled bottoms and naughty thigh-high stockings from hipsandcurves.com. This ensemble is exclusively for fuller figures."

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
"...Wyinnetka wears the red Jacquard Tapestry Satin corset with removable garters and matching G-string panty, from
hipsandcurves.com."

SULTRY BABY DOLL
"Reveal a little or a lot in this buttercup satin and lace baby doll nightie and matching thong panty from hipsandcurves.com. The cut-away front side allows just a peek of the upper thigh, and the tiny bows can be undone to reveal a little more. This ensemble is exclusively for fuller figures."

First for Women (March 21 2005)

Style pro Rebecca Nelson offers quick fixes for minor mirror ouches in First's "beauty smarts" Q&A.

"Is there lingerie that complements real curves?"
My husband and I are going on a romantic getaway to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I've been looking for some sexy nighties but can't find anything that will support my 38D breasts and hide my belly. Any suggestions?

Rest assured: Unless your name is Naomi or Gisele, it's a challenge to find a silky something that will make you feel wonderful. But Linda Arroz, owner of MakeoverMedia.com and a plus-size-style expert, helps put the problem in perspective. "Men see things in terms of fantasy," she says. "So while you're worrying about your flabby arms or belly, your husband doesn't see that - he's taking in the overall picture." She suggests showing off your full chest in a spaghetti-strap gown with a built-in bra, a halter chemise or a nightie with a beautiful bra top. For the waist down, look for a loose A-line cut in a flowing fabric that glides past curves without clinging. Arroz says you'll find a great selection of full-figure intimates at hipsandcurves.com, lanebryant.com and justmysize.com.

LHJ (Online Editorial)

Jocelyn Voo of LHJ.com lays down "10 Lingerie Rules to Live By" for those of us in high need of getting our underwear drawers under control.

Rule number three is probably the most sensible...

3. Get Fitted. Wearing the wrong bra or panty size is not only unsightly, it's uncomfortable as well. "Whereas small-busted ladies need little support and can opt for wireless "triangle" bras in gauzy fabrics with thin straps, women with a D-cup or above should choose bras made especially for fuller figures," says Rebecca Jennings, owner of plus-size lingerie boutique Hips and Curves. "Underwire bras, soft-cup bras with a fuller band beneath the bustline, and bras with wide-set, thicker straps will offer more support and won't cut into your shoulders. Look for bra cups made of heavier lace and fabrics to provide more shape and support." Also, women should get re-fitted once every six months. As women age, their sizes fluctuate, so if you're still wearing the same bra size as when you were in college, there's a good chance it's time to make a change.

Essence (August 2004)

Grammy award-winning R&B artist Jill Scott tells readers why she feels "so sexy, confident & loved", while sporting a stylish and couture satin jacquard corset from hipsandcurves.com

AmaZe Magazine (Spring 2006)

WEDDING STYLE
Laying a good foundation

It’s estimated that nearly 70% or more of all women are wearing the wrong size bra right now and while this is a statistic that may not concern you in your everyday life, it is one to take note of when shopping for your wedding gown. After all, if a house is only as good as its foundation, the same theory applies to bridal foundation garments; the better the foundation the better the result.

With so much focus on the wedding gown the foundation gets lost in the shuffle and while it’s not something anyone (except the groom) will see; it makes all the difference in how the gown looks and how you feel in it.

Bridal Bra Fit

Generally there are two elements to measure for bra size;

1. Bustline with bra on
2. Underbust with bra on

How to measure bra size

1. First you’ll need your best fitting bra (no padding or minimizers)
2. Measure directly under the breasts just above the ribcage
3. Add five to this number and round up if the number is odd

(Example: Underbust measurement is 40, round up to 46)

How to determine cup size

* Measure the fullest part of the breast
* Subtract the difference between the fullest part of the breast from the underbust measurement to determine cup size

(Example: 46-40= 6 inches (F cup) 46 F)

The good news is there are a few department stores that are beginning to carry larger size cups and bras (up to a DD). However if you’re looking for a bustier or a larger cup size it will require a trip to a specialty store or it may be just a few clicks away by mouse. Bare Necessities carries bras that range from 30AA to 54H www.barenecessities.com. Hips and Curves at www.hipsandcurves.com is another website with a wonderful selection of lingerie for before and after the wedding.

If you live in the New York area you may want to take a special trip to Georgette’s located at 964 South Broadway, Hicksville, NY.
www.georgettesbras.com. Seasoned professionals can tell if you’re wearing the right size bra from the moment you walk through the door.  The service is excellent and they’ll take your measurements to insure you get the right fit.

To make life easier shop as early as possible, right after you’ve chosen a dress.  I also recommend that you buy two foundation garments; one for fittings and the other for your wedding day.

Bra Types:

Bustier or Corset fits close to the body and adds definition to the waistline. A good fit should feel a little snug while still allowing you to breathe and move about comfortably. A too loose fit won’t give you any support and can cause chafing in the underarm area.