Product Review: Hanky Panky

We've talked about Hanky Panky a lot over the years. We've loved them from the first day we opened The Girls Bra Shop five years ago; being the first to bring them to you in New Brunswick.

So what exactly is Hanky Panky and why do we love them so much?

Hanky Panky holds claim to the world's most comfortable thong. Their thongs have an "abbreviated back which sits between the cheeks ensuring no visible panty line (VPL). " Now let's be clear on this: they sit between the cheeks. What I personally love about Hanky Panky is that their thongs don't climb up between the cheeks but sit perfectly between. This alone has me agreeing with their claim to be the world's most comfortable thong.

What I also love about Hanky Panky is the material they use. Not only is it beautiful and appealing to my love of all things feminine and pretty but the soft stretch lace provides a snug fit in the places I want it and yet doesn't cut in to my hips.

The thongs come in original rise, low rise, one size and plus size.

But that's not all Hanky Panky is great at. We are also big fans of their boy shorts, tank tops and bralettes. The medium rise, full-coverage panty is great under your favorite outfits as well as lounging around with your favorite matching tank top. Their tank tops and bralettes provide the comfort Hanky Panky fans have come to expect, above the waist.

Hanky Panky boy shorts, tank tops and bralettes come in the extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large sizing. They also have the plus size options in the boy short and tank top.

There is always time for Hanky Panky.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

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Source: http://www.hankypanky.com

Event: Engaged Bridal Saint John Expo

Come see us at the Engaged Bridal Wedding Expo.
We are there today, September 22nd, 2013
From Noon until 5pm.

Saint John's Largest Bridal Show
Over 50 Top Wedding Professional on hand to help you plan your special day

Tons of Prizes to be won | Grand Fashion Show

Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, Market Square


Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Queen Latifah Said it Best

CoverGirl model, actress, singer, and overall cool character Queen Latifah knows the importance of staying true to who she is.  Here are a few of her beauty tips that keep her looking a feeling fabulous:

In everything you do, I always remind yourself what’s important or what’s real.  

Add some joy to your life. Nothing looks more beautiful than a joyful face. 

Be fair. It’s not good to be a nasty person. People remember that. 

Find your special way to relax.  One of my favorite ways to relax is to listen to gospel music.  I grew up on it. I grew up between New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland churches. You didn't have a choice, but learn to love gospel music and I still love it. 

I wear Spanx undergarments to streamline my shape under my evening gowns. Spanx undergarments flatten my figure in all the right places so I don’t have to worry about bulges and rolls. These undergarments are so comfortable that I can even wear them under casual clothes. Even slender stars wear them for that added security. The Higher Power High Waisted Power Panty is a celebrity favorite and has been used in makeovers on shows like The View.  

Don’t wear too much makeup it should be natural. [And this is coming from someone with her own makeup line.]

My ultimate feel-great secret is that I never lose sight of the fact that true beauty comes from within, and that’s what really defines who we are. I truly believe every woman has the power to feel and be beautiful.  

My never-fails look is to just look like yourself, enhance your features.

Photo Credit Link

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

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Sources:

http://imabeautygeek.com/2011/01/03/happy-2011-words-from-queen-latifah/

http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/makeup-skin-care-hair-tips/beauty-tips-from-the-queen-of-confidence-queen-latifah

http://www.celebrity-beauty-tip-goldmine.com/celebrity-style-secrets.html#queen

http://imabeautygeek.com/2011/01/03/happy-2011-words-from-queen-latifah/

How to Know if a Bra Fits

http://bustygirlcomics.com

As you may have guessed, I love the Busty Girl comics. They truly depict a type of real woman and real situations.

I'm not sure if the author is a fitter but she gets it right with this image. The best way to know if a bra fits is to move around in it.

Once you and your fitter have found the bras that you like, take a few extra minutes and try those bras on again. This time move around in them.

Shake your booty, pretend you are lifting the laundry basket, run on the spot pumping your arms. Mimic activity you expect to do in that bra in real life.

If they don't move and your girls don't fall out, it is the bra for you.


Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Benefits of a Good Fit: Pure Bliss

It feels just amazing on!

http://bustygirlcomics.com

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Benefits of a Good Fit: Confidence

It's amazing what a good fit can do for your confidence. When you look good. You feel good.

http://bustygirlcomics.com

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Benefits of a Good Fit: Posture

"A good bra alleviates pain, improves our posture and breathing and helps us to look good and feel good."^*

http://bustygirlcomics.com

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

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* Direct quote from: http://www.topazimageconsultancy.co.uk/bras/get-a-good-bra-alleviate-back-and-shoulder-pain-and-improve-posture/

Bring a Friend & Share the Rewards

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Happy Canada Day!

Wear your Canadian pride...modestly.

Red can be invisible under most white shirts. Giggle.















Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Know Your Shape: Athletic and Uneven

We've already taken a look at pointed, thin and full breast shapes. Let's take a look at two more: athletic and uneven.

Athletic

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

The athletic breast shape is usually referred to as flat. They tend to have less fatty tissue with little cleavage between the two breasts.

Recommendation:

• Padded or pushup t-shirt bras to enhance the size
• Bandeaus and bralettes for coverage and no nipple chafing

Caution:

Plunging bras are not going to suit this breast shape.

Uneven

All women have one breast different from than the other. With some women this is more prominent than typical.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to balance the appearance of the breasts
• Cookies (typically silicon shapes that can be added to the bra) to balance the appearance
• Full coverage bras with stretchy lace that will form to the shape of each breast

Caution:

Plunge bras can show off the unevenness in this breast shape.

That concludes the Know Your Shape series. I had a lot of fun writing it. And remember there are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed or maybe not quite any of them. This is only a guideline, I recommend that you work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Know Your Shape: Full

Last week we look at the pointed and thin breast shapes. This week we look at full breast shapes.


Please note: There are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed. I recommend that you still work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Round and Full

The round and full breast shape is the most common and most sought after shape. The breasts are exactly that, round with equal fullness on all sides of the breast. Women with round and full breasts are fortunate as most bras are designed with their breast shape in mind.

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

Recommendation:

• While most bras can fit this breast shape, we recommend:
• Demi and balcony bras that are cut lower and less likely to cause pillowing
• Full coverage bras for the most lift and support and will cover the full breast and not cut across the top. 

Caution:

Structure is important to a round and full breast shape. We caution against foam lined t-shirt bras unless they are firm, as they will not give the lift and support a full breast requires.

Full on Top

The full on top breast shape appears fuller above the nipple.

Recommendation:

• Demi and balcony bras that are cut lower and less likely to cause pillowing

Caution:

The top of bras can cause pillowing with this breast shape.

Full on Bottom

The full on bottom breast shape appears fuller below the nipple.

Recommendation:

• Bras that push up on the bottom of the breast for a more rounded look
• Foam lined and padded t-shirt bras for a rounded look

Caution:

The full on bottom breast shape is not likely to fill out a full coverage or demi cut bra and will leave a space not looking quite round or full.

Full on Sides

The full on sides breast shape appears fuller on the sides of the breast. It may appear to extend beyond the rib cage.

Recommendation:

• 3 or 4 part bras, like balcony and full coverage for the best support and to center the breast
• Look for bras that are not stretchy
• Optionally, plunge

Caution:

This breast shape should avoid typical t-shirt bras unless they are firm and specifically designed for this particular shape. They will not give the support needed for this breast shape.
Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Know Your Shape: Pointed and Thin

We all know how important it is to find your right size to get that proper fitting bra. But that doesn’t mean that once you know your size, every bra in that size is going to fit you perfectly. Some styles are going to be better on you than others, and some you should just avoid.

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

Not all bras are the same.  Each is designed with a certain woman, shape, and purpose in mind. Knowing your shape goes a long way in knowing the right style for you.

Are you pointed and thin? Round and full? Athletic? Uneven?

This is naturally part of the fitting process. Not only is a good fitter trying to find your right size but she is also determining what styles work best on your shape.

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll look at common shapes and what might work best for that woman.

Please note: There are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed. I recommend that you still work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Pointed

The pointed breast shape is pointed or cone like. Typically this shape is found in the A-C cup range. It is likely that the nipple will be pointed and obvious. This shape is best suited for foam lined and padded t-shirt bras.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to smooth and round the shape
• Padded push up bras for a fuller look
• Bandeaus to round the shape

Caution:

The pointed breast shape should avoid plunge bras as they are more likely to fall out of the bra.

Thin

The thin breast shape appears slim and long. This shape is typically found in the A-C cup range. Thin breast shapes will find soft cup (or wireless) bras comfortable as standard underwire bras can sit too low on the rib cage.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to smooth and round the shape
• Padded push up bras for a fuller look
• Bandeaus to round the shape

Caution:

The thin breast shape may find underwire uncomfortable as it may sit too low on the rib cage.

To learn more, see the entire Know Your Shape series.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Marilyn Monroe Said it Best

"I’d rather be healthy and happy than be rich. Although, I must admit there are times when being rich is at the top of my list, being healthy is what keeps me beautiful and I would not trade my health for all the money in the world."

"Let’s face it, you can buy all the cosmetics and clothing available on the market, but without a good, healthy body, people will be able to see the artifice you’ve put forward. A healthy body is a beautiful body."

"If you aren't following good health tips, then you are cheating yourself out of a beautiful body, life, mind, and spirit. With good health, you can appear eternally beautiful."

"I don't mind being burdened with being glamorous and sexual. Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it's based on femininity."

"What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course."

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

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Sources:

http://beautyeternity.com/2012/08/beauty-secrets-hollywood-pinup-divas/

http://beautyeternity.com/2012/08/beauty-secrets-hollywood-pinup-divas/

More Than Bras

Did you know that we are more than just bras?

At The Girls Bra Shop we like to consider ourselves your one stop shop for all of your foundational needs. We have you covered from head to toe.

We even have something for the men in your life.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Nursing Bras Aren't Just for Nursing

This mother's day, I've been thinking of friends who are new moms. Of course that makes me think of nursing bras. Nature of what we do I guess. Giggle.

Nursing bras are not only designed for the convenience and comfort while nursing. The brands we carry at The Girls Bra shop are also designed to:

• Expand with your diaphragm during pregnancy and tighten after the baby is born.
• Be gentle against your tender skin.

It's important to be fitted regularly as your body changes. Around 3-4 months you may notice an increase in bust size. A trained fitter can help you find the right bra for you that will adjust to your changing body.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Event: Head 2 Toe

Come see The Girls in St. John's NL today at Head 2 Toe.

Head 2 toe is a true Women's Show. Everything under one roof, from Cosmetics, Jewelery, weight loss,travel, hair, fashions, spa's salons. There will be a traditional trade show with many interactive booths and products for you to try. We will have vendors from across the province as well as several from out of town. 


The entertainment stage will feature live product demonstrations and several different entertainment performances throughout the day. The day will finish with a very unique fashion show component.

In total over 60 different Women's specific vendors will be there. We are anticipating a crowd of nearly 1000. Will you be there?

Today, May 5th, 2013. 11am to 5pm.

Admission is only $10. It is an all ages show from 11-2pm with 2-5pm being 19+.

St. John's Convention Center, St. John's Newfoundland




Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

What Are You Going to Wear UNDER That Perfect Dress?

You're engaged. Congratulations!

You've started scanning and collecting all of the planning information you can get your hands on. Checklists for 12, 9, 7 months before the wedding. You've asked your girls to stand up with you.

Fantasie Ava

Now it's time to go find that perfect dress. That dress that will make your man's mouth hang open as you walk down the aisle towards him. That dress that will make your dad hold you a little tighter because his little girl is all grown up. That dress that makes you feel like a princess on your very special day.

But what are you going to wear under that dress?

According to the Knot Wedding Channel, knowing what lingerie you are going to wear under your dress is one of the top 5 things every bride should know before shopping for your dress. As they say, "finding the perfect gown requires patience and a whole lot of preparation."

Elomi Occasions

So be prepared for your dress fitting. Take the right lingerie with you. Go with your bridesmaids to a lingerie store with expert fitters and have lingerie fittings before going dress shopping. Our fitters at The Girls can help you find the perfect bra, corset, shapewear or hosiery for your perfect dress and body type.

Take the lingerie you are going to wear on your special day to your gown fittings. Wearing the right lingerie to your dress consultation and fitting helps the dresses fall on you like they will on your wedding day. So there will be no surprises. It also helps your wedding consultant get more accurate measurements for ordering that perfect gown.

Congratulations again! And happy shopping!!

Ann & Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Let’s face it; a good bra that provides comfort and makes you feel pretty becomes almost an obsession and needs to be well taken care of. 

Using a detergent specifically designed for your delicates will give them a much longer life. Since tomorrow is Earth Day I thought I would share with you two of our favorite brands and their impact on our earth.

Eucalan

"Eucalan is a No Rinse Delicate Wash that is non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of bleach, phosphates, synthetic fragrance and dye.  Eucalan is pH neutral and is packaged in an easy to recycle, dye free hdpe plastic bottle.  Eucalan is scented with essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, and grapefruit, and is also available in natural (unscented).  The lanolin acts as a natural conditioner, keeping fibres supple and reducing static." Click here for the ingredient list.

Forever New

www.forevernew.ca

Forever New promises to "Launder with Kindness". Both the powder and liquid detergents for lingerie and swim are made with plant based, biodegradable cleansers. They are never formulated with parabens, phthalates, SLES & dyes, and are never tested on animals. One bottle of the liquid does 126 hand washes and 375 hand washes with the powder. Because of it's organic nature Forever New rinses completely clean, meaning it doesn't cling to the fibers of your delicates, giving them a longer life. Click here for the ingredient list.

To learn more about how to care for your delicates, see Caring for Your Bra, How Long Should My Bra Last?, Swimwear care,  and Caring for Your Delicates.

Happy Earth Day!

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Event: It's a Girl Thing

Come see us today at It's a Girl Thing!

Renew your spirit and capture your imagination by attending “It’s a Girl Thing”, an impressive array of exhibitors collected together with women in mind. 

• Gather your mom, sister, aunts or best friends for this amazing fundraiser at the Saint John Artc Centre (20 Hazen Avenue, Carleton St. entrance uptown across from former YMCA)

• Receive tips on everything from skincare, interior decorating, hair care, makeup, purses, jewellery, fashion, de-cluttering techniques, gardening, cooking & much more!

This event will feature a walk around fashion show, live music, door prizes, information, food, free samples & much more fun to await you!

Date: April 14th, 2013
Time: 1pm - 4pm 

Proceeds: $6 Cover Charge goes to the Saint John Vineyard Food Pantry, Community Outreach and Romero House

Ann & Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

T-Shirt Bras

Spring is here, summer around the corner. T-shirt weather!

Padded

And that means t-shirt bras. Smooth under your cutest t-shirt beauties.

Not every t-shirt bra is for every woman. Thankfully they come in many different varieties.

Most t-shirt bras are foam lined. Foam gives the breasts a uniform/symmetrical smooth shape without making you look bigger. Foam lined t-shirt bras come both underwired and wireless.

Some t-shirt bras are padded. These bras still give you a symmetrical and smooth shape while also making your breast look bigger.

There are plunging t-shirt bras that give a beautiful look to your low necklines.

Memory Foam

3D spacer bras are lighter and fit more naturally to the breast. Tiny bubbles allow the fabric to breathe while creating that desirable smooth look under your t-shirt.

Memory foam bras mold itself to the shape of each breast individually. Giving balance when one breast is larger than the other.

Molded bras provide a more natural look while still smoothing. These bras provide their shape using one piece of seamless material.

But don't rule out what we call everyday underwire bras. These bras are structured with flat seams that are virtually invisible under t-shirts. If you are looking for great lift and support as well as smoothing this is the type of bra you are looking for.

3D Spacer

Now that you have your t-shirt bra, it's important to take good care of it.

• If your bra has foam or padding, do not leave one cup folded inside the other. This can break down the foam, which will eventually show under your fabulous t-shirts.
• It's VERY important to hand wash, re-shape and hang to dry.
• Storage is also important to ensure the cup does not get dented.

Happy t-shirt weather!

Ann and Tammy (and Katherine)
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.