Amen for the Spanx Bra-llelujah!

When I was first approached about reviewing the Spanx Bra-llelujah bra*, I wasn’t sure what kind of feedback I would be able to provide. While I could definitely use some help in the lower half of my body in terms of holding it all in, I am the quintessential pear shape, barely filling out an A-cup on top. But, what the heck, I thought. If it didn’t work out for me, I certainly know plenty of women who would love the chance to review the bra, so I agreed to take a look at it.

Well, sorry ladies. It’s mine! ALL MINE!

Before I go into why I love this bra, here’s the description of the bra that came on the tag:

Why Bra-llelujah?? Because it’s the first ever bra designed backwards to smooth and flatter your back! It has molded cups and naturally adjusting hosiery straps that won’t dig in. It’s soooo comfortable you’ll want to sing about it!

Honestly, I don’t usually have problems (I think??) with back bulge. I have had bra fittings before, and accordingly have bras that fit me fairly well without bulging in the back. I say “fairly” because believe it or not, having tiny ta-tas can make it extra-ordinarily hard to find well fitting bras. While larger chested women have their own set of problems like back pain, and straps digging in, I have problems like bras slipping up over the nips when I raise my arms, and straps constantly falling down. Again, better fitting bras do this less, but it’s been hard to find bras that fit perfectly …. until now.

Bra-llelujah! (Can you hear the singing yet?)

When I got the bra, I wasn’t even sure it was going to fit. Instead of my usual 36 A, the bra was a 34 B. (Maybe it’s time to get a bra fitting again!) But when I put it on and hooked the clasp in the front, I could not believe how amazingly comfortable this bra was. Yes, that’s right. A comfortable bra. You might have thought that was an oxymoron, but I am here to tell you it IS possible!

The fit is perfect, and the stretchy “hosiery” fabric has enough give to move with you while staying put. I am wearing it at this moment but the only reason I am actually aware of the fact that I am wearing it is because I am writing about it. I think I could seriously live in this bra.

So, whether your an A cup or a DD, if you’re looking for an uber-comfortable bra that can also flatter your back, this bra is for you!

Available at Lane Bryant (where right now they are having a Buy 2 Get 2 Free promotion) and Nordstrom.

* Per FTC guidelines, I am required by law to disclose this item was given to me by Lane Bryant, Inc. to review.

Fab Fashion Find: Nunzia ‘Annabella’ White Laptop Bag

I admit it. I am a bit of a handbag junkie. Although I’m not one to drop hundreds or thousands on a single hand bag, I certainly purchase enough of the lower priced bags that it adds up. The problem is, while I am always in search of “the one”, what defines “the one” at any given point in my life changes.

Right now “the one” is a bag that looks cute (ok, that’s a given), is large enough to hold my iPad (or laptop if necessary), has multiple compartments with at least one organizer section so I’m not just dropping my stuff into a bottomless cavern, never to be found again, and it has to be reasonably priced. Impossible?

Enter the Nunzia ‘Annabella’ White Laptop Bag. After countless hours of searching, I found this bag at Overstock.com. With a suggested retail price of $129, this bag is certainly a bargain at Overstock for just $42.99, especially when you consider the super cheap shipping Overstock always offers at $2.95 on your entire order (and yes, that includes furniture too!).

The nitty gritty as described on Overstock.com:

Lane Bryant Interview with Michelle Cantrell

While the goal of the Lane Bryant Bloggers Conference was to spread the word about the company and their commitment to making great fashion accessible to women in sizes 14 and above, the conference also provided a platform for a two-way conversation.

Here’s a video segment from an interview they did with me to hear more about my experience at the event.

Win a Lane Bryant Animal Print Maxi-Dress

I told you to stay tuned for a contest following the Lane Bryant Blogger Conference I attended last week, and now the time has come! While I have lots of great prizes to give away, the first is this fantastic Animal Print Maxi dress in size 18, generously provided by Lane Bryant.

I spent a lot of time deciding on what to give away. I watched what everyone from the conference was trying on, and I settled on this dress because it’s stylish and trendy, but not so much that it will be out of style before the wind changes direction. And from all accounts, it’s super comfortable!

Marie Denee of the Curvy Fashionista declared this dress love at first sight and took this dress home  paired with a white blazer. I really think it’s a style that just about anyone can wear.

With the dress, I am also giving away a Lane Bryant stretch black belt that adds a little more definition to the look, if desired. And don’t worry, if this dress isn’t your cup of tea, there are more prizes to come, including some great accessories!

Now the most important part: how to enter. All you have to do is leave a comment on this page telling me you want the dress! It’s that easy! A winner will be chose at random on Friday, June 18, 2010.

2010 Lane Bryant Bloggers Conference: Final Wrap Up

I have to admit, when I was invited to the 2010 Lane Bryant Bloggers Conference*, held June 3, I was not sure how to respond. VenusVision is not a plus-size blog. I am not plus sized, and although I have long thought Lane Bryant is a great brand and I have often included pieces from Lane Bryant in posts about fashion, I was not sure what I would get from the conference or what I could contribute. But the reality is that the path of Lane Bryant and that of my own converge in subtle ways that became more clear throughout the amazing 1-day conference.

As Robert Rutkauskas, one of the senior designers for Lane Bryant said, “Fashion is not a size.” He came to Lane Bryant believing that every woman in every size has the right to put on clothes that look and feel good on her. Whether it’s a basic piece like a black dress or slacks,

something trendy with fun prints and cuts, or the ever important, but often overlooked undergarments, Lane Bryant is working hard to blur the lines between plus size fashion and so called “straight” fashion, and that was demonstrated throughout my experience at the conference.

The day began at 7:45 am with all 12 bloggers congregating at the hotel, waiting to be taken to Lane Bryant’s flagship store located at Easton Mall in Columbus, OH. From 8:00-10:00 am, the store was all ours! Each of the 12 bloggers were treated to a head-to-toe outfit of our picking. Saying it was like kids in a candy shop is an understatement. With the help of the Lane Bryant staff, including Rutkauskas, the women filled the dressing rooms with outfits of every type, in some cases pushing the envelope for what they felt comfortable with and finding new looks to wear with confidence.

Each woman got an expert bra fitting, thanks to Linda Lewis, Senior Buyer for Bras and expert in bra fitting, and discovered how much of a difference wearing a proper fitting bra can make both in comfort and appearance. Everyone was thrilled to walk away new skivvies! After the basics were taken care of and outfits were chosen, accompanying accessories, shoes, and a handbag finished the look for many in the group.

Though the group was quiet at the start of our trip, there was clearly no better way to create a bond among us than starting with a shopping trip! Everyone was thrilled with their loot, snapping away taking pictures, tweeting, and posting to Facebook, sharing the experience with followers.

When we were finished wreaking havoc in the store and doing all the damage that could be done in two hours, we piled back in the van and headed to the Lane Bryant headquarters. It was apparent from the moment that we walked through the doors that this was the corporate headquarters of a progressive, fashion-focused company. The lobby features a full display of mannequins wearing the newest Lane Bryant styles.

Our visit at the headquarters began with an introduction to Lane Bryant president Brian Woolf. Though some of us later expressed surprise that the head of a women’s fashion company is a man, it is clear he is dedicated to the idea that every woman deserves to wear clothes she can feel good in. And while it may seem counter-intuitive, Woolf doesn’t look at Lane Bryant as a plus-size company since, as he said “Do we call sizes 2, 4 or 6 minus sizes?” And that attitude carries throughout the rest of the company where each staff member we met, from the head designers to the Vice President of the marketing department who places a heavy emphasis on the power of social networking.

“Women sizes 14 and up are in the majority in America, and yet they are made to feel they are in the minority,” said Woolf. Lane Bryant is out to change that and reaching out through social media, recognizing the growing influence of bloggers is part of that mission.

In addition to meeting the Lane Bryant design team, we got a tour of the entire design process from concept to store, which takes nearly a year from beginning to end. But perhaps the most exciting part of the day was when we got to talk to Lizzie Miller via Skype. If you don’t remember Lizzie, check out my article on The Girl on p. 194 or just do a quick google search to see the amazing buzz she created by posing nude (discretely positioned) in Glamour magazine last fall, revealing a body that’s more reflective (and amazingly beautiful!) of the average American woman. I could do a whole blog post on our brief conversation, but suffice it to say she’s as effervescent and beautiful as she appears in Glamour.

Our day at the headquarters ended with a make-over and photo shoot where everyone got to display their Lane Bryant outfits. It was a great experience to work with professional hair and make-up artists, and photography team. Everyone loved the pampering and attention, and when they flaunted their stuff in front of the camera, it was as if they were born to be models.

After taking turns striking a pose, we finished the day with a dinner at McCormick & Schmidt where we talked and laughed like we’d all been friends for years. And for years to come, this will be a day I will remember, for the connections I made and the unique experience I was given. I have always believed in the vision of Lane Bryant and look forward to continuing an open dialogue with the company going forward.

Stay tuned on how to win a fabulous dress (seen in the picture above, worn by Marie Denee of the Curvy Fashionista), sexy lingerie, great accessories and more from Lane Bryant.

And here’s a list of my fellow bloggers all of whom are worth getting to know!

• Miss Lori of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS, missloriscampus.com
• Allison Teng of Curvy Girl Chic, curvygirlchic.blogspot.com
• Eve Mayer Orsburn of Social Media Delivered, socialmediadelivered.com
• Tina Potter McNeely of T Minus, T Plus, tminustplus.blogspot.com
• Madeline Jones of PLUS Model Magazine, plusmodelmag.com
• Sara  Bartlett, Bombshell Beauty Blog, bombshellbeauty.blogspot.com
• Kimberly Brinkman of Fab Finds Under $50 Blog, fabfindsunder50.com
• Aimee Cheshire of EVA Apparel Group LLC, madisonplus.com
• Alissa Wilson of The Budget Fashionista, thebudgetfashionista.com and Stylish Curves, stylishcurves.blogspot.com
• Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com
• Diana Jane Rajchel of Fat Chic, fatchic.net

* Per FTC guidelines, I am required to disclose that Lane Bryant paid for airfare, accommodations, makeover, and dining expenses incurred during the conference, as well as providing all clothing and accessories selected by me at the Lane Bryant store.

The Ills of Flip Flops

Nothing says summer quite like flip flops. What would summer be without them? On that first warm day of each season, I love to set my cooped up feet free, don one of my many adorable pairs, and hear that ‘flip flop’ noise they make with each step. But after I started suffering from lower back and leg pain that seemed to coincide with warmer weather and the relegation of my more supportive shoes to the back of my closet, I began to ask myself if once again I would have to make a choice between fashion and comfort.

After beginning physical therapy for my ailments, I offered my theory to my therapist, and he agreed that with my weak arches, wearing flip flops constantly could have been a culprit in the pain I was experiencing.

According to Lawrence Rubin, DPM, “The flimsy construction of flip flops provides zero support to the feet — something that is unhealthy to almost all feet.” He encourages the regular use light-weight athletic shoes with built-in arch supports. Timothy M. Axe, DPM agrees. He offers the good, the bad, and the ugly on flip flops:

The good: flip flops provide basic foot protection to the bottom (plantar) foot. They may help prevent catching fungal infection and warts in public showers. Flip flops are good for short periods of time, quick errands, and periods when the wearer is not doing a lot of walking.

The Bad – flip flops offer no support for the arch, no shock absorption, no heel cushion, and not much protection on the top and sides of the foot. They lead to greater risk of toe injuries, puncture wounds, cuts from foreign bodies, and possible insect or snake bites. They are not good for sports. Flip flops accentuate any biomechanical deficiencies of the foot. They may also affect balance and may lead to falls particularly in older patients.

The Ugly: There are an increasing number of cases of plantar fasciitis (arch/heel pain) and tendonitis in the foot and ankle, particularly in the 15-25 year old age range, where typically we do not these problems as much.

In case you weren’t convinced yet to ditch your $5 flip flops from Old Navy just yet, Dr. Stephen Arbetters, a podiatrist in Newton, Mass, added:

“In a normal flip-flop the front of your foot has to work harder to keep the flip flop on. That can lead to tendonitis, arch pain and hammer toes.” This means that even some of the flip flops that offer arch support may not necessarily be much better for your feet. Just because they feel comfortable, doesn’t mean they are providing the support and protection you need.

“For all the shoes seductive sponginess, 99 percent of them provide no support. So they can stress other joints, causing pain in the knees and back. Flip-flops also don’t absorb shock and they are unstable which makes it easier for the wearer to turn an ankle.” Arbetters sees many patients who wear flip-flops with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Podiatrists weren’t the only people I spoke with who had an opinion on the matter. I also heard from Aliesa George, a Pilates instructor and personal trainer who spends her days working with people to improve their posture, strengthen their core, and create proper muscle function through simple foot care exercises, awareness about good shoe choices, and improved shoe tying techniques.

George reiterated the notion that flip flops offer no support, and added to the discussion more on the mechanics:

“Most feet that I see wearing flip flops are rolled in at the ankle which causes the arches to continue to drop or flatten to the floor. Over time this reduces the mobility of the ankle, and will lead to knee, hip, and back issues because the base of support (the bottom of the feet) are not functioning and being held in proper alignment for the rest of the bones to stack correctly on top of them. Since our muscles attach to the bones and act as a lever and pulley system, if the bones aren’t lined up correctly, the lever system for correct and proper muscle firing for exercise and everyday movement will be compromised. If this compromise occurs daily, with every step you take, all you are doing is reinforcing bad posture, body alignment, and improper muscle firing patterns for movement. With time, the ONLY thing that can occur is pain and injury.”

I personally thought all of my problems could be solved by switching from flip flops to Mephisto Helen sandal with support for arches and a cork footbed. But as Aliesa George could probably have told me, a little extra support in the arch was not enough. “The toe muscles are working incorrectly with every step you take in flip flops (this holds true for every pair of strapless shoes.) The big toe and second toe are constantly squeezing together to hold on to the shoe. Not only do the first two toes squeeze together to hold a flip flop on the foot, but all the toes curl under to “grab” the shoe and keep it on during the swing through phase of each stride. This is the exact opposite of what the toes should be doing when you take a step!”

While George reminded me that she is not a shoe expert, she suggested that if you do want to wear sandals, look for options with a strap that goes around the ankle to help hold the shoe on the foot. She has also written a book on foot care exercises called Fantastic Feet. You can also purchase a combination kit that comes with the book and all the tools you need to do the exercises.

So now that you are thoroughly depressed (if you’re like me) over the prospect of eliminating an icon of summer, there is a silver lining. First, Dr. Jonah Mullens, a podiatrist with the Pacific Foot and Ankle Institute in Palo Alto, Ca., offered an everything in moderation approach suggesting “you can wear something a little less than sensible 20% of the time if you commit to comfortable shoes the other 80%.”

For that 20% of the time you still really want to wear flip flops, based on my research, there are definitely some that are better than others.

The makers of Beech Yoga Sandals cite Prevention Magazine which touted the sandal as a “better Flip-Flop for the way the sandal promotes balance and stability.” Owner and creator Gayle Trenberth says “Yoga Sandals® stay secure on the foot while walking and allow the tendons and muscles in the feet to work in freedom with proper heel support. Yoga Sandals® help keep feet flexible and enforce a basic principle of yoga which is to spread the toes to achieve optimal grounding and proper body alignment to master the standing poses.”

Some other brands that offer a little more cushioning and support support are Rainbow Sandals, Reef Sandals, and the FitFlop Thong Sandal the makers of which actually claim gives you a workout while you walk.

If you want to take a step in the right direction, but aren’t ready to close your feet in, try sandals with ankle straps like these Merrell Savannah sandals or Dansko Women’s Serafina Sandal

If you’re like me, and ready to throw the towel in all together on sandals, but still want a light weight, cute summer shoe, try these Privo Acacia mary jane shoes. I have a pair, and they are really comfortable and look great with jeans and shorts, and even some of my sportier skirts.

At this point in my life, I have more of an appreciation of my body and am interested in doing what I can to take care of it. I figure I don’t need to accelerate the decline of my body by wearing shoes that don’t offer the support I need to maintain a strong and healthy back and legs.

Fab Fashion Finds: Eddie Bauer Spring Styles

Just to prove I can post about something that comes from a retailer other than Target, I am highlighting some great looks from Eddie Bauer. Eddie Bauer has the great ability to combine feminine with practical and the result this season are some really great outfits.

I am madly in love with this Peony Ballet Shoe from Born. Born shoes are known for comfort, but they don’t sacrifice style in the process. I love the fun colors these shoes come in (though this radish color is definitely my favorite), and the flower on the toe is just adorable. I have to admit, I found the shoes first, and then built the outfit around it — or rather, Eddie Bauer built the outfit, but I approve. Of course denim jackets like this one are a dime a dozen, and can be found for much less at Target. But the adorable stretch poplin skirt is great for spring and summer.

If you saw my post last summer about how much I love to wear dresses in the summer, you’ll know why I go crazy over Eddie Bauer’s selection of dresses. They offer a flattering cut, and I love the colors. Of all of them though, I think this faux wrap printed dress is my favorite and definitely in this orchid color.

Eddie Bauer may not always have the lowest prices, but their clothes are durable and the styles stand the test of time. You really couldn’t go wrong with any of these pieces. And if you’d like to indulge my shoe habit and get me those cute Born shoes, let me know!  :)

Fab Fashion Find: Merona Women’s Floral Wrap Dress

Ok, by now you know I am a huge fan of Target fashions, and why not? They have great styles in a variety of sizes at super prices! So introducing the latest Fab Fashion Find! I LOVE this Merona Floral Wrap Dress.

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s still February and I am longing for spring, but it was love at first site when I first saw the dress hanging on the rack. The colors are so vivid and fun. I couldn’t wait to try the dress on, though I always remain cautious. I generally have a good idea of what will work for my body shape, and this looked like a good candidate, but you can never tell for sure until you actually put something on. I am happy to say this dress was just as adorable on (in my humble opinion) as it was on the rack! And the best part is, it’s only $24.99! And that’s full price!

I will say, the size seems to run a little big, and where I usually wear a medium in many of the clothing items at Target, a small definitely was a better fit. And don’t let the picture fool you. It’s not as short as it looks (unless you have mile-long legs like the model in the picture).

I read some of the reviews online, and the consensus is this dress works on curvy figures. So next time you’re at Target, get in the spirit of spring, and give this dress a try!

Flattering Plus Size Fashion Tips

With designers and retailers finally realizing the huge market in clothes for women who are not a size 2, the barriers to fashion are coming down for plus-sized women. Still, no matter what size you wear, each woman’s body is different, and knowing your shape and how to dress accordingly is essential for looking your best.

Often the instinct for larger women is to hide their figures. Define your shape and accentuate your assets to flatter the body you have. Start by creating a waist, suggests Racine Peters, Partner and Co-Founder of Budget Fab, LLC. Experiment by “wearing distinct separates, using a belt, or even wearing blazers that create a V-neck at the top and an inversed V-shape at the bottom” like this Old Navy blazer on sale for $27.99. Like to make a statement? Try this wide basket-weave belt for only $11.80 at Lane Bryant.

Look for pieces that create definition on their own. You can never go wrong with wrap shirts and dresses for a flattering look that never goes out style. Layering is another great way to define your waist, like with this Tie-front shrug for $39.50, also from Lane Bryant.

Where your clothes begin and end is an important thing to consider when looking for styles that flatter. When buying a skirt or dress, Donnella Tilery of CEO & Founder of Donnella’s Closet wants to make sure it isn’t too long past your knee or “you’ll look dumpy or frumpy!”This teardrop printed dress from Avenue is a perfect transitional piece from winter to spring or for a more conservative look, try this Nordstrom’s Semantiks Pencil skirt, on sale for $68.00.

Don’t let the term ’skinny’ intimidate you when it comes to pants. Anyone can wear skinny jeans as long as you pull the look together with complimenting pieces. These Calvin Klein “legging” jeans found at Nordstrom.com for $69.50 would look great with a pair of heels to elongate the look of your legs, as suggested by Laura Yoder of 24-7 Style. In the case of skinny jeans, Yoder suggests pairing with a top that just cover the hips.

And no matter what you wear, start with a good bra that fits properly, reminds Rachel Perlmutter, Owner of The Greater LA Woman. You can put on a great outfit, but if “the girls” are looking droopy, it will detract from your overall look. And besides, it’s a great way to feel sexy on the inside if you’re too shy to show it on the outside. Once again, Lane Bryant offers a great selection of adorable bras that will give you the support you need while making you feel sexy like an embroidered balconette bra.

Finally, what you wear on your feet can make or break a look. Heels and pointy-toed shoes elongate your legs and look great with a long pant. Have fun with skirts and dresses by wearing boots. If you have trouble finding boots with shafts that fit your calves, try Silhouettes.com where they carry boots with larger shafts and stretchy fabrics.

Fab Fashion Find: Merona Fit Solutions Jeans

I admit it. I have an addiction. It comes in the form of denim. Half of my closet consists of it. I have boot-cut jeans, straight-leg jeans, low-rise, mid-rise, dark rinse, medium rinse, longer cuts for wearing with heels, shorter cuts for wearing with sneakers, flap pockets, plain pockets, embellished pockets. And yet, I haven’t been able to find the perfect pair — until now.

Once again, Target has come to the rescue. After a failed attempt to find a new pair of jeans at the mall earlier in the day, I decided to hit Target. After falling in love with the Merona Fit Solutions dress I bought a couple of weeks ago, I thought I’d check to see Merona had Fit Solutions jeans. I am pleased to say, I hit the jackpot! These Merona Fit Solutions Jeans are so incredibly fabulous, and the fact that they are priced at a mere $24.99 makes it clear why some of the reviewers who left comments (and gave the jeans 5 stars) at Target.com bought several pairs.

The dark rinse is one that I always prefer because it is so much more versatile as you can easily dress it up or down. The mid-rise waist line sits low enough that it doesn’t look like mom-jeans (though I must admit, some of the pix on Target.com make them look that way), but not so low that everyone will see you underwear every time you bend over. The stretchy fabric and control panel help make your tummy look flatter without making you feel like you are wearing a girdle. They come in Short, Regular, and Tall sizes up to size 18.

I wore my pair last night at my home viewing party for America the Beautiful, and got so many compliments on them. I love shocking everyone by telling them I bought them at Target at such a great price! And they look great with this cute Merona Wrap Top I got to go along with them.

I have a fun weekend planned and this outfit will be doing a repeat performance. Just a note though — the tag does warn that the dark rinse can come off on other fabrics and recommends washing them (separately in cold water) before wearing.

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