Here’s another amazing post from guest blogger Kristine Isberg of L`Ecole Nuit. Click HERE to shop and use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout for 15% off your lingerie!

It has always surprised me how many women have told me that they wear padded bras, not for the support or added cleavage, but because they are afraid that their nipples may peak through their clothing. Then one evening at an event I was hosting, two women from France were trying on bras and both chose all lace, non-padded bras. As I complimented them on their selections, we got to talking about why so many women in the US are afraid to wear a non-padded bra. I am of the opinion that this is in large part because of the nipple factor. For some reason, there is this belief that a woman’s nipple should never peak through her clothing in public, but remain hidden out of sight behind a thick layer of padding, as if they don’t exist. We want big boobs, but don’t want big nipples. To complicate the situation, women are told to embrace their curves, while at the same time advocating smooth contours that conceal our natural shapes. Think about it, even our swimwear has padding to ensure the natural form of the nipple is concealed at all times, even when wet!

So here are my top 5 reasons, besides the love of the nipple, for wearing unpadded bras:

[Featured bra created by Black Lace Skin Jewelry]

Comfort 
Soft, sexy and comfortable, unpadded bras are lighter.
Plus, all the support comes from the band.
Underwires help but you don’t need padding to get lift and support.

Natural
Padding just doesn’t look natural and can cause awkward bulkiness.
Who wants to add more bulk?
Plus, men are not fans of padding, they want to see and feel the real thing.

Confidence
Free your ladies from the padding and you’ll be more confident in your body.
Also it’s not good to advertise what you don’t have.
It’s like makeup, at some point it’s going to have to come off!

Health
While there is much debate whether bras are actually good or bad for breasts,
one thing is for certain, breasts should be able to move.
Anything constricted for too long is just not healthy.

Fashion
Except for the entertaining, but not realistic, Victoria Secret fashion show,
most designers incorporate natural shapes in their designs –
on and off the runway.

SHOP L`ECOLE NUIT and use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout for 15% off your lingerie!

Please enjoy this article by one of our favorite boudoir lingerie vendors, Kristine Iseberg of L`eCole Nuit.
Use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout to receive 15% off your order.

HOW TO WEAR GARTER BELTS

“One of my favorite lingerie pieces is the garter belt. I’ve been wearing garter belts practically my whole adult life. I‘ve always found traditional pantyhose too constricting and uncomfortable, especially for all day wear. After switching to garter belts, it didn’t take long before I pleasantly discovered another benefit to wearing them. Men find them extremely sexy!

The most frequent questions I am asked about lingerie from both women and men are related to the garter belt. Many women have never tried a garter belt because they do not know how to wear them. So here are some tips and tricks on how to fasten and wear garter belts.”

1. What type of hosiery do I need with garter belts?

Stockings work best with garter belts. The top of the stocking has a reinforced double layer to accommodate the garter belt clasps without ripping the stocking itself. Unlike thigh highs, stockings do not have a silicone band to hold them up. They are made specifically for garter belts.

2. How do I fasten the stocking to the garter?

The garter belt typically has four straps that hook the stocking to the front and back of each leg. Once you have the garter on, pull the stocking up (it should reach about mid-thigh), place the side of the strap with the nub underneath your stockings, between your leg and the stocking itself. Next, place the nub in the wide section of the corresponding clip sliding down firmly to hold the stocking in place. As with a bra, you can adjust the length of the garter strap depending on your outfit.

Tip: Your rear straps should be a bit longer to accommodate sitting (and other) positions!

3. Can you wear garter belts under clothing?

Garter belts that are made of a thin material like lace or silk are perfect to wear under clothing. Some styles even offer shaping and smooth the tummy area if they feature a longer front design.

4. Are garter belts comfortable?

Absolutely. They allow you to wear stockings and have your legs looking and feeling sexier than bare legs, while not being constrictive like pantyhose.

5. Do I wear my panties over or under the garter?

You can do both. Most images show the garter worn over the panty. Unless you are wearing it for a boudoir photo shoot, I recommend putting the garter belt on first, then the panties. Why? Because it is easier to pull your panties down without having to unfasten the garter. This is practical if you are out on a date and need to use the ladies room. The other benefit – panties slip off easily – while garter and stockings can remain on during more intimate occasions. Why remove your beautiful, sexy lingerie when keeping it on during sex is so much more fun!

 SHOP HERE | Use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout to receive 15% off your order.

Ready for a new headshot? A beauty portrait? Ready to try boudoir? Great! Now what in the world will you wear?! More specifically, what colors look best on you? Keep reading for…

3 Foolproof Ways to Know What Colors You Should Wear in Photos

1] Select a color that you love! Is there that one color you feel comfortable in and are happy wearing? Wear that!

2] You know that one color that you don’t love but every time you wear it, you get tons of compliments? Wear that! 

3] Who is your celebrity doppelganger? Google that person and look at her red carpet outfits. What color is she most photographed in? Wear that!
[Hint: She’s not dressing herself; she has a professional stylist.]

The bottom line – Don’t over think it. When you’ve hired the right photographer, you’re going to look great so just enjoy it!
Want more info on what to wear for boudoir? Click HERE to sign up for your free lingerie style guide.

Who: You! RSVP before March 16, 2015 by calling 781-383-2555 or email info@streckereye.com

What: An Exclusive Beauty Event – Enjoy complimentary appetizers, consultations for botox, derma fillers, lashes, make up, boudoir etc. and win coveted cosmetic raffle prizes!

Where: Strecker Eye Center – 751 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Cohasset, MA 02025

When: March 21st 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Why: Why not?! Mingle with some amazing women, enjoy delicious food, chat about make up, win prizes…..need I say more?!

Photo: By Shannon Michelle: Backstage – Bibhu Mohapatra fashion show in NYC during Mercedes Benz fashion week.

“I have to say this is probably one of the best things that I have done for myself in a while! Walking in I was definitely feeling a little nervous and not knowing what to expect. I mean putting on a small amount of clothing in front of a stranger that you’ve never met before who wouldn’t be nervous! Not only is Shannon’s location super super cute and quaint. I felt so comfortable in her space and Shannon herself makes you feel like you are longtime friends. Plus she does this every day so she’s used to seeing every shape and size. So the first outfit was the most revealing (hence not being pictured here). The ones following that were more softer kind of sexy-over-the-shoulder outfits. With never doing this before Shannon gave me great direction and helpful hints. Who would’ve known how hard it is to be a model? I feel like at some points I was doing a yoga pose! Got to give those models some credit. After about three outfit changes we were on our last shoot. Which involved the fan blowing my hair which was absolutely amazing… I felt like a real supermodel! After leaving I really did not know what to expect. I basically just left everything up to Shannon. I am so glad that I did.  I was completely blown away by the finished photos that she sent me. Not only did she make me look great but she made me feel amazing about myself. Which I think everybody should experience!”

Deanna is a co-owner of the earth friendly Salon, Verde Boutique in Braintree, MA. For the full review, click HERE.

Celebrating the addition of their new Glo Mineral lip crayons to their make up experience, Verde Salon is giving away a Shannon Michelle Boudoir Shoot!! For details, visit the Verde Boutique Salon’s blog.

Ok guys, you know those Victoria’s Secret commercials that come on? The ones with all the wind blowing and slow motion walking, flirty smiles and legs for days? Well, you know how you have become a pro at secretly enjoying these few and far between moments without your significant other noticing, even when she’s sitting right next to you? Well, she notices!!! She knows you are drooling on the inside for that full 30 seconds or more.

Secretly, there is a part of her that wishes she could be that woman for you. Don’t get me wrong; she knows you love and appreciate her, but there’s still that inner girlie girl who would love to come forward in the most intimate way and be able to completely surprise you. She wants to completely surprise herself! And sure, you could purchase the lingerie, the shoes, the perfume etc., but it’s the experience that will last long after those goods go out of style. Why not become the one man who can give her the experience of feeling like that model you know she knows you notice.

All women love having great photographs of themselves. Yes, it may take a little loving support from you; after all, feeling self-conscious and a bit nervous about being photographed is completely natural. Wouldn’t you be if you were stepping so far out of your comfort zone? But what you and I both know is that after being pampered with hair, make up, lighting, editing, maybe some new lingerie and after being coached through a shoot by a professional fashion photographer, she can’t help but leave feel full of confidence! She will see herself differently and although she knows she may not have that 24″ waist, she now knows she doesn’t have to. She can feel amazingly sexy in the body she has and even better, she will feel desired and celebrated by the one person who means the most to her…you. Do you know why she wants to look like those models, aside from the obvious? If you take nothing else from me, know this; it’s because every women wants to feel wanted. She knows you adore her but she will feel sexy, confident, loved, valued, desired, all of the above, when you remind her that you want her. What better way to do that than by creating lasting, tasteful, intimate images of her that the two of you can cherish for years to come.

As spring approaches, what better time to let her know how much you love and celebrate her. Email info@shannon-michelle.com or call 617.307.1155 to contact us about purchasing a boudoir experience with Shannon Michelle. For pricing and more info, visit our website HERE.

FOR BOOKINGS OR INQUIRIES: info@shannon-michelle.com

So grateful for all the Instagram love! Follow us @shannonmichellephoto

Rent The Runway
Falguni & Shane PeacockIsaac Mizrahi
J Mendel
Georgine
Fashion Photography by Shannon Michelle

FOR BOOKINGS FOR INQUIRIES: info@shannon-michelle.com