Rest in peace granny panties.

The mundane relationship (can I call it that? a relationship?) I once had with my underwear turned sour after I had kids. I have drawers packed full of pre-child underthings that don't fit. I keep cramming myself into all of it like a 5' 2" sausage into a lacy casing, but it's uncomfortable and usually pretty unattractive.

It's probably not healthy to use tight-fitting underwear as a punishment for an addiction to smoked brisket, but it's the only way I'll learn. As the elastic waistband from an aqua Sisqo-era thong cuts into me I begin to reconsider my second serving of delicious barbecued meat. It's a foolproof diet plan, but there are consequences. Horrified friends, family interventions (my mom puts underwear in my Christmas stocking each year), and a disapproving husband led me to make some changes.

After the hotel/granny-panty incident I made a decision. I would start caring about my appearance again -- all.of.it. I'm a big believer in look good = feel good, even for those things no one but me notices or sees. Stuffing myself into old underwear was not a good look. I threw out a bunch of stuff and had grand plans to hit the mall.

THEN!

I checked the mail and there was a FedEx package full of beautiful bras and underwear. For me! I was pretty taken aback because I hadn't ordered any and then became a bit angry because I thought someone was sending me a very overt hint or inappropriate birthday gift. Then I remembered I was working with BlogHer on a review of Vanity Fair's® new Modern Coverage Collection of bras and panties from the IlluminationÆ Line.

Whew.

I tried:

  • Vanity Fair® Advanced Support Underwire Bra: Looks great under tank tops and T- shirts. Awesome all-around bra.
  • Vanity Fair®Look Lifted Underwire Bra: Way more comfortable than any other underwire bra I've worn. I fell asleep with it on and didn't notice.
  • Vanity Fair® Front Close Underwire Bra: I haven't worn a front-close bra in *so* long. This looked great under a racerback dress. It took me a hot minute to remember how to put it on but I liked the fit of the bra. Saved me from using my strapless bra that somehow shimmies down to my waist at inopportune moments.
  • Illumination® Hi-Cut Panty: Not my typical underwear. At. All. I'd probably never have picked these out for myself. However! I have never worn a more comfortable *anything* in my life. I'm serious. Full disclosure: I most certainly would not parade around in these in front of anyone. They aren't that kind of underwear (but my lifestyle doesn't demand much underwear parading so the point is moot), BUT they look amazing (pretty much invisible) under form-fitting clothes and don't cause wedgies (TMI, sorry) so they're winners.
I'm happy I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone to do this review. The timing was perfect, a change was needed, and I am happy with the Vanity Fair® line. I get stuck in ruts all the time. I'm glad I tried something new. Underwear is the kind of thing you shouldn't think about unless you're putting it on or taking it off. Comfort and flattering fit are key. The Vanity Fair® Modern Coverage Collection covers both bases.
vanity fair bra

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