The Lingerie Post » Calvin Klein

Expert Advice from Jenny Altman of Bare Necessities!

Krista — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:29:47 +0000

We are so excited to have Jenny Altman, of BareNecessities.com (and all around fashion expert!), as our guest blogger today! She’s here to let you know her tips and suggestions for what to wear underneath it all for your upcoming occasions! See below for her fabulous advice. Thanks, Jenny!

So, it’s the big day. Whether that means it’s your prom, graduation, wedding, or reunion, you have spent a long time planning the outfit. I know you’ve got your dress, shoes, and jewelry all mapped out, but what about what to wear under the dress? Don’t leave that as an afterthought. Since you get dressed starting from the inside-out, it’s important to plan your outfit this way.

Here are a few key tips:

1- Buy the dress in your right size. That means the size you are now, not the size you are hoping to be. You always look slimmer wearing a dress that fits.

2- Keep it simple. Including jewelry and hair/makeup. You don’t want to look back at this big event 10 years from now and wonder what you were thinking. Classic never goes out of style.

3- Dress appropriately for your age. Whether you are 16 and going to a prom, or the mother of the bride, think what style suits your age best. You can still be a hot mama in a dress with sleeves. Nobody needs to see your entire back and all of your cleavage on this special day!

4- Dress appropriately for your body. Play-up your best features and play-down your least appealing. For example, if your breasts are just too big for wedding photos, don’t feel the need to go strapless just because you thought Kate Middleton might (FYI – she didn’t). You look best in styles made for your body, whether it’s mini, mermaid, or full-length.

The under-arsenal:

It’s very important to pick the proper underpinnings that suit your dress and you. I find all my favorite underpinnings at BareNecessities.com. If you have a chance to match undergarments to the dress before any final fittings, that is key! Buy a few key undergarments to take with you to your fitting. If you aren’t having fittings, buy a few undergarments items and try them on with the dress at least a week before the event. Stand in the dress, move around in it, and most importantly, look at yourself from the back. Don’t forget to look at yourself in the daylight. You may realize your dress is more sheer than it looked in the fitting room; which may call for a slip!

It’s very important to buy the right size for all my suggested underpinnings below. If a bra isn’t fitting right, you’ll have spillage. Even worse, the bra will be falling down on you all night. For shapewear, go bigger. It’s best that the shapewear holds you in to give you a smooth, slim look. Lastly, always go nude or black. Nude is best everything that isn’t black, even a crisp white wedding dress.

#1- The Bra

Choose strapless or convertible unless you are 100% sure your bra and bra straps will be concealed by the dress.

Other Suggested Bras: Felina Bra of the Year, Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Underwire Bra, Pure Style Girlfriends Wire Free Push Up Perks Adhesive Bra, Spanx Bra-Cha-Cha Strapless Underwire Bra (best for average figures)

#2- The Panty

Seamless and nude are the best way to go. I would suggest a girl short if you’re looking for the seamless look with more coverage.

Other Suggested Panties: Calvin Klein Naked Thong, Hanky Panky Original Signature Lace Thong, Commando Low Rise Thong, Cosabella Aire Mesh Low Rise Hot Pants

#3- The shaping garment

For this one you really need to match it to your dress and your specific needs. What area are you trying to conceal or smooth? Something specific like the waist or tummy? Or, are you looking for an overall shaper that helps everything? Pick the problem area and then look for a piece that will work for you. If your dress is navy or chocolate, choose black shaping pieces. Also, if you’re getting married on the beach in Mexico, please don’t pick something too heavy. Pick something appropriate for the weather. There are lighter weight shaping garments with mesh and other breathable fabrics.

Waist: Look for something that’s high-waisted to cinch in the waist area

Other Suggested Shapers: TC Fine Intimates Pull on Waist Cincher, Dr. Rey Shapewear Hi-Waist Brief

Tummy: Look for something with high compression in the tummy

Other Suggested Shapers: Spanx Undie-tectable Hi-Waist Shapewear Pany, Flexees Easy Up Easy Down Firm Control Brief, Cass Luxury Shapewear Invisibellas Shaper Boyshorts

Wear your own bra: If you can’t part with your own bra, or need the support of a serious bra, pick one of these to pair with it. These give you the freedom of mixing and matching.

Other Suggested Shapers: Spanx Slimplicity Open Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, Sassybax Bottom Boosting All-in-One Shaper, Dr. Rey Shapewear All-in-One Step-in Body Briefer,

Butt/thighs: Look for something that lifts the rear while still giving separation. Make sure the shaping continues through the thigh and choose mid-thigh if you need it all the way down.

Other Suggested Shapers: Spanx Slimplicity High Waist Girl Short Panty, Shatobu High Waist-to-Knee Calorie Burning Shaper

Everything: I love an all-in-one shaper that combines the bra and shaper. You get less lines and have less pieces to match up.

Other Suggested Shapers: Va Bien Seamless Underwire Comfort Strap Firm Control Body Briefer, TC Fine Intimates Strapless Convertible Bra Slip, Sassybax Pretty Slip with Underwire Bra, Va Bien Ultra Lift Low Plunge Body Briefer

#4-Hosiery

Do you need hosiery? In warm weather, I prefer a footless hose that covers the thigh and leg. This way you can show off your gorgeous shoe and pedicure without having webbed feet. If you feel you need hosiery all the way to the feet, then try to stick with a closed or closed-front shoe. Go for a black sheer in the warmer months.

Other Suggested Hosiery: Spanx In Power Line High Waisted Footless Panythose, Calvin Klein Hosiery Zero Waistband Control Top Pantyhose, Wolford Satin Touch Evening Thigh Highs

#5- Extras

Make a little emergency kit to keep in your purse. Be sure it includes nipple covers, fashion tape, Bandaids and a small sewing kit. And don’t forget the mints!

Other Suggested Extras: Pure Style Girlfriends Stay Put Double Sided Fashion Tape, Fashion Forms Magic Sponge, Foot Petals Tip Toes Cushions 3 pack

Now go and have a fabulous night! Put on a smile and know that you are prepped and ready to take center stage.

Xo,

Jenny

Father’s Day Sale at Freshpair!

Krista — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:57:09 +0000

Need to get something special for Dad? Why not head over to Freshpair and get him a fresh pair?! Now through June 20th, Freshpair is offering 25% off over 20 of our top men’s brands, including Hugo Boss, DKNY, and Sculptees. Starting June 2^nd, 2xist will be 25% off and starting June 4^th, Calvin Klein underwear will be 25% off.

Can’t resist getting something for yourself or for mom just because? Freshpair is offering $10 off every $60 spent in the women’s store only with the code: SMILE. Stock up on new underwear just in time for the summer. Don’t forget shapewear to put your best self forward underneath all those clingy summer dresses. The coupon is valid through June 6th, so get on it. (FYI: This offer does not apply to Assets, Spanx and Wacoal and is not valid on international orders.)

Get shopping today. And don’t forget, free shipping on all domestic orders! Happy summer shopping!

Black Friday at Bare Necessities!

Krista — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:33:26 +0000

Black Friday begins the great deals in holiday shopping. Head over to Bare Necessities for unbelievable deals on your favorite brands! Some of the savings have already started with daily specials and product discounts leading up to Black Friday on November 27th and Cyber Monday on November 30th. Why leave the house and fight the crowds when you can shop in your sleepwear?

While you are there, be sure to check out the holiday giving page. Find everyone’s favorite things including stocking stuffers, recession proof gifts under $40, and comfy and cozy sleepwear!

If you aren’t a Bare Necessities subscriber, sign up today so you don’t miss any of the great sales including men’s styles, sports bras, minimizer bras, and more! Stock up on your favorites for you and for those on your list. Need some ideas to get you started? See my favorites below.

Don’t forget to add Bare Necessities to your thankful list on Thursday. With great deals and free shipping on orders over $100, we really have something to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

Menswear Trends at Bare Necessities

Krista — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Here on TLP, we focus a large amount of our commentary on women’s lingerie. However, once in a while, some menswear pieces strike our fancy. Currently, there is a new wave in menswear towards “fitwear” (i.e. shapewear for men).

Leading online retailer, Bare Necessities, has these new, innovative pieces flying off the shelves! Designed to give men a more slender midsection by slimming love handles and sculpting torsos, shaping tees by RIPT Fusion and Equmen are the ideal item for guys who want midesection control. And it isn’t just the midsections having all the fun! Underwear by 2(x)ist and Calvin Klein also provide support.

RIPT Fusion tees come in both crew neck and v-neck styles. Giving firm control from the chest to hips, this moisture wicking tee will keep you cool and dry. The elongated design eliminates roll up so you can focus on fun and not fixing your t-shirt! Retailing at $58 each, RIPT Fusion tees are a great investment.

2(x)ist Form Contour Pouch Brief

Equmen Firm Control Shaping tees are available in V-Neck, Tank Top, and Long Sleeve. Developed by physical therapists, these tees are designed to support core muscles and improve posture while slimming and streamling as well as controlling body temperature. The seamless, stretch nylon blend is also tagless for comfort. Equmen tees retail between $89 and $109.

For the gentlemen needing coverage in just the waist area, 2(x)ist’s Form Contour Pouch Brief with Shaping Waistband is a great option. This stretch cotton brief provides moderate control as it instantly slims and smooths the waist. The brief also features a fly front and contour pouch. At $18, it’s a steal!

Calvin Klein is showing support through it’s Body Boost Rear Boosting Trunk. With hidden support to give a boost, this trunk-style boxer brief comfortably hugs your body. The $22 undergarment also features a 2 ply contour pouch. Calvin Klein also provides a Body Boost Hip Brief and Body Boost Trunk option.
Happy shopping, gentlemen! Bare Necessities will take care of you. Here’s to looking slim and trim during the holiday season.

Japanese Blossom Collection by Calvin Klein

Kelly — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:55:57 +0000

I just came across Calvin Klein Underwear‘s new Japanese Blossom collection, and I am smitten! The collection is small (a contour bra, hipster, and chemise) but gorgeous. The graphic blossom print is accented by touches of black and it looks like it would be perfect for any season – the colors suggest the fall, but the flowers bring warm summer days to mind!

Calvin Klein Japanese Blossom

If you’re interested in buying these for yourself, head to cku.com to purchase. For a limited time, you can also get 20% off the most expensive item in your order – visit our sales page for the code and details.

Consumers Turning to Hosiery in Tough Economic Times

Krista — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:28 +0000

With the markets down and no sign of a rebounding economy on the horizon, people all around the world are tightening their belts and scrutinizing their budgets. Smaller amounts of disposable income means that most industries are seeing drops in profits. However, hosiery is one of the few seeing increases and experiencing the lipstick effect, or the “Lipstick Index.” This term developed out of an economic trend, during down economic times, that showed as profits for other products decreased, lipstick sales increased. Why? The idea is that when there is less money to spend on yourself, you tend to splurge on those small, relatively inexpensive luxuries, like lipstick, rather than more extravagant wardrobe purchases.

In this past year, hosiery has exhibited this trend. According to sources cited in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. women’s hosiery sales have risen 2.3% over the past year. Dan Sackrowitz, vice president of business development for one of TLP’s favorite online retailers, Bare Necessities, says that customers have been purchasing opaque or patterned tights as a way to update their current wardrobes. He further remarks to the WSJ that sales of hosiery increased 60% in September and 70% in October. Wow! (See here for the full article.)

Want to know more? Check out Rene’s series of informative posts on popular hosiery brands.

Want to know what I have my eye on? See below for my favorite hosiery picks (available at Bare Necessities). And with $5 shipping every day, you can afford to stay in and avoid venturing out into the cold to buy them!

Mayra Suarez for Macy’s Lingerie

Mandolina — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:56:34 +0000

Mayra Suarez is a Mexican fashion model that only recently transitioned to lingerie and swimwear work… I found these photos of here modeling for Macy’s and came to the painful realization that we’ve only mentioned Macy’s in a negative way.

This is a perfect way to be positive!

Eva Mendes – New Face for Calvin Klein Underwear

Krista — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:00:55 +0000

Actress Eva Mendes was just named the new face for Calvin Klein Underwear. Also the new face for Calvin Klein’s new fragrance, Ms. Mendes will be busy as Calvin Klein launches a worldwide advertising campaign. The sexy and shapely model will reflect the extension of the product line to include fuller busted women. Mendes has been quoted as saying that she is honored to be associated with such an iconic brand.

Doutzen Kroes – Calvin Klein Bikini

Mandolina — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:00:04 +0000

The beautiful Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes in a beautiful Calvin Klein bikini for the upcoming season. The bandeau is absolutely gorgeous — I love how the center clip manages to add a little ‘sexy’ to the sober look. Very pretty — just like Doutzen Kroes!

(click for larger version!)

A Man’s World

Mandolina — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:00:04 +0000

[We were hoping to have this blog entry up before Valentine's Day, but unfortunately that didn't work out. Our apologies!)]
The lingerie industry is one arena that has remained “a woman’s world” through the decades. Women have simply gotten to have a lot more fun with their underwear choices than men have. But all of that seems to finally be righting itself as men’s fashion underwear sales are skyrocketing and men are starting to keep rank with women in the wide world of underwear.

In the last year alone, we’ve added several brands (Andrew Christian, Frank Dandy, and Steven to name a few) to our repertoire at Freshpair.com that solely cater to men and offer almost nothing in the way of basics, favoring bold colors, innovative styles and flashy prints instead. Those brands were added to meet the demand of our customers who already loved such hip, fun brands as Ginch Gonch, DT Underwear and Diesel. Even some of our trusty favorites like 2xist, C-IN2 and Calvin Klein have added major fashion collections to their lines in the past two years. It’s clear this men’s fashion underwear craze is here to stay!

This Valentine’s Day, it’s both a man’s world and a woman’s world. Thanks to the influx of fashion styles in the men’s intimate apparel market, there are now tons of selections for both sexes in reds, pinks, hearts and alluring styles. Cupid’s specials for men include red hot styles like these trunks, briefs, and thongs in every shade of red you can imagine, silk underwear and a whole array of thongs that are sure to turn heads.

We’re not leaving the ladies out in the cold this year, either. Our Valentine’s Boutiques feature special lace, embroidery and mesh designs in sizzling reds and sexy matching sets to keep men on their toes.

In the race for the most stylish, stunning and sexy underwear, women are still winning. It’s still a woman’s world out there. But watch out, women, men aren’t too far behind you anymore!

Michael Kleinmann – Freshpair.com
As President of Freshpair, Michael Kleinmann is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of the business, from logistical development to marketing and purchasing. Since taking over the company in 2002, Kleinmann has drawn on his extensive IT and digital branding background to assemble a world-class team and establish an adaptive, consumer-friendly infrastructure. With Kleinmanns entrepreneurial spirit and creative marketing, Freshpair has quickly become a recognized force in the intimate apparel industry.