The Bra that was Marilyn’s Best Kept Secret.

Andy Warhol once said that Marilyn Monroe’s lips weren’t kissable so much as they were “photographable.” It turns out it really did take work to make the blond bombshell look the way she did, even down to her famous curves. And when her bra sold for $5,200 at a recent London auction, it showed that even a Hollywood celebrity needs a hand getting a lift.

Though the bra looks a little bare at first, it was actually very intricately designed to make Ms. Monroe look like she wasn’t wearing any. Auctioneer Richard Davie notes that the rock-solid bra is embedded with 4 cups and steel wiring. “There’s an inner cup, which is almost hidden, which would support her chest as normal,” he says. “But then there’s another larger cup about an inch further out, to give the impression she had a bigger chest.”

The suspension-bridge halter straps gave her even more of a lift. They were also easy to hide under a gown or dress, like the famous white frock Marilyn wore in The Seven Year Itch. Meanwhile, the cups didn’t cover her breasts, giving the illusion that her 36D perk was 100% natural.

All women have beauty secrets, even legends like Marilyn Monroe. Maybe that’s why, in our latest survey, you voted her as the woman who best “personifies the true essence of femininity.” It’s easier to identify with someone who has to put a little effort into herself each morning. And it’s certainly comforting to know Marilyn was no exception.

The auction was held in late July in London, England. The famous bra was sold to an anonymous caller from Hong Kong.

And what about you? You must have comments on this incredible bra and the star who wore it. Why not share them with us? We’d love to know what you think.

The Perfect Bra?

There is no perfect bra, because no two women are alike. Just like the shoes in your closet, your lingerie drawer should reflect your lifestyle, needs and shape. You wouldn’t wear running shoes to a wedding or stilettos to go jogging. The same applies to bras. You wear a sports bra when you need better support and an elegant bra for a night on the town. Whether, dainty, daring, supportive or sporty, you need the right style to suit your shape and size. Yes, size counts too! Women with bigger breasts need more support, either from underwire or elastic reinforcements. Small-breasted women also need support, but definition is even more important to highlight their contours. When you want to go for glamour, push-up, demi-cup, strapless and convertible (backless, crisscross, halter) bras are perfect. When you feel sporty or casual, go for a sports, soft cup, seamless or contour bra. Plunging bras, with lots of lace, sheer fabric and bows are perfect for the bedroom or the boardroom. After all, you’re the only one who knows what’s underneath your clothes!

Bra Basics
One thing’s for sure, though. Regardless of the type of bra you wear, having the right fit and proper adjustment will make all the difference in the world. What really count are band size (as in 32, 34, 36 or 38) and cup size (A, B, C, D). The two measurements are interrelated, because cup size increases with larger band sizes. For example, a 32B will always be a 32, but the B cup size will increase as the band size increases, so the cup size of a 36B bra would be larger.

How do you know what’s right for you?
If your band size is too small, your bra will feel tight and flesh will overflow on the sides. If your band size is too large, your bra will ride up your back and provide no support at all. You know that your cup size is too small when your breasts spill over the top and sides of your bra or if the underwire pokes into breast tissue. Straps should be tight enough to hold your bra in place, but not so tight that they cut into your skin. The rule of thumb-so to speak-is that you should be able to fit two fingers snugly under the top of the strap. Of course, you don’t want the straps to be so loose that they fall down. The band should be snug and fit evenly around the rib cage. Good posture is an excellent figure enhancer…and it’s free! Remember to hold your shoulders back and stand tall. Go ahead…say goodbye to droopiness, overflowing cups and straps that are too tight. Say hello to the new and confident you!

Guaranteed instant makeover
If you’re still not sure after trying on a number of bras, have a professional fitter help you. The right fit will make you look slimmer, younger and sexier. The perfect bra for you is one that makes you feel and look fabulous!