VOIR COUTURE

When you feel good on the inside, you look good on the outside...

Do you have a good foundation? The proper fit of garments depends on good foundation garments -- bras and pantyhose, slips and teddies, camisoles -- all alter the fit of garments.

When was the last time you were measured for a bra? How do you know if you have a good fit? Is your bra comfortable or are you just used to the way it fits? Does it ride up in back, indicating it is too large? Does it create bulges, indicating it is too tight? Are your shoulders indented from the straps, indicating that the straps are carrying the weight of the bust? A bra is an engineering work of art. Support comes primarily through the band and cup construction.

Where do you begin? How do you find just the right type and style of undergarments for you? Consulting the experts at Ginny's Underworld, Ginny Forsberg and Susan Tolle, gave us some answers.

"The best place to start is to find a small specialty store where you can get good, personalized service and, most importantly, where the owners and employees know how to properly fit a bra. Department stores generally have a large turnover of employees, most of whom are only working part-time. It is hard for them to know the merchandise, and few have been trained in proper undergarment fit. At Ginny's Underworld, we are dedicated to service and style and are very knowledgeable in proper undergarment fit.

"A professional fitter measures you under your bust, over the top, and across the middle. This would give you the general size you should wear. For example, a measurement of 28 under and 32 over would mean a size 32; combined with a measurement of 34 across, this would mean a C cup. So generally your size would be a 34C.

"However, bras are like shoes -- they all fit differently. Size varies by style and manufacturer. And the size is not as important as the fit. If it fits well, feels comfortable, and looks good, then this is the size for you.

"Underwire bras have come back. After the no-bra era, this is a blessing. A properly fitted bra gives you a much better line and shape under your clothing."

When you remove your new hosiery from the package, is it formed like your legs or like the cotton tube socks that can be worn frontwards or backwards? If so, you may have the wrong hose! Not only do they look cheap, they may contribute to foot problems. Saving money? Good hose costs about $5 per pair, supermarket hose about $3.95. Good hose, partly because they fit better, last longer.

Unless you want all the attention on your legs, hosiery color should be carefully selected. Choosing a color that is close to your skin color is the most practical purchase. Put the sample color on one arm and put your other arm next to it. Is the look flattering and the flow from arm to arm smooth or is the tint distracting? Sheer black and navy accent black and navy garments, opaque colors actually enlarge the leg by bringing attention to the legs. Pastels are used by models to create interest. They should seldom, if ever, be worn by anyone else unless the interest is in accenting the legs and nothing else.

Again consulting our experts, ...

"When you put on your Judith suit for a business meeting, or dress for a special evening out or at home, do you consider your hosiery? No matter the cost of anything else you are wearing, you have just cheapened your outfit if you are not wearing good hose. To complete your look and present a cared-for, together image, good hose are a must. They give you that good, silky feeling. Your clothes look as expensive as they are, your legs feel great, and you look terrific."

Lingerie is also important to how you look and how you feel.

"Today, lingerie is soft, modest, and sexy -- designed to make a woman feel pampered! What's "old-fashioned" has become trendy -- stockings! Those infamous stockings -- straighten the seams, attach them to a garter belt, hope the garter doesn't snap when you're walking down the street -- those garments that women swore they would never wear again -- they're back in style."

Care of lingerie is a smart time investment on your dollar investment.

"When washing your lingerie, don't just toss it into the machine. A washer bag is nice for bras and panties; also one for hosiery. By using this bag, the wires in your bras won't get twisted out of shape, which in turn keeps them feeling better and lasting longer. And please don't ever put these fineries in the dryer! The heat will ruin the elastic and shrink the cup. The garments will stretch out of shape and not give you the proper fit. And they will wear out faster.

"Another tip is to let your bras dry for two days before wearing them. You might think they are dry, but the spandex is still damp. If worn too soon, the bra stretches out and then fits improperly.

"When hand laundering, be sure to use a fabric wash that is biodegradable and nontoxic, whitens and brightens, and contains no bleach.

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Our experts, Ginny Forsberg and Susan Tolle, have been in business together for quite some time. As a mother and daughter team, they complement each other's different ideas. They worked together in ladies' ready-to-wear for sixteen years; but branching out into lingerie, they found their niche. They really enjoy helping women get the right fit in their lingerie, making them feel comfortable, feminine, and special.

Ginny's Underworld is located in Preston Park Village at the southeast corner of Preston Road and Park Boulevard, Suite 134, telephone number 867-7252. Ginny's carries such lines as Olga, Chantelle, Wacoal, Christian Dior, Barbizon, Queen Anne's Lace, and Blanche.

Voir Couture is the recognition and confirmation of each Judith, Couturiere client. You are confident and distinctive, value tradition, and demand quality and individuality. Voir celebrates your uniqueness!