Friday, August 07, 2009

MOUNTAINGIRL'S PHOTO CHALLENGE - "TASTEFUL"


Once again it's time for my friend mountaingirl's Photo Challenge and this week's theme is "tasteful". I bet you all thought I'd do a food post, didn't you? I must admit I thought about it. But I am going to use the opportunity to bleat on about one of my favourite topics - the VBS - visible bra strap.

Straps, as all women know, are our enemy during summer. Tops are strappier than ever, but what are you supposed to wear under them? A strapless bra is tasteful and neat but won't push you up much; transparent straps are, I think, the second best solution, although those pieces of plastic are too light to give you a really flattering line [unless you have very little there in the first place, in which case, you can stop worrying!] What many women do these days is to go for the so-called "four strap solution", choosing a bra the same colour as the garment:

But is it elegant? Is it tasteful? Would you have seen that goddess famed for her taste, Jackie Kennedy, thus attired? Would the average Frenchwoman don this clothing? I don't think so. And surely the whole point of an open-backed top is just that - that your back is as free of encumbrance as possible. Of course, there was a time when the undergarment solution would have been incorporated into the top or dress but those days have long gone.

So what do you all think? And, while we're pondering the topic of what is tasteful and what is not, do have a look at this over at James's site.

À chacun son goût.

11 comments:

CherryPie said...

It is far more tasteful than the pic on James' site.

I was resigned a long ago to the fact that strappy garments wouldn't work on me! I try to dress in what makes me look good! Hopefully I succeed ;-)

Unknown said...

I'm a girl who loves sleeves, I so love a good sleeve, so I would never have this dilemma...but I totally get your point, another pet peeve of mine is young girls wearing bikini tops instead of bras and having the bow hanging out the top....why?

Anne said...

Hi. It's Anne, checking you out. I just posted your video of Sicily. It's so gorgeous and I don't think you're advancing the overthrow of Europe here, right? I've got enough trouble with the Sudanese officials. In your part of the world, I only want love, love, love.

http://www.anneofcarversville.com/annes-sensual-living-blog/2009/8/8/a-short-gorgeous-video-trip-to-sicily.html

Do you know anything about the muse-like photo I posted from Flickr? Is this kind of imagery common in Sicily?

Will contact you later re an article that I'm writing. Anne

Minnie said...

I'm afraid I quite like the multiple-strap look (fine, careless rapture - when restricted to the young). Can understand anyone who disagrees, as it's hardly tidy let alone elegant.
Those who can afford couture have support tailored into the bodices of their garments. The rest of us, well ... ben, voila!
'Tasteful' challenge? Nope: far too challenging for me!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Cherie. I'm sure you do succeed, judging by the pics on your site! Oh, me too, Kyles but in the heat here uyou have to go sleeveless! I do agree that your underwear should be just that - UNDERwear. Hi, Anne. Thanks for posting the "Treno barocco" video. I love it. No, we are not overthrowing the EU, though I know plenty of bloggers who'd like to! I'll come over and look at the photo now. Hi, Phidelm. Yes, those of us who can't afford haute couture must manage as we may in the heat!

jams o donnell said...

The multi straps are not to the not=wife's taste... That said it is very hot today and as a result she is wearing something unusual for her... a dress!

sally in norfolk said...

I dont wear strap things but if I did I would go bra less just because I can :-)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, jams. What's the temp over there? Hi, Sally. Lucky you!

jmb said...

No I am afraid you are right. The four strap solution is not the answer. I have to cover up, even in the heat so it is not a worry for me.

Whispering Walls said...

I'm with you, WL - not good

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Jmb and WW -I think "no bra" is better than the 4-straps!

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