So you’re having abdominal surgery!

 In all the pre-surgery preparations me of all people never thought or asked about a support garment for after surgery. 

So, day one at home I realized I couldn’t move without holding a pillow against my tummy- this does not work for me. I get on the phone to my expert staff, explain that I want only tummy support nothing else and my helper (loving sister) will pick them up.

They provided me with five excellent choices. I ended up liking three of them but my personal favorite was a Levusha - cost was only $18.00 and it was so comfy .

 I was able to drop the pillow and move around freely. I even wore it to bed and moving around was so much more doable!!

Jo

Owner

Sports bras for the plus sized cups

A New Year resolution that includes exercising and getting into shape should also include a fitting for a  sports bra.  Especially if you are a " D" cup or larger.

You know your sport bra needs to be replaced if....

-It is more than 1yr old, and it no longer maintains its shape
-You wear 2 at one time to control the bounce
-You struggle with a style that pulls over your head

In general Sport bras work on compression. The well- engineered ones have cups, adjustable straps, and close in the back. The fabric is moisture wicking, so they are more comfortable and supportive than your everyday bra. They are also can be sized like regular bras for a more customized fit.

Here are some examples of styles we think work very well.

Wacoal has a style that is unique.  It is sized in regular bra sizes 32-40 bands, and C-H cups. It has a underwire, so your breasts separate however, the wire is on the outside for comfort! The inside is smooth seam free and moisture wicking.

                                                   


Anita makes several excellent sports bras.  This one is for high impact control with seams not wires.  The inside of the bra is lined with seamless moisture wicking fabric. It is also sized in regular bra sizes  30-46 bands, and B-H cups.

                                                   

The Enell sports bra is a hybrid specialty sport bra, it is sized a bit differently in ranges 32-52 bands and C- DDD cups, incorporated into sizes 00-8 it is best to be fitted for this bra, if need be they can custom make a bra for you.

                                                 


Moving Comfort also makes several excellent hi-impact sport bras. The one- pictured " Rebound Racer" a more traditional racer-back style, also comes in Bra sizes B-DD cup, 30-38 bands.  Even though it is a racer-back, it offers a customized fit with front adjustable straps and an adjustable keyhole back closure.

These are some of our best high impact styles, but they are just a representation of the many styles we offer.
In my next blog I will discuss some of the lower impact and smaller cup size options.

Karen
Partner/Buyer

Email questions to personal_service@jokaren.com or www.facebook.com/jokaren.personalservice

Don't have time to diet before my holiday event!

One comfortable, lightweight garment that seamlessly eliminates "back fat" as well as "muffin top" - it is no longer too good to be true.

Imagine adding the finishing touches to your hair and makeup, then effortlessly stepping into an Unbelievabra which takes away any blemishes on your silhouette.

This product includes underwire, molded cups on a silky smooth tank style foundation.  Designed by a woman (obviously,) this is the bra plus shaper replacement we have all been waiting for.




Before

After

The Alternative to Spanx Shapers

As the holidays arrive, we pay more attention to our outfits for that special party or holiday photo. We are all worried about "back fat," panty lines, stomach rolls, etc. The best way to rock your event is to feel comfortable in your own skin - or an upgrade!

Shapewear has a long and fascinating history, but the newest styles are unique in that they offer comfort as well as flattering support. The most important aspect of any shapewear is its ability to be worn effortlessly. We certainly stock an assortment of bustiers, Shapeez, iPants. Sassybax (future blog post subjects!) but the far and away bestseller is Curves by Berkshire.

Curves is made to be worn with your own bra, and it controls, shapes and smooths your entire torso all the way down to mid-thigh. Curves takes away all lines at your midsection and is absolutely ideal for thin or tight styles due to its smooth nature. The best part about Curves is how it feels very natural but looks so good!

Curves by Berkshire comes in Black or Nude, and two different styles. The Above The Waist Smoother starts right at your bra line and smooths all the way down to midthigh - leaving a lovely clean foundation for your dress to fall against. The Waist Smoother with its Tummy Toning Panel is ideal for skirts - it boasts well engineered flattening exactly where all women want it.



For best results, bring in your holiday outfit or special dress when you visit Jo Karen. There's nothing more magical than the foundation garment transformation!

See you soon,

Jaye
Assistant Manager

Hanky Panky Thongs still going strong and getting better after all these years !

If you have not heard of, or tried these thongs you are really missing out on a phenomenon!
Gail Epstin and Lida Orzeck started their collaboration in 1978.  Two women friends from college, became business partners, and Hanky Panky was born. They created samples and personally tested each one.

It is about the "fit" and their  "Signature Lace".

 

This is the "Original Thong" # 4811.  

It's Pretty!

The wide lace at the hip and the soft "V" in the back make this a very comfortable thong.

Only two women who actually wear the garment could have come up with such a perfect design.

One size fits most people.

More colors than you can imagine, the must haves are nude and black.

Lace that is incredibly soft and lays flat, no pinching, no muffin top, and a cotton crotch liner.

No panty line, invisible under clothes.

  

 Evolution of the garment has taken place over the years the "Low Rise Thong" #4911. was next.

On June 18, 2004 the Wall Street Journal printed a article about  "The Perfect Thong" and Hanky Panky took off. 

They have added more styles using the same formula  of comfort and style.
The " Boy Short" this item is sized XS-L.

 The "Retro Thong" this item is one size.

Anyone who wants to look pretty and be comfortable can find a style that works for them!
 Hanky Panky now produces; a wide variety of panty styles, Cami's, sleepwear, and many different speciality lingerie items.  Each item is designed with style and comfort in mind.

Karen
Partner/Buyer

You can e-mail questions  to personal_service@jokaren.com or post on our wall: www.facebook.comjokarenpersonalservice

Hot flashes or Night Sweats can happen all day long.These panties can help!!

KnockOut panties are made in America of Supima cotton. 
The liner of the panty is very thin, dye-free and comfortable.
 It is their patented   "NO TRACE" technology designed to wick moisture away from the body, and control odor with  breathable cotton fabric.
These properties remain effective for the life of the garment.
They are easy care, machine wash and dry although we recommend hang to dry.

Not only are they function able, but they are pretty!

This is the mid rise bikini.  It has a wide lace band to for a smooth fit under clothes...no muffin top!
This group is size S,M,L and available in three colors, nude lilac, slate. There is also a Combo thong, and a boy short.

They lacy panty is also another standout.  With a wide lace band it is smooth and very comfortable.
This design also minimizes panty lines.
The Lacy Collection is mid rise and  has three styles;
The thong sized S,M,L
The panty sized XS,S,M,L,XL
The brief sized XS,S,M,L,XL,1X,2X,3X
Colors Nude, Lilac, Slate, White, Black

It is great to find a garment that  helps with a problem we all experience and is pretty. There are more items being developed with the same technology for 2013 release. Cami, sleepwear etc.
Can't wait to see what is new!

Karen
Partner/Buyer

You can e-mail questions to personal_service@jokaren.com or post on our wall: www.facebook.comjokarenpersonalservice

How Do I know when My Bra needs to be replaced?

What is the life expectancy of a bra?  Well the industry standard is 6 months to 1 year!
The more bras you have in your rotation the longer they will all last.
If you are like me you have bras in your lingerie drawer that are any were from ......brand new to more than 5-10 yrs old (maybe older than that!!!)

 Now,  I am also hear to tell you that most of them are tired, old, and no longer fit properly. They should be thrown out.......how do you know?  Well there are several things to check ......

Does the back ride up and  "the girls slide down " ?
The straps slip off your shoulders?
Does the center of the bra pull away from your rib cage?
Is everything loose wiggly and bouncy?
Are you looking for a bra extender?
Does your lingerie drawer look like this?

If you answer yes to any of these questions your bra is done ............and you need a bra fitting!



There are some things you can do to extend the life of your bra....
Hand wash, cold water mild detergent, hang to dry....this is the best !....now I also know we are all very busy...and we do some adaptation of this....
Next Best ....do you have a lingerie bag?....hook the back put it in the bag .... use cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent and remove  it from machine ASAP, hang to dry. This will help to assure that your bra can live its full life.
Never the dryer .....it cooks anything with stretch.
Tools!

The traditional lingerie bag works well and the newer version is a cylinder shape meant to accommodate a contour bra. The mild detergent is Soak it will help maintain the shape and the stretch of your bra, to meet the life expectancy 6 months to 1 year.

Now that you know how to determine if your bra is done, go home and throw out ALL THE EXPIRED BRAS IN YOUR DRAWER.
 We tend to think we will ...Garden in them.....Exercise in them.....etc.
There are so many beautiful garments out there  lets make room for them in our lingerie drawers!

Karen
Partner/Buyer

You can E-Mail questions to personal_service@jokaren.com  or post on our wall: www.facebook.comjokarenpersonalservice