Boudoir - Nature's Viagara!

Not in the mood? Switch on the siren with some DAMIANA. Naturopath, Jean Luc Bun calls it 'nature's' turn on for lack lustre libidos.

Jean Luc recommends a herb called Turnera Diffusa a.k.a Turnera Aphrodisiaca or Damiana Aphrodisiaca - 'Damiana', for short. This herb has long been used to improve sexual function in both sexes.  Tests in 1999 via an Italian study showed increased rates of ejaculation in a group of sexually sluggish rats (could they just have been Italian stud rats? you ask). 

Well maybe, I say but they do say that the proof is in the pudding and in the US , 2 patents for this herbal formulae have been filed in the last 8 years for this herb that supposedly increases sexual response and also relieves PMS symptoms. Wow horny and not PMS-ing.  I say that scores a big A in my books!

JL Bun (B.Sc., Advanced Diploma Naturopathy, Diploma Homeopathy, Diploma Botanical Medicine, Diploma Nutrition, Diploma Remedial Medicine, Diploma Beauty Therapy, Diploma Natural Beauty Therapy, CIDESCO*)

Jean Luc's advice: "Damiana can be taken as a soothing tea, 2 to 3 times a day sweetened with a little honey and lemon peel or as a liquid extract. It has been shown to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, relieve depression, reduce blood sugar, in addition to increasing one's libido. You can also find Daimana in the form of an essential oil and it has a rich, spicy scent known to reduce stress, and get the user in the 'into the mood’."

A Bedroom Blend Recipe: "You can mix the essential oil with other favourite oils to make your own bedroom blend and a suggested blend which I really like is Damiana, Neroli, Damask Rose with just a hint of Sweet Orange to compliment the Neroli. For the macho-man, spice up the blend by leaving out the Sweet Orange essential oil and adding a bit of Cedarwood or Sandalwood. Add a few drops of this blend to some hot water over a tealight candle to add atmosphere, or give your loved one a slow massage after diluting out the blend in some good quality base oil, like Apricot Kernel oil (1 teaspoon of blend into 200ml of base oil)."

What to buy: "When buying Damiana, make sure you get the right plant, i.e. Turnera Diffusa. This plant has some similar-looking or sounding cousins which are used herbally for other conditions."

Order Online: Can't find it at your local pharmacy. Try UK Eve Taylor at www.eve-taylor.com

Now, go forth and make love happen.

- Elaine

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Boudoir – 5 Must-Do Resolutions for 2011

If you’re guilty, it’s time to wake up and smell the roses. Don’t start 2011 in continued blandness, mulching around in dowdy 'mummy jeans', encased in proper, housewifely blahdom and believing in those perpetual excuses that you’re too busy, too sensible, too practical, etc…If you’re in danger of being called ‘sensible’ (horrors!) or ‘proper’ (eek!) – adjectives completely bereft of any sex appeal – you know it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and sizzle up. You don’t need to buy the leather teddy just yet – baby steps can do wonders. Here’s SimplyFab’s suggested MUST DO resolutions for 2011. Do yourself a favour and …

Groom those eyebrows! – Not just for mono- madams but every woman out there beyond the age of 20. Few things are more sexless than a bushy brow on a woman, so pluck it pur-leeaase! On the other hand, if you’re a little sparse, pencil it in. In every sex goddess is a well groomed brow. Be kind to the world and just do it, sweetie.

Shave, for heaven’s sake – Yes, we’re still on follicles but this really needs to be said. You may not see it, but believe me, the rest of the world can certainly see the forest for the trees….even when you’re in short sleeves and so especially when you wave goodbye. Is that the lasting impression you want us to have? Save us from the gag fest please, and shave.

Forget ‘sensible’ shoes – Are you waiting to turn 60 before you put on those lustworthy, three-inch, bondage killer heels? Are you just going to spend the rest of your divine, womanly life lusting after these great gifts from God but walk away and say, “Nah – that’s not for me”? How’s this for an epiphany: Sensible shoes can wait – we’ll have plenty of silver time to get orthopedically oriented, ok?

Sex up the ordinary – You may be a mommy, a respectable girl or you want to be taken seriously – and we are all that – but that’s no reason to put on the tent, the shapeless clothes and be boringly prim. Sex up, for goodness sake. Better your body, get clothes that va-va-voomingly flatter, wear heels and steam up even the ordinary for a bit - in good, stylish taste, of course. Flirt a little, smile at the guys, by all means peruse the menu – just make sure you eat at home.

Slim down and get fit – Really! You might as well start today. We want to be fabulicious, not flabulicious and write endlessly about body love and shallow men. Let’s not kid ourselves that flab is sexy – it’s not. Go running, swimming, whatever – when you’re fitter, you look better, you can buy anything knowing it looks great on you, and you won’t bulge through the little holes in your lingerie (ewww…!). And we haven’t even got round to the countless health benefits yet! This one resolution I totally have to do. Join me on the running track?

- Ee Waun

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Boudoir - Pack him off to the "MAN Academy!"

So here is a funny one from Hong Kong .. where male bonding a.k.a networking has taken a new twist. No more beer and pool boys nights out for the Martians amongst us, instead male bonding in Hong Kong comes in the form of the "MAN Academy" where according to organisers NecesCity.com, 25 guys eagerly attended Hong Kong's very first MAN Academy last Saturday, November 13th.

The half day event had the guys attend insightful, short seminars where experts from Circuit 25 and The Body Group gave tips about how to stay fit and eat healthy with a 14 hour work day before the Head Tailor behind Moustache discussed fashion styles and what to watch out for when tailoring a suit. 

Sexpert Sara from Passionately Yours presented everything men ever wanted to know about pleasure and sex (I would love to know what she is holding in her hand ? ) and wine connoisseur Dean Aslin from Saveurs shared his knowledge about wine tasting and matching. Finally Gibson Chan from the host venue, Hush let the participants in on molecular cocktail mixing. And for their bravado, the 25 left with "MAN Academy" Certificates.

Organised by NecesCity.com , Hong Kong's first and only free daily email lifestyle tip for guys, the website looks for hidden gems, and wires subscribers to the city's pulse and everything hip by delivering a short yet meaty tip a day that distills the best of dining, nightlife, gadgets, services, fashion, leisure and travel.

In my SIMPLYFAB opinion, the next session for him should focus on housekeeping, babysitting, groceries, setting up a hot bubble bath, how to give a great massage and delightful foot rubs for me when I get back from an all-nighter of drinky poos with the girls -  now that would really make my day! 

- Elaine

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Boudoir - We always knew this….Asians Sizzle!

That’s what a survey by Mr and Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com), leading boutique hotel and risqué retreat experts, revealed recently. We may not be quite as loud with our own PR as others, but it shouldn’t come as a great surprise that we Asians are a pretty hot bunch. After all, the Indians gave the world the Karma Sutra, the Japanese the ‘Pillow Book’ and the Chinese a classic on ‘how to play the jade flute’ (nudge,nudge, wink, wink), together with other tantric tricks. (Pic above: Santa Catarina, Brazil - Ponta dos Ganchos; gorgeous, huh?)

So what did the survey - which queried Asians and Australasians - show? 

41% Asians said there was enough romance in their lives, while only 34% of Australasians shared that sentiment.

For dates, more Asians than Australasians were open to checking into a sexy hotel - 22% of Asians would choose this over a day at the beach or going to see the latest film (yawn!).

Above: Alila Villas Soori in Bali. Nice!!

Asians take their sexy weekends more seriously than Australasians. According to the survey, 45% of Asians had dashed off for a romantic rendezvous four times or more in the past year, while 63% of Australasians had taken only two or less tantric time-outs in that same period.

But Asians are still more conservative when it comes to one-night-stands. 41% of Asians had never had a one-night-stand while 72% of Australasians admitted to hooking up with a stranger.

The most meaningful and romantic gestures experienced by respondents were surprise vacations.

So you see, the world's been duped all along. So sally forth and sizzle!

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Boudoir – The Sexpert Says…..

Done the feathers and the whipped cream? Then maybe its time to turn things up another notch, and who better to ask than a certified sexologist. With tomorrow being Valentine’s Day, we linked up with Dr Martha Lee of Eros Coaching and picked her brains on Advanced Sex Tips!

SimplyFab: We may not be as lithe and lissome as our 20something selves, but what is it about us grown up girls that turned us from coquettish kittens in the past to cougars prowling the bedroom?

Martha: By the time we are in our 30s and 40s, we would have lived life – loved, cried, travelled and have achieved some degree of personal success under our belt. We would have learnt to make peace with any body image issues we might have, as well as with our sense of self, place in the world and sexuality.

SF: At our scintillating stage in life, we’re way past bedroom basics. How about some tips for Advanced Action?

Martha: For Sex Tips 201, Google, read a magazine, devour a sexual technique book or ask a friend. However, what I would recommend is my workshop ‘Different Strokes’ which teaches 23 different penile massage techniques for a minimum of two ladies at S$75 per person and lasts about 2 hours. I incorporate the use of video, demonstration on a sex toy and explanation. I have done sessions for 10 ladies, with another 10 on waiting list. I have the equivalent for men to pleasure a woman's vulva called 'Petting the Kitty'. It is also S$75 per person, minimum of two persons and two hours. It is far more effective to learn this way rather than from any written material. (For more info, visit www.eroscoaching.com/events.html)

SF: People say making out in public is exciting for the risk of getting caught. Where would you suggest are the top 3 public places for a little action with the hubs?

Martha: It will have to be a very ‘private’ public place if you do not actually want to get caught! It is not just a matter of finding a discreet location, but the day and time plays a factor as well. No, I am not going to name them, otherwise they wouldn’t be ‘private’ public places anymore, would it? You are only limited by your imagination.

SF: It’s a known fact that women are master multi-taskers even while being goddesses in the bedroom. What’s the best move we can do with our man while we’re mentally checking off our ‘to-do’ list or planning the dinner menu?

Martha: My advice is, don’t! It is easy to take each other for granted and go through the motions during lovemaking. You can choose instead to make a conscious effort to stay in the moment, focus on the sensations, truly explore each other and replenish the intimacy. But if you absolutely must, mentally multitask when you are doing a repetitive motion such as a certain blow or hand job where he is the recipient.

SF: Does indulging in some aural action hasten the natural sagging of the chin? If yes, what can we do about it?

Martha: On the contrary, performing fellatio on the fella has been proven to exercise your facial muscles, stimulate your jaw and help you attain a slimmer chin. Then there is the benefit of having one very happy man as well!

SF: Apart from the bed, please offer 2-3 other unique places in the home, or pieces of furniture, which we (and our man) can get creative with. (besides the usual suspects like the shower and kitchen table)

Martha: The washing machine, his armchair, his study chair.

SF: How do you suggest we get in the mood if a beer belly gets in between hubs and us?

Martha: Rub his beer belly and learn to make peace with his changing body image. Just as he is aging, so are you. You can look at one positive in this: the bigger his belly, the slower he will run... from you! Put on new lenses and appreciate him for all that he is – belly, warts and all.

SF: Give us a few more original lines other than “Honey I’ve got a headache”.

Martha: “Let’s sleep so I can start visualising the perfect sex we will have tomorrow.”

“Let’s wait till I get the surprise I have planned for you.”

“Let’s do it in the morning. I’d wake you up with a mind blowing blow job.”

SF: Finally, do you have any comments or words of wisdom that you’d like to share with us regarding sexillating lovemaking?

Martha: Three things – communicate, experiment and learn.

• Communicate: You don’t know if you don’t ask. So ask: ‘How is this for you?’ ‘How would you rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest)?’ ‘Would you like me to continue?’

• Experiment: Practice really makes sex better.

• Learn: I would also encourage you to keep an open mind, look to acquiring more sexual skills such as signing up for sexual techniques classes.

SF: Finally, does (his) size really matter? And if it does, what can a Simplyfab girl do about it apart from lying back and thinking of England?

Martha: It is difficult to find accurate global data on average penis size because measuring penises is a lot more complicated than you might think. According to some reviews, the average erect penis length is between 5.1 and 5.7 inches. Singaporean men average 3.5 to 5.9 inches. Most men will be somewhere in the middle. Penis size has little to no relation to sexual pleasure or performance. Performance is dependent on muscles, blood and nerve supply to the reproductive organs and state of mind.

This question assumes that sex is only about penetrative sex, and his pleasure. Granted that there is more to a relationship than sex, my concern is why a woman would choose to stay in a relationship where she feels she has to lie back and think of England, effectively casting herself as a receptacle. Sex is about mutual pleasure and enjoyment, and there is a zillion things could be doing.

Dr. Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sex and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conducts sex educational workshops and speaks at public events. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com or email drmarthalee@eroscoaching.com.

Images from www.webphotomart.com

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BTW – Firm Foundations

Did you know it was World Underwear Day yesterday…on 12 August? So, darling, what did you wear?

Madam herself has problems on a day-to-day basis organizing matching foundations. I am not disciplined nor extravagant enough to buy matching pairs each time,….and what if I want to put on a dark bottom and light coloured top? We can’t go panda bear through a white shirt, can we? Mother of all faux pas! And indeed, I was once again mismatched yesterday, seeing through World Underwear Day with nary a parade.

But conversations among friends have revealed that many of us are similarly challenged with this issue of colours and hues on a daily basis. (The small blessing is that at least we have a spectrum of colours enough to be mismatched!) A friend did say once that she kept away from colours and styles – save for the most conventional – as she was troubled by what the maid might think amid doing the laundry. So I will hazard to guess that G-strings and T-backs will not be part of her repertoire. In fact, as you will see in our little chat with lingerie expert in the story below, most women in our vintage go for pieces with more fabric.

But freshly post-World Underwear Day, I ask, must it be? At the halfway mark of one’s expected lifespan, is one waiting for the BIG 50 to venture into adventurous undergarments? Not long ago I pottered out to procure some to experiment with. To cut a long story short, flossing from G-strings was unbearable, inconceivable as a piece of clothing to don daily and for me, an unthinkable prospect. Boy shorts were even more uncomfortable. But interestingly, T-backs were great. Highly comfy, and a boon for travelling light (dries superfast, too), they come in all sorts of scintillating designs at places like Oohtique. Only thing is, you should wear it with skirts of heftier weight and length cos you don’t really want to go jiggling your buns down the street!...and oh yes, don’t get tangled in all the stringy bits.

I discovered some interesting stats too: 49% of women prefer panties, 28% thongs and 13% boyshorts. And adventures of all adventures!...6% prefer to go commando! And while we’re at it, might as well take a peek at the guys: 25% like boxers, 32% briefs, 28% boxer briefs…though I’ll be pretty suspicious of the 4% that do thongs and 7% go without. I’d say the 7% step into hazardous areas as those who didn’t get the snip risk getting zipped….and to extricate oneself, says a friend, is even more excruciating. Italians wear red, Argentineans wear pink, and Brazilians wear brand new underwear on New Year’s Eve…how about Singaporeans? Oh yes….boring beige?

Nay, tis time to sally forth and enhance one’s practical foundation wardrobe with colours, styles, fabrics, and liberalise oneself!!

But I digress. One thing Elaine and I were mulling over is…what is your underwear personality? We are great believers that what one wears is an extension of what one is. So with our amateur attempts, let’s try to navigate this maze of personality….

Grandma Undies – Don’t knock this one. People who still do Granny underpants these days in the face of all the variety available are probably individualistic and bold enough to disregard what others are marketing. So either they’re super conservative and stand firm, or closet glamour queens weighed down with luggage, waiting for to burst forth into self expression given half a chance and six months of sit ups.

Bikini Panties – Shall we guess that most of us fall into this category? Practical people comfy in our own skin, but still with a bit of raciness? Let us guess further – still buying Triumph brand, right? Since our secondary school days?

String Bikini – Yummy Mummy embroiled in practicality.

G-strings – Masochists and dentally obsessed who can’t floss enough.

T-Backs – Minimalist babes who probably do some mean chandelier swinging in their off-time, former beach bunnies or former Granny Underpants.

Boy Shorts – Sporty girls, a little conservative but probably with a distinct funky side too. Bet they have short, chic hairstyles too.

Lace, flutter panties – These would be the romantic ultra feminine types I guess. Not totally practical (how do you stuff the extra cloth in jeans?) and loves Hello Kitty.

Are we right?

- Ee Waun

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Boudoir - Bedroom Bests

In celebration of World Underwear Day (and hopefully, the fact that you will be taking yours off soon enough) we share some recently discovered Boudoir Bests. Here they are straight from our Little Black Book to yours!

They call themselves Singapore’s premier sensual romantic store selling luxurious Adult toys, Fashion Gear, Jewelry and lifestyle products. Check out Oohtique! located at 50A Circular Road in Boat Quay. (Tel: 6557-0469). As their website suggests, “Don’t change partners just change the routine!” More than just a sex toy store, you can book a party with a minimum of 5 at the OOH Lounge Bar. There are a few party packages that include a voucher for a drink at the bar and store credit to take home an item of your choice. Pay extra and learn how to give a good lap dance or have a belly dancer entertain. Alcohol, a chocolate fountain await, definitely mood setting to say the least! Too shy to go in, then shop on line: http://www.oohtique.com/category.asp?catid=6.

If you want to enhance the chi in your bedroom, perhaps its time to shop for some new furniture. We highly recommend Mr & Mrs Smith, The Couples Store at 33 Bukit Timah Road, Level 1 & 2 Unit 07, 2nd Avenue Junction (Tel: 6466 1969) They stock 9 different premium brands – Liberator (sex furniture), Karma Sutra (edible creams and lotions), Conceive Plus (pre-conception lubricant), JO (lubricant), Lover’s Choice (Games and novelties), Ophoria (bedroom toys), Bijoux Indiscrets (erotic restraints, toys and products), Phallix Glass (erotic glass art – go figure!), Intimate Organics (organic sprays, gels and oils). I thought the Liberator range was really interesting. I never imagined that bedroom furniture could be that creative (pictured above) - think role playing props, furniture in odd shapes and angles to enhance the experience. Seeing is truly believing!

Finally, if you are having real challenges, book a session with Clinical Sexologist. Martha Lee, the Founder of Eros Coaching. A professionally trained sex counseller and life coach, Martha incorporates a blend of conventional and alternative approaches to empower you to spread your wings. Expect a listening ear, informative advice and support in person or via email, skype or on the phone! Payments made via paypal, please! Find her at: http://www.eroscoaching.com/ Eros Coaching Pte. Ltd.
 Email: info@eroscoaching.com

- Elaine

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SPECIAL EDITION: International Women’s Day

Concerning the Proper Appreciation of Older Women
Our luscious guest writer, wine expert Lim Hwee Peng steps out of his usual beat and pens this tongue-in-cheek tribute to the older woman in her 30s and 40s. He recommends the following songs be played while reading: Air Supply’s “Every Woman in the World”, The Commodores’ “Three Times a Lady” and Kenny Rogers’ “Lady.”

In my profession, the “agedness” of wine is a prized asset. The older it gets, the finer it tastes. As years go by, the value of the bottle inevitably heads north.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the gentler sex, for whom the passing years too often imply a depreciation of assets: From their 30s onwards, too many women, who should be reveling in the gloriousness of their achievements and attractiveness, are only all too aware of their age, possibly even grappling with insecurities over image and issues of self-confidence in their public and private lives.

What a stereotypical and shortsighted perception. To say that a woman’s attraction wanes as she ages is, in my opinion, absolute rubbish. I believe that as a woman progresses in terms of numbers, she becomes more charming and appealing. Much like an Alsace wine – a favourite tipple of mine – women in their 30s and 40s are less complicated, yet beautiful.

Here are some of my thoughts on how a fine woman in the prime of her life should be appreciated, in ways not unlike properly decanting a fine wine.

1. On Appearance
Unlike her peers in their teens and 20s, the older woman is equally conscious about how she looks, but unlike the younger women, she is far more confident about herself and her body – despite the occasional chocolatey indulgence, high-tea and dessert-buffet treats. Whatever her body type, the older woman is generally more comfortable with herself and her shape; her attractiveness lies in the lack of self-absorption and neurosis so common among younger women.

Of course, the older woman has also developed more poise, personality and character, so her attractiveness goes beyond the mere physical. In her true nature beauty lies and when that is found, it is prettier than pretty.

2. On Nose
All women have a unique ‘bouquet’ but the older woman has an especially alluring ‘nose’: subtle with gentle, sweet notes, appealing without overwhelming.

The inimitable quality of the older woman is evident after spending some time in the presence of her company, like a fine wine that tastes as wonderful as it should, after it has had a chance to breathe.

3. On Taste
How do I describe the ‘flavours’ of the older woman? Hmmm…possibly a fine St Emilion that releases bouts of floral, ripe, enticing nuances, yet is classy, delicious and approachable when uncorked or even hours later.

That distinctive ‘taste’ is also similar to a key difference expressed when Pinot lovers compare newly released New and Old World Pinot Noir wines. The Burgundy rouge style is leaner and taut, while the New World Pinot Noir exhibits flesh with evident charm.

Skinny and light-bodied may be the aspirations of young model types, but women in their 30s and 40s take pride in their soft, inviting curves, and are comfortable with their bodies in a way that younger women usually aren’t.

Sophistication is a hallmark of the older woman who has seen and tasted more of life. That elegance and refinement is subtle and natural – you can tell just by talking to her and being with her.

In Conclusion
Apart from all these irresistible qualities, the older woman is so not in-your-face. When it comes to relationships, thoughts precede actions; she doesn’t burst forth to conquer (or not), instead, preferring a slow and steady approach.

And there is more. She is pleasant and firm when she needs to be. Seductive and desirable when she wants to be. How does one resist in the face of such confident sexuality?

Appreciating fine wines can often be as much about the mind as it is about the palate. Similarly, an encounter with the older woman can be as satisfyingly cerebral as it is pleasurable.

In a nutshell, women in their 30s and 40s are confident about what they want and need, and aren’t afraid to make it known; independent in body, mind and spirit; and being worldly (been there, done that), have less need to be impressed. What’s not to like about all that?

About our guest:
When he is not sniffing out fine wines, Lim Hwee Peng, CSW (the suffix is a certification as a specialist in wine), enjoys reading the Boudoir segment of 'Simply Fabulicious'. On a full-time basis, he is a serious wine professional who teaches all aspects of wine appreciation to members of the public and the F&B profession. A trained wine specialist, Hwee Peng aspires to level up the professionalism of the wine and F&B industries through various wine programs that he develops and conducts. Find out more in his web site: www.winecraftmktg.com or e-mail hweepeng@winecraftmktg.com

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Naughty But Nice : How Best To Be Photographed Nude?

We are so thrilled we found Fen from Fen Fotography that we couldn’t resist asking her questions we are all dying to know. Hear it from her perspective as a woman and a professional photographer. And she’s got a great sense of humour, too. 

SimplyFab: Would you suggest a brazillian ‘down there’ before ladies step in front of the camera? 

Fen: If you refer to be hairless, a Brazilian would be much better than shaving as stubble shows in photos. But if you're afraid of the pain involved, stick to the blade and let me work my magic.

SimplyFab: Should we wax off any facial or unwanted hair? Does the camera come up that close? 

Fen: Even though I don't shoot macro, hair does affect the texture in the photos. There is nothing more distracting than a moustache or furry arms and legs in a beautiful photograph (only applicable to ladies).

SimplyFab: What should we do with extra flab around the tummy? Will simply sucking it in do or would you suggest a few sessions at the gym first? 

Fen: It's always good to have a good shape to work on, however, if you're comfortable with your body, some flab can contribute to the curves too. Depends on how you look at it – flab can be beautiful (despite what the media has been brainwashing us with).

SimplyFab: What would you do with a voluptuous client? Can big be sexy too? 

Fen: The camera can sometimes be deceptive; along with the play of shadows and retouching, big girls can look smaller. Again, big can be beautiful, as long as you're curvy.

SimplyFab: What’s the sexiest parts of a women’s body on camera? 

Fen: Anywhere that has curves.

SimplyFab: Do women have a ‘good side’? If so, which/what is it? 

Fen: If you're right handed, chances of your left side being your "good side" is rather high, and vice versa.

SimplyFab: Legs together or apart? 

Fen: Preferably together, unless there's something to conceal the nether regions with (eg. cushion, back of chair or shadows). Being a gynaecologist has never been my ambition.

SimplyFab: Which is sexier for a photograph – complete starkers or some underwear? 

Fen: If you're talking about art nudes, complete starkers, as knickers would look out of place. For fetish shoots, relevant underwear can be sexy.

SimplyFab: If we want to shoot sexy shots, but don’t dare bare it all, what do you suggest we can do? 

Fen: You can hold on to dear life with strategically placed fabric(s).

SimplyFab: Is lingerie tacky on camera? 

Fen: Lingerie in general isn't tacky, it's the design that makes it look tacky.

SimplyFab: If we want to keep our underwear on, what do you suggest? Plain white cotton or lace? 

Fen: Lace would look more interesting in photos.

SimplyFab: How about make up? Do we need it? Any tips? 

Fen: Some light DIY makeup will do. As long as you have eyebrows, some color to your lips and a non-shiny nose, it's fine. Unlike a model's portfolio, there wouldn't be much focus on the face or makeup in nude shoots.

SimplyFab: How do you reassure a client and get them comfy when you are asking her to drop her clothes? 

Fen: If they are shy, we can start with some underwear shots first, then to the strategically placed fabric(s). When they feel comfortable enough, we can move on to the birthday suit.

SimplyFab: Describe a nude photo session with ordinary clients like us, ie. not models – mostly tired moms?

Fen: Firstly, we meet up to discuss about what they want. Which part of their bodies do they like best. If there is a feel or concept that they want to explore. Is there anything like tattoos that I should focus on or remove. I'll ask if they have come across any photos that they really like and want a similar feel for their shoot. We'll discuss props, location, date and other details before the actual day arrives. By then, they would be mostly comfortable with the idea of working with me. Sometimes, the best photos are not posed, and from there something unique is captured.

SimplyFab: What sort of fetish props make for good photography on a woman? 

Fen: It depends on the fetish that interests her. 

SimplyFab: Where would you advise us to stash these photos so our kids don’t find them?

Fen: Under your pillow. No, just kidding. The selected photos are burnt on a CD and unless clients request to have them printed, there won't be any hard copies lying around for all to see. A CD is quite easy to conceal, even if it's in the underwear drawer or in a crack in the wall.

Thanks a million, Fen, for enlightening us all! Looks like this might go down onto our ‘Things-to-do-at-least-once-in-our-lives’ list. Let’s hit the gym, ladies! Then we can croak with pride 40 years down the road: “Ooh yes, that lady in the photo is Grandma!”

by ew

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