Camisole

Review: Carissa Rose’s Glenna Wide Strap Camisole

December 17, 2009 by Kelly

If you have a larger chest you know how frustrating it is to shop for lingerie and tops. You often have to resort to wearing stretchy knits, having woven tops tailored to fit you, or simply going without the best fit. Finding a great top can wind up being time consuming and expensive! And even after all that, it’s often hard to look appropriate in the office or any other time you don’t want to flash cleavage. Carissa Rose knows our plight, which is why the clothing line is devoted to providing well-fitting garments that fit a larger bustline and a smaller waist. Carissa Rose by Bratique Helene has just recently released the Holiday ’09 collection and sent me their Glenna Wide Strap Camisole to try.

Carissa Rose Glenna Camisole — Glenna Camisole by Carissa Rose

Carissa Rose sizes aren’t like normal sizes – they take your waist and bust measurement into account. The main sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large) all come in two variations – for example, there is a MW (medium well endowed) and a MR (medium really endowed). There are instructions on the size chart in case you’re unsure of how to take your measurements. As soon as you receive your camisole you can tell that it isn’t like other tops – there is room for your boobs! It’s also designed to show off your waist, so it nips in at just the right spot and then flares out a bit so it’s not too fitted on your stomach. True to the name, the straps on this camisole are wider than those on most tanks. I can wear any of my regular bras with it and I didn’t have to bother with strapless or convertible styles. The neckline is higher than most other camisoles, and paired with the wide straps that means this is a modest option which is fine layered under other tops (like any other camisole) or on its own. I wore mine under a shrug because it’s getting cold where I live, but I’m sure I’ll wear this on its own when the weather warms back up again! The material is a gorgeous, silky chocolate brown (the camisole is also available in black.)

Carissa Rose is by the same designer as Bratique Helene. The brand is in the middle of a transition to the new name, so the web address (CarissaRose.com) currently redirects to the Bratique Helene website. The official Carissa Rose website will launch at the beginning of the new year. If you are interested in ordering your own Glenna Wide Strap Camisole, or seeing any more of the Holiday ’09 collection from Carissa Rose, visit the label’s blog at this link for contact information. The Glenna Wide Strap Camisole will also be available on the website early next year.

CLO Holiday Sample Sale!

December 3, 2009 by Krista

In true CLO fashion, this holiday sample sale is one not to miss! Who can resist champagne, strawberries, and panties?! Not me! The sample sale and soiree will take place on Wednesday, December 9th from 5 pm – 10 pm at Archstone Murray Hill, 35th Floor Penthouse, 245 East 40th Street (Enter on 2nd Avenue).

Sip champagne and try on beautiful new pieces most at wholesale prices and below! Panties start at $5, bras at $10, and camis at $15.

For more information on CLO, including retail locations, check the CLO website. Don’t forget to friend CLO on Facebook and follow on Twitter for all of the latest updates.

See you at the soiree!

Introducing Second Base Demi-Camis!

November 16, 2009 by Krista

Santa Monica manufacturer, JL Horn Apparel, has launched a new line of cropped camisoles. Second Base Demi-Camis solve the age old problem of too much cleavage by providing extra coverage where you need it most. Where traditional camis can cause bulk and bunching under your favorite low cut tops and wrap dresses, Second Base is cropped to fit just over your bra. Lightweight and comfortable, Second Base is the perfect piece for layering. This seamless and breathable essential is made of a Siro Micro Modal/Spandex blend not found in traditional camisoles.

Second Base is the brainchild of CEO, Jennie Horn, who desired to be both fashionable and professional. Rather than trade one for the other, Jennie found a way to maximize the options in her closet by creating this innovative camisole. She’s quoted as saying, “I realized that a camisole with less fabric would allow me to wear my favorite pieces at work without feeling self-conscious or dealing with the extra bulkiness of a regular camisole.” I agree! I, too, find myself facing this dilemma. Fortunately, Second Base has four solutions!

Sarah is similar to a classic camisole. With thin, 1/4″ adjustable straps, it provides flexibility in the amount of coverage. The wide-strapped Meredith, on the other hand, is the perfect solution for covering up bra straps when you want to keep them hidden. This style is similar to a tank top and has a higher back for additional coverage. Marlo, modeled after men’s undershirts, is a ribbed tank top suitable for wear under most dresses and tops. This cut is a little less conservative and may show your straps. Perfect if you are going for a sexier look! The last style, Brittany, is classically designed like Sarah offering the adjustable 1/4″ straps, but also features a lace trim at the neckline for additional styling.

Second Base will debut this fall at specialty retailers including Town Shop and La Petite Coquette in Manhattan, but can also be purchased online at the Second Base website. Prices range between $29 and $31 for sizes XS – 4X in Black, White, and Ivory basics as well as a variety of fashion colors including Red, Brown, Charcoal, Navy, and Violet.

Don’t forget to tell us just how much you love your Demi Cami! Chat in our forums, post on our Facebook page, or tweet on our Twitter!

New Commando for Fall

October 1, 2009 by Krista

You’ve been hearing for years just how much I love Commando Intimates – my no-VPL go-to brand. I was most recently excited about the addition of their cotton collection. Now, I’m excited to share about the new, fashion forward additions for fall. Not only can you have a smooth fit under your slinkiest skirts and clingiest dresses, but you also can have a little fun with it! The fall and holiday prints are just another reminder as to why wearing Commando is so much better than going commando!

The soft lace collection, available in stores now, includes thongs, bikinis, high-rise panties, camis and a great new mid-length a-line slip with commando’s patent-pending weighted hem. Personally, I love the touch of glamour and sophistication that the lace adds.

The swiss dot collection and the holiday lace collection, both be available later this fall, are a fun and festive way to heat things up as it gets colder outside.

Commando is available at retailers worldwide and on the herlook.com website (with some other great treats as well!).

Cami Too by Fashion Forms

August 12, 2009 by Kelly

There are plenty of times when you might not want to show off your cleavage like in the office, meeting your new boyfriend’s parents, or your grandma’s 90th birthday party. Most women either opt not to wear their favorite plunging tops, or they cover up with a camisole. These extra layers can be unwanted and unnecessary in summer’s heat, but Cami Too by Fashion Forms solves that problem!

Cami Too is a detachable lace piece that gives you additional coverage and the illusion of a camisole. You put it on over your head (like a regular camisole) and then attach it to your bra straps with the incorporated hooks. There are other similar produts on the market (click here to view the Winkee) but this is my personal favorite. I have several and reach for them often when a top seems a bit too low. It’s also very easy to go from day to night with the Cami Too – just slip it off at the end of a work day and stash it in your bag before meeting friends for drinks!

You can find Cami Too at Bare Necessities. It is available in sizes S/M, L, and XL and colors Black, White, and Ivory.