Tag: Abby’s Corner

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Abby Takes On Underwear, Shapewear & Body Shapers

Abby is on the job sitting cross legged in her PJs (gray bottoms & white top with a gray collar) with a teal Abby logo laptop on her lap. Sporting her signature explosive hairstyle, she is wearing a headset with microphone and her white cane is propped up next to her.

“Sometimes when my underwear matches my outfit it makes me feel like I really have my life together.” ~Unknown

Underwear from panties, and bras to pantyhose, and more, there are many styles of shapewear to choose. What is shapewear, what does it do and how does it work?

Shapewear is underwear designed to temporarily alter the body to achieve a specific outcome. It’s like sculpting the body without a scalpel. Slimming the thighs, accentuating the waist, lifting the breasts, or sucking in the stomach, are typical areas to target.

Think of shapewear or any underwear for that matter, as the foundation to enhance your appearance in your clothing. Ill-fitting undergarments (shapewear included) can wreak havoc on that cute little number you just bought for the date of your dreams. Sagging or bagging in all the wrong areas does nothing to increase your self-confidence and can ruin the look you are aiming to achieve.

Some shapewear can be an exercise in frustration as putting it on is a workout. However, if you are going for a sleek, smooth appearance shapewear is a reasonable solution.

What Are the Different Types of Shapewear?

  • Body Shapers – body suit or slip that can extend to mid/lower-thigh to flatten, squeeze and support the body by redistributing the jiggle.
  • Bust Shapers – bodysuits or camisoles that shape, smooth, lift, and support.
  • Camisoles/Tanks – slim, smooth, and accentuate the waistline; some lift and support breasts.
  • Control Panties – slim, smooth and support the tummy and rear.
  • Control Pantyhose – slim, smooth and support the tummy, rear, and legs.
  • Leggings – as the name implies, smooths, shapes, and slims from the tummy on down.
  • Slips – focus is on the tummy/waistline, hips, and thighs.
  • Thigh Slimmers – flatten tummy, waistline, hips, and thighs; some are high-waist
  • Waist Cinchers/Trainers – slim the waist and tummy.

Over the years I’ve tried several types of shapewear and I have to say my favorite piece is the corset. Do you have a favorite? What are your thoughts on shapewear?

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Holiday Fashion Engages Senses From Head To Toe #2

Abby is on the job sitting cross legged in her PJs (gray bottoms & white top with a gray collar) with a teal Abby logo laptop on her lap. Sporting her signature explosive hairstyle, she is wearing a headset with microphone and her white cane is propped up next to her.

Houndstooth, Fur & A Little Sparkle

While you may not be able to see the forest for the trees, you can be a vision in an ensemble with multiple textures. In my second installment on engaging the senses through holiday fashion I’ve taken three knit separates added faux fur, velvet, reptile texture, and gemstones to create an overall glamorous vibe.

When we view the world through the narrow lens of the majority we can miss out on brilliant nuances. The beauty in being able to see can hinder our ability to fully engage with our environment.

Being born without or losing a sense like sight exposes us to a whole new world of sensory experience. The environment which the majority of us can see with our eyes is viewed very differently from a person who is blind or visually impaired.

Take today’s outfit for example, looking at it with physical sight we can take in the bold black and white houndstooth pattern. The sparkle of the gemstones would catch our eye but how about the shape, cut, edges, and smooth facets on the crystals?

From the perspective of blindness or visual impairment imagine how delightful the feeling is of running the fingertips through the fur on the vest or how this texture differs in comparison with the knit top. Taking in the smooth, bumpy surface on the handbag provides us with an added sensory experience by hearing the jingle of the adjustable shoulder chain or the magnetic closure.

Then we have the soft, luxurious feeling of velvet ankle boots against the warm and cozy opaque tights. Yes, there is no denying that seeing with our physical eyes is awesome but even when we cannot see we can still, and in some cases even more so appreciate the beauty surrounding us. The difference is in our perception.

Description (clockwise from the top left):

  1. Black rib knit sweater with gem embellished neck – funnel neck and long sleeves.
  2. Black and white houndstooth skirt – wrap-effect front, patch pockets, black trims.
  3. Shaggy vest in jet-black crimped faux fur – three-quarter length.
  4. Black opaque tights.
  5. Black velvet heeled booties – chunky heels.
  6. Silver-colored shoulder bag – silver chain strap.

Here’s a little something to think about: Many people view blindness as a loss but there is another perspective seldom considered, the minority’s view.

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Lucky Makeup Ambush In The Parking Lot

Abby is on the job sitting cross legged in her PJs (gray bottoms & white top with a gray collar) with a teal Abby logo laptop on her lap. Sporting her signature explosive hairstyle, she is wearing a headset with microphone and her white cane is propped up next to her.

Lucky Makeup Ambush In The Parking Lot

Yoo Hoo!!! Did you ladies get your makeup bags?

Description in body of post
Image #1 Book Of Color II & Makeup Remover Cloths

If I was ever in doubt about the female genetic makeup, last night was the perfect example. We heard the voices call out. Startled? No, we were lucky.

Under normal circumstances, we would have jumped in the car and told our friend to step on the gas. The only thing preventing such a rapid departure? Two words—’Makeup bags!’

Safety? Nah, We’re Talkin’ Makeup Here

My besties and I were finishing up our fun outing by browsing around in a craft store. Purchases made, as we left the store and headed to the car these two young women call out to us from across the parking lot. Judging by the excitement of my friends I knew something big was about to happen.

When the women got closer to us I could see the gift bags and could barely contain my excitement as they handed us our swag. Lucky? Too good to be true? You betcha, but they already had us hook, line, and sinker.

Description in body of post
Image #2 3D Mascara, Eye Shadow & Blush/Bronzer Palettes

I place the blame solely on the endorphins induced by the presence of what looked like presents. So after a quick spiel on the merits of the cosmetic line www.makeover-essentials.com, I was sold, actually, truth be told we all were sold.

Description in body of post
Image #3 Makeup Kit, Lip, Eye & Blush Brushes, and Lip Color

Since all I really wanted was the 3D Mascara, everything else (makeup remover cloths, kit, and booklet) were bonuses. But I had to go all girly-girl by gushing “oh how cute is this?” In response to the items in the bag.

Before I go any further, I am not being compensated for writing this post and the goal here is simply to share my excitement with you by describing the contents of the bag.

Photo Descriptions:

  • Image #1 Book Of Color II box & Makeup Remover Cloths | Image of the Book of Color II makeup kit (described below) and a package of makeup remover cloths.
  • Image #2 3D Mascara, Eye Shadow & Blush/Bronzer Palettes | White end of mascara duo is the lash gel which is applied after using regular mascara, the black end is the fibers applied after the gel, then seal the fibers with another coat of gel.  The eyeshadow palette has 8 colors, blush/bronzer palette has two blushes a bronzer and highlighter.
  • Image #3 Makeup Kit, Brushes, and Lip Color | The Book of Color II is a makeup kit that comes in a cushioned black zippered pouch. The kit has 1 pink lip gloss, 2 applicators, and the eyeshadow, blush/bronzer described in #2.

Next week I will share my review on the 3D mascara.

Have a great weekend! ~Abby

 

 

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The Art Of Respectful Online Relationships

Hello Friends, Happy Friday!

Blogging, social media platforms, dating sites, and apps have drastically changed the way we interact with one another. When I was going through my Facebook feed the other day, I saw a post by a young woman who was upset over a conversation she had with a man she recently connected with and I wanted to talk about it here.

While I believe the majority of people out here have good intentions, there are some who hide behind a cloak of perceived anonymity. These people believe they can say or do as they please and they don’t care who they hurt.

Here’s the thing, you are in control of your account. You get to choose who you want to engage with, so here are a few tips to help prevent nasty encounters:

  • With so many FB accounts being cloned, it’s a good practice to search the name of a new friend request to decide if there are multiple accounts.
  • Be wary of mutual friend requests and don’t automatically assume they are legitimate.
  • Prior to accepting new friend requests, check out the person’s timeline for clues to help you decide whether to accept the request. If there is little information about the person, few if any friends or posts, but a ton of pictures of themselves it’s probably a fake account.
  • When a messaging conversations begin to go sideways go with your gut and block the person if necessary. You don’t have to put up with behavior that feels off.
  • If after accepting a friend request conversations and/or messages posted aren’t agreeable to you, delete the posts and block the person.

Safety and respect should be at the top of the list when meeting anyone online or offline and if your internal gauges are off the charts it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ultimately, if we respect ourselves we will refuse to allow others to disrespect us.

What crazy experiences have you encountered online? Please do tell. ~Abby