The One Fashion Accessory That Can Change Your Entire Look!
By Deborah Robb
Change your bra – Change your look!
Feature From the April 2006
Issue of Applaud Magazine

The most important fashion accessory that a woman can own is her bra! Sounds simple, but a bra can make or break any outfit and how you feel wearing it. Studies show that 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! Oprah Winfrey has devoted several television shows and an extensive article in her "O" Magazine to educate women on the importance of wearing the right size bra. There are many reasons why a woman’s bra size changes including weight-loss or gain, hormones, pregnancy, nursing, breast implants or reduction. The average woman’s body will change up to 5 times in her lifetime, and each time her bra size changes as well. Practical Tips: Never purchase a bra that you have not tried on. Never purchase a bra that is hooked on the last hook. All bras stretch with age and you will be unable to tighten the band of your bra. While a loose fitting bra may feel comfortable, it often leads to unsupported and un-lifted breasts. Tightening the straps only pulls the back band up your back causing the shoulder straps to slip off your shoulders and your breasts to sag. A great fitting bra should have a firm fit that keeps the bra from shifting while we wear it. Under wires should not be uncomfortable! If they are, the back band is not tight enough. The bra should sit firmly and not shift – the cause of most problems with under wires. Many women who are large busted look like their breasts are flowing into their waist area. The proper lift will lift and separate your breasts from your waist, therefore creating a much slimmer look! Hand-wash your bras and air-dry them. Putting your bras in the dryer is an absolute No-No as it breaks down the elasticity of the bra. Using a gentle liquid soap is preferable. Bra Fitting Made Painless and Enjoyable Many women wonder why bra shopping is so difficult and why they can’t seem to find a great fitting bra? The following is an all too common bra-shopping scenario that most of us have experienced. Haven’t we all grabbed a few bras in what we think is our size only to try them on to see that they don't fit. We then re-dress, grab more bras in a different size (we are still guessing which size to try on) and frankly feel frustrated with the entire process and it’s less than satisfactory results. How many times have we left the store empty-handed or with ill-fitting bras that ride up our back, straps that fall off our shoulders, under wires that pinch and cups that frankly runneth-over? Bra shopping can be a nightmare! What if you could walk into a specialty boutique and be warmly greeted by a bra-fitting consultant. She starts off by asking you basic questions regarding any problems you have been experiencing with your bras. Would you like to change your look or improve the amount of lift your current bra offers? What would you change if you could? What styles and colors do you prefer? She then measures you, leaves the dressing room and while taking into consideration your individual needs and body frame, selects a number of bras for your consideration. You put on the first bra and your consultant adjusts the straps to ensure the right fit. Together you discuss the fit of the bra and how you feel wearing it. You walk out of the boutique feeling great and looking fabulous in your new bra! This second bra-shopping scenario can change the relationship that you have with your bras and your figure. You now have bras that fit you correctly and are an asset to your figure. You will never again say to yourself “I can’t wait to get home and rip off this bra”! While department stores often offer a range of common sizes, the specialty boutique will offer a larger range of sizes and styles including AAA – G cups. Boutiques also have the ability to special order unique styles or sizes. Superior customer service at the specialty boutique is what sets it apart from the department stores. If you been unhappy with the look and feel of your bras, perhaps it is time to see your local bra-fitting specialist! Deborah Robb is the co-owner of Top Drawer Boutique located at 147 Water Street in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire. The boutique specializes in bra fittings. They also have an extensive inventory of lingerie, sleepwear, bathrobes, undergarments (including Spanx and Hanky Panky), bridal, ladies apparel and accessories. For more information call (603) 778-2211 or check out their website at www.topdrawerboutique.com.