The Bra Adventures: An Introduction

At the risk of turning into one of those people who puts the prefix "br" in front of everything, I've entered a new phase in my lingerie life: that of bradventurism. Or, bradventurisme, for the Euro among us. Let me explain.

In the fall of 2012, I hosted the online Lingerie Shop Along, a very enjoyable community experience that saw me into a pretty bad health moment. Alas, it was most definitely the worst online lingerie-purchasing experience I've ever had (largely because of suboptimal fitting and shipping experiences - not because the products or vendors were in any way lacking).  In truth, I was not at my most emotionally resilient at that time, and I was somewhat dismayed by my failure to fit into basically anything I ordered, due to poor sizing in every direction.

I was in a challenging place. Much of my pre-owned lingerie was either: at the edge of over-worn, too-small (and put away in the "not now" drawer), not quite supportive enough, or just not exciting anymore. Yeah, I do own 3 sizes of lingerie at any given time, and in the fall, I had 40-odd sets, but many of those bras were my "continuity" styles. I'd bought them a couple of times over or had a couple of the same styles in my stash. I was verging on a rut, somehow.

Add to this that my body had lost a lot of weight (from sickness) - and now it's rebounded from that due to constant eating of delicious food, thank you very much - plus the fact that I'm almost 43 and I have a teenager, whom I birthed... Well, my body has gone (and is going) through some changes.

Over the years, I'd used online shopping mainly to repurchase bras I'd owned (via trying them on first in boutiques) or those made by my core brand (that always fit well), Freya. By last winter, it had been so long since I'd been to a real shop to try something on - not to mention that Freya's not at a high point from the quality or fit perspective these days - that I was wondering what the fuck had happened to all of the good bras.

Many of you know, since I talk about it compulsively, that I went for a fitting (not my first, by a long shot, but my first in a couple of years) in a bricks and mortar shop. This experience was very useful in as much as it introduced me to the fit of Empreinte (a brand I'd always wanted to try but couldn't find at a reasonable price, so I'd avoided it) and reminded me about a few others I'd forgotten about (Fantasie, Prima Donna, Fauve). I discovered that there are many good bras out there for me. Somehow, though, they all appear to be in the mega-pricey category. What a shock.

So how have I embraced the adventure?

• First off, I left the bra boutique with 650.00 bucks-worth of lingerie (3 bras and a pair of undies) and a renewed sense of purpose.

• I found wonderful new homes for 15 bras, via my recent sale. I also deconstructed 3 bras for wires and other materials. Then I moved a couple of bras I do love, but which are moving towards too loose due to overwear, into the "not now" drawer. This left me with 18 bras (10 fashion sets and 8 basics).

• I started reading my myriad daily lingerie blogs, not just for interesting discussion but possible product discovery.

• I decided that Freya is off limits unless a) I can try the bra on in a shop and b) only if it compels me. Last time that happened was with the Arabella, quite a long while ago.

• I realized that lingerie flips my switch like just about nothing else so I'd better indulge that. You only live once and your tits aren't getting any perkier.

• I recognized that many of you appreciate my endless ramblings about bras and fit and decided to rename my bra habit "public service". Just goes to show you that I can convince myself of anything :-)

• Really, though, to buy a bra online - esp. if it's on sale - can be a very affordable experience. If it's returnable, the likelihood is that I'll be out 20 bucks in shipping and a lunch trip to the post office. And given that getting parcels is the most freakin' fun thing ever, I decided that online bra shopping is my version of going to the movies. Entertainment.

But the name of this adventure is Novelty. I want to learn about new brands I've seen but never tried. I want to discover crazy new things. I want to be able to advise those of you who are actively looking for bras with various features about the viability of any particular brand.

In this spirit, I've purchased 5 sets online recently (all at very good prices) and gone to bricks and mortar shops 4 times (no purchases, but lots of info gathering). So far 2 sets have arrived and I've sent both of them back. You're going to hear about those experiences in detail - about all of the experimental sets and the brands with their various biases. I'm just finding it challenging to knit shawls, make muslins and jackets and blog about lingerie - all at the same time!

The new brands I've tried recently are: Empreinte, Cleo (well, I'd tried it before, but not recently), Fauve and Claudette. I'm waiting on delivery of new styles of Empreinte, Cleo and (that boobs-on-a-plate maestro) Ewa Michalak.

For sure, I've integrated my recent acceptance of Bratabase with this experience in the hopes that I'll be able to verify how accurate the database is (fairly accurate, I suspect) - and so that I won't be buying "blind". I'll chat about this more in upcoming posts, but I was amazed - when entering info into Bratabase - to discover that practically every bra I own has the same fundamental dimensions (regardless of tag size, brand or style). This gives me some awesome info to work with. Especially if I use that sizing against reviews of bras on Bratabase and blogs before I purchase online.

I really don't know what's going to come of this but I'm energized to see if there's a better way to determine fit before buying sight unseen. In a worst case scenario, I'll go into b&m boutiques, try everything on, buy one of something (as a show of support), and then find the items that work for a third to half the price online.

Today's questions: What lingerie brand is piquing your interest lately? Have you had the chance to try it or are you waiting to learn more first? Who knows, maybe I'll do a little review. Let's talk!

Lingerie Shop Along: The End.

Guess it’s time to close the loop on the online lingerie purchase disaster of 2012. It doesn’t end well, but I’m officially done. 

The Fantasie Smoothing Balconette bra arrived – it’s the right model – but the size is off. Based on the horrifying bigness of the full-cup version (see post linked to in the para above), I opted to order the balconette version (purchased many times in the past) one size smaller in the cup, and one size smaller in the band, than that which I usually wear.

 

Though that's worked before, this one is too small, if just barely. What I mean is that it fits in the cup but the back is leaning towards too tight and it pushes the flesh up under my arms and at the side of the bra. To qualify – the underwire fits and the cups fit, there’s just not quite enough corollary fabric at the side band. It will probably stretch and be just fine. Or maybe it won't. I don't care.

 

I’d cry from frustration if this weren’t sort of funny.

 

I’m not returning it. I’ve already spent twice the amount the bra cost on shipping alone (6 returns?!). At least now I know for sure what size to order in this bra should that occasion ever recur. Note to self: Write it the fuck down. Along with the model number (vis a vis this wise comment).

 

I’m changing gears. Next time I order bras – when discretionary spending is back on the table - it will be to test for a new basic. (Pls. recall that I intend to write about the process, it just hasn’t fully come together.)

Point is, I had a hideous online shopping experience but I'm happy to move on. I mean, it's the only one that's ever fit that description. I won't let it deter me in the future.

No, I'm Not Joking.

OK, just to give you the latest update on the cursed lingerie order from hell, I received the last outstanding bra - remember, the resend of the resend of the wrong size, today and it's the wrong fucking bra.

What I mean is (and I'm still trying to verify whether I ordered incorrectly or the warehouse shipped incorrectly), the reason the first shipment and the second one were so horrible, oversized (and hideous) is because they've been sending me the Smoothing Underwired Full Cup (this is all over the invoice and the tag), not the Smoothing Underwired Balconette.

Just to make matters more complicated, there's an online version of the Smoothing Underwired Bra that's neither billed as full cut nor balconette, which seems to be the one I ordered.

How many fucking versions of this bra do they sell??

I am quite confident that I've ordered the same bra time and again and I've heretofore received the balconette.

Now I'm trying to figure out, with the gracious assistance of Figleaves, whether the style has changed substantively (and what I'd get, were I once again to reorder - this time specifically the balconette - is not the same bra I've bought many times).

Let me say, I'd much rather be at the tail-end of the worst fucked-up order and shipping experience I've ever had (and hopefully will ever have again) than to discover the style is no longer the same. Cuz I rely on this bra, people.

For now, as we muddle through and sort things out, I'll simply say this: DO NOT order the Fantasie Smoothing Underwire Full Cup (if you somehow locate it on the website or anywhere else) - not unless you want to find yourself in possession of the ugliest piece of underwear that's ever been created. And you know I have a soft spot for the ugly, sometimes.

It's ugly in the most fulsome fashion - the edging is inelegant, the wires too long, the fit substantively oversized. Don't even try to wear this under a scooped t-shirt - it's too high cut in the cups. The straps are over an inch wide and additionally reinforced in a cheap-looking way - these are wider, perhaps than any others I've seen.

Now I know you may say that they wouldn't keep making it if there weren't a market and, Lord knows, I'm not the arbiter of what looks good on everybody's bust but seriously, it's horrid. I can think of 40 more lovely, equally supportive bras that are more accurately sized and that come in a huge variety of sizes. You don't need to do this to yourself.

I'll weigh in on the balconette as soon as I have more info. And, if I decide that this isn't gonna fly either, I'll have to advise you of a work around. It's my sworn duty as the online lingerie-fairy (this is how I self-identify, whatevs).

When I have promoted this bra, in the past, I am NOT referring to the full cup version I have thrice received as part of the order of doom.

As you were.

Irony

I haven't had time to write, believe it or not, because I've been slogging away at the final 20% of the Bettie's Pullover. It's times like these when I realize top-down raglan sweaters were invented for a reason. I don't know if the pullover is complicated for its own sake or if there's actual method to the madness (well, there's method, but you know what I mean). But I have this nagging concern, founded or no, that it's not going to fit (really, there's no telling till the freakin' shoulders exist at the very, very, very end.) And it's a total pain in the ass. I don't care how cool it looks.

I have so much to tell you about so many things but I MUST finish the sweater. I want it to be done with. Oooh, that's a real selling point.

What I cannot wait to write about, for one more moment, is the utter, persistent stupidity of the Lingerie Shop Along (yeah, that's 3 separate links) order from Figleaves. Let me lead with the following provisos:

• The problem has had less to do with Figleaves, which has been a conscientious and professional vendor, than some weird, temporary, universal insanity.

• Having said this, just about everything has gone wrong from a) ordering the wrong sizes b) getting sick and being prevented from returning the items myself c) the kid sending the parcel back by dolphin express and so on.

• If this were my first online shopping experience I might never attempt the process again.

Well, the latest is that the parcel did return to Figleaves, after 6 weeks, and they honoured my refund (as requested) for the item I didn't intend to keep. They also resent all of the bras - the Gem first of all (because I reordered it and paid again in the event that the original parcel never returned - I was determined to own it) - and then (rather counter-intuitively) the Fantasie basic and the Charlotte lounge bra - each in separate packages. One's gotta hope there's a good reason for that.

OK, the Gem arrived yesterday and here's the low-down: 2 sizes smaller than the original, it does fit, but I wish the side-wires went higher. They're quite low and there's a bit of side-boob pillowing on the left side. It's by no means a deal breaker, but really, once you've owned double digit's worth of bras that fit perfectly, why would you wear anything that deviates even slightly? Furthermore, it's a bit dull. And stiff. And, dare I say it, uncomfortable?! That's not a hallmark of the Freya product.

I urge you to wait until Freya resolves the rather large issues of size and fabric choice. FYI, if Freya never fits you, maybe you should try this bra. It sure as hell doesn't fit like its regular sloper.

The fabric is actually irritating, especially as the underlining (a lighter shade of blue than the fashion fabric, the effect of which I do not like) has no drape. I'm sure, were it April, I would love the robin's egg blue. But in deep November it just seems wan. And I don't think you should have to size down in back by 1 and in cup by 2 in order to get a product that fits. They've got to work on this bra if they intend to make it a brand staple.

The strongest feature of the set is the modified thong (half way between thong and something else). The fit is very flattering and it is comfy.

I'm not returning it. I don't have the will. And I will wear it, no doubt. But it's really not the bra I dreamed about for 6 months before it came out - and then for almost 2 months after I ordered it.

Today, the stupidity intensified as my Fantasie basic arrived in the same freakin' size I first ordered and then returned for a smaller size. Mmmhmmm. On the website, they even show the original order, with size, next to the return order, with the same size. When's the last time you returned a bra cuz it didn't fit (as you indicated on the return form, next to the new size you wanted), and then reordered it in the same size? I so wish someone had been paying attention.

So now, I have to return the same bra (on my own dime, at least until they reimburse me as I'm confident they will) for the second time and wait another 2-4 weeks for the correct size. Did I mention that this is the most boring bra on the planet. Sure, it works under everything, gives great shape and I've owned it time and again. But really, this is effort I am not psyched to go through YET AGAIN for a workhorse. Mind you, if they ever stopped making this bra I'd lose it, but that's not the point.

Lord knows what I'm in for when the Charlotte comes. Let's say I don't have any expectations.

There has been way too much care and feeding in this experience. I have upwards of 30 emails with Figleaves, I've online chatted, I talked on the phone... Lord, I wonder if I expended this much effort organizing daycare for my once-tiny child. (Note: Of course I did, but allow me the hyperbole.)

Between the sickness-association and all the hassle, I can't say I'm going to be ordering any bras online in the near future. Fortunately a) y'all had better experiences than me when you ordered, can you imagine how my rep would have been in the gutter?? and b) I have enough lingerie to last me till the end of days.

Point is, I commiserate. Now back to knitting

Lingerie Shop Along: When Things Go Awry

One of the most enjoyable things I've ever done, in the context of this (very enjoyable to me) blog, is October's Lingerie Shop Along. The combo of my love of lingerie and online shopping with my great affection for you all was a recipe for fabulousness.

I find it amusing that, in the context of this great experience, I have had my most wretched online lingerie shopping moment evah. Don't worry. I'm not traumatized. I'm actually a) so jaded by the last few months while b) so happy to be alive that I'm chalking it up to a bizarre, one-time event.

Here's what happened:

• For starters, I bought the wrong size in just about everything. This is a really good time to remind you that you should not extrapolate that your bra size has increased by wearing one new bra that's too small. (And on that topic, the Freya Nina Plunge - and its sister-colourway, the Roxanne) - have very short and narrow wires. Definitely go up a cup size.) Add to the mix that I have shrunk in circumference slightly over the fall, and the newly purchased bras were absurd.

• No prob. Usually, I'd just return the merchandise for replacement or refund and call it a day. Alas, this time I couldn't get myself to the post office due to sickness. So finally I sent my husband and kid. Hmmmm. The husband offloaded the task to the tween who managed to send everything back SURFACE shipping (?! do they even have this anymore?!) which can take 6 weeks and isn't traceable for 3 months. As luck would have it, 200 bucks of lingerie has not yet made its way back to Figleaves. Who knows when and if it will.

• I have to make peace with the fact that I may be out some money. Add to this my grave concern that, by the time the package gets back to Figleaves or I opt to call it a loss, the Freya Gem may be sold out in my size (how hideous would that be??), I finally opted to repurchase this item yesterday.

• What you should know is that Figleaves has been very accommodating under the circumstances. In numerous emails exchanges, they have agreed to honour my returns and replacements even though they've long past the required-by return date. 

• Last night, I used the chat feature to sort out the new purchase. Note about Figleaves' chat feature: I love it. Not only am I the fastest typist in the land, but I'm too impatient to wait for email and (don't judge), despite having lived in England, I can't figure out how to call anyone there. The area code thing completely confuses me. The woman I texted with answered all of my questions and agreed to send me the new bra at the same discounted price as the one I bought originally. She even waived the shipping (as I would normally receive the replacement item with no extra shipping charge). Then she called me to get my info (couldn't do it online in light of the complex elements of the purchase). It was entirely pleasant given that I just spent another 26 pounds to get a bra I already own.

The good news is that I should have the Gem (please, let it fit!) in about a week. Remember, this bra fits very large in cup and back size. I suggest you size down one back size and perhaps even 2 cup sizes, but at least by 1.

So, there you go. Perhaps the online shopping goddess wanted me to know what it's like to have a seriously disappointing lingerie-buying experience so that I can relate to those of you who remind me that it's not all kittens and flowers. I suspect it was just dumb luck. The kind that insulates you from further dumb luck for a long while going forward. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Gauge The Situation: The Eyes Have It

It's Saturday, Peeps, and raining yet again. I call this "kill yourself weather". Cold, drab, chillingly damp. I'm trying to pretend I live in the Netherlands and this is chic. While the newly renoed room certainly says "Amsterdam", somehow my imagination just isn't buying it.

On the, very up, plus side, we have enough food in the fridge and I have enough energy to knit!

I'm moving along in a semi-focused fashion with the Siivet Pullover. (Am I the only one who always types that word as "pullowver"??)

It's been a while. Here's where last I left off... To recap, I intended to knit on the US3 needles, to get the kind of closed knit I was hoping for, but it was just going to be too small and I feared I'd run out of yarn. Instead, I went back to the US4 needles (more open in the rib, in this yarn, than I'd prefer, in truth) and made a bunch of extra-smallening (but lengthening)-modifications on the size small:

• Knit 7 inches of rib, rather than 5 inches, at the base of the sweater. Everyone indicated that the sweater is way too short at the bottom (and I need length to get over the boobs).

• Knit 8 rows of stockinette, after the base rib, rather than 6. Again, looking for extra length - not width.

• Removed approx 2 inches of width during the side shaping (8 stitches) by stopping the increases when I got to 111 stitches (vs the 119 called for).

• Nonetheless, added an additional 10 rows of stockinette at the end of the side shaping section, to buy myself more length still. (I was intermittently holding this up against my body to get a sense of how it would fall / checking its vertical measurements against my own.)

• On the sleeve shaping section, not only did I start with a narrower base (111 st vs 119 - see above), I then removed 8 more stitches from the length of the sleeves (4 on each side). I think the sleeves are still going to be longer than necessary. Remember, my knowable, but inaccurate, gauge in the US4 needles makes my unmodified small larger than the instructed version.

• One thing that sewing has taught me is that vertical dimensions must not be trifled with. I happen to be shorter in my upper chest than many pattern dimensions. I am generally longer from just above the full bust to the waist (because breasts take up length). Then I'm shorter from waist to high hip, than average. Sometimes, making a garment in the instructed size will work - if the garment is forgiving. But I'm much better off to actually tailor the length where I need it. Which is why I added so much length below the full bust, but why I also shortened this sweater above the armscye. I took out an inch of length in the sleeve and upper chest, just below the neckline rib.

• The challenge with the design of this sweater, as I've mentioned, is that the sleeves and upper chest are knit as one. If you modify the length of of the upper chest, by default, you modify the circumference of the sleeves. My dolman / kimono sleeves are going to fit much more snugly into the armpit than the original design calls for because I've culled length here. On the other hand, I believe it will make the overall look of the sweater more fitted and attractive as the (loose by nature) rib at the neckline will not bunch due to extra fabric - and then, likely, drag. It's a crap shoot. We'll see if I've called it correctly.

I really didn't have to wrack my brains to make these modifications - trust me, my brains were not up to any heroics. I really just had to hold the sweater up against my body and say "Hmmm, I should take a few stitches out of here and add a few more rows to this section." It took vision more than experience.

This sweater is exceptionally simple. Lots of twisted rib does make it a bit tedious, but the middle-section stockinette part is very quick.

I can't say I've done my most beautiful work ever. Gotta hope that blocking does its job this time because I did lose focus in a few places and lost the twisted part of the twisted rib for a couple of stitches at a time. Having said this, it's been what I need to pull me out of dullness back into the realm of basic focus.

I am definitely feeling much better. I still cough. The mucous thing is a bitch. I'm still not sleeping for more than 2 hrs at a time. But there hasn't been any stridor in a number of days (thankfully, thankfully, thankfully) and I can eat more well-roundedly. I feel more integrated - like I remember myself. And I'm much less depressed and anxious, first paragraph above notwithstanding :-)

So let's talk about knitting. Have you made this sweater? Are you thinking about it? What do you think of the pattern?

Oh, and since we're getting close to the end of October - I'd like to put in one more plug for the awesome Lingerie Shop Along 20% off discount at LCL. Remember, type in KLINE in the discount code section and get an additional 20% off any item, regardless of whether it's on sale or full price. SO many of you have regaled me with stories of your successful purchases this month and I am thrilled to know I may have had a little something to do with your self-improvement plans this fall. If there's one thing the last couple of months has really re-emphasized, it's that you are wise to live big in every day - satisfying your best self and targeting your best goals. Obviously, we must all survive within our financial and energetic means, but if you can find a small way to look and feel more beautiful, seize upon it. You will never regret the effort you expend to be a better person (whatever that means to you).

Breathe

People, I've got a bit of good news. A few bits of good news. And since that's been thin on the ground, let's enjoy the moment.

For starters, I think the prednisone is helping. I'd say, point blank, that the prednisone is helping but I'm particularly superstitious and anxiety-ridden right now, so let's just leave it at the first sentence. Originally prescribed a short dose, it's been extended by a tapering course over 18 days to mitigate any possibility of rebound swelling. This may come with some side-effects (or maybe not, this is not such a long course - though it isn't negligible and the drug is kind of serious). The point is, I'll take that risk for the joy of having a trachea that doesn't close intermittently when I cough. Cuz cough, I do. It's the first time in 2 weeks that I haven't been light-headed from oxygen deprivation. Prednisone gives a kind of false-energy (like caffeine), so I actually feel - not energetic, Lord, not that - but not dangerously inert. It's been a very dark time for the last couple of weeks so I am incredibly grateful even for intermittent clearing of the clouds.

But health updates are nowhere near as fun as lingerie updates.

I received 2 packages this morning! Interestingly, neither is from Figleaves - these are totally new items.

Item 1 is a bra I already bought a while ago, but I can now confirm, it is a very small fit (specifically on the sides, where the wires are short):

Freya Nina Plunge (not padded)

I should have returned the one I bought from Figleaves in the summer, as soon as I realized that it was not capturing all the tissue at the upper side breasts, but I delayed, and then wore the bra, so I lost that opportunity. A while ago I realized that it's really too small and put it in the stash drawer. But I LOVE the pattern. When I recently went back to LCL and Figleaves and everywhere else I could think of, it was gone in practically all sizes. So I sourced it on eBay, one size up, and the fit is spot on. I already have the undies, which fit well, so it's a new set, all ready to enjoy!

Note: I've lost quite a bit of mass at this point so the bra is actually a bit big in the back, but the cups on this bra are small - evidenced by the fact that they still fit (if loosely) when I'm at my current, artificial dimensions. When I finally return to being able to eat reliably, I'm sure it will fit very well. For what it's worth (and I don't weigh myself so I have no idea of whether I've lost pounds), I've dropped upwards of an inch in each of the full bust, waist and hips. Gotta say, one of the ways in which my body is very accommodating is in that, when I gain or lose size, I do it proportionately.

The bad news about this purchase is that, while the (UK) vendor was very good (and the price and shipping were reasonable), it got dinged at Customs (this NEVER happens from UK). The extra charge was 20 bucks - a sizable portion of the original purchase price. I'm happy to have this bra, but I loathe Customs charges even more than shipping charges, so don't know that I'll be ordering on eBay anytime again soon, if only on an associative basis.

Parcel 2, however, is a splendid delight. Cha, at LCL, has been offering to send me a lingerie set as a gift for months now, and I haven't known which one to choose. Finally, I decided that I really needed to give the Fantasie Samantha (strapless version) a go.

Why? Well, it's unpadded - the first unpadded strapless bra I've ever found in my size - and I loathe padding more and more with each passing day. Furthermore, it's extremely elegant, sexy really. And I don't have a decent strapless bra to wear. Mine is a) padded and b) doesn't stay up to save its life. Note: I can't remember the brand, though it is a good one, and I got it 10 yrs ago when the pickings were way more slim. Remember someone saying something about upgrading the goods if they've been in your closet since your tween was a baby?

Cha sent me, so generously, not just one pair of undies but both styles:

 The thong is incredibly practical but the shorts really steal the show.

Wanna know about the fit?

FANTASTIC. I am so glad I chose this set as my gift. I've been deliberating because a strapless bra just doesn't see a lot of play in my wardrobe. But this comes with 2 sets of detachable straps - clear and black. Clear straps that actually fit the clips that come on the bra are all but impossible to find, peeps. Ask me how I know. So having the clear strap option is worth the cost of the bra, IMO.

But never mind that, this thing is profoundly sexy. And comfortable (something Fantasie is known for). And uplifting. And it fits super well. I cannot recommend it enough. Just go and buy it and then email to thank me.

A note about Fantasie sizing, in my experience (recent and otherwise): Fantasie bras tend to fit generously in the cups, and back. The reason I don't gravitate towards the brand, in general, is that I find the styles too full in the cup, the bands a bit wider than my preference, the shaping a bit more mature than Freya and Panache (for example). I'm pleased to note that's changing in some of the offerings, like this one. FYI, I'm not nuts about the Samantha that comes with attached straps where you can see what I mean. However, that bra would likely be excellent for women with lots of outer breast tissue who need upper cup support.

I chose my regular size in this bra, after consulting with Cha. It is too big right now because, like I said, I'm not quite myself, but I can tell that it will work very well in a little while - if on the vaguely roomy side in the bottom of the cup (which has this excellent, rigid though comfortable fabric thing going on to give extra uplift). If you're on the cusp of 2 sizes, size down. In fact, sizing down in the band may not be a bad idea. I'm not going to wear this all that often, I suspect, so I don't need to worry about stretching the band too quickly. If it's the kind of thing you wear all the time, you have to make your strapless band VERY snug. That's where all the support is coming from.

The undies are true to size and very flattering. Also very comfortable.

So, a little good news on a few fronts.

What do you think of these bras? Do you own either? If you've ever been on prednisone, can you tell me a bit about your experience? (Man, could I be any more all over the map in this post??)

Now I truly have used up that false-energy and it's time for me to take a nap. But do share your feelings. I love having company.

Lingerie Shop Along: Part and Parcel (A)

I was going to wait till every parcel had arrived to write this. I was going to entice you with my parcel-joy, my anticipation (the before) and then the outcome of the trying on (the after). But, having received 2 parcels (a bit less than half of my full batch of goodies) today, and having tried them on before writing about the anticipation part (what? I have impulse-control issues), I'm going to give the account in phases.

So far I've received (see photos in this post):

• The extra undies to complement sets I already own (Freya Lacey thong and Miss Mandalay Paris thong)
• The wild card purchases: Royce soft cup lounge bra and the Panache Cami

On Receiving the Parcels:

• First off, know that most of the lingerie vendors (all that I've tried) send their wares discreetly-packaged.
• Of course, lying here feeling miserable, getting these parcels was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me. In truth, my fave thing about online shopping is getting presents by mail. Weird how what I love and loathe about online shopping both concern shipping.
• I ripped open the box (Figleaves) and plastic envelope (LCL) with abandon, but being careful not to harm anything.
• First thought on the undies: Yeehaw! These are perfect. 
• First thought on Royce bra: Um, it comes in a box. That can't be good. And the size on the box is not the size I ordered (30 back size vs 32). Remember, a smaller back size also means a smaller cup size.
• First thought on Panache cami: This thing is freakin' huge.

The Try On:

• Freya Lacey: Awesome fit. Cute as can be. The end.

• Miss Mandalay Paris: Now, there wasn't such an element of surprise with the Freya undies, but I could only source the Miss Mandalay thong in XL. Usually I order thongs in UK brands in a size L because I don't like it when they dig in. I prefer slightly large over fitted. In other styles of underwear, I tend order a medium unless I read that the sizes fit very large or very small. Anyway you slice it, XL ain't my size. But Miss Mandalay undies do fit small so I took a chance. The outcome: Excellent fit. All round success.

• Royce Bra: I thought I was ordering the 32. Alas, I clicked on the 30. May I suggest you triple check your check-out queue before pressing buy? OK, when I put on a snug 30" band size, I understand how people say they feel constricted by their bras. Keep in mind my under bust size is 29.5". Technically, by "new standards", I should be wearing a 30 back. But this one, particularly, is EXTRA tight. Though I have some 30s (looser band models), in general I prefer a snug 32. I want to be able to fit 2 fingers under the back band and still feel like I can breathe in. (Katy: There you go. I'm not as hardcore as everyone says I am :-)) Furthermore, the cup size, in a 30 band, is equivalent to one size smaller than the 32. Between these 2 things, the bra is definitely too small. But there's a real silver lining. In the right size, I can tell it will be a) very comfortable and b) quite uplifting. It may not even squash boobs together the way other unwired bras tend to (to be seen).  At the bottom of this post you'll see my next steps.

• Panache Cami: Ha! OMG, what a disaster. Laughable disaster. Irritating, to be sure, but not unhappy-making. First off, all of the cups of this cami are mega-padded. Like, good luck finding your boobs in there. Secondly, the band and cups are INSANELY big. Like, I'd need to go down a back size (to a 30) and down 2 cup sizes to approximate fit. And then this thing would still be padded to hell. How do I know? Cuz after trying it on, I used the online chat feature on Figleaves (something I've done before with success) to ask all kinds of questions about both items (Royce bra and Panache cami), to determine how best to proceed.

The Outcome

Overall, with items received so far, this hasn't worked out too terribly. The undies are a win. The wild card purchases will require me to return those items at my own cost (and the cami is bulky, so it may cost more than usual). The Royce bra, I'll exchange for one in the 32, the cami for a refund.

I learned that the padded bra cami is NOT for me. I don't like padding, especially puff-ball padding. I think the sizing is really off. The cami itself was a dull black thing I could get anywhere.

I'm optimistic about the Royce. I can tell it will be comfortable in the right size. Furthermore, I asked the online chat SA about differences in sizes between one cup and the next and determined that I really can't size up a cup in this (on top of the size up that the 32 back will provide). It's so supportive I can easily wear it out (though it's cotton-ness would make it a bit sticky under some clothes). It gives a nice shape on the pointy end of the spectrum (the one I prefer). It's not ugly - nor is it fabulous. It's just what it proclaims to be.

Am I utterly thrilled with these outcomes to date? No. It's pretty unusual for me to buy 2 items and have to send them both back. But I acknowledged, before I purchased, that each was a long shot, so I was mentally prepared. They might both have been dead losses. As it is, when the new Royce is delivered (no charge for re-shipping new size), I will have a new sort of bra to entertain myself with (and to help others when they ask me for reviews).

Now this leads me to a slight concern about certain items in my next order. I ordered the Gem bra and my staple one cup size larger than I usually do (re: rationale from this post). It appears I may not be in the cup-size up-size category, despite my original thoughts. I may just have ordered a couple of small-fitting bras recently, in my regular size. The Fantasie beige bra is, apparently, a very large fit in the cups. I may well have bought my previous versions with this knowledge. This time I was so concerned not to order too small, that I may have overdone it. On the other hand, the Gem bra is a new Freya offering, and the bras that recently fit me, IMO, too snugly at the underarms, were both new Freyas. So maybe that'll work out alright. Worst case scenario, I send them back for new sizes. Not that it's fun, or terribly efficient, but it's all part of the adventure. Let's see how it plays out...

So, has anyone received her orders yet? Thoughts or feelings about my experience? Let's talk

Lingerie Shop Along: My Loot

OK, here's what I've purchased to meet the requirements of my lingerie refresh list. Keep in mind that I searched out promo codes (before this one was available through LCL) and managed to find some good deals:

1. The beige, seamless bra that works under everything:

Fantasie Smoothing Underwire Bra

This bra is a tricky fit, but if it works on you, it's genius. Note that the cups are molded in the sense that they have no seaming and the fabric is probably chemically altered to allow for shaping. However, the cups have no padding so it's the perfect seam-free, non-padded option - and the only one I've ever seen quite like it.  It is regularly priced $38.00 CDN on Figleaves. I got it for 20 per cent off of that - 30 bucks. When first I bought this bra in Toronto, more than a decade ago, it cost me $90.00. Given the amount I wear it, and the quality, it's worth $90.00.

2. The weird, soft cup "lounge bra":

Royce Charlotte Bra

Yeah, this is a wild card and I may well return it. For starters, who needs a bra to lounge in? Also, if it smushes my boobs together, as wire-free bras always do on women with actual cleavage because there's no separating gore, I can imagine it's going to irritate the crap out of me. But I'm game for a good experiment. And I will return it if I don't like it or if it doesn't fit. As it is, it regularly costs $35.00 CDN. I got it for $28.00. Note that some of my more outlandish experiments have yielded very useful results.

3. The cami with the built-in bra:

Panache Superbra Cami Top

I've wanted one of these since I saw the Bravissimo version in Breton stripes (no longer available). But Bravissimo's is padded and the cami looks baggy. I've also read the support on that brand's is pretty crappy.  The Panache Superbra, a variation of which is inserted into this cami, is a favourite of mine (and everyone else, it seems). It's actually one of those powerhouse bras you either love or hate. The cami above looks too long for me, but I can always serge off the extra fabric and hem it. Lord, did I just write that? Point is, it's easier to make the freakin' cami shorter than it is to find a supportive cami I can wear without a bra. It's regularly $41.00 CDN and I paid $32.00. Can't get a "regular" cami for that price.

This one's a wild card on fit, but I'm intrigued. And if it looks as badly proportioned on me as it does on that model (or as unsupportive), I will definitely send it back. Now's as good a time as any to remind you that these sites have more garments than models (of every conceivable size) to show them off to best advantage. With the knowledge I have of the brands I buy, I am often able to see beyond the photos. But sometimes, I just take a chance.

4. The replacement of the totally practical - and completely gorgeous - bra (the one I own is too large and the band too stretched):

Freya Arabella Plunge Bra

Really, this thing can be worn under practically everything and would as easily also hold its own in an "artful Hollywood" sex scene. It's regularly $47.00 CDN. I got it for $37.00 CDN. It looks like it cost $200.00. And the undies that match are all that.

5. / 6. The undies to add to sets I already own. I bought the bras at LCL a while ago. Now I'm following up with extras to increase the wearability of both sets:

Miss Mandalay Paris Thong

I actually own this bra and knickers in the cerise colour but I couldn't find a pic of the thongs...

Freya Lacey Thong

FYI, the Freya Lacey set is incredibly wearable and not at all a "boring basic".  This extra bottom will make it that much more useful.

While the Freya thong was regular price ($17.50 CDN), the Paris thong was half-price, also $17.50. And remember, the shipping on this order was free...

Now, stupidly, I didn't buy all of the goodies available through Figleaves in one go because I was really hoping to purchase the sassy set below from LCL. Obviously, I have a soft spot for LCL because they have excellent client service, really nice, well-curated stock and they ship for free anywhere in the world. (Somehow that never gets old. Free shipping is one of the best things on the planet.) Alas, my timing with LCL was off. And Figleaves received its shipment first. And because I found a promo code on Figleaves for 20 percent off - I couldn't resist snapping up the much desired, totally new:

7. / 8. Freya Gem Set

Freya Gem Balconette (The demi cup version for smaller sizes is superb to look at)

Freya Gem Brazilian Brief

This set, regularly-priced, is a very reasonable $50.00 for the bra and $22.00 for the undies. I can assure you, at a bricks and mortar store in TO, it will retail for $200 bucks before the tax. I got it for 20 per cent off, rounding the cost to a shocking $57.00. Yeah, I paid for shipping twice ($8.75) but this was still a steal.

I can't tell you how much I hope this fits well.

So, all in, including shipping, I spent $245.00. Do you not feel that's incredible value? In a worst case scenario, I'll be disappointed by fit and I'll have to return some merchandise, either for different sizes or because I just don't like what I receive. Worst part of that is hauling ass to the post office and paying to ship it back. All of these items are returnable for a full refund, minus shipping.

Do share your thoughts!

Lingerie Shop Along: This Post Comes With A Discount!

You may have lots of fun items in your virtual shopping bag, waiting for the right moment to press "Check Out Now". Some of them may not adhere to your list of required basics. Here's my opinion: If you can afford those things and you know there'll be a place for them in your wardrobe (presuming they fit and you decide to keep them), go on and buy. I mean, they're not cigarettes.

Now, you may not have all the cash in the world, or you may not have any space in your life for more pretty smalls, in which case it's time to cull the shopping bag.

In the event that there's nothing in your faves that even vaguely fits your budget, your job is to find something that approximates your desired object. If you want this Agent Provocateur, maybe this Passionata will fill the same niche. There's not a massive difference in price between these bras. I mean, neither is cheap, but you might find the Passionata on sale for a very good price.  Regularly well-priced online brands include Cleo, Curvy Kate, Gossard, Midnight Grace, Lepel, Figleaves brand and, by degrees, just about anything on sale.

Before closing the deal, I urge you to check out reader reviews associated with the online item. Or to search out additional reviews on lingerie blogs. These reviews may show you real people wearing the bras (those whose shapes you can relate to) who speak insightfully and honestly about the fit and quality of the bra in question. Bratabase might also be of interest to you. I can't really get into the site (it's a database in the midst of being populated) but some people swear by it.

Hopefully, your needs will align with your budget for this exercise, at which point you might want to see if you can save a little extra, just cuz.

And to assist you with this, I'm thrilled to say that the good peeps at LCL (Large Cup Lingerie) have offered to provide my fabulous readers with an additional 20% off all merchandise between now and Oct. 31! Just type KLINE into the discount code field. This is super useful because - between the free shipping you always receive from LCL, and this extra 20% discount - you're going to be able to save some serious cash! (FYI, LCL sells bras starting at a 28D and going up to 38HH / 40G. That's a pretty sizable span.)

For example:

Freya Lacey

The Freya Lacey - a fabulous basic with a bit of extra pretty thrown in - will cost you 23 pounds (approx $36.00 CDN) all in, delivered to your door in a lovely package!

Or how about this awesome, sassy (but also daily wearable) bra:

Miss Mandalay Paris Moulin

I own this one too - at first I was on the fence but now I love it. It's regularly 40 pounds, on sale for 25 pounds. With the reader discount, you can buy this bra for 20 pounds (approx $31.00 CDN) - or half price. I defy you to do better! Can't tell you how much I'd have to pay for it in a shop here... I've never actually seen this brand in Canada.

This brings me to my next point: I never buy online without seeking out a promo code, just like the one above. I use a variety of search terms i.e. promo code (insert name of shop), and I am frequently enough rewarded by an exciting discount.

Since I don't need to buy at any given moment, I can afford to wait for a good deal to come my way. And when it does, I POUNCE. Which is just what I did a few days ago. Wish I'd waited for this sale, in truth :-)

In closing, I speak to so many women who tell me how they'd be buying fabulous, perfectly-fitted bras like hot cakes, if only they weren't so pricey. I truly hope these women will avail themselves of this opportunity. And then comment or write about it!!

Next up: The gory details of my own online shopping trip.

How's the online shopping experience working out for you so far? Will you or have you availed yourself of the LCL discount? Let's talk!

Lingerie Shop Along: My List

Let's recap the online Lingerie Shop Along. So far, perhaps you've:

• Defined, for yourself, the meaning of "lingerie basics"
• Culled your lingerie drawers to determine which basics need replacing / stocking
• Determined the sites that suit your needs and stock our styles
• Bookmarked some faves, with nary a thought for practicality (step 1 of the purchase process)

Just so happens that I've done this too. See, while I have a very well stocked lingerie drawer, in general, I've discovered a few things lately:

• Due to hormonal changes (I suspect), my breasts have changed shape and size, slightly. Like most women, I have breasts of nominally different sizes (well disguised by good lingerie). In case you're unaware, one has to choose bra sizes to fit the larger breast. And, while I was between sizes before, leaning towards the smaller of two cup sizes, now I'm leaning towards the larger. My back circumference is unchanged. 

• I know all of this because I measure my under bust (ribcage just below the breasts), upper chest (circumference of the torso above the breasts) and full bust (right over nipples, wearing a bra) on a crazily regular basis.

• All of my lingerie is in very good shape but that doesn't mean it all fits optimally. I've taken the bras that don't fit, for one reason or another, and the matching undies, and moved them to my "later" drawer. FYI, I was also able to reclaim some of the items in my "later" drawer because those bras now fit. Like every woman on the planet, I'm a regular person who experiences small and occasional fluctuations in size and dimension. I don't judge, though I do pay attention. And, apparently, this has been happening for a decade, because that's how long I've been stocking the "later" drawer and calling on it when I do a refresh.

• A brief note about bra wear: Yeah, I have a lot of bras (though not as many as you would think). Admittedly, I have more bras in regular rotation right now than I did when I wrote that post... I can't remember ever "wearing out" a bra - other than the seamless beige ones that I wear into the ground. I treat them with love, natch, and I have enough to rotate them so that I never wear the same one 2 days in a row (a must to preserve the elastic). I also make sure only to buy bras with bands that are snug on the loosest hook so that, as those bands stretch (they all do), I won't find myself needing to repurchase due to looseness which spells the death of support. But the real reason I haven't worn out some of my 10 year old, most beloved bras is that they're super, freakin' well-made. I have one bra I've worn once a week for 10 years, no joke, and it's still fitting fantastically. So disabuse yourself of the notion that you're wasting your money when you spend on the good stuff.

• I'm simply finished with a few items. Strangely, they're the newer rather than the older ones. I've done a bit of experimenting with brands in the last couple of years and the quality of some of the bras I bought (the lower end brands) just doesn't appeal to me. It's hard to wear the less perfect (IMO - it's simply a matter of my perspective) when the more perfect is sitting right next to it. And the less pricey bras tend to fit more shallowly.

• This week I determined that I need: 

1. A replacement seamless beige bra (the same one I've worn in various similar sizes for a decade)
2. A replacement for one of my fave bras that is too large in the back (I have 2 pairs of undies that I can't wear as a result and the whole set is insanely sexy)
3. Extra undies to go with 2 bras I love and wear, but that I can't wear as often as I otherwise would because I've only got one pair of undies for each
4. A cami with a built in bra - an actual bra, not a whacky elastic shelf that does fuck all except compress your boobs, regardless of their size
5. A soft cup, unwired "wear around the house bra". Everyone's writing about them and I've bought the hype. Something tells me this is a scam, but these boobs aren't getting any perkier.
6. A special new set - a very specific one by Freya that just came out and that I've been waiting on tenterhooks to purchase for months

Yup, that's 4 bras (1 Fantasie, 2 Freya), three pairs of undies (2 Freya, 1 Miss Mandalay) and a camisole (Panache).

Wanna take bets on how much that's gonna cost me?

Lingerie Shop Along: Choosing Your Vendors

I've done a lot of online shopping research. I've purchased from Canada, the UK and America. There are a lot of good vendors out there (even on Ebay, apparently, which I look at occasionally but just can't get into). And I always seem to come back to my "standard 3": Figleaves (UK), Large Cup Lingerie - (heretofore known as LCL) and Bra Stop. Note that I am more than open to expanding the roster, just hasn't happened yet...

These brands cater to mid-cup to large-cup bras and have excellent selection for women of larger cup sizes and smaller band sizes. Figleaves, an extremely large company with an online US outpost, caters to shapes and sizes across the board. But keep in mind, if your breasts are rather petite, you may not be the target market for LCL and Bra Stop.

The Benefits of My Go To Online Shops

•  Figleaves UK: The stock is vast and the sizes numerous. This vendor is large enough to get frequent restock of popular bras, so if you miss the boat first time out, you may get a second shot at the bra that got away. The shipping charge is not overly onerous and reshipping is free. Packages tend to deliver very quickly to Canada (at least to me in TO). There are regular sales and readily available promotional codes (you can search the net for these and I'll chat more about them in another post). The client service is friendly and professional. You can access an online personal shopper to assist with sizing and selection.

• LCL: The client service is off the chain. This company makes use of social media to really connect with its clientele which gives it a modern edge. Furthermore, the stock is excellent (if much more curated that Figleaves'). The site is lovely and easy to navigate. It stocks the higher end brands, in general, so if you want to find Miss Mandalay or Freya, this is a good place to start. There are semi-regular sales. Recently, LCL started advertising 4-hr pop up sales on Twitter. But my FAVE feature is the free shipping world wide. You wanna win my heart. This is the way.

• Bra Stop: This is a site I use less frequently but, when the sales are good, you won't find a better deal anywhere. The product here is often discounted, sometimes deeply so. Which means you should check it often if you don't want your size to sell out. The shipping charge is not hideous, but I wouldn't want to pay more than the 7 pounds to Canada - and only if I were getting a really good deal on the merch. I suggest this site to younger women, often, because it stocks a lot of Curvy Kate and Flirtelle, brands that cater to youthful figures in style, price and support. They do have more high-end brands, but not the best selection. Delivery is prompt and service professional.

 All of these shops stock lounge wear, night wear and adorable swimsuits having actual support.

Some Other Well Known Online Shops

• Bravissimo (UK): To me, this site is like Figleaves, only more expensive. I visit often but I purchase elsewhere. I sense that this site caters more specifically to buxom women than Figleaves - and includes a clothing line. I'm not at the upper end of the bra size spectrum so I find the sites above to be very adequate. But perhaps if you have difficulty finding stock, this is a good starting off point. Remember though, it's pricier than other online boutiques and I don't think the price is warranted.

• HerRoom: It's American. I don't love the site design, though it does what it needs to. This site seems, frankly, frumpy. But it caters to C cups and above so there's a wide range.

• Lauren Silva: Also American. I've actually bought from here once - a long line bra I couldn't find anywhere else. It didn't fit. That bra was deeply discounted and the shipping was very reasonable. 

The thing about American sites is that they tend to sell American brands. American brands do not cater well to proportionately large busted women with narrow frames. Instead, they tend to cater to small women with small breasts or large women with large breasts. As a result, the US industry really is missing out on a significant (and growing) market share. Arguably, that's the subject of another post. As a generalization, I also find American brands to be kind of matronly. Especially above a D cup. (Obviously, this is simply my opinion. I'm not bashing the American bra industry. I'm telling it as I see it.)

• Butterfly Collection: This is a Canadian vendor, specializing in large cup bras, that's getting a lot of buzz for a lot of good reasons. Shipping is free to US and Canada. The stock is good, though not as extensive as most of the other vendors mentioned here. The blog, which accompanies this site, is a wealth of awesome information and I've frequently linked to it. You should bookmark it, no question. The owner of this online store is an approachable, female entrepreneur (unsurprisingly, she hails from England, land of the good bras). Furthermore, she offers Skype fittings - a pretty novel concept on the bra-shopping scene. She's been doing them for some time too. I would say, if you don't know your size - and you should have the best sense of this possible before starting to shop - that you might want to do a fitting with Claire or her staff. 

In truth, the reason I use the UK sites is because I find the stock to be extensive and the prices to be unbeatable. As you know, I buy a lot of lingerie (relatively speaking) so I have to consider the costs carefully. Butterfly is located in the West of Canada (probably as far from me as England, interestingly) and, even with free shipping, I can generally get better deals ordering from the UK. I tend to buy local or for best prices and, alas, this shop doesn't meet either of those criteria. Having said this, I do recommend this vendor for its excellent philosophy and client service. If you are just coming to terms with the fact that you've been in a very wrong bra size, if you feel nervous being fitted in a shop, if you need a body-positive experience to accompany your purchasing, I can't think of a better place to start.

So, today's exciting task is to check out these sites - or others you may know and love - and on the basis of what your culling exercise has told you, start looking at options in the appropriate size. Note: The appropriate size can be determined in a number of non-scientific ways, a few of which I'll touch on briefly, recognizing that this series isn't about sizing, but about purchasing on the basis of known size:

• Get a Skype fitting at Butterfly Collection or go to a local shop. I always suggest that, if the shop helps you to find your size, it's good form to buy at least one bra as a result of that fitting. Thereafter, you can always take your new info to the web for better deals.

• If you used to be in the right size (you know this for a fact, you're not just assuming), and your size has altered slightly from that initial size, use your best understanding to refit. For example: If you've lost a bit of weight, which is leaving your bands extra loose but isn't much impacting the way your boobs sit in the cups, go down a band size but don't forget to go up a cup size at the same time! This is extrapolation based on good information. If you're clueless about bra sizing, this isn't the tactic for you.

• Wing it. Buy a bunch of sizes online and be prepared to return most of them. Always go a back size smaller than you imagine you'll need unless you're very confident you know what size to choose. Clueless peeps, this isn't a terrible strategy, in the scheme of things, but it's not efficient and you need to have a high tolerance for multiple return cycles.

• I put no stock in 99.9% of bra fitting calculators, but this one seems fairly accurate based on a few anecdotal tries. It estimated my size accurately, which is something that no other calculator has done in the past.

When you find things you like, bookmark! Put them in the "shopping cart" (you don't have to buy, of course). Don't worry about cost or reality at this point. Just put together your own wishlist. You can be practical in the next step.

 Today's Questions:

• Have you shopped at any of these online boutiques?
• Can you tell us about another online site that you have used? Australians, please let us know how you source bras online. I know it's brutally expensive to ship...