Belle Mode Intimates just made it through our second week in business and have high hopes for the future of our store. Here are some photos of the store after about 60% of it was fit up.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Size Me Up Please!
First of all, I would like to address the fact that no women has ONE bra size. Wouldn't that be nice if we could just buy bras that are appealing to us without taking the time to try them on? Well sorry ladies, it just doesn't work that way. We see it all the time. Women come into the store and buy bras in "their size" without trying them on and most of the time they come back unsatisfied.
So what are some reasons for this madness?
1. All companies cut their bras using their own measurements.
2. All styles are cut differently. For example, full coverage bras run differently than demi cut bras, etc.
3. The material that the bra is constructed out of plays a big roll. Does the cup have a lining in it? Is there a pad?
So the why take measurements at all?
Measurements really just give the professional who is doing your fitting an approximate size to start at. Honestly. as a professional I could come up with a more accurate size by just looking at you than I do with the measuring tape. It is after the measurements when trying on bras that we find customers correct sizes.
How do you get measurements using the tape?
Make sure you are wearing you most supportive, non padded bra in order to get the most precise results.
STEP 1: Take the measuring tape and measure directly under your bust line with the tape parallel to the floor. Pull the tape together tightly so that the tape is snugly against the skin. Round up or down to the closest whole number of inches. Add 4 to that number and this will give you your likely band size.
STEP 2: Measure around the fullest part of your breast with the tape parallel to the floor. Round up or down to the nearest inch as you did with the band size. Subtract the first measurement from the second measurement. Use the chart below to match the difference with the projected cup size.
Difference (inches) / Cup Size
0-1 / A
1-2 / B
2-3 / C
3-4 / D
4-5 / DD
5-6 / DDD or E
What is the best way to bra shop?
Find a small boutique that performs bra fittings. Here they will be able to spend the proper amount of time with you that you need. Make sure it is a place that you feel comfortable with because bra fittings can be a vulnerable experience for some ladies. Also, make sure that you trust the employee's there and are confident that they have your best interest at heart and nothing else!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Best Bra Styles for Summer
It's summer time y'all and the fashion industry has yet again come out with adorable outfits that are not so practical to work with the average girls lingerie wardrobe. One shoulder dresses, low back dresses, strappy and strapless tops and lighter color to partially sheer clothing ... What you are wearing underneath your clothing to support your girls is just as important as what is on the outside. Make a trip to your local bra boutique and check out the following bra styles to coordinate with your trendy closet.
Strapless bra - ideal for a strapless dress or top
Ladies with smaller breasts can get away with bandeau bras which are incredibly comfy and come in all sorts of colors. Ladies with bigger bust sizes tend to think that strapless bras just don't work for them. This is not true, you just need to find a well fitted bra and shop at a store that carries the correct sizes! When purchasing strapless bras it is good to go down a band size in order to get the proper support around your rib cage and up a cup size to maintain appropriate coverage. Make sure you have a bra specialist you trust help you find a strapless that fits as no one wants to be adjusting their ill fitting bra all night long!
Convertible bra - works for one-shoulder clothing, halter tops and racer back tops and dresses and low back dresses
Convertible bras are really made for all sorts of purposes and are the most versatile style on the market which is why 99% of strapless bras come with straps and the convertible option. These bras have detachable and changeable straps that can accommodate a one-sided shirt, a halter or criss-cross top or a racer-back tank top. Dresses that dip in the back are best worn with a convertible bra.
Camisole bra - meant to wear with clothing that might be a bit revealing
Cami bras are not only meant to hide unwanted skin and cleavage, but are also are engineered in a way that give amazing support. They function like a camisole does but requires less layering and is more breathable which is needed during the summer months!
Adhesive bra - strapless, backless outfits
Totally free from every strap and side extension. Silicone bra cups for most natural look and feel. Self supportive and reusable. Front closure for cleavage look. Need I say anymore? All women who have A-DD cups should invest in one. It is well worth it!
Smooth molded t-shirt bra - ideal for very thin tee shirts and semi-sheer white clothing
Lighter colors and thinner fabrics are both brought out for the summer months and need the appropriate bra worn underneath in order to prevent lines from showing. Therefore, investing in a well fitted molded tee shirt bra with no seams will be key for many outfits. Also, with a molded bra you will avoid that awkward situation of having your nipples pop up during random times.
Colorful or patterned bra straps - used to spice up any outfit and to make a fashion statement
Displaying your bra underneath your outfit can either be annoying or eye-catching and is sometimes a better option than finding a bra that will be hidden underneath your clothes. Nowadays it is acceptable for women to flaunt their bras and I suggest you take full advantage of this luxury the next chance you get as it can be extremely powerful and appealing to all!
Strapless bra - ideal for a strapless dress or top
Ladies with smaller breasts can get away with bandeau bras which are incredibly comfy and come in all sorts of colors. Ladies with bigger bust sizes tend to think that strapless bras just don't work for them. This is not true, you just need to find a well fitted bra and shop at a store that carries the correct sizes! When purchasing strapless bras it is good to go down a band size in order to get the proper support around your rib cage and up a cup size to maintain appropriate coverage. Make sure you have a bra specialist you trust help you find a strapless that fits as no one wants to be adjusting their ill fitting bra all night long!
Convertible bra - works for one-shoulder clothing, halter tops and racer back tops and dresses and low back dresses
Convertible bras are really made for all sorts of purposes and are the most versatile style on the market which is why 99% of strapless bras come with straps and the convertible option. These bras have detachable and changeable straps that can accommodate a one-sided shirt, a halter or criss-cross top or a racer-back tank top. Dresses that dip in the back are best worn with a convertible bra.
Camisole bra - meant to wear with clothing that might be a bit revealing
Cami bras are not only meant to hide unwanted skin and cleavage, but are also are engineered in a way that give amazing support. They function like a camisole does but requires less layering and is more breathable which is needed during the summer months!
Adhesive bra - strapless, backless outfits
Totally free from every strap and side extension. Silicone bra cups for most natural look and feel. Self supportive and reusable. Front closure for cleavage look. Need I say anymore? All women who have A-DD cups should invest in one. It is well worth it!
Smooth molded t-shirt bra - ideal for very thin tee shirts and semi-sheer white clothing
Lighter colors and thinner fabrics are both brought out for the summer months and need the appropriate bra worn underneath in order to prevent lines from showing. Therefore, investing in a well fitted molded tee shirt bra with no seams will be key for many outfits. Also, with a molded bra you will avoid that awkward situation of having your nipples pop up during random times.
Colorful or patterned bra straps - used to spice up any outfit and to make a fashion statement
Displaying your bra underneath your outfit can either be annoying or eye-catching and is sometimes a better option than finding a bra that will be hidden underneath your clothes. Nowadays it is acceptable for women to flaunt their bras and I suggest you take full advantage of this luxury the next chance you get as it can be extremely powerful and appealing to all!
Free give-away:
One person will win a chance to shop and try on these different bra styles with a bra fitting specialist at Belle Mode Intimates. At the end of their shopping experience we will treat them to a bra of their choice from the styles that are featured in this BLOG! (you have to either be following our BLOG or our Facebook page in order to win)
How to enter:
Let us know which bra style is most important to have in your wardrobe by commenting below or share this BLOG entry on your Facebook page
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