The weekend before last was a lot of firsts for me: first trip to a brick-and-mortar Lane Bryant store, first time in about a year of shopping at a mall, and most importantly, it was the first time I bought a convertible bra that actually fit.
Yes, indeed - the convertible bra. The convertible bra entices us with its promises of ultimate versatility and maximum variety, but the road to completion seems rather high. Finding a bra in my size is already difficult; couple that with our halter-cum-racerback-cum-strapless buddy, and things can get mighty hairy.
There’s been a lot of bra talk lately. For me, keeping my stable of bras in good shape is a challenge - you get what you pay for. Being the cheerful college student I am, indulging in $20-$40 bras frequently just isn’t on the menu. This is something that all women bemoan, I’m quite sure. If you can find me a lady that doesn’t need a bra, I can almost guarantee you she’s not plus size. I pepper my sentiment with ‘almost’, because I’ve been proven wrong before.
I recounted a downright tearjerker to the bra saleslady at Lane Bryant, who quickly whipped out her measuring tape and got my numbers. It’s always nicer when someone else can size you - I’m always just a hair off, but it makes my clothes a touch more comfy.
No one really remembers the pitch. I think we get caught up in the home run, the way the crowd goes wild and the batter runs like hell through the bases. Sales is no different - I can’t talk about the result without at least a cursory mention of how I got there.
The saleslady and I talked briefly about my fashion style, particularly what shirts I like to wear. After waffling between blouses, camis, and halter-tops, she suggested to me the Bra6.
At $42, the Bra6 is definately an investment. I’ve seen far more expensive bras on the market though, and experienced trouble with them. I personally own this bra - I’m currently wearing it, or I’d snap a physical picture of it.
Now, while we’re talking about cost, let’s be real for a second: cost is relative. I’m sure there are some of you ladies out there that wouldn’t look twice at buying this bra. It goes without saying that there are plenty of ladies in the other camp. Unfortunately, well-fitting clothes and undergarments have become a bit of a luxury. I think this is an investment that deserves space in any lady’s bra-and-panty drawer.
The bigger question then, is simply: Is it worth it?
YES! Let me expand on this a little bit:
This bra has got to be one of the softest materials I’ve ever had for a bra. It makes it a delightful experience when I put it on. It definately holds up to the stress of the day - I feel good wearing this bra - it holds up well to the stress of the day.
I definately noticed a very nice lifting action with this bra. Before with other bras, my breasts sort of just looked saggy and lifeless - as if my chest had aged before I did! With the Bra6, My chest actually sits where it should, giving my profile an accentuated curvy look.
I’m currently wearing it in the traditional style, but I’ll most likely convert it to strapless for my spaghetti-strap tank. Or maybe I’ll use clear straps. Indeed, the Bra6 is versatile, with 6 different styles to choose from: traditional, cross-back, one-strap, halter, strapless, and even interchangeable back. You can check out the style types at Lane Bryant’s website.
Had to include this point, of course. There’s nothing wrong with wanting our bras and panties to accentuate what we have, to make us feel sexy and desirable! It takes far less energy to love your curves than to give a list of things you hate about them. Far. less. energy.
We just can’t have pros without cons, can we? No product is perfect - the day I personally review a product with no flaws will be the day that Bill Gates runs Linux on his personal laptop and Warren Buffett gives away buckets of his money. Okay, one condition has already been met, but this is an AND operation, not an OR one.
Woefully irrevelant computer jokes aside, the Bra6 may feel limiting to some. I’m a 44D and I noted that if I don’t sit properly, the underwire tends to feel noticeable. After I adjusted the bra, though, this went away. If you know you’re more than a 44D/DD/etc, perhaps a bra extender may solve the problem. I haven’t looked into that yet, though.
The Bra6 does resemble a computer problem, in that the user interface needs a little work. In order to enjoy the benefits of the Bra6, you have to learn to put it on. Whatever way you’re used to putting on your bras, give it up. Put the Bra6 on like a shirt, slipping one strap over your arm and then wrapping the back part around you. Close the side clasp (yes, it’s a side clasp number), then place the other strap over your other arm. It’s slightly confusing, but still very doable.
Note: the above directions are for wearing the Bra6 like a traditional bra. I’m not certain how much they apply if you’re wearing it halter or cross-back. Naturally, if you’re wearing it in the one-strap version, these directions will mostly apply.
Right now, I’m in happy-bra-customer land. While the $42 is still solely missed in my wallet, I comfort myself with this: better to purchase a $42 bra that I actually like than six $7 bras that leave me none too satisfied.
Update: Glen noted that the Bra6 doesn’t fit our extra-curvy friends. Upon further glance, I noticed that the maximum size for this bra is a 44DD! That’s not nearly enough, and I apologize to the curvy ladies I left out with this post. Hat tips to Glen for pulling me back into perspective. — DG
A good friend of mine put me back into focus on a lot of things, including blogging. I think sometimes we can get sidetracked - it’s nice to know that others are thinking about what you do. Deluxegrrl is a passion of mine, similar to my other passions.
I want to give you ladies the very best — it must be that latent parenting gene kicking in at the last minute. I think about great outfits, but I’m also interested in branching out. I’ve covered all my favorite stores — Lane Bryant, Overstock, Bare Necessities, and Fashion Bug, but I think there’s an entire world out there that I’m missing.
Fashion is a double-edged sword. Dismissed by non-followers as trendy, non-essential tripe and hailed by followers as an essential part of everyday life, there’s a lot of differing perspectives on fashion. Here are mine:
As the consumer, I always have the choice in the end. Don’t want a store credit card? Don’t get one. Settle only if you want to. If that purple-red-and-white shirt makes your world light up, wear it! Fashion rules were meant to be broken, mended, left in a tiny room with no windows, and then broken again. Follow the rules if it adds value, walk away if it adds frustration.
I could list out factors that change fashion, I suppose: namely, size. However, aren’t we still left lusting after what a celebrity wore, or what your cousin slipped on while she went down to the courthouse? Plus size fashion is still fashion - we still covet what we see. The difference is in the acquisition, not the dream.
Good graphic design draws from the world around the designer — why shouldn’t you derive inspiration from your environment. I’m a shameless reader of Glamour - and even though they aren’t the world’s leader in plus size fashion, I still cut out things I like. It’s getting easier to find pieces that are similar, if not dead-on, to how you want to look. It’s still a hard road, but remember that dreaming is like being a kid in a 24-hour candy store with an unlimited expense account from Mom and Dad. Don’t be afraid to take something and make it yours, even if it stays in your mind. Ownership of ideas often starts in the mind — don’t stress if you can’t turn ideas into physical reality.
I like to be comfortable. Whether I’m in a suit or I’m in a cami and jeans, I must be comfortable. If you’re a fan of flat or low-heeled shoes, stay that way! If you prefer a heel, go for it! No one can measure your comfort — as the consumer, it’s up to you to define your sense of comfort. I’m comfortable in a long “sheet” dress — others may be at home in a t-shirt and jeans. I know my fiancee loves his collection of t-shirts and blue jeans, while I prefer a more “business casual” look.
You know why celebs always look “good”? Because they have a small army of people prepping, pressing, and primping them at every turn. If you don’t have the population of California working for the betterment of your mind, body, and soul, don’t fret — you can still take steps to keep yourself refreshed and on top of things. Don’t let Hollywood get to you — relax! Fashion is an expression of the individual, not the majority. Conformity, like size, is always relative.
My fashion style is based on these ideals. I want to be comfortable, I want to feel good about what I wear. When I go out into public, I’m representing myself, my family, and all those that I’m closely associated with. I don’t panic anymore if something wrinkles or I’m aligned funny. I know that the clothes I wear make me feel good, and that’s one less thing to worry about in the great todo list of life.
So, what’s your fashion style? Do you use “buzzwords” (bohemian, goth, preppy) to define your style, or are you a finely tuned mashup?
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dee·lux·GRRL n.An intelligent, dynamic female who isn't afraid to take risks, take time for herself, or create her own unique style!
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