This guest post is by Allison Allen

My husband always talks about the excitement he felt at age eighteen when he went to the mailbox and received a trial Gillette razor in the mailbox.  As silly as it may sound, it was a kind of a welcome to manhood token.  Much to Gillette’s credit, their marketing efforts worked and today, he still only purchases a Gillette razor.

As a young woman, I don’t ever remember receiving any exciting product samples in the mail.  So I thought it might be nice to give something to the ladies to welcome them to a special stage in their lives. As women, we tend to be a little picky.  Did a product exist as useful and necessary as a razor for a woman?  Was there a product that would work for any woman regardless of her preferences, shape, size or style?  And then I found it…Spanx.

In case you’re not familiar with Spanx, here’s a quick lesson.  Spanx is the brand name for the world’s most popular female body shaping undergarments.  These undergarments fit and shape you, smoothing out your problem areas and accentuate a woman’s natural curves.  Made from contemporary fabrics and ingenious designs, these undergarments can provide wonderful compliments to any woman’s figure.  Spanx, like other body shaper manufactures offers foundational garments, hosiery, plus size body shapers and more.

Think you’re too thin for Spanx?  Here are a few of Hollywood’s trimmest that admit to wearing Spanx.  To get back her pre-baby figure, Gwyneth Paltrow wore not one, but two Spanx after giving birth to her daughter Apple.  Jessica Alba credits Spanx for her fabulous look in the motion picture Fantastic Four.  Alba admitted to slipping the shape-controlling garment on before getting into her body-hugging action hero suit.

For those of us that aren’t blessed with the shape of Alba and Paltrow, Spanx are available in plus sizes.   Spanx conceals rolls and bumps and can give the appearance of slimming you up to ten pounds.  For the larger woman, Spanx can assist with the prevention of chafing and are made from thin breathable fabrics.

So Spanx is THE accessory that every woman should have.  Just like the man and his razor, Spanx is a necessity for the young woman getting married, the Mom that just gave birth and the mature woman that still wants to turn heads.   Wouldn’t it be great to go to the mailbox and get a free pair of Spanx!  Perhaps someday!

This post was written by a guest contributor. If you would like to do a curvy guest post for Full Figure Plus stop by the Write for Full Figure Plus page for details on how YOU can share your tips with our community.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Whether your goal is to work out or be more active in 2012 having the RIGHT sports bra can make all the difference in the world. Bare Neccessities has a full like of sports bras to fit every shape out there.

Sports Bras For Running & More
Whether you are an avid runner or prefer yoga poses, the right sports bra is crucial to your workout performance. Bare Necessities selection of sports bras allows you to choose how much control you prefer based on bust size and desired comfort level. Styles of sports bras come in light control, medium control, firm control or maximum control. It is so easy to shop for sports bras because many active bras come in the same specific cup and band size as your favorite everyday bras – including full bust and plus sizes.

Also, it does not matter if you prefer wire-free or underwire bras which means you can find something in the sports bra collection among the nice variety of both styles. Wireless sports bras are very comfortable and are the most popular styles. Many of them have adjustable backs and straps for the perfect fit. Underwire sports bras are perfect for those women who feel more secure and shaped by the structure of an underwire.

Did you know some of underwire sports bras can even be worn outside the gym. Many performance bras are made with fabrics that have benefits of the latest technologies. These fabric advances include moisture-wicking, increased ventilation, and a more breathable feel. Before you hit the gym, make the move to BareNecessities.com and shop over 50 styles of sports bras from the top brands like Nike, Wacoal, Anita, Le Mystere, Enell, Moving Comfort, PureLime, Champion, Freya and more!

Below are the 12 most popular styles

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Do you buy themed lingerie?  If you do then you are in luck.  Next to Valentine’s Day, Christmas is one of the top holidays to purchase lingerie.  Now don’t get me wrong there is no need to get your lingerie that specifically has a Christmas theme.  As long as its red or green you are good.

• Plus Size Red & White Xmas Striped Tights
• Red Button Front Night Shirt
• Lace Trim Satin Teddy
•  Lace Overlay Chemise
•  Parfait by Affinitas: Honey Underwire Babydoll

• Dreamgirl: Stretch Lace Babydoll with Matching G-String
• Robe and panty Set
• Velvet tie front babydoll with maribou fur
• Long gown with velvet tie front bodice
• Gorgeous floral lace underwire bustier with molded cups

The styles above come from three websites that are among my favorites when it comes to plus size lingerie no matter what the time of the year.  Hips And Curves, Bare Necessities, and Big Gals Lingerie.  Your lingerie drawer will be happy this holiday season and year round if you shopped at these three alone. Big Gals Lingerie is more on top of plus size lingerie holiday themes than the others in my opinion and your garment is made to fit your specific curves which is always a plus.

In the end getting yourself or the one you love some sexy lingerie for the holidays will give you a few bonus points.  I am a fan of the robes and chemises, but that does not mean a sexy corset won’t get my attention.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Plus size lingerie is hard enough to find Do you know how to properly take care of your dedicates so they last more than two washings?  Most of us including myself do not give much thought about how we wash things because we have been doing things the same way for years if not decades.

When it comes to delicates it’s typically hand wash in cold water and let them air dry or toss them in with the rest of the laundry and hope for the best.

When it comes to plus size lingerie, as most of you know there are many garments that are not made from the same materials as their smaller counterparts so different steps need to be taking to avoid damaging the items you spent so much time finding.

Step one

Buy pieces that fit.  If you have a drawer full of lingerie and bras that are different sizes you will waste time daily trying to find something that fits.

Step Two

Either invest in a garment bag or use a pillow case to hold panties and bras.  In particular this is important for your bras so that the eyelet hooks do not snag other clothes.

Step Three

Use a mild detergent that specifically states that it is free and clear of all harsh agents that can break down the elasticity of stretchy pieces.  I reccommend Arm & Hammer or 7th Generation detergents.

Step Four

Whether you wash your precious plus size lingerie in the kitchen or the bathroom use a separate container to hold your garments to shield them from any chemicals that may linger in your sink.

Step Five

Use a microfiber towel to absorb as much water as possible after you rinse the items at least twice.

Step Six

I recommend hanging them on the clothes line to let mother nature take care of the drying.  Not only will you avoid the harsh heat of a dryer but you get that one of a kind outdoor smell.

Step Seven

When storing your plus size lingerie make sure you fold the cups of your bra into each other so they hold their shape.  Panties and slips can be folded normally.

When it comes to plus size lingerie particularly bras another step in proper care is to have enough to rotate out.  By having a minimum of nine ten bras you will have enough to rotate bras and still be able to properly care for your collection.

Regardless how how vast your plus size lingerie collection is replace all items every six months if they show signs of wear and tear or if your weight shifts by more than ten pounds up or down

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Available in size up to 48F

For many plus size ladies out there, have you opted for a sexy bra instead of the buying the usual type of bra that you always purchase? Most fashion experts, including myself contend that wearing a sexy bra will definitely make you feel sexy. So why not for a few moments think sexy bra instead of practical bra.

Because you wear a bra daily it can get well, boring. Sometimes this important foundation piece will show you life through the lens of a 1950s movie without a touch of color to brighten up the day. But if you thought there’s no way you can perk up your bra and your twins, think again.

Look for a sexy bra that will cheer you up, boost your confidence, and eventually make a life that is full of life!

However, the big question is: what makes a sexy bra? Is it the material, the design, the color, or the person who is wearing it?

Some of you might prefer to answer with the latter choice in mind. But nevertheless, sexy bra is still a bra and needs a few more positive characteristics to give you the support and comfort that you need.  Additionally, for fuller and plus sizes sometimes a sexy bra is not practical but that is a subject for another day.  So, when choosing a sexy bra, it is still important to consider the pointers below so that you’ll not only feel sexy but confident and comfortable as well.

Wearing a sexy bra will definitely make you feel sexy

• When you want to show some flesh aka cleavage a sexy bra will do the job for you, consider the color and size of your tops and your sexy bra as well. In other words wide beige bra straps under a spaghetti-strap top is a no-no.
• Do not wear plastic strap bras with halter-tops. Tis not a pretty sight even if you are wearing a sexy bra.
• A single hook looks very neat, but it is not practical for fuller busts. A fastening with two or three hooks is much comfortable and supportive even during some hot steamy nights.
• All straps should have adjustable levels for the hooks to accommodate fluctuation of weight or washing changes.
• Always wear the proper size bra.  Why spend all that effort to find a sexy bra to give you that lift to show off your eye-popping cleavage if you can’t breathe because it’s to tight.
• Have a wardrobe of sexy bras. Think of the occasion that will call for it and get it. Have fun with it!

A sexy bra is never one that is too big or too small

• If your bra rides up in the back and is higher than the front, the band is too long.
• A nice, comfy sexy bra should never leave red marks on the skin after it’s taken off because it means that your bra is just too small.
• A colorful, laced sexy bra is a definite turn-on. But remember not to wear it under a white or light-colored shirt.
• Do use a matching halter bra and pull it down with a low-back adapter.

There you have it! Just follow these simple rules on the dos and don’ts of wearing sexy bra and you’ll never have an embarrassing moment. Indeed, a sexy bra partnered with a confident wearer equals a one hot night no matter the time of the year and after all is that not what chemistry is all about?

A sexy bra is as a sexy bra does

Reccommended Sexy Bra Shopping Sites:

Full Beauty.com
BareNecessities.com (see Bare Necessities Interview)
Big Girl Bras

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

A recent conversation with my wife about her bras brought us to a conversation about when it is time to replace your foundation garments.  Most of you know instinctively when it is time to replace a bra but  did you know that a bra could be worn out but not really show any outward sides of wear?  Think of your favorite bra.  How often do you wear it?  How often do you wash it?

Signs it is time to replace a bra:

1. The straps are frayed
2. To get the same fit you have to cinch in to the first set of eyelets
3. The material is becoming translucent
4. The underwire/boning snaps
5. The band no longer stretches
6. Missing parts aka eyelets, strap adjusters
7. You are spilling out of your bra
8. Wearing your bra becomes uncomfortable
9. You gain 10 or more pounds
10. You lose 10 or more pounds

This past year my wife who is a big fan of the Lane Bryant Balconette Bra in chocolate was quite upset to learn that LB is no longer making that bra in that color.  Even though I have been telling her she needs to explore other brands she is being a bit stubborn with switching and the inspiration for this post. Maybe she will read my upcoming posts about Bare Necessities which carries over 80 brands of bras and make a choice of a few types of bras she can have in her arsenal. Speaking of this company, right now there is a contest going on now in which you can Enter now to win one of five $1000 bra & lingerie wardrobes at BareNecessities.com! Ends 11.29.11.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective