Saturday Spotlight: Wide Curves

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

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

Saturday Spotlight: Perfect Cami

Hello Ladies,

In the past, I have reviewed products from this company, but I realized I have never shone our Saturday Spotlight in its direction—a grievous error indeed!  Today, I am rectifying my mistake by showcasing the amazing Perfect Cami!

For those of you who missed my original review, Perfect Camis offer an extra layer of protection underneath low cut tops and dresses without adding the bulk of a regular camisole.  When temperatures rise (and I hope they do soon), Perfect Camis prevent you from overheating while still protecting modesty.  By attaching to your bra straps and wrapping around the body, these amazing products stay put throughout the day and hug the body comfortably.

Available in sizes ranging from “small” to “P3,” the Perfect Camis feature a range of colors, textures, and prints which allow you to pick the designs which complement your wardrobe the best.

S – 32-36″
M – 35-40″
L –  39-43″
XL – 42-46″
XXL – 45-49″
P1 — 48-52″
P2 — 51-54″
P3 — 53-56″

For more information about the camis as well as a product demonstration, check out the video below:

Don’t take my word for it though!  Here are what some of the other bloggers out there have said about Perfect Camis:

Braless in Brasil
Boosaurus

What are you waiting for?  It’s time to snag yours today!

Erica

P.S.  Did I mention we carry them in the store too?  :)

Saturday Spotlight: Mimi’s Pizza

Hello Ladies,

Recently, my Saturday Spotlight has shined on some of the wonderful bloggers in the lingerie community, but today, I want to focus locally.  Pizza is one of my favorite foods because the possibilities for customizing it to individual tastes are endless; not to mention, anything relying heavily on carbs and cheese works for me.  But, when it comes to who makes the best pizza, I have only one answer:  the locally owned and operated Mimi’s Pizza!  So named for the childhood moniker of proprietor Jimmy Xionis, Mimi’s Pizza specializes in crafting delicious pizzas, pastas, calzones, subs, and salads all of which feature a hearty dose of traditionalism mixed with Jimmy’s own flair for cooking.  All of the ingredients are fresh, including the made-from-scratch sauces (try the white one!) and dough, and I love how the menu showcases some perennial favorites like Meat Lovers alongside specialty concoctions like my personal favorite, the Greek Pizza.

photo 5photo 3

photo 2

After tantalizing my palette with the pizza, I branched out to the calzones, and I am only mildly ashamed to admit that I can (and have) eat one of them in a single sitting.  Where’s that emoticon with the big eyes when you need him?  Eventually, I decided to taste something healthier and ordered one of the subs: the Buffalo Chicken!  Out of all the Buffalo Chicken sandwiches and subs I have eaten in all the pizza/sub places in all the worlds (too much?), Mimi’s was the best.  Of course, I still had to add some hot sauce, but not everyone appreciates my level of spicy.

photo 4

photo 1

But, the final test comes down to . . . *drumroll* . . .  the salad!  Everyone knows that pizza places always mess up the salad, but not Mimi’s!  The salad was packed with crisp lettuce and topped with moist, juicy chicken (plus all the toppings I requested), and it was heavenly.  Not to mention, I didn’t feel horrible about gorging on it like I do the calzones and pizza.

mimisalad

If you’re in the area, they deliver, offer carry-out, and have a nice dine-in section too, so get yourself some Mimi’s today!  Oh, don’t forget to like their Facebook page!

Erica

P.S.  This isn’t a sponsored post.  I just really love their food!

Saturday Spotlight: Faustine’s Foundations

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

Saturday Spotlight: Bras and Body Image

Hello Ladies,

Our Saturday Spotlight this weekend is a new bra blogger who recently emerged on the scene:  Bras and Body Image!  As the title of the blog implies, there are several excellent lingerie and swimwear set reviews as well as discussions of how bras and body image interrelate.  The post on her bra size revelation mirrored how I felt when I was properly fitted, and I’m sure many of you can identify with the emotions she experienced.  As a 30JJ/28K, she is on the higher end of the cup size range and can provide some insight into how bras will look as they scale up in size.

Recently, she’s reviewed the BiuBiu Vanity Fair (pictured above) which I have also reviewed in the past.  As many of you know, we’re hoping to carry BiuBiu in the store in 2013, and hers is yet another flattering review of the fit and quality of this amazing brand.

Finally, any last minute holiday shoppers will appreciate her Christmas wish list with its cute selection of girdles, bras, and high-waisted knickers!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Staff Sgt. John Windle

Hello Ladies,

Despite a longstanding avoidance of mornings and “getting up early,” I awoke at 4a.m. today in the cold, dark hours before the sun rises because I had a special ceremony to attend in Charlotte.  My younger brother earned his stripes to be promoted to Staff Sgt., and I wanted to be show my support for all that he accomplished.

When we arrived on base, he introduced me to the wonderful people working in the fuel and avionics department to keep the planes of the Air Force flying high.  Soon we were headed for the building where the promotions and accommodations would be given, and his Lt. Col. asked me if I would like to “tack” my brother’s stripe today.  “Tacking” on stripes essentially consists of attaching the stripes to the side of the arm with tape and then punching them to keep them in place.  It’s a long-standing tradition of which I was honored to be a part.  The Lt. Col. assured me I should give him a solid hit on the arm to make sure they tack properly.  What older sister would pass up the opportunity to punch her baby brother in front of 70 or 80 of his coworkers and commanding officers?  None!

With all of the maintenance element lined up at attention, the commanding officers called the names of the men receiving promotions today as well as the people who would help the Lt. Col. tack the stripes.  One by one, all of the men received their promotions until the Lt. Col. finally arrived at my brother and me.  Conspiratorially, he leaned around my brother and told me to be sure hit those stripes.

Prior to tacking ceremony, my dad told me that if you barely tap the stripes, the crowd will boo, so my brother was on the receiving end of quite a wallop!

The sound of the punch reverberated throughout the hanger, and the first few rows of guys chuckled.  My brother leaned to the side from the impact and couldn’t contain a smile.  It was a great moment.  After the ceremony was finished, the Lt. Col. came up to me and complimented me on my tacking skill.  Couple that with the fact I told my brother’s Chief Master Sgt. about his childhood nickname, and I’m pretty sure my brother won’t invite me down to the base again.

Thus, today’s spotlight shines proudly on my brother, newly tacked Staff Sgt. John Windle.  I am so proud of him!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Curvy Kitten

Hello Ladies,

This week’s Saturday Spotlight is shining on another fuller-busted blog called The Curvy Kitten which offers some fabulous bra and curve-friendly clothing reviews.  Recently, she rocked a pair of retro-inspired high waist briefs that put to shame anyone who believe a higher waist treads into “Granny Panty” territory.  A former Curvy Kate “Star in a Bra” finalist, she also proves the higher-waist trend can flatter a curvy figure, even from the rear angle.  She sold me on giving them a shot!

Beyond her lingerie reviews, Curvy Kitten offers some lovely posts on boob-friendly clothing, and her review of the Pin-Up Girl Clothing Heidi dress makes me wish I could run out and purchase it today:

If you haven’t already visited her blog, I highly recommend it!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Sole Society

Hello Ladies,

A few weeks ago, I received a Nordstrom mailer (always a dangerous thing!) entitled “Chic Boots under $100,” and the defining image was of a flat, caramel-colored boot which hit around mid-calf:

Despite living in North Carolina where temperatures are often a little warmer (our highs are in the 70s today), I adore boots.  In fact, I adore shoes in general—an interesting corollary because bras and shoes are similar in many ways.  For a few weeks, I had been admiring similar styles to the Aileen boot above, but the price point was always beyond what I could afford.  Imagine my shock and excitement that this perfect boot was only $59.95!  With my $20 Nordstrom Gift Card, I could score a versatile, trendy, and hopefully comfortable pair of boots for a little over $40.

Apparently, other people had the same idea because my size was already sold out, but using his Google-Fu, my dad found the boot at the manufacturer’s website plus a $20 coupon.  Needless to say, it took me all of two seconds to order them (Note the Campbell & Kate Button-Front).

I was so pleased with the entire experience that I am spotlighting retailer Sole Society today!  With a wide assortment of unique and trendy flats, heels, and boots at affordable prices, Sole Society is quickly becoming my go-to place for shoes.  They offer free shipping and returns, and after placing my order on a Thursday, I was happy to be unwrapping them on the following Tuesday afternoon.  Immediately, I knew they were keepers.  Considering the boots are synthetic, I was concerned they would look cheap or too shiny, but rest assured, they look gorgeous although a little darker than the manufacturer’s picture.  Furthermore, the thick rubber sole on the bottom cushions my feet during long days spent walking and standing on the concrete floor in the store.  So far, I have worn them about ten times, and they are wearing well.  Cleaning them is a breeze, and I love pairing them with my skirts, dresses, and skinny jeans!

But, this story gets even better! When I purchased my boots, I was given a $25 off coupon to share with my friends whereby if they make a purchase, I also receive a $25 off coupon for my next purchase.  After drooling over the gorgeous shoes, my aunt opted to use the coupon on a pair of ankle boots which she loves.  Today, I ordered these flats:

With the coupon, I snagged them for $25, and I’m looking forward to getting them in the mail next week.  Apparently, the $25 referral bonus is ongoing because Sole Society gave another one that I want to share with all of you:

Click for Coupon

Their shoes are priced between $50 and $100, so the $25 coupon can give you as much as 50% off your first purchase with them.  I highly recommend them, so if you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes, enjoy a coupon courtesy of A Sophisticated Pair!  Check out these gorgeous styles:

Gina

Isla

Sadie

Cheryl

Have a great weekend everyone!

Erica

Saturday Spotlight: Bras I Hate & Love

Hello Ladies,

Even though I often read Bras I Hate & Love, I was shocked to realize I never featured this informative and well-written blog as one of our Saturday Spotlights.  Quelle horreur!  Bras I Hate & Love not only offers a slew of fantastic bra reviews which go beyond discussing the fit and feel of the bra to analyzing the actual construction and design elements, but the blogger also promotes the use of neutral or positive language when referring to the body.  If you read my recent post We are Good Enough, you know that this is a stance I strongly support and encourage.

Recently, her review of the Curvy Kate Smoothie inspired me to order one for myself, but I also loved her dissection of the many “busty girl” myths floating around the Internet.  Her point about being respectful of others and not using terminology which could make them feel upset about their bodies is one we can all hope to learn from in the future.

If you haven’t already found her blog (I do have her on the blogroll!), be sure to head over and read through her thought-provoking posts.

Erica

P.S.  This oversight has me wondering:  Who else have I missed?  If you know a blog that deserves a plug or if you write a blog that you’d like to submit for consideration, either comment below or email sophisticatedpair[at]gmail.com!