Ladies, Halloween is sneaking up on us and that means it’s time to start shopping for costumes! The good costumes always get snatched up fast so start thinking about your get-up early.

Halloween can be an excuse to push the limits a little so if you’re going to a party for grownups, go sexy! Let’s take a look at some of the popular Halloween costumes new in 2012.

Be the top cookie sales person in this Cookie Trooper costume that includes a gartered mini dress with embroidered patches (what type of badges, we’re not sure J), beret and scarf. The thigh-highs and shoes are sold separately. $45.99

Britney Spears has inspired many to be sexy school girls for Halloween. Why not take it up a notch and be the sexy teacher? Trouble at School  is a reversible school girl plaid/teacher pinstripe skirt with kilt pin, button front jacket, stretch knit top that ties and an apple pin. It also comes with a “Teacher Miss Ivana Youngman” name badge (yikes!), hair bows and eye glasses. Stockings and shoes are not included. $62.99

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the hottest and getting looks from all? The Evil Queen! Channel your inner Charlene Theron from Snow White and the Huntsman in this costume that includes a low cut black lace front, velvet dress with stand up collar. The train can be detached and used as cape. $52.99

This Ms. America Adult Superhero costume will surely grab some attention. If you’ve got it, why not flaunt it in this blue bodysuit and matching gloves. $99.99

This look isn’t so new, but it’s a good one worth mentioning. Wearing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader costume is the closest most women will ever get to being part of the most recognized cheerleading squads in modern time! This costume includes a top with attached vest and hot pants. Pom-poms not included. $59.99

CupCase would love to see your Halloween costume this year. Send us

Too much of anything is never a good thing. These are words to live by when packing for a trip. Packing light makes sense, especially since the airlines charge astronomical fees for checked and overweight bags. And even if you’re driving, why drag half your closet if you don’t have to?

Packing light requires planning, so stay focused by making a list. The list keeps your thoughts organized and you’ll be less likely to pack that cute lime tube top that matches nothing in the suitcase. For your travel wardrobe, chose a three-color color scheme like black, white and plum (so hot for the fall). Pants and skirts should be dark solids and splashes of color can show up in tops and extras like scarves.

CupCase has put together the ultimate packing list for your next trip:

1. A versatile dress, like a wrap dress, preferably in a solid color such as black. Dress it up with heels, dress it down with flats.

2. Dark denim or black skinny jeans. With heels, you’ll look fab for a night out on the town. With flats, you’re cute and comfy while shopping and touring the town.

3. A tank top and cardigan that can be layered for warmth. Choose colors that coordinate with the pants and skirts you pack.

4. Casual skirts or shorts in white, dark denim or black.

5. A casual top or tunic in a fun color that can be worn with the shorts or jeans you’ve packed.

6. A tote bag for the beach or to use when shopping for souvenirs.

7. Workout clothes and athletic shoes. Just because you’re on vacay doesn’t mean you can be la-zay!

8. Pack two pairs of shoes (in addition to the running shoes). Hear that girls? Two! Flats or sandals and hot heels. Chose another pair of your favorites (maybe wedges or boots) and wear them on the trip. Just make sure they coordinate with all the clothes you have packed.

9. Lingerie and underwear. Check your clothes and pack the proper undergarments. Do you need Spanx? A strapless bra? Boy shorts? Don’t forget the staples: a pair of underwear for everyday plus two more and pack bras — two. If it’s a romantic getaway, pack something sexy. And of course, all your lingerie should arrive in style! Order a new CupCase today for that special trip!

10. Extras! A colorful wrap for a pop of color against the black and white clothes you have packed. A wrap bracelet, long necklace and gold earrings can be worn with everything. And don’t forget, these little bobbles will fit into your CupCase, too!

Did we miss anything? What’s a traveling must-have for you fashionable ladies out there?

A marriage proposal can be a story you’ll love to tell for generations, or one you’ll glaze over and move onto the wedding itself J.

We love our guys, but unfortunately most of them are not the planners and/or romantics we’d like for them to be. We have a friend who just got engaged and her story is one that should go down in the record books as one of the lamest proposals ever. His heart was in the right place, but his nerves got the best of him and … uhhhhhh … well … uhhhhhhh. It went kind of something like that. (She still said yes.) J

So, ladies, don’t be afraid to drop some serious hints – or better yet, share this CupCase blog with your guy! A marriage proposal is a big deal and when, where and how you pop the question matters. We want to help make sure your proposal is a story worth telling. Check out our list of dos and don’ts when popping the question:

Do:
Do talk about marriage
Surprises are fun, but make sure getting married is something you both want. How awful would it be for him to buy the ring, orchestrate the perfect setting and pop the question only to hear crickets? It’s better to know the two of you are on the same page.

Do make it a surprise
Even though you’ve talked about marriage, your man can still make the actual proposal a surprise. As for the when, where and how – it will take some thought and perhaps a few major hints from you, but a surprise can still happen!

Do find the right engagement ring
You will be looking at that engagement ring every day for the rest of your life, so make sure it’s something you like! Find a clever way to offer input when you’re walking past a jewelry store window or when you see a jewelry ad on TV. Your sister, mother or a good friend also can offer to help!

Do talk to the parents
It’s the 21^st century and women are no longer “owned” by their parents, but wouldn’t you like to know your guy went through the trouble to talk to your parents and ask for their blessing? Your parents will love it and your fiancé will score lots of brownie points. It’s a win-win-win!

Do tell her why you want to marry her
Guys, can we talk for a second? At the very least, ladies want their proposal to be more than just, “Will you marry me?” This is a big moment, so take some time and think about why you want to marry this girl. Of all the girls you have dated, why is she the one? And what would life be like without her? What do you see life like with her? Think about this … and tell her!

Do purchase a CupCase
You’ll need to protect that perfect bra for the Big Day and certainly to carry all the sexy lingerie you’ll be traveling with on your honeymoon. When it comes to packing bras – for weddings or honeymoons – you definitely need a CupCase!

Don’t:
Engagement rings don’t belong in food
Guys, please don’t hide an engagement ring in food. Not a cake, not a pie, not anything. It’s over-done, plus, it’s just not safe. We wouldn’t want your future bride choking on her ring now would we?

Don’t pop the question at a sporting event
Dudes, we know you love sports, and a proposal at a sporting event captured on the Jumbotron may seem exciting to you, but it’s not to us ladies. Thumbs down.

Don’t propose too soon or for the wrong reason
Here’s something really important: Make sure it’s real love. The proposal shouldn’t be happening “because it’s the next step” or “because all your friends are getting married” or “because you’re a certain age”. Your marriage will have to endure countless number unforeseen trials and tribulations, so make sure you both are going into this with eyes wide open.

Have a great proposal story to share? Let us know! We want to hear it!

Ladies, you can be wearing the season’s hottest, most expensive frock, but it won’t even matter if you are constantly adjusting, pulling and tugging to keep your clothing and body parts where they’re supposed to be. A wardrobe malfunction happens to everyone (and thanks to the paparazzi, we never miss a shot of a celebrity’s embarrassing moment), so we’re here to help! Check out this list of malfunctions and how to prevent them!

Bra Straps and Necklines

FASHION TAPE! Just ask J.Lo, this double-sided tape is nothing short of a sticky miracle. Hollywood Fashion Tape will keep plunging necklines from gaping open, straps in place and boat neck shirts from slipping off your shoulder. The tape is safe for your skin and fabrics, and easy to remove. Plus, the tape comes in a travel-friendly tin so you can always be prepared. Toss a tin in your CupCase next time you travel!

Hoisting up the Strapless Dress

Strapless dresses can be sexy … if they’re supported. Fashion tape can help to keep that dress up, but if the dress is too heavy, even the tape can’t save you. When trying on a strapless dress, jump, bend, twist and turn to make sure it stays put. Leave it in the store if you feel it slipping! Pulling up the front of your dress every five seconds isn’t sexy. It’s sloppy.

Visible Underwear

Choose your underwear wisely when wearing white and sheer fabrics. Please wear flesh-toned underwear that either matches your skin or is a little darker. White underwear under white pants never works. And just because you’re wearing black doesn’t mean your undies are hidden. Some black fabrics become sheer when there’s a flash from a camera. In case you encounter paparazzi as you leave a restaurant, just be safe and wear flesh-toned underwear!

Bulges and Lumps

It doesn’t matter how skinny or tight your body might be, lumps, bumps and rolls still manage to pop out. Spanx is the cure! You can wear Spanx, Oprah’s genius find, under dresses, skirts, pants or shorts to keeps things smooth and your silhouette streamlined. Spanx offers more than 200 products ranging from slimming apparel and swimsuits, to bras, active wear and even men’s undershirts and underwear!

Blowing in the Wind

Recently, we saw a picture of celebrity Francia Raisa at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. The poor girl’s dress was spontaneously blown up – way up – by the wind. Who wouldn’t want to disappear at that moment? But this girl was genius and planned ahead. Instead of sporting dainty panties (or worse yet, a thong!) she was wearing bike shorts. Phew! Take note: It’s a great idea for the next time you slip on a flouncy dress on a breezy day.

Oh and one last tip, when you’re getting out of the car, be very aware and keep those legs crossed lest anyone catch site of more than that cute mini skirt you’re wearing!

 Have you ever experienced a wardrobe malfunction? What tips do you offer for keeping it together? Let CupCase know!

Ladies, Vogue’s fall fashion issue is calling this season’s fashion styles “adult and polished.” The colors are deep and daring, patterns are bold and show up on everything from sweaters to handbags, and statement coats are a must. It’s going to be a fun, grown-up fall!

With help from Glamour, Refinery 29 and Fabsugar , CupCase is going to help get you ready for the autumn season, looking your finest.

1. Wear it bright! Bold colors in dresses, tops and skirts balanced with black are in. Don’t forget to stock up on black tights.

2. Peacoats never really go out of style, but this year they will be a staple. Look for fun colors, over-sized buttons and exaggerated collars.

3. Military jackets  are around for another fall season! They’re cropped and fitted and designed with four utility pockets. Look for neutral hues and interesting details.

4. Get cozy with sweaters. Knits are in! All knits – from fitted to over-sized. All colors and patterns will look great paired with fitted skirts (leather!) and silky, printed skirts.

5. Wine is fine. Dark red and deep purple shades are in. Mixing wine shades with neutrals and fall colors like mustard, cobalt and emerald are fall fashion musts.

6. Pointy pumps! Do wear these sexy shoes with cropped pants. We love that look for work and going out on the town. Don’t wear them with wide-leg jeans.

7. Handbags  are keeping in line with the rest of this season’s fashion choices. Bags in beautiful, deep colors and patterns while mixing unlikely combinations of hardware and material are an accessory you can’t go without. Clutches are in and can be fun for night or day. Remember, you can also carry your CupCase as a day or evening handbag.

Don’t forget to order a CupCase for packing bras and protecting them in the lingerie drawer in this season’s hippest colors. Get a Pretty Purple or Red Hot Cupcase today! And for just a little while longer, the Charming Cheetah and Spot on Leopard CupCases are $5 off. Buy here. Have a great fall!

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Breast cancer myths and rumors are endless and recently the rumor that sleeping in a bra can cause breast cancer has been circulating. Ever since the husband and wife team Singer and Grismaijer reported that bras cause cancer in the 1990s, breast health experts have been working to dispel this claim.

Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief because based on cancer research it looks like wearing your makeup to bed is more dangerous than sleeping in a bra. The American Cancer Society confirms “we do not know of any epidemiologic studies published in scientific journals that suggest bras directly contribute to breast cancer.” That includes bras with underwire, bras that don’t fit, or wearing a bra for too many hours a day. Wearing a bra has no link to cancer.

The Maurer Foundation understands that the myths can be rattling so it explains the theory and why it makes no sense. It was reported that underwire can cause pressure to the chest area causing toxins in the lymph system to be blocked. While this sounds like it makes sense, the cause of breast cancer has no link to the lymph system. Instead, breast cancer is believed to be blamed on gene mutations that lead to cells dividing suddenly and rapidly. The actual cause of the mutation is not known.

Need more reasons to doubt the claim that bras cause cancer? How about this: Men get breast cancer too. Also, breast cancer is older than bras! It is reported that breast tumors were detected as early as 1600 BC, but modern day bras weren’t sold until the mid-1930s.

The conversation reminds us of the signs of breast cancer and the obvious links to the disease.

Get a mammography every year after 40 years old, or younger depending on your family history. Look for the following when doing a breast exam:

• changes to breast shape or size
• breast dimpling, rash or other skin changes
• unusual or persistent breast pain
• nipple sores or discharge
• swelling or discomfit in armpit

Women’s risk factors include:

• personal and family history
• inheritance of mutations in the genes BRCA2, BRCA1 and CHEK2,
• exposure to female hormones (natural and administered)
• poor diet and inadequate exercise
• excessive alcohol consumption

So ladies, eat, sleep, jog, meditate, shower, whatever you want – all while wearing your bra! There is no evidence that your bra is bad for your health. Knowing that, maybe it’s time to order a few more CupCases for packing bras and bra protection! (Especially while the Charming Cheetah and Spot on Leopard are on sale through summer!)

Tanlines can be a drag. Let’s say you bought a fabulous strapless for a special occasion this summer. And when you wear it, you don’t want a giant racing back tanline across your shoulders and back from wearing your jog bra to exercise outdoors. As we all know, the sun is strong and it doesn’t take long to sear a tanline anywhere on your body.

The Naked Sports Bra may be able to help you avoid this situation. The bra is racer-back style, but it has a tan-through micromesh fabric (SPF 7) on the shoulders to prevent tanlines when exercising outdoors. It’s stretchy, moisture-wicking and lightweight and it comes in four tie-dye colors: green, red, orange and blue.

It was created by former college volleyball champ Reilly Star and costume designer Katie Sue Nicklos. The bra provides “modest” support comes in sizes XS-L and is priced at $42. The company’s website says Naked Sports Tanks are coming soon.

If you’re looking to cover up all together, this stylish maxi “swim dress” by Parasol would do the trick. This sun-protectant dress is so versatile, with its summery colors and timeless design, you could transition easily from the beach to sunset cocktails. Parasol makes this dress using its signature lightweight Italian fabric and the dress is rated UPF 50!

The company actually has a ton of different swim clothing for women and girls. The company was created by a woman who wanted to protect her skin from the sun with stylish, functional clothing and couldn’t find any. So, she designed her own products started her own company. (Sounds a lot like CupCase’s story!)

Have fun in the sun this summer!

Millions of women slip on underwire bras every day. If you’re one of those ladies, did you know that the metal or plastic in your bras may be bad for you? Experts offer the following differing opinions.

In the book Dressed to Kill, Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer reported that women who wore underwire or any tight-fitting bras every day had a much higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who wore no bra at all. They claim the underwire blocks the lymph glands under the arms, around the breast and chest wall. These lymph glands play an important role in draining cancer-causing toxins from the breast.

Eww. Did you know that toxins drained from your breasts at all? We didn’t. And did you know your bra could potentially be causing a back up?

The underwire in a bra is u-shaped and sewn into the bottom of each bra cup. The purpose of the wire is to provide support so the girls don’t sag. Sagging is something no body part should ever do, so it’s a tough call as to whether it’s worth blocking toxins to keep from sagging. What to do?

Another hazard of wearing an underwire bra is being stuck by the wire. If the bra is too big, too small or worn and old, the wire can poke through the fabric. Ouch. Impaled vs. sagging … what to do?

Here comes the differing opinion.

Dr. Marisa Weiss, president and founder of a nonprofit website breastcancer.org, disputes the claim that underwires cause cancer. Weiss explains that fluids travel up and out of armpits, not down toward the underwire. Whew! And more good news: Research shows more than 70% of bras sold each year are underwire bras, and the reports of stabbing injuries from bras are minuscule. Double whew! Sounds like you ladies out there are heeding our warnings about getting properly fitted for bras and replacing them regularly.

Now that we know underwire won’t shorten our lives, look great without fear! Underwire bras come in many styles and colors. Full support, strapless, minimizer, push up, padded – the options are endless.  Some of the top retailers include Victoria’s Secret, Bare Necessities and Nordstrom.

There’s even an underwire sports bra! Its u-shaped wire is flat and fits close to the body for comfort. The bra is also made of thick fabric which means it’s also sturdy and each cup is made of wicking material so the bra is breathable.

Don’t forget to pick up a CupCase to protect your underwire bras and keep them in tip top shape when you travel.