Did you know that a bra is one of the least donated but most needed items for women who are homeless or victims of domestic violence?  Once we heard this news, we decided to do something about it!  Beginning now through Valentine’s Day, Soma is hosting a “bra drive,” collecting new and gently used bras at all of our boutiques nationwide. What a great reason to clean out your lingerie drawer! Stop by your local Soma Intimates to drop off all of those bras that no longer fit or that you never wear.

Once donated, here’s where your bras will go:

• 1. Gently used bras will be sent to local women’s shelters and breast cancer support groups in your region.
• 2. New bras will be donated to Dress for Success, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women.
• 3. And, to ensure that no bra ends up in a landfill, non-wearable donations will be sent to The Bra Recyclers, a textile recycling organization.

Our first bra drive in July 2010 collected more than 28,000. We’re looking to double that number this year, so please donate!  Find your local Soma Intimates boutique here: http://www.soma.com/store/store_locator.jsp.

For this week’s post, I consulted Ashley Koff, registered dietician and founder of Ashley Koff Approved, my go-to source for nutrition and dietary information. Ashley works with a ton of celebrities and is regularly featured in The Huffington Post, O, The Oprah Magazine, Redbook and Glamour and has been seen on Good Morning America Health and E! News. Here are Ashley’s tips for kicking off 2011:

It’s a new year, so are you thinking about a new you? If you’ve been reading magazines or watching the news or entertainment shows, you’ll notice that this time of year is all about the “new you.” My question to you is this. Is the “old you” so bad? And if so, what’s so bad? Is it your weight, your digestive system, your skin, your energy? Or is it a whopping “all of the above”?

This January, rather than the stereotypical “out with the old, in with the new”, what if we changed our tune to “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” You see, I am betting that you actually have several good things about the old you – and those good things are the foundation on which you can build the new-er you…the one that you look back at when the ball drops in 2012 and say “I did well this year.” So let’s move ahead – thinking evolution not revolution.

1. If weight loss is your goal keep this one fact in mind: the body works most efficiently when it a) gets what it knows what to do with and b) doesn’t have too much to work with at once. So there you have it – the million-dollar weight loss plan…step #1 eat organic whenever possible, but always eat food versus processed ingredients that your body has to work to figure out or that runs interference with optimal functioning; step #2 aim to have nutrient-balanced eating occasions (that’s some carb+protein+healthy fat + unlimited vegetables) at about 3 hour intervals. To help you figure this out use the AKA menu worksheet found at http://ashleykoffapproved.com/services/resources.html.
2. If your digestive system is giving you trouble consistently (not just when you overate or over drank or both during the holidaze), then you should start seeing a physician to rule out any functional issues. Once that’s done, consider that the digestive system does best when it’s underwhelmed meaning that you want to portion control (see section 1 above) and reduce the known irritants. For all of my tips as well as product recommendations for how to turn your belly into a “Happy Belly” visit: http://stores.happybellybags.com/-strse-AshleyKoffApproved/Categories.bok.
3. Your energy is off, and you know you should be working out, but you always feel tired.  The body is made up of a series of energy equations, so anything that disrupts the body and the body’s cells will produce energy impairments. You’ll want to address the first two sections – nutrient balance, how frequently you eat or drink, eating the best quality food available – and then you can see if there are additional issues that require addressing. For example, are you dependent on “energy” drinks or foods; does your day start with caffeine, continue with sugar and caffeine, and end with you taking something to help you go to sleep? If so, your system is doing double duty trying to catch up and speed up during the day and then trying to turn it all off and shut down so it can rest. My advice, at a pace that feels doable, is to exchange the “energy” drinks and foods for more nutrient-balanced choices. This doesn’t mean no latte or coffee – though it’s less than ideal to feel that you need it daily – but perhaps white tea can replace soda or a red bull in the afternoon. Perhaps by choosing more nutrient dense foods at lunch, portion control, and implementing nutrient balance your body should be less fatigued midday and mid-afternoon so you won’t need the sugar or caffeine boost as often or even at all. That doesn’t mean you can’t have chocolate some days; it just means that if you choose it, choose the right amount (about an ounce) and enjoy it as opposed to feeling compelled to have the largest chocolate chip cookie you see.
4. If nothing seems to be going the way you want, consider that perhaps it’s not the weight, your skin, your energy etc. and maybe these are all manifestations of energy imbalances of another sort altogether – maybe you aren’t happy. When did you last laugh? Is your body so tight it aches day and night? If you have free time, are you unable to decide what you want to do? If so, this year, begin by focusing on these T.E.N. nutrients …the ones that you can’t get in a package and don’t grow on trees, but that are completely essential to your life: http://ashleykoff.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/ten-nutrients-you-need-in-your-life/.

Happy New Year!

On a recent trip to Miami, I had the good fortune of spotting Gerard Butler at a party. Definitely a highlight of the trip. On the flip side, I had the misfortune of seeing one too many bras peeking out of tops and backless dresses. An example:

A visible bra band is NEVER appropriate or attractive. Luckily, there are options to eliminate this problem. For low or plunging necklines, try a backless adhesive bra like Soma’s Don’t Hold Back Backless Strapless Adhesive Bra. This seamless, backless underwire bra provides support without the back band.

Or try wearing a coordinating spaghetti or tank strap camisole underneath your top. A camisole will conceal your bra strap, without losing the backless effect of your top or dress.  Today, I’m wearing a top that looks like a plain white t-shirt from the front, but has these fun cut-outs on the back. I’m wearing a black Soma cami underneath to keep my bra straps hidden. I want the focus to be on the unique detailing of the shirt, not my bra band!

I hate cold weather. And not just a little bit, I despise pretty much everything about the cold including snow, wind, ice, itchy dry skin, buckling unwieldy little ones in car seats while I’m freezing, etc. I’ve been watching the news and I feel awful for all the people affected by last week’s wintry weather including holiday travelers, farmers, business owners, etc.

I start to become a bit less cranky about the weather in January, when the fashion world starts stocking “resort” collections and stores begin showing pre-spring. I love this sneak peek into the season, and seeing all the swimsuits, sundresses and open-toe shoes reminds me that warm weather is right around the corner.

For those of you getting a head start on your spring wardrobe, or for you lucky ones headed on a sunny holiday, here are some style tips to help you with your swimwear shopping:

1. A V-shaped neckline elongates your figure to create the illusion of added height. I love Soma’s MiracleSuit Must Have Sonatina One-piece:

2. Look for swimsuits with strategically placed beading, ruffles, embellishment and jewels. Sparkly details, like the jewels on Soma’s Miraclesuit Jewel Box One-piece, will draw the eye up and away from the midsection and thighs:

3. When in doubt, a black maillot is always a sophisticated and stylish choice:

4. For larger busts, choose a top that’s adjustable. This halter style ties at the back to offer the exact amount of lift you need:

5. Choose a light cover-up that’s hassle-free, stylish and keeps you cool:

6. A sun-kissed glow instantly makes you look and feel healthier so break out the sunless tanner. Today’s tanning products are more pleasant and easier to apply than formulations of the past. Or, if you prefer to go to the salon, many spas now offer spray tan and self-tanning services.

7. Always remember, as with most things in life, that confidence is your greatest asset!