While I’ve always been happy enough with my wardrobe, I’ll admit my lingerie collection has little to be desired. It’s entirely comprised of very basic bras and panties in nude and black, absolutely nothing sexy (gah!) and most of all, nothing really fun – all of which has probably seen better days, given that this is the last department most of us update (myself included). Without question, it is time to expand this area of my closet.

Yet building a good, workable lingerie collection is a lot harder than it sounds. Bras have forever been the bane of many an existence, often too big, too padded, not supportive enough or not long enough lasting (or in some cases, all of the above), making it very difficult to truly enjoy lingerie for what it offers. There’s a mystery to fit, a ton of guess work, and in the end, many of us end up with something that is either too big or too small or just not comfortable. And, just as you’ve found your way with the top, you’ve got to figure out what you need on the bottom and this, too, can be every bit as complicated. With a myriad of under garment companies to chose from, it’s no wonder very few of us buy bras at all.

But, this week, it’s all going to change.

I’ve made it a mission to solve our lingerie troubles, to determine just exactly what the heck we need to be thinking about as we build our underwear collection – the styles to consider, the must-haves to buy, the key brands – the whole nine yards - because let’s face it, there’s nothing that’s going to give a little extra spring in your step than something sexy underneath it all.

To achieve the task, I called in the experts: mother/daughter team Alison and Gail Rubke of the ultra hip, very sexy Faire Frou Frou, one of the best lingerie stores in town. After an hour in their gorgeous shop in Studio City, I got the full story on what exactly we’re doing wrong – and how to do it right to build the mother of all lingerie wardrobes:

Bras are Like Denim: Not Every Designer on the Market Will Work with Your Body Type

Aha! I’ve always just assumed that when a bra didn’t fit right, it was my fault, but Alison and Gail say it’s not the case at all. Lingerie makers, much like the denim companies out there, vary from style and sizing, which means that what may work for one body type won’t work for another. Having trouble finding something comfortable or that fits? It’s time to take a test drive of all the styles available at your local retailer. Pick by brand and test them out versus by design to start – this will help you become familiar with what’s available and whether it works for your body or not.

“If you’re smaller up top,” says Alison, “look to European lines, which are designed for smaller busted women. If you’ve got a larger bust, try a demi cup, which is cut straight across and flatters a larger size”.

See It As An Investment

How many times have you slipped your foot into an incredible pair of designer shoes, yet balked at the price of a higher end lingerie piece? Gail and Alison inspired me to see bras and underwear a little bit differently – not necessarily encouraging me to drop $200 on a single item, but to see undergarments as worthy investments that should be of good quality. As you build your lingerie collection, watch for quality and explore different price points. A $45 bra might seem crazy, but if it’s only a once a year purchase, that’s really not a lot. Plus, something that has an amazing fit that stands through dozens of wearings is always worth its value.

This also goes for lingerie care – treat it well to get the most bang for the buck. I’ve always haphazardly thrown my bras in the wash with all of my other stuff. Not good, says Alison and Gail. Hand washing (or if it’s ultra delicate, dry clean) is the way to go.

Build a Collection

Even my most lingerie savvy friends tend to buy what’s “cute” as they go versus building a good collection that is complete and workable. Alison and Gail recommend avoiding this, focusing your attention instead on acquiring the essentials.

“A good lingerie collection should have everyday bras in white, black and nude, something classic with a matching panty, and then, something fun,” says Alison. “The rest should be investment pieces that you’ll treasure and love for years to come.”

Alison and Gail also recommend seeking out bras that have removable straps to open up your options, and suggest that your fashion lingerie be items you can layer, with pretty details such as lace, ruffles, etc.

“Lingerie designers create their collections as artists,” adds Gail, which is just another great reason to enjoy the many fabulous lingerie pieces on the market.

The duo also tackled some of the biggest issues posed to us by readers, including how to combat ultra wide straps (look to higher end collections and fashion styles, which are almost always designed to be seen and are therefore prettier), uncomfortable thongs (Alison swears by Hanky Panky, see photo right), and coping with either a very large (look to demi cup) or very small (seek out European designers) busts.

In all, it's definitely a different course than most of us follow as we add undergarments to our closet. By sticking to the key points mentioned above, you'll have a workable, comfortable and wearable collection in no time at all.

Faire Frou Frou carries an incredible range of fashion and specialty lingerie and basics from top American and European designers, including Aubade, Carine Gilson, Rosamasario, La Perla, Cosabella and countless others. The store is located at 13017 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA. Online shoppers can shop the store at www.fairefroufrou.com.