Fashion Fix

Taking care of an under-wired bra

My bras which are under-wired always end up with the wire coming through and are unwearable. I hand wash when possible and don’t put them in the spin dryer. Any idea as to why this happens? Thank you, Steph.

Hi Steph,

It could be the way you are storing your bras - if you hang them from a hook in your wardrobe rather then shoving them in a drawer it will prevent the wire getting twisted and poking through.

Flash tape

Dear Martina,

I have seen a tape in magazines called Hollywood tape which secures clothing such as wrap style tops etc. Do you know if it is for sale anywhere? Many thanks, Elaine.

Hi Elaine,

I have seen a sticky tape very like the Hollywood tape, the one I saw is called Flash tape from Braza. It seems to do the same job and it is for sale in the lingerie department of Goods on High Street. Its one of those little gems that do everything and very useful to have - its suitable for body and clothing and it will secure all of the following.

• Deep plunging or revealing necklines.
• Open-sided dresses
• Unwanted gaps between buttons
• Wrap-style tops.
• Tube tops and halter-necks.
• Cuffs, hems and socks.

How versatile is that and all for €12.95! Let me know how you get on.

Magic Knickers

Dunnes Stores here in Kilkenny are now selling the original magic knickers from Trinny and Susannah. They have The Bum Lifter,  the Tummy Flattener Thong and the Bum, Tum and Thigh Reducer in stock. All of which claim to lift shape and firm your bum thighs and flatten the tummy area. Great for under the little black dress!

Do let me know if you have tried any of the them, as I would love some feedback. Thanks

The right sized tights

I love all the tights that are in the shops for winter, but my problem is finding the correct size. They are either too short on me or too big! How can I avoid this happening and should I buy expensive hosiery? Thanks Pam.

Hi Pam,

It is always a tricky one buying the correct size tights. There is no standard sizing on hosieryso you should buy the larger size if in doubt – this means you will put less pressure on them, and they will be more comfortable on your feet also.

A good tip is to hand wash your tights if at all possible as this will help to prolong their life a little and they won’t stretch as much, especially if they are an expensive brand. We have such a wide choice of hosiery available on the High Street and tights have been given a new lease of life this winter.

I mentioned Goods hosiery department in a previous question as they stock a lot of the popular brands with both classic and funky styles, they are defintely worth a visit.

For the untimate experience Wolford is considered one of the best hosiery brands but it is about ten times more expensive then your regular brand. If you want a very special pair of tights these are the crème de la cream of hosiery. Buy them online at
wolford-shop.com/english/index.php

Happy shopping.

Fashion Fact - Measuring for a bra

FASHION FACT

When I meet a client for the first time I always suggest the lady gets professionally measured just to check that she is wearing the correct size bra before we start trying on clothes.

This is due to the fact that wearing the wrong size underwear will spoil the clothes she tries on what ever the price tag.  It is worth spending time and money on this one - it's a fact!

Bra for Halter Neck Dress

I would love to wear all the fabulous halter neck dresses that are in the shops at the moment. I found one in particular which is a gorgeous turquoise colour that I am determined to wear. Unfortunately I have a rather large bust (34f) and I can't get a bra with the cool halter neck straps. Would it be a complete fashion faux pas to have bra straps showing underneath my dress? Thanks Helen.

Hi Helen,

Your dress sounds great but I think that bra straps showing can spoil the look of a halter neck dress or top unless you're Sarah Jessica Parker who can get away with anything! I made some inquiries and I was told there is a bra available that can be worn either as a halter neck, strapless or ordinary. This bra has the clear adjustable straps and it's from the Fantastie range. The style no is 8952 and it's worth checking out! Take care.

White Linen Trousers

I have a pair of white linen trousers that I don't wear to often as I have VPLs underneath (visible panty lines). I don't feel comfortable in G-strings so have you any suggestions? Thanks Kaye.

Hi Kaye,

I know what you mean - we all hate the dreaded VPLs! You have said that you are not comfortable in G-Strings – however you could try buying a size larger that your regular size underwear. If you also choose a brand with a good wide band (to stop them digging into your
hips) then this will make them a lot more comfortable.

You might like to try boy-cut undies, which will also look good under your white trousers. When buying your undies go for white or nude-skin-coloured but be careful with white as sometimes it can be a bit stark under white. If you opt for a G -string style either shades will do. Best of luck!

Fitted Dress

I have bought a lovely blue and silver fitted dress for a special occasion next month. I love my dress but feel my tummy is a bit big. The dress is very fitted and I still have a tummy after having a baby last year. I keep reading about magic knickers etc - could you suggest underwear that would help to hold in my tummy and is comfortable to wear for the evening. Thanks, Claire

Dear Claire,

There is a great range of support underwear called Flexees, available in Goods on High Street and they have a wide range in stock.

The one that might be of interest to you would target the waist area and gives a smooth finish. It should work well under your dress. (priced at €33.95  in black or skin colour). They also have in stock an all over slimming body suit (priced at  €49.95) and a thigh slimmer pants (for €29.95).  Works wonders under trousers! .

These are just a few of  the items in the Flexee range. I have spoken to women who have bought some of the flexees and they were delighted with the results

Just ask the girls in lingerie department and they will advise you on which one will target the tummy area and work best for you. This is a great investment especially with the little black dress season just around the corner!

Have a look in yourself Claire, and have a great evening