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Since I have Bebo's book in digital version, I can share a few excerpts. Some members wanted a few excerpts in another topic so here it is.
The chapter on Lingerie and undergarments
Photo added on Kal El's insistence
BRAS, PANTIES AND LIFE'S LESSONS! Underneath Your Clothes '
I hated the thought of going to boarding school. Being far away from my family, friends and all the fun and excitement of Mumbai was a terrifying thought. So I did everything in my power to avoid going. I even tried failing the Welham Girls school entrance exam on purpose, just so that they wouldn't accept me. But my mother was even more stubborn than her mischievous daughter. She was determined to give me a healthy dose of discipline from the best institution in the country, even if she had to drag me there, kicking and screaming. Going to a boarding school teaches you big lessons about life. Girls learn the importance of manners, obedience, books ' and the right undergarments. Anyone who's been to a girl's school will tell you this is the most important part of your uniform. Since you're all growing into women together, conversations about bras and panties are pretty common. You could learn from each other's experience, get advice on what brands are best, and the latest styles that your mom was probably not up-to-date about.
Boarding school also gave me a certain sense of conservatism when it came to lingerie. Even today, I'm not the kind who can wear a sheer top with my bra showing through. In school, that would have got me punished before I could even blink. That's why one of my pet peeves is seeing a panty peeking out from the top of your jeans. You see a lot of very fashionable women hanging out in malls and stores wearing super-low-waist jeans. And the minute they bend over, they're either showing off their Calvin Klein thongs, or worse ' you get a glimpse of their butt crack. It's just disgusting! There's a reason it's called underwear. It's not meant to be paraded, except in the bedroom.
BUYING THE RIGHT BRA I am a Victoria's Secret girl. So, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of a good bra. Honestly, it's the bra that makes your boobs look good. Even women with small chests can create the illusion of curves with the right push-up. And ladies who are well endowed in this area need the right support, or the girls will look tired and droopy. And we all know that's not a good look on anyone. I have a 3S RULE for buying the right bra: Size, Support and Sex Appeal.
Size
It's just ridiculous that many grown women who've been wearing a bra almost all their lives are completely clueless about their real size! Sure, we'd all like to be a classic 32C, but let's get real. We're curvy, sexy, voluptuous women and there's no shame in walking into a lingerie store and asking for a 34D, if that's what you really need. Luckily, today, most stores have smart saleswomen who can help you find your perfect fit. And remember, the bust size changes every time you gain weight or lose a couple of kilos. I read once that women's bra sizes keep changing throughout their lives. When I was a Size Zero, obviously, I had lost weight on my torso and chest. So my bra size reduced. Once I gained few kilos, I had to get myself measured again so that I wouldn't be wearing a bra that was too tight to breathe in.
Get fitted every time you buy a new bra, especially if you're shopping for one after a few months. The perfect size should hug your torso firmly, without cutting into your back or riding up to your shoulders. The straps should hold everything in place nicely without needing major adjustments. Of course, there shouldn't be any extra fabric if it's a soft cup bra or extra space if the cups are moulded. If you're falling short of any of these requirements, then it's time to head back to the rack. Some brands, especially in India, don't stock certain sizes, and while I think that's blatant discrimination, don't fall for the 'cross-over' size story, unless you're really desperate. Most brands, whether you prefer the high-end La Perla or are happy with paisa-vasool Marks & Spencer, have different sizing charts, so the only way to really know if it's your size is to try it on.
Support
Like any good companion, your bra should offer you support in the most difficult situations. No point buying those extra-dainty balconette bras with slim straps if you're generously endowed in the chest area, and spend the rest of the day fidgeting uncomfortably. Different dresses also require different bras, depending on the fabric and neckline. Finding the right shape that offers unflinching support is the key to protecting your assets.
The best bra for your figure:
THE BALCONETTE Perfect for women with a small chest, this offers up enough cleavage to enhance your curves and looks great on a low neckline. A high-street brand that I've discovered for practical, yet pretty, balconette bras is Amante, available at almost all departmental stores.
THE PUSH-UP They're becoming increasingly popular, thanks to what Wonderbra did for their image, especially with those who'd like a little non-surgical help in the bust area. Again, this is best suited for smaller cup sizes, and could appear tacky on a healthier frame. You don't want to seem like you're spilling out of your top now, do you? La Senza and Triumph have budget-friendly options in a wide range of colours.
UNDERWIRE FULL CUP Made for voluptuous women, these come with soft or moulded cups, and hold it all in with no chance of spillage. The underwire adds to the support system, and gives you a great shape, and the best part is all brands stock this style in plenty.
THE T-SHIRT BRA Every woman needs a seamless T-shirt bra that won't show up under her favourite V-neck. In fact, I usually prefer to wear a fitted T-shirt when shopping for lingerie, just to make sure that I'm getting the best value for my money.
STRAPLESS This is where you should invest maximum energy and money, because a sturdy strapless bra will keep you happy and fidget-free through a night of dancing in your sexy one-shoulder top. Look for a version with a wide band and strong underwire support, no matter what size you are.
THE CORSET Yes, it's still around! Now a version of the strapless bra is the corset, which also has the additional advantage of sucking in your stomach. Usually available in skin tones, they are not the sexiest things in the world, but can offer your figure a helping hand, where exercise and dieting have failed. Spanx is a really popular brand abroad that makes suction-style underwear that you will swear by.
THE SPORTS BRA Fitness fashionistas, there's no leaving home without one in your gym bag. They should be made from sturdy fabric and hold everything in place when you hit the treadmill. I find the best ones are usually made by sportswear brands like Nike, Adidas and Lacoste, and not traditional lingerie labels.
THE NUDE BRA Lots of women have the same question: what kind of bra should I wear if my white blouse is slightly transparent? Thought the answer was white? Wrong! A white bra is only slightly better than wearing a black one, but the colour you're looking for is nude. Flesh-coloured bras create an even canvas under the shirt, so nothing is really highlighted. But this works only if you're wearing light pastel colours. Wearing a nude bra under a black top, especially if you have to face cameras like me, will only make it look like your boobs are popping through your top. And that photo will haunt you for life.
Sex Appeal
When you've taken care of the basics' size and support' you can indulge yourself a little in the sex appeal department. Personally, I love pretty pastel colours which can look both cute and sexy. And since lace is a fabric only women can wear, the combination of a lovely pastel-coloured lace bra is the epitome of feminine sensuality. Show me a lovely lavender balconette bra with lace straps and a delicate bow on the front, and I'm sold. But don't be afraid to get really experimental if you're trying to spice things up in the bedroom. Indian women have the tendency to be shy and play it safe when it comes to lingerie shopping, but thank God that's changing now. Black leather corsets and animal prints can really drive your man wild, especially when he knows he's the only one invited to the show. You can even buy some sheer negligees, if you can't handle the thought of wearing just a bra and thong to bed. The ones I Iike the most are like tiny baby doll dresses, that just about skim your thighs. They offer enough shelter for the body to give you confidence, while playing peekaboo. Seeing you half-exposed, half-covered up will really melt his brain, trust me. Stockings, I have recently discovered, are a smart investment too when you're trying to figure out how to dress up a simple outfit. Patterned ones with hearts, zigzags or crisscross marks, available at high-street stores like Zara, Only, and Accessorize, can add quirkiness to a plain T-shirt and skirt combo. They're also known to cause an increase in heart rate when paired with stilettos and a garter, in the bedroom. You should give it a shot, but keep a pack of ice handy for when his jaw hits the floor.
Bottom Line
We've probably all had those days when we've decided to throw caution to the wind, pull on silky panties under our jeans, and spend the rest of the day squirming uncomfortably because it's just too hot. Putting on your sexy panties for no good reason is a thrill and a surprisingly good pick-me-up for when you're having a bad day. Just look how happy those Victoria's Secret models look all the time! But wearing the wrong type of underwear, now that can really ruin your day, especially when you're a busy working woman running around from one place to another. Panties need to comply with the three rules: feel comfortable, stay invisible, look pretty (but only when you're in your bathroom at home or with that special someone). Oh, and offer the right support. Seems funny to say it, but ill-fitting underwear can really change the shape of your derriere. I'm not going to treat my best asset with anything but the utmost respect and care, right.
BRAND GUIDE La Perla and Victoria's Secret undoubtedly make the best panties in the world. They're luxurious, yet comfortable, and have enough options in different styles to make your head spin ' and his eyes pop. And who can forget Victoria Beckham's gorgeous ads for Armani lingerie. If it's good enough for Lady Beckham, it's definitely good enough for you. But if you don't want to take out a loan just to cover up your butt, La Senza and Marks & Spencer panties are pocket-friendly but still look stunning.
Pick the Right One Here's a quick guide to buying the right type of panty to go with your wardrobe choice for the day.
THONGS I'll admit that wearing thongs aren't the most comfortable option for everyday wear, even if Sarah Jessica Parker insists she never leaves home without one. Lace thongs might be slightly more tolerable because the fabric is thin and won't irritate you. But thongs are a must-have to avoid that blasted panty line! Plus if you want to up that sexy quotient, nothing like a flimsy thong!
BOY SHORTS For a more practical, but still panty-line-proof version, I reach for my Victoria's Secret lace boy shorts or the seamless silk ones. Boy shorts are almost like men's briefs, hence the name. But they are the most comfortable things ever, and still manage to be sexy, especially if you buy them in lace or silk. For a cuter, preppy, everyday look try on the cotton ones that come in a million colours and designs!
BIKINI The bikini cut doesn't work for women with big hips and love handles. It will cut into your sides and create that ugly muffin shape that makes you look lumpy. But for those who are petit and toned this would be your ideal style.
MID RISE Mid-rise panties have the widest seat, so if you've got a bigger derriere, this is probably the right size for you.
LOW RISE If you're a fan of low-rise jeans, make sure you stock up on panties that are cut low in the back. Please don't be one of those tacky women who have their underwear peeking over the band of their jeans.
BRIEFS But for our tropical climate, it's best to put hygiene above everything else and stick to good ol' cotton panties.
Kapoor, Kareena; Pinto, Rochelle (2012-11-17). The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva (Kindle Locations 2218-2225). Penguin Books India Pvt Ltd. Kindle Edition.
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