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

Monday Must-Reads Returns

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: 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

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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.

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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: Holiday Gift Guides and Wishlists

Hello Ladies,

Technically, this post is more of a “Monday Must-Read” than a “Saturday Spotlight;” however, given the holidays are rapidly approaching, I thought an extra day wouldn’t hurt!  Earlier in the week, I posted my holiday wishlist, but I’m not the first blogger to do so.  As a result, I compiled a list of exciting wishlists and informative gift buying guides to provide inspiration for last minute gift ideas.  Let’s start with the wishlists:

Now onto some amazing gift guides and holiday picks!

How is your holiday shopping progressing?  Are you finished and ready to relax, or are you like me and behind?

Erica

Pssst!  If you are looking for that perfect stocking stuffer, we have scented candles and bath salts made by hand in Burlington for $7 and $5 respectively!  Plus, it’s only $3.50 to refill the candles and $2.50 to refill the bath salts.

Bath_Salts  CandleBath_Salts_Candle

12 Days of Sophisticated Pair

Hello Ladies,

Inspired by “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” we had some fun today reworking the classic carol to suit the shop!

On the first visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the second visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
two bras that fit
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the third visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

Hippie

On the fourth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the fifth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the sixth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

Charlotte

On the seventh visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the eighth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
eight bra accessories,
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

COCO-WILLOW-UNDERWIRED-PADDED-HALF-CUP-0251-THONG-0257-CONSUMEROn the ninth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
nine gift ideas for friends,
eight bra accessories,
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the tenth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
ten sneak peaks at fashion colors upcoming,
nine gift ideas for friends,
eight bra accessories,
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

WillowOn the eleventh visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
eleven bra bloggers a blogging,
ten sneak peaks at fashion colors upcoming,
nine gift ideas for friends,
eight bra accessories,
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

On the twelfth visit to A Sophisticated Pair, my fitter gave to me:
twelve invites to share for a private party,
eleven bra bloggers a blogging,
ten sneak peaks at fashion colors upcoming,
nine gift ideas for friends,
eight bra accessories,
seven new catalogs,
six sexy styles,
five percent off,
four bra suggestions,
three Natori briefs,
two bras that fit,
and the knowledge that cup sizes don’t stop at DD!

We’re in full on holiday mode at the store and felt like spreading a little holiday (and lingerie) cheer!  How are you ladies handling the holidays?

Erica

Monday Must-Reads

Hello Ladies,

We’re back with another collection of amazing articles written recently by some of our favorite bloggers:

Your turn:  Did I miss any fabulous blogs lately?  Post them in the comment section below!

Erica

Spring 2013 Panache Preview: Superbra Line

Hello Ladies,

Continuing with our spring 2013 preview of the Panache lines, I want to focus today’s blog on their Superbra line:

The Fern

  • Style:  Three-section balconnet bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and Thong
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-K
  • Price:  $66.00
  • Ship Date:  January 10th

The Tango Balcony Bra in Deep Pink

The Tango Plunge Bra in Deep Pink

The Ariza in Lilac/Pink

  • Style:  Unlined, three-section balconnet bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and Thong
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-K
  • Price:  $68.00
  • Ship Date:  January 10th
  • Reviews:  Stacked DD+, Invest in Your Chest

The Jasmine in Floral Print

  • Style:  Four-section balconnet bra with stretch lace top cup
  • Matching Pants:  Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-K
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th
  • Reviews:  A Sophisticated Pair

The Elsa in Coral

  • Style:  Three-section balconnet bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and High Waisted Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-K
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th

The Loretta Balcony Bra in Cobalt

  • Style:  Three-section balconnet bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and Midi Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-K
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th

The Loretta Plunge Bra in Cobalt

  • Style:  Three-section plunge bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and Midi Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-H
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th

The Andorra Balcony in Caribbean Blue

The Andorra Plunge in Caribbean Blue

  • Style:  Three-section plunge bra with stretch lace top
  • Matching Pants:  Short and Thong
  • Sizes Available:  28-38 D-H
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th

The Porcelain Viva in Navy/Ivory and Coral

  • Style:  Molded balconnet t-shirt bra
  • Matching Pants:  Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-G
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  February 5th

The Idina Balcony Bra in Black and Latte

  • Style:  Three-section balconnet bra with stretch lace
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and High Waisted Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-J
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  March 5th

The Idina Plunge Bra in Black and Latte

  • Style:  Three-section plunge bra with stretch lace
  • Matching Pants:  Brief and High Waisted Brief
  • Sizes Available:  30-38 D-H
  • Price:  $62.00
  • Ship Date:  March 5th

I’m looking forward to the new version of the Jasmine, and I have already pre-ordered the beautiful cobalt blue Loretta . . . and the matching panties!  Of course, it’s been so long since I ordered it that I can’t remember which brief style I decided to try.  Furthermore, my sales rep tells me the Idina is supposed to use the same stretch lace as the Andorra which could make it yet another option for fans of Panache’s best staple (or at least, best in this humble store owner’s opinion).

Erica

P.S.  We do allow you to pre-order fashion items, and you receive a 10% discount should you decide to purchase.