For probably the past decade, I have been on a constant hunt for a better bra and although I have found some decent options along the way, it has never been easy. This past summer I went into Macy's looking for a racerback bra and when I asked for help, I was informed in a not very nice tone that "no one makes that style in your size." That might sound harsh (and I did call my mom crying afterwards), but it was not an outlier experience. Since most bra sections are set up by brand, not size, it feels like an impossible task to sift through everything and you are forced to rely on the expertise (or not) of the sales associate. 

In a fit of desperation last August, I resorted to online shopping for bras. At the time I was sure that it would be an utter disaster since I had spent many hours in fitting rooms trying on bras just to come out empty handed. However, Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns on all online purchases and I figured that at least I could endure the humiliation of poor fitting bras in the privacy of my apartment instead of being cajoled by sales associates to show them off to the entire fitting room. This is going to sound like an exaggeration, but the entire experience was magical. I could filter search results by size, read reviews from other customers and when my order arrived on my doorstep, I could try each option on with multiple tops and dresses. No more searching through racks of bras and no more wondering if the bra would look okay under a variety of fabrics. I was on such a roll that I then headed over to the Bare Necessities website, which also has a good return policy. Not all of my purchases fit, but the success rate was well over 50% and I discovered my new favorite brand, Freya (which is carried at both Nordstrom and Bare Necessities). 

Freya is based out of the U.K. (so check that size conversion chart before ordering!) and is great for women with large chests. It was the first time that I put on a bra and really felt like it had been made with me in mind and wasn't just a bigger version of something designed for an A cup. I didn't realize the importance of that until I finally experienced it and now six months later I can say that the excitement hasn't worn off. There are quite a few pieces of clothing that I feel much more confident wearing because my undergarments aren't interfering with the fit. I especially love their longline bras which have fabric that extends about an inch and half below the bust because they help smooth out my sides and back. But the most important thing is that I feel like there are options for me to choose from, not just a style that I am stuck with. (An added bonus is that they also make swimwear in their bra sizes!) 

This is embarrassing to admit, but I used to wear camisoles with built-in bras over my bras so that I would have extra support. Now all of those camis are sitting unworn on a shelf in my closet. It is freeing to be able to throw on only single layer. Before I could only do that if I was willing to wear an undergarment that resembled armor more than a bra. You can probably imagine that my outer layers also look better without the added bulk underneath. There are probably a few of you who have also made compromises or modifications because you couldn't find the perfect fit. You shouldn't have to settle. 

If you are looking to try a variety of brands (which I suggest if you go the online shopping route), I have also had success with Wacoal (though their larger sizes come mostly in neutral colors) and Cleo by Panache. For sports bras, I am a huge fan of Lynx Sportswear which creates an incredibly supportive bra that is unlike any other you have tried (seriously, watch the video and you will be amazed). 

When you are updating your wardrobe for the new season, take a moment and evaluate your undergarments. They are unseen most of the time, but their importance should not be underestimated.

The current season requires us to be bundled up in warm coats and cozy accessories, but until we get another polar vortex or a foot of snow on the ground, your winter attire can, and should, still look stylish. These three items will improve your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort:

It is the third day of the new year and the time to start putting together action plans for all the resolutions you made after a few glasses of champagne. If you're like most people, you resolved to lose weight, eat better, or exercise more. Those are all great goals but there is one pesky side effect: while your body is in transition, few of your clothes will fit, but you won't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe for what is expected to be a temporary period. Here are a few tips for looking great without breaking the bank:

1. Get a great fitting pair of pants for the middle of your journey. Very few people actually enjoy trying on pants so it is tempting to just "make do" with belts and long shirts to cover ill-fitting bottoms. Don't do it. In a workplace, ill-fitting pants make you look unprofessional and in your personal life, they make you look sloppy. All you need is one pair of black work trousers and one pair of denim to get you through a transitional phase. 

2. To subsist on just a few basic pieces of clothing, accessorize and pair pieces in creative ways.  For example, one day you can wear a black knit sheath dress with a cardigan and a bright scarf. The next day you can wear that  same dress layered over your white oxford shirt and with a belt defining your waist. Then you pair the belt, oxford, and cardigan with your black pants for work and then again on with denim for a weekend look. 

3. Don't give away/throw away all your clothes the second your body shape/weight changes. Less tailored blouses and sweaters will probably still be wearable for a longer time than your pants, so make sure to try everything on before it heads for the door. Also, keep in mind that there will often be unforeseen fluctuations. So while you may be tempted to purge everything in a now-too-big side, I would suggest keeping a couple basics folded away on the top shelf of your closet.

4. Shop for lower quality pieces. This is the time to head to Old Navy and H&M instead of to Banana Republic and J. Crew. Although the pieces won't last as long, you won't feel bad about retiring them after you get to your final goal size. 

5. During a transition phase you will probably be able to wear the same size for several weeks, if not months, at a time so you want to make sure that you can still put together appropriate outfits for all your professional and personal obligations. Here is my list of "the basics" that will keep you looking stylish:
          -1 pair black work pants
          -1 pair dark wash denim in your favorite cut
          -1 black sheath dress
          -1 patterned skirt
          -1 button front oxford shirt
          -1 cardigan in a solid (not neutral) color
          -1 blouse
          -1 long sleeve tee (not black)
          -1 patterned scarf
          -1 neutral belt

Don't think you can look stylish with only 10 pieces in your closet? I will be posting all the outfit combos later this week!

As soon as the leaves start to turn you can be sure that camel will start popping up in window displays. The color camel that is. A soft wool or felted camel piece is as much a part of fall as apple cider or candy corn. This year my favorite way to wear this classic color is in a short jacket.

Felted Wool Moto Zip Jacket
Ann Taylor $198

Wear to Work: Pair with brown or black trousers or a brown tweed skirt. Layer a burgundy or deep plum silk blouse under the jacket.

Casually on Trend: Follow the formula of the outfit shown in the photo to the left. For an outfit with more of a pop, trade the plain white tee for a winter white & camel striped one.

Evening Out: Pair with a jewel tone skirt and a cream silk shell. Accessorize with a short, chunky gold necklace and a pair of patent heels.

The little black dress has become the essential piece that nearly all women can agree on. The prefered style of a LBD differs greatly from person to person, but you would be hard-pressed to find a woman today without one in her wardrobe. Yet I rarely see the LBD used to its full potential. It seems that many women only pull out this piece for cocktail parties, weddings or other special events. If you feel beautiful and confident in your LBD, there is no reason not to wear it on a regular basis.

Here are five ways to style your favorite LBD so you don't look overdressed for your everyday life:

1. Pair with colored tights, a skinny belt worn at the waist and a colored cardigan (I like to match my tights to my cardi). Finish off the outfit with black riding boots for a chic lunch-date look. Keep jewelry to a minimum so the outfit feels more relaxed. Not sure what pop of color to try? Teal is perfect for fall!

2. Layer a white oxford underneath a black sheath dress. Cuff the sleeves of the oxford and belt at the waist. Accessorize with a narrow bracelet and a basic black pump.

3. Wear a light brown tweed jacket over your LBD and cuff the sleeves once. Pair with grey tights and light brown riding boots for a mix of neutrals that is anything but boring.

4. Pair with a plum cardigan and flats. Button the cardigan at least halfway up and accessorize with a patterned scarf.

5. Layer a striped long sleeve tee underneath a black sheath dress. Belt at the waist and finish off the outfit with grey tights and black riding boots.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to dress down your LBD is with a casual shoe (flats, riding boots, etc.) and by layering with long sleeved shirts, sweaters and/or tights.