Tomima's Blog – Lingerie & Underwear Expert

(un)covering what's under everything

Yummie Tummie Makes For More Than Just a Yummy Tummy.

September 16, 2008

This last Thursday in New York City, Heather Thompson, the creator of Yummie Tummie shapewear, collected up the best pole dancers the city had to offer, draped them in new Yummie Tummie animal print camisoles and tank tops along with a thong and held a pole dancing competition.

Now, I must admit, I’m a bit baffled by this.  The garment that was featured on an Oprah’s Favorite Things Show this past spring was presented as a great top under suits, and a great choice when layering to keep your tummie looking yummie and slender.  This garment is only carried in top department stores and a few websites – including HerRoom. So what’s it doing in a pole dancing competition in NYC?

The answer, it appears, is that I am sorely out-of-touch when it comes to the latest fitness craze.  Yes, pole dancing has become an extremely popular exercise alternative. In fact, the basic moves give a great workout to your core as well as your arms.  And, they have re-named it "pole fitness."  The exercise moves that can be performed on a pole include the Butterfly, The Flamingo, the Crouch Spin, the Chair and the Ice Skater… this sounds absolutely exhausting.

So, hats off to Heather for putting a hot new fashion item with a hot new fitness craze and creating a great venue for Yummie Tummie.

Oh, and if you’d like to see all the ways you can wear the yummie tummie with different fashion tops,watch the video here.

 You can also see a video of the pole-dancing event itself here.

Posted by Tomima at 10:42am
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Christian Audigier – Who is this Guy?

September 12, 2008

His name is Christian, Christian Audigier  (O-di-jaaay)  and he’s the man behind the designer brand Ed Hardy.  A 50 year young Frenchman, Audigier has been a fashion designer since his teens.  So, he’s really not a recent phenomenon, but rather a well-heeled designer who is just hitting his stride.

 Prior to Ed Hardy, Audigier was the designer behind brands including Diesel, Fiorucci, Bisou Bisou, Levi’s and Von Dutch.  Then, in late 2004, he happened to be in the right place at the right time and purchased the exclusive rights to the designs of theGodfather of Tattoos, Don Ed Hardy.  

 Taking those designs he put them on street clothing like t-shirts and hoodies in bright and bold colors.  He made sure young Hollywood was also seen wearing them.  This winning combination has now in 4 short years, put him on top of the fastest growing fashion empires today.

With the success of Ed Hardy, Audigier is now coming out from behind the name and actually promoting his own.  Christian Audigier designs look very similar to Ed Hardy, but have a touch of bling as well.  In fact, they almost feel like they have a touch of vintage Versace in their buttons and details.

 HisRoom has been selling the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier boardshorts this summer as well as Ed Hardy underwear and swimsuits.  We can’t wait to see what Audigier comes up with in spring of 09.  It’s guaranteed to be fabulous.

Find Ed Hardy lingerie at HerRoom in these departments:
Panties
Camisoles

Posted by Tomima at 8:59am
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10 Breast Tips by Trinny & Susannah – My Take

September 04, 2008

The Oprah Winfrey Show enjoys finding personalities and having them run the show while Oprah sits on stage and listens.  The first was Dr. Phil.  Lately, it’s been Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, two English women with frank yet funny delivery who share what not to wear and how to accentuate your assets to full advantage.

This pair recently announced that they are everyone’s bosom buddies and will help you find the support you need through their 10 Breast Tips.  So, here they are along with my take.

1. Get Fitted. - This tip suggests you go to either a trusted friend or professional bra fitter and have yourself measured.  With the right size bra, you won’t have to constantly adjust your bra throughout the day.  My take on this tip is well, Duh!  They are simply stating the obvious.  Everyone says to go get yourself fitted.  You can’t walk into a lingerie store or department these days without being asked if you want a fitting. But I  think a woman should also perform her own analysis of her bra’s fit.  Does she like the way it looks?  Does it feel comfortable?  Simply read my section on symptoms and solutions to help you figure out your own correct bra size.  Remember, not all "professional bra fitters" are accurate or altruistic. For the most part, they are there to sell bras.  I think women are smart enough to figure out their bra size without bringing in reinforcements.  All that is needed is proper guidelines.
2. Emphasize your Ribcage. - This duo feels your ribcage just below your breast is usually the thinnest area of a woman and should be accentuated.  I would agree with this tip, but in order to see it, your breasts have to be in the right location.  The fullest part of your breasts should be positioned midway between your shoulder and elbow. Once you have them in place, your clothing should be altered to better follow your body’s silhouette.  This will give you a slimmer look.
3. If You’ve Got ‘em Flaunt Them. – Tinny and Susannah believe you should not hide breasts, but rather show them off.  I strongly disagree with this statement.  Speak to any woman with size D and larger breasts and she will share with you a history of embarrasement from men (and women) always looking at her breasts.  Unless you want to attract attention, it is best to dress with an emphasis on de-emphasising your breasts.  A minimizer bra will help if you have that pesky front button pulling.  Necklines that draw attention up to your face and away from your breasts are also a good idea. 
4. Buy An Underwire Bra. - Susannah, who claims to be large chested, feels an underwire bra helps push your boobs forward and upward to reduce the risk of looking heavier that you really are.  Actually, an underwire will give your silhouette more definition that a softcup bra.  Softcup bras are kind of a crutch for many women who have been unable to find their correct size.  A soft cup bra is very forgiving and can fit even when it’s not exactly your size.  With an underwire bra, you really have to get your size right or you will be uncomfortable.  However, an underwire bra will give your breasts better shape and more definition.  When walking down a street, I can tell you which women are in underwires and which are in softcups.  It’s all about their breast shape.
5. Boost Your Breasts, Uplift Your Look. – For small breasted women, Trinny recommends getting gel inserts to put in the bottom of your bra to lift your breasts.  I would agree that this was the answer a few years ago.  However, bra manufacturers today have come up with amazing bras with built-in pads called "bump pads."  These pads  lift your breasts and some also have side pads that push your breasts together.  Rather than fooling around with gel pads that can move around, I would suggest investing in one of these newer bras to get the same look without the hassle.
6. Wear Halter Tops With or Without a Bra….If You’re Small-Chested. – These Brits think the angular cut of a halter is attractive and shows off your shoulders and I agree. But by no means forego the bra.  Halters tend to gap when you lean forward and can show off your breasts to the person across the room.  Also, even if you are small chested, your breasts need some support or they’ll tend to sag. A halter, more than any other neckline will point this fact out.  I personally always wear a bra or at least a Nubra when I’m wearing a halter top.
7. Don’t Wear The Same Bra For Years On End . -  I would agree with this tip.   Not only can your body change, but clothing styles change as well from year to year.  A new bra every year helps keep you current and gives you a fresh look with your new clothes.

Wondering were the last 3 tips are?  Well the site stopped after 7.  In closing, my response to all of this is that just because  talk shows declare someone an expert, you should not assume they truly are.  I have seen these women on several shows and they are very entertaining.  But bra fit is serious stuff to most women and, while fashion tips are always welcome,  sound advice only comes from an expert in the field.

You can find extensive sizing and fitting advice in HerRoom’s fitting guide.

Find bras at HerRoom in these departments:
Bras

Posted by Tomima at 7:10am
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