This past weekend, Victoria's Secret was having a "Find your perfectly fitting bra fit event." I can't read that without two reactions. The first is my usual scoff, and the second is feeling like I'm being dared. So, what the heck? Why not see what is new down at my local VS superstore. I talked my mom into going with me, and it just so happened that she was the one who ended up getting fitted!
When we first walked in, we did see some very pretty styles. A lot of lace and sparkle, and what girl doesn't like lace and sparkle? (well, I know you are out there!) We found a VS worker wearing a tape measure around her neck and said we were looking to get fitted with the "perfectly fitting bra" promotion. She told us that promotion had ended early (riiight... I guess it had something to do with if you bought your 'perfect bra' you'd get a free perfume sample- but they'd run out of samples.... which means a whole lot of women got bras that probably didn't fit so well). She radioed back to the fitting rooms, and then led us through the maze that is Victoria's Secret back to the fitting rooms. The fitter loosely measured my mom above her breasts and then over the fullest part, and declared 34DDD. She ran out of the room and came back with one bra for her to try. We did voice our concerns that VS might not work out, my mom wears a 30GG/H. The fitter, who was quite nice, said a 34DDD could work out.
She left the room so my mom could get into the bra, and when my mom was ready, she pressed a little button the the room and the fitter came back right away. What was interesting about a fitting at VS is that the fitter was very hands off. Which, I suppose makes women more comfortable? The fitter asked my mom how the bra fit. She never once mentioned any of the issues that the bra had. We both were commenting that if we weren't as educated about how a bra should fit, we would have deemed the first bra a success. My mom wasn't spilling out of the top of the cup, but the band was super loose, and the underwires were no where near close to touching her ribcage. The fitter mentioned none of this. My mom mentioned that the back felt a bit loose and the fitter did a light tug, and then left to get another style in the same size.
Bra number two didn't fit any better. In fact this one, she was spilling out of the top. The fitter asked where my mom finds her bras. She was wearing her Ewa Michalak bra and showed it to the fitter. The fitter admitted at VS she is a 34DDD, but at Nordstrom's she is 32F. I doubted that she was a 32, but she told us that she measured at a 31 ribcage. I was itching to measure her, but didn't. We explained more about Ewa Michalak, and she was interested in ordering from her, so I gave her the website and explained about my blog (maybe she is reading this right now!?). I asked her why she had measured over the breast to get the size and she honestly answered, "I don't know." She did say that if it seemed like the woman is between sizes, the measure under to double check.
We were told that VS is starting to carry some 30 bands in the store, but only in A and B cups. My mom told her to let VS corporate know that they need to expand the 30 band into larger cup sizes (larger than DDD!).
So while VS was the bust we expected it to be (no pun intended, yet there it is!), and we didn't find our "perfectly fitting bra," we didn't have an awful experience (and we got an honest fitter!), but I guess that is what happens when you have no expectations.
What disappointed me the most is that there was no effort to teach women about proper bra fitting. Yes, they measure you and bring you bras, but it was made very clear that you need to know for yourself how a bra should fit- because you'll be getting no help from the fitter. They will sell you anything just to make a buck. I can only hope that there are women out there whom have found my blog and learned what a good fit should look and feel like, and will never feel lost in a lingerie fitting room again!
<3
Laura
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Curvy Kate Smoothie and Panache Superbra Moulded Plunge
Last post, I talked about how frustrated I was with ordering my Curvy Kate Smoothie bra from Bare Necessities. In the end, I ordered my replacement size from Amazon.
And the verdict is..... Almost perfect! Well, a lot of bras are almost perfect on me, but the absolute perfect bra seems to keep eluding me. So let me explain what I loved about this bra and what didn't work for me.
Let's start with the good things. I loved the design. Who doesn't like a subtle animal print? I think it is wonderful for a brand to come out with a fun little twist like that on what is usually a boring solid color! I also loved that the center gore (the middle part of the bra that connects the cups) sat a little higher up than my Freya Deco. I felt that the Smoothie gave a little more coverage for a plunge than most others. The straps were comfortable- and overall, the whole bra was very comfortable!
So what didn't work for me? First, and most obvious, the band was too big. You should never, ever start with a new bra on the last hook. You always want it on the very first hook because over time, the elastic stretches and you can move the hooks in with wear. Your bras will last you longer doing this. Secondly, I seem to be in between cup sizes. The 28HH was for sure a little too big and the 28H was very close to being too small! However, I do have to say that the cups had a better fit than my Freya Deco.
So, I'll take this opportunity to plead with Curvy Kate to please, please, please make the bands of the Smoothie a bit tighter?? (Or maybe 26 bands??) It really is the one main thing keeping this from being my prefect bra!
Oh, and did I neglect to mention that next season, the Smoothie will be coming out in a nude "Blush" and a pink "Raspberry?" I can't wait!!
Next up is the Panache Superbra Porcelain Plunge in 28H.
I was hopeful for this one, and again there was something that worked, and something that didn't- this time it was reversed from the CK Smoothie. The band was a great fit (almost too tight to do up), but the cups were too small! Unfortunately for me, Panache only makes it up to an H cup. So, back to the store it will go.
I am keeping both of my Smoothies because you never know when you'll need the next cup size up. Maybe I can find someone in town to alter the bands down for me.
<3
Laura
And the verdict is..... Almost perfect! Well, a lot of bras are almost perfect on me, but the absolute perfect bra seems to keep eluding me. So let me explain what I loved about this bra and what didn't work for me.
Let's start with the good things. I loved the design. Who doesn't like a subtle animal print? I think it is wonderful for a brand to come out with a fun little twist like that on what is usually a boring solid color! I also loved that the center gore (the middle part of the bra that connects the cups) sat a little higher up than my Freya Deco. I felt that the Smoothie gave a little more coverage for a plunge than most others. The straps were comfortable- and overall, the whole bra was very comfortable!
So what didn't work for me? First, and most obvious, the band was too big. You should never, ever start with a new bra on the last hook. You always want it on the very first hook because over time, the elastic stretches and you can move the hooks in with wear. Your bras will last you longer doing this. Secondly, I seem to be in between cup sizes. The 28HH was for sure a little too big and the 28H was very close to being too small! However, I do have to say that the cups had a better fit than my Freya Deco.
So, I'll take this opportunity to plead with Curvy Kate to please, please, please make the bands of the Smoothie a bit tighter?? (Or maybe 26 bands??) It really is the one main thing keeping this from being my prefect bra!
Oh, and did I neglect to mention that next season, the Smoothie will be coming out in a nude "Blush" and a pink "Raspberry?" I can't wait!!
Next up is the Panache Superbra Porcelain Plunge in 28H.
I was hopeful for this one, and again there was something that worked, and something that didn't- this time it was reversed from the CK Smoothie. The band was a great fit (almost too tight to do up), but the cups were too small! Unfortunately for me, Panache only makes it up to an H cup. So, back to the store it will go.
I am keeping both of my Smoothies because you never know when you'll need the next cup size up. Maybe I can find someone in town to alter the bands down for me.
<3
Laura
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Disappointment with Bare Necessities
The other week, I had ordered a Curvy Kate Smoothie bra from Bare Necessities in 28HH. I was pleased with the quick shipping, and had the bra in my hands within a week. The size was a little off for me, so the day after I received the bra in the mail, I went back to Bare Necessities to order a 28H. To my surprise, they had no Curvy Kate under a 32! What happened?? I sent an email to them to see, and what they responded with has me very disappointed. According to Donna Bartos, they will no longer be stocking Curvy Kate in 28 or 30 bands!! I see they still have 28 and 30 bands in other brands, so why stop with Curvy Kate?
Luckily, I was able to find the Smoothie bra on Amazon. Once I receive it, I will do a review on it. I have a feeling that I am really going to like this bra, especially since it will soon be coming out in a nude and bright pink! I am very upset at Bare Necessities for this change and did ask why they have made this decision, but have yet to hear a response back. If or when I do, I will report back!
<3
Laura
Luckily, I was able to find the Smoothie bra on Amazon. Once I receive it, I will do a review on it. I have a feeling that I am really going to like this bra, especially since it will soon be coming out in a nude and bright pink! I am very upset at Bare Necessities for this change and did ask why they have made this decision, but have yet to hear a response back. If or when I do, I will report back!
<3
Laura
Friday, October 5, 2012
Elation
They are available on E-Bay for $9.95, and it shipped very quickly. In no time at all, I had my very own Rixie Clip!
Thanks to Curvy Wordy's post and photos, the clip was easy to put on my bra. This thing is genius! I was hoping I would love it as much as I do. While on, I don't even feel like there is extra stuff going on back there. The only semi-problem I have with it is the width.
As you can see, it's not as wide as my bra band (Freya Deco), even though both are two hooks.
Here is the back. It sits pretty flush and here, you can kind of see the bunching that occurs due to the width issue.
Here is another picture where you can see the bunching.
All in all, this is a fabulous product and is perfect for bras that need additional tightening! I do hope that in the future that they will add in additional widths. It worked pretty well on my Deco, but I also just bought a Curvy Kate Smoothie bra, and there would be no way I could use my Rixie Clip on that, because that is even wider of a band than the Deco! I have worn the Rixie Clip on my bras every day since I've gotten it in the mail!
<3
Laura
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Seeking the Perfect Bra...
We all do it. We find something that fits, and get it in every color and style available. We tell our friends and families about our amazing finds. Sometimes, it is a great thing. Sometimes, it feels more like a rut. I think I'm in a bit of a bra rut. I usually wear slightly ill fitting Freya Deco's in 28GG, or modified 30G. I also swap in 28HH Ewa Michalak plunge bras- which is the closest to the "deco" shape that I can find. The problem with the Freya brand is that their bands tend to be on the loose side. What I mean by that is a Freya 28 band feels more like another brand's 30 band. For example, the 28 bands on my Ewa Michalak, for the first couple of wears, I needed band extenders because the band was a bit too snug. With the Freya Deco 28 band, the first time I put it on I was wearing it on the tightest hook (you always want to start on the loosest hook and move in as the elastic stretches with wear). So, as excited as I was about the release of the new Freya Deco 28GG, it's close, but still not quite right.
So what is a girl to do when her favorite bra shape-wise just doesn't work size-wise? Keep looking. Which lead me to Ewa Michalak. Her bras are beautiful, soft, comfortable, and reasonably priced. So far, I've only tried her plunge style. Size-wise, it's a great fit. Shape-wise, I don't get as much lift as I'd like. I want to try her half-cup style, but I have a history of that shape not working well for my body-type and the size I am in Ewa means they are custom made and non-returnable. The Big Bra Bar stocks some Ewa Michalak bras, but none in my 28HH at the moment. The good thing about ordering from TBBB is that if you need a 'custom' size of EM you are able to return it to them if the bra doesn't work out. (The Big Bra Bar stocks many 26 banded EM bras.)
There are very few companies that make a moulded cup in GG+. I adore the Panache Cleo Jude , but sizing stops at a G. Panache's Super Bra line does have a bra that have on order, and that is the Porcelain Plunge .
I'm hopeful for this one. It doesn't come in the same color selection as the Deco (Grape Purple is coming out for the Deco... I want it, even if it might not fit perfectly), but it is a gorgeous bra! I had the chance last year to try the Panache Cleo Juna and while the shape was okay, the center gore was too high for my shape. I tried it a few times and still have the scars to prove it. A high center gore just does not work for me, which is why the plunge style works well for me- the center gore on a plunge is shorter.
The other option I am hopeful about is the Curvy Kate Smoothie which is the only moulded cup bra up to a J! I have heard that the band on this is also loose, but I have one on order and am really excited to try it out.
Another thing that might help me in the fit of my slightly too-large-in-the-band bras is a new item that I first saw on Curvy Wordy's blog, and it's called a Rixie Clip (see the review here ). It is a clip with a bra band attached. Curvy Wordy has step by step photos which explains the product and the process much better than I could do. It seems like a brilliant idea, and could just maybe solve my bra issues. Even if the Porcelain Plunge or the Curvy Kate Smoothie work great, I think a Rixie Clip will still come in handy. It is only $10 and can slide on to any of your bras.
I look forward to the arrival of the Panache, Curvy Kate, and Rixie Clip. Trying new things isn't always easy. I will let you know how they work out!
<3
Laura
Freya Deco Plunge
Ewa Michalak Malachit Plunge
So what is a girl to do when her favorite bra shape-wise just doesn't work size-wise? Keep looking. Which lead me to Ewa Michalak. Her bras are beautiful, soft, comfortable, and reasonably priced. So far, I've only tried her plunge style. Size-wise, it's a great fit. Shape-wise, I don't get as much lift as I'd like. I want to try her half-cup style, but I have a history of that shape not working well for my body-type and the size I am in Ewa means they are custom made and non-returnable. The Big Bra Bar stocks some Ewa Michalak bras, but none in my 28HH at the moment. The good thing about ordering from TBBB is that if you need a 'custom' size of EM you are able to return it to them if the bra doesn't work out. (The Big Bra Bar stocks many 26 banded EM bras.)
There are very few companies that make a moulded cup in GG+. I adore the Panache Cleo Jude , but sizing stops at a G. Panache's Super Bra line does have a bra that have on order, and that is the Porcelain Plunge .
The other option I am hopeful about is the Curvy Kate Smoothie which is the only moulded cup bra up to a J! I have heard that the band on this is also loose, but I have one on order and am really excited to try it out.
Curvy Kate Smoothie
Another thing that might help me in the fit of my slightly too-large-in-the-band bras is a new item that I first saw on Curvy Wordy's blog, and it's called a Rixie Clip (see the review here ). It is a clip with a bra band attached. Curvy Wordy has step by step photos which explains the product and the process much better than I could do. It seems like a brilliant idea, and could just maybe solve my bra issues. Even if the Porcelain Plunge or the Curvy Kate Smoothie work great, I think a Rixie Clip will still come in handy. It is only $10 and can slide on to any of your bras.
I look forward to the arrival of the Panache, Curvy Kate, and Rixie Clip. Trying new things isn't always easy. I will let you know how they work out!
<3
Laura
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Magical Five Inches
I've been pondering for a while what my next post should be about. I came up with brand loyalty, as I am hoping to branch out soon from my usual. However, then I once again watched Nordstrom's fitting video and got all worked up again about it. In case you haven't watched it, here is the link to their fitting information.
As you can see, along with a video they have a list of measurements and band sizes along with a few tips on how a bra should fit. I've discussed in length with their National Fit Consultant about this online advice, and they stoutly refuse to change it. They think the add inches method is better than the +/- 0 method when doing online ordering.
Back to the video. They start off by measuring the model and then telling you to refer to the guide which would put the model, who measures 27 underbust, at a 32 band. So if this woman went into the store for a fitting, they would do the same? Add FIVE INCHES to the underbust? Then they explain how a bra should fit. The two finger test (which ended up looking more like a four finger test, if you ask me!), the center gore and how it should lay flat against the ribcage (a too small cup is not the only reason the center gore pulls away- a too big band will cause this as well. and notice that she says "if it pulls away at all"- which it does in the video!)
Let's go back to the five inches thing. Most department stores in the US add 4-6 inches to the underbust measurement to get your band size. (I've been told that in store, Nordy's only adds 2- but although it is better, I still feel like it starts women off at a disadvantage and certainly doesn't make up for the bad online advice). Have you ever stopped to think what five inches actually looks like? How much extra stretchy fabric is being added unnecessarily?
I started racing around my house, looking for an everyday item that is five inches. First, I looked at a dollar bill, but that was too big (a little over 6), then I looked at a credit card and that was too small... What other product that a woman knows intimately...?? I know...
Yes, that is right. A tampon. Five inches. So, next time you are in a fitting room, keep in mind when that fitter brings out her measuring tape what five inches is and ask yourself if you want or need that much extra fabric. The band is 80% of the support of a bra (with the other 20% being 10% on each strap). How can the band do it's job when five inches is being added in? The fabrics that are used now are a lot more forgiving than when the +4-6 method was first being used. With what bras are made out of now, adding inches isn't necessary.
A lot of people say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and besides the awful grammar in that saying, it's true. Don't fix something that isn't broken. But with at least 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, shouldn't we think that this system is broken? It's not going to fix itself, and it won't get fixed if we sit back and don't demand it to change.
<3
Laura
As you can see, along with a video they have a list of measurements and band sizes along with a few tips on how a bra should fit. I've discussed in length with their National Fit Consultant about this online advice, and they stoutly refuse to change it. They think the add inches method is better than the +/- 0 method when doing online ordering.
Back to the video. They start off by measuring the model and then telling you to refer to the guide which would put the model, who measures 27 underbust, at a 32 band. So if this woman went into the store for a fitting, they would do the same? Add FIVE INCHES to the underbust? Then they explain how a bra should fit. The two finger test (which ended up looking more like a four finger test, if you ask me!), the center gore and how it should lay flat against the ribcage (a too small cup is not the only reason the center gore pulls away- a too big band will cause this as well. and notice that she says "if it pulls away at all"- which it does in the video!)
Let's go back to the five inches thing. Most department stores in the US add 4-6 inches to the underbust measurement to get your band size. (I've been told that in store, Nordy's only adds 2- but although it is better, I still feel like it starts women off at a disadvantage and certainly doesn't make up for the bad online advice). Have you ever stopped to think what five inches actually looks like? How much extra stretchy fabric is being added unnecessarily?
I started racing around my house, looking for an everyday item that is five inches. First, I looked at a dollar bill, but that was too big (a little over 6), then I looked at a credit card and that was too small... What other product that a woman knows intimately...?? I know...
Yes, that is right. A tampon. Five inches. So, next time you are in a fitting room, keep in mind when that fitter brings out her measuring tape what five inches is and ask yourself if you want or need that much extra fabric. The band is 80% of the support of a bra (with the other 20% being 10% on each strap). How can the band do it's job when five inches is being added in? The fabrics that are used now are a lot more forgiving than when the +4-6 method was first being used. With what bras are made out of now, adding inches isn't necessary.
A lot of people say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and besides the awful grammar in that saying, it's true. Don't fix something that isn't broken. But with at least 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, shouldn't we think that this system is broken? It's not going to fix itself, and it won't get fixed if we sit back and don't demand it to change.
<3
Laura
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Shopping Obstacles
Its been a while now since I've started bringing friends and family to Nordstrom's. I'm usually met by the "Fitting Consultants" with varying degrees of friendliness and understanding. This weekend, I had the pleasure of helping an old friend out. We were met there by a fitting consultant who fit me for a bra about 10 years ago. Usually, when they realize that I actually know what I'm talking about, they tell me to find them if I need any sizes from the back. This time, she proceeded to ask us if we'd ever been fitted. I made a general comment about how they don't carry my 28HH size, and she looked me up and down in disbelief. Normally, I expect that from people not in the fitting business, or from a store that only carries the typical 32DD as their lowest band/highest cup size, but I certainly wasn't expecting it from the Nordstrom's most senior fitter. She did tell me that when the 28 bands came out they did stock them, but there was no demand for them. I hate when I hear that!!
Regardless, I went back to helping my friend find the styles and sizes we were looking for. But the consultant didn't leave us alone. She stood there while I explained that Freya bands tended to be looser than the Panache, etc. Of course, then I was questioned as to how I know all of what I know about bra fitting. I explained how I started a Facebook Group and blog about bra fitting. I was then told by the consultant that "You should never buy bras online!" My first reaction was to laugh. I told her that no stores carry my size, so I have to get mine online and it's not as bad as she might think. My second reaction, which I kept in my head, was that if more people bought bras online, then she would be losing out on her commission. But honestly, if it wasn't for online shopping, I would be in badly fitting bras and hating my body. Online shopping has been a blessing for me and many other women I know.
The consultant did check on us a few times, and we had her swap out some sizes. In addition to the ones I'd asked her to bring, she also brought in some others she thought would work- those didn't work whatsoever. My friend was trying on 30/32 E/F and she brought us 32DD with a super loose band. Needless to say, the fitter's suggestions didn't work. The price of the bras she suggested were $30 more than the ones we were looking at. Yes, I guess I sound jaded, but being the victim of getting fitted in the wrong size for the sake of a sale just kind of makes me that way.
I had the chance to run out once for another size trade, and all of a sudden, there was the consultant! She threw out some advice to me- that not all bras fit the same way. Different styles fit differently. Yes, I know. I asked her to find a certain size for me in a new style, because the center gore wasn't laying flat. She asked why, if I know so much, don't I work there? I told her the truth- I don't want to work in a store that refuses to carry my size. Gosh, I would even work there if they carried any 28 bands. I don't want to work in a store that I can't purchase from. I don't think management would be happy with me when I refuse to sell someone a size that doesn't work- just for the sake of the sale. I would be sending them to the online shops that I buy my own bras from.
She told me that I am doing her job for her. I told her not to worry- we'd give her the credit.
But all of this was said by her in a sort of disbelieving disdain. She even went so far as to give my friend her card upon checking out (three bras were bought), and told her to find her if she ever came "without the personal fitter."
So, was I being paranoid in thinking this fitter wasn't a fan? Meanwhile, while we were at the checkout desk, one of the younger consultants I've worked with before smiled at me, waved, and said"Hi Laura!" I say "worked with" in the general sense that the fitter lets me do the fitting and they just run in the back if I need a size they don't have on the floor. But there does seem to be a generational divide when it comes to acceptance of someone like me. The last fitter I'd worked with, who no longer works there, was in between the ages of both the consultants I encountered this weekend. Although she wasn't as friendly as the young fitter, she wasn't as disdainful as the older fitter. And the Nordstrom's Corporate Fit Consultant is pretty close to my age. She is super nice, but either refuses, or has no power to change the Nordy's system.
Is there a chance that I could start as a fitter there and change the system on the inside? Or would I just be reprimanded for not doing things their way? I also wish they carried more stock of Freya, Fantasie, Panache. Those brands are very good quality, but they only carry four or five styles of each. I guess that could seem like a lot, but that is only until you see the twenty styles of Betsey Johnson they have (nothing against Betsey- they are fine bras, if not a little cheaply made).
Anyway, the reason why I stress bra education so much is because I want each and every one of you to learn how a bra is supposed to fit is so when you are in the room with a fitter- no matter what they put you in- no matter what they try to convince you "fits"- no matter what they try to get you to buy- that you know which bras fit and which bras don't. Don't let someone talk you into a bra that you neither like, nor fit in to, because you will be wasting your money. And remember, not every bra that fits you will offer a shape that you like and will wear. It's okay to be discerning when picking out a bra for yourself!
<3
Laura
Regardless, I went back to helping my friend find the styles and sizes we were looking for. But the consultant didn't leave us alone. She stood there while I explained that Freya bands tended to be looser than the Panache, etc. Of course, then I was questioned as to how I know all of what I know about bra fitting. I explained how I started a Facebook Group and blog about bra fitting. I was then told by the consultant that "You should never buy bras online!" My first reaction was to laugh. I told her that no stores carry my size, so I have to get mine online and it's not as bad as she might think. My second reaction, which I kept in my head, was that if more people bought bras online, then she would be losing out on her commission. But honestly, if it wasn't for online shopping, I would be in badly fitting bras and hating my body. Online shopping has been a blessing for me and many other women I know.
The consultant did check on us a few times, and we had her swap out some sizes. In addition to the ones I'd asked her to bring, she also brought in some others she thought would work- those didn't work whatsoever. My friend was trying on 30/32 E/F and she brought us 32DD with a super loose band. Needless to say, the fitter's suggestions didn't work. The price of the bras she suggested were $30 more than the ones we were looking at. Yes, I guess I sound jaded, but being the victim of getting fitted in the wrong size for the sake of a sale just kind of makes me that way.
I had the chance to run out once for another size trade, and all of a sudden, there was the consultant! She threw out some advice to me- that not all bras fit the same way. Different styles fit differently. Yes, I know. I asked her to find a certain size for me in a new style, because the center gore wasn't laying flat. She asked why, if I know so much, don't I work there? I told her the truth- I don't want to work in a store that refuses to carry my size. Gosh, I would even work there if they carried any 28 bands. I don't want to work in a store that I can't purchase from. I don't think management would be happy with me when I refuse to sell someone a size that doesn't work- just for the sake of the sale. I would be sending them to the online shops that I buy my own bras from.
She told me that I am doing her job for her. I told her not to worry- we'd give her the credit.
But all of this was said by her in a sort of disbelieving disdain. She even went so far as to give my friend her card upon checking out (three bras were bought), and told her to find her if she ever came "without the personal fitter."
So, was I being paranoid in thinking this fitter wasn't a fan? Meanwhile, while we were at the checkout desk, one of the younger consultants I've worked with before smiled at me, waved, and said"Hi Laura!" I say "worked with" in the general sense that the fitter lets me do the fitting and they just run in the back if I need a size they don't have on the floor. But there does seem to be a generational divide when it comes to acceptance of someone like me. The last fitter I'd worked with, who no longer works there, was in between the ages of both the consultants I encountered this weekend. Although she wasn't as friendly as the young fitter, she wasn't as disdainful as the older fitter. And the Nordstrom's Corporate Fit Consultant is pretty close to my age. She is super nice, but either refuses, or has no power to change the Nordy's system.
Is there a chance that I could start as a fitter there and change the system on the inside? Or would I just be reprimanded for not doing things their way? I also wish they carried more stock of Freya, Fantasie, Panache. Those brands are very good quality, but they only carry four or five styles of each. I guess that could seem like a lot, but that is only until you see the twenty styles of Betsey Johnson they have (nothing against Betsey- they are fine bras, if not a little cheaply made).
Anyway, the reason why I stress bra education so much is because I want each and every one of you to learn how a bra is supposed to fit is so when you are in the room with a fitter- no matter what they put you in- no matter what they try to convince you "fits"- no matter what they try to get you to buy- that you know which bras fit and which bras don't. Don't let someone talk you into a bra that you neither like, nor fit in to, because you will be wasting your money. And remember, not every bra that fits you will offer a shape that you like and will wear. It's okay to be discerning when picking out a bra for yourself!
<3
Laura
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