How to survive the holidays without exploding

Cyla Weiner and her sister Helen Kestler know a thing or two about the female form--and the next installment in their Bras and Brunch series, "Surviving the Holidays Without Overeating," couldn't be more timely. Janet Zalman of The Zalman Nutrition Group will speak from 10:30 to noon while attendees brunch and sip. If the tips don't work, there's always our friend, shapewear. When Cyla says shapewear is better than ever, we listen. "Goodbye visible panty lines and hello to shapewear rescue," she says.  "There is the popular cami, full body briefer, control panty, girl short, high waist brief, long leg brief, control hosiery, shaper bras, and slips." So there you go. The holiday squeeze. The Bras and Brunch event will be held Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Register at http://sylene.eventbrite.com/.

Extra-special holiday surprise

Know a special girl who deserves some top-of-the-line pampering this year?? Cyla Weiner and her sister, Helen Kestler, the lingerie experts of Sylene in Chevy Chase, are offering an exquisite holiday gift to two lucky women this year. The sisters' shop is best known as the "go-to" place for lovely lingerie, post-surgery bra fittings and expert advice. Now they're willing to come to the recipient's home, sort through her intimates, tell her what works and what doesn't, and what she should toss or keep. After a glass of bubbly she'll be whisked away to Sylene for a private fitting and shopping spree, where she'll enjoy champagne and hors d'ouevres as she browses through luxurious lingerie from La Perla, Eres, Simone Perele, Hanky Panky, Cosabella and many more. The lucky lady will receive all the store's trademark "S Factor" bras: seamless, sexy, strapless, sport, spa, specialty, three undies, two shapewear pieces, one sleepwear ensemble ....and a swimsuit! After the shopping spree, a driver whisks this lucky shopper back home to revel in her new lingerie. Have just the right person in mind? Perhaps yourself?? Contact Cyla Weiner at Sylene for all the details: 301-654-4200.