The Fab Fit Formula with Ali Cudby

The lovely Ali Cudby, author of book "Busted! The Fab Foundation Guide to Bras That Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic" gave us permission to reproduce her Fab Fit Formula article from the latest issue of  the trade publication magazine, The Best of Intima, to share with you, our readers. Hope you enjoy it. Interested in buying her book? Click here.

The Fab Fit Formula:

1) Your best bra fit is an important part of your physical and emotional healthy. Not only can proper bra fit be a matter of self-esteem, but it's also an important element in a woman's physical health. Many women suffer from chronic headaches, backeches and shoulder pain as a result of ill-fitting bras. Even worse, large-busted women who carry too much of the weight of their breasts in their straps can end up with divots in their shoulders and occasionally humps in their backs. The most common ill-effects are those women fear most - namely, sagging and stretch marks.

2) Bodies are not one-size-fits-all so bra measurement systems shouldn't be either. If a single bra measurement system worked, women would not get their size wrong so often. Too often, when women attempt these uniform measuring approaches to bra size, they end up assuming that subsequent failures are somehow their fault. Many women even presume that their bodies are somehow "wrong". That message is not only harmful to women, but also bad for the industry. It's important that understand that bras exist for their unique bodies, it's just a matter of finding them.

3) Focus on fit instead of size. There are few standards for fit when it comes to bras. Sizes differ from brand to brand, and even within brands there are differences from design to design. Not every style is right for every body type, and how a woman carries her breast tissue can have an impact on wheter or not a bra works on her body. And then there are the cup size progression differences among brands...no wonder women are confused and frustrated! The way around the dilemma is to ignore size and focus on fit. In other words, you don't have a bra size.

4) Assess your fit in the band, cup, bridge, and straps. Understanding how these key elements of the bra should fit is the meat and potatoes of finding a bra that will have women looking and feeling amazing.

5) Determine your body type. Even ten years ago, the selection of bras was much narrower than today. Boutiques and lingerie departments are now stocked with brands specifically designed for petitem full-busted and full figured women. Cup sizes range from AAA to N...and continue to expand. When women understand their individual bodies and what works best for them, it becomes easier to optimize fit, and the shopping experience.

6) Always try on a bra to know how it fits your unique body. At the end of the day, it's great fr a women to understand her body type and how a bra should feel...but that's all theory. Fit ultimately comes down to how a bra works on a woman's body, and that means trying it on. A retailer who knows thei nventory and how bras fit a variety of bodies is irreplaceable in the quest from bra brilliance.

7) Buy fewer bras of better quality. The amount of design and engineering that goes into a qality garment is often misunderstood and underappreciated by customers. A bra that fits well - and continues to fit properly over the life of a bra - means investing in quality. In the end, a quality garment will provide better value because it will maintain its ability to lift and support for a longer eriod of time.

8) Take care of your bras to get the most mileage for your money. Lingerie requires particular care in order to maximize its lifetime. When you're investing in quality garments, it is important to take care of them properly. Women often ask how long a bra should last, and the answer must be "it depends", because the effort women make (or don't) in laundering their garments has to be factored into the equation.

by Ali Cudby

A little secret...

La Lilouche is one of our designers who offer made to measure lingerie.

Another way to assure you get the perfect bra fit is to have your lingerie custom made by your exact measurements. Bella Bella Boutique understands that shopping online for a bra is challenging and to make it a positive experience, we offer personal consultations by phone and via e-mail and we work with some amazing lingerie designers who offer bespoke services. Don't hesitate to give us a call or to send us an e-mail when in doubt or want something made specially for you.

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Body Sculpt Wraps

Like many other women, I resolved to lose a certain amount of weight this year back in January. I'm slowly making progress on my goal (13 pounds!), but I have to admit that sometimes I wish for a magical solution for my problem areas. Right now, it's my thighs and my stomach.

This week, Bella Bella Boutique is introducing new Body Sculpt Wraps which may be the answer to my problem area prayers. As a child of two scientists, I wanted to know how these wraps worked so I went digging around for some information on the internet. The active ingredient in these wraps is COQ10, which is a coenzyme and a powerful antioxidant. COQ10 is found in various foods such as avocados, and has all kinds of health benefits.

The Body Sculpt Wraps act like a detox treatment and a fat burner for the cells in the area that come into contact with the wrap. The wrap purges the toxins and fat from the cells, and then aids in burning extra fat in that area. You can use the wrap once a week, and you'll lose 1 to 3 inches each time you use it. These wraps can target the thighs, waist, or your arms.

Since the wrap works at the cellular level, the results won't disappear after a few days. Obviously you'll see greater results over time with a healthy diet and exercise, or by drinking water and green tea in large amounts, but these wraps are great as a spot treatment for areas where you feel like you aren't getting the results that you want.

by Holly ( Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

Here is some before/after pictures of actual clients using the Body Scultp Wraps:

* Remember to consume 75% of your daily diet from green foods for optimal health and nutrition. Powder Green Foods are an excellent choice for a busy lifestyle, but also try to consume raw greens if you can. {Healthy Tip Courtesy of M3 Lifestyle} *

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Loungewear and Tea

This can be a hard time of year to stay upbeat, at least weather-wise. The fun of the holidays is over, and most places (including the sunny South) have been taken over by snow and rain. The two things that always get me through this time of year are comfortable loungewear and great tea. In that spirit, today I've put together some loungewear, lingerie, and tea combinations that should help you beat the winter blues and get through the next few weeks until the sun comes out again.

Zinke intimates is known for their youthful and effortless style, and this Silent T and Shorts Set is no exception. It's a luxe indulgence, made from soft cashmere and rayon, and is great for sleeping or lounging in. These pieces will drape beautifully, creating long lean lines instead of that dreaded boxy look that you get from so many sleepwear pieces. When you want something to throw on over it to make your Sunday morning pancakes in, try this On the Road Again Short Robe by Zinke. The stretch cotton will keep you warm and mold to your body, and the sleeves are just the right length for getting things done. If you're looking for an alternative to your Sunday morning coffee, try this Quangzhou Milk Oolong. It's young and grassy, with just a hint of sweet cream and orchids on the finish.

If you're looking for warmth and elegance from your loungewear, look no further than Naked Princess. Start with their Lovely Ever After Cashmere & Lace Chemise, which shows just enough to entice while keeping you cozy and warm. Naked Princess MicroModal is the softest fabric out there, and their lingerie feels like a dream on. For extra warmth, layer the chemise with the Lovely Ever After Cashmere & Lace Robe which provides all the benefits of hand-knotted lace, long sleeves, and cozy MicroModal. Elevate your lounge time with a cup of Earl Grey with Lavender. This tea is a version of an early 19th century "house blend" that was lost as the classic Earl Grey tea became more popular. The bergamot will transport you to another time, and the lavender gives it a uniquely feminine touch.

If you're struggling with sticking to your healthy New Year's resolution or exercise routine, perhaps some Lytess products and some tangerine ginger tea can lift you out of your slump. Lytess makes comfortable leggings, bras, and shapewear that are infused with caffeine and shea butter. The Slimming Leggings and Lift UP Bra make a great set to start with. Lytess products are made with thick French fabric, and are soft and comfortable as well as technology adept. As you wear the products, they tone you up and improve your skin. Users report a loss of inches as well as smoother and healthier skin. These are great loungewear pieces, but can also be used during your daily yoga session.

To finish up your yoga session, try Rishi's Tangerine Ginger blend. Since you've already gotten your caffeine from your loungewear, this tangy herbal blend will help you relax as you enjoy the health benefits of ginger. Ginger has been shown to help prevent various cancers, as well as help ward off the common cold.

When you're getting ready to curl up on the couch on Saturday night with a movie, you want to be really comfortable. These Beckoning Creatures Lounge Genie Pants by Plum Pretty Sugar cinch at the ankle and have a drawstring waist for comfort. Pair them with this soft as butter Lovely Ever After Soft Tee from Naked Princess. To pick up on the colors in the pants and to add an extra layer of softness, wrap up in this Emerald Silk Short Robe by Beautiful Bottoms.

For a more sophisticated version of movie popcorn, try this Movie Night tea instead. This green tea base with a hint of caramel corn is healthy and tastes even better than butter covered popcorn.

by: Holly (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Heaven's Alchemy: Luxurious and Unique Perfumery

When I was 10 years old or so, my mother came back from a business trip to Paris. A few nights after she got back, she came up to my room holding a black bag. “I’ve got a surprise for you, and it’s very special.” she said. Then she pulled a tiny bottle of Chanel No. 5 out of her purse. It was housed in a fancy crystal bottle, and it felt heavy when she put it into my tiny cupped hands. “Be careful with it,” she said. “It’s what real grown up ladies wear.”

I love Heaven’s Alchemy perfumes in part because they remind me of that first perfume memory: Heaven’s Alchemy perfume is what real grown up ladies wear who have especially good taste. I love the handcrafted crystal bottles that represent the different cities all over the world (The Dubai and Milan bottles are my favorite), and the scents are all alcohol, paraben, and pthlalate free.

Each Heaven’s Alchemy set is as complex as a glass of great wine. The Paris perfume is a feminine blend of bergamot, citrus, jasmine, and sandalwood. The St. Petersburg perfume is based on spicy lemon and orange notes that create heat to keep out the cold Russian winter. The Istanbul perfume combines fruity notes with hints of tea to recreate the cultural melding that has happened there over the last century.

Each deluxe box set comes with one of the gorgeous 20 ounce crystal bottles, along with two 10 ounce travel bottles. Each set comes beautifully wrapped in a gift box. If you can’t decide which one you want to start with or just feel like taking an a tour around the world, the Heaven’s Alchemy Perfume Samples include .9 ounces of all 15 perfumes so you can discover your favorites. Either way, they make being a real grown up lady feel like a pretty wonderful thing.

by: Holly (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique )

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Luca Lingerie - Young, Fresh, and Super Comfy!

Luca Lingerie may have already been to many of the countries you have on your must see list. Luckily, it is also the perfect lingerie to accompany you on your next exotic vacation.

This globetrotting brand comes from Romanian designer Claudia Luca, and her design and production process spans multiple countries. Claudia was born in Romania, but now creates her designs in Miami and manufactures her lingerie in Colombia. Her colorful and comfortable soft cup bras are a uniquely colorful take on international style.

Luca Lingerie’s soft cup bras and matching thongs are all made with high quality European mesh, cotton, and stretch lace. They’re sweet and sexy, and will make you feel like sunbathing at the beach the whole time you have them on. Even better, they’re comfortable and fit like a second skin.

We’re personally fond of the black Betina soft cup bra set, which comes complete with a sexy stretch lace thong and a playful star detail.

Print lingerie lovers will want to snap up the Sunflower soft cup bra set and bask in the vintage vibe it gives out.

Luca Lingerie is already wildly popular in South America and Europe, so we’re happy to be bringing it to our wonderful Bella Bella Boutique customers!

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Luz de la Riva: Couture Intimate Cosmetics

Your mother always said to never judge a book by the cover, but here at Bella Bella Boutique we’re lovers of elegant and unique packaging. However, that’s only one of the many reasons we were thrilled to discover these intimate lotions by Luz de la Riva.

Luz de la Riva makes couture intimate cosmetics that create a sense of exotic elegance whenever you use them. They also smell like heaven.

Luz de la Riva STELLA massage oil comes in three scents that you won’t find in any other intimate cosmetic line. Choose between the pink pepper and amber notes in the Marrakesh scent, the blackberry and vanilla orchid smells in the Wild Orchid scent, or the apple and ambergis notes in the Sweet Chérie scent. The massage oil is almond oil based to soften and nourish your skin while you relax.

The Luz de la Riva Zoë massage lotion comes in all of the same amazing scents, but has a slightly heavier formula that uses avocado and rosehip oils. This is wonderful to use with a partner, but also after a nice long bath.

If you’ve been a little nervous about giving edible massage oil a try, the Luz de la Riva LULU oil is a great place to start. Choose between pomegranate berry, chocolate spice (if you love chocolate you'll love this one), or the Argentinian famous caramel flavor, Dulce de Leche, and then go from there. This oil is entirely safe to consume if you choose, and uses natural pheromones.

Lubricant with glycerin in it can get sticky and tacky after awhile, but Luz de la Riva SIMONE Extra Slick Lubricant won’t ever have that problem. It remains silky and slick, and won’t leave you wanting to reapply a second coat.

This whole line is a treat for your body as well as your eyes!

by: Holly (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique )

The pretty bottles will look chic and sassy on your vanity tray or on your bed side table!

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Nicole Gill: A Beautiful Sacrifice

Today we’re incredibly excited to showcase Nicole Gill’s newest collection, “A Beautiful Sacrifice”. Made from the highest quality silk and lace available, Nicole’s new black and blood red pieces are guaranteed to catch your eye.

The collection features everything from unique cut bras to made to order steel boned corsets modeled after styles from the 1880’s. Each piece of the collection can be beautifully mixed and matched, or pieces can be purchased together to make more traditional sets.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if we had to it might be the Shannon Teddy. This sexy and versatile piece is created from black lace with a high neckline and tied together at the back with a large silk bow which drapes down the open back of the piece. The garment is gathered at the waist to emphasise the wearer's waistline and to create a cute playsuit style that is so hot right now!

If you’ve never bought a corset before, Nicole’s made to order corsets are absolutely stunning. They feature serious steel boning to amp up your figure, but are comfortable enough to be worn at home or as formalwear.

This collection has amazing pieces, so everyone can find something to fall in love with. We’re taking orders now, so make sure you get yours in soon.

by: Holly (Bella Bella Boutique blog contributor)

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Lytess - Anti-Cellulite, Slimming + Fat Reducing Shapewear

Today we’re proud to introduce Lytess, a smarter brand of shapewear. Lytess takes shapewear into the realm of science with their embedded microencapsulated ingredients that are released as you wear their pieces. It’s intelligent shapewear for the modern woman, complete with that je ne sais quoi of French luxury.

We’re stocking four lines of Lytess shapewear: their micro-massage line, their corrective shapewear, their slimming line, and their hydration active wear. On top of looking leaner, each line provides different long-term benefits for your body. Each piece of Lytess shapewear slims without being constrictive. They contain millions of microcapsules that release on contact with your firming ingredients such as Copaiba, Elemi resin, Rodhysterol, Caffeine to mobilize fats and Shea Butter and Sweet Almond to moisturize the skin, thanks to a revolutionary French Technology of Microencapsulated Cosmetics. As the garment is worn, the ingredients are gradually and evenly released onto the skin. No wonder Lytess products are flying off the shelves in Europe since its launch.

The Lytess micro-massage line moistens and softens your skin while providing deep tissue nutrition and helping get rid of fat in your system. The specially woven fabric responds to your natural body movements and helps massage and tone your skin. When worn on a regular basis, this line of shapewear will help treat cellulite and improve your skin.

Lytess corrective shapewear uses caffeine and shea butter to help you slim down. The caffeine helps mobilize fats, and the shea butter moistens your skin and helps it absorb the caffeine. When worn six days a week, test models lost as much as four inches off their waist size!

The Lytess slimming line contains the same ingredients, but focuses on your thighs and your hips. These pieces are designed to be comfortable enough to wear while exercising, so your body can absorb the full benefits of the smart fabric.

The Lytess hydration active wear line helps strengthen and moisturize dry and fragile skin. It also wicks moisture away from the body and provides back support while you work out. If you’re someone who struggles with itchy dry skin, this line is for you. Sweet almond and other compounds are woven into the fabric to treat your skin while you sweat.

The Lytess line debuts this week here at Bella Bella Boutique, so make sure you pick up a piece and experience these amazing benefits for yourself.

by: Holly (Bella Bella Boutique blog contributor)

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My Week With Marilyn + What Katie Did

My Week with Marilyn is an upcoming British drama film starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. The film centers on a week Monroe’s life in the summer of 1956 on the set of the movie The Prince and the Showgirl.  Vintage lingerie designer label, What Katie Did, was asked to supply lingerie for the movie which will have its world premiere at the 2011 New York Film Festival on October 9th. The film will be released on November 4th in the United States and November 18th in the United Kingdom, and we can't wait to see it!

What Katie Did made a nice video showing their pieces used in the film. See below:



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Damaris Lingerie New Collection + Short Film

Super hot British lingerie label, Damaris, is not only known for their dramatic and lush lingerie & bodywear, but also for their creative and boldness way in advertising their brand. Their new short film video, "Packing Heat", is almost 7 minutes long, directed by Johnny Green and featured model Liberty Ross. In his own words "all you need to make a movie is a gun and a girl".

The focus of course is on the lingerie, where Damaris' new collection was showcased throughout the video with beautiful and unusual knickers and bold color pieces. Check out the video below and tell us what you think! Also check out the new Damaris collection below video. Our favorite range is the "Granita". Which one is your favorite?

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Using Your Lingerie Charm

Gisele Bündchen in collaboration with Hope Lingerie shows how to get out of sticky situations using your lingerie charm. Want to learn some tips? Here we go to the videos:

Tip #1

Tip #2


Tip #3


After all, it is HOW we say anything that makes the difference! Hope you enjoyed it. :-)

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The Boudoir Fashion Guide

Mariana Rios in Lethicia Bronstein 

Boudoir Fashion is a trend that women leave their lingerie apparent in their outerwear production but without vulgarity. We understand it can be a bit tricky to do it properly, so we put together a quick guide for you to do the trend of lingerie as outerwear correctly. Let's take a look at the possibilities?

Transparency - Transparency is a great start for a boudoir look. Use transparency without fear over a pretty and opaque bra preferably. Make sure to wear nipple covers if your bra requires extra coverage for a smoother look. If you are on the shy side wear a slimming jacket over it. We have seen a lot of transparency looks showing high waisted panties and shorts which require the right personality and attitute to embrace, so if you have the personality, go for it! We love best when it is worn as a resort wear more than for a red carpet event, unless of course, you're a celebrity, otherwise go with a pencil skirt or trousers for an elegant look.

Lingerie - If you want to use lingerie in your look, keep it simple, pick just one piece and mix it with casual clothing as underlay or overlay and add playful, feminine accessories. Best pieces to wear are camisoles, bodysuits/jumpers, and bustier bras, they are super easy to mix within. Silk and lace are the best fabrics.

Lingerie Illustration: A fun way to dress boudoir style is by wearing clothing with lingerie illustrations on it. Usually presented in t-shirt styles, it's a super flirty look when paired with jeans or leggings. British lingerie label, Bordelle, have implemented this trend using an illustration of their best seller range, the Angela dress, as you see below.

Structured - This is an easy and safe way to wear boudoir fashion. It suggests the lingerie, but translated by cuts in clothing and textiles. Lace overlay gives you a dressier look while simple patterns are perfect for day wear. Corsets also fall in this category.

Hosiery - For those who want just a little boudoir touch can opt for hosiery or thigh highs, they are very sexy without trying too hard. There are many options from classic opaques to ultra sexy designs like the ones with garter cuts creating the illusion you are wearing them.

Boudoir Fashion is for all women at all ages. You just need to choose the looks that you are most comfortable with, that fit your body type appropriately, and show your personality well. Now, tell us: what do you really think about this trend? Would you wear it? If yes, what's your favorite look?

Photo: styleonthecouch.com wearing Zinke All Things Nice Lace Jumper

Collaboration Credits: JuliaPetit.com {Brazil}
Editing: Bella Bella Boutique

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Bijoux Indiscrets L'Essence du Boudoir

We can't stop spraying this yummie scent around, it's so delish and oh so sexy aroma! Developed exclusively for Bijoux Indiscrets, the recipe of L’essence du Boudoir is based on an ancient recipe of the kamasutra book. A mix of flowers, spices and woods with aphrodisiacal properties with a mixture of the sweetness of the Rose, the exoticism of Jasmine, and the erotic power of Ylang-Ylang, combined with wood and exotic spices.
This exquisite ambient room fragrance will lead you through an adventure guided by the most sensual of the senses: the sense of smell. Want to try it? Get yours here and enjoy!

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