Intimate Apparel Business Magazine

IAB merges with adult publication AVN Novelty Business

Intimate Apparel Business magazine will cease publication with its May/June issue because of changes in the retail sector. The magazine’s sister publication, AVN Novelty Business (ANB), will be adding to its already extensive coverage of lingerie, apparel, and accessories and absorbing IAB's content.

The Lingerie Post is reporting the full story here.

Abs, Part IV

We're on our final week of the four week ab makeover, are you starting to see those abs yet? In this final post about abs, I'd like to review what we've been doing for the past three weeks, and end with some final thoughts on toning and weight loss.

Week 1: We started making small (but significant) changes to our lifestyles, including cutting out alcohol and soda, getting more sleep and brushing teeth after meals to prevent snack attacks.

Week 2: I introduced Fitness Magazine's 21-Minute Ab Makeover routine, which calls for cardio combined with pilates.

Week 3: Last Monday we increased the cardio to burn more calories and we talked about how household chores and everyday activities count towards cardio.

Today, I'd like to end with a little talk about motivation. I know that sometimes you just don't want to go to the gym or exercise. That's okay, and it's completely healthy for you to take days off from workouts. However, don't let one day turn into a whole week! It's so easy to tell yourself, "Eh, I'll go tomorrow" and tomorrow never comes. I know, I've been there! Here are three ways I motivate myself to stay in shape and keep active:

• "Remember, I'm paying for this!" - This is a tried and true reminder, because why keep paying for a gym membership when you aren't going to use it! Many memberships are automatically deducted from your bank account each month, so whenever you are feeling sluggish, just look at your bank statement!


• Keep the end in mind - Focus on how you dream of looking and don't settle for less. Yes, this might sound crazy, and I do agree that you should love yourself and your body no matter what. But keeping this image in your mind really helps get you off that couch! Here are some sexy lingerie items that might help motivate you! My newest favorite is the Asian Brocade Cut Out Dress. All I need to do now is have somewhere to wear it...


• Change the music on your iPod - I find it difficult to workout when I'm flipping through my 1,000+ songs to find those 10 good workout songs. Keep only a small playlist of your favorite motivating songs on your iPod (15-20) and update it every week or so to avoid getting tired of some.

Victoria's Secret in Trouble over Bra Design

Victoria's Secret is under fire for allegedly ripping off a woman's design for a convertible bra that can be worn 100 ways. Long Island mom Katerina Plew is suing the lingerie powerhouse for stealing her design.

Plew patented the bra in 2004 and had scheduled a meeting with Victoria's Secret in 2006 to discuss her design. On her way to the meeting, the company canceled and soon after started selling the new "Very Sexy 100-way strapless convertible bra." Needless to say, Plew was a little ticked and has sued Victoria's Secret for patent infringement.

Reuters says that Plew had turned to Victoria's Secret when she realized how much it would cost to produce.

Every online blog and story I've read so far expresses a belief without a doubt that Victoria's Secret stole the design. What do you think?

Abs, Part III

We're already on week three of our four week ab makeover! How are you doing?

Now we're increasing the cardio a bit to burn those calories and get rid of body fat! In addition to the 21-minute ab makeover routine from last week, you'll want to do three to five days of cardio a week for 30 to 45 minutes in your THR zone. This includes any type of cardio - doing what you like. So start that spring cleaning, and up the pace by putting on some motivating tunes that will help you both burn calories and get the house clean! Or go for a long walk or jog with your dog. You don't have to go to the gym, and you probably won't want to with the weather warming up so beautifully.

Remember, this is a process, so don't get discouraged if you've missed a few workouts or had a few desserts. The goal is to make a long-term change, not an overnight one. I missed a few workouts last week (thanks, homework) but I know that I can catch up later. So keep up the good work, and next Monday we'll finish out our four-week challenge and evaluate the results!

Maintain your results from now on by finding and joining a gym that suits your needs. If it weren't for my membership at 24 Hour Fitness, I would have trouble being motivated to exercise year-round. It offers me a place to exercise at any time, and the monthly fee I pay reminds me that I made fitness a priority. Why would I want to pay for something that I never use?

Pet Owner's Day!

Did you know today is Pet Owner's Day? I thought I would share a bit with you about my pets (excuse my departure from lingerie). I have two mischevious dogs and one Psycho Kitty (as my boyfriend calls her).

Taz & Zorro

My dog's names are Taz and Zorro. Taz the Pomeranian is aptly named, because he looks a bit like the Tazmanian Devil, and he turns into a tornado of fur whenever anyone tries to leave the house. Zorro the Papillon lives up to his name. He is quick and if you blink, he can have your slice of bacon you left on the table. He knows how to climb chain-link fences and does so whenever I let him in the back yard (but he doesn't run away; he simply explores the neighbor's grass).

My cat's name is Keiko, which means "adored one" in Japanese. I chose this name because my best friend liked to call her Oriental Baby (she has slanted eyes). Keiko has to stay in her room overnight because she has a habit of waking me by crashing into the blinds and shoving them aside so that she can look outside. Then, she has to play with the fun stringies hanging from the blinds, and the noise continues all night. Get this: Keiko loves running water (yes, she is a cat, I'm sure) and she comes running from wherever she is to discover the source of the bubbling sound. One time I was taking a shower and she leaped into the tub, not a bit phased by the spraying water!

Keiko

I'm curious about your pets. What are their names? What things do they do that you think are unusual?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word "pet" as "a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility". Celebrate Pet Owner's Day in a whole new way: you be the pet and you can wear this sexy kitty costume, which includes a collar and silver chain leash (most cats would hate this).”

Glamorizing the Ultra-Thin

In yesterday's edition of The Kansas City Star, I read an interesting story about the fashion industry. A bill adopted by the French Parliament's lower house Tuesday makes it a crime in France to glamorize the ultra-thin. It will attack Web sites that tell anorexics how to starve and could also target the fashion industry. The crack down would include fines of up to $71,000 and three-year prison sentences for offenders who encourage "extreme thinness." In the next few weks this bill will go to the Senate.

This bill follows the 2006 anorexia-linked death of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, which prompted efforts throughout the fashion industry to address the health problems of ultra-thin models.

French lawmakers and fashion industry members signed a nonbinding charter last week on promoting healthier body images. In 2007, Spain banned from catwalks models whose body mass-to-height ratio is below 18.

But French lawmaker, Valery Boyer, didn't believe this was enough, so she authored the bill. Boyer wished to encourage discussion about women's health and body image. Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot said Web sites that encourage young girls to starve should not be protected by freedom of expression.

Pro-anorexia Web sites and blogs surface all over the world, and they are often hosted by very young people sharing stories of body deprivation. The sites claim to provide emotional support for people striving to be super-thin by starving themselves.

Boyer asserted that the bill was not made to punish anorexics or models, but rather to discourage the promotion of dangerous weight-loss by the Web sites and the fashion industry.

Modeling agencies had mixed feelings about this bill. Some see it as only a problem for the pro-anorexia Web sites, and believe that the fashion industry is safe from this legislation. Others are supporting the bill full-heartedly.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America adopted guidelines last year asking its models not to practice unhealthy weight control.

In light of this body image issue, I wanted to point out that Lingerie Diva supports a positive body image. You can find many flattering options for plus-sized lingerie. Being thin doesn't make you beautiful. To be beautiful, you must radiate it from the inside out. Lingerie Diva has a variety of lingerie and apparel that will fit any shape and size.

It is sad that young girls are bombarded every day with thousands of images promoting the waif-like body. I am happy to see the French and American government stepping up to aleviate this illness.

Abs, Part II

Today I want to tell you about Fitness Magazine's 21-Minute Ab Makeover that will help you build muscle so that next Monday, when we up the cardio, you will be seeing results in your midsection. This routine combines cardio and pilates.

There are a total of five ab exercises, followed by a two-minute cardio burst. When I started this routine yesterday, I ran on a treadmill for the cardio burst. You can adapt it to your fitness level, but just make sure that it's challenging enough to have you breathing hard. Repeat the given sequence three times, and it only takes 21 minutes!

Keep on following my three suggestions from last week to achieve the best results. I'm headed to the gym as soon as I'm done at work to start working my abs so that I can look good in this little number!

They're Back...Jelly Shoes!

I have some surprising news for you: Jelly shoes are making a comeback as a trend this spring! I would never have guessed that this infamous style would return in the 21st century. The new jellies look a bit different from the jelly sandals you might remember from the 80's. They're making their appearance as flats and flip-flops.

As a child I remember wearing jellies, and I also remember hating them because they hurt my feet. I suggest that if you do slip some on, make sure you wear either a thin pair of socks or hose with them to prevent blisters.

If you like how jellies look but don't want to put up with the pain of wearing them, try these square heel slides . They are clear and have a slight heel, and are slightly reminiscent of jellies.

Can't quite bring yourself to revert back to this 80's style? I understand. There are plenty of shoe trends this season, so don't feel like you have to follow them all!

Unusual Uses For Old Bras

I went through my lingerie drawer last weekend and threw out bras that I no longer wear. What can you do with a tired, beat-up bra, right? Don't just chuck it in the trash like I did! Right after my "spring cleaning", I read an article called "28 things to do with an old bra" and I regret my hasty disposal of my worn out bras.

1. Make it Pretty. Add some lace or sequins or anything that will make it come to life. I like this altered pink bra with pretty butterflies and buttons.

2. Donate it. If the bra is in good condition, give it to charity. Breasttalk collects used bras and gives them to women around the world who for some reason don't have a bra. In some countries, women have to choose between feeding their family and buying a bra.

3. Sew it into a Camisole for Support.

4. Make a Purse. All you need is your old bra, ribbons fringing, hot glue or craft glue, scissors, and your creativity.

5. Display it. Take a look at he BraBall Atelier 31 Gallery for inspirational bra displays. Take a very pretty, lacy bra you never wear, place it in a frame, and hang it on your wall. Instant art!

Tell me about any additional ideas you have for an old bra. Post a picture of your creation!

Host a Lingerie Party!

I was just thinking about how much I love lingerie, and how much fun it would be to host a lingerie party for my friends. I found a great site that lists countless lingerie party themes and tips. Parties can center around a certain event, such as an upcoming wedding or birthday, or they can be just for fun.


I'm thinking of hosting a "Sex on the Beach" lingerie party, starring sultryswimsuits, glamorous metallic or charmed sandals and bright, summer-inspired lingerie, like this hot camisole set.

Before you proceed with planning your own lingerie party, decide on an informality level. Do your guests feel comfortable having a lingerie-only dress code, or would they rather admire lingerie while remaining fully clothed? Either way can be fun. If you are the wild type and your friends are not shy, go for a crazy sexy lingerie party with a striptease show.

As soon as you choose your party theme, start working on Invitations and Party Decorations to create the right party atmosphere. Invitations By You has some great lingerie party invitations which are fully customizable text!

Hosting a bachelorette lingerie party:

• http://www.iby.com/Shop-by-Brand/Socially-Yours/Pink-Lingerie_2


• http://www.iby.com/Shop-by-Brand/Socially-Yours/Lingerie-Time_2

Celebrating a new baby:

• http://www.iby.com/Fill-in-Items/Invitations/Lingerie-Die-Cut-Fill-in_2

Just For Fun:

• http://www.iby.com/Printed-Invitations/Girl-Time/Preppy-Lingerie

Drinks, Food and Games
For my "Sex on the Beach" theme, serve margaritas, and fruit punch as a non-alcoholic option. As for food, pineapple slices, cheese and crackers will satisfy. Click here for some fun game ideas. My favorite is "Hot Potato", in which a box with a lingerie set is passed around until the music stops. The guest left holding the box must wear its contents the rest of the night. Repeat so that everyone has an outfit!

Here's a handy lingerie party budget calculator.

Share your fun lingerie party ideas or experiences here!

Abs, Part I

What better time to start our four-week abs mini-makeover than taday, on World Health Day? But don't worry, I'm not going to take on the whole world. I have three suggestions to jump-start our path to a trim tummy.

1. Cut out alcohol AND all soda! Alcohol has no nutritional value, and it's converted to fat, which translates to tummy trouble. Even diet soda is bad, as artificial sweeteners have been found to stimulate your appetite. I like to sip flavored water instead.
2. Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces stress hormones, which may increase your appetite.

3. Brush your teeth right after you eat to keep from nibbling. Have you ever tried drinking a soda or eating a handful of chips after brushing your teeth? Yuck!

Next Monday I'll go over a fcw simple exercises targeting the belly. In the mean time, keep motivated by browsing our belly-baring swimwear and Sexy Lingerie Sets and know that you are three steps closer to a toned tummy. Share your progress and/or struggles in the next weeks. You can post annonymous comments, so don't be shy! :)

Your Votes Are In!

According to my shape up poll, abs give you the most trouble. This isn't surprising; MSN Health & Fitness says that 84% of women cite the belly, butt and thighs as their biggest problem areas.

Using fitness magazines and my own experience, I have come up with some tips that are effective and easy to follow. I hate diets, so I won't expect you to diet either.

Next Monday we'll begin this four-week mini-makeover (one post per week). To see all posts about this topic, click on the link for Health and Fitness posts on the left side of the screen.

New Bridal Lingerie - From Bachelorette Party to Honeymoon

Bachelorette Party
Wear the "Bride (Buy Me A Shot)" and the "Bachelorette (Buy Me A Shot)" Camisole Sets. Try going in cognito for your bachelorette party and flaunt one of our wigs ! Don't forget to step out in style wearing a pair of our fabulous heels, like these rhinestone stilettos.


The Big Day
Wear a white corset such as this Charmeuse Corset, complete with removable garters, white stockings, matching thong and pearl necklace for only $50.05. Or you might prefer a less-confining bra and panty set, such as this Chiffon Underwire Bra & Panty. Top off your look with a tiara, such as this Elegant Moments Rhinestone Tiara.


Honeymoon (the fun part!!!)
Lingerie Diva has endless possibilities for sexy lingerie and apparel. I like the Strapless Babydoll With Thong and this Sheer Mesh Camisole Set for lounging around inside. If you're heading to the beach for some honeymoon bliss, pack this Deep V One Piece Bathing Suit.

I want you to post pictures or links to your favorite bridal lingerie, or just your wedding/bachelorette/honeymoon picture! Click on the comment link at the end of this post.