To Girdle or Not to Girdle... that is the question......

"I betchu money she's paid $500 for that dress and don't even bother to wear a girdle."
"Looks like 2 pigs fighting under a blanket."
"Well, I haven't left the house without Lycra on these thighs since I was 14."
"You were brought up right."

I know ya'll know where this came from, but girl, it got me to thinking.If you had some curves that couldn't quite be contained; was it a true statement? Did it really make that big of a difference? The answer, is yes. After watching an episode last year of Lifetime's (ya'll know I love some Lifetime!)"How to Look Good Naked"; I was really shocked at how much of a difference just a good fitting pair of panties and bra could make. And don't even get me started on the MAJOR difference a corset can create. I'm talking a whole size; at least.

Today's designers have come up with some options that truly showcase your curves and will make you feel not only slimmer, but sexy. Which as any woman who has weight issues knows, is so important. Spanx, Cacique, and Victoria's Secret, Gillian O'Malley (made by Victoria's Secret!!) all have come out with shape wear lines that will have you rocking a slimmer more stream lined look, all while keeping a sly smile knowing that you are walking a little taller, standing a little straighter, and not killing yourself sucking it in and not breathing.. umm, hellooo, breathe now.

Here's some tips on finding the perfect fitting bra.... and please, remember, bras, panties, and shape wear are the base of all of your outfits, if you are a frugal shopper, this is the one time you should give yourself permission to splurge. : )

Use a measuring tape to measure around your bare rib cage, just beneath your naked breasts. This number indicates the band size most appropriate for your figure.

Measure the widest part of your bust, sliding the tape around the middle of your back. Hold the tape as level as possible to ensure accuracy.

Note the difference between the two measurements. Use the following as a guide, and try on a range of sizes above and below your measurement: If your bust measurement is up to 1 /2 inch larger than your band size, then your cup size is an AA. A measurement of 1 /2 inch to 1 inch more than the band size indicates an A cup, 1 to 2 inches indicates a B cup, 2 to 3 inches indicates a C cup, 3 to 4 inches indicates a D cup, and 4 to 5 inches indicates a DD or E cup.

Select a range of bras according to your band and cup size.

Try on a bra. Place your hands through the straps and bend over to allow your breasts to fall into the cups. The cups should contain your breasts'unless you're trying a demibra or an enhancing bra'and should center your nipple in the fullest part.

Close the bra using the middle hook. Look for a band that fits snugly but doesn't cut into your rib cage. If it's too tight, try adjusting the hook closure before proceeding to a larger size.

Adjust the straps so the band fits comfortably under the breasts and around the rib cage. If the bra seems to slip forward, if you find yourself pulling up on the straps, or if it feels as if your breasts are falling out of the bottom of the cups, the band size is too big.

Check the fabric or bridge between your breasts. This should lie flat on the breastbone. If it sticks up or stabs your breastbone uncomfortably, try a larger cup size. If it puckers, try a smaller size.

Move up a cup size if your breasts bulge from the bra. Move down a size if you notice wrinkles in the cup material.

Til tomorrow.... and please breathe. No amount of sucking it in and holding it to look slimmer will matter if your face is turning blue and the veins on your neck are bulging out.