Bras 'N Things

While clicking through Style.com's coverage of the Met Costume Institute Gala like a good little fashion fiend, I was shocked to find that Zac Posen's Clark Kent outfit was one of my favorite of the night. (How ludicrous is it to attend a superhero-themed fashion extravaganza without looking the part? I'm talking to you, Almost-Everyone-But-Zac-Posen!) I was also shocked by the picture on the above left. Why? Well, the woman who can pull off the visible bra is a rare creature. She must execute her outfit carefully and perfectly, because any mistakes can lead to jeering telepathic messages of "SLUT!" being transmitted by nearby humanity. But in the pictures above there are no mistakes, only sheer sartorial perfection.

I think the reason for this is that smaller boobs = no cleavage in these looks = more tasteful. I don't get the idea that either of these women are trying to be sexy by showing the side of their bra; it seems more like part of the look.

With my larger chest size and everything (and this is where I started to debate posting this on the internet, seeing as people I know now actually read this...), this look isn't for me. And as for other underwear-as-outerwear concepts, well, let's just say I was not a fan of that notorious Marc Jacobs collection. But the thing is. . . I see no need to wear underwear as outerwear. That's not to say I don't enjoy the look of of corset tops and slip dresses as much as the next girl - I do, believe me - but I think there's something to be said for keeping it hidden. I like lingerie, and I like to wear pretty styles. I recently picked up a lacy, pale green bra from Gilly Hicks, and I feel amazing wearing it. But I buy these things for me. One of the things that interests me about fashion is the way it can influence your mood and the way you act. Pretty lingerie puts a smile on my face and boosts my confidence because I have a cute little secret (that, incidentally, I'm now sharing with thousands of readers) hidden away beneath my clothes. I don't need other people to see it; I just need to know it's there.

An odd excuse for a money-wasting habit, but there you go.

I feel a bit odd posting about this. I should just hit "publish" before I change my mind.

P.S. You know the printed dress worn by the blond Teen Vogue staffer in my last post? Well, the girl's name is Mary Kate Steinmiller, and she just told me that the dress is Hurley and will be available in the Fall. Hurley- can you imagine! Three cheers for cute, affordable dresses!

The Bra / Heat Dilemma

If you live anywhere near New England right now, then you are probably aware (I say probably because I suppose it's possible you are stuck in one of those utility refrigerators or something) that we are in the midst of a major heat wave. It's pretty miserable, I think, with all that hot, humid air sort of rising off the ground and smacking you in the face. The only way I can think to deal with it (besides staying inside an air-conditioned room all day) is to wear tanks and short shorts or skirts, or maybe a sleeveless mini dress. It's just waaay too hot for me to want to be covered by even an extra inch of fabric. However, this tendency to wear tanks during the hot weather brings up The Question. You know what I'm talking about. The Bra Strap Question. To show, or not to show?

It's pretty much impossible to wear a tank without flashing your bra straps, unless you are a) not wearing a bra, or b) wearing a strapless one. As a larger-chested girl, I am infinitely jealous of those girls who can get away with not wearing a bra. Those lucky chicks have it made in the summer, at least regarding The Question. And as for strapless bras... Let's face it- They are no fun. Unless you find an absolutely perfect one (There is a legend that they exist, but I wouldn't know), they ride down and are generally annoying. So I have resigned myself to showing my straps, even though it kills any chic or classy outfit vibes. But what do you think? Is is acceptable to show bra straps? If so, when?

I have come to the conclusion that it is acceptable in a casual setting, but in a dressier setting it probably makes sense to suck it up and wear a strapless bra or (gasp!) something with sleeves. But today a new idea occurred to me. Instead of flashing your bra in a way that is clearly accidental, why not do it on purpose? Why not show it in a way that is bold enough to let people know the flashing is no accident? After all, Carrie Bradshaw did it frequently and looked fabulous. In real life, it would have to be done carefully to avoid giving off the "slut vibe," but I decided I was up to the challenge. I put my idea to the test in today's summer heat, and I was pretty pleased with the result. The look wasn't chic or well-suited for anything but the most casual settings, but it fit my mood perfectly, was comfortable, and kept me cool. Which is what I was going for. So I'd say Mission Bra Strap was a success! I also paired grey and brown, which is something I'd never done before. Not bad.