Choosing the right bra

When it comes to looking good, you have to start at the base. October is breast cancer awareness month, so personal stylist, Jill Marinelli, visited the set with a few tips for finding the right bra.

Jill suggests having a bra fitting every six to 12 months or with the gain or loss of about 5 pounds. This change in weight can affect one’s bra size. Jill says a professional fitting is the way to go.

She brought in a few different choices from Nordstrom to create a basic “bra wardrobe” that every woman needs.

A basic t-shirt bra should be smooth and comfortable.

“You want to get it as close to your skin tone as possible,” said Marinelli.

Avoid wearing a white bra underneath shirts. She calls the t-shirt bra the “workhorse” of all the bra wardrobes.

Marinelli also suggested a convertible bra. Rather than purchasing a strapless bra, a halter top bra, or a one sleeved bra, all looks can be achieved by owning a bra with movable straps.

“This is a bra I say you might invest a little more money in, but it almost takes the place of three different bras in your wardrobe,” Marinelli said.

The t-shirt and convertible bras are functional, but Jill also had a few selections for playful underwear. Incorporating colors, fun prints, and ruffles can make women feel good if they’re having a bad day.

Jill feels every woman should also own something sexy. Lace bras with matching underwear can give a positive boost to the woman wearing them.

“I think that you hold yourself in a different way and you exude more confidence,” said Marinelli.

Roughly 80% of women are wearing the wrong size. Marinelli said the most common problem is wearing a band that’s too big and a cup size that’s too small.

“All of the support that you get from a bra is from the band; it is not from the straps. The straps are just a stabilizer,” Marinelli said.

Jill will be giving one lucky lady a makeover to celebrate the grand opening of Nordstrom Rack at Warwick Mall.The winner will receive a style makeover on Saturday, December 1 at Nordstrom Rack with Jill Marinelli and a $500 wardrobe provided by Warwick Mall.

In addition, the winner will receive a new hairstyle provided by Lord's & Lady's, makeup at Sephora inside JCPenney, a manicure and pedicure at Nail Pro, and dinner for two at Longhorn Steakhouse.

Apply to win at http://contests.foxprovidence.com/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=71875