Monthly Archives: January 2012

Saturday Spotlight: Let’s Fashion Talk

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Hello Ladies,

Today I want to spotlight the fashion forum “Let’s Fashion Talk,” which is a privately owned and managed site whose goal is to create a friendly, supportive place where members can share their views on fashion, trends, and personal style.  Additionally, they value diversity and hope members can inspire and be inspired by the beauty of fashion and the creativity of others. With member galleries, fashion tips, and strict moderation to keep out spamers, Let’s Fashion Talk is a wonderful place to  . . . well . . . talk about fashion!

This fashion forum encourages members to be constructive and polite, and the result is a welcoming place where new and old friends can enjoy fashion and watch their personal style evolve and improve. Posters live in large urban centers, small towns, and everything in between with members throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Through interaction and experimentation, they hope everyone can all find a personal style that suits their lives and their personalities!

Erica

Video Blog: Plunge Vs. Balcony Styles

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Hello Ladies,

Many of you have asked me to clarify the differences between balcony and plunge bras, so for this week’s video blog, I shared some examples and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each style.  Remember:  Never eliminate any type of bra before trying it on as there are so many variations within both the plunge and balcony styles that you may be pleasantly surprised to see what works for you!

Erica

Bra Hooks: When is it time to step down?

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Erica, when do you recommend I step down to the middle and last hooks of the bra?  Should I step down when I can close them comfortably?  –Joyce

Hello Joyce!  I recommend changing to a tighter set of hooks when you feel you are no longer getting the same level of support.  Depending on how often you wear the bra, you should be able to get between three and six months of wear per hook.  However, within the first week or two of buying a bra, you will notice that the band eases more and feels slightly less snug than when you first bought it.  The change in tightness is the result of you “breaking in” the bra to your body and is perfectly normal.  Before you start sizing down in the hooks, look in the mirror or take a photograph and examine the lift and support you’re getting.  If you feel like your breasts are not getting sufficient lift or if the band is riding up in the back, it’s definitely time to tighten the hooks.  Along this vein, I want to share a personal anecdote with you:

When I first bought my Freya Faye bra, I was on the loosest set of hooks, and it felt quite snug.  Within two weeks, the band felt super comfortable but also nice and supportive.  Then I noticed something:  Originally, I couldn’t even reach the tightest set of hooks, but now, I could close them comfortably.  So I decided to wear the band tighter.  Big mistake!  About two hours into the day, I had to go to the bathroom and loosen the band.  Moral of the story:  Bras are similar to jeans.  Just because you can get a certain size to button or hook, does NOT mean that’s the size you should be wearing.

Erica

P.S.  I’m wearing my Faye today on the loosest set of hooks!  Lesson learned!!

Product Review: Lucy from Cleo by Panache

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Hello Ladies,

A good balcony bra can be a lifesaver in terms of lift, shaping, and support while still managing to be comfortable for long days, and after hearing positive reviews of the Lucy balcony bra from Cleo by Panache, I decided to try the style myself.

Sizing:  Having seen from experience as a fitter that Cleo by Panache tends to cut tighter in the band than its parent brand Panache or competitors like Freya, I decided to bump up to a 32 band instead of my usual 30.  A wise move on my part!  The 32 band was comfortably snug and gave excellent support.  In a 32 band, I usually take a GG in styles like this, but for the Lucy, I needed an H cup.  Having said that, I’ve seen other women not need to size up in the cup, and this sizing difference may relate to breast shape.

Fit: In the 32H, I feel the fit is nearly perfect.  The bra does an excellent job of lifting and separating while creating a fairly smooth, rounded appearance under clothes.  As I’ve mentioned before, I often have trouble with the fit of Panache bras, but I like the Lucy more than any of the other styles I’ve tried (save the new Sports Bra).  Panache bras tend to sit lower on my ribcage than Freya or Curvy Kate, which doesn’t always translate to a comfortable fit for me.  However, the Lucy does a good job of tacking at the center gore and anchoring at the ribs.  My only complaint is the amount of coverage the bra gives.  The gore sits a half inch higher than my other bras and even the cups take up most of my chest.  Granted, the Lucy is a balcony bra, but I would have loved the bra if the balcony hadn’t been quite so high in my size.  Since women in smaller cup sizes do not experience this quibble, it may be how the adapted the design for GG+ cup sizes.

Materials:  The mesh fabric used for the cup feels lightweight and soft on the skin and never causes any scratching or chafing.  Additionally, I like the stiffer material used for the straps and the powernet wings, which really pull in the tissue on the sides and give great support.

Design:  The Lucy feels very fresh, youthful, and and even girlish through its clever exploitation of floral embroidery on both the upper and lower halves of the cups.  Both the black and white colors have a sexy quality to them, and I love how Panache is always coming out with beautiful new colors for this style.  Finally, the bow at the center gore is a nice touch, and you really can’t beat the price.  At only $53, the Lucy gives you a fashionable style at a very affordable cost.

Other comments:  The pink version of this bra is currently on sale for $39.99.  If you need to break up the winter blues, why not try something hot pink?

Final Grade:  B+/A-

Pre-Order Fashion Styles Now

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Hello Ladies,

This week, I am putting together our orders for the exclusive fashion styles releasing early this year, and I want to give all of you the opportunity to pre-order you size.  When you pre-order, I will ensure your size is not only among the ones ordered but also that it is held for up to two weeks so you have the first chance to try (and possibly buy) it.  If you decide not to pre-order, there is no guarantee that I will order your size or that it will not sell out before you get to the store.  Essentially, I’m giving you ladies “first dibs” on the new stuff we’ll be seeing as a way of saying “Thank you” for reading the blog.    However, I’ll need to have your orders in by Saturday at the latest.

The first style you can pre-order is the Freya Elize Bra:

Soft, sexy, and sophisticated, the Elize mixes soft lavender satin with sharp black lace and beaded bows.  Featuring a flattering, balcony neckline, the Elize promises great uplift and support.  The soft handle satin fabric and contrasting lace top cup add the perfect amount of sex appeal while the wider wire offers extra comfort.  The Elize is available in either the padded balcony bra, which is the style we will be ordering, or in a regular, unpadded balcony style.  Erica’s Thoughts:  The padded balcony bra has the same frame as the Freya Nieve longline without the lengthy band.  So, if you loved the shape the Nieve gives, then you’ll feel the same way about the Elize.

The Elize padded bra retails for $64.00, and the traditional balcony style retails for $68.00.  Both styles can be pre-ordered, and both will ship in mid-March.

Sizes Available for padded style:  30-38 D, DD, E, F, G, 32-38 B, C

Sizes Available for non-padded style:  28-38 D, DD, E, F, G, GG, 32-38 B, C

You can also pre-order the matching pants (all available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL):

Brief    — $29.00
Short  — $28.00
Thong — $28.00

The next style up for pre-order is the Elomi Libby bra:

The satin simplex of the Libby bra is perfect for showing off this pretty floral print while the low center front and side frame are perfect  for great shape.  Featuring a side sling for forward push, the Libby has a slightly lower center gore and side underwire than the Caitlyn bra.  The beautiful charcoal embroidered trim on the cup perfectly complements the painterly blues of the print.  Erica’s Thoughts:  This bra looks like it will fit similar to the Caitlyn but will be fairly smooth under knits.  If you’re looking for a fun fashion bra that remains supportive but sexy, then this it. 

The Libby retails for $60.00 and will arrive in late March.  It is available in the following sizes:

Sizes Available:  36-46 E, F, FF, G; 36-42 GG, H, HH, J, JJ

You can also pre-order the matching briefs, which retail for $30.00 and are available in sizes M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL.

Finally, the last style available is the Freya Ellie:

Ellie loves feeling girly in this dreamy lime and pink floral print, but the vibrant embroidery makes sure this delicate look has a little electricity around the edges.  Featuring a balcony shape for great uplift and support, the Ellie has a soft handle simplex fabric with an embroidered top cup trim and complementary satin bows.  Erica’s Thoughts:  This style looks like it will be smooth under knitwear, and the fabric is incredibly silky.  Plus, I’ve seen the print in person, and it is far more beautiful than the pic can convey!

The Ellie will ship in late April.

Sizes 28-38 D, DD, E, F, FF, G retail for $62.00; sizes 28-38 GG, H, HH, J and 30-36 JJ, K retail for $70.00.

As with the others, you can also pre-order a matching pant in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Breif    — $32.00
Short   — $30.00
Thong — $28.00

As an early bird special, if you pre-order any of these items, I will give you 10% off when the style arrives. Email sophisticatedpair@gmail.com to place your orders!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Busts for Justice

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Hello Ladies,

For the first Saturday of the new year, we wanted to recommend the blog Busts 4 Justice:  Blogging boobs, brains, and bra campaigns!  Originally started as a Facebook protest against UK-based Marks and Spencer for charging higher prices for DD+ bras, Busts 4 Justice has evolved into quirky, fun, and entertaining blog with product reviews, lingerie news, and intelligent commentary on women’s issues.  With topics ranging from breast health to criticism of the media’s obsession with celebrity breasts and size, blogger Beckie offers a unique perspective that always has its finger on the pulse of how modern women are feeling.  Her recent post on feminism, for example, targets some of the anger real women are experiencing without isolating herself as one of those pilloried “man-haters.”

Enjoy!

Erica and Debbie

Lingerie Models: Thin or Curvy?

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Hello Ladies,

While drinking my coffee this morning, I stumbled upon this shocking statistic courtesy of PLUS Model Magazine:

Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.

Naturally, I wondered what accounted for the shift.  Has the average woman’s weight increased, or are we utilizing thinner and thinner models?  With so many runway models collapsing due to complications from anorexia and bulimia, the latter seems more likely, but regardless of what transpired to create such a gap between the average woman and the fashion model, the important question becomes:  Is this acceptable?  If models are meant to sell us clothes, should our current “model” weigh 23% less than us?  Or, should we be using models who more accurately represent the average woman?

Photoshop aside, one glance at this picture (from Flesh & Plastic) illustrates the difference between the model and the average woman.  As a fashion lover, I can appreciate why designers choose thinner models since it’s nearly impossible for a woman who’s 6ft tall and 120 pounds to look fat or dumpy in anything whereas the rest of us mere mortals need to be more figure conscious.  However, in the lingerie world, the goal is to model bras and underwear—items every woman needs and buys.  There’s no fear of a socks and heels combo chopping off the line of the leg or that flyaway cardigan creating extra girth.

Personally, when I shop for lingerie, I prefer to see women who look similar to me:  curvy and normal.  The beautiful and healthy Curvy Kate models come to mind:

From these photos as well as Curvy Kate’s policy of publishing the size of each model, I’m able to get a better idea of how a bra will look on me.  Will the center gore sit high on my chest, or will I get more of a plunge effect?  How much side support will the bra give me?  Are my boobs going to be front and center or east and west?  What size shorts should I buy, and will they be too low rise for my long torso?

Not to discount thinner women who also should be represented in the modelling world, but what’s so wrong with including more average size and even plus-size women?  What do you ladies think?  Would you rather see a bra modeled by a Victoria’s Secret angel or one of Curvy Kate’s “Star in a Bra” winners?  Should we focus on promoting more diversity in the modelling world, or do you like things as they are?

Erica

New Special Order Policy

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Hello Ladies,

Though it saddens me to say, there have been some women who have taken advantage of our generous special order offer, and, as a result, we have revised the policy for 2012 as follows:

If you are an existing customer who has ordered with us before and picked up your items, you will not be affected by these changes.

New customers will be limited to ordering one (1) bra free of charge or to placing a non-refundable deposit on orders of two (2) or more bras.  The deposit will equal 20% of the retail price of the bras and will be credited to your account at the time of purchase.  From the time your bra arrives, you will have three (3) weeks to pick up the bra before I put it out on the sales floor.

If you have any questions or comments about our new special order policy, please direct them to sophisticatedpair@gmail.com.  We apologize for the inconvenience!

Erica and Debbie

Final Sale Added to Store

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Hello Ladies,

We’ve added a brand new “Final Sale” section to our online store.  These are either select fashion styles we carried earlier in the year or styles we do not plan on carrying in the store in the future.  The good news is that all of the styles will be at least 20% off their retail price, but the bad news is they cannot be returned or exchanged, making this the perfect opportunity to buy multiples of bras you already love at a lower price.

Local customers can come by the store to receive the discount, but they will still be final sale only.

Have a good day ladies!

Erica and Debbie

Product Review: Fantasie’s Yvonne

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Hello Ladies,

Anyone who has ever stopped by the shop knows I’m a sucker for black and white.  As I type this blog, I am wearing a white sweater and black jeans, so naturally, when I saw the Yvonne, I was intrigued.

Sizing:  I found the band and cup to run true-to-size.  However, due to the lower balcony neckline, ladies who find themselves between cup sizes may want to size up for the best fit.

Fit:  One of my favorite elements of the Yvonne is how it manages to be a supportive balcony bra without needing wide wings or a high center gore.  The cups provide nice lift, giving the girls a perky rounded appearance that’s effortlessly sexy, and the fully adjustable straps let you customize the fit.

Materials:  The cups of the Yvonne are made from a slightly more rigid material than some of Fantasie’s other styles.  It’s not uncomfortable by any means, but it’s also not quite as soft and flexible as the Marie, for example.  However, I think the material they used helps to create that amazing lift and support.

Design:  Fantasie describes the Yvonne as “a strong look with subtle styling,” which perfectly sums up the bra for me.  The black and white pattern is a bold contrast that is not as universally flattering as some of Fantasie’s other color choices (like the rich blackberry of the Vivienne); however, I like how the intense floral pattern and strong clash of neutrals is so unique and different from what we usually see in the market.  Additionally, I love how Fantasie never forgets the straps of the bra and always includes a small pattern or textural element as a final touch.  The Yvonne also boasts an interesting “near cleavage” look when you tighten the straps that other balcony bras lack, making it perfect for women who feel plunge styles are too revealing but still want to amp up the sexy quotient.

The Briefs:  I love how they carried the pattern to the briefs, and I think they make a perfect complement to the style of the bra.

Other Comments:  Of the three fashion styles we currently have from Fantasie, the Yvonne has the lowest neckline, which is also a bit squarer than either the Marie or the Vivienne.

Final Grade:  A