Saturday, October 31, 2015

Closed the Chapter at Victoria's Secret

Because my conscience kept eating at me, knowing that what my customers needed was not actually sold at VS (where most bras are very shallow in depth and there really isn't "A [bra] For Every Body"), I opted to close the chapter there.  I couldn't work another shift where I had attempt to sell an item that I knew wasn't going to fit my customers.  I couldn't put my customers in a sister size of 32B when what they really needed was a 28D.  Or if they needed a 34G and sister size them into a 38DDD.  Maybe they needed a bra with immediate projection.  They're SO not going to find that in any bra there--where nearly every cup is made from one whole piece of material rather that the multi-piece cup that immediate projection calls for.  I feel like I can rest easier, knowing that I can talk about the local bra store Buttercups and other places to acquire bras that run the gamut of sizes 28-56, and A-(UK)KK, and beyond.


My previous place of employment has done a great job of marketing themselves.  Folks think that they are the end all, be all of the bra world; but, you know what, there's a whole world of bras out there.  Just check out this page for a list of bloggers: Lingerie Blogger Database on etsylingerie.  So many discuss various styles, fits, and places to shop.  Just like what I've embarked upon with my own blog--one more resource so that you can be well informed when you shop.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Bra Review: Elila Stretch Lace Banded Underwire (in ivory)

I was wary of this bra because of it's construction.  I was expecting to get a "tarp on a boat" look but was pleasantly surprised.  The cup is constructed of three pieces of material with an inner sling for additional support along the underwire.  This sling is really what sold it for me.  Up until this bra, the 100 or so other bras that I had tried did not have enough immediate projection (see this post for a short explanation about projection) and I ended up with an underwire that would be riding low after a few hours.  Not this bra.  The sling accommodated the immediate projection and the bra didn't have to do any adjusting in order for my breast to find its way to the deepest portion of the cup.  It was already there thanks to that sling.  Also, the sling wraps all the way around the outside of the cup and becomes part of the shoulder strap, making for quite a bit of stability.  You could darn near almost wear the bra during a low- to medium-impact fitness activity.
 

Another aspect that I like: wide wings.  This bra is four hooks tall in the back (and three columns at that).  This is a very nice aspect if you have concerns about back fat or you just want a fairly smooth line under your blouse.  And it doesn't roll.  The band stays put.

The lace is quite pretty and, even after a 12 hour day, not itchy.  It gets humid where I live and work so this is another welcome feature.  The seams do show through as do the texture of the bra.  For me, this isn't a deal breaker but, for others, I know it would be that's why I mention it.

What I do have to make adjustments for: It's not meant for low tops.  Not even U-neck--what is that "Crew neck"?  Anyhow, the edge of the lace shows.

But, with all the pros and the fact that it comes in four colors: Black, Ivory, Plum, and Red (with a Coral coming Spring of 2016), I can't help but love this bra.  Oh, did I mention how awesome the price point is?  Around $50.  Definitely a steal for such a snazzy garment.

One last tidbit: the bra in larger sizes isn't just "sized up" from the smaller size via some funky math i.e adding a specific number of inches to the base fit of, say, a 34B.  It's fit to a model in that size so it's going to be more true to size i.e. the 42C is fit to a model that wears a 42C (rather than just adding eight inches to the 34 band).

Happy Shopping!!