Sunday, June 27, 2010

Psycho turns 50 - Lingerie in film


This month the famous horror film, Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock turned 50. It is hard to believe that Psycho hit the silver screen so long ago. Whether you saw it in a cinema or on TV most people remember how frightening it was. I stumbled upon a clip the other day and found it just as frightening today.


It is a film that was a ground breaker in so many ways including it’s use of lingerie as costumes. The second memory I have of this film, after the shower scene, of course, is the bold use of a bra and slip for the leading lady. Hitchcock deliberately chose to dress his leading lady, Janet Leigh, in a white bra and white half slip during the opening scenes of the film. He is reported to have said he wanted her to appear “angelic”. She is being portrayed as a good women stepping into a bad situation. The fact that she is having a daytime affair, on her lunch break, is shocking in itself for 1960.

Once she has taken the steps to stealing the money so easily placed before her, Hitchcock changes her lingerie costume to a black bra and black half slip symbolizing evil. She has made the shift from good girl to bad girl. Only wild women wore black bras. If you watch carefully you will also notice that she uses a white purse in the beginning and switches to a black one as she runs away with the stolen money.
It is difficult to look back at the old fashioned bras and imagine them as sexy. Today they look like your everyday, working bra whether in black or white with slightly different style lines.




Some of the other unconventional methods used by Hitchcock include:
  • the use of black and white film stock although color technology was already fully in use.
  • the first American film to show a toilet flush. It was against the ratings rules so Hitchcock had the leading lady put a note in the toilet and flush it. As it was an important part of the plot it was allowed.
  • the first film to kill off the leading lady in the first act.
  • the first film to use a human as the “monster” (Norman Bates)
  • Hitchcock insisted that Janet’s wardrobe be purchased, not custom made for her as was and is the norm in film. He wanted clothing that a real secretary could have afforded. He wanted it to look real.
  • the famous shower scene took 7 days to shoot and 70 camera set ups then extensive editing.
  • the screeching violin music to frighten the audience
Even after 50 years this is still an American film masterpiece. Well worth another watch.

Do you think there are still such stereotype restrictions on today’s woman?


 

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Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Sunday, June 20, 2010

The 2010 Undie Awards - Plus Size Winners

This is a little known awards contest that votes for the favorite choices in lingerie made by customers of http://www.herroom.com/ . I have noticed it for a couple of years now and am always interested to see the winning choices. Of course the majority of the categories are not plus size so I will not list them all. You may like to see what other women have chosen as their all time best bras.


Winners in the Full Figure Categories…

Favorite Overall Full Figure Bra

And the winner is Keira by Elomi

The Goddess Keira Underwire Bra, from the Goddess lingerie collection, is an ultra-supportive underwire bra with lovely satin cups that feature sheer tops. This Goddess full cup bra has limited stretch straps and a leotard back construction to prevent strap slippage. You'll get amazing support in a beautiful design when you wear the Goddess Keira Underwire Bra.






Favorite Full Figure Strapless Bra

And the winner is Smoothing Seamless Strapless Bra by Fantasie
 I am not familiar with this bra so I don't have any information  to add.


Have a look at my favorite strapless bra by Elomi.




 



Favorite Full Figure Minimizer Bra


And the winner is Satin Tracings Minimizer Bra by Bali
Bail's best selling minimizer bra. Minimizer styles are ideal if you are looking for reduction without flattening - resulting in a beautiful, slimmer silhouette. Bali's ingenious design provides full coverage with bustline reduction up to 1 3/4” for most styles.







Are any of these your favorites?


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 Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant
http://www.plussizebrasandpanties.com/
Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Pros and Cons of Boy Shorts


The boy short style of underwear is a relatively new style for women. If you have never tried them you may be pleasantly surprised. This panty style is not really a “boy” style at all.  It is more like the bathing suit bottom style of the 1950’s.


The leg opening is straight across but snug to the body without tight elastic at the opening. A wonderful style with summer dresses and a favourite with jeans.

This style can have a large amount of lace or none at all. These are a natural in micro fiber that is invisible under clothes. 

The boy shorts shown here are both by Tatiana. A European made line with wonderful

lace detail. The Tara boy short is a hip style, low rise,  in apricot and beige lace co-ordinated with stripped lycra. The high cut of the Lana boy short gives extra tummy coverage while still being so feminine and pretty. 

Pros
  • No panty line
  • Low cut leg opening
  • Great with dresses and jeans
  • New trendy style
Cons
  • No butt shaping
  • May feel restrictive on the leg
Do you wear boy shorts?



If you enjoyed this article, Please share it with others... I would love to hear your comments.
 Owner/Designer and Fashion Consultant http://www.PlusSizeBrasAndPanties.com Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Panties, Plus Size Shapewear, and More

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