CHICAGO: Weekend Away

Last weekend I was in Chicago to visit a close friend and for my Sip & Shop event with Ready to Stare at BLAIR! I had a wonderful time! Susun is an amazing host and it is always a pleasure catching up and spending time together. Plus, I loved getting to know other amazing ladies through our Sip & Shop event. 

For the first time in my life, I actually missed my flight! It was completely my fault, too. But, Southwest was awesome and I was on the next flight to out of New Orleans to Chicago - no problems or complications. Susun and I spent time catching while walking around Lincoln Park.  (I always love walking but am even more focused on making time for walks since I started wearing a pedometer. No, not a Fit Bit. A dorky, old-school pedometer. I love it!) We snapped some fab photos while we were out.

OUTFIT: I recently found this over-sized top while thrifting. The chillier Chicago weather was a great opportunity to wear it. Paired with Torrid's stiletto skinny jeans, Torrid booties, bangles, Lane Bryant sunnies, and one of my favorite scarves that's too thick/warm to wear now in humid NOLA.  

Fun included walks around the city, visiting the lovely Lincoln Park Conservatory, eating lots of great food, and relaxing at King Spa & Sauna after the Sunday event. Speaking of - stay tuned for another post about the fabulous Sip & Shop event!

This trip kicks off quite a few travel weekends in the upcoming months. Several trips to Minnesota for weddings and wedding related celebration, a beach bachelorette party weekend, a trip to Miami, and more. Looking forward to sharing my excitements throughout the summer! 

BANDELETTES: Practical & Sexy

Like many women, my thighs rub together when I walk which can cause a lot of skin irritation and discomfort. I religiously wear shorts, spanx (well, usually off-brand, spanx-like shorts), or tights under any skirt or dress! Sure, I sometimes like the curve-smoothing benefits of shapewear but, for me, it’s really a matter of comfort.

Let it be known that chafing is an issue for women of many sizes. And, just because one’s thighs touch does not necessarily mean it will cause discomfort. This issue has always plagued me for – well, forever. My thighs have touched as long as I can remember. And, I have sensitive skin. It took me years as a teenager to figure out how to shave without intense razor burn. (If you’re interested, my magic formula is a Venus razor, Dove soap, and NEVER LOTION after but coconut, olive, or baby oil instead.) I used to really, REALLY want the illusive “thigh gap” – not for the look but simply for relief from my burning skin.

I have friends who use other forms of protection from chaffing or, chub rub, as some folks call it. Using things like runner’s glide or deodorant. I’ve tried these things, but none of them offer enough protection for me. I need a layer of something between my legs and each other.

I’m so pleased to have found a protective alternative in addition to my spanx! Plus, something cooler, less constricting, and sexier! I am quickly becoming a fan of Bandelettes! I'm wearing them here under this chic, royal blue dress. This dress flairs out a bit, so it's sometimes difficult to conceal spanx under it. 

I ordered Bandelette’s for the first time recently. They had a promotion going on, so I got 50% my second pair. I measured my thighs and was between sizes, so I ordered one up and one down. (Side Note: Through wearing these I have discovered that my thighs are shaped differently. Bodies are so cool and weird!)

I ordered two pair in different colors and two different sizes. They seem delicate but sturdy. I was pleased to find that the bands are stretchy and have a clear strip of grippy material on the top and bottom. (You know, that material that’s often on the cups of a strapless bra!) I would recommend sizing down as the smaller pair didn't fall or sag when I walked (once I positioned them where I wanted) but the larger size did. When I order some more, I’ll be sure to stick to the smaller size. 

Not only do these offer protection and comfort, I definitely won't mind as much if they happen to peak out! 

Here's an up-close-and-personal look so you can see how they fit me. They're most comfortable when wore up at the top of my leg - right under my booty. 

I am very into these! But, I am interested to see how they hold up after several trips through the washing machine. And, how they’ll work for me in the humid, sticky summer.

For more info or to order some bandelettes of your own, check out their website www.bandelettes.com! 

If any of y'all have worn these, I'd love to hear your experiences. Let me know in the comments below.