Bare Necessities: The Blog

A 36W(att) Bra

Perhaps in an attempt to turn feminism on its head, here's a bra that really makes a statement.

In what started out as performance art is now commerce as an entrepreneurial fashion engineer has branched out to make bras with scrolling messaging.

And you only need a 9V battery to power the "mixed messages" bra. However, with a $500 price tag you won't be burning this bra anytime soon in the name of feminism.

(Link to the enlighted site and blog*.)

If you're looking to send a slightly less sassy message, a brighter idea might be luxury bras.

* As always, we are not responsible for content on third-party Web sites nor is this post/link an explicit endorsement.

¡iCaramba!

The iPod craze just may be in its 14th minute of fame. We've recently seen specially designed jeans for an iPod. We've even seen men's briefs with an extra pouch for Apple's ubiquitous music player -- although we're not too sure of its usage. Is it polite to skip a song in mixed company? Or does this presuppose iPod users are only in their bare necessities when they listen to music? Either way, we're thinking lingerie for your iPod is crossing some line.

And speaking of men's briefs, we wonder if Tom Cruise's karaoke homage to rock and roll would have been as cool if he had an iPod tucked away down there. Just a thought.

So for now, we'll stick to iBras versus iBriefs.

We're #1! But Don't Take Our Word for It ...

Last week on NBC's Today Show, they had a lengthy segment on Shop Etc. Magazine's best new bras for your money (see the video). Shop Etc. tried hundreds of new bras and picked 10 must-have bras for 2006 in its February issue.

Well, we're happy to say we feature six of these 10 new styles. We have the number one ...

• Everyday Bra
• T-Shirt Bra
• Minimizer Bra
• Strapless Bra
• Maternity Bra
• Bra to Wear Under a V-Neck

Pretty gosh darn good -- and remember these are only the newest styles. We still have your favorite bras from 2005 in stock. The full Shop Etc. article also highlights popular brands such as Wacoal, Playtex and Maidenform. Here's one thing we did catch during Shop Etc.'s Today Show visit.

One reason bra shopping is frustrating is that no retailer, not even a Web site, carries all the big brands, so trying on every bra out there is a lot of work. To save you time, our fashion editor Genevieve Yraola called in all the big brands — over 200 bras in all.

Again, not to toot our own horn :), but we have more brand name bras than anyone and (currently) more than 650 styles in stock. If you do happen to find a brand or style that you want us to carry, simply drop us a line.

ABC 'Lost' Actress Gets Spoylt

Lost actress Yunjin Kim's pre-Golden Globe to-do list included a stop at the HBO "Luxury Lounge" taking advantage of her newly found celebrity status. She spoiled herself on handmade Godiva chocolates, 27-karat diamond chandeleer earings (the jeweler even added clips as Kim's ears aren't pierced), a luxurious manicure, Spoylt lingerie and more. Of course, it's all free for the star. Did we mention the 27-karat earings?

And while shopping for Spoylt and other luxuries, Kim ran into Will & Grace's Debra Messing. Coincidently, Messing will be presenting the award for best drama series, which Lost is nominated for this year.

Now the Web/E-mail Guy didn't quite get his ticket to the red carpet on time, but it looks like Kim was most interested in the Spoylt Temptation Collection. However, Spoylt gifted its Decadence Collection and others to the stars as well.

Baring any wardrobe malfunction, we won't know what the celebrities are wearing under their de la Rentas or Versaces. And it'd be too bold for even Joan and Melissa Rivers to ask. But if Lost does win perhaps Kim and Messing will have something to chit chat about on stage.

Spoylt has received a fair amount of A-list press in the past year appearing on such shows as Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, Nip/Tuck and Entourage. Guys? This might make a good Valentine's Day gift -- hint, hint.

The Thong Show: Keeping it Real in the Crib?

We readily admit some styles aren't for everyone. It's the reason why we carry thousands of styles for you. If you don't like back close bras, we have front close bras. Not a briefs man? We have boxers and boxer briefs. Want something more daring than a camisole? We even have matching thongs for your babydolls. But thongs for baby ... dolls? That's a new one.

Tiana Ennis was excited about Sasha, the bottle holding Baby Bratz doll she got Christmas morning, along with three other teenage Bratz. They're known for their bold fashion statements. But the 8-year-old was unnerved by the skinny underwear she discovered under the Baby Bratz's skirt.

It was a thong. ...

[Her mother] worries the thong and short skirt send a bad message to young children who are already exposed to [sic] much that's beyond their years.

The makers of Baby Bratz say it was a mistake and promise to replace the doll. We welcome them to read our Panty Primer in case they need additional help with thongs.

"Memoirs of a Geisha"'s Clothes

Every now and again, a movie can inspire a fashion trend. Remember what Tom Cruise did to sales of men's briefs and sunglasses (not necessarily in that order) in "Risky Business"? Well, some retailers (registration required) have decided to latch onto Asian-themed products because of the soon-to-be released film "Memoirs of a Geisha." "Geisha" shoes, "Geisha" tea bags and "Geisha" makeup are all in stores now. The latter ignores the fact that a geisha has a time-honored makeup routine but we won't quibble.

However, kimonos are conspicuous in their absence from all these product tie-ins. Not to jump on the bandwagon but we do have a number of obi-belt, kimono/kimono-style apparel. These also make great gifts as Asian-themed apparel is not only popular with adults but with teenagers as well.

Sorry Michael Jackson, We Like This Moonwalker Better

In 1996, fashion stylist Nina Barough had a "fab idea." She decided to raise money for breast cancer research by power walking the New York Marathon -- in her bra. She and her 11-member, bra-clad team eventually raised several thousands of dollars. What she didn't know is that eight months later, she herself  would be diagnosed with breast cancer.

It Figures

So here's a quick quiz ... are you a Spice Girl, a Fly Girl, a Swim Girl or a "Seven Year Itch" Girl? The answer might surprise you.

Shoes News

The newest "comfort food" for women is footwear fashion according to the Washington Post. We don't think this is exactly breaking news but the trend does seem to be growing.

Bill Boettge, president of the National Shoe Retailers Association, has a clear theory about why, honed by more than 30 years in the business.

"Women love footwear, and they use it for a psychological boost," Boettge said. "It's almost like they're saying, 'The hell with everything else, I'm going out and giving myself a lift. Enough of this war, and gas prices, and worries about terrorism and hurricanes.' "

Whether that's the reason or it's a "Desperate" effect, you can see the results all around you. More people are using their feet (and legs, take a look at our evening hosiery selections) to make a statement.

But don't let your statement end at your front door. You can stay stylish with comfy slippers and slipper socks. These made "Oprah's Favorite Things" list not too long ago. Or you could try something more haute. At least, that's what the women of Wisteria Lane would do.

Baby's Got Sassybax

This little item (registration required) from WFAA channel 8 in Texas starts off with a simple question:

It eventually happens to just about every woman, and it's nearly impossible to get rid of - the unaffectionately called "back fat."

How many times have you put on that tight-fitting sweater, only to find a bulge around your bra strap?

The story, of course, quotes liberally from Tuesday's episode of Oprah and lists three bras that aim to attack "back fat." One product, the Sassybax, was invented by a former model and Miss Texas. The Oprah Winfrey Show goes on to highlight the Felina Hint of Skin bra and the Wacoal's iBra as two of the best against "back fat." All three are not only innovative but comfortable and seamless, perfect for today's form fitting apparel. In addition, Sassybax comes in a wide range of sizes. Check out the WFAA video (again, registration required) to learn more about the backside of the bra revolution.