Triumph & Specialty Lingerie Stores Partner with Dress for Success to 'Find The One'

From March 2015, Triumph is on a global mission to fit 500,000 women with ‘Find the One’.

As part of this campaign, Triumph Lingerie is partnering with specialty lingerie stores across Australia and New Zealand to support Dress for Success by providing a significant donation of bras to benefit deserving women in need.

Between March 30 and April 19 2015, Triumph will donate one bra to Dress for Success for every 20 bras purchased by nominated stores across the country. Dress for Success aims to help women in need transform their lives and achieve financial independence.

“With an estimated donation value of $50,000, this partnership aims to raise much needed awareness of the Dress for Success charity, as well as encourage consumers to get involved, get fitted and contribute to the donation of lingerie,” says Nicola Hodgson, Head of Brand for Triumph Australia and New Zealand on the motivation behind the program.

A correctly fitted bra is essential and makes a huge difference to confidence, shape and also helps with posture and back pain. “Attending an interview after years out of work or for the first time is a daunting experience for many of the women we serve. You can never underestimate how much of a confidence boost this beautiful Triumph lingerie will offer these women and how this will contribute to helping them transform their lives,” says Sue Lewis-O’Halloran, Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand for Dress for Success Worldwide.

To view the full triumph range or find your nearest speciality Triumph participating stockist visit au.triumph.com or www.triumph.com/nz/en

Fit n Fast and Triumph: Bra Fittings + Triaction Launch

I am now a... well, not gym junkie, not fitness freak... but I do love keeping fit and healthy, thanks to my Fit n Fast-assisted transformation.

But I get a bit funny if the girls are not securely tucked away. On a few occasions during a personal training sesh with my fab Fit n Fast trainer Hayley I'd worn the wrong bra (read: almost every time as I haaate feeling restricted in uncomfy bras) and I'd halt training for a few seconds so I could tuck those puppies back in.

Well. This new little Triumph baby called the 'triaction' bra might just be the answer.

Now, those clever gym people have teamed up with bra company Triumph 'Bounce Free Sports Bra Fittings' held at Fit n Fast Westfield Sydney from 29 October. This three day initiative will be happening in selected Fit n Fast gyms around the country.

Says the Fit n Fast/Triumph blurb: "Sports bras will be tested for comfort, fit and support whilst exercising to ensure perfection is achieved, instigated following the revelation that of 1000 women who had been tested, only 39% would wear a professional sports bra when exercising despite 82% stating they wear a bra in order to protect their bust. 90% of women have something to complain about when it comes to wearing a bra, with over 50% not having had a bra fitting for five years or more.

The Bounce Free Sports Bra fitting allows you to trial bras from the Triumph triaction range (see all the new fab bras below... I am about to trial one!), whilst receiving expert advice from a Triumph Brastylist. The experts will take into consideration your preferred exercise type, breast size and body shape, while undergoing real-time exercise challenges."

Each Bounce Free Sports Bra fitting will take 15 minutes and will happen between 11am - 12pm.

For more on the bra fittings, go here.

Here, is Carolyn Stewart, National Sales Manager for Triumph Australia, who is also a trained BraStylist on the five top mistakes women make with sports bras: 

1. Not wearing a sports bra at all for sporting activities. A regular bra, even if it a supportive bra will not be sufficient for sport. Even an A or B cup woman needs the support of a properly fitted sports bra. The design and construction of a sports bra is very different to that of a regular bra and is made to hold the bust firmly in place, reducing breast bounce while exercising.

2. Sports bras have a limited life and should be replaced frequently. Depending on how often a sports bra is worn and how well you take care of it, a sports bra should be replaced every six months. Elastic fibres break down over time, reducing the level of support the bra offers. 

3. Women misinterpret the firm feel of a sports bra for being too small and end up buying the wrong size.  Where possible, always have a fitting and expect that the bra is meant to feel firm.

4. Not matching the impact level of your sporting activity to the support level of the sports bra.  Most good quality sports bras will be designed with a support level in mind. Women who play netball or run for instance will need more support than a wire free bra designed for yoga and Pilates. 

5. Not investing money in a good sports bra. Always spend as much as your budget can afford as it is like good running shoes.  You definitely get what you pay for.

Go forth and be fitted!

'Fifty Shades of Grey' Lingerie: Target Australia

In news that will please 'Fifty Shades of Grey' lovers and lingerie aficionados, lingerie branded with the controversial book's name will be sold in Target Australia stores later this month.

In a story released today, the pieces will be inspired by the book's protagonist Anastasia Steele (just announced that she will be played by Dakota Johnson in the upcoming film), just as the ones she receives from Christian Grey (to be played by Charlie Hunnam), with each item set to incorporate signature elements from the novel, such as silk ribbons and luxe garters.

“The pieces tap into the fantasy world from the trilogy, bringing a touch of luxury to the everyday,” says author E.L James.

Sally Shing from Target Australia adds that the high quality line “reflects Target’s affordable and accessible prices,” enabling the store to bring the concept to the masses.

“The brand is an enigma that continues to captivate women, and this collection channels ideas of romance into the evocative lingerie range,” said Sally.

Prices will range from from $15 for g-strings, $19 for briefs, $35 for bras, $35 for suspenders and $49 for bustiers and chemises, and available for a limited time.

Would you buy the pieces when they go on sale?

UPDATED: you can now buy all the pieces online, right here.

The 'Fifty Shades of Grey' lingerie line will be available exclusively at Target Australia in store and online at target.com.au from September 26.

One-sided man underwear

Oh, look.

Undies for your man. But they ran out of that special Spandex-y stuff.

Reading 'The Frisky' I saw this loveliness.

Would you buy this for your man?

Now, I am a fan of the Speedo. Why, yes I am. On the right man - and my hawt hubby [not that he wears them] - yep, I like it.

But this... um. Ewww. Why?

Thoughts?

I now hereby grant this contraption a brand new name: the 'schlong sock'.

Oh, here is a side view - in case, you're wondering how it's all, er, held up...

Wanna buy a pair? Yeah you do. Go here, then.

Playboy for Bras N Things: Bunny Boost Bra

There are bras... and then there is the Playboy-branded bra. If you are yet to trial these boob boosters, you're missing out BIG time. They make your boobs look: nothing short of sensational.

And now, they have released the Bunny Boost Bra. Here's they are, with matching briefs:

Inspired by the enduring style of the Playboy bunny costume the new Bunny Boost Bra delivers unprecedented lift, shape and maximum cleavage.

The nine-­piece collection of bras and briefs embrace the female form with a sensual twist - which is very Playboy.

This new collection of bras feature their biggest boost, which will turn this particular bra into a must-­have item to celebrate or create curves you didn't know you had.

Featuring a deep-­plunge neckline and centre-­bridge design that pushes the bust up and out for

maximum impact, while the lightweight foam cups provide extra lift and boost with the built in
push up.

The sensual shades with a variety of trim are spetacular, and they include:

Fuchsia Fantasy: with a wild pop of pink

Electric Fishnet: for a deep-­sea blue,

Black of Wild Zebra: for those who are slighty cheeky.

Available exclusively at Bras N Things stores and online in Australia and New Zealand, the Playboy Bunny Boost campaign features the gorgeous international model Sarah Stephens, who perfectly encapsulates the famed bunny herself with a hint of cheekiness.

The Playboy Bunny Boost Bra and Brief Collection is offered in sizes 8-­‐14 and in cups A-­‐DD.
RRP:  $59.99.

Visit www.brasnthings.com for more. Here are some images of the bras, above:

Which is your fave?

Victoria's Secret: Decoding Love With VS Angels for Valentine's Day

Have you seen the video Victoria's Secret posted to help men decode love?

On (almost) Valentine's Day eve, the undie and bra giant has produced a very cheeky video to help avoid any mix-ups or miscommunication about relationships.

Victoria's Secret 'Angels' Lily Aldridge, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, and Karlie Kloss have some advice for the guys. Feel free to share with your (perhaps confused) partner:

Victoria's Secret Christmas 2012 - 'Deck The Halls'

The Victoria's Secret angels prove they are fabulous at modelling undies and bras. Singing, not so much.

Watch this viral video of the beauties here, spruiking underwear - and, oh yes, Christmas cheer - for 2012.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Telecast - Australian and US screen dates

Yep, it's that time of year, that week where immersing myself into all things Victoria's Secret is utterly normal for me.

(Hey, guess what: I can be a feminist AND love Victoria's Secret and the whole production. So, suck it).

Okay, now that I've finished unnecessarily justifying myself, here are some behind the scenes, teaser clips just released by Victoria's Secret, in the lead-up to the show's US telecast tonight [see promo poster below]:

Here is the clip featuring the models answering social media questions about the parade:



THIS video is fantastic for lovers of jewellery, styling, and anyone who has an interest in how all the fantastical elements come together for the show. Gasp: over 1 million Swarovski elements were used in the 2012 show. Watch: 



And another teaser clip:



For more on the 2012 show, including some pics from the about to be televised parade, click here.

And the performance of the event:



Here is a teaser:

The Australian screen date is this Sunday December 9, at 8.30pm on Foxtel [also available in HD].

Will you be watching the show?

Victoria's Secret Native American headdress worn by Karlie Kloss: deemed racist

This picture of a Victoria's Secret model at the recent fashion parade has caused furore among parts of the Native American community.

Karlie Kloss' floor-length feather headdress at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has faced controversy for being racist.

At the parade just a few days ago, Kloss strode down the catwalk in New York City, sporting a leopard print bikini, turquoise jewellery to complement, and fringed heels. To top it off, a Native American-style headdress was atop Karlie's head.

Following the show, Victoria's Secret Facebook page received many posts criticising the headdress. In response, Victoria's Secret released a statement:

"We are sorry that the Native American headdress replica used in our recent fashion show has upset individuals. 

We sincerely apologize as we absolutely had no intention to offend anyone. 

Out of respect, we will not be including the outfit in any broadcast, marketing materials nor in any other way."

One woman on Facebook commented:

I'm Sicangu Lakota enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. The VS fashion show featuring Karlie Kloss wearing a headdress was extremely offensive to me as a Lakota woman. In our culture, headdresses are worn by those who have done great deeds for our people or community. Typically veterans or tribal leaders wear headdresses and only on special occasions. It's not a costume or something fun to wear around. Although I'm Lakota, I would not wear a headdress unless I have earned the right to do so within my community. Headdresses are culturally sacred objects, not fashion trends. Eagle feathers are symbols of strength and power. At wacipi (powwow), they are worn and treated with respect. If an eagle feather falls off a dancer, that feather no longer belongs to the dancer. It has to be given away or not used for a year because it was treated carelessly. I once saw a 40-year-old man shed tears because his bustle of eagle feathers fell off during wacipi. Because it was a family heirloom, the community decided to give it back to him, but he couldn't use it in his regalia for a whole year. Headdresses and eagle feathers are sacred things in Lakota culture. When a model in a bikini showing cleavage prances around wearing one (eagle or turkey feather doesn't matter, it's meant to look like the real deal) it's really offensive to us. Each culture has sacred objects. Of course people who are not Lakota or not from a tribe that uses headdresses are not going to feel offended, but I do and my relatives do because this is embedded in our culture. I feel the same way Christians would feel about defacing Jesus Christ or Muslims would feel about flushing a Koran down the toilet. There are some things you shouldn't do, especially when we claim to live in a culturally competent day and age. Some comments on this thread say I shouldn’t be offended because my culture is irrelevant. I will never feel that way, I work hard every day to learn and maintain Lakota culture to honor my ancestors who died trying to pass on a way of life. Even though our culture represents 1% of the U.S. population, I will never quit fighting for what is sacred to us just because people who don’t understand say I should “get over it.” We should be respectful of all cultures and take this as a learning opportunity. We should teach our children this behavior is not ok. This is Native Heritage Month, please honor it by honoring our people and our culture. Pilamaya (thank you)

Another commented:

Funny how so many think the American Indians are being over sensitive. I wonder if this would be the same reaction if next year VS has a bikini clad model dragging a cross down the runway as a stylized interpretation of Christ's walk or maybe the models can wear chains and drag bales of cotton while dancing to Nikki Minaj because that's basically what they did this year to the American Indians with this head dress fiasco. Honestly, i hate PC bull myself, but somethings should be respected.

Another said:

Im not a full blood Native American... but it's in my family line. I find it sad that there are people making such a big deal out of VS useing a headdress. Are you going to go complain to every halloween store that sells poorly made replicas!? Seriously people!

And:

And I am an enrolled member of the Chippewa-Cree tribe and PROUD of it! I appreciate Victoria's Secrets apology. The bashing and ignorance from these comments is not. We are people just like you, not objects. Please educate yourselves before you pop off at the mouths. I agree the attire was adorable but the significance of headdresses and eagle feathers are that important to our people. We appreciate the gesture whether it was done to hurt feelings or not, but those are for ceremonial use only and you must earn that right of passage to carry or flaunt. I am absolutely flabbergasted at all these racist/hurtful comments! You all should be ashamed of yourselves, we are only trying to protect what culture we have left. Sorry if OUR culture offends YOU and you can't see a white girl walking down a runway with a FAKE headdress that only isn't offensive but completely IGNORANT! We are not costumes to be mocked and made fun. We are proud of our culture! Thank you VS for respecting that!

And the other side of the coin:

There are bigger problems to worry about. How about you who sit and complain about your raped NA women put the energy you're using to shout at VS into something useful like actually HELPING someone. You think this is defending your culture? Shouting on Facebook? What a joke! What a disgrace!

And then:

And if you want so badly for everyone to stop disrespecting your culture, how about you spend some time trying to educate them on the details of it, since they knew nothing of what they were doing. I'd say its your fault for not making it a well known fact. Spread the word about something if you really care about it. Don't go around being private and secretive and expect everyone to understand. It's your own fault.

And:

I'm American Indian and I thought it was awesome. People just need to quit being so sensitive over every little thing

Just recently, No Doubt had to withdraw their latest music video for "Looking Hot",following backlash against Gwen Stefani's Native American costume.

And this is not the first time a Victoria's Secret's creation has been perceived as racist.

In September, an Eastern-inspired lingerie piece called "Sexy Little Geisha"stirred controversy.

What do you think about it all?

I say: if someone is offended, they have their reasons to be, and they should not be told to just "get over it." You can't possibly know how someone is feeling unless you are in their shoes. Even if it seems to wrapped up in a pretty bow, Victoria's Secret-style. Good on VS for apologising.

Thoughts?

Victoria's Secret 2012 fashion parade photos

It's here. The annual Victoria's Secret fashion parade.

Here are some of the most beautiful pics. This one is of Alessandra Ambrosio wearing the $2.5 million 'fantasy bra'. It's re-designed every year, and for the 2012 show the fantasy bra was covered in intricate flowers made out of 5200 precious and semi-precious stones. The gems include amethysts, sapphires, rubies and white, pink and yellow diamonds. [Scroll down for a video]:

Here is a clip featuring behind the scenes and parade footage:

For more, click here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2229565/Victorias-Secret-Fashion-Show-2012-Alessandra-Ambrosio-preparesto-showcase-Victoria-Secrets-2-5-million-Fantasy-Bra.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

All photos courtesy www.dailymail.co.uk

The show will screen in Australia in December [check back for date].