Wednesday, December 17, 2014

'Tis The Season For Pajamas

Whether your lounge/sleep wear collection is fun or elegant, Belle Mode Intimates has got something for you!  Wearing good quality, comfortable sleep wear should be considered self maintenance such as a mani/pedi or wax.  Come treat yourself to a pair this holiday season.  






























Monday, December 8, 2014

Be A Little Naughty This Holiday Season

What else is better to heat up those winter nights with than some hot new lingerie?  At Belle Mode Intimates we carry a variety of classy, sexy, affordable negligee from some of the industries best!

LADIES: Surprise your man with a sexy gift that he will want to unwrap over and over again
GENTLEMEN: Show your loved one how much you desire her with an intimate gift that both of you can enjoy together

Check out what we have in stock for you ...






























Friday, December 5, 2014

Lingerie Terminology

Intimate apparel...we all wear it, but do we always know the proper terminology for the vast array of items that this category covers?  Unless you work within in the lingerie industry, chances are you probably didn't know there were so many distinguishable differences among types of bras, panties, sleepwear, and hosiery.  Ladies, once you've read this wealth of information you'll be an expert and it will be easier for you to find exactly what you are looking for!

DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF COVERAGE FOR DIFFERENT BREAST SIZES & SHAPES


Demi Cup: Translated as "half cup" from French, this cup style doesn't cover all of your breast tissue.  Great for low cut dresses and tops. 
Full Cup: This cup style covers almost the whole breast, which in turn provides excellent support and may make the wearer feel as if "everyone is in" with little or no jiggle. Contrary to popular belief, full cup styles are not only for large busted women, there are full cup options in almost every size.
Balconette or Balcony: This cup style typically covers 2/3 or 3/4 of the whole breast, leaving the top portion of the breast exposed.  This is a great style for those of us who are full busted, this is a great alternative to the demi style.
Plunge: the cups of a plunge bra are angled higher where the cup meets the strap and lower in the center where the two cups meet (the gore).  This is perfect for women who's breasts sit far apart.  
Petite: typically referring to C cup or smaller, petite bras can be available in the smallest cup size, AA.  In the bra world, petite does not refer to height, only cup volume.
Minimizer: bras that fall into this category are typically full coverage and are designed to flatten the protrusion of breast tissue so that from the side, you appear to have a bit less in the chest department.
Soft Cup: this style refers to the absence of underwire. 
Underwire: a bra that utilizes one "U" shaped wire in each cup to provide lift, shaping, and support of breast tissue. 

ALL KINDS OF CUPS

Contour: This type of cup will hold its shape even if you aren't in it!  They help to provide shape, support, and "headlight" coverage. Can come with or without padding or push-up.
Cut & Sewn: a.k.a. seamed cup; this type of cup is made with multiple sections of fabric sewn together to create a unique shape and to provide support.
Molded: Molded cups are made by sculpting the material (using heat so the material retains the shape) around a specially designed mold.  Typically, these types of cups are seamless.
Push Up: Gotta have cleavage?  This style creates lift by using extra padding in the bottom of the cup to push the breasts together. 
Spacer: These cups are made from light breathable materials.  This lighter foam also sits against your breast like a second skin, while providing moderate "headlight" coverage.


BRAS WITH A WARDROBE PURPOSE


Convertible: Wear it haltered, racerback, or in standard strap position, these styles are a versatile piece for your wardrobe.  All strapless bras are convertible, yet not all convertible bras are strapless. 
Strapless: Just like it sounds- a bra with no straps!  Don't forget, it's extra important to have a snug band fit and perfect cup fit since those straps are gone.
Bustier: A bra that has cups and extends to the waist or the hip-line to provide shaping of the waist, support, and lift.  Oftentimes used under formalwear for extra lift and a great foundation under a strapless gown. 
Corset: A heavily boned undergarment that works to constrict the waist while emphasizing the hips and bust.  Some corsets cover the bust, and some do not- the latter are called underbust corsets. Often corsets are worn under formal attire or for period costumes.
Racerback: This style has straps that are set in close at the back and typically have a front closure.  This strap setting allows your bra straps to remain hidden under certain garments and prevents them from falling off your shoulders.
Adhesive bras: These cups are lined with re-usable adhesive along the insides.  Most of the time they are backless, and strapless fixing what may seem to be at the time, an impossible outfit to pull off!
Cami-bra: A newer style of bra that has an additional band of fabric that sits across both cups and provides additional coverage and modesty for under a v-neck shirt or dress.


BRAS FOR WHEN YOUR BODY IS CHANGING


Post-surgical: A soft, breathable, comfortable bra to provide TLC while recovering.  
Mastectomy: After recovery, when it's time to say goodbye to your post-surgical styles, these styles have pockets to accommodate a prosthesis.  
Maternity: Designed for maximum comfort and support while your body undergoes the changes the justation period brings, maternity bras differ from nursing bras. 
Nursing Bra:  To help you get through the rigors of breast feeding, nursing bra styles have a clasp where each cup connects to the strap so that you can flip the cup down when it's time to feed your little one. 
Nursing Camisole: An ingenious invention, the nursing camisole helps to smooth out the midsection while providing support and the same ability nursing bras have for easy access for baby.
 

WARDROBE NECESSITIES


Full Slip: Covers from shoulders to hemline.
Half Slip: Starts at the waist, ends at the hemline.
Camisole: Typically sleeveless, a camisole is worn as a liner under a blouse, sweater, or dress.
Shapewear: a category of intimate apparel for shaping body contours to provide a smooth foundation for clothing to lay.
Bodysuit: a.k.a "all-in-one", this piece can have a built in bra or not and is designed to give a smooth torso under any outfit.

LEGWEAR


Pantyhose: worn for modesty and warmth as a leg covering, their sheerness is determined by the denier # (the higher the number, the closer to opaque).
Tights: Thicker than pantyhose and typically opaque, tights are another option worn for modesty and warmth.
Stockings: Garterbelt needed.  One for each leg, these have no panty attachment.
Thigh-highs or stay-ups: No garterbelt needed.  These stay up by the use of gripper bands at the tops of thigh.
Garters: Historically worn to hold up stockings, currently more for bridal traditions.
Garterbelt: Worn to hold up stockings (but can also be used with thigh-highs).


SLEEPWEAR & LOUNGE WEAR


Chemise: A knee length or shorter dress or slip style of nightwear.
Gown: A night gown longer than knee length, typically mid calf or ankle length.
Teddy: A garment that covers the torso and crotch in one piece.  Similar to a bodysuit but looser; in ready to wear, they call this a romper.
Babydoll:  A short, loose fitting nightgown or negligee; most of the time sheer.
Pajamas: A top and bottom set.  PJs come in a myriad of combinations- short sleeves with long pants, long sleeves with long pants, camisoles or tanks with shorts or capris...the list goes on.  Some pajama styles are interchangeable with loungewear or leisure sets and are designed with style and comfort in mind. You won't be afraid to answer the door unexpectedly if you're the appropriate loungewear!
Robe: Short, long, sexy, casual, lightweight, or warm and cozy, there's a robe out there for every woman!
Camisole and Tap Pants: Think tank top and shorts all dressed up!  The top can be a tank or have lingerie straps and the bottoms are a flirty version of boxer shorts. 
Peignoir: These days, this term usually refers to a robe and gown set that a bride would wear on her wedding night.  Historically, this term referred to a dressing gown style garment worn while readying oneself for the day or evening.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

#BraDropNOVA 2014 ... happening now!

 October has ironically been declared both Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as Bra Recycling Month.  Our goal is to bring the community together to celebrate two very important causes that we believe in here at Belle Mode Intimates

Last year during our 2nd Annual Bra Drop we collected just over 800 bras ... this year we are aiming for 1,000!  Come donate used bras before the month is over and get a free Pinkberry coupon for your efforts.  Bras of any condition, good, bad, or ugly, are welcome.  Bras that can still be used will be sent to our lady friends at New Endeavors by Women, a local shelter in DC to be put to good use.

A portion of the bras that are donated will be hung throughout the Fairfax Corner shopping center on October 26th to commemorate those who have suffered through Breast Cancer and to grow awareness about our Bras for Hope event that is taking place at the store from 12pm-6pm on the 26th.

Thank you to the Alpha Omicron Pi's from George Mason University that volunteer with us each year

At the event we will be handing out information regarding breast health and encouraging ladies of all ages to take preventative measures and start performing self examinations regularly.  We will also have two CMF's (Certified Mastectomy Fitters) here at the store doing Mastectomy bra fittings for anyone who has undergone or is undergoing Breast Cancer treatment.

Introducing Mastectomy Fittings at Belle Mode Intimates 








Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Thank You To Our Sponsors, Miss Vietnam DC, and Other Local Businesses!

We are excited to announce that Miss Vietnam DC 2014, Loney Nguyen, will be in attendance at our 3rd Annual Bras for Hope event this Sunday 10/26!

Loney's effort to collect used bras from ladies in the community and help spread the word to young ladies about the importance of breast health has been tremendous, we can't thank her enough!  Having such a lovely role model in the Asian community get involved with our event is exciting and empowering for young ladies to help support a cause that they believe in. 



Gift w/purchase sponsors for the event:  The following designers that we do business with have donated gifts for us to give out when something from their company is purchased.

Hanky Panky - Signature lace thong
Chantelle - Lingerie wash bag & detergent
Natori - Socks
Wacoal - make-up case
Panache - Beach tote & mirror for your purse 
Fleur't - Lulu boy pants
Montelle - Cheeky panties
Cosabella - Never Say Never thong


Dr. Marie Quinn, a trained radiologist and breast imaging fellow from from George Washington Univeristy Hospital, will be in attendance to talk to our guests about the importance of maintaining your breast health, self examinations, and more! 



Homemade delicious treats locally made!  Aurora's Table is a local business owned by our one and only Natalie Ortiz here at Belle Mode.  Natalie has a B.A. in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management and has worked at one of the largest catering companies in the DC area.  Her cooking is fantastic and she will be providing us with mouth watering pink mini cupcakes.



Other local businesses that are donating something to our raffle drawing and SWAG bags: TBA



Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Belle Mode Intimates Launches Mastectomy Fittings

Belle Mode Intimates will officially be the only lingerie boutique to provide products & services to women who have undergone breast cancer treatment in all of Fairfax County.  Our launch for this venture will be during our 3rd Annual Bra Drop & Bras for Hope Event on October 26th so SAVE THE DATE and come out to celebrate.


Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month has become a trend throughout the country during the month of October and we are indeed on board.  It's a blessing to be able to expand our product line and services to such an under-served crowd in the lingerie industry as they deserve to feel beautiful and be comfortable along with the rest of us.  Belle Mode has chosen to carry a very well known German designer Anita Care to work with in doing so. 


Sneek a peek at Anita Care 2014


READ UP MORE ON ANITA CARE HERE


Friday, August 22, 2014

Change of Season Blowout Sale!


As the seasons change we see colors come and go, our designers discontinue styles, and we're ready to make room for new merchandise.  This weekend at Belle Mode Intimates, we will be doing just this!  Join us Saturday August 23rd - Tuesday August 26th for some great deals on some of your favorite bras and all of our cup sized swim wear.

Below are some of the styles that will be marked at 40% off their original price.


The Little Bra Company Nicole Bra

Wacoal Full Figure Alluring Bra

Eberjey Heather Slouchy T-Shirt and Short Set

Wacoal Retro Chic Bra and Panty
 
Chantelle Orsay Bra

Wacoal Embrace Lace Chemise

Betsey Johnson Wild About You Bra and Panty

Elle Macpherson Bare and Bold Bra

Natori Lotus Edge Bra

Natori Reflex Racerback Bra

Wacoal Embrace Lace Underwire Bra and Panty

B.Tempt'd Full Bloom Bra

Panache Halle Plunge Tankini

Freya Cha Cha Halter Bikini

Panache Britt Swimsuit

November Rush Racer Back
Wrap Up by VP Beach Cover-Up

... AND MUCH MORE!