Besides writing my articles every week, I also answer questions from my dear readers on a daily basis. These queries range from fashion questions like, "What is charmeuse?" (it's a drape-able satin) to "How can I get my boyfriend to marry me?". I answer every letter myself, I swear. I do not have a big staff who pretends to be me. There is really only one Fifi. Anyway, there are certain questions that I get asked over and over again. So, I was thinking (I do this occasionally) how fun it would be to reveal the top 5 most frequently asked questions and my answers.

I think I'll do this David Letterman-style, so here goes!

FIFI'S 5 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

5. Why do you sell plus size lingerie, but show it on little models?

The decision to photograph most of our styles on small-size models is because if we like a style, we will offer it in a full range of sizes (for example, size Small to 3X). Now, if we show it on a size 6 model, we are fairly sure a size 16 will have a pretty good idea of what it will look like on her. I, myself, have been both a size 6 and a 16, so I would know. So would a size 6 girl be able to relate to what a garment looks like on a size 16? Studies show that the answer is clearly "No". I get a lot of mail from ladies who are not happy that I don't show very many big girls in our lingerie. Most of you know that I am not exactly built like a pixie, so if you want to be mad at some one, be mad at me. You know I believe that numbers don't count when it comes to being beautiful and sexy. It's not about age and it's not about weight, when it comes to real life. This is about displaying and presenting the product so it is understood by the consumer. If you plus-sized ladies don't stop whining, I will start modeling this stuff myself and then you'll really be sorry.

4. How do I know which padded panty is right for me?

Trying to figure out which padded panty will give you the most natural look is a lot easier than you think. I write the descriptions on every LoveFifi style and hopefully I have included all the details. You can always talk to our very knowledgeable Customer Service Department by phone or email. We can guide you personally. You can't make a mistake because padded panties are returnable. You can try them on at home over your own panties and if you don't like them, send them back.

“I get mail from ladies who are not happy that I don't show very many big girls in our lingerie.”

3. I am in a play and I am portraying a woman. Can you help me order some feminine underthings for the production? I don't know how to calculate men's sizes to women's sizes. Can you help me?

Of course I can help you! But can you stop telling me silly stories? This is Miss Fifi. You don't have to tell me that you are in a play or that you lost a bet with your buddies and have to dress like a woman for a week. I have heard it all and I don't care. If you like to wear my beautiful things, that is good enough for me. So save the stories for someone else, Sweetie. Just write to me and tell me your "boy" sizes and we will get you everything you need. I love ALL my ladies, darling... even if they are not ladies at all. You should know that by now.

2. How do I find my real bra size?

Follow these simple directions.

Getting Started, You will need the following:

• A full-length mirror
• Tape measure (use the soft cloth or plastic covered cloth kind like seamstresses use. Don't use metal, plastic or paper tape measures.)
• Your best fitting, unpadded bra
• You can measure yourself, but for best results, have a friend help you (Put that boyfriend, husband or significant other to work)
• Time to Measure!

Measurement #1: Under The Bust First measure around your ribcage, directly under your bustline. The tape should be snug and must be absolutely straight in the back. Use your mirror or your helper to ensure this. If you come up with a half measurement, like 32 1/2, round UP (in this case, to 33). If you measure between a whole number and a fraction, for example between 32" and 32 1/2", round DOWN (in this case, to 32). This is your frame size. Write it down.

Measurement #2: Across The Bust Stand up very straight. Measure at the widest part of your bustline, over the nipples. The measurement should be relaxed, not snug. Again, be sure the tape is straight across the back. If you come up with a fractional measurement, under 1/2", round down. If you measure 1/2" or more, round up. This is your cup size. Write it down.

Now... subtract your step 1 number from your step 2 number. If the difference is

• Up to 1" larger: A cup
• Up to 2" larger: B cup
• Up to 3" larger: C cup
• Up to 4" larger: D cup
• Up to 5" larger: DD cup
• Up to 6" larger: F cup
• Up to 7" larger: FF cup
• Up to 8" larger: G cup

Remember: every body and bustline are different. Measuring correctly may give you your size immediately, but sometimes there are conditions that affect your fit. If you answer "Yes" to any of the questions below, it is best to write me at fifi@lovefifi.com, and be sure to include your measurements and an explanation of your particular fit problems.

• Are you shorter than 5'2" or taller than 5'9"?
• Do you have an athletic or muscular build?
• Are your breasts set wide apart?
• Are your breasts different sizes?
• Are your breasts elongated, or do they appear "empty"?
• Do you like to wear your bras to fit loose around your rib cage?

1. What is the difference between a thong and a G-String?

Believe it or not, these are the most confusing garments in the world of intimate apparel. A G-STRING was created in the early part of the 20th century for use in burlesque. It is basically a triangle of cloth with a string around the waist joined by one that runs up the back. Its sole purpose is frontal coverage with as little in the back as possible. The THONG, conceived in the early 70s, was created at a time when a perky bottom and "no panty lines" were big fashion news. A thong is similar to a G-String in front, but the back is wider and it is tapered and contoured to round out the behind. Mystery solved!

So there you go! I hope you feel a lot smarter. Just think, if you go on Jeopardy and there is and UNDERWEAR category, you're all set.