In the weeks before this event, CincyChic collected decorated bras from local businesses and individuals. These bras were then displayed on Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati at various times throughout the day from 7AM to 7PM. Anyone passing through the square was able to vote for their favorite decorated bra, and the 10 favorite bras were auctioned off that evening at the afterparty to benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure.

I wasn’t able to attend the evening reception but I did enjoy the lunch n’ learn where Britt Cruikshank from La Silhouette Lingerie discussed the importance of a well-fitting bra, helped attendees discover their own bra sizes, and answered bra-fitting questions from the audience. Here are some of the great tips she emphasized during the event:

• Before getting any plastic surgery done to your breasts, make sure you’re wearing the correct size bra to begin with. This will make large breasts more comfortable and provide the best shaping for any size. You may discover you don’t need surgery after all.
• If your bra is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit you correctly, there is nothing wrong with you. There is something wrong with your bra - whether it’s the size, shape, or style. There is a bra out there for everyone.
• If you need more support, don’t automatically buy wider straps to cinch up. Most of the support should come from the band, so make sure that is the correct size to properly support you.
• Go through your lingerie drawer at least once a year to get rid of anything old, worn out, or stretched out. This is also a good time to get re-sized.
• Get rid of all the sweats you wear to bed – be sure to wear something pretty and feminine! Even if you live with someone you don’t want to be super sexy in front of, there is modest and feminine loungewear that will make you feel your best.
• “The perfect bra is like the perfect man: sensitive, supportive, and will never let you down.”

Backed by American Vogue and the CFDA in NY, Fashion’s Night Out is a global initiative to get consumers excited about shopping again. Shops will be open later than usual, there will be crazy deals and celebrities will be making special appearances.

Below is a list of the lingerie-related deals that will be offered in the NY area only, so make sure to check out FashionsNightOut.com for the full list, which includes retailers in the UK; Greece; Italy; Russia; France; Brazil; India; Spain; China; Germany; Japan; and Taiwan.

Agent Provocateur: At the 133 Mercer St. store, Agent Provocateur will host an exclusive shopping night offering free champagne and canapés to all customers, as well as a special gift-with-purchase.

Anna Sui: At the 113 Green St. store, Anna Sui will give away a special gift with every purchase over $50.

Bellhaus: Over at 57 Bond St., Bellhaus shoppers can witness an hourly presentation of the art of fashion, which will feature different genres where fashion, designers and art connect.

Betsey Johnson: At four NYC Betsey stores, customers can get a sneak peek of her latest collection during a special cocktail reception. You’ll be able to get your make-up, nails and styling done by a pro and a chance to win exclusive gifts.

Blueberi: At 143 Front St., shoppers will be given a styling session on how to mix and match accessories while sipping on champagne and eating yummy treats. You can also score a free gift with every purchase.

Diana Broussard: At 22 Christopher St., a fashion/art/music video installation to launch Diane’s lingerie line will be put on display for customers to watch while sipping on Prosecco and listening to good music.

Jean Yu: The Jean Yu store at 37 Crosby St. will be offering customers the opportunity to get custom made lingerie for free! The service is usually 25 percent on retail prices. Jean Yu will also display a collection of limited edition fabrics that are usually on special reserve in the store and they will also be available for purchase in the made-to-measure/made-to-order garments.

Kiki de Montparnasse: At Kiki’s 79 Green St. store, specialists will be in attendance to ensure you experience an elegant evening that will celebrate intimacy and inspire romance. Talks on the brand’s “instruments of pleasure” and the art of seducing a lover will be held. And there will also be an erotic portrait booth that will offer shoppers the opportunity to explore their fantasies on film creating a picture to keep. Champagne and aphrodisiacs will be served throughout the evening.

La Perla: At two NYC La Perla stores they will be offering shopping incentives and a lace thong gift with a purchase of full-price merchandise at a value of $50.

Sugar Cookies: This sweet lingerie shop located at 203 West 19th St. will offer sugar cookies of course! Shopping incentives will also be offered and you can sip wine while you shop.

Victoria’s Secret: Seven of Victoria’s top NYC stores will be open until 11 p.m. tomorrow. Each store will give away a free panty with the purchase of a regularly-priced bra, and they will also be selling the official Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt with all proceeds going to the September 11th Fund.

Owners Corrie Lynn Broderick and Susanne Alvarado were on hand to help guests as they made important choices – like which of the beautiful spring colors of the Cosabella Never Say Never collection to purchase!

Open since Summer 2008, Sugar Cookies is making quite the name for itself through it’s sweet selection and equally sweet service.  You’ll be in for a treat when you stop by the 203 West 19th Street location.  Look for more on Sugar Cookies on TLP in the future!

Lingerie Fit Expert is a website that makes recommendations for everyone from moms to brides-to-be.  I found the site while searching the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk site.  Gal to Gal is the charitable foundation associated with the fabulous Design-her-gals personalized stationery company.  Right now the Gal to Gal Foundation is “Walking for Wishes” to raise money for Stage IV breast cancer patients and their families.  Lingerie Fit Expert is one of the sponsors of this amazing online event.

Additionally, Bare Necessities has partnered with Wacoal to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  For each Wacoal Awareness or Embrace Lace bra purchased both Bare Necessities and Wacoal will each donate $2 to the cause.  To see eligible bras, click here.

Created by Dita and inspired by her love of beautiful vintage lingerie, Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese is designed to actively encourage women of all ages to harness their inner-glamour and beauty. Dita, the undisputed Queen of Burlesque, brings the sensual glamour of the 1940’s and 50’s to the collection, updated with a modern Wonderbra twist.

Dita sounded extremely enthusiastic at the launch: “The fit of the collection is wonderful and you can wear it under your every day clothes. That was important to me, because I think it’s hugely sexy to go about your normal business having a little secret of your own. Underwear isn’t just something that you put on for a lover; you wear it for you.”

Help Hanky Panky reach its $10,000 donation goal by purchasing a Breast Cancer Awareness Thong.  The pink thong (available in both original and low rise) is adorned with a Swarovski-encrusted Breast Cancer Awareness symbol.  Hanky Panky will donate $2 from the sale of each Breast Cancer Awareness Thong to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure works to save lives and end breast cancer.  Do your part by purchasing the Hanky Panky thong at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Support Smart & Sexy in its initiative to also raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  $1 from every specially-marked pink garment sold in October will go to this amazing cause.  See a sampling of some of the products below.  With such a bang for the buck, you can stock up and save lives!  Purchase here.  Additionally, you might also be interested in knowing that the great team behind Smart & Sexy will be participating in the race as a company.

Hats off to both Hanky Panky and Smart & Sexy for their efforts!

On Tuesday, Slimpressions co-founders Amy Pedersen and Jennifer Daniels, quintessential, busy professional women themselves, will discuss their inspiration for creating their Slimpressions shapewear line, their desire to launch their own women-owned business, and the balancing act each of them do every day. The ladies will also demonstrate features of the Slimpressions line for viewers.

Slimpressions are available throughout the U.S. and Canada, but are also available on the Slimpressions website.

More will follow on the sassy and sensual Rosy and the Spring collection. In the meantime, check out the Autumn/Winter collection, click here.

All photos are courtesy of the talented Matthew Coulter.

Photos from the catwalk show right here. 

Red Carpet

Cocktail Hour and Dinner

Award Ceremony