The Bra Book, Giveaway

Meet Jené Luciani, Fashion & Beauty Editor of The WAG magazine; Women’s Style Expert on Examiner.com and now Author of the The Bra Book. We recently caught up with Jené in between her book tour and birth of her new bundle of joy to get the skinny on the perfect bra, coveted lingerie brands, and how this book can even help your man find the best bra for you.

How did you come up with the concept for The Bra Book?  

In 2006, I was researching an article I was writing for The WAG on foundation garments. I realized there was so much conflicting and confusing information out there about bras, and there wasn’t one place where it was succinctly pulled together and presented as a resource for women. I mean, there are 3 or 4 different methods of fitting and calculating size alone! No wonder women are confused!
 

Why do you feel that there was a demand for this type of book?

For the most part, all women wear bras or have worn bras at some point in their lives. It’s THE ONE thing you really never leave the house without. Yet, statistics show that 85% of us wear the wrong one.  It’s something that affects women of all ages. That’s why there’s something for everyone in the book- a guide to bras from puberty to menopause and everything in between!

Uhm, and who else is this bra crisis affecting? 

Don’t forget about the media, bras are in the press everyday!  Oprah recently did another bra segment and Kelly Ripa was just talking about her bra problems on the air the other day. Kathie Lee Gifford complains about her “bra goo” on a daily basis.  Among women, it’s really a hot topic!!!

We adore the Letter from Beverly Johnson, what made you select her to set the tone for your book?

For me, it was an easy choice.  Beverly Johnson is a woman who was groundbreaking for her time. She was the first African American model to grace the cover of Vogue. She paved the way for the others that followed her. This book is groundbreaking in that it is the first how-to guide to bras on the market.

It makes sense to have a bra powerhouse write the forward for The Bra Book. Why did you choose Ann Deal, CEO of Fashion Forms?

With Ann, nobody knows the “business of bras” better than her.  She has been in the bra business more than 20 years. Her products are groundbreaking, too. She doesn’t just make “regular” bras. She makes “solutions” and truly does listen to what consumers ask. 

We read in your introduction, like most women, that you’ve always searched for the perfect ‘one’. Have you found the perfect bra yet?

To me, the “perfect” bra is a personal choice.  I have “perfect” bras for every situation in my life.  I have a perfect ‘everyday’ bra, a perfect push-up, etc. Those “perfect” bras change depending on what is happening in my life. 

Really? We’ve never thought about bras in that manner. Do tell…

For example, I was recently pregnant with my first child.  My perfect bra pre-pregnancy was not the perfect one while I was pregnant, nor was it the same one post-pregnancy.  I am a 34F, so it’s a little trickier for me. I can really only stick to full-coverage bras with underwire. 

34F? Whoa! We can’t even imagine what you’ve gone through to find a bra that fits. Tell us, what’s the first step to finding the best bra?

The first step would be to get educated.  The point with the book is that you read it before you go into the store.  That way you are educated on how it should fit, what bra is right for your body type, what your everyday needs are and what to look for!  The book guides you through the whole process.  I mean, you put a lot of effort into purchasing the right car, right? 

What characteristics about an undergarment make you feel pretty?

Something that fits right and makes me feel good! I’m not the type of girl that needs a lot of frills and lace.  I just need my breasts to be sitting in the proper position (halfway between your shoulder and your elbow) and a teeny tiny bit of cleavage. Being comfortable and confident in my own skin goes a long way!  

Name your favorite lingerie brand(s):  

I like Fashion Forms for specific solutions.  I like Fantasie-they cater to full-busted women. I like Chantelle, Panache and Wacoal-they are good quality bras that last.  Of Course, Victoria’s Secret and La Perla for when I’m looking for something sexy.

We’re dying to know, what are your preferences as far as shopping for lingerie?

 Again, it all boils down to what makes you feel good.  I like for my husband to pick something out for me.  

Wow, a man shopping for lingerie! Now, that’s sexy…Will this book help men too?

Yes, that’s why I included a “shopping cheat sheet” for men in the book.  It has multiple choice and fill in the blank questions. You can fill it out and hand it to him.  That way, you get exactly what you want, and he feels proud of himself because he picked it out for you.  Everybody wins.   

What direction do you see the lingerie industry going?

The lingerie industry will keep growing. It will never go away.  As long as women are wearing clothes, they will need good foundation garments. 

If you could be design a “new” bra, what function would it serve and why?

The perfect bra would be one that’s fully customizable and that has been created in The Formula Bra by Fashion Forms.   

What do you think The Bra Book will provide for its readers?

It will provide an end to the frustration that is associated with bra shopping.  It will provide answers and solutions.  It will provide advice for every woman.  It will be your new best friend!

Celebrities/Style Icons?

My grandmother. She had the coolest frame bags, cat eye sunglasses and a covet-worthy collection of silk scarves.  You can tell she was ahead of her time.  She was such a classy, stylish woman.  I really admire Rachel Zoe.  She has the ability to understand a woman’s personality and help them translate that through their clothing.  Sara Blakely for inventing Spanx.   

Best fashion advice that you would like to share:

The best advice I can give is to just be yourself and have fun with it. Fashion is meant to be fun and to make you feel good! There are no “rules” anymore.  Do what makes you feel good and work with what you’ve got!   

Famous Last Words:

Perfection is what you make of it.  I think Carrie in Sex and the City said it best: “I admit it's tempting to wish for the perfect boss - the perfect parent - or the perfect outfit. But maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we've been dealt, and accessorize what we've got.”

In honor of The Bra Book official release date on December 1^st; we’re giving away a copy. Be the first to send in the correct answer to a bra trivia question and you could win, here goes:

Name the year and the magazine that first used the term “brassiere”? 

Please email your responses to: blog@ideeli.com. Giveaway is only offered to residents of the USA. We will post the winner's name in a future email.

Interview by Joi Wheatley