My lovely fellow CityGirl recently arranged for us to get fitted for bras at The Full Cup, a swanky lingerie store in Alexandria. VA.  To my amazement, the awesome saleswomen told me that the 40DD I had been wearing was entirely wrong…I actually wear a 36HH (what?!?!?!!?).  I immediately noticed the dramatic difference wearing my real bra size had on my figure.  My boobs were entirely covered by their bra cups rather than spilling out.  I could comfortably move my finger under each strap. The bra also touched me in different places, which kept my boobs in the right place rather than pushing them to the center of my chest like my old bra did.  I felt so good in my new bra that I wore it out the store.

This enlightenment got me thinking about other aspects of my wardrobe, knowing there are clothes in my closet that simply don’t complement my curvy figure, much like my 40DD bra.  Like my dress that I have to keep pulling up to cover my newly christened 36HHs or the blouse that fits perfectly everywhere except on my bust line, which I have to pin to death to prevent impromptu flashings.

So with that, I pledged to refresh my wardrobe with items that work best for my figure, aka my body shape.  But first, I had to identify my body shape because I had no clue.  With some investigation, I discovered there are 4 shapes that should be considered when shopping in order to choose the most complementary styles for your body: the Pear, the Apple, the Hourglass, and the Ruler.

Pear. Pear-shaped women are bottom heavy meaning their lower torsos are wider than their upper torsos.  Key indicators are slender necks and hips that extend beyond the shoulders.   Not the rule, but many Pears have small bust lines.  Famous Pears: Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson.

Pears can be very adventurous with their blouses because they need to add more weight to their upper torsos, particularly their bust lines, to balance their body and draw attention away from their wide hips.  So think ribbons, feathers, and fluffy things a la Carrie Bradshaw!  Key must dos: bright/light-colored blouses and dark-colored skirts and slacks to push attention up top.  Key must avoids: pleats, thin shoulder straps, and busy patterns because they makes Pears look bulky.

Apple. Generally, the upper torso of Apple-shaped women is bigger than their lower torso.  Most, not all, also have large bust lines, wide backs, and broad shoulders that extend beyond the width of their hips.  Apples come in all sizes—Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Hurley, Rosie O’Donnell, Angelina Jolie, and Queen Latifah are all Apple-shaped women.

Apples look best in styles that give them a definite waist-line while balancing their upper and lower torsos.  Key must dos: V and plunging necklines, empire waists, and A-line cuts for a slimming affect to the figure.  Key must avoids: halter tops, busy patterns, anything off-the shoulder, and clingy fabric.

Ruler. Ruler-shaped woman are slim, with very little natural curves.  They are often considered to have an athletic build and usually have lean arms and legs.  Famous Ruler: Keira Knightly

The style focus of any Ruler should be to add the illusion of curves by choosing styles that draw attention to the waist, neckline, and bust. Key must dos: Using big and funky belts, ribbons, and scarves to emphasize the waist line.  To add volume to the bust, Rulers should wear bold patterns and blouses with full, fluffy sleeves.  Key must avoids: Clingy fabric as it will highlight the Ruler’s lack of curves.

Hourglass. I hate (love) these women—they are proportioned all over with narrow waists that give them perfect curves everywhere.  Famous Hourglasses: Scarlett Johanson, Jessica Beal, and Salma Hayek.

Due to their proportionate curves, Hourglasses can wear almost anything.   Key must dos: strapless dresses, off-the-shoulder cuts, and styles that emphasize their narrow waistlines like corset designs.  Key must avoids: clingy fabric and busy patterns—both can give the impression of a bigger, bulkier body.

Now, what am I you ask?  In the past, many of my friends and family have described me as having an Hourglass figure because of my heavy bust line and defined waist line.  However, a little more educated on this topic, I have determined that I am actually an Apple.  The first indicator of this is my 36HH (large) bust line.  Second, though I have a definite waist line, it is somewhat wide.  And finally, I have very broad shoulders partnered with narrow hips.  In fact, my shoulders extend nearly 3 inches wider than the width of my hips.   So, Apple it is.  Armed with this knowledge, let the shopping begin!

Signed,

BreezyGirl

Today we take it up a few notches and bring you our favorites in bras. We all have our favorite everyday ones in nude, cotton seamless. But sometimes we need something more flirty. Whether you are shopping for Valentine’s Day, looking to impress someone, or just want that confidence that comes from wearing racy lingerie under your work suit, –here are some that will bring a little more fun to your top drawer…

Padded push-up…

(Bisou Bisou padded plunge bra by Mimi Holiday, Figleaves $83)

(Dancing at the Ritz bra by Miss La La's Boudoir, $41.50, Figleaves)

Unlined and fuller figure…

(Emporio Armani Gardenia bralette, $45, BareNecessities.com

(Corset Demi Bra, Victoria's Secret, $42)