| Somewhere Over the Rainbow |
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This newsletter we are talking all about shapewear and corsets that help us get that classic hourglass shape for our dresses! But dressing pinup isn't all about shapewear - it also relies on body image and self confidence. It's important to highlight that beauty, even pinup beauty, is not one single ideal. Beauty comes in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and shades, and we wouldn't have it any other way! We asked Holly Rose Johnson, one of our favorite Pinups, to help share some of her thoughts on body confidence and healthy body image. Take it away, Holly!
"Hello. My name is Holly and I am from Milwaukee, WI. I am a 44 year old divorced mother of four lovely children. I am going to start by saying ALL BODIES ARE BEAUTIFUL. You can literally rock whatever you have. Self confidence about you as a whole woman is key. When you know you are an intelligent beautiful badass, people see it too. |
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It took me a long time to be comfortable in my skin. I have been 100 pounds and 300 pounds but really it is how you do you. Most of the confidence that I built has been my transformation from the married life to the single life. And yes, I am on dating sites. I post full body pics and at least one no make up pic. Even the most beautiful models and actresses have stretch marks and scars. Own every part of you.
I have heard some of my curvier friends say they don't eat on dates because they feel uncomfortable. SIS, eat that dinner. He knew he asked out a woman. He went to the market and liked what he saw. Always remember he swiped right for a reason. Your partner is with you because of your inner glow. | |
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| It took me a long time to be comfortable in my skin. I have been 100 pounds and 300 pounds but really it is how you do you. Most of the confidence that I built has been my transformation from the married life to the single life. And yes, I am on dating sites. I post full body pics and at least one no make up pic. Even the most beautiful models and actresses have stretch marks and scars. Own every part of you.
I have heard some of my curvier friends say they don't eat on dates because they feel uncomfortable. SIS, eat that dinner. He knew he asked out a woman. He went to the market and liked what he saw. Always remember he swiped right for a reason. Your partner is with you because of your inner glow. | |
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How do you build self confidence?
1. Stop picking yourself apart. When you do this, you tell your brain and your spirit you are not this or that. STOP.
2. Stop saying "can't." Just do.
3. Don't live in the past. Nothing in the past is going to help you with your future. Do a rewrite. Love your present and your future.
4. Tell yourself everyday you a confident, intelligent, luscious woman. Your brain will believe this and so will others around you.
5. You won't be everyone's cup of tea but you ARE someone's shot of whiskey. |
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Shapewear is used to enhance the curves you have or build the curves you want. It gives you an extra edge. I like corsets and shapewear panties to smooth and shape. Buying quality shapewear is pretty key with this; cheap corsets only get a couple of wears. And let's face it: shapewear is sexy. I feel so sexy taking off that dress and seeing that corset, garters and pretty bra. Do yourself a favor: do a photo shoot in your knickers! | |
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Shapewear is an important tool in your pinup bag of tricks, and too big to tackle in a single newsletter! But here is an overview of some of the different pieces you'll see mentioned in the genre.
What is Shapewear? Shapewear is a foundation garment that smooths or emphasizes the contours of your body to achieve your desired look. Shapewear comes in many styles and cuts to fulfill a variety of different fashion goals. In the 1920s, flapper shapewear aimed to give a sleek rectangular look. Pinup fashions are cut to fit an hourglass shape, and certain types of shapewear can help our modern bodies look a little more Marilyn-esque.
What Shapewear Isn't Even though shapewear can be used to smooth out the lumps and bumps created by our other undergarments, the goal of pinup shapewear isn't necessarily to make a person look smaller. Shapewear can help create or emphasize curves, or tweak your existing proportions in such a way that these stunning dresses fit more comfortably! |
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GGR's Magical Shapewear Layering Guide
The Full Shebang would consist of these 4 pieces:
1.) A high-waisted tummy-control panty 2.) A regular or longline bra 3.) A corset 4.) Elastic shapewear or a high-waisted panty to smooth out the lines.
Do you have to wear every piece every time? NOPE. Pick and choose what works for you, to meet your particular goals and keep your particular body comfortable! Under a casual sundress, light shapewear or a high-waisted panty and a regular bra might be just right. For a special occasion like a photoshoot or a contest, you may be looking to maximize the hourglass shape and that's where using multiple pieces can be handy. |
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What's a Longline Bra?
A longline bra's underband extends down further than a standard bra, sometimes to the natural waist and beyond. If you need more support in a strapless or low-backed bra style, longline bras are the way to go! Compared to a standard strapless bra, longlines require less magic and tomfoolery to keep it - and everything else - up where you want. They can also provide some extra shaping in the waist as well as prevent bulging or uncomfortable pressure where a narrower bra band would cut in. | |
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Corsets vs. Shapewear: What's the difference? A corset is a sturdy garmet with boning and laces that is designed to change your physical shape over time. It requires seasoning and a period of acclimation to wear comfortably, but can take 3-6" off the waist. A waspie is a shorter type of corset that fastens only around the waist. Corsets and waspies can both be worn under or on top of your clothes, depending on the look you desire. Some, like Hourglass Corsetière's Leah Waspie, are so beautifully decorated that it's almost a shame to hide it!
A shapewear "corset" or waist cincher is a more flexible garment, generally made of an elasticized material like latex. A waist cincher will reduce your waist 1-2 inches while wearing it but doesn't have a lasting effect on your silhouette.
Curious about corsetry? Check out these resources: - Hourglass Corsetière by Shawn Reaves is a female-owned business with a beautifully designed collection of limited-edition corsets and waspies. The Q&A section of her website is sure to answer many questions you have, and she also designs custom corsets to your exact measurements.
- Lucy's Corsetry has an wealth of corset knowledge, and their Corsetiere Map lists custom corset makers all over the world so you can shop local or get fitted in person if you're interested in taking the plunge.
Stay tuned for future articles on shapewear care & history! |
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