5 Types Of Underwear to Own and What to Wear Them With

When it comes to underwear the older I've gotten the more picky I've become about what I choose and refuse to wear. Among other things, I've learned that not all sizes are the same from store to store and that sometimes it's okay to spend a little more on a pair that's going to last. Underwear also comes in what seems like a millions different cuts and the only real key when purchasing is how it makes you feel when it's on: you never want it to feel too small or like there's a ton of unnecessary fabric. Which is why with a little help from Kohl's and their endless options, I'm sharing 5 types of underwear to love and what to wear them with...

The Thong

I'll be the first to say the thong gets the least amount of wear out of all of the underwear choices in my drawer, and that's mainly because I like having the coverage. As someone who wears a lot of skirts and dresses the last thing I need is to be flashing the world when a gust of wind hits at the most inopportune moment. So, I reserve the tiny little piece of fabric for certain occasions where I can almost be guaranteed that I wont be giving passersby a show. Best Pairings: Bodycon dresses where you absolutely cannot show a panty line and {body skimming} thin or light weight fabric in pants, dress and skirts. Buying Tips: Skip the g-string and opt for a {wider} lace option. They're more comfortable and don't ride up as often. 

The Bikini

The classic bikini can do no wrong, it's always in style and comes in an array of styles and cuts. It has excellent coverage but can still be modern enough to skip the feelings of wearing  your grandma's underwear. Best Pairings: Boyfriend Jeans, Cut-offs, Skirts and Dresses. Buying Tips: If you're shopping for a wider waistband, opt for lace for a more comfortable fit. Cotton is always a great option, just make sure you don't size-down to avoid the dreaded muffin top.  

The Cheeky

The cheeky is probably the most popular pair of underwear in my drawer, it fits under virtually everything with slightly less coverage than the bikini and more than the thong. It sits lower on your hips and is absurdly comfortable for a tiny piece of fabric. Best Pairings: Dresses, Jeans & Pants, Shorts, Yoga Pants, Skirts. Buying Tips: Laser cut or lace trimmed options are your best bet for comfort and durability (Cotton doesn't hug the body and it ends up feeling like you're wearing too much fabric). 

The {highwaisted} Boyshort 

For me, I think boyshorts offer the most coverage. This particular high waisted {shapewear} style is an essential in my underwear drawer and next to the cheeky gets the most wear. I personally love the sporty feel, comfort and that it offers extra 'protection' from unforeseen gusts of wind when I'm wearing dresses and skirts. Best Pairings: Flowing dresses and skirts, high waisted wide-leg pants. Buying Tips: Make sure the fabric is comfortable and has good maneuverability, the last thing you want is to not be able to move or breathe

Shapewear

Shapewear is one of those things that once you try it you're hooked. The key is finding the right fit, you don't want it to be too tight or stiff. Regardless of what some say, shapewear doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Decide what kind of coverage you want and then shop for that particular pair, there are tons of options out there so take the time to try them all on before making a decision. Remember: not all pairs fit the same and what may work on some doesn't necessarily work on others. Best Pairing: Formal and Not-so-formal Bodycon & Skimming Dresses and skirts where you need more 'coverage', high waisted pants and skirts. Buying Tips: Always try on before buying and be willing to invest in a pair or two that really 'fit'. 

Need some new undies? Get $10 off of $40 with promo code INTIMATES10 or Enter to win one of two $50 gift cards to Kohl's!  {Enter Below}

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Slouchy Overalls

I don't know what it is about these overalls but there's something about the slouchy, laid back feel that makes them the perfect pairing for the weekend. They're easily worn with converse, heels and booties - each changing the look drastically. Last weekend, I was all about them with my shearling, printed coat, a cashmere turtleneck and booties. Luxe and laid back. 

Overalls & Bag Marshalls, Coat NewChic, Sweater Garnet Hill, Boot Chinese Laundry

Nautical Layers

Flares, I love them. But it's been a struggle to find 'the right pair'. Sure, I like the Fashion Nova pair I've been sporting for the last couple of months but for some reason they feel more like leggings than jeans. Which left me feeling like I was revealing a little more than I initially wanted to. This pair however, ended up being close to perfect and they're on sale for under $40. I call it a win and I'll happily wait out the rest of this winter weather until cropped top season hits us. Until then, nautical inspired layers it is.  

Jacket Darling, Scarf DSW, Jeans Levi's, Boots  Report, Bag H.Butler

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Oatmeal Beauty Essentials To Love

Since oatmeal is already part of my daily life, whether it be in the form of this amazing fruit and oatmeal bake or in a homemade mask (below) once a week, it was a no-brainer that St. Ives new oatmeal infused line would be a major win in my book. I mean, oatmeal anything is a win-win thanks to it's energy boosting and nourishing properties. Also, who can resist the fact that it doubles as a beauty essential - those heavenly oatmeal baths when I had the chicken pox, or all the times I've gotten poison ivy, made me a lifetime user of the golden grain.

As I've said before, this weather has made my skin in dire need of oatmeal's exfoliative and moisturizing powers, so I couldn't help but love St. Ives Nourished and Smooth Body Scrub and St. Ives Nourished and Soothe Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Lotion. The body scrub is gentle enough for daily use and doesn't feel overly rough or coarse during application making my sensitive winter skin the perfect contender. Post scrub/shower the Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Lotion soothes my newly exfoliated skin and keeps things looking smooth and radiant, even in the middle of winter. Both are paraben free and made with 100% natural exfoliants and moisturizers, so I feel good about what I'm putting on my body. 

To make things even sweeter, my St. Ives mailer came complete with the spoils of their most recent collaboration with ny-hot spot OatMeals eatery. Each jar of the unbelievably delicious St Ives Radiance Boosting Bowls was more than enough for two servings: one for my morning pick me up and one to treat myself to a little spa-day action at home. Of course, I picked out the dried fruit & nut goodness because heaven forbid I let any of that go to waste. {Mask recipe below.}

Hydrating Oatmeal Face Mask

1/2 of very ripe banana, mashed

1/4 C. Oatmeal 

1 Tsp. Honey

3 Tbsp. Milk 

 Combine ingredients in a small bowl and apply to face. 

Let sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Pat dry. 

A mask good enough to eat, and you can ;).

How do you do double duty with your oatmeal? 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of St. Ives. The opinions and text are all mine.

Red Leopard

I was actually pretty dead set on starting my fashion week off with this look, I wanted it to be front runner and set the tone for the week. Colorful and playful. But, after the weather went from fab to drab after taking these pictures I had to do a little switching around and ended up skipping it all together -which is a shame, because I LOVE this dress paired with the scarf and the quirky cat bag. Leopard + cat bag, how could I not? Either way it will get worn and still be fabulous, just not on the concrete catwalks at Fashion Week. 

 Dress FewModa, Bag Bijuju, Jacket Chicwish, Boots JustFab, Scarf Vintage

The Feather Dress

For my fashion week style I made an extra point to keep my dresses quirky and fun to help lighten the "oh hey, it's actually freezing outside" mood. This dress fell into my closet when StyleLend had a pre-fashion week party last monday and sent me home with this amazing piece of inspiration. I immediately knew it was going to be the perfect addition especially with these pops of color and texture paired with the feathers. I honestly didn't want to give it back yesterday when they came to pick it up (StyleLend is a rental service where you get a week to wear and return your favorite designer pieces & for a mah-jor fraction of the price) - but I think it's safe to say the dress and I had a blast.

Dress J.Crew via StyleLend, Coat Lulus.com, Bag H.Butler, Boots JustFab, Scarf Vintage

Breakfast Of The Champions with Plenti

This post brought to you by Plenti Oatmeal Meets Greek Yogurt. The content and opinions expressed below are that of TfDiaries.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm the worst when it comes to breakfast. I don't know if it's because I feel like I don't have time to make something or I purely just forget to have breakfast. Either way, it's probably not the best choice or excuse since I usually end up feeling groggy after my caffeine kick starts to wear off around noon. Oops. 

Turns out, a hearty breakfast is a lot easier than I initially thought. Mainly because Yoplait just stepped up their game with their new Plenti Oatmeal Meets Greek Yogurt. It's oatmeal reinvented with my choice yogurt for a healthy dose of protein & whole grains (11 grams protein, 16 grams whole grains* - at least 48 gram whole grain recommended daily) in under 200 calories. As a dedicated oatmeal fanatic I'm happy to ditch the process and mess of cooking for the convenient, ready-to-eat version. All you need is a spoon and it's ready to enjoy straight out of the fridge, anywhere. If you're an oatmeal and greek yogurt fan you're going to love this. I personally never would have thought to combine oatmeal and greek yogurt: the texture paired with the tart, creamy goodness of greek yogurt is incredible. It's the real breakfast of champions. 

Plenti Oatmeal Meets Greek Yogurt comes in 6 flavors; Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Vanilla, Maple Brown Sugar, Peach, and Strawberry. I'm partial to Apple Cinnamon and Maple Brown Sugar. Each 5.5 ounce cup contains live and active cultures, and skips the artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Find Plenti in the yogurt aisle for $1.59 a cup {grab a Plenti coupon}.

Want to try a week's worth of Plenti? Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a week's supply of Plenti (in the form of coupons).

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