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Lessons in Lingerie

I think I can safely report that most women find bra shopping a bit daunting. Unlike shopping for jeans (which can be a bit traumatic in its own right) bra shopping requires us to analyze one of the most intimate parts of our bodies and find a suitable way to lift, squeeze or separate the girls into the desired shape.  After years of going through the drama myself, I’ve learned quite a few things about the nature of bra fittings, and how to get the most out of the experience.

The Fitter is Your Friend: All fitters are not created equally, so make sure that you get one who not only knows the store’s inventory, but who will also give you an honest opinion. During a recent bra fitting I was on the cusp of purchasing a bra that gave me insane curves. Yet, when the fitter took a good look at me, she informed me that in spite of giving me insane curves, the bra also gave me insane back fat.

Find Your Fit: There is nothing, absolutely nothing more important in the world of bra shopping than finding the right fit. If it’s too big, too tight, or just doesn’t give you enough support, the results can be tragic. Maidenform is known for creating bras that have a superior fit, and until May 8, you can get $20 off orders over $100 just by using the code: LOVEMOM20.

Accentuate the Positive: No matter if you think the girls are too big, too small, lopsided, or whatever, check your insecurities at the door. Focus on finding the color, size and shape that can best accentuate what you’ve got.                                                               

Dana Robinson

Clothes for the Man

Just like the rest of us, men can sometimes find themselves trapped in a look. Perhaps he’s still rockin’ the same jeans and T-shirt style from senior year, or his look is just a bit more “messenger guy” than “CEO.” Here are a few keys to capturing the look of the moment in menswear:

Accessorize

There’s so much more to life then backwards baseball caps and tattered backpacks. Neutral-toned fedoras, military caps, and driving caps (sans college logo) can add a playful touch to any casual look. And while carrying a briefcase may seem a bit too stuffy, leather messenger bags and canvas gym bags are casual, yet upscale and offer a more tailored look. Banana Republic's line of men’s accessories is always a great place to start. They’re offering 25% off men’s sale items until April 25^th, and the company even carries a Big & Tall collection.

Go Beyond the Gray

There is a whole wonderful world of color out there, so, if at all possible, urge him to detach himself from the gray/black color palette. Nobody’s suggesting that he becomes a moving mass of neon pinks and greens, but a slight foray toward livelier hues could do wonders for his overall look. Try colorful looks from Esprit that can get him in the mood for spring. In fact, until April 25, Esprit is offering 40% off all orders!

 Dana Robinson   

Spa Rules and Regulations

Spas are where they keep the bliss, relaxation, and rest. If your plans for this week involve spending any amount of time in this oh so luxurious environment, check out this list of essential dos and don’ts that will make your spa day flow smoothly.  

Please Don’t

• Be Loud: The spa is a place to reflect, relax, and unwind. And none of those things can be done in the presence of incessant laughter and chatter. Even if you are having a spa day out with the girls and you’re in the mood to be playful and a bit chatty, just remember to be respectful of the other ladies around you.
• Be Late: Lateness throws off everyone’s time schedule—both yours and the esthetician,  masseur, or nail technician who is conducting your service. If you’re on time you’ll be able to get the most out of your service.
• Spend Too Much Time in the Steam Room: While sitting in the steam room for 30 minutes or more may sound like a grand, relaxing idea—it isn’t. On a trip to the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, Calif., I ignored the sign that urged patrons to spend no more than 5 minutes in the steam room. The result was nausea and extreme hunger and thirst. Five minutes can open your pores and make you feel refreshed, but too much time in the sweat box can make you ill.

Why Yes, Go Right Ahead

• Drink Lots of Water: Getting a massage releases toxins from your muscles and drinking plenty of water helps the body move those toxins out of your system. For a little extra kick, try sipping on water that’s infused with lemon juice and cucumber!
• Come Back Often: Relaxation shouldn’t be an indulgence that only occurs on Mother’s Day or your birthday. Get to the spa as often as possible so you can feel refreshed and relaxed. If you’re having trouble finding a spa in your area, check out SpaFinder. You can find spa locations, book treatments, order gift certificates, and even get information on various types of treatments. And if you check out the site by May 8, you can get 10% off all orders.
• Relax. That’s the reason you’re there, remember? Drop your baggage at the door, and remember that no matter what’s going on around you, spa time is your time. Make the most of it.

Dana Robinson

Makeup Misfortunes

There are oh, so many makeup misfortunes out there that it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of them all. Here’s a list of the top three offenders:

Foundation Nation: All too often a woman’s beauty is eclipsed by the fact that her foundation color is horribly, horribly wrong for her complexion. (We’ve all seen the pink-face/white neck look.) Foundation colors that are too light on the skin can give it an ashen appearance, while too-dark shades simply look wrong, wrong, wrong.

Frustrated Makeup Artist: This look is often characterized by super-heavy eye shadows, too-bright lipstick shades, and glittery eyeliner gone wrong. Sometimes too much really is just too much.

Barely There: Sometimes, fear of not doing it right can lead to not doing anything at all. True, there are some women in this world who can look radiant with only the barest touches of makeup, but the rest of us can definitely benefit from gilding the lily just a tad.

If you want to know how to avoid makeup misfortunes like these, you have to go to the experts. Check out your nearest Sephora location, and ask their makeup artists how to do your makeup the right way (Go ahead. Ask them. That’s what they’re there for.)  And while you’re there you can take advantage of Sephora’s 15% discount. But the deal only lasts until April 21, so get a move on!   

 Dana Robinson