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