CHECKING IN WITH...Brenda Burdette-White, Gina Hueston:

Fashion is important, and one fashion folly women make all the time is letting their unattractive bra straps show when they shouldn’t. If you’re going to let it hang out, why not be fashionable? So this week we decided to check in with Brenda Burdette-White and Gina Hueston, Newport Beach-based designers and manufacturers of “Rock Candy Bra Straps,” in an e-mail interview.

Where did you come up with the idea of creating stylish bra straps?

Most women, including ourselves, don’t like to wear strapless bras because they are uncomfortable and lack support. Since showing bra straps has become more acceptable today, we found that women would rather show their bra straps than wear a strapless bra. We felt that if we could come up with a cute strap that could support a strapless bra, have all the comfort of a normal bra, and be “too sweet to hide” then we would solve the issue that many women face when wearing those cute summer tops and dresses.

Also, it seemed that everywhere we went, we saw women showing tattered, dirty or just plain ugly bra straps. We did a lot of research and found a number of different straps; some were made of plastic, others had ribbon flowers, but there weren’t any that were high-quality, beautifully designed straps that we would actually wear. So we decided to make some using the most beautiful beads we could find, knowing that if we would wear them, so would a lot of other women.

What kind of materials are the straps made with?

“Rock Candy-Bra Straps Too Sweet To Hide” are made with beautiful glass beads and semi-precious gemstones. We use turquoise, rutilated quartz, mother-of-pearl, rose quartz, pearls and other gorgeous stones and beads. We have come up with a unique design that is not only supportive, but accommodates a lot of different-sized women. In fact, the way we designed our straps is patented because it is such a unique configuration.

Can Rock-Candy Bra Straps fit any bra?

The straps attach to any strapless or convertible bra. You just detach the straps that come on the bra, and hook these on instead. They truly are a beautiful and comfortable alternative to strapless bras (which most women hate because they are uncomfortable and usually slip off!).

What are some of the styles?

We have more than 20 different designs, so there is definitely something for every woman or girl. We have very subtle, elegant straps made with pearls that can be worn with evening attire and then we have bolder, casual straps for that off-the-beach look. Our straps truly are versatile — they can be worn with bandeau swimsuits, cotton tanks, sundresses, off-the-shoulder cashmere sweaters and even evening gowns. All of the straps are named after “sweets” to go along with our candy theme. Some of our most popular ones are Good and Plenty, Buttercream, Marshmallow, and English Toffee. Our strap called Peace of Candy has sterling silver peace signs on it. Everyone loves that design.

How did you come up with the name of the line?

We were trying to think of something that everyone could relate to that was sweet, but edgy at the same time. We had both of our families involved; our parents, children, husbands, brothers and sisters were throwing names into the mix.

We finally decided on Rock Candy because the beads we use look like glimmering pieces of candy. In the old days, rock candy came on strings, just like our straps! We added the tag line “Bra Straps Too Sweet To Hide” because we wanted people to know what they are and to realize these aren’t normal straps that go under clothing. These straps truly should be shown. In many cases, the straps make an outfit.

Are any edible?

We’ve been asked that question a few times and it always makes us laugh. These straps are “G-rated.” They are made with glass beads and semi-precious gemstones. I don’t think any dentists would advise their patients to eat them.

When is showing bra straps flashy, and when is it trashy?

We came up with these straps because we were tired of seeing ugly bra straps ruin otherwise nice outfits. Most of the time, we think visible bra straps can make an outfit look sloppy and unkempt. And we really don’t like those clear, plastic straps. Are they supposed to look invisible? Rock Candy Straps don’t look like bra straps. Most people are surprised to find out they are bra straps.

Who is wearing them? (If you can think of any celebs or famous people who have sported the style)?

We just launched our line a couple of months ago and are really starting to get them out there. So far, everyone that has tried them, loves them. So we know all of the A-list celebrities will be wearing them soon.

What kind of outfits can you wear jeweled bra straps with?

You can wear our straps with almost every kind of outfit; from funky, casual wear to elegant evening wear and everything in between. These straps are for the fashion-forward woman or girl who wants to be on the cutting edge and who demands the best quality and workmanship. All of our straps are made by hand in the United States.

Where can we find Rock Candy Bra Straps?

Rock Candy- Bra Straps Too Sweet To Hide can be found at 17 stores across the country. Here in Orange County they are at Take 12 in Newport Beach at 1000 Bristol St. North and at Shirley’s Heart on Balboa Island. You can order them from www.confectionz.com or call (949)701-2300 or (949)887-2100.