Considering the incredible amount of time we spend thinking/talking/obsessing about fashion, we don’t give much attention to the ultimate fashion accessory – lingerie. When we’re searching for that perfect Friday night outfit, many of us neglect to consider what we’ll put on underneath it.

So, when my good friend Julie invited me to Crush Wine Bar for an intimate evening with WonderBra I couldn’t say no. Hosted by celebrity stylist and star of ‘Style by Jury’ David Clemmer, the event was themed around perfect pairings – perfect wines with perfect appetizers and perfect bras with perfect outfits.  Guests took in a fashion show of WonderBra’s latest lingerie, paired with the classic silhouettes of iconic outfits.

“The right bra can give you a good foundation, great shape and a great silhouette” Clemmer told me, “before you go crazy on dieting – what bra are you wearing?!  Get a bra that fits wonderfully and put your bust where it should be. Ultimately that’s the most important thing.”

WonderBra should know a thing or two about underwear; the company introduced the first push-up bra in 1963, selling over 1.6 million worldwide. Now the Canadian company is taking on another first. Launching at Walmart this October, WonderBra’s fall 2010 collection will be showcased on hangers with styles to match every occasion. So lingerie need not sit on the back burner any longer. As Clemmer says “The self confidence that lingerie gives you knowing you look great underneath gives you power – confidence is your best accessory!”

We saw them make their debut on the runways of the great fashion capitals of the world last fall – and now they’re about to take centre stage in boutiques and on the street: the latest fashion trends for Spring-Summer 2010 are finally available. And you can expect a season that’s very hot and ultra feminine.

1- Nude Colour: As the 2010 season heats up, you could almost believe that flesh tones, also called nude, have become the new white. They feature a palette that reminds you of cosmetics, ranging from powdery natural beige to creamy flesh and dusty rose. Fresh, delicate, almost ethereal, these soft and neutral tones inject the required restrained touch to prêt-à-porter creations in order to free designers to play with forms and volumes. Our fashion tip: Neutral tones should serve as the base for your outfits. Watch out for the totally pastel look that could leave a somewhat pale impression. The solution? You can show lightly tanned arms and legs and add accessories in bolder versions of the same palette.

2- Liberty floral prints: Definitely and deliberately vintage (created circa 1875 in England), Liberty prints bring a romantic touch of the country to every spring or summer outfit. Whether worn with a pretty light dress or a favourite warm-weather blouse, these prints waft a breezy, vacation-like feel into your wardrobe. Many stars in film and fashion capitals around the globe have already begun to take Liberties with the way they dress. Our fashion tip: Don’t overdo it. Go with solid-colour accessories to keep the Little House on the Prairie look under control.

3- The denim shirt: The denim shirt was a staple of a late 80s wardrobe and the very incarnation of relaxed American chic. And it’s making a remarkable comeback just in time for balmy weather. We now find it in pale blue or snowy denim, and often worn over a plain white T-shirt. Our fashion tip: With its comfortable cut, the jeans shirt is perfect for every body type. To accentuate your waistline, just cinch up a large belt. And for a sexy, but never coarse look, undo the top buttons to show a discreet amount of cleavage.

4- Flounces: Frivolity, femininity and freedom, flounces evoke them all. They give volume and movement to clothes without weighing them down. And add that little something extra to handbags and light seasonal shoes. As minis, they create a fresh, cute look and as maxis, something much more dramatic. Our fashion tip: Flounces tend to capture the eye and call attention to where they’re worn. So if you’re broad-shouldered, no need for flounces there. The same holds true for women with heavier hips.

5- Look out for Lingerie: One of the emerging trends this season – and hardly the least important – is the lingerie look and the art of letting your lingerie show. It’s a trend that can be interpreted subtly or become a complete show-stopper on runways by designers like Roberto Cavalli and DSQuared, who have been bold enough to allow undergarments to take over completely by displaying them off on top of other clothing. Although slightly more restrained, wearing a corset or satin and lace tops with a tastefully tailored suit will certainly turn heads. Our fashion tip: To be comfortable with the big fashion statement that visible lingerie makes, you should already have a distinctive style. If the person sporting visible lingerie isn’t ready for it, she can quickly turn into a fashion victim, not a fashion victor. And if she isn’t comfortable in what’s she is wearing, she’ll be a long way from achieving the seductive, chic effect she’s seeking. So if you’re going to make that big statement, make sure that you make it yours.

* Thanks to Boutique ONZE for their contributions to this article.

WonderBra me® rings in the decade with an all-new and oh-so-fashionable bridal lingerie collection. The all-new WonderBra me® bridal lingerie collection is sexy and stylish—just like the entire WonderBra me® line. On this very important day of your life, showcase your best features! This exceptional tribute to femininity is our way of ensuring that you have great support for your special day and that memories of your wedding last a lifetime.

It’s easy to get caught up in the panic of choosing a date, venue, and caterer…not to mention invitations, flowers and a cake…and, of course, the guest list! The best way to plan your wedding is to plan ahead. There are plenty of guides and checklists out there to help, so you can be sure your wedding is tailor-made for you.

You’ve probably heard the expression: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

Something old is a link with your family’s past and symbolizes continuity (perhaps a piece of antique family jewellery).

Something new is for good luck and success. In the past, this was often considered the wedding dress itself. WonderBra me® believes that what you wear under your wedding dress is just as important.

Something borrowed is often a handkerchief, scarf or piece of jewellery—preferably from a happily married woman or dear friend. It represents support from family and friends. What really matters is that you return the borrowed item.

Something blue is the symbol of fidelity and purity. This is typically a blue bridal garter, but can be a blue flower in your bouquet or headdress.

Last, but not least: Remember to bring his ring with you to the ceremony. Oh and, above all, don’t forget to say, “I do”!

In Fashion Swimwear Lingerie 2010 you’ll find selected models of bras and undergarments from the new Spring 2010 collection from WonderBra me^TM as well as WonderBra Three Degrees of Wonder^TM styles. The photo shoot took place in the sun-drenched paradise of Riviera Maya in Mexico. If only we could access summer as easily as we can the photos by clicking here for the 2010 edition of Fashion Swimwear Lingerie magazine!

As always, WonderBra is here to support you. We would love to hear your comments, suggestions and questions.

• E1613 – Sexy hipster with scalloped lace inserts on both sides. Decorative lace trim at leg openings and waist. • E1694 – Bustier with innovative non-yellowing cut and sewn cups. Convertible back shoulder straps. Lightly boned with back hook-and-eye closure. • E1696 – Garter belt made of soft microfiber fabric. Stretch scalloped corded lace with decorative bow at center. Back hook-and-eye closure.

• 7530 – 3 Degrees of Wonder TM – Bra – Printed mesh cups and decorative lace and ribbon at neckline. • 7531 – 3 Degrees of Wonder TM – Matching tanga in printed mesh fabric with lace and ribbon at front waist.

• 7538 – 3 Three Degrees of WonderTM Bra • 7539 – Three Degrees of WonderTM – Underwear

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!

Quality and care go hand in hand
What’s the secret to a woman’s comfort and style? Quality lingerie. Touch the fabric to ensure it’s of high quality. It should be solid, yet soft enough to avoid causing irritation. The bra should be firm and the stitching straight. When you try it on, it should feel totally comfortable and fit you like a glove, so to speak.

Wash and wear…every time
Taking care of your lingerie is key to preserving its quality, elasticity and lifespan. Wash it after every wear. Separate whites from other colours and turn them inside out. Delicates should always be washed by hand. Wash them in cold water with a mild soap and no bleach. If you choose to machine wash instead, fasten hooks, so they won’t get caught or jammed in the machine. Place your undergarments in a lingerie wash bag and use the gentle cycle. Avoid using the dryer as it can damage fabrics. Air dry your undergarments on a drying rack or clothes hanger.

If you take good care of your lingerie, it will stay fresh, comfortable and appealing. It will last longer too.

And what about you? Do you have any lingerie care secrets you would like to share? We would love to hear from you!