locked and loaded
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
One's style is a very personal thing. What is slightly less personal is the support you wear underneath it. That should just fit because without the right fit underneath your style suffers.
As a *cough* *cough* chesty young woman I've gotten my fair share of questions regarding undergarments, what I like and where I buy them, so as a little aside to my outfit posts I thought I'd include some of that information here. Hope it helps and if you have any questions just let me know!
Bra Basics:
90% of the fit of your bra comes from the band around your waist. That's your support - not the shoulder straps. Any fluctuation in your weight can affect this measurement so make sure stay on top of it! Your cup size is also very important; your bra should not cut into the meat of your breasts (4-boob effect), smush them down (mono-boob), or turn them into torpedoes. Ideally your bra should be comfortable and not something you think about much.
Finding the Perfect Fit:
Hands down the place I recommend people try first is Nordstrom. Doesn't matter where I am, the women who work in that department really know breasts and can size you accurately. I'll tell you right now that Victoria's Secret is a joke; the bras might look pretty but the sizing is inconsistent and the quality is not there for the price you're paying.Good bras are expensive. Period. At least at Nordstrom you know that you're getting the right one.
Personal Thoughts: I have never been disappointed in a molded cup bra with underwire. For bigger girls I feel underwire is a must to keep things up where they should be and in the right size you don't have to worry about anything digging in. Plus the molded cup gives you a nice shape without any nipple problems. These are often called 't-shirt bras'.
Brands I like: Panache, Fantasie
Runner-Up: Figleaves. An online store with a fantastic selection, the only reason they're a runner-up is because you have to know your size first before you can buy with confidence.
Swimsuits:
Oh the joy of bathing suit season. Fun right? We all desperately try to find something that's both cute and flattering while every magazine and commercial tells us how fat we are. BLECH.
With a bigger chest find the right suit is just as hard, if not harder, than finding the right bra. Things to keep in mind:
-strapless is not your friend
-halters give plenty of support but can be hard on the neck
-tops that come in bra sizes are ideal - you can mix & match to get both the fit and look you want.
For this Figleaves is the winner in terms of selection and price point. They have sales all the time and it doesn't matter if you want a bikini, tankini, or one piece - they've got you covered (hah!) in tons of colors and prints.
Brands I like: Freya, Triumph
And that's all folks! You'll notice I don't talk about lace or 'pretty' bras because while I love them, they're not really what I consider basics. In the winter a sweater will usually hide the pattern of such undergarments but in the summer it's smooth all the way.
I'm also still looking for the perfect convertible bra. I've found some contenders (maybe) but nothing that I think truly works with everything so I'll try and update you all if that changes.
Happy Wednesday!
As a *cough* *cough* chesty young woman I've gotten my fair share of questions regarding undergarments, what I like and where I buy them, so as a little aside to my outfit posts I thought I'd include some of that information here. Hope it helps and if you have any questions just let me know!
Bra Basics:
90% of the fit of your bra comes from the band around your waist. That's your support - not the shoulder straps. Any fluctuation in your weight can affect this measurement so make sure stay on top of it! Your cup size is also very important; your bra should not cut into the meat of your breasts (4-boob effect), smush them down (mono-boob), or turn them into torpedoes. Ideally your bra should be comfortable and not something you think about much.
Panache Lingerie 'Porcelain Viva' Balconette Bra / Fantasie 'Esme' Molded Underwire Bra
Finding the Perfect Fit:
Hands down the place I recommend people try first is Nordstrom. Doesn't matter where I am, the women who work in that department really know breasts and can size you accurately. I'll tell you right now that Victoria's Secret is a joke; the bras might look pretty but the sizing is inconsistent and the quality is not there for the price you're paying.Good bras are expensive. Period. At least at Nordstrom you know that you're getting the right one.
Personal Thoughts: I have never been disappointed in a molded cup bra with underwire. For bigger girls I feel underwire is a must to keep things up where they should be and in the right size you don't have to worry about anything digging in. Plus the molded cup gives you a nice shape without any nipple problems. These are often called 't-shirt bras'.
Brands I like: Panache, Fantasie
Runner-Up: Figleaves. An online store with a fantastic selection, the only reason they're a runner-up is because you have to know your size first before you can buy with confidence.
Swimsuits:
Oh the joy of bathing suit season. Fun right? We all desperately try to find something that's both cute and flattering while every magazine and commercial tells us how fat we are. BLECH.
With a bigger chest find the right suit is just as hard, if not harder, than finding the right bra. Things to keep in mind:
-strapless is not your friend
-halters give plenty of support but can be hard on the neck
-tops that come in bra sizes are ideal - you can mix & match to get both the fit and look you want.
Freya Samba Underwired Sweetheart Padded Bikini Top / Triumph Doreen Swim Swimsuit
For this Figleaves is the winner in terms of selection and price point. They have sales all the time and it doesn't matter if you want a bikini, tankini, or one piece - they've got you covered (hah!) in tons of colors and prints.
Brands I like: Freya, Triumph
And that's all folks! You'll notice I don't talk about lace or 'pretty' bras because while I love them, they're not really what I consider basics. In the winter a sweater will usually hide the pattern of such undergarments but in the summer it's smooth all the way.
I'm also still looking for the perfect convertible bra. I've found some contenders (maybe) but nothing that I think truly works with everything so I'll try and update you all if that changes.
Happy Wednesday!
Weekly Money Check-Up: 5/29
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 • Weekly Money Check-Up
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on J.Crew. Maybe. I'm not doing well on this 'no shopping' bit as it's running smack dab into holidays sales and a general dissatisfaction with my wardrobe. Nothing's definitive, goodness knows I could take it all back, but we'll see.
2. Today I am thankful for the beach. God DC is hot. And humid. VA was much better.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was spend time with friends :). By the pool or at BBQ it cost me nothing but time and was incredibly rewarding to the soul.
4. I will consider this week a success if I go to Yoga on Wednesday. (And maybe if I clean my house/do laundry)
5. This Memorial Day weekend I went to the beach, played by the pool, and went to a (Korean) BBQ! Awesomesauce all around I tell you.
~~~
Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly series on My Pretty Pennies.
the necklace
Friday, May 25, 2012
In my last OOTD post you'll notice one of my latest jewelry acquisitions - this wonderful steampunk inspired necklace. It's a mix of hand cut copper, watch pieces, and cutouts from a 1920's dictionary. I picked it up at Eastern Market and just love it.
"Bone to Pick" Choker
Inspired Post #1 - Arab Eye
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 • Makeup
*This post is part of what I'm sure will be a series of ones inspired by the fabulous Finnish makeup artist Jangsara. See her vastly superior original here*
Products Used:
~~UDPP
~~NYX Jumbo Pencil in Lemon
~~NYX eyeshadow in Lime Juice
~~MAC eyeshadow in Rule
~~Stila eyeshadow in Champagne
~~MAC eyeshadow in Embark
~~MAC pigment in Primary Yellow
~~Facefront cosmetics in Bee Incredible
~~Ulta automatic eye liner in Teal Blue
~~Physicians Formula Liner
~~L'Oreal Voluminous Liner
~~NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
~~MAC eyeshadow in Freshwater
~~Giorgio Armani Mascara
Right off the bat looking at these I wish my yellow was more yellow and my blue more tapered at the ends but not I'm not too unhappy :). Oh and I like doing makeup in the evenings except for the really annoying lack of good lighting. I'm trying to use Photoshop to compensate for the fluorescent but it's not working the way I'd like. Any suggestions?
Weekly Money Check-Up: 5/22
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 • Weekly Money Check-Up
A day late but not a dollar short!
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on paying off a credit card. I got a small bonus from work and used it to pay off some fun sun-dress spending from last month.
2. Today I am thankful for the parts of my body that don't hurt? I know that's a bit of a cop out but my knees really hurt ok? I'm happy that they're the only part of my body that hurts right now.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was go to an outdoor concert at The Yards Park! Last Friday was a beautiful day and to spend the time after work next to the water listening to music and watching children dance along was pretty awesome.
4. I will consider this week a success if I manage to figure out how to get my pool pass. My apartment complex's office is only allowing people to pick them up 11am - 4pm MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. Which is, you know, when I'm at work. Joy.
5. I am really trying to start going to yoga. My friends have heard me complain about how I don't enjoy exercise - and I don't - but I think maybe this could be a good option. We'll see.
–
Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly series on My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on paying off a credit card. I got a small bonus from work and used it to pay off some fun sun-dress spending from last month.
2. Today I am thankful for the parts of my body that don't hurt? I know that's a bit of a cop out but my knees really hurt ok? I'm happy that they're the only part of my body that hurts right now.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was go to an outdoor concert at The Yards Park! Last Friday was a beautiful day and to spend the time after work next to the water listening to music and watching children dance along was pretty awesome.
4. I will consider this week a success if I manage to figure out how to get my pool pass. My apartment complex's office is only allowing people to pick them up 11am - 4pm MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. Which is, you know, when I'm at work. Joy.
5. I am really trying to start going to yoga. My friends have heard me complain about how I don't enjoy exercise - and I don't - but I think maybe this could be a good option. We'll see.
–
Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly series on My Pretty Pennies.
worth a promise or two
Monday, May 21, 2012 • ASOS, Old Navy, OOTD
Jeans: ASOS ~ Shirt & Sandals: Old Navy ~ Necklace: Eastern Market
These pants should probably be considered another one of those 'fake it till you make it' items. They're a fantastic color and the fit in the legs is good, but the rise is a bit longer than my ideal. I have a short torso so it's a constant battle between covering the butt and grandma pants. I'm wearing them here with a belt to hold in the waist and keep them up, which for the price I'm willing to deal with. My first real neon purchase!
Geek of the Week #7
Sunday, May 20, 2012 • Geek of the Week
I've been slacking! It's been a bit sad for me in the land of Geekdom, mostly because there's hasn't been much to peek my interest. Jen over at Epbot does a significantly better job so if you're looking for more Geeky goodness than I regularly provide make sure to check out her site. This week my faves are....
1) Avengers vs. Star Wars. 'Nuff said.
2) Makeup Your Jangsara. The internets fell in love with her Avengers inspired looks but I just love her in general. She does great theatrical/editorial looks with a mix of more wearable and I find her a great inspiration to stretch my makeup wings a bit more. And maybe buy lots of wigs - we'll see.
3) Dragon*Con is so close ya'll! I'll try not to bore you too much with it (though let's be real, it's gonna spill over to the blog) but I can't wait! My costume(s) are giving me some grief and might require more work this year but we'll see - I usually consider them worth it in the end.
1) Avengers vs. Star Wars. 'Nuff said.
2) Makeup Your Jangsara. The internets fell in love with her Avengers inspired looks but I just love her in general. She does great theatrical/editorial looks with a mix of more wearable and I find her a great inspiration to stretch my makeup wings a bit more. And maybe buy lots of wigs - we'll see.
3) Dragon*Con is so close ya'll! I'll try not to bore you too much with it (though let's be real, it's gonna spill over to the blog) but I can't wait! My costume(s) are giving me some grief and might require more work this year but we'll see - I usually consider them worth it in the end.
Madewell Event @ Tysons
Friday, May 18, 2012
Me, Sydney from The Daybook , Jessy, and Natasha at Madewell's Style Event
Sometimes things happen just the way you want them to (even if you're smiling a little funny and your hair isn't quite how you imagined).
etsy again (swimwear edition)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
My friends on Facebook are all well aware of my current obsession with finding a retro style swim suit. I have no idea if the proportions will even look good on me, but I want high waited bottoms and a halter top in my life this summer. The prices are a bit staggering when compared to what I would usually pay for a two-piece, but I wanted to share a couple of the shops on Etsy that I've liked the most:
(not high waisted I know, but still super cute)
Lola Vintage Inspired Halter Strap Bullet Shaped Swim Bra in Pink (comes in black too), $74
*I'm kind of exclusively looking at bikinis but both of these shops also have super cute one piece items if you're in the market :D
Products Used:
~~UDPP
~~Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette, Left Column Crease Eyeshadow
~~Jane Rockstar Eyeshadow
~~MAC Twinks Eyeshadow
~~MAC Honey Lust Eyeshadow
~~LORAC Little Black Palette, Lightest Highlight Eyeshadow
~~Inglot Matte Black Eyeshadow
~~L'Oreal Volumnious Smoldering Eyeliner
~~Clinique High Impact Mascara
Day or not, I can't say no to a little smoke. I definitely consider this appropriate for all occasions, though subtle definition of the eye area and a bit of dark brown in the outer V keeps everything very 'me'.
Weekly Money Check-Up: 5/14
Monday, May 14, 2012 • Weekly Money Check-Up
I have no idea how many of these posts I'll do but since I'm trying (trying) to be better about my budget and finances in general, I thought a little self-help couldn't hurt.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. I thought ahead this time and planned out a few dinner/lunch combo meals for the week but the ingredients were a bit pricier than I anticipated.
2. Today I am thankful for my friends. Not all of them are perfect, in fact I have to work on accepting it when things change in a way I might not have wanted, but the good ones I have are really good and I am lucky to have them.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was go to the Bolivian Festival! Completely accidental but I spent hours there on Saturday enjoying a beautiful day and incredible performances.
4. I will consider this week a success if I continue with my goal to Unf*ck my habitat. I was a BAMF (for me) this weekend and washed my sheets and towels in addition to flipping my mattress - which I've been meaning to do since I moved into my apartment.
5. My favorite Disney character is Mulan. She's so kickass and not only saved China but also got the guy. Win-win.
–
Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly series on My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. I thought ahead this time and planned out a few dinner/lunch combo meals for the week but the ingredients were a bit pricier than I anticipated.
2. Today I am thankful for my friends. Not all of them are perfect, in fact I have to work on accepting it when things change in a way I might not have wanted, but the good ones I have are really good and I am lucky to have them.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was go to the Bolivian Festival! Completely accidental but I spent hours there on Saturday enjoying a beautiful day and incredible performances.
4. I will consider this week a success if I continue with my goal to Unf*ck my habitat. I was a BAMF (for me) this weekend and washed my sheets and towels in addition to flipping my mattress - which I've been meaning to do since I moved into my apartment.
5. My favorite Disney character is Mulan. She's so kickass and not only saved China but also got the guy. Win-win.
–
Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly series on My Pretty Pennies.
Dress: Anthropologie ~ Shoes: Old Navy (old) ~ Earrings: Forever21 ~ Bracelets: Eastern Market
I love this dress. Love it and if I could wear it every day I probably would. I love the ruched bodice, the crossed straps, and the flared A-line skirt. Even while I acknowledge the faults, like a bit of bunching at the torso because it's a touch too long.
Cinco de Mayo
Friday, May 11, 2012 • Makeup
Products Used:
~~UDPP
~~FaceFront Loose Mineral Eye Pigment in Bee Incredible
~~MAC Soft Brown eyeshadow
~~MAC Humid eyeshadow
~~UD Alice in Wonderland Palette, Absolem eyeshadow
~~MAC Oomph eyeshadow
~~Tarte Matte Eyeshadow for Highlighter
~~Physicians Formula Liner
~~L'Oreal Volumnious Smoldering Eyeliner
I had so much fun with this one! Bright and shimmery and not too complicated ;).
'Horror' Move Review: Stephen King's Sleepwalkers
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
"Brian Krause and Alice Krige star in this tale of modern-day vampires who prey on virtuous young women. Mädchen Amick is the sexually curious virgin who falls for the new boy in school--only to learn too late that he's a life-sucking Sleepwalker. Mutating at will from golden boy to savage monster, Krause stalks Amick to feed his seductive mother. As the tension mounts (and the casualties pile up) the town's tabbies gather for a final chilling showdown with the monsters in their midst." --IMDb
Let me start off by clearing up any confusion - this is not a good movie. It's a bad movie, ok? The acting (with one exception) is laughable, the characters are ridiculous, and the stereotypes of small town characters never stop. What makes it worth watching is the fact that you can stare at it and laugh at almost every character as you yell and throw popcorn at the screen, desperately trying to get someone to act as if they have a lick of common sense (but they don't).
Brian Krause (Charmed anyone?) plays a Sleepwalker named Charles, a member of a mysterious race with cat origins that sucks the life out of virgins to sustain themselves. He's out on the prowl in Indiana (I think) picking a new victim to extend the lives of both himself and his mom. The mom I might add, that he is in a deeply wrong, very much WTF, relationship with. And I'm not saying that in an iffy or vaguely suggested kind of way - we're talking creepy sex takes place in this movie.
But ok, I digress. Charles picks Tanya and spends the rest of the movie killing everyone in his path to get to her. While she does very little to protect herself.
Yep.
I mean, if you'd just been attacked by someone who could morph his face into some weird cat thing and who THEN killed a cop in front of you, wouldn't you at least ask for a gun? Or a big knife? You know, SOMETHING that could possibly prevent you from being revenge kidnapped by his mom/lover?
There's also some stuff about real cats hating Sleepwalkers for a reason that no one will explain but honestly I was fastforwarding through some of this and maybe missed it. I watched this with the former-roomie and consider a great drink and eat bad food movie. One where bathroom breaks won't be a big deal because when you get back the heroine will still be screaming but not doing a damn thing to save herself.
Let me start off by clearing up any confusion - this is not a good movie. It's a bad movie, ok? The acting (with one exception) is laughable, the characters are ridiculous, and the stereotypes of small town characters never stop. What makes it worth watching is the fact that you can stare at it and laugh at almost every character as you yell and throw popcorn at the screen, desperately trying to get someone to act as if they have a lick of common sense (but they don't).
Brian Krause (Charmed anyone?) plays a Sleepwalker named Charles, a member of a mysterious race with cat origins that sucks the life out of virgins to sustain themselves. He's out on the prowl in Indiana (I think) picking a new victim to extend the lives of both himself and his mom. The mom I might add, that he is in a deeply wrong, very much WTF, relationship with. And I'm not saying that in an iffy or vaguely suggested kind of way - we're talking creepy sex takes place in this movie.
But ok, I digress. Charles picks Tanya and spends the rest of the movie killing everyone in his path to get to her. While she does very little to protect herself.
Yep.
I mean, if you'd just been attacked by someone who could morph his face into some weird cat thing and who THEN killed a cop in front of you, wouldn't you at least ask for a gun? Or a big knife? You know, SOMETHING that could possibly prevent you from being revenge kidnapped by his mom/lover?
There's also some stuff about real cats hating Sleepwalkers for a reason that no one will explain but honestly I was fastforwarding through some of this and maybe missed it. I watched this with the former-roomie and consider a great drink and eat bad food movie. One where bathroom breaks won't be a big deal because when you get back the heroine will still be screaming but not doing a damn thing to save herself.
FaceFront Cosmetics - Friends & Family Sale
Monday, May 7, 2012
I hesitate just a bit to recommend this sale, as I had a really hard time getting my order a few years ago, but FaceFront Cosmetics Friends and Family Sale starts this week. It goes through May 14 at varying levels of discount - if you're looking for some colorful loose pigments I'd give them a try.
Happy I Suck Less Than Yesterday Day!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I have no idea what state I'm in, hopefully not too bad a one since I'm supposed to be at a sorority meeting at 11am, but either way Happy I Suck Less Than Yesterday Day! Courtesy of The Bloggess (as so many awesome things are) today is a day to celebrate and in her words
"Go hug a kitten or tell someone you love them. Or tell a kitten you love them. Although that’s not really going to make that much of a difference because kittens can’t speak English. It’s a start though. High-five." -- Happy I-Suck-Less-Than-Yesterday-Day
So yeah. Go hug a kitten. Or a friend. Either would be acceptable and probably a lot of fun for both parties.
"Go hug a kitten or tell someone you love them. Or tell a kitten you love them. Although that’s not really going to make that much of a difference because kittens can’t speak English. It’s a start though. High-five." -- Happy I-Suck-Less-Than-Yesterday-Day
So yeah. Go hug a kitten. Or a friend. Either would be acceptable and probably a lot of fun for both parties.
via |
out of the budget
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Truthfully everything's out of the budget for me this month but these dresses definitely make me wish that wasn't true. Well that and I wish they weren't so darn expensive to begin with. I recognize the quality inherent in hand made garments, I do, but I am not in a place in life where I could feasibly put these on a future wish list.
P.S. - The makeup artist for these shots was/is fantastic! I love all the looks.
(I converted the prices to USD)
Lab Shirt Dress, $160.20
Flow Skirt, $111.65
Daisy Shirt Dress, $240.95
There are tons of beautiful dresses and separates on the site so if you're in the mood to browse (or buy) check them out!
P.S. - The makeup artist for these shots was/is fantastic! I love all the looks.
and then this happened
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Learn more about Yohio here. Yes this is a boy. He is prettier than you, me, and pretty much anyone else I can think of.
P.S. - In case you were wondering my favorite bishonen is still Marron from Sorcerer Hunters. High school anime for the win!
via |
P.P.P.S - HAH! See? This person has an Angelfire website with a gallery of the bishonen they 'caught'. Angelfire, ya'll. That sh*t hasn't been seen in years.
P.P.P.P.S - POCKET BISHONEN STILL EXISTS. My life, which was horrifyingly empty, is now filled.
expect the unexpected
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 • Makeup
Products Used:
~~UDPP
~~NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
~~Tarte Holiday Palette (first matte highlight color)
~~Facefront Cosmetics Loose Mineral Eye Pigment in Bee Incredible
~~Facefront Cosmetics Loose Mineral Eye Pigment in Musbe Mustard
~~Tarte Holiday Palette (light matte grey eyeshadow)
~~Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Steel
~~Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Charcoal
~~Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Ivory (second matte highlight)
~~Physicians Formula Liner
~~Milani Liquif'Eye in 01 Black
~~Sephora glitter eyeliner in 07 gold
~~Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
Yay for playing around with makeup! Lately I've actually been excited about picking back up some of the eyeshadows I have and creating something new so make sure to check back for more stuff later. Attempts at the yellow 'smokey eye' look will probably pop up a few times, but for a first go-round I have to say I'm very happy with the result. It's not really what I was expected but this bright cut crease look dramatically changed the shape of my eye (which I never think my makeup does) and was a lot of fun to wear around house - especially with the bit of glitter on the lower lash line.
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