Want a Great Coat for Very Little Cash?
We're in the middle of Winter's end sales at all the catalogues. BCO Outlest, which does final clearances for all of the REDCATS companies (Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London etc.) has the best prices for final markdowns, but they won't have every size. Sometimes they'll only have one lonely color in one size.
On the other hand, if that's the color and size you need, it's going to be half price or less.
If you have a bit of time on your hands, check the clearance sections of your favorite online sites and see if you get lucky!
Be Beautiful!
Knuti
Sunday, February 16, 2014
SAD NEWS about WIDE SHOES:
David Tate Shoes No Longer Dependable.
It used to be that every time I tried on a David Tate shoe I was sure they'd fit. David Tate was my source for pretty and dependable strappy sandals. They were foot shaped (not pointed.) They were well made and comfortable to dance in. While there weren't any 3" or higher heels for really DRESSY occasions, at least I used to trust David Tate. But sometimes life is sad.
I just sent back a very pretty heel that was supposed to be a size EE. It was WAY narrower than an EE. Forget "snug"! I couldn't even get it on!
My old David Tate dress shoes still fit just the same as always, so we know the new ones aren't being made to the same standards, so, sadly,
I TAKE BACK MY ENDORSEMENT OF DAVID TATE SHOES.
Propet and Aravon
For dressy events, we still have Propet and Aravon. Both make cute sandals that are comfortable and look nice (not spectacular, but good) with dresses and even semi-formal clothes.
Aravon is a newish brand, compared to the others. Their shoes cost about twice as much as Propet, with no visible difference in quality. Also, for Aravon, I had to order one shoe size up and accept that to fit my shoe width, I'd have to accept 1/2 inch more length than I need. Even so, they work. I wore Aravon Clarissas to a slightly dressy party last weekend and a few people commented favorably on them.
Be Beautiful!
Knuti
David Tate Shoes No Longer Dependable.
It used to be that every time I tried on a David Tate shoe I was sure they'd fit. David Tate was my source for pretty and dependable strappy sandals. They were foot shaped (not pointed.) They were well made and comfortable to dance in. While there weren't any 3" or higher heels for really DRESSY occasions, at least I used to trust David Tate. But sometimes life is sad.
I just sent back a very pretty heel that was supposed to be a size EE. It was WAY narrower than an EE. Forget "snug"! I couldn't even get it on!
My old David Tate dress shoes still fit just the same as always, so we know the new ones aren't being made to the same standards, so, sadly,
I TAKE BACK MY ENDORSEMENT OF DAVID TATE SHOES.
Propet and Aravon
For dressy events, we still have Propet and Aravon. Both make cute sandals that are comfortable and look nice (not spectacular, but good) with dresses and even semi-formal clothes.
Aravon is a newish brand, compared to the others. Their shoes cost about twice as much as Propet, with no visible difference in quality. Also, for Aravon, I had to order one shoe size up and accept that to fit my shoe width, I'd have to accept 1/2 inch more length than I need. Even so, they work. I wore Aravon Clarissas to a slightly dressy party last weekend and a few people commented favorably on them.
Be Beautiful!
Knuti
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Like Lace? Check Roaman's and BCO
Roamans.com has a few really pretty pieces right now with lots of lace. short sleeved or no-sleeve dresses and tops are fairly easy to find, but they do have a few long sleeve items as well.
Mostly polyester.
I found two long sleeved, 30" long tunics. The "Juliet" "lace big shirt is really pretty in a salmon color they call "sweet melon", a shade of turquoise blue, a pinkish beige, and blue-navy, I also like the "Emma" clip dot chiffon tunic. I wish they had a longer length that would fit me the way this fits the model.
BCO.com (the Redcats group discount outlet) has at least three 30" tunics.
The first is a lace trim chiffon tunic from Roamans with an elbow length sleeve. It comes in oatmeal and the pinkish beige they call "pretty taupe". It's has lace sleeves and yoke for $29.99
They also have a 30" long, 3/4 length sleeve top with lace inserts covering the shoulder and outer 5th of the sleeves. This one is made of cotton/modal.
For cotton/spandex, try the crinkle knit gauze ruffle tunic with eyelet. It's from Roamans. but apparently BCO is handling the outlet, clearing the final sizes.
These are only a few of the lace items in the catalog.
Just remember, at BCO, these are discount outlet prices and limited quantities. It you're interested move fast, because they often go FAST.
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Roamans.com has a few really pretty pieces right now with lots of lace. short sleeved or no-sleeve dresses and tops are fairly easy to find, but they do have a few long sleeve items as well.
Mostly polyester.
I found two long sleeved, 30" long tunics. The "Juliet" "lace big shirt is really pretty in a salmon color they call "sweet melon", a shade of turquoise blue, a pinkish beige, and blue-navy, I also like the "Emma" clip dot chiffon tunic. I wish they had a longer length that would fit me the way this fits the model.
BCO.com (the Redcats group discount outlet) has at least three 30" tunics.
The first is a lace trim chiffon tunic from Roamans with an elbow length sleeve. It comes in oatmeal and the pinkish beige they call "pretty taupe". It's has lace sleeves and yoke for $29.99
They also have a 30" long, 3/4 length sleeve top with lace inserts covering the shoulder and outer 5th of the sleeves. This one is made of cotton/modal.
For cotton/spandex, try the crinkle knit gauze ruffle tunic with eyelet. It's from Roamans. but apparently BCO is handling the outlet, clearing the final sizes.
These are only a few of the lace items in the catalog.
Just remember, at BCO, these are discount outlet prices and limited quantities. It you're interested move fast, because they often go FAST.
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Monday, May 13, 2013
Keep Summer Cool: Pretty Gauze from Ulla Popken and Woman Within
Cotton gauze is showing up in many of the catalogues this season, so
grab what you can before the heat soars and you wish you had it.
Cotton gaze is a lightweight, crinkly fabric that dries very quickly, lets heat and moisture leave your body.
If you choose light colored, or better yet, white fabric, it actually reflects the heat rays of the sun.
If you get long sleeves and full length legs, you're giving yourself some protection from both sunburn and mosquitoes.
Nothing's perfect. I've gotten mosquito bites through thick denim jeans. And the thinner the gauze, the less UV protection it affords. Still, for summer, gauze does what every other fabric claims to do. It absorbs moisture from you and then dries quickly, actually cooling you off in the process!
If you want to increase this cooling effect, fill a spray mister with water and lightly dampen your shoulders and chest. (Remember, I said "dampen" not "soak") As the water evaporates it will cool the surface it was on and that means a cooler you!
If you have hot flashes, you may want to live year round in this fabric.
Gauze is intended for designs that aren't tight. But they don't have to be tent-shaped either. Unless you're doing ballet stretches, the crinkled weave of the gauze has a lot of "give" and will get you through most daily activities.
Be aware, though, that if you add spandex to the blend it looks nicer in many ways (drape, flexibility, less shrinkage) BUT, it blocks part of the cooling effect.
IS gauze a new invention? Not at all, but until recently it was hard to find in stylish clothing. Now several catalogues are carrying it.
You can find it at most sites. I found a really nice cluster of gauze items at Ulla Popken:
Ulla Popken (ullapopken.com) has 32" long, button-front tunics with long sleeves. These can be worn as shirts, jackets, or swimsuit cover-ups. They come in reddish orange, lapis blue, green, white, black and a pretty teal, white, navy & blue stripe.#12441, $39.
They also have matching pants which, at 28" long will hit you at the ankle or as a capri.
On the opposite page they feature a 50" long gauze dress (sleeveless) in a blue & white or red/orange and white fern print. This is an empire shape, not a boxy or bag lady look.
Next to it is a pull-over tunic in lapis or green, with white scroll work embroidery directing your attention away from the hips to the chest area.
Woman Within (womanwithin.com) has 20 gauze pieces available in bright colors and whites. Woman within's prices run cheaper than Ulla Popken, but the price difference doesn't show in a quality difference.
Most of the Tunics are 30" long.
Especially worth notice is the "gauze skirt" which is full, fully lined, 34" long, $29-$34. It comes in black and a cute print that incorporates all 6 of the the colors their cute "gauze tunic" (long sleeves, 30" long, $29-$34, comes in. Great outfits for partying or just chillin'.
Be beautiful! And comfortable!
Knuti
Cotton gaze is a lightweight, crinkly fabric that dries very quickly, lets heat and moisture leave your body.
If you choose light colored, or better yet, white fabric, it actually reflects the heat rays of the sun.
If you get long sleeves and full length legs, you're giving yourself some protection from both sunburn and mosquitoes.
Nothing's perfect. I've gotten mosquito bites through thick denim jeans. And the thinner the gauze, the less UV protection it affords. Still, for summer, gauze does what every other fabric claims to do. It absorbs moisture from you and then dries quickly, actually cooling you off in the process!
If you want to increase this cooling effect, fill a spray mister with water and lightly dampen your shoulders and chest. (Remember, I said "dampen" not "soak") As the water evaporates it will cool the surface it was on and that means a cooler you!
If you have hot flashes, you may want to live year round in this fabric.
Gauze is intended for designs that aren't tight. But they don't have to be tent-shaped either. Unless you're doing ballet stretches, the crinkled weave of the gauze has a lot of "give" and will get you through most daily activities.
Be aware, though, that if you add spandex to the blend it looks nicer in many ways (drape, flexibility, less shrinkage) BUT, it blocks part of the cooling effect.
IS gauze a new invention? Not at all, but until recently it was hard to find in stylish clothing. Now several catalogues are carrying it.
You can find it at most sites. I found a really nice cluster of gauze items at Ulla Popken:
Ulla Popken (ullapopken.com) has 32" long, button-front tunics with long sleeves. These can be worn as shirts, jackets, or swimsuit cover-ups. They come in reddish orange, lapis blue, green, white, black and a pretty teal, white, navy & blue stripe.#12441, $39.
They also have matching pants which, at 28" long will hit you at the ankle or as a capri.
On the opposite page they feature a 50" long gauze dress (sleeveless) in a blue & white or red/orange and white fern print. This is an empire shape, not a boxy or bag lady look.
Next to it is a pull-over tunic in lapis or green, with white scroll work embroidery directing your attention away from the hips to the chest area.
Woman Within (womanwithin.com) has 20 gauze pieces available in bright colors and whites. Woman within's prices run cheaper than Ulla Popken, but the price difference doesn't show in a quality difference.
Most of the Tunics are 30" long.
Especially worth notice is the "gauze skirt" which is full, fully lined, 34" long, $29-$34. It comes in black and a cute print that incorporates all 6 of the the colors their cute "gauze tunic" (long sleeves, 30" long, $29-$34, comes in. Great outfits for partying or just chillin'.
Be beautiful! And comfortable!
Knuti
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Roamans
Roamans Spring line CUTE! (more so than usual)
Roamans (of the Redcats Group) is a site to watch. For decades they had the same ol' same ol': Polyester blend standards. A line skirts with predictable patterns that would have made Mrs Cleaver yawn. But lately Roamans.com has been providing some pleasant surprises including fun looks and natural fibers.
And we must Never forget the Roamans.com return policy: Anything, anytime, forever.
Roamans (of the Redcats Group) is a site to watch. For decades they had the same ol' same ol': Polyester blend standards. A line skirts with predictable patterns that would have made Mrs Cleaver yawn. But lately Roamans.com has been providing some pleasant surprises including fun looks and natural fibers.
And we must Never forget the Roamans.com return policy: Anything, anytime, forever.
Get a Bra that FITS!
Get a Bra that FITS!
Please tell me you don't just bop into a store and buy a bra "in your size" because "It doesn't matter. They all hurt and sag."
While elastic Does eventually stretch out and die, and that process might hurt the elastic, it shouldn't hurt YOU.
Your bra straps should NEVER dig. You DON'T have to put up with pain when you take your bra off and it pulls out of the red underwire indentations beneath your breasts.
Your breasts should point FORWARD, not down. IF they point down, either your cups and/or band/and/or straps are LOOSE, or they're tight. Either situations can cause that problem. Chances are you know if it's loose. Often women are so used to bras that are too small, they think that's how they're supposed to be!
If you get a new bra, the size you order it by is the "chest band" size with a "cup" size next to it.
For instance, if you look at a "Size 46-B': 46 inches is length of the band that goes completely around your chest to support the weight of your breasts and spread it around your body.
I've had professionals, at different stores, but selling the same bra brand, measure my chest band above my breasts, then under my arms and around my back, AND directly beneath my breasts, then under my arms and around my back. On me, those are very different measurements, but at least, when I (or any other customer) try a bra on, I can feel if its very loose or very tight. The important thing to remember is that the chest band size is easy to adjust. Besides the multiple hooks, you could take 4 minutes and stitch a tuck into the back of the strap to shorten it, or buy and extender at a fabric or crafts store. Chest bands can be adjusted easily. Cups can't.
Cups are made of the underwire and the fabric.
I f you looked at yourself in the mirror and followed the exact line along which your breast angles out from your lower ribs. That line is where the underwire of a bra should run. Not an inch away, not overlapping or squashing breast tissue, not 3 inches down your midriff, but within a half inch of the base of your breast.
The exception is if you have a prosthetic or substantial "pad" for cosmetic reasons, in which case the underwire should follow a natural-looking pathway and you need to make sure it's in the same position each day.
If the underwire's arch is too narrow, sitting on some portion of your breast instead of next to it; or too wide, leaving a gap between your breast and the base of the bra, try ordering a different chest band size. Larger chest bands usually have larger circumferences on the cups. Likewise, smaller chest band sizes usually have smaller circumference cups.
"Cup size" really means how far the cup sticks out from your body, or, if you were holding the cup in front of you, how deep is it?
The depth, shape and circumference of the cup is vaguely hinted at by the letters (AA, A, B, C, D etc to R.) Most stores try to fit women who can wear a DD cup. If you're an F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, etc... They'll often still try to get you to buy a size they have in stock.
Worse yet, these sizes aren't standardized.
If your breasts are shaped like half-melons and mine are cone-shaped, our measurements will very likely get us the same bras, but they won't fit the same.
So we're stuck with experimenting, and each new brand is likely to fit differently.
You WILL be returning bras because of non-standard sizing. Not your fault. There is nothing wrong with your breasts.
Once you find a brand with a style that works for you, watch the reviews on websites. Women frequently compare the fit of a new style of bra to other styles that you may have tried. This is good information!
The fabric portion of the cup has to be made of a fabric that won't stretch out and lose its shape AND is porous enough to allow your skin to breath. If sweat (which is made of water,ammonia and salt, among other things) can't dry because of layers of foam or plastic that trap it next to your skin, that's BAD. You can get burns and rashes (diaper rash, only grown up style.)
If the cup is too big it will be loose around the base of your breast or may "bag", feeling too long for your shape. It may not offer the support you need.
If the cup is too small, a bra that seemed perfect in the store goes bad and attacks you.
When you first tried it on, its elastic was brand new and strong enough to compress your breasts so much that they appeared to fit into it.
The bra actually compressed the fluid right out of your breasts. But fairly soon the elastic starts to give. As it stretches out, your breasts may begin to bulge over the top or past the sides of the underwires. As the band stretches more and more, the weight of your breast pushes the top edges of the cup away from your chest bone, exposing cleavage that didn't show before the bra's elastic started sagging. As the top of your breast is more exposed you'll notice that your breast profile starts heading South.
This is NOT because you have saggy breasts.The problem is that the upper edge of your bra is the most likely to give to the pressure of your decompressing breasts. The bra can't grow, so the only direction it can move you is further and further downward. A too-small bra could make Helen of Troy look saggy within two months. But looks aren't your biggest problem by now:
While the weight of your breasts isn't supported, it's pushes the upper half of the underwires (that support your over-stuffed cups) forward, forcing the lower edge of the underwires to dig into your rib cage, usually painfully.
Even
worse, pushing the bra cup forward, puts your breast weight onto the bra
straps!
In a well fitted bra, the straps are like an insurance
policy. They're supposed to hold the top edge of your bra up as you move
around, but shouldn't
support
weight. If you put
weight on them, they dig into your shoulders.
So, let's
recap. (Or re-cup?)If you have the
1: right size cup and
2: the chest band is adjusted to the right length, (snug but not tight) , then
3: the weight of your breasts is supported by the underwires positioned vertically, right against your ribs and breast bone, and the chest band going around your back.
The construction is stabilized, but not supported by
4: your bra straps, (which should be snug, but never tight).
So, the cup is the key. If your underwires fit the outline of your breast, the cup size accommodates your breast without compressing it or making it bulge out, and the cup is made of a fabric that breathes, and will keep its shape, wash after wash, you've got the biggest problem under control.
All you have to do now is adjust the chest band and the shoulder straps.
You'd think doctors and bra salespeople would know this, but most don't.
I was even asked if I'd like to have breast reduction surgery (covered by my medical plan) to get rid of the horrible indentations in my shoulders from my bra straps. I said "No." and began to research this stuff.
Now you know it too.
Be Beautiful!
K
Cute, Lightweight, Even SEXY COTTON BRAS at SimplyBe.com
Summer is almost upon us. And summer is the season where cotton bras are a godsend.
SimplyBe.com has a nice group of cotton and mostly cotton underwire bras in sizes up to 44 M. Pay special attention to their 2-packs (2 bras for the price of 1!) usually in the $30-$40 range.
None of this matters if you don't get the right fit. (Refer to Get a Bra that FITS!)
I just ordered four cute cotton bras, thinking I'd send the ones I didn''t like back, but it turns out I'm keeping all four. They're very pretty. Some are low-cut ("balconnette" style). One is half lace.
Although they offer great support in a J cup, these are not old-fashioned "orthopedic" bras. They're also very cool and comfortable and pretty.
The only down side is that unlike the orthopedic, multi-layers of fabric and foam competition, you have to hand wash them. I don't like hand washing, but in this case, I'll manage.
Be beautiful!
k
Summer is almost upon us. And summer is the season where cotton bras are a godsend.
SimplyBe.com has a nice group of cotton and mostly cotton underwire bras in sizes up to 44 M. Pay special attention to their 2-packs (2 bras for the price of 1!) usually in the $30-$40 range.
None of this matters if you don't get the right fit. (Refer to Get a Bra that FITS!)
I just ordered four cute cotton bras, thinking I'd send the ones I didn''t like back, but it turns out I'm keeping all four. They're very pretty. Some are low-cut ("balconnette" style). One is half lace.
Although they offer great support in a J cup, these are not old-fashioned "orthopedic" bras. They're also very cool and comfortable and pretty.
The only down side is that unlike the orthopedic, multi-layers of fabric and foam competition, you have to hand wash them. I don't like hand washing, but in this case, I'll manage.
Be beautiful!
k
Wide Feet Seeking Comfort and Style, try Onlineshoes.com
It's pretty amazing to find shoes that actually fit feet that are wider than a true D width.
Remember, if your foot overlaps the shoe's sole, that shoe DOESN'T fit you. I don't care what a salesperson who's trying to meet his//her quota tells you. Your foot needs to be slightly narrower than the sole so that it's supported and not likely to stretch out and leave the ball of your foot dangling over the side of the shoe. That's bad for your ankles, not to mention, looking ridiculous.
But where do you find these miraculous shoes that fit, flatter and make your feet feel fabulous?
Up to a D width, you can order a "WW" from any of the Redcats group (Roamans, Woman Within, Jessica London, etc). According to their sizing charts, WW fits up to 2EE. This is usually a lie. I'm guessing they just assume that you'll settle for a painful shoe because you can't do better. And you might keep trying because a few of their shoes actually are E or very occasionally, EE width.
Simply Be is a mixed bag. Sometimes a "3EEE" f it IS 3EEE. As often it's too narrow. My most recent order was barely a D width.
When I return them, the clerks apologize (every time) and send some poor soul to try to find the widest shoe they have. Sometimes the replacement shoe is actually up to 1/2 inch wider than the original! More often, it's exactly the same.
ShoeMall and FootSmart carry 2EE shoes in the Propet and David Tate brands that run true to size, but beware. You can also buy shoes of other brands that, if you measure them, are D widths, or barely skim near E width but are sold and even marked as EE, EEE and above. For instance, I don't even look at Easy Spirit's "wide" shoes any more.
But Hip Hooray and Haleluhah! There's a new kid on the block. OnlineShoes.com carries actual E, EE, EEE and even a couple of EEEE width shoes! And they have good brands! Propet! Aravon! David Tate!
TOnlineshoes.com has a 20% off sales, plus free shipping. Watch for them.
And, miracle of miracles, they have a full year return policy.
Get on their mailing list so you can hear about future sales. That's how I heard about this one.
Be beautiful! (And I DO mean, head to toe!)
k
It's pretty amazing to find shoes that actually fit feet that are wider than a true D width.
Remember, if your foot overlaps the shoe's sole, that shoe DOESN'T fit you. I don't care what a salesperson who's trying to meet his//her quota tells you. Your foot needs to be slightly narrower than the sole so that it's supported and not likely to stretch out and leave the ball of your foot dangling over the side of the shoe. That's bad for your ankles, not to mention, looking ridiculous.
But where do you find these miraculous shoes that fit, flatter and make your feet feel fabulous?
Up to a D width, you can order a "WW" from any of the Redcats group (Roamans, Woman Within, Jessica London, etc). According to their sizing charts, WW fits up to 2EE. This is usually a lie. I'm guessing they just assume that you'll settle for a painful shoe because you can't do better. And you might keep trying because a few of their shoes actually are E or very occasionally, EE width.
Simply Be is a mixed bag. Sometimes a "3EEE" f it IS 3EEE. As often it's too narrow. My most recent order was barely a D width.
When I return them, the clerks apologize (every time) and send some poor soul to try to find the widest shoe they have. Sometimes the replacement shoe is actually up to 1/2 inch wider than the original! More often, it's exactly the same.
ShoeMall and FootSmart carry 2EE shoes in the Propet and David Tate brands that run true to size, but beware. You can also buy shoes of other brands that, if you measure them, are D widths, or barely skim near E width but are sold and even marked as EE, EEE and above. For instance, I don't even look at Easy Spirit's "wide" shoes any more.
But Hip Hooray and Haleluhah! There's a new kid on the block. OnlineShoes.com carries actual E, EE, EEE and even a couple of EEEE width shoes! And they have good brands! Propet! Aravon! David Tate!
TOnlineshoes.com has a 20% off sales, plus free shipping. Watch for them.
And, miracle of miracles, they have a full year return policy.
Get on their mailing list so you can hear about future sales. That's how I heard about this one.
Be beautiful! (And I DO mean, head to toe!)
k
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Sonsi.com for party clothes & more
I've just spent two hours going over a website I hope you already know about. Sonsi.com is a one-stop shopping center for over 300 small companies that make clothing for large-size, curvy figures.
Some are designed to make you "look thinner". Some are an out and out celebration of lush, curvy bodies. Whatever you need, from low cut formal wear to conservative work wear or 20s something clubbing, you'll find something to draw your interest here.
I was very disappointed in their 60 minute shopping tool that ask you questions about your likes dislikes, body shape, etc. It kept getting stuck and not responding to my answers. Truly a waste of time. Hopefully they'll fix it.
In the meantime you can hunt with the usual tools You can sort lowest to highest prices, by size, and have 100 dresses up at once so you can just roll past things that aren't what you're looking for at the moment.
I haven't bought anything from them, but be careful, because each of their 300 companies seems to have different return policies. Some items have very liberal policies, others sell items that can't be returned at all! So read the whole page and consider whether you're willing to get stuck with a dress that doesn't fit or has a flaw.
This site has the best selection of "curvy body clothes" that highlight your bustline (instead of hiding it in a flat bag) that I've found, outside of Britain's Simply Me.com.
(By the way, Simply Me.com's return policies are very easy to deal with.)
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Some are designed to make you "look thinner". Some are an out and out celebration of lush, curvy bodies. Whatever you need, from low cut formal wear to conservative work wear or 20s something clubbing, you'll find something to draw your interest here.
I was very disappointed in their 60 minute shopping tool that ask you questions about your likes dislikes, body shape, etc. It kept getting stuck and not responding to my answers. Truly a waste of time. Hopefully they'll fix it.
In the meantime you can hunt with the usual tools You can sort lowest to highest prices, by size, and have 100 dresses up at once so you can just roll past things that aren't what you're looking for at the moment.
I haven't bought anything from them, but be careful, because each of their 300 companies seems to have different return policies. Some items have very liberal policies, others sell items that can't be returned at all! So read the whole page and consider whether you're willing to get stuck with a dress that doesn't fit or has a flaw.
This site has the best selection of "curvy body clothes" that highlight your bustline (instead of hiding it in a flat bag) that I've found, outside of Britain's Simply Me.com.
(By the way, Simply Me.com's return policies are very easy to deal with.)
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
m.i.b.'s Cover Girl
Worthy of note. Today I got a catalogue in the mail and on the cover, selling clothes to people who are my size and larger - is a photograph of a young lady who is actually larger than me and a real model. She's self assured, very pretty and one hundred percent plus size supermodel material. When you look at her in these clothes, you can see how they'll look on you, not on you if you ever managed to lose 40 pounds (or in my case, 100 pounds.)
And I actually mean that. If I lost 100 pounds, I'd have the same measurements as the size 12 ladies most companies use as "large size" models. How am I supposed to guess how an unfamiliar fabric will drape over my abundant curves when it's only displayed on these very average size women?
Bearing in mind that in this country size 14 is the average dress size, what sense does it make to have size 12 as "plus"?
M.i.B usually has a selection of "models" who look like they might live on your block, ranging in size from medium to very large. But they all dress well.
I don't usually buy from M.i.B. because they tend to be priced on the high side and because they don't usually have any sort of tailoring. But if you like big, loose, easy-breezy spring fashions, with nice detailing (embroidery, color blocking, beading) they've got some really nice ones in this catalogue, mostly in the true tunic lengths (30"and longer) that we depend on!
That's M.i.B. plus size, 2x to 8x. And they have a model who deserves the title. She's got sparkle and glamor and sort of reminds me of Cheryl Teigs, in the early days.
You can find them online at www.MiBplussize.com
And I actually mean that. If I lost 100 pounds, I'd have the same measurements as the size 12 ladies most companies use as "large size" models. How am I supposed to guess how an unfamiliar fabric will drape over my abundant curves when it's only displayed on these very average size women?
Bearing in mind that in this country size 14 is the average dress size, what sense does it make to have size 12 as "plus"?
M.i.B usually has a selection of "models" who look like they might live on your block, ranging in size from medium to very large. But they all dress well.
I don't usually buy from M.i.B. because they tend to be priced on the high side and because they don't usually have any sort of tailoring. But if you like big, loose, easy-breezy spring fashions, with nice detailing (embroidery, color blocking, beading) they've got some really nice ones in this catalogue, mostly in the true tunic lengths (30"and longer) that we depend on!
That's M.i.B. plus size, 2x to 8x. And they have a model who deserves the title. She's got sparkle and glamor and sort of reminds me of Cheryl Teigs, in the early days.
You can find them online at www.MiBplussize.com
Bought EE, got D, 3 times
11/7/2012
This is a copy of a review for heels that I just sent to ShoeMall. I appreciate them for carrying wide sizes. I don't appreciate their disrespect for wide size customers, substituting WW shoes (usually a D width) for any order for E or above, as though we wouldn't notice?
Do they think we're stupid? Apparently!
Do they think we're stupid? Apparently!
Am I angry? YES!
Do they deserve it? YES!
Review of Neima Sandal Heels:
Sizing: Feels full size too small (actually TWO full sizes, but that wasn't on the form)
Width: Feels too narrow
Pros:Cute
Cons:Uncomfortable
Best Uses:Date Night, Work
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Friday, July 27, 2012
Cool, Comfy, CUTE Summer Bras at Simply Be (simplybe.com)
In hot weather, when no-one wants plastic next to their skin, a comfy cotton bra is Heaven-sent! Finally, the search for the perfect large-size cotton bra (perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty) has a contender, if you fit into an "I" cup or less.
Simply Be, a British company that's new to the US market, but not to curvy ladies' needs, has cotton bras! Not orthopedic, ugly-but-practical ones, but "Oooo! That's Cute!" bras. And not just in full coverage. I bought a balconnette style (wearable with tops that show moderate cleavage) and wore it, gardening, on a hot summer day, leaning over, stretching, carrying things in HEAT. It passed with flying colors! Comfy, cool, and my mirror loved it!
They don't have a big selection, Usually only 1 or 2 styles at a time, but those of you who've been looking for cotton bras due to health considerations or just the love of comfort, know that most companies don't have anything at all!
This ticks off every requirement! It's perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty and even embroidered!
I've washed this 8 times with no problems. Hand-wash, drip-dry.
Those of us who want machine wash and dry can continue dreaming.
In the meantime, this makes a great profile and you'll feel great!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
In hot weather, when no-one wants plastic next to their skin, a comfy cotton bra is Heaven-sent! Finally, the search for the perfect large-size cotton bra (perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty) has a contender, if you fit into an "I" cup or less.
Simply Be, a British company that's new to the US market, but not to curvy ladies' needs, has cotton bras! Not orthopedic, ugly-but-practical ones, but "Oooo! That's Cute!" bras. And not just in full coverage. I bought a balconnette style (wearable with tops that show moderate cleavage) and wore it, gardening, on a hot summer day, leaning over, stretching, carrying things in HEAT. It passed with flying colors! Comfy, cool, and my mirror loved it!
They don't have a big selection, Usually only 1 or 2 styles at a time, but those of you who've been looking for cotton bras due to health considerations or just the love of comfort, know that most companies don't have anything at all!
This ticks off every requirement! It's perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty and even embroidered!
I've washed this 8 times with no problems. Hand-wash, drip-dry.
Those of us who want machine wash and dry can continue dreaming.
In the meantime, this makes a great profile and you'll feel great!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Soft Surroundings has some lovely clothes that, on clearance, cost the same as similar items at Roaman's do when full price.
Still, They have some nice designs that are more upscale than most vendors. Sometimes you find THE perfect item.
I was just talking to one of their telephone order takers and got a more straightforward answer than I'm used to.
The problem I called about was size. I couldn't find a listing on their website to tell what measurements fit what size. Since, depending on the store, I'm currently a 20, 22 or 24 and occasionally, a 26, I wanted some guarantee that I wasn't wasting my time here.
The phone sales clerk assured me that while shopping online is great with their store, guessing sizes online is very iffy, since each of their items may have different ideas of size.
You need to have your current measurements in front of you and then call and the telephone clerk can look up the actual measurements of the item you're considering and you you can compare them with your measurements.
You may save a lot of time dealing with returns!
Still, They have some nice designs that are more upscale than most vendors. Sometimes you find THE perfect item.
I was just talking to one of their telephone order takers and got a more straightforward answer than I'm used to.
The problem I called about was size. I couldn't find a listing on their website to tell what measurements fit what size. Since, depending on the store, I'm currently a 20, 22 or 24 and occasionally, a 26, I wanted some guarantee that I wasn't wasting my time here.
The phone sales clerk assured me that while shopping online is great with their store, guessing sizes online is very iffy, since each of their items may have different ideas of size.
You need to have your current measurements in front of you and then call and the telephone clerk can look up the actual measurements of the item you're considering and you you can compare them with your measurements.
You may save a lot of time dealing with returns!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Promises, Promises! New Year's Reality Check
Promise me one thing. Promise that you won't promise to lose all that weight this year.
Why?
Because, while everyone knows how to achieve short term weight loss, NO ONE can tell you how to keep it off while living a normal life.
Zig zagging weight loss plans, where you lose the pounds, then gain back just as many pounds PLUS MORE, just make us fatter and fatter after each diet.
Since I stopped dieting, I stopped gaining weight. My weight wasn't "inching up", it was jumping 12 to 40 pounds each time I gained the weight back, after each of a lifetime of diets.
I currently weigh 272 pounds. (Over the holidays I went up to 278, but that's taken care of itself, now that I'm not at parties.)
I've lost hundreds of pounds in my lifetime, and gained it all back, so I can't tell you how to keep weight off, either. But I remind you that you already know lots of ways to get healthier than you are now. Some of them (most of them?) are difficult or even impossible. Some aren't.
Think about those easy things. There are probably lots of little habits you have that could be swapped for a healthier choice THAT YOU LIKE BETTER.
You're doing the same things you've always done, because you learned to do them the way you do, and you've never even thought about changing them.
This year, Think about what you're doing. That alone would be a great resolution.
If you decide to change one thing that will make you healthier, try it. If that one doesn't work, try something else, until you come up with a lifetime change that you actually prefer to your old habit, you can be healthier. Not just in three months, but for the rest of your life.
For instance, I found out that I like Splenda in my iced or hot tea. I actually prefer it in drinks because it's not heavy or sticky.
Since I drink about a quart of tea a day, that's a lot of sugar I'm not eating any more.
I also mix Splenda into the milk I out on my cereal. Same reason. I get the taste without the sticky feeling.
Now, my sister doesn't experience a "sticky feeling" in sugary drinks, but she likes anything in a "pink packet." (To me, that stuff has an after-taste like aluminum foil, but she can't tell it from sugar. She can't stand the taste of Splenda.)
My point here is that what works for someone else may not work for you, even within your family, but keep trying until you find the easy fixes. For me, using Splenda in drinks and on cereal actually tastes better than sugar. That makes it easy to do.
What would be easy for you? Try looking at your habits, one at a time. For instance, do you like open face sandwiches better than closed top (two slice) ones?
Did you ever think about it before? That bread is mostly empty calories. Your body processes it as sugar, which is bad for you. So if that top slice doesn't really taste good enough to warrant the problems it causes, why not feed it to the birds?
Purists will point out that bread without extra-extra fiber added isn't good for birds, either, but you get my point.
Example:
A Friend has insomnia. She stared at the ceiling for hours every night. One day it occurred to her that she doesn't exercise much because, contrary to her doctor says exercise makes her dead tired, not more energetic. One night it occurred to her that she could try to do sit-ups until she got tired. (She's never been able to do a real sit-up, but she can tense the musclher head and shoulders lift slightly.)
She's worked up to doing a hundred of those anytime she wakes up. Afterward, she reports that she gets really drowsy and usually goes to sleep quickly. Also, her waist is getting slimmer and her abs are hard.
For her, it's an easy fix. Certainly better than being grumpy all day after yet another sleepless night.
So try things. Let me know what works for you. I'll be rooting for you.
Life isn't about being skinny. It's about being happy. And being happy is much easier if you're healthy. And when you're healthy, you feel good and you look wonderful.
Be beautiful!
KnutiTuesday, November 15, 2011
Credit and the Holiday and the Post Holiday Sales
The Holidays are one of the most confusing times to shop. Sometimes, if you wait long enough, the price on the item you wanted will plummet, just before Christmas, and drop even further during the January clearance sales, when all the stores are clearing winter items to make room for Spring fashions. This year you can get a jump on that process by Christmas shopping at Coldwater Creek and other big stores that still have overstocks of spring /summer items. I just bought a couple of items for 40% off of a 60% markdown. I should add that I've been following these items for months and guessed that 80% off was the best I was likely to get. (Yes, you probably DO need a calculator.)
Lots of times, that happens, just that way. However, remember that the item you want or need may be wanted or needed by others, too. That means that the item may sell out before it drops to a price you can afford. Is this a tragedy? NO!
It used to be that it would be years between before another "perfect dress" showed up at the mall. But now, with your computer, you have access to stores everywhere in the world. With the entire world turned into one massive mall, shopping isn't a desperate grab for just anything that might keep you from being arrested for indecent exposure. It's a leisurely browse through sources from every continent, and once you have your wardrobe basics (ie, you can go outside without getting arrested) you can actually enjoy imagining yourself in all sorts of garments and undergarments. It's fun! Like playing dress-up.
If an outfit sells out, there will be others. You have a long list of suppliers listed on this blog. If your usual sources fail you, check them!
If you can afford to buy anything you want, and pay any amount they charge, that's lovely. Do be sure to take whatever you don't wear often to your local consignment store, OR hire some contractors to build a nice place to store all of it. (Remember, clutter is always the enemy!)
If, on the other hand, you have to figure out how much you can spend on clothes and still pay for your other basics, remember that looking good is important to your well being and your career. It creates that important first image that makes people decide whether you're a hard worker, whether you're smart, whether you represent the company or the family in a positive way.
On the other hand, your credit score is just as important. If you spend more than you can quickly pay back, your credit score will suffer. That used to be a private matter between you and your creditors, but now employers, prospective employers and law enforcement officers look at a bad credit score and massive credit ard debt as proof that you're irresponsible and possibly dishonest.
One of my friends has been living with her boyfriend for more than twen years. They have two children together and the relationship appears permanent. She told me she'd love to marry him, but she can't afford to marry his credit card debts, which just keep getting bigger.
Think about it. If you were considering marriage and you found out that the day you said "I do.", thanks to community property, HALF of his $25,000 credit card debt would be half yours... Wouldn't you have a few second thoughts?
Say 25,00 of them?
A bad credit score can bar you from the life you've always dreamed of .
So, admire everything, put together a "wish list" of everything you want, then narrow it down and select ONLY what you can afford this month. Then wait a few days and see if you STILL think it would be that wonderful. (Sometimes, given 3 days to "chill, you find yourself thinking "What WAS I THINKING?"
But if it still seems like the item that would fit the exact need you have, and you want it, need it, and can afford it, that's the time to buy it.
Gradually you'll accumulate both a wardrobe and a credit score to be proud of.
Lots of times, that happens, just that way. However, remember that the item you want or need may be wanted or needed by others, too. That means that the item may sell out before it drops to a price you can afford. Is this a tragedy? NO!
It used to be that it would be years between before another "perfect dress" showed up at the mall. But now, with your computer, you have access to stores everywhere in the world. With the entire world turned into one massive mall, shopping isn't a desperate grab for just anything that might keep you from being arrested for indecent exposure. It's a leisurely browse through sources from every continent, and once you have your wardrobe basics (ie, you can go outside without getting arrested) you can actually enjoy imagining yourself in all sorts of garments and undergarments. It's fun! Like playing dress-up.
If an outfit sells out, there will be others. You have a long list of suppliers listed on this blog. If your usual sources fail you, check them!
If you can afford to buy anything you want, and pay any amount they charge, that's lovely. Do be sure to take whatever you don't wear often to your local consignment store, OR hire some contractors to build a nice place to store all of it. (Remember, clutter is always the enemy!)
If, on the other hand, you have to figure out how much you can spend on clothes and still pay for your other basics, remember that looking good is important to your well being and your career. It creates that important first image that makes people decide whether you're a hard worker, whether you're smart, whether you represent the company or the family in a positive way.
On the other hand, your credit score is just as important. If you spend more than you can quickly pay back, your credit score will suffer. That used to be a private matter between you and your creditors, but now employers, prospective employers and law enforcement officers look at a bad credit score and massive credit ard debt as proof that you're irresponsible and possibly dishonest.
One of my friends has been living with her boyfriend for more than twen years. They have two children together and the relationship appears permanent. She told me she'd love to marry him, but she can't afford to marry his credit card debts, which just keep getting bigger.
Think about it. If you were considering marriage and you found out that the day you said "I do.", thanks to community property, HALF of his $25,000 credit card debt would be half yours... Wouldn't you have a few second thoughts?
Say 25,00 of them?
A bad credit score can bar you from the life you've always dreamed of .
So, admire everything, put together a "wish list" of everything you want, then narrow it down and select ONLY what you can afford this month. Then wait a few days and see if you STILL think it would be that wonderful. (Sometimes, given 3 days to "chill, you find yourself thinking "What WAS I THINKING?"
But if it still seems like the item that would fit the exact need you have, and you want it, need it, and can afford it, that's the time to buy it.
Gradually you'll accumulate both a wardrobe and a credit score to be proud of.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Nordstroms.com Bi-Annual Sale
I spent some time at Nordstroms.com today for their Bi-Annual Sale and it was a real change from the old days!
The last time I went there they had a few shapeless wardrobe basics, mostly in black, brown and navy. You know? The kind of clothes that seemed designed to allow "fat girls" to be as invisible as possible?
Today they have a sale on that cuts a lot of prices by 50%, and several of their items were really cute! Off the shoulder dresses that show your curves, patterned skirts (I bought one that has a matching top that may work for my New Years Eve show.) and some cute, practical office and coffee shop outfits!
The styles remind me of the clothing you see on re-runs of "Friends" They have things for Monica, Rachel AND Phoebe!
Worthy of note: They have free shipping and handling AND free returns. This is a very big deal and can save you a lot more than chump change!
Do beware of lengths! READ to descriptions. They had two pictures, side by side of models in hip length tops. One top was 27" long. The other top was 34"long! Apparently their models come in all heights, so "eyeballing" things is a BAD idea!
Also, they have a fair amount of dry-clean only clothing. Be careful, and don't buy things that harm the environment AND your wallet.
Even so, I actually spent money on clothes from Nordstroms, and that's a first. They're now officially on my list.
Maybe you'll find something there that shows you off? Something the right style and length and color that draws attention to all of your best points?
That's my wish for you.
Be Beautiful!
Knuti
Free Shipping & Returns can save you a Bundle!
Lots of times I hear that a site is too expensive. On the average, that may be true, but many of the expensive sites, and some of the inexpensive ones, offer a great benefit that can make their merchandise a better buy than stores that have lower prices. These stores have Free Shipping & Handling, plus Free Returns.
I just ordered 5 items, from Nordstroms.com. I've paid as much as $25 in shipping and handling for that much merchandise. Even one blouse, ordered from a Redcats Group store, would cost around $7 to have shipped. Suppose I got the blouse on sale for $6? Shipping and handling would be more than half of the cost!
Now suppose the blouse didn't fit?
First, shipping and handling isn't usually refunded, on returned items. They give you the purchase price ONLY, so even if I return the blouse, and get my $6 back, I'm still out the $7.
Now, am I spending another $6.95 to use their address sticker and send the blouse back? Probably not. So it comes out like this:
$ 6 for a cute blouse from catalog that turns out to be UGLY on me.
plus $ 7 to have them send me the blouse
equals $13 initial payment.
Then I find out that the blouse is attracs static electricity and clings to me in weird places.
The store will retun the $6 for the blouse,
but NOT the $7 for shipping it to me, so I'm out that $7.
Also, in order to get the $6 back for the blouse, I have to pay $6.95 to UPS to send it back!
So now, in order to get a $6 blouse refund, I've paid $13.95 in shipping!
If on the other hand, you shop sales at stores like Nordstroms.com, Zappos.com, or Simply Be.com, Shipping & Handling, and Returns are FREE! This is a savings that really mounts up!
At these stores, you'd pay for the blouse, NOT for Shipping & Handling. Then, if you want to return it, you use the label they include and send it back. They credit your card for the blouse. Your out of pocket expense is ZERO! As it should be!
When you part with your cash, make sure you NEVER settle for things just because it's too expensive to send them back. They're expensive clutter, and you have no room for clutter.
I want you to keep you closets free for things that show you at your loveliest.
Nothing less than that, EVER.
Be beautiful!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Simply Be Scores with Joe Brown's quirky, youthful styles!
Winter catalogs are driving my postman to distraction! Sometimes I get 3 pounds of them in one day, and often it's a true waste of time, BUT I found some really cute styles in Simplybe.com's Joe Brown catalog!
This is the same British company that I had the shoe size beef with. However, we did discover that returns to Simply Be are free. Every shipment includes a postage paid address label that you just stick on top of the label that sent the package to you! Just make sure you send it back within 30 days.
And I've never had a problem with their clothing sizes. (Do remember, though, to check their size chart EVERY time, before you buy. As with all the companies, Your unchanged measurements may qualify you as a size 20 one month and a 22 the next, or vice-versa.)
If you adore dressing like Martha Stewart's fully-inflated sister, I'm sure you've found lots of styles at Chadwick's, Coldwater Creek and the many other preppy look suppliers.
But what about you artistic, adventurous types who DON'T want to be mistaken for a Bank of America Employee-of-the-Month or a cast memner of LA Law?
Joe Brown might be your new best friend! This is a collection that celebrates large lady curves! Tunics, leggings, street-style statements abound!
Even if you don't wear this stuff, it's fun to look at!
Check out the Joe Brown Collection at Simply Be. simplybe.com
This is the same British company that I had the shoe size beef with. However, we did discover that returns to Simply Be are free. Every shipment includes a postage paid address label that you just stick on top of the label that sent the package to you! Just make sure you send it back within 30 days.
And I've never had a problem with their clothing sizes. (Do remember, though, to check their size chart EVERY time, before you buy. As with all the companies, Your unchanged measurements may qualify you as a size 20 one month and a 22 the next, or vice-versa.)
If you adore dressing like Martha Stewart's fully-inflated sister, I'm sure you've found lots of styles at Chadwick's, Coldwater Creek and the many other preppy look suppliers.
But what about you artistic, adventurous types who DON'T want to be mistaken for a Bank of America Employee-of-the-Month or a cast memner of LA Law?
Joe Brown might be your new best friend! This is a collection that celebrates large lady curves! Tunics, leggings, street-style statements abound!
Even if you don't wear this stuff, it's fun to look at!
Check out the Joe Brown Collection at Simply Be. simplybe.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Your Bra Probably Doesn't Fit
BRA FITTING 101:
In my long and checkered past I have actually been trained to sell bras. I measured and explained and didn't even know that what I'd been trained to tell my customers was, largely bull****.
For starters, we carried the size I bought for myself: A 44 DDD. Trying it on in the store, it looked good. I wasn't concerned that it hurt when I reached for things and especially when I took it off at night. That was just the way all the bras I'd ever had had been.
After a couple of weeks, the 44DDD stretched and my breasts were shoved down onto my rib cage. That didn't concern me, because all the bras I'd ever had hurt and eventually stretched out of shape. By the way, back then, my breasts didn't lie heavy on my ribcage when I was bra-less.
The fact of the matter was that somehow, we large busted women didn't expect that bras could be as comfortable, functional and pretty as the bras C cup ladies could buy.
My bra sales training included the fact that when dealing with someone like me, whose breasts were obviously too big for anything we sold, to give her the 44DDD and assure her that even it it wasn't comfortable now, soon "It will stretch."
I didn't know then what I know now. You don't need to put up with "fitters" like me, who don't know what "fit" is.
Below, you'll find just about everything you'll ever need to know to find and look and feel fabulous in a gorgeous bra.
Let's start with terminology. While different companies may use different terms, these are the concepts you need to understand:
Bra styles
"Full coverage" means that the bra cup covers all, or nearly all of your breast. Your breast isn't supposed to stick out above a full coverage bra.
It can be hard to judge this in Redcats catalog shots, since often models are wearing bras that obviously don't fit. The breast is bulging up over the top edge of the bra cup.
Another way to tell if the bra is too small is to check your profile in a mirror. If you have cleavage on top but your nipples are pointing slightly (or very) downward, the cup is too small to accomadate your bountiful boobies. You need a larger cup size AND a different salesperson.
"Balconnettes" are cut to cover only the lower 2/3rds of the breast. If you want a balconnette bra, buy one from a reputable dealer, like Bravissimo.com In their catalogs, they show exactly how the bra should fit you.
The other "sexy" bra is the plunge bra, which exposes a V shape opening, baring you from your shoulders to your bra band line. These are made to show off your cleavage AND keep you cool on hot days or during hot flashes. If you tend to overheat it can be lots cooler in a plunge bra.
There are currently NO bra styles that are supposed to squeeze your breasts together into a single shelf. Even "shelf bras" that you find built into some exersize tops or swim suits are supposed to lift your breasts without squashing them together. That squashed together look is referred to as a "Uniboob" and has been not only sweaty and uncomfortable, but out of style for decades.
A good bra lifts and separates you breasts. If the cup fits, the center of the bra should not lift off of your breastbone. Uniboobs may come back into style some day. Until then, INSIST on larger cup size.
The chest band ties the cups together and around you. In a well engineered, properly fitting full cup or balconnette bra, the band will hold the bra in place, with or without bra straps.
All chest bands (being elastic) DO stretch with wear.
The solution? Buy bands that fit on the loosest hooks, so that as the band stretches and gets looser, you can take up the slack using the built in "tighter" hooks.
Or, buy cups that fit (for me, that's a 38 J) and buy bra extenders at your local fabric store. I need two extenders for a new bra. As the bands stretch, I use one, or, eventually, none. This means that what, for someone else, would be an old, streched out bra, still fits me perfectly after 2 or 3 years!
Projection refers to how far your breasts sticks out from your chest wall when NOT being smooshed by an inhumane bra.
You don’t want a bra that folds your breasts inside the cup. They should lie, full length in the cup without being squeezed or compressed. Remember, folding and compressing skin anyplace on your body can get in the way of good blood circulation and, in this case, optimal breast health.
A properly fitted bra lifts your breasts up off your rib cage so that air circulates under them and points them forward, never down. A cup size that's too small will look good in the store, then in a few weeks (or days) of use. Then, the chest band will stretch out and force your breasts to fall and point down, against your ribs. (see Chest Bands) This throws the stress points of the bra off so that the underwire digs into your ribs, the bra strap digs into your shoulders and the side boning of the bra digs into your ribs and or armpits, while the band pulls up in back.
Even after the 10th laundering, your bra should not pull away from your chest.
The center of the bra where the two cups touch or nearly touch should lie flat aganst the breastbone and there shouldn’t be any digging, ANYWHERE.
If your bra digs, it doesn’t fit.
If the center if the bra where the cups meet pulls way from your chest, the cups are too small or the band is too loose.
Unlike bands, cups don't usually stretch with wear, so make sure they fit perfectly.
In my long and checkered past I have actually been trained to sell bras. I measured and explained and didn't even know that what I'd been trained to tell my customers was, largely bull****.
For starters, we carried the size I bought for myself: A 44 DDD. Trying it on in the store, it looked good. I wasn't concerned that it hurt when I reached for things and especially when I took it off at night. That was just the way all the bras I'd ever had had been.
After a couple of weeks, the 44DDD stretched and my breasts were shoved down onto my rib cage. That didn't concern me, because all the bras I'd ever had hurt and eventually stretched out of shape. By the way, back then, my breasts didn't lie heavy on my ribcage when I was bra-less.
The fact of the matter was that somehow, we large busted women didn't expect that bras could be as comfortable, functional and pretty as the bras C cup ladies could buy.
My bra sales training included the fact that when dealing with someone like me, whose breasts were obviously too big for anything we sold, to give her the 44DDD and assure her that even it it wasn't comfortable now, soon "It will stretch."
I didn't know then what I know now. You don't need to put up with "fitters" like me, who don't know what "fit" is.
Below, you'll find just about everything you'll ever need to know to find and look and feel fabulous in a gorgeous bra.
Let's start with terminology. While different companies may use different terms, these are the concepts you need to understand:
Bra styles
"Full coverage" means that the bra cup covers all, or nearly all of your breast. Your breast isn't supposed to stick out above a full coverage bra.
It can be hard to judge this in Redcats catalog shots, since often models are wearing bras that obviously don't fit. The breast is bulging up over the top edge of the bra cup.
Another way to tell if the bra is too small is to check your profile in a mirror. If you have cleavage on top but your nipples are pointing slightly (or very) downward, the cup is too small to accomadate your bountiful boobies. You need a larger cup size AND a different salesperson.
"Balconnettes" are cut to cover only the lower 2/3rds of the breast. If you want a balconnette bra, buy one from a reputable dealer, like Bravissimo.com In their catalogs, they show exactly how the bra should fit you.
The other "sexy" bra is the plunge bra, which exposes a V shape opening, baring you from your shoulders to your bra band line. These are made to show off your cleavage AND keep you cool on hot days or during hot flashes. If you tend to overheat it can be lots cooler in a plunge bra.
There are currently NO bra styles that are supposed to squeeze your breasts together into a single shelf. Even "shelf bras" that you find built into some exersize tops or swim suits are supposed to lift your breasts without squashing them together. That squashed together look is referred to as a "Uniboob" and has been not only sweaty and uncomfortable, but out of style for decades.
A good bra lifts and separates you breasts. If the cup fits, the center of the bra should not lift off of your breastbone. Uniboobs may come back into style some day. Until then, INSIST on larger cup size.
Bras FIT you (or DON'T) based on
Chest band
This is the measurement that you get when you measure around your chest,keeping the tape even with the ground and touching the chest wall along the lower edge of your breasts.
When you read “44 D” the 44 is this chest band measurement, in inches. The D is the cup size.
This is the measurement that you get when you measure around your chest,keeping the tape even with the ground and touching the chest wall along the lower edge of your breasts.
When you read “44 D” the 44 is this chest band measurement, in inches. The D is the cup size.
The chest band ties the cups together and around you. In a well engineered, properly fitting full cup or balconnette bra, the band will hold the bra in place, with or without bra straps.
All chest bands (being elastic) DO stretch with wear.
The solution? Buy bands that fit on the loosest hooks, so that as the band stretches and gets looser, you can take up the slack using the built in "tighter" hooks.
Or, buy cups that fit (for me, that's a 38 J) and buy bra extenders at your local fabric store. I need two extenders for a new bra. As the bands stretch, I use one, or, eventually, none. This means that what, for someone else, would be an old, streched out bra, still fits me perfectly after 2 or 3 years!
CUP SIZE
Projection Projection refers to how far your breasts sticks out from your chest wall when NOT being smooshed by an inhumane bra.
You don’t want a bra that folds your breasts inside the cup. They should lie, full length in the cup without being squeezed or compressed. Remember, folding and compressing skin anyplace on your body can get in the way of good blood circulation and, in this case, optimal breast health.
A properly fitted bra lifts your breasts up off your rib cage so that air circulates under them and points them forward, never down. A cup size that's too small will look good in the store, then in a few weeks (or days) of use. Then, the chest band will stretch out and force your breasts to fall and point down, against your ribs. (see Chest Bands) This throws the stress points of the bra off so that the underwire digs into your ribs, the bra strap digs into your shoulders and the side boning of the bra digs into your ribs and or armpits, while the band pulls up in back.
Even after the 10th laundering, your bra should not pull away from your chest.
The center of the bra where the two cups touch or nearly touch should lie flat aganst the breastbone and there shouldn’t be any digging, ANYWHERE.
If your bra digs, it doesn’t fit.
If the center if the bra where the cups meet pulls way from your chest, the cups are too small or the band is too loose.
Unlike bands, cups don't usually stretch with wear, so make sure they fit perfectly.
Breast Circumference
Cup shapes are NOT uniform! Some cups are made for wide breasts that meet in the middle, some are made for narrow ones, spaced inches apart. Think of the base of your breast as a circle. You want a cup size that goes along the edges of that circle, NOT one that leaves red marks 2 or even 3 inches below or to the sides of your breast!
Circumference is how the bra cup encircles the base of the breast. The entire breast needs to be inside the cup or you’ll have pressure marks (even blisters!) where the edges of the cup cut in on the top, band edge and /or side. Nothing should press dents into your skin or leave red marks or bulges in your clothing that you don’t want.
In order to get a cup where my breast lies straight and uncompressed, I have to buy a size 38 J. My band measurement is 44, so "fitters" always gave me a size 44. The cups were always too wide. But the cup on a 38J is narrower than the cup on a 44J. I make up the difference on band size by hooking on one or two bra extenders. I just buy them online from Joanne'sFabrics.com
Once I realized that was an option, I found I could get bras to fit perfectly, NOT dig, and not even be noticable (no pain) during the day.
The other benefit was that everyone suddenly complemented me on my "weight loss" ! But it was true. With a comfy, well fitted bra your body looks in better proportion. You're likely to become more active, too, because nothing hurts!
Breast Shape
Cup shapes are NOT uniform! Some cups are made for wide breasts that meet in the middle, some are made for narrow ones, spaced inches apart. Think of the base of your breast as a circle. You want a cup size that goes along the edges of that circle, NOT one that leaves red marks 2 or even 3 inches below or to the sides of your breast!
Circumference is how the bra cup encircles the base of the breast. The entire breast needs to be inside the cup or you’ll have pressure marks (even blisters!) where the edges of the cup cut in on the top, band edge and /or side. Nothing should press dents into your skin or leave red marks or bulges in your clothing that you don’t want.
In order to get a cup where my breast lies straight and uncompressed, I have to buy a size 38 J. My band measurement is 44, so "fitters" always gave me a size 44. The cups were always too wide. But the cup on a 38J is narrower than the cup on a 44J. I make up the difference on band size by hooking on one or two bra extenders. I just buy them online from Joanne'sFabrics.com
Once I realized that was an option, I found I could get bras to fit perfectly, NOT dig, and not even be noticable (no pain) during the day.
The other benefit was that everyone suddenly complemented me on my "weight loss" ! But it was true. With a comfy, well fitted bra your body looks in better proportion. You're likely to become more active, too, because nothing hurts!
Breast Shape
If your breasts are shaped like two equal halves of a globe, with perfectly centered nipples, placed so they point slightly up, congratulations! Either you're genetically blessed, or you have a marvelous surgeon!
As to everyone else, NO, you are not a freak if your breasts are not perfectly symetric and perfectly matched. Almost everyone has a larger and a smaller breast. Their shapes may not match perfectly, and nipples point in whichever direction they happen to point, be it up, down, or sideways. Breasts can have a flat side or be cone shaped. They come in almost endless variations of shapes. This is normal. Don't worry unless the shape begins to change or you find a difference in texture, thickened skin, or a lump or hard spot.
You need to learn about breast self exams, to be vigilant about changes that could mean cancer. Even very tiny lumps, unfamiliar indentations or bulges, puckering or changes in the texture of the surface skin need to be checked by your doctor immediately.
Other than that, anything that's normal for you that you don't like is just a cosmetic problem.
Luckily, we live in an era of engineering. Bras exist that can support, gently reshape and, if you wish, augment without causing discomfort or damage.
Most American companies have plastic foam bands to support the breasts. For me, that causes a skin rash, but until I found better designs (Check out Goddess's brand, "Kiera" style. It has lift, great shaping and is so well engineered that I sometimes tuck the straps and wear it strapless.) Anyway, until I found that, I would use pieces of cotton to separate my skin from the plastic. Inconvenient, but it worked. By the way, Goddess's "Keira" style is a nearly full coverage bra that comes in RED, navy blue, black, brown and nude. they even have animal prints. Every season you lose a few colors and get new ones in.
Breast balance
As to everyone else, NO, you are not a freak if your breasts are not perfectly symetric and perfectly matched. Almost everyone has a larger and a smaller breast. Their shapes may not match perfectly, and nipples point in whichever direction they happen to point, be it up, down, or sideways. Breasts can have a flat side or be cone shaped. They come in almost endless variations of shapes. This is normal. Don't worry unless the shape begins to change or you find a difference in texture, thickened skin, or a lump or hard spot.
You need to learn about breast self exams, to be vigilant about changes that could mean cancer. Even very tiny lumps, unfamiliar indentations or bulges, puckering or changes in the texture of the surface skin need to be checked by your doctor immediately.
Other than that, anything that's normal for you that you don't like is just a cosmetic problem.
Luckily, we live in an era of engineering. Bras exist that can support, gently reshape and, if you wish, augment without causing discomfort or damage.
Most American companies have plastic foam bands to support the breasts. For me, that causes a skin rash, but until I found better designs (Check out Goddess's brand, "Kiera" style. It has lift, great shaping and is so well engineered that I sometimes tuck the straps and wear it strapless.) Anyway, until I found that, I would use pieces of cotton to separate my skin from the plastic. Inconvenient, but it worked. By the way, Goddess's "Keira" style is a nearly full coverage bra that comes in RED, navy blue, black, brown and nude. they even have animal prints. Every season you lose a few colors and get new ones in.
Breast balance
As I said, normal people have one breast smaller than the other. A little smaller, a LOT smaller, depending on your luck. This isn’t weird, no matter how much you’ve been teased.
Nipples are placed pretty much anywhere on the breast, high, medium or low, left right, whatever.
Breasts may look like deflated balloons, hanging flat against your midriff..
As long as you’ve seen a gynecologist and know it’s only a cosmetic problem, that’s all it is.
If you’ve bought into the Playboy image of what you should look like and if your poor self image is affecting your life, you may consider surgery. You too can have lovely, slightly scarred breasts that match. (with luck)
Be aware though, there are risks, and NOT just of losing the ability to breast-feed. I’ve received complaints of post surgical nerve damage (permanent) causing these wonderfully sensitive playthings to become permanently numb.
Think about it. You could have surgery (no minor health risk, not to mention painful) in order to attract someone who wants to touch your breasts. Then, while they obsess over the now dead-nerve areas, you're just getting bored! Sound unfair? It is!
If you’ve decided that unnecessary surgery would be stupid, or, you've just read enough Cosmo articles on Advanced Sexual Technique that the man in your life doesn’t notice anything but the sensations you cause in him, Cosmetic Problems of breast balance can be dealt with easily, usually with padding.
Padding
Padding can be anything that works for you. Kleenex has never really gone out of style and is really good on high humidity sweaty days, since you can toss it and repack each time you visit the Ladies' Room.
Catalogs have padding options galore! Everything from a thin layer of foam that is built into both cups, so a slight unevenness is undetectable, to push-up pads that can be used on just one side, and mastectomy prostheses for post-surgery gals, or those of us that are seriously heavier on one side. These things can be made of gel, foam, little bags of fine sand or little pieces of plastic, or even water balloons. The gel and water baloons actually warm to match your body temperature and you can match the density of the pad to your body. In the case of a water balloon, fill it so it's as soft or firm as your breast. Just don't poke it with any pins.
Experiment. See what you like.
Two parting thoughts:
1. Remember that half of shopping is returning what doesn't fit.
2. The problem has never been your breasts. The problem has been finding the right bra for them.
Be stubborn. Be tenacious!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Think about it. You could have surgery (no minor health risk, not to mention painful) in order to attract someone who wants to touch your breasts. Then, while they obsess over the now dead-nerve areas, you're just getting bored! Sound unfair? It is!
If you’ve decided that unnecessary surgery would be stupid, or, you've just read enough Cosmo articles on Advanced Sexual Technique that the man in your life doesn’t notice anything but the sensations you cause in him, Cosmetic Problems of breast balance can be dealt with easily, usually with padding.
Padding
Padding can be anything that works for you. Kleenex has never really gone out of style and is really good on high humidity sweaty days, since you can toss it and repack each time you visit the Ladies' Room.
Catalogs have padding options galore! Everything from a thin layer of foam that is built into both cups, so a slight unevenness is undetectable, to push-up pads that can be used on just one side, and mastectomy prostheses for post-surgery gals, or those of us that are seriously heavier on one side. These things can be made of gel, foam, little bags of fine sand or little pieces of plastic, or even water balloons. The gel and water baloons actually warm to match your body temperature and you can match the density of the pad to your body. In the case of a water balloon, fill it so it's as soft or firm as your breast. Just don't poke it with any pins.
Experiment. See what you like.
Two parting thoughts:
1. Remember that half of shopping is returning what doesn't fit.
2. The problem has never been your breasts. The problem has been finding the right bra for them.
Be stubborn. Be tenacious!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
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I sent the first order back and they said they hadn't had any complaints and these were true to size. (If only SAYING that made it TRUE!)
They measured shoes they had in stock and actually (thank you!) sent me back shoes that were at least a half inch wider than the ones I'd returned, but still marked WW, not EE.
I work in very dressy venues and need dressy shoes that are comfy too. I know wide, dressy shoes are hard to find, but it would be easier if they were clearly and CORRECTLY marked.
When you wear a size B, no one thinks it's reasonable to sell you something an inch narrower, but still marked B. Why do they routinely do that to size E and above?