Looks not labels – under it all

Hanky Panky boy shorts - my fave

I’ve been VERY guilty of shopping labels vs. finding elegantly simple outfits that look GREAT but don’t cost a fortune. I DO believe that there are items that you just can’t reproduce inexpensively (like those gorgeous couture Donald J Pliner ballet flats for $350 that I’ve been coveting). But I also know that there are some things that you don’t HAVE to spend a fortune on and no one will know the difference.

Take your foundations….no, I’m not talking makeup here, I’m talking about those frilly (or simple) garments that go on UNDER your clothes A.K.A. bras & panties. Do you REALLY need to be buying LaPerla? If you’re doing it for your honey, believe me… he doesn’t know the difference between Cosabella and those lacy knock-offs for $5.00 at Target.

Me? I’m partial to Hanky Panky’s(darn you Allie Sands for telling me about them), but when I was in Paris in September I stocked up on agnes b. by DIM (a standard French brand). I probably paid the equivalent of $7.00 a pair (vs. $18.00 for my usuals per pair), and I’m JUST as happy. They’re French, they’re sexy and they cover…what more can a girl ask for?

I used to buy Wacoal bras (not terribly expensive) until I found that Target’s Gilligan O’Malley line fit better, were more comfortable

Dim

and held their shape after multiple washings better than any of my lacy numbers. Do I miss the sexy patterns? Absolutely (I’d be lying to you if I said no)! But once I’m dressed, I don’t see that lace (and Mr. S wouldn’t know the difference unless he saw what I used to spend on them).

If you’re NOT going to be spending a fortune on your unmentionables, you still want them to look as good as if you did. My advice? Find the BEST style for your body.

Do you look and feel best in

• Boy shorts
• Thongs
• Bikinis
• Hipsters
• Briefs (OK, I threw this one in to see if you’re still awake)

Remember to get a professional bra fitting every now and then. If the bra fits well, it will flatter, no matter how much OR LITTLE you spend on it. Will a demi cup or full will be best? Does a little padding or push-up do the trick to make you feel gorgeous in that dress?

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat yourself every now and then, but really…unless your obsession is having fabulous undies, save your money. You can still look and feel rich without spending your entire paycheck on a little bit of lace.

What I save on my lingerie, I spend on shoes…. hey, a girl’s got to have SOME vices, doesn’t she?