I'm Barefoot Dreaming of a White Christmas ..

The top request for Christmas started in September - "Do you have flannel pajamas?" And the answer is YES! This year we have selected the most premium fabrics and cutest styles for your gifts (and yourself!)

It's so funny how the gifts we treasure change as we grow up - everyone loves to receive fuzzy socks and pajamas as we become adults!

The very best gift makes you look AND feel good. When we brought in the Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Wrap we knew we had a winner. This robe replacement also doubles as a sleek and elegant cardigan.

Our favorite local stylist blogs: "You have to see and feel the amazing material it is made out of to get the gist of it;  so soft and warm without being bulky.  It can be worn around the house in lieu of a blanket or robe,  or you can wear it out with skinny jeans or leggings and boots."

Paired with Lysse Leggings and an Arriane Camisole you are stylish as well as comfortable. Wrap it around Haralee Wicking Pajamas and the coziness lasts all winter long. And let us box & bow one up for a special woman in your life to banish gift-giving stress!


Check your list twice, then come see us!

Jaye Oman
Store Manager

Layering Season

As the days get a little cooler and we look ahead to staying stylish while keeping warm, the art of layering begins..

Our most popular layering piece is a little longer than the usual camisole which makes it perfect for either tucking into pants or pulling over leggings for a tunic foundation. The SNUG cami is designed with sheer modern tops in mind - it has wide straps, a scoop neck and a smoothing back to completely hide your bra. This one-size item takes care of any muffin top while providing either a pop of fun color or discreet neutral to your outfit. Many women wear them for sleepwear as well as to gym!

Coobie Cami Halter Style

For even more comfort and customization, our Coobie lovers will be delighted with the Coobie cami! This is a lovely seamless wirefree bra built into a smoothing camisole. Wear without a bra for lightweight modest support to 36D or take out the thin shaping pads to wear with your own bra. Another one-size wardrobe saver available black, white, nude and pomegranate.

The next step up from the Coobie cami comes from elegant designer Arianne. This is another bra-replacement item that comes with soft modesty pads and a fitted bust. The silky material and A-line cut layers beautifully under clothes, with a touch of lace at the V-neck. Available in either Black or Nude.

Lysse Top

Beyond our typical ultra-comfortable shaping camisole by Shapeez, the sensational Lysse has not only done it again this year with tummy-smoothing leggings but also a revolutionary layering design they call Back Beautiful. This tunic-length raisin-colored top has a compression tank built into the garment. Wear your favorite bra and rock the sleek look effortlessly.

Back Beautiful

However, if you are looking simply for a moisture-wicking compression tank for either active pursuits or just everyday, Moving Comfort offers a basic, athletically styled black tank. Other recent arrivals include Cuddldud's cotton/nylon camisole - with a lace V-neck this black or white tank is a staple in any winter wardrobe.

If you need more warmth than a camisole can offer, Cuddlduds also includes a long sleeve crew neck as well as leggings in their collection. Easy to care for, moisture-managing warmth on those cold days ahead! And don't forget to check out this year's SnowAngel, you will forget that these layering pieces are techwear because they are so cute in such flattering styles and colors. Certainly a case of great fashion meeting necessary function.

And finally, I present you with my personal pick for the holiday season - the Wacoal B-Smooth BodySuit. This tummy-controlling one piece combines a low back with wire free support. Makes all your formal outfits infinitely more wearable, and the comfort is second to none.


Before you start shivering, come see me soon!

Jaye Oman
Store Manager

Halloween Costume Accessories!

"The hardcore girls just wear lingerie and some form of animal ears."

Happy Halloween! Even if you aren't out trick or treating this year, there are always excuses to dress up - including a lovely event in Boxborough on November 1st. Read more about the Moulin-Rouge-themed Masquerade Ball here.

For a sheer or skintight costume, shapewear can make an exceptional costume wearable and comfortable! For instance, we usually have a run on Curves the week leading up to the 31st - a figure flattering body-stocking style shaper improves a myriad of silhouettes.

Pirate wench, Renaissance lady or Frankenstein's Bride? For anything off the shoulder or just straight up strapless, a fitted and secure foundation makes the rest of the costume look stunning.

And for the final perfect touch - sheer fishnet stockings or sexy hose with an attached garter? Lightly textured tights or plain black leggings? The favorite so far this year has been the backseam hose - so retro!

Assess your Halloween needs and I'll see you soon!

Jaye Oman
Store Manager

Stylin' Shapewear

Autumn is such a wonderful season; the end of humidity and an excuse for new boots! The best fall staple (besides a properly fit bra) has got to be leggings. Extremely versatile and comfortable, our pick for this must-have foundation piece is by an inspired company called Lyssé.


The astute, thoughtful designers of these sleek and flattering leggings have included all the best features; tummy-toning panels, flat-locked seams and exquisite tailoring. Effortlessly eliminating the need for extra pieces of shapewear with a smoothing high rise, Lyssé additionally invented their own unique double-knit custom ponte fabric that boasts excellent recovery. These leggings will take you stylishly through ALL the colder months.

For something new this year we are also offering Lyssé's wide leg ponte pant. This style adds some glamour to the silhouette while adhering to the comfortable smoothing versatility of each Lyssé product.

So whether you are looking for a flattering legging, a chic yet comfortable ponte pant, or simply to add some oomph to your wardrobe - I'll see you soon!


Jaye Oman
Store Manager

Rave - extra special summer bra!

I certainly am the type to get excited about a well designed bra.

 For the past year, my true love has been the Sexy Shaping Full Coverage T-Shirt Bra from Chantelle.

This bra was a bestseller for all shapes and sizes, mostly due to its excellent construction including the wide, flattering band and the pretty, lace covered cups.

However, we have a new contender from Wacoal. The Basic Beauty Spacer T-Shirt bra is easily a winner across the board and is ideal for the summer. The size range is impressive, and the stretchy fabric is soft and comfortable while the engineering sets a new standard in support.

Basic Beauty

Spacer cups are based around a honeycomb design - two lightweight layers held apart by strong yet flexible filaments - allowing the air to flow through and creating a breathable contour cup. Even though it feels weightless, the silhouette is lifted and always smooth.

Kicked-in straps complete this ideal design - the straps are angled slightly in a "Y" shape to resist slipping off the shoulders. The overall experience is based in comfort and security


Along the same vein, Wacoal also did an amazing update of their Halo Lace. Any bra with inifinity straps and a J-hook is a thoughtfully designed bra! The delicate lace is another wonderful fabric for this hot and humid summer.

And if we cannot tempt you with construction and science, another spacer cup by Wacoal is the Lace Embrace Contour in Purple Cactus- such a pretty color you won't be able to resist.

Update your lingerie wardrobe with smart buys and pretty colors - see you soon!

Jaye Oman
Store Manager

Moisture-Wicking Sleepwear

Haralee's "Melissa" Set

Haralee's "Melissa" Set

In our last blog post regarding hot flash pajamas we defended man-made performance fabric against the big contender - Cotton. While we continue to carry lightweight, breathable and beautiful cotton nightgowns and robes, the performance fabrics have maintained their popularity to the point that we have expanded our selection!

Haralee "Susan" Chemise

Haralee Sleepwear has a silkier feel than our other options, as it is made of 100% moisture-wicking polyester. The fit is loose and comfortable, barely perceptible as it slides over your skin. Easy loungewear on these humid days and feminine, attractive nightwear that expertly wicks away sweat to contribute to a great night's sleep.

As well as assisting with the comfort of your body, Haralee is a brand we are proud to carry as each garment is made in the United States, and a portion of each purchase supports the research to find a cure for breast cancer. 

Softies Long NightGown

Softies Dress

For glowing colors and the feeling of irresistible luxury, Softies by Paddi Murphy has some exciting new designs that just arrived in the store! The soft, touchable knit fabric not only wicks away sweat but also neutralizes odors and inhibits bacterial growth. These properties are built into the actual fabric - not sprayed on - so the performance will continue for the life of the garment. And especially the dress with drawstring waist is so adorable you will be tempted to wear it all the time, not only at bedtime.

Softies Long NightGown

If you are experiencing hot flashes due to menopause, pregnancy, chemotherapy, diabetes or if you are simply overheating in this incredible June weather - come see us at Jo Karen and let us help you into a cool night's sleep!

See you soon!

Jaye

Store Manager

No Show Panties - Summer has arrived!

From our most popular Hanky Pankys to the unbroken lines of Curves, we have all sorts of solutions for the VPL (Visible Panty Line) problem.

Our latest arrival hails from TC Edge, and it is a revolutionary design. The smooth, breathable microfiber feels like wearing almost nothing as it is perfectly stretchy and comfortable. But the real genius is the thin but powerful silicone edging which prevents ride-up, wedgies and keeps the panties from showing any lines. Even the most skeptical and sensitive among us have been wowed by the promise this panty delivers on!

Prior to TC taking the panty world by storm, the wardrobe solution for white pants or leggings had been a "better" cut than a bikini - a hipster. The hipster is wider on the sides so it offers fuller coverage which leads to less lines as it does not bisect the tush but instead totally covers it. The style most preferred by our customers was by Warners, which boasts a wide and flat seam. However, when the request includes cotton we turn to the beautiful B'tempt'd lace-edged hipsters. The lace has a soft and flattering edge and disguises lines while promoting comfort.

Universally beloved Hanky Pankys are wonderful, however there are certainly choices for those who prefer to not even have the texture of lace show through. In that case, both Commando and Calvin Klein produce a laser-cut seamless thong which is virtually invisible even under the most revealing of styles.

So while you are (finally) taking out all your summer clothes and looking for the VPL solution, come see us today!


Jaye
Store Manager

Stick-on bras - for prom and weddings!

You've already had the fun part of picking out your special occasion dress. It's everything you wanted, and while you were in the fitting room trying it on (and falling in love) you said to yourself "OK, I just have to find a bra to go under it."

Now is the time, and Jo Karen is the place. If your dress is strapless, backless, or has cutouts which make wearing a traditional bra impossible then you need a solution. We have them.

Our two most popular strapless bras have remained the same, but we also boast eight other styles in case you need something those two do not offer. A softcup (unmolded, unpadded) strapless is not for everyone, but some people simply prefer that feeling - so we have you covered with Full Bloom by b. tempt'd. This soft and beautiful fully convertible bra is lightweight for summer and goes to a DDD cup even in a small band size like 30! 

For a totally backless dress, or one with extreme cutouts or sheerness, a sticky bra is a must. The Adhesive Lite from The Natural is the perfect shape and adhers securely to your skin for an effortless feel. You can wear this one bra all summer long under your favorite sundress, strapless top, or any garment with an open back. So lovely to have one item make your wardrobe infinitely more wearable!

Please bring in your dress when you come for a fitting - this way we can assist you with confidence. (Plus I love to see all the beautiful styles!)

See you soon,

Jaye

Store Manager

Beautyfull for our sensitive side

Since our inception in 2004 (almost time for our ten year anniversary!) our best-selling and most comfortable bra has been from the Anita line. This German lingerie company has perfected several styles made specifically for sensitive skin. The size range is excellent (from band 30-44 and through H cup), and the fabric is uniquely pleasing to the skin.

For years we have marveled at the benefits of the “Twin”, Anita’s most popular style. The Twin boasts the Standard 100 certification, which simply means the independent European testing and certification system Oeko-Tex has 100 percent confidence that this textile is devoid of any substance potentially harmful to human skin. This is awarded only to fabrics that correspond to the pH of our skin and contain no allergy-inducing dyes.

Our skin produces secretions that cause it to be slightly acidic on the pH scale. The acid mantle of our epidermis is key to protecting our body from foreign contaminants that are primarily alkaline in nature. People with sensitive skin can easily have their balance thrown off by soaps and other chemical substances or environmental factors, and it can take up to 36 hours to restore harmony! Each and every part of the Twin, right down to the thread used to bind components together, is made with this balance in mind.

Alicia by Anita

A best seller for good reason, the Twin is available in both wire and wire-free versions and gives a comfortable yet supported feel for everyday. Another favorite is the beautiful Alicia, which functions as Anita’s minimizing bra—the cup fabric is much more taut than the Twin and, paired with a taller underwire, is engineered to have a firmer hold. The most popular sports bra we carry, Firm Control,  is also by Anita—an exquisite, thoughtful design that manages to feel lightweight and breathable while providing the ideal fit for activity.

Looking to uplift your comfort level? I'll see you soon!

Jaye

Assistant Manager

Work Out in Style - Flattering Activewear

Getting the motivation to go the gym is hard enough without having activewear that supports your active pursuits. Fortunately, Jo Karen has all sorts of options along with experienced associates who probably go to the same gym you do!

Now that warm activewear SnowAngel season is wrapping up (please no more snow!) we have begun to receive the new spring arrivals!

An early favorite has been a new vendor for us called Ryka. The rise to their pants is comfortably mid- to high-rise, making it flattering and secure for all activity.

Ryka size range starts at extra small and goes to 3X.


One of the best pieces I've seen from them so far is the Skirted Legging which allows the unparalleled comfort of leggings with the modesty of a skirt!

Our number one sportswear company has long been Moving Comfort. They are known for their variety of sports bras but in 2014 we are very pleased with their activewear offerings! The Metro line includes the Tank (Pictured), Tee, and Capri (Pictured.)

Combined with the exclusive wicking fabric aptly named DriLayer, these pieces are the epitome of styling that not only looks good but also makes sense. The Metro Tank starts with a relaxed fit racerback style which scoops at the hemline for a pretty look that lets you move the way you want.

Other gems by Moving Comfort include the Gotta Love It Tank (we do) that boasts a bit of compression in a to-die-for fabric with a classic fit.

Their Sprint Tech Capri is another winner with all the right bells and whistles - a wide band at the waist with a zipper pocket in the back, reflective details which flatter the line of the leg along with a snug fit that is sure to be a hit with all the runners!

 So whether you are fulfilling New Years resolutions or getting back to your usual  spring activity - we are ready to help you work it!

See you soon!
Jaye
Assistant Manager

PS - You know I didn't forget about sports bras. Our popular Wacoal Sport is in Formula One Red for a limited time!

Sexy Lingerie - Not Just For Him!

Full coverage, all-lace back

I'm not sure if you have heard, but there is a major holiday coming up next week. The anticipation of flowers, chocolate, sparkly things - and romantic dinners out. I know you want to feel special and gorgeous the whole evening, without having to do a full wardrobe change.

Some of my favorite pieces this year are all-in-wonders - they look great PLUS support and smoothing in all the right areas.



 Take for instance, Brandy by Arianne (Sizes S/M/L) Not only is it a beautiful teddy but also comfortably flattering with its tummy-hiding panel and molded cups for support. This lacy, feminine design completely replaces shapewear so you can be pleased to be undressed. ;)

Also available in black

Parfait by Affinitas does a great job encompassing all the proportions Arianne leaves behind - our popular babydoll with properly sized underwire cups goes to an H cup and starts at a 30 band size. This cute and flirty style utterly replaces a good bra AND slip, even boasting garter straps for your thigh highs! How lovely to be able to put on your foundation and LOVE how it looks.

Pistachio color with matching bralette

Another flattering look is the Retro Thong and V-kini by our favorite Hanky Panky. The high rise of pretty, stretchy lace subtly controls muffin-top and is a favorite amongst our customers for pencil skirts and fitted tops.

So when you think about Valentine's Day, and completing the look you lust after, think of us!


See you soon!

Jaye
Assistant Manager