So who is the Merry Widow

So who is the Merry Widow ........ is she someone who since her husband passed away she is partying all night and getting down with the kids?? Surely not I hear you say!

Err No! Definitely not!!

She is actually a corselet by Warner’s that was padded, strapless and had very sexy suspenders. In 1952 coinciding with the MGMs Musical Production ‘The Merry Widow’ a sexy little black number of delicious black satin and lace was born two days after the first showing of the film in New York.

Although it is believed this was not the same one as appeared in the film it sent shivers of expectation down men’s spines and caused a ruckus with the ladies.

The beautiful Leading Lady Lana Turner and Leading Man Fernando Lamas proved to give an unparalleled incentive to women all over the world to rush out and buy a replica.  The lovely Lana seemed to spend most of the time frolicking around the boudoir or dancing excitedly showing her ample curves and long legs in those heady days of sexual inhibitions.

Warner’s Merry Widow certainly captured the imagination of the masses as well as the essence of the Film. The corselet had gorgeous lace panels at the sides and had a zip closure at the back covered by a hook and eye fastening.

Although the corset was not a new invention in the 50s The Merry Widow conjured up wild thoughts and naughty ideas for that era! This was not just a strong support corset to hold everything in and flatter the waist, oh no this was something never seen before this was wild, sexy, forbidden and wicked!!

This was the turning point for women all over the world to become liberated in a new world of sexuality that had never been seen before.

Nowadays this is an essential item to superstars, to help them come across as sexy and strong,  made by famous Designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier with Madonna when she starred in her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour or Lady Gaga.

In our modern world it is now quite normal to wear underwear as outer wear! On warm evenings many a girl goes out in a well fitted pair of trousers or jeans and dons her favourite corset/bustier or little silk camisole top. These days no-one even blinks an eyelid but in 1952 Lana caused an absolute storm!!

THE GOLDEN RULES OF FINDING THE PERFECT BRA

THE GOLDEN RULES OF FINDING THE PERFECT BRA

Selecting a bra that is perfectly adapted to your body shape is not an easy task. Follow our golden rules when trying on your bra and become an expert in the subject. You’ll never make a bad choice again.

RULE NO. 1

Place each of your breasts inside of the bra cups using your opposite hand, slightly pushing them towards the centre. They should not spill over the sides. Lean forward to find the ideal position of your breasts in the bra and obtain more glamorous cleavage.

RULE NO. 2

The top of the cups must not flatten or compress your breasts. The bra should follow the curve of your breasts.

RULE NO. 3

The lower part of your bra, i.e. the underwire and/or its centre gore (piece that holds the cups together), must remain flat against your bust without feeling too tight.

RULE NO. 4

The underwire must completely envelop the curves underneath your breasts. Their ends must not float or cut into your skin, which may cause discomfort.

RULE NO. 5

The straps must be perfectly adjusted and straight. They must not be stretched, as this may cause them to slip. They must not be too tight either, as they might cut into your shoulders.

RULE NO. 6

The back of the bra is a very important part for proper bust support. It must be positioned straight across, i.e. parallel to the ground and well beneath your shoulder blades.

RULE NO. 7

The back hooks must be attached in the middle, so as to adjust to variations in size and/or the stretching of the bra. When closed, the back must not feel too tight, as this may compress the bust and create unwanted folds of skin, or too loose, as this prevents the bra from offering enough support.

RULE NO. 8

The bra must remain perfectly in place. Don’t hesitate to move around, lean forward and and always lift your arms to make sure that it won’t budge.

Lastly.....

Don’t be afraid of advising the shop assistant that the bra is not right and you need to try another shape, size etc.

You will not keep the same bra size forever remember having your children, illness or dieting can all contribute to you losing or gaining weight and of course in turn your breasts can become larger or smaller.

Don’t be scared of experimenting with different shapes and styles of bras and sizes if your normal one seems a little tight or slack. These are all signs that your bra size has changed.

OUR SHAPE MATTERS TOO!!!

There are many special tape measures that tell us if we are a 32B or 34C and calculators on the internet that calculate our bust size. You can also have the really chatty lady (sometimes) at a store that will measure your bust for you and tell you what she thinks your size is. I have been into three different lingerie shops and been quoted three different sizes!!. Which I am sure we have all experienced.

However the problem with such a basic regime is that there are so many other factors that need to be considered to ensure our choice of intimate apparel fits perfectly!  Because ladies just as all our shapes of body are different and even our fingers and toes are different shapes and sizes, so are our breasts! 

Your breast shape certainly helps to decide whether your bra fits snug.  Even if it is the right size the style of bra really matters and must compliment our breast shape.

There are many shapes of breasts - if your breast is fuller at the top this could cause your bra to dig into you and make your breasts appear to be falling out! But I have always worn this size I hear you cry so why have I suddenly got a problem? The simple answer is your bra may not be the wrong size it could be that your bra style is wrong for the shape of your breasts! In this case why not try one with lace addition to the top of the bra which is usually more forgiving or a lower cut shape. You could also try a larger cup size if you have really fallen in love with ‘that’ beautiful bra.

Believe me ladies there is nothing worse than seeing double boobs on both sides!! It is definitely not a good look!! 

If you have breasts that are fuller on the bottom a full cup bra may be the perfect one for you, however again you may need to try a size up. 

How do we work out what shape of breasts we have?

The easiest way is to stand without your bra in front of a mirror, full length if possible, and look at yourself!  Ask yourself where is the fullest part of my breast?  Then start experimenting with your bra shapes. Don’t think that you need to stick to the size you have always worn for years, you don’t! In fact that is the worst thing that you can do as through having our children, dieting and any illness, all these stages in our life alters not just our weight on the weighing scales but also the size and shape of our breasts. 

Nowadays there are so many types of bra to choose from offering different materials (some more stretchy than others) shapes and styles. 

Don’t be afraid of experimenting you learn so much and there are many bras that will fit you perfectly, I promise.  You may be surprised that although you had never thought of wearing a particular style of bra it really suits you and you love it! You just have to experiment, don’t choose the first one because you have always worn that size or shape.

But above all remember – breasts matter, not just the size but the shape is important too!

And lastly GOOD HUNTING AND HAVE FUN!!!