With the start of every new year, the question "have you made any new year's resolutions?" is an inescapable topic of conversation. By mid-January, those of us that have made resolutions are either gloating with pride about the success of a new health kick or conversely feeling guilty about demolishing those Xmas choccies that were going to be given away..!
Whilst not everyone makes new year resolutions, this year (aside from setting myself some achievable personal goals), I have devised some resolutions that are much more fun to keep! No fad diets, no over-the-top life overhauls and (almost) no guilt...
Yes, I can only be talking about lingerie resolutions and here are my top 10 for 2013...
1. Reorganise my intimates collection and donate to charity/ sell any pieces that do not fit - I confess that I am quite the lingerie hoarder, so a Spring clean will definitely do me good.. besides, there is no point holding on to bras that do not fit just because they are pretty and I can't bear to part with them! With so many new lingerie collections coming out in 2013 (get a sneak peek here), there is no way that I will be short of pretty lingerie to fall in love with!
(Why not clear out your underwear drawers and donate to charity whilst you're at it? Find out about 'Bra Banks' and help to raise money for research into Breast Cancer)
2. Stop saving my favourite underwear for 'special occasions' - I think it's easy to fall into the rut of just wearing a small selection of your lingerie for everyday wear (everyone has 'go-to' bras for comfort and great shape..in my case, my Freya 'Deco' bras). If you find yourself 'saving' your lingerie luxuries for 'special occasions' like me, then remember the great feeling that you get when you wear gorgeous lingerie and start wearing it more often - it could be just the confidence boost that you need! There is certainly something wonderful about knowing that you're wearing beautiful lingerie underneath your work clothes..
(Some of my hoarded favourites that don't get enough wear!)
3. Be even more picky about the lingerie that I buy - I adore lingerie and love nothing more than a new set of lingerie as a 'pick-me-up', but when choosing whether or not to keep something, I vow to ask myself: Does it give me the right support? Is it comfortable? Does it give a great shape? Is it the right fit and style for my body and needs? Do I have something like it? Am I really in love with it or is it a lingerie infatuation?
Figleaves Boudoir 'Entice' bralet - very enticing indeed, but not designed for my bust size!
4. Experiment with new brands and styles - It is easy to overlook new names and places, especially when you know that certain brands work well for you and you are accustomed to buying from particular retailers. I want to continue to look out for exciting new emerging brands that have so much to offer. I also want to keep an open mind towards different bra styles - I may be a plunge bra aficionado, but who knows, maybe that soft cup/ unpadded bra will be my new BBF (bra best friend)!
(Could the Spring/Summer13 Cleo by Panache 'Marcie' unpadded bra be my new BBF?)
5. Buy more from Independents - I think it's really important to support independent designers and non-'mainstream' brands - the benefits include finding some really original and quirky pieces that aren't found on the highstreet and the money that you pay is reflected by the craftmanship that goes into the design and production of the garment.
6. Become slightly more lax about handwashing - Yes, you heard right! Whilst many people are guilty of putting their lingerie in the washing machine, I actually handwash EVERYTHING that has a handwash label..or just if something looks a bit dainty! Sorting through my underwear drawers, I have overlooked that there are quite a few undergarments that are actually machine washable! It is easy to assume that anything lacey and delicate looking means handwash only, but this is not always the case, so check your labels!
(Picture via: http://aprivateroom-blog.blogspot.co.uk/)
7. Buy what fits regardless of the size on the label - Vanity sizing is all around us, but do you know what? A little label doesn't dictate anything about your body or you as a person. If you try on a pretty pair of knickers but they are too small in your usual size, try the size up or the size after that. Look at how the garment fits you and only buy what looks flattering. Besides, if you buy something and feel funny about the size on the label, just cut it out! Problem solved.
9. Wear your curves with pride - When you have a larger bust size, the tendency (certainly for me, sometimes) is to cover up and be slightly conservative with regard to showing cleavage. Whilst I'm not saying that it is a good idea to go to work in a low cut boob-baring dress (that's just not appropriate!), I'd love to start showing off a bit more cleavage. Be proud of your boobs and be confident in your curves - body confidence is sexy in every shape and size!
(Being a bit more daring with my outfit choice on my birthday..!)
10. Keep on preaching great bra fit to anyone who will listen - Most of my regular blog readers will be aware of the importance of a well-fitting bra, but I'd love to push my blog message out to even more people this year (sharing is caring!). I am also keen to get more friends and family in to the right bra! The bra revolution shall continue at full throttle..
What do you make of my new year resolutions? Will you be following any of them?
Love,
Kitty xo