Sunday, April 4, 2010

Sunshine, Friends and the Elusive Hunt for a Chub-Rub Solution



I hope all of you had a weekend that was as utterly lovely as mine. The sun was shining, I saw a lot of friends including some from far away, I danced, I picniced, I was rejuvenated. I had a really tough time last week so it was good that the weekend was so nice, but I need another day of it to just relax.


I wore this dress on Saturday and I got it a few years ago at a Ross. The cropped denim jacket was purchased at the Fat Girl Flea and the purple cowboy boots you've seen a million times before. The sole accessory is my hammer and shovel necklace which I in my head I think of as my feminist necklace (although if I'm being honest with you I am not very talented with a hammer or a shovel and often use my feminine wiles to get folks to do things for me that involve hammers and shovels. Bad bloomie, bad). Oh and for those of you wondering, my sunglasses are prescription, which is why they're so unexciting. I'll be upgrading to some new and much cuter prescription ones in the next month or two.



Saturday was the first day of the year that I went out with bare legs. No tights, no leggings, just boots. So of course I had to consider the chub-rub factor. For those of you who don't know what chub-rub is, it's the unpleasant sensation of your inner thighs rubbing against one another. In the summer time it is no fun at all. I used to live in Evans comfort shorts, but last year they changed the design and I didn't like the new ones. So this year I'm on a mission to try as many chub-rub solutions as possible, which brings us to the next photo.



This little peek-a-boo photo is to show you my Luvees. I'd seen them around mentioned in various places and then when I saw a mention on Lilli's blog I decided to finally bite the bullet and order them. I'd known about them for ages, but had hesitated because I thought they were horribly overpriced.

I bought both versions that they sell and I have to say I'm not impressed at all. The first style I tried was the thigh coverall and it gets a big, fat NO from me. They're supposed to stay up and all they did was fall down. I liked that they were airy, but it felt very weird going to the bathroom with them on. The fuller coverage ones weren't bad, but they were too stretchy in the waist and they were just too long. As you know I like short skirts and dresses and these kept peeking out and I was not happy. The hunt continues. Please tell me what your favorite solutions are so I can add them to the list.

I had a very special guest photographer who was in from California. Jamie is one of my first readers, best friends and a woman whose clothing often pops up on this blog since I am the lucky beneficiary of many of her hand-me-downs. Aren't we adorable?


P.S. We passed by my version of Mecca. I had to take a photo. I am a New Yorker obsessed.



14 comments:

  1. Ohhh gosh, my friend Lauryn and I were just talking about this very problem the other day. And I definitely look forward to hearing solutions from anyone!!!

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  2. (I'm the Lauryn referenced above)

    Sometimes I use baby powder... just pat some on my thighs before I leave the house... but when it gets really hot and I get sweaty, it obviously stops working. So PLEASE if you find a solution, let us all know!!!

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  3. As a not fat girl, I luckily still fit in with Bloomie's credo: "Never trust a woman whose thighs don't touch." So yay, I am to be trusted!

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  4. I use baby powder too sometimes but it normally doesn't last that long. For the summer or for when I know when I am going to be doing a lot of walking I wear Spanx power panties. Since they are technically a girdle they can be a pain the ass to get on but I've never had a problem with them falling down. I think they are a little overpriced but they last pretty long and sometimes you can find them cheaper at discounts stores like TJ Maxx.

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  5. I use Spanx power panties and high power...you can get them cheap on eBay (about $15.00) and they suck you in and get rid of chub rub! There is also this gel I've seen, by Monistat, it's called Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel and as a bonus a lot of people use it for a foundation primer!

    http://www.tabayag.com

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  6. Wow, thanks for all the suggestions! I love hearing from others who have the same worries.

    The Monistat gel, as well as Body Glide, which is what runners use is on my list. I love baby powder and it's great if you're in a car culture, but as a NYer who walks everywhere, it's not long lasting enough at all.

    Spanx are out for me for 2 reasons. 1)I'm not into shapewear and 2) the one time I tried spanx in general the material and my skin did not get along v well.

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  7. I use stick deodorant, it works wonders.
    And I absolutely love the look!

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  8. rhooooooooo j adore l ensemble et les bottes sans parler du detail du collier,extra top !

    ;O)

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  9. My cheap solution is men's boxer briefs. Not cute, but the price is right.
    Also, Bloomie, you are HOT in this outfit. I hope you strutted, 'cuz you should have.

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  10. Nerfiti I think cowboy boots just sexify all outfits, I need some more pairs.

    Anonymous, I like the idea, but I don't think I'd be comfortable mentally in men's boxer briefs, but maybe, just maybe I'll try it. We shall see

    Believe me, I strutted. I live by many credos, one of which is "I don't walk, I strut."

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  11. Every tool is a weapon - if you hold it right.....

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  12. Truly lovely 'fit.

    I have a pair of green Frye boots that are to me what your fab purple ones are to you: my power accessory.

    I broke out my black linen sundress last week on a beautiful day and I went bare-legged. By the end of the day, I was doing the Yosemite Sam walk, The Rub was so bad.

    Normally, I use a Calendula diaper cream. Not very glamorous, but it does have more staying power than baby powder and the Calendula flavor is lovely and not noticeable the way Desitin is (eww). I also 'set' it with Lush's "Silk Underwear" body powder. This keeps me from, um, streaking skirts and does add an additional layer of protection. That said...it is not a perfect system. It does wear away and is not easy to reapply, once dressed.

    I too have been meaning to try some of the runners anti-chafing creams.

    On days when I know I'll be doing significant walking, I use a pair of discount store tights, in nude, that I cut. Again, not perfect, the roll-up factor can be irritating.

    So, for all the babbling, no solution. I keep threatening to bring bloomers back into fashion.

    Good luck on the search! We will find a solution!

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  13. Thanks! I was buying new running shoes on Sunday so I got some Body Glide, we'll see how that works out for me.

    I know the Yosemite Sam walk well and use all my powers to not get it anymore, but sometimes even the best laid plans lead to chub rub. Aaah.

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  14. Hi!
    I just discovered your blog and I love it!
    I use pettipants and love them. I just get them at Sears in a nude color and they have a little lacy edge and elastic waist. They look like a slip but with legs!
    -tigerteacher

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