TREND WATCH: UNDERWEAR AS OUTWEAR
UNLESS you happen to have the figure of Kate Moss, going bra-free – or even strapless – is not usually an option. Fuller-chested women need proper bras, straps ‘n’ all. Problem is,when it comes strappy top season, it’s hard to get dressed without showing your bra straps – and that look is dubious at best.
Until now, I’ve merely accepted that summer equals unseemly strappage. But along came Brazelle, an ingenious yet simple idea that has changed the way I regard my underwear.
Brazelle is essentially a company that makes bra straps. But instead of being nasty synthetic ones that gleam hideously, they’re made of silk and satin, embellished with gemstones and in gorgeous colours. Mine is pale turquoise and sports green gems. It’s a showstopper.
You hook them up to one of various points on a bra – the company supplies very firm, reducing cups – and suddenly you have a stunning halterneck that looks like a brilliant bikini. Unlike most lingerie, sexiness does not come at the expense of practicality: the support is fantastic.
You can play around with them too.?One day it’s a halterneck; the next, why not loop the strap from the centre and outwards around the neck? You can also use it as a belt or a hair ribbon. Now that is what I call added value.
Satin lycra straps cost £34.99 and come in lots of luscious colours: I recommend buying a few, good for all seasons and looks. Or ramp it up to full-blown glam, with the Murano collection, which features clusters of Murano glass plated with 18k gold – these straps cost £387 but are exquisite. After all, if you’ve got it: flaunt it. www.brazelle.com