Beauty Tips for Ministers
Because you're in the public eye, and God knows you need to look good.
Ze Bazooms, Fitted Well At Last
January 6, 2009 on 1:03 am | In Fighting Frump |Ladies, she’s a witness to what PeaceBang has been saying! If you fit the girls well, you’ll look EVER so much better. Listen up!
Hey PeaceBang
Just wanted you to know that there’s something that I learned today. I found out I was wearing the wrong size bra. Probably for YEARS since my children are teenagers…I went to buy some on sale at a local major department store, and they had a “free bra fitting” professional. And I found out that some of my issues with (ahem) gravity are because I have been wearing too large a band size and too small a cup size.
And with a proper size bra my silhouette is looking really a lot better.
Now with the curves God has given me, I will still NEVER wear polo shirts like my co-workers on Sunday mornings. But at least what I do wear looks MUCH better.
In this case, “free” was indeed “priceless”!
KISSES and no bounces from this “well graced woman!”
Kisses back to you, my dear!
Ladies, also… please don’t skip your yearly mammograms!
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What exactly does a “real” fitting look like? I had one done about a year ago, but it seemed not enough … and then they pointed me toward their “best” bras for LIFT… and was left just low as always. So sad - would love some uplifting help! [Girl, got to Lady Grace... I know there's one down near you. They have serious Boob Women with tape measures and they're not like the gum-chomping girls at Lane Bryant who are like, "Oh, is that your ribcage?" Although to their credit, I've had some good fittings at LB, but I couldn't resist the joke. But here's my real question to you: if your bachongas weren't looking SMASHING when you got your new bras, why did you not return them and say, "Excuse me, but we need to do this again." Advocate for your best self, woman! - PB]
Comment by RevUCC — January 6, 2009 #
For me, the salespeople in Nordstrom’s lingerie department have no peers. They have been incredible, not just with finding the right size, but also the right shape. I’m a particularly weird size to start with, but I’ve not only found it there, I’ve also found that some styles are much more flattering for my shape than others (despite all being the same size). (And, even better, they’ve found good, supportive, well-fitting PRETTY bras in my weird, large size.)
Let’s hear it for Nordie’s!
Comment by Mrs. M — January 6, 2009 #
PeaceBang, this is so true. I have had a few bras from a few different places, in a few different sizes, and let me tell you, the RIGHT ones are so, so much better. Personally, I go to Victoria’s Secret because I like their style and other products (mmmm, superduper soft seamless pajama tops, yes!), and I got a fitting there about a year ago that blew my socks off. I was, of course, a band size too big and a cup size too small! I tried on my old size and the new size to compare, in a couple different styles, found the best for me (full coverage, hello) and marched out of there happy as hell and confident, too.
Comment by Sarah K — January 6, 2009 #
I just bought some 34Ds (which I can NEVER find) instead of a 36C I’ve been wearing the last little while.. and it’s nice to have everything back to normal! hehe.
Comment by Meredith B. — January 7, 2009 #
One of these days when I actually get a chance to write on my other blog, this will be one of the first things I talk about.
I still make mistakes from time-to-time when it comes to bras, but these are the things I’ve learned:
Much as I think the higher-end department stores have fairly decent intimate apparel sections, one really should find a store that specializes in intimate apparel only (and I’m not talking about Victoria’s Secret). Most of the people who work in these stores really know their bra stuff and can give you a truly accurate measurement. Plus they’ll know the differences between brands.
On the measurement front, a really good fitting will take two measurements; at the fullest point and around the ribcage. An excellent fitting would take three measurements; under the arms, at the fullest point, and around the ribcage.
When you go for the fitting wear the best bra you have. It will be the greatest help.
Hope I don’t sound like too much of a know-it-all.
Comment by Kim Hampton — January 7, 2009 #
I can vouch for Intimacy, the story that’s been featured on Oprah and other show and news programs. Unfortunately, the only time I can afford a bra from their store is when I get my tax return. That’s not happening this year!
Comment by Kymberly — January 7, 2009 #
Oh– one other quick point. I’ve been mis-fitted at VS, and I can only assume it’s because they don’t sell my size in the store. They’ll fudge it and go up a number and down a letter because that’s what they sell. Particularly for bustier women, it may be helpful to be fitted elsewhere.
Comment by Mrs. M — January 7, 2009 #
Oh my heavens, this is so complicated. I’m pretty certain I’m wearing the wrong bra size, but I’ve got to get over my discomfort at sales people I don’t know doing my fitting. I wish Gynecologists did them!
Comment by hsofia — January 7, 2009 #
Might I just echo/add that it is imperative that you get a professional fitting and NOT trust the “do-it-yourself” guidelines in the Penneys / VS / whatever catalog. I had a friend (who is an accomplished seamstress, so she knows how to wield a tape measure) take my measurements following the formula. She didn’t think the result made sense, but I believed the math — only to later find out that following the formula had me buying bras four (yes, four!) cup sizes too small.
Ask around for a recommendation for an independent lingerie store in your area, if you can. (I love Aphrodite’s in Ventura, California.) Consider taking a girlfriend for moral support if it suits your temperament. It just might change your life. [And with that profound remark, let me add that it would also be kind of hard to go to a store and say, "My friend measured me for a new bra and I bought four of these derned things a cup size too small! Could I return them, please?" You'd get laughed out of the place. However, if you go in and say, "Although your lovely sales associate fitted me last week, I seem to experience Extreme Boob Squishage in the bras I subsequently purchased. Might I please return these and get re-fitted? - PB]
Comment by Rachel — January 7, 2009 #
I just had a look and it appears that bravissimo are are UK thing. But for any British readers who are a little larger in the bust department, My DD’s love bravissimo. The ladies know what they are doing and there is lots of choice in the larger sizes. Well worth paying a little extra for.
Comment by Marie — January 8, 2009 #
Ah, bra confessions. Luckily, sins of the bra tend to be their own penance.
My dear Mother used to patronize a shop that would actually alter a bra for her - darts here or there, or whatever it needed. I once went to a highly recommended brassiere shop, looking forward to finally having the perfect measurement, and hoping for the same sort of service.
As far as measuring me, they did everything right, I assure you. But - I am five feet tall, and overweight. I’m one of those people who carry all of their weight in the gut and up. When I pointed out that my forty-mumble multipleD bra, which fit the girls themselves perfectly, had underwires hitting my armpits and threatening my throat, the advice I received was to bend the ends of the wire. Don’t try that. Don’t.
Beyond that, the chafing beneath my chest was so bad that I started using - never mind, this is too much information. I have psoriasis, and the friction led to sores.
And so I switched to wireless bras. And I found I could get really good bras that fit me in Avenue (fairly expensive), and even in Walmart (for less money), if I was ruthless about trying bras on, and only using my nominal size as a starting point, and going up or down a cup or band size at will. If I buy a bra and it doesn’t fit me perfectly, it is gone. If it’s been tried once or twice, and is clean, the Salvation Army gets it. Otherwise it’s in the trash. And when it’s stretched out, it goes in the trash.
I now have a small wardrobe of bras. With some of them, certain blouses will gap hideously, and with others the same blouse will look fabulous. Some of them are right for exercising, and some are not.
It really isn’t cheap, but of all our garnments I think these are worth the most effort and attention.
Here endeth the confession.
Comment by Allison — January 8, 2009 #
I was a skinny teenager and well into my 20’s I was still buying my bras in the teen department. After pregnancies and gaining weight with age, obviously my old bras were too small but I could not imagine that I could possibly be anything larger than a B cup–which in my mind was very full figured after all my flat-chested years. I kept going up and up in band size and could never get a comfortable fit or the support I seriously needed, and finally I was searching down bras 42B or 44B and larger if they made them. When I finally swallowed my shyness and got a fitting I found I was a 38D–and I swear I used to snicker at those bras in the store because they looked so weirdly big next to me–but now I am so comfortable! Everyone should be so comfortable in a well fitting bra.
Comment by kat — January 8, 2009 #
I ALSO love the store intimacy. What I found was that their bras may be more expensive, but that the US equivalent of the UK size is cheaper at Macy’s. For example, a 36F equals a 36DDD. Same fit, 25-30 bucks difference. Check intimacy out for the free fitting, it’s worth it, and it’s worth it to buy one bra there, and then the rest in equivalent sizes at a different store. changed my life!
Comment by elizabeth — January 9, 2009 #
Elizabeth - thanks for that math!
Comment by Kymberly — January 9, 2009 #
My bra probably isn’t the perfect size, but it is close. Honestly, I don’t really see what the big deal is.
[For some gals, it's the difference between looking sloppy-frumpy and looking good. For all of us big-bosomed women, it's a matter of comfort, back problems averted, and better posture. Clothes look neater, and we look better. And most of us think looking our best is a big deal. - PB]
Comment by K — January 9, 2009 #
Since we religious historians don’t make much money, I alsao work at Macy’s. I am a dynamo with that tape measure and have had customers come back with friends to get them fit. And yes, by all means, don’t be afraid of making a return. Why should only the pushy and selfish have full service? Just present your receipt and your tags and it’ll be over before you know it.
Now, on to the bras. Don’t blame your size for everything. Fit and functionality — even sizes themselves — vary tremendously from one maker to another. Within makers, styles also affect fit and even size. I had to bring over twenty bras in several different makers for one customer to get the smooth and supportive but lacy style she wanted.
Second, when you find something that works, buy many copies. Bras are UNDERWEAR! It is shocking how many women are “getting by” with one or two. Yes, because they are expensive and a pain to handwash (never in the machine for a good bra). I personally own about fifteen-twenty bras in many styles and fabrics, and they are all worth it. I can handwash three weeks’ worth pretty quickly by rolling them up in a clean bathsheet as they come out of the basin (never wring them out) and laying them across my three drying racks.
Thirdly, bras are not made to last very long. Elastic gives way, stretchy fabric loses its taunt original shape. It’s a real bonanza for the manufacturers. Think of those extra bras in the rotation and the resulting hand-washing festivals as your effort to beat their profit system.
Fourth, if you, like me, are not blessed with the enormity problem, then good fit is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT! It can make the difference between lumps and curves.
Here ends the lesson.
Comment by Elz — January 13, 2009 #
May I ask Elz and you other ladies who are more brassiere-knowledgable than I a question about (a-hem) “discretion”?
I am not naturally very large in the chest region, but I am carrying a significant amount of excess “padding” and therefore find myself needing a fairly large size bra (large compared to my “regular” size of 34A 20-30 years ago). And yes, like all my “certain age” sisters, gravity has taken its toll, so I require more support than in former days.
Here’s my problem: All I can seem to find in my size are bras constructed of very thin layers of fabric. And when there’s the least little chill in the air, if I’m wearing a regular blouse or top, I’m acutely aware that I’m exhibiting far more in the way of anatomical contours than I’m comfortable exhibiting. Not even whatever that brand is that has a little flower-shaped thingy in the strategic spot inside the cups, prevents my response to cold from showing to all present.
I do not want a super-padded bra! I just want “the girls” to be discretely covered whether it’s warm or cold in the room.
Any hints?? Recommendations of specific brands or styles? Please help!
[First of all, thank you for making me laugh, M! I know just what you're talking about and I really like Lane Bryant bras -- they call their lingerie line "Cacique" -- for their choices in both good coverage without padding AND their nicely padded bras for wear with sweaters and suits. Let me know if you find anything that works! - PB]
Comment by Mary — January 22, 2009 #
Thank you, PB! I will take a look at Lane Bryant and report back.
(By the way, you helped me a year and a half ago concerning dressing for a music ministry position. Never even got the interview, as it turned out, but back in September I got a wonderful exec. assistant position that makes it easy to afford to stay in the part-time music position that I have and love. We dress business professional EVERY day at my office, not even occasional business casual. I have taken many of the conversations here at BTFM to heart and they’ve served me well so far, given the dearth of truly affordable, well-fitting actual suits in the woman petite departments. Sigh. I’ve managed to dress elegantly and with a little fun panache, in some things I wouldn’t have thought to try had it not been for WTFM. So you not only rock your fellow ministers — you rock us business world sorts, too. Thanks!)
Comment by Mary — January 25, 2009 #