SwimSuit Illustrated Magazine October 2013 Issue vol 11 #2 | Page 128

“Confidence comes from the inside out,” says Cole. Excuse #1 Excuse #3 “I’m not sexy. No matter how you feel about your body, beautiful undergarments always have a place in your life. A camisole and boy-short set can be just as hot as a sheer bra – you just have to figure out what will accentuate your favorite body part. Only Victoria’s Secret models look good in lingerie! . You don’t have to look like Heidi Klum - or any other cover girl – to look sexy in your underwear. Looking good is a result of feeling good, and confidence doesn’t come from the perfect legs or a certain waist size. If you’re feeling flirty and girly, go with the cami, but if you’re feeling va-va-voom, pull out the sheer bra. And don’t wait until you lose weight or tone up that backside to cover your booty in something cutie. A California-based lingerie expert, she travels the country teaching women “undercover” tactics for boosting self-esteem. Her trademark seminar, “Underneath it All,” advises timid first-timers on how to use intimate apparel to project a confident body image, regardless of body type. Excuse #2 Building a new lingerie wardrobe takes a lot of money Sexy underwear isn’t about how much you spend – it’s about how you feel. If you can find hot styles at Target, then more power to you! No matter what brand you buy, Cole recommends that every woman own six great bras with matching underwear. Make sure you have a variety of bras, like seamless and cotton, and don’t forget a strapless number for halter tops. Just don’t be too practical. “Every woman should own a beautiful lace bra,” Cole says. If an all-lace bra is too girly-girl for you, stick with a bra that has it only on the straps or as a trim. Where to shop? Cole has recently partnered with Freshpair.com, a leading lingerie retailer online. “They have something for everyone,” she says. And because their clothes won’t break the bank, you’ll still have money left over for those killer boots you’ve been eyeing 128 | SSIMAG SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE “It’s all about being “comfortable where you are,” Cole says. “ Take control ” 1.What’s your lingerie of choice? A black lace bra and panties Lingerie? Not with my figure! A cami and boy shorts 2.You’re dying to make physical contact with your crush. What’s your strategy? I give him a high-five or a pat on the back. I briefly place my hand on his forearm to emphasize a point or when he tells a funny joke. Say, “Your hair’s out of place” and gently brush it off his forehead. Lingerie is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. A bra strap that’s digging into your shoulder or underwear that’s riding up can make for an annoying day. But a touch of silk against your skin will give you a hint of luxury and glamour all day long. 3.How do you greet your guy when he comes home? I look up from my book, say “hi,” then keep reading. I treat him to a long, slow kiss and help him with his things. I give him a quick peck on the cheek and tell him to take out the trash. Don’t believe it? After all, a trip to the intimate apparel department is much more than just a necessity – “it’s a personal journey,” says Cole. A personal journey that involves indulgent fabrics like silk and lace? 4.What’s on your bed? Cotton sheets in a flowery pattern Scarves draped over the bedposts and satin sheets Laundry and old paperwork Count us in! From petite to plus sizes, many women who dislike their body at first learn to appreciate themselves after seeing their form clad in pretty undergarments and sensual fabrics. When you watched Angelina Jolie’s sensual dancing in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” did you start taking notes or did you blush and press fast-forward? Take our quiz to find out whether your seduction skills would make Casanova proud or if your feminine wiles are in hibernation. 5.Which dessert would you be most likely to eat? Excuse #4 It’s just UnderWear. Chocolate-covered strawberries Caramel sauce and whipped cream - off his stomach A diet ice cream sandwich - on the sofa. How Sedcutive are you? (cont) www.swimsuitillustrated.com | 129