It makes a big difference to the overall look of an outfit when you wear a white camisole under a white or cream button down, blouse, knitted top or piece of knitwear. It makes your white top look richer, crisper and whiter. The result is a more polished appearance.

I see many women wearing nude or white bras under their white tops and nothing else. Although the color of the bra works, it doesn’t look so fab. White tops are usually more transparent than other colours and the addition of a white cami gives the top the appropriate coverage and extra visual interest.

I’m all for creating contrast, but I don’t fancy the look of other colours under white. It never looks quite as magical as the crisp, clean impact of white on white.

I wear a camisole virtually every day. My favourite brand and style, perhaps surprisingly, is the BP. stretch camisole from the junior department at Nordstrom for $12 a piece.

These camis are made of a rich cotton-spandex and bound with a pretty sateen. They come in about 20 different solid colours and have sufficient length for layering if you’re petite or regular height. The neckline is pretty high and the fabric stability is impressive. They don’t have a shelf bra and are as soft and comfy as can be.

They run a little small, so go up a size. I’ve triplicated my black and white camis and bought a few other colours. Despite getting washed and tumble-dried frequently, they have lasted quite well. It’s a win.

Which are your current favourite camisole brands and why?

Nordstrom offers additional colours at store level. Unfortunately, there are only six shades to choose from online.

Heidi Klum presented this product on the Oprah show recently and to quote Oprah herself : “no more muffin tops”.

The Yummie Tummie is a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this item is not supposed to be hidden. It acts as a visible layering piece under a jacket, top or dress. But there’s nothing stopping you from covering it up. It’s available in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths in most department stores and online. It’s versatility is key, but you pay for it at $62 apiece.

I haven’t personally fitted one on, but have seen it’s positive effects first hand with my clients. It works and is worth a try if you’re prepared to wear shapewear.

I suggest shapewear to my clients as a last resort. We first try to find clothing that flatters without shapewear, because that’s the more comfortable option and one less item to think about. But I do have clients who are happy wearing shapewear daily and it does make a visual difference.

A mannequin on display at Soma Intimates caught my attention last week. She was wearing super sleek underwear accompanied by the slogan “the one and only vanishing edge panty”. Curious, I went inside and found a whole slew of panties and shapewear in Soma’s “vanishing edge collection”. I promptly bought a pair of boy shorts to put them to the test.

They are fabulous. The leg openings are lined with an ultra thin layer of rubber to ensure that your undies stay put. And it really works. Ultra soft and breathable microfiber, a cotton gusset and an assortment of colours might make these knickers the answer to your thong-free days. They launder well and the rubberized finish has not irritated my sensitive skin. I’m chuffed.

The sales assistant suggested going up a size if you’re a little curvier on the derriere or thigh because panty lines can’t vanish if the rubber is too tight. I’m converted and have made use of their offer by getting 3 for $27. Here’s to no more panty lines.

I personally like the look and coverage of boy shorts, but there are many other options if that’s not your cup of tea. This collection is available online if you don’t have a Soma store nearby.

It’s makes a big difference when we wear the correct gear for sporting activities, and bras are no exception. A recent discussion on the YLF forum suggests that “Shock Absorber” bras are a very good choice. The brand offers various levels of support and you can go with or without underwire. Wearing sports bras for working out is a must because heavy perspiration shortens the life of everyday bras. So you’ll actually be saving money after the initial investment.

Thanks for the information Nicole and Ana. Shock Absorbers are available on Figleaves.com. Here’s to no more jiggle when we wiggle.

There are frequently “hidden” items that we need, but that we don’t like to purchase because we’d rather spend money on items that get noticed right away. We neglect these items either because we have a limited budget, or because we’re not excited about them. Bras, undies, socks, lounge clothes, workout wear, sleepwear, bathrobes, slippers, perfume, make-up and socks often fall into this category.

For the love of your wardrobe, treat yourself (or be treated to) at least one of these everyday essentials. Treat someone else that you love to one of their hidden wardrobe needs. I am definitely treating myself to a sweet pair of pajamas for Valentine’s Day. My wardrobe deserves it.

Your everyday bras will give you comfort and support for a full 12 months if (and it’s a big “if”) you do the following:

• Purchase great quality bras
• Rotate at least four bras so that each of them gets equal rest and wear
• Launder them with love and NEVER use the tumble dryer
• Don’t use them for working out; that’s for sports bras
• Store them neatly to preserve the molded shape of the cups

Purchasing fabulous bras can set you back a pretty penny and it’s therefore worth the effort to make them last. Yet another way to increase the ROI of your wardrobe.

By the way, Nicole started a very informative thread on bras in the forum. Be sure to take a look.

The first few weeks of a New Year are the perfect time to remember the parts of your wardrobe that often fall by the wayside. Set aside time to think about the items below and add them to your shopping list if they need replacing or updating. The list pertains both to ladies and gents so have a squizz at your significant other’s wardrobe after you’ve gone through yours.

• Slippers or house shoes are an essential part of your wardrobe if you don’t like to wear shoes at home. Walking around in socks is fine, but if your feet hurt after a day of stomping around on hard wooden floors, then a super pair of slippers is the solution.
• Loungewear that looks and feels great is a must because lounging with style is important, and I can’t stress this point enough.
• Workout wear that’s flattering, comfortable and practical makes exercising a joy. Make sure that you work out in pukka workout wear because old sweats and T’s won’t do.
• Socks need to work with your wardrobe and be free of holes. Make sure that you have the right assortment of colours and thicknesses to suit your needs.
• Underwear is often neglected and it’s where your style quotient starts. Check that bras, undies, camisoles and boxer shorts are in good condition and in the right size and silhouette.
• Make-up drawers get overloaded with lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners and shadows that are either dated or expired. Get rid of the junk and keep your make-up drawer clean and minimalist.

Closet editing was a popular New Year’s resolution so we’ll recap how to proceed with this process effectively in a few blog entries.

I recently discovered this gadget and it really works. It’s called the strapper and it’s a handy little tool that converts a normal bra into a racer back. It’s perfect for the situation where necklines and armhole openings of tops and dresses are cut close to the neck. The strapper will even work with the odd halter top if the styles aren’t backless. For $6 you’ve saved yourself the expense of buying a strapless bra and the annoyance of having to constantly adjust falling bra straps . Hide the strap and reveal the shoulder bone with this nifty little accessory.

The bra baby is a “revolutionary new washing system that protects your finest intimate apparel from the wear and tear of the washing machine”. It’s like a hard, plastic, oval egg shell that encages the bra and prevents it from being squashed, stretched and agitated during washer/dryer spin cycles.

This sounds like a good idea for the washing machine, but I’d still refrain from putting my bras in the dryer. Elastic does not like excessive heat no matter how well you protect it on the outside. The heat causes elastic fibers to contract and then break down, making them lose their elasticity (which is also why we should never tumble dry our jeans).

Good bras can cost up to $90 a piece and caring for them is essential. At $19.95 for two, the bra baby might be worth the expense (as long as you continue to hang-dry your bras).  I’ve been using the bra bag for years, but perhaps it’s time to update the way I baby my bras. Have you tried the bra baby? If so, leave a comment and let us know how it worked out.