Tag Archives: Blogs

Product Review: Lucy Update

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Hello Ladies,

Last January, I tested the Cleo by Panache Lucy in black, and while the bra fit better than the previous Panache styles I tried (remember this was before Andorra and Jasmine came into my life), I was not overwhelmed with love.  Thinking the style would never work for me, I pursued other options and abandoned the Lucy for greener pastures.  Recently, however, I’ve discovered the majority of my issues with the Cleo line derive from poor sizing choices.  Certain bras require you try the perfect size in order to determine if the style will work for you while others, such as the Panache Andorra, can still indicate whether the bra is worth continued consideration even if the size is not right.  Cleo is definitely in the former category!

The Lucy in 32H in early January 2012.

The Lucy in 32H in early January 2012.

For my new dalliance with the Lucy, I chose the 30H (my usual Freya and now Cleo size), and let’s just say I did not suffer from a lack of love this time around!  My heavier breast tissue feels lifted and secured in the bra without the design covering too much chest.  Even though the band on the Lucy stretches easily, I did not want to size down to the 28; however, women who are between band sizes should consider this.  The embroidered top cup also sits perfectly flush against the skin without any overflow or puckering.  Because the fabric is less flexible, women who need contouring fabrics should probably skip this design.  In fact, like many of the Cleo bras I have tried, Lucy better suits women with equal fullness or fullness on the top of the breasts.  Bottom-heavy breasts may encounter problems with cup wrinkling at the top.

Lucy_2

The center gore on the Lucy is wider than the Zia or Marcie but still narrow enough to work for my close set breasts.  The gore itself is actually splayed so that it narrows at the top but swoops outward at the bottom.  This design feature may account for why both Dezi and I like the bra despite having different breast shapes.  Furthermore, the underwire on the side extends just far enough back to encompass my breast tissue but not so far as to pull the cup uncomfortably into the side of my arm or to press into my ribs.  On the side, both the wings and the underwire do not sit too high on the torso which feels refreshing.

Lucy_1

Great fit aside, my favorite feature of the Lucy is the wonderful shape.  Providing the forward projection many fuller-busted women crave, the Lucy creates a high, rounded profile which looks naturally lifted and supported.  There isn’t even the hint of a point, so women with madonnaboobsphobia will not be intimidated by a conical shape.  In fact, I find this bra works well under body-conscious tops because the profile and silhouette are so flattering, and the cute embroidery on the upper cup as well as the sporadic flowers on the bottom are rather discreet.

Lucy_4

Despite an unseasonably cool winter and spring, temperatures will eventually rise here, and when they do, the lightweight quality of the mesh cup and powernet wings will ensure I stay cool in on hotter days.  My only caveat is the two hook-and-eye closures in the back, but I’m starting to get used to the sensation.  If you want to hear more about my thoughts on the Lucy, check out the video below:

For another opinion, check out the reviews from these fab bloggers:  Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, Bras I Hate & Love, Voluptuously Thin, Lingerie Abstracts, Bras & Body Image, Quest for the Perfect Bra, Sophia Jenner, and Undercover Lingerista!

Saturday Spotlight: Wide Curves

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Hello Ladies,

Even though I try to provide as much information as possible on the bra reviews, it’s not always easy to decide if something will work for you if you have a different shape than me. It’s with this in mind that I want to shine our spotlight over to Wide Curves: Put an hourglass figure into a penny press and this is what you get. Providing detailed measurements of herself and the bras she reviews, this blogger is on a quest to find styles which fit and flatter her. Her breasts are wider set than mine, so we often cannot wear the same bras which makes her reviews complementary to the ones we write here.  Furthermore, she’s in a more mainstream size (UK 36FF/38F), so like our resident blogger Dezi, she can try a heck of a lot more styles than I can.

Her recent reviews of the Panache Sophie (it’s tough to find wireless bra reviews), Fantasie Rebecca, and Claudette En Dentelle have been favorites of mine, and I’m looking forward to reading more. As I mentioned, she always includes a lot of measurements with her reviews which can further help you identify which styles will or won’t be right for you.

Check out her blog and be sure to like her on Facebook!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Weirdly Shaped and Well Photographed

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Hello Ladies,

The reason I began the “Saturday Spotlight” series was to expose our readers to some of the other wonderful writers out there in cyberspace, and today, I want to direct you to recently launched Weirdly Shaped and Well Photographed.  With gorgeously shot pictures and a cheerful tone, this full-bust blog aims to educate women about finding bras that fit and dressing your curves.

Admittedly, her shape is less common than most which she explains in her post on why she hasn’t added any bra reviews yet, but her insights and descriptions are applicable even to those with a different body type.  The discussion of how built-in ruching can improve the look and fit of a garment is especially interesting, and Dezi can attest to how often I use the term “strategic ruching” when talking about clothes and fashion!  Not to mention, I dare you ladies to check out her review of the Pin-Up Girl Anna dress (shown above) and not want one for yourself.

Be sure to add her to your list of blogs worth reading, and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter as @WeirdlyShaped!

Erica

Product Review: Daily Boost

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Hello Ladies,

Curvy Kate and I have engaged in a passionate, sometimes lust-filled love/hate relationship ever since I received the first email announcing they would be attending Curves in the US.  I love their designs—the playful use of colors, the co-mingling of traditional lingerie elements with something modern and fun, the thoughtful finishing touches and flourishes.  Nevertheless, for all the love I carry in my heart for their designs, they do not love me back.  Perhaps I should label our relationship unrequited love instead?

Recently, my Freya Pollyanna bra no longer provides the same support or comfort, and I need another white or beige bra to wear under my lighter color tops.  After hearing positive feedback on the Daily Boost, I rekindled the romance as a last ditch “Let’s try to get along” attempt to find a Curvy Kate bra (outside the sadly discontinued Tease Me) which works for my shape.

dailyboost

Sizing & Fit:  In Curvy Kate, I typically need a 30HH or J, and for the Daily Boost, I opted to test the HH cup.  The 30 band is impressive with how firmly it anchors to the body to provide snug, comfortable support.  Women concerned with the stretchiness of Curvy Kate bands have nothing to fear from the Daily Boost!  Unfortunately, the fit goes awry when we examine the cups.  Toward the center gore, I have some overflow where the cup is too small, and the gore itself does not want to fully tack.

Daily_Boost_1

On the sides, the underwires extend further than I prefer but not so much as to be bothersome.  In fact, this is the first Curvy Kate bra I have tried in quite some time that did not rub the underside of my arm painfully.  Fit problems aside, the bra does feel comfortable and supportive, but in addition to the issue with the overflow and center gore, I have unfilled space at the bottom of the cup.  Whenever I pull the top of the cup upward, the material slides down again to create the emptiness.  Moreover, the light padding of the cup is buckling under the weight of my breasts since they are not positioned properly.

Daily_Boost_2

Why am I experiencing these fit problems?  Simply put:  My breasts and the design of the bra are incompatible.  My breast tissue is set closer together and more toward the front of my torso.  While I do have some breast tissue toward the side of the body, the majority is front-facing and fuller.  The Daily Boost, in contrast, has wider underwires and shallower cups at the center which do not give my breast tissue adequate space.  Since the tissue has to go somewhere, it ends up overflowing the top of the cup and pushing the center gore away from the body.  Similarly, the bottom of the cup is also too shallow which is why my fuller breast tissue relocates upward where it has more space.  The wider center gore and shallower cups also splay my more naturally close set breasts outward instead of keeping them forward.

Daily_Boost_3

Materials & Design:  The first time I put on the Daily Boost, I only had a minute or two before needing to change back, and my impressions were rather positive, mostly on account of the materials.  The bra just feels good, and as I mentioned, even with the fit problems, I can’t say that this is an uncomfortable bra to wear.  The interior of the cup feels incredibly soft against the skin, and even the exterior has a nice texture.  Fully-adjustable straps allow for maximum customization to fit your shape, and the powernet wings hold firmly and comfortably to the body.  Not to mention, I rather like the aesthetics of the Daily Boost.  It emits a fresh, almost sporty vibe and distinguishes itself among the sea of pattern, embroidery, and lace dominating my current lingerie wardrobe (and the lingerie market as a whole).  The contrast trim at the top is a thoughtful touch too.  Furthermore, the Mocha fashion color debuting later this year is a step in the right direction for offering a better range of flesh-tone alternatives, and I hope more companies follow Curvy Kate’s design team on this.

Daily_Boost_Mocha

Final Thoughts:  Instead of grading a bra from a line that I can never seem to fit, I would rather offer advice about who should consider trying the Daily Boost.  If Curvy Kate works for you, then definitely try this style because I found it fits similarly to the other designs in their arsenal.  If you’ve never tried Curvy Kate, the Daily Boost is best for women with average to wider set breasts who benefit from wider underwires on the side.  Women with shallower breast tissue will find something to enjoy here as well.

Daily_Boost_4

For more information, check out our video below!

 

And for a second take on the style, check out the reviews done by other bloggers:  Fussy Busty, Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, Miss Underpinnings, Busts 4 Justice, Invest in Your Chest, and Bravista!

 

Product Review: Marcie Update

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Hello Ladies,

Several months ago, I reviewed the Cleo by Panache Marcie bra in size 30HH, and after obsessing over the beautiful color, I decided to retry the style in size 30H to determine if my fit issues could be corrected with a size change.  Since this is more of an “update” than a review, I am going to focus mostly on the change in fit from the 30HH to the 30H.

Currently modelling the 30HH back in October 2012

Currently modelling the 30HH back in October 2012

Band:  In my original review, I mentioned the 30 band felt a bit loose, but several blogosphere denizens disagreed and said the band was snug in their size.  As a result, I opted to forgo the 28 band and stick with my usual 30.  Sure enough, the band on my 30H feels considerably firmer and more secure.

Marcie_1

Underwire:  Understandably, the underwires on the H cup are lower than the HH, and I love how they press firmly against the ribs without feeling too tight or stiff.  In fact, they are wide enough to contain and encapsulate tissue on the side without uncomfortably pulling the bra into the side of my arm.  Nothing digs or chafes with this size, and I have to admit it really feels great against the skin.

Marcie_2

Cups:  The H cup fits significantly better just about everywhere.  I’m not sure how a smaller cup size corrected this issue, but I now fill out the bottom of the cup better and do not weigh down the cups so as to create a shadow above the underwire.  The shape is rounded, lifted, and forward, and the deeper cups work well with my body.  My breasts do not feel splayed to the side because of too shallow a cup near the center, and the gaping at the top has lessened.  However, the Marcie still does not quite work for me.  While minimized in the H cup, the gaping is still present because the less flexible material stays rounded and my bust . . . does not.  I do have quite a bit of tissue at the top of the bust, but it forms a sloping shape.  As a result, where the Marcie expects more fullness, I have none.  Meanwhile, I’m settling into the horizontal seam section of the cup and creating a curious double bump where the shape of the bra and the shape of my breasts seem at odds.

Marcie_3

Revised Thoughts:  I like the Marcie a lot more in the 30H, and I feel the style has potential even if it is not perfect for me.  At the same time I snagged this one, I also ordered a Zia which I’ll be reviewing later, and I have a Lucy on order.  Overall, I’m feeling more excited by Cleo now that I know I should order my Freya size instead of my regular Panache size.

Marcie_4

Erica

Bra Fitting: Art or Science?

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Hello Ladies,

A cursory search of the Internet for “Bra Fitting” or “How to Find Your Bra Size” yields a plethora of results and techniques ranging from the often decried “Plus 4″ method to websites like ours which advocate using your ribcage measurement as a starting point size (Plus 0).  For those of you who have  not heard of the former method, the gist is to add 4″, hence its moniker, to your band measurement to find the proper size.  For some women, like blogosphere denizens The Lingerie Lesbian and The Lingerie Addict, the Plus 4 technique works surprisingly well and ensures their bras fit perfectly.  Then recently, Bras I Hate & Love posted a thought-provoking article on how she believed a standardized “Plus 2″ method would create more middle ground for women, especially those with a thinner, less padded ribcage.

Considering how important finding the right bra size can be for your personal health and comfort, the varied opinions and sometimes contentious debates feel counter-intuitive.  Shouldn’t there be some kind of universal scientific method for determining a bra size?

Meme

Unfortunately, bra fitting is more of an art than a science.  Learning how to fit a woman for a bra comes more from experience and being able to quickly identify the earmarks of a bad or good fit than it does from listening to the wisdom of the almighty measuring tape.  At best, the tape measure can only provide a starting point size, but other considerations like ribcage shape, breast type, torso length, manufacturer fit models, and the style of the bra will necessitate making changes to which sizes you purchase.  In fact, instead of trying to find a bra size, retrain yourself to find a range of bra sizes and styles that work for you.

Readers who have visited the shop know I do not typically use a tape measure, but when I do, I only measure the ribcage to find a starting point band.  Often, I recognize exceptions to what the tape measure dictates based on body type and personal preference.  Furthermore, the Bra Naked Truth series has a comprehensive article and video on bra fitting in which I recommend using your rib cage measurement as a starting point band size but being open to sizing up or down based on several factors.  “Fit” is the key word, and a bra should meet the criteria of a good fit regardless of whether the tape measure proclaims it’s “your size.”

Dezi measuring to find her band size.

Since our store opened, I have fit over a thousand different women, and I stand by the Plus 0 technique even though some women do need to size up one or two band sizes.  With the strong emphasis on adding inches already prevalent in our bra fitting culture, I personally advocate beginning with the ribcage measurement first and then excluding it as too tight or too loose.  Women with a thinner ribcage, smaller busts, and/or less padding may be better suited by bumping up a band size, but then again, some may not be.  There are also women with (as June of Braless in Brasil puts it) a “squishier” ribcage that may even need to size down from their band measurement for a perfect fit.  Fatty tissue can be easily compressed by the band, and in this case, adding inches would not provide the anchorage and support needed to lift the breasts.

If you have access to a trained fitter, the process of finding the size that works for you becomes significantly easier.  In this case, you have the opportunity to work with an expert—an artist if you will—who can easily recommend styles and sizes for you.  However, access to professional fitters can be limited depending on geographical location, and while I write fit guides and instructions for all women, my true target is the woman who cannot visit either our shop or one like ours.

Personally, I believe educating a woman on the signs of a good and bad fit as well as encouraging the use of measurements as a starting point will give her the tools she needs to start experimenting and researching.  And research is pivotal if you cannot visit a shop to try on different sizes and styles.  Absorb all you can about your breast shape, the styles available in your size, and what bras should work for you.  Email one of the bra bloggers or a boutique owner and see if she can point you in the right direction.  I have worked with many women through phone or email conversations, and I know Claire of the Butterfly Collection has as well with her Skype fittings and email consultations.  There are both resources and resourceful women out there to help you.

But, you will have to take a risk.  You will have to order bras and see what styles and sizes work because there is no science to this.  There is no such thing as a universal method which works for every woman.  Exceptions may abound, but even those may not follow a predictable pattern.  Some women who should be exceptions are more the rule while others who fit the rule perfectly are actually exceptions.  Quantifying the process of bra fitting will never be perfect, but you can use the tools available to expand your knowledge and find bras that work for you even if the results will not always be exact or applicable across the board.

Erica

Personal Updates

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Hello Ladies,

Despite high hopes of blogging more regularly this year, you may have noticed our updates have actually diminished. While 2013 has been by no means what you would call a “bad” year, I have been thrown a few curve balls which left me scrambling. In January, a brutal case of the flu sidelined me—always a difficult situation because my sick days result in closing the store.  Eventually, rest and relaxation conquered the virus, but I felt so hopelessly behind on posts and my growing “To Do” list that I wondered if I ever would or could catch up.

When I finally slogged through my agenda, I barely had time to bask in my success before stomach woes left me incredibly ill. In fact, I was so ill that there were several days when I simply could not stay at the store and had to close early. This mysterious illness left me puzzled until I realized I only felt sick after eating. Meticulous food journaling revealed my sickness coincided with eating dairy . . . and I ate a lot of dairy. If I could slather on butter or toss in some cheese, I would and with immense, gluttonous pleasure, so is it any wonder why I constantly felt ill?

You just woke up one day and were lactose intolerant? Say wha??

Once I identified the lactose intolerance problem, I took preventative measures and am now back to normal (and probably eating healthier too). I’m still learning to read food labels and double check for dairy, but I’m adjusting better than I expected. Nicole of Fussy Busty actually recommended Silk’s Dark Chocolate Almond Milk which tastes like the richest, creamiest chocolate milk you can imagine, so the experience has not been a total loss.

Fortunately, I was able to curb this problem because the last four weeks have topped all of our previous sales records, and I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful that feels. Opening a small business is a serious risk, especially in today’s economy, and you spend many nights wondering if you made the right choice. Setbacks abound and threaten your fragile dream, and the only way to succeed is to persevere and stay positive.  As a result, fantastic weeks feel all the better and more rewarding because they stand as a testament to your dedication and persistence.

As many of you know, I handle most of the day-to-day operations for the store, including all of the bra fittings and our social networking. Sadly, the latter fell by the wayside, and I have struggled to blog consistently lately. However, this week I plan on stockpiling a series of posts I can use to keep the blog fresh and interesting when life or work interfere with my schedule.

I hope 2013 has been progressing nicely for all of you, and I am so excited for the first day of spring!

Erica

How to Transition Valentine’s Lingerie to Everyday Wear

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Hello Ladies,

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Because so many of the talented lingerie lovers in the blogosphere have already put together amazing wish lists and recommendations for the holiday, I want to forgo offering my favorites and instead focus on the practical side of lingerie, namely how you can transition it beyond the bedroom.  Selecting styles with built-in versatility can aid you in enjoying lovely lingerie throughout the year, but thinking creatively about how to incorporate your latest purchase into your regular wardrobe or routine can add an unexpected dose of glamor to everyday life.

The Basic Matching Set in a Hot Color

ASHLEE-CANDY-UNDERWIRED-MOULDED-PLUNGE-0001-HIGH-WAISTED-BRIEF-0005

If your budget is tight, one of the easiest ways to spice up your lingerie drawer is to snag a tried-and-true basic style in a hot new color or pattern.  Variety adds interest while the pre-tested design guarantees you can wear your new purchase every day.

The Sexy Set with Seams and Lace and Embroidery

Panache_CLEO_MARCIE

Tee shirt bras—fit issues aside—are a versatile pick for everyday wear because of their seamless, contoured design.  Nevertheless, if you want a new style for Valentine’s Day, I recommend breaking up the routine with something unexpected and fun, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find bras more beautiful than those featuring seams, lace, ribbons, or embroidery.  The matching panties are always incredible, and the designs range from daring and bold to sophisticated and ladylike to quirky and cool.  Let your personality and taste guide you to the style which suits you best.  However, when it comes time to throw on your tee shirt, these stunners often fall short in how discreetly they blend under your tops.  To combat this problem, forget wearing an ornate bra under thin knits without layering—a fabulous technique which adds visual interest to outfits and allows you to branch out beyond the basics.  For example, experiment with layering a sweater or embellished tee over a button-front, or opt for a simple styling by wearing a colored camisole under a v-neck top.  Additionally, schedule some time for testing the bra under the dresses and shirts you own because you may be pleasantly surprised with how many of them camouflage the bra entirely.  Prints and thicker weight materials, in particular, are perfect for transitioning that sexy bra to everyday wear, and once you know which items the bra works with, you can easily pair them together in the morning.

The Sheer Robe or Dressing Gown

Robe

For Christmas, I received the black sheer robe from my wish list, and not only does it look effortlessly sexy either worn alone or over a matching lingerie set, but it’s also perfect for wearing in the morning while I blow dry my hair and apply my makeup.

liz

Slipping that silky robe around my shoulders instantly transports me to a time when silver screen goddesses powdered their noses wearing lacey chemises layered seductively underneath robes with feathers around the neckline.  Valentine’s Day lingerie can bring a taste of old school glamor to your everyday routine whether you decide to wear a sexy robe while drinking your tea or to slip into that chemise for sleeping.

A Bustier or Basque for Everyday

SUSANNA BASQUE

Let me preface this suggestion with a note that much will depend on your lifestyle, personal comfort zone, and workplace environment.  However, if you can and are willing to wear underwear as outerwear, a basque or bustier works naturally with fashion.  Layer one over a white button-front or a turtle-neck top for a modest yet edgy look, or use a conservative blazer layered on top of a bustier to show more skin.

bustier_1

For the fearless, wear the basque or bustier alone with a skirt or slacks for cocktail attire.  Speaking of after-hours, a bustier would look fabulous under one of the nouveau tuxedo ensembles.

bustier_2Furthermore, many of these tips will work for layering corsets too.

The Three S’s

Willow

Even a basic tee shirt bra and cotton underwear can be transformed into a sexy ensemble with the Three S’s:  suspenders, stockings, and stilettos.  They take the everyday and transform it into something special for the occasion.  Usually, these accessories are inexpensive, meaning you can reserve them for bedroom play without a financial investment.  However, if you splurge on a quality garter belt, like the Maitresse from Kiss Me Deadly, you can wear it often because it is designed to stay put and hold up stockings all day.  Stilettos work for date night, but you can also find heels that work for the office too if you focus on comfort and design features like platforms and padded toe beds.

If Transitioning Does Not Work

Parfait_Babydoll

However, if you prefer to keep your sexy lingerie secret and for special occasions only, purchase cheaper alternatives to reduce the cost-per-wear of the item.  Not to mention, certain items like baby dolls, fuzzy heels, and lacey nightgowns are harder to transition to everyday wear, so buying them at a lower price seems  natural.  For example, Affinitas sells bra-sized baby dolls for $65, or Shirley of Hollywood has some sexy (albeit less supportive for the fuller-busted woman) lingerie around $35.00

Your Turn:  Are you buying something new for tonight?  How do you plan to wear it afterward?

Erica

Monday Must-Reads Returns

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Hello Ladies,

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been bookmarking quite a few wonderful, well-written, and interesting articles to share with you, and I finally had the time to compile all of them into one blog!

Have a wonderful week everybody!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Faustine’s Foundations

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Hello Ladies,

We’re back with our Saturday Spotlights, and this week the light is shining on Faustine’s Foundations!  Containing excellent bra reviews, like her recent discussion of the Panache Porcelain Plunge and thoughtful commentary on a variety of topics, this blog is another great addition to our links section.

In particular, her recent analysis “Where do bras come from?” was fascinating to me because as a retailer, I think more about my responsibilities to pay suppliers on time and order the right merchandise instead of asking how those payments are dispersed.  Furthermore, I loved her Curvy Kate preview for spring, particularly because she notes some of the fit and style changes of the bras.  Check out her blog when you get a chance, and you won’t be disappointed!

Erica