Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. We had a noteworthy experience, and sometimes that means you just have to share.
**WARNING- NO NUDITY- BUT WE TALK ABOUT BREASTS AND BRAS HERE**
We went shopping… but not just any shopping. We went BRA shopping. Yep that’s right, C, K and I went shopping FOR THE GIRLS. Three of us friends were bitching about ill fitting undergarments and finally decided to do something about it. Determining that there was safety in numbers we made a date and went.
Not only did we go, we went for the gusto. SO three frugal (large chested) mommies who hate spending money on themselves, went to Nordstrom at the Garden State Mall to tackle over the shoulder boulder holders. Yes this is worth mentioning because we usually shop at wherever has a sale on bras just like everyone else.
So a crazy unlikely girls day out ended up being one of my favorite mom dates ever.
We found the lingerie section (in the basement) and were at once greeted (perhaps we looked lost?). The three of us aren’t skiddish- so we took a dressing room together. Kathy went right to work asking who wanted to go first. She measured all three of us and left. Upon her return she had several different bras for each of us to try on.
Here’s what I love- she made note of some super interesting info about each of us that I am not sure everyone would pick up on right away- my love of earthtones, Chelsea’s love of the dramatic, and Katy’s sensibility- and brought bras that appealed to each. There were of course bras that were sensible- but I gotta be honest, I haven’t bought a PRETTY bra in quite some time, and even my “sensible” purchase was pretty.
Some of them weren’t right, it was trying on and required some work. But those that did. Dude- I am a 34 DD and I don’t feel like I am wearing a BRA. Also, the girls don’t look pointy, aren’t hanging out, nor do they cut into my shoulders or sides.
Yeah yeah yeah lets get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who don’t really wanna hear the romantic parts. Like how I took dressing room selfies to compare how they looked in my shirt :o)
Facts:
- Despite my greatest fears the bras were not that much more than ones I’ve purchased at Kohls. I was certain they would be $200 a piece and they were not- more like $60-70 for mine the most expensive I considered being $84.
- No tax it’s Jersey so “whew”.
- The larger band sizes (40 and above) have less options, and although the overall fit is much better, they do still feel like a bra is on.
- Didn’t love their panty selection- so even though I really wanted new ones to coordinate and go for the whole shebang, I am heading elsewhere to find some.
- Splurged on a lingerie bag to wash them in so that I can keep them in good shape.
- I learned valuable fitting and care information (shared below). Guys- I’m 38 and I didn’t know any of this stuff.
- You should have a minimum of 4 bras that you alternate, not including your strapless or special occasion one.
- Bras should be replaced every year (whoops).
- When you are purchasing you should be on the last hook as over time they will stretch and you will have to move it in.
- They need a day to rest in between wears.
- They should be washed every 2 wears on a normal day, more often in Summer and more like 3 in the Winter if you aren’t sweating.
- Bras should be laundered in a lingerie bag, clipped together, on the gentle cycle and hung dry (yeah I’ve never done ANY of that).
We wore new bras out of the store (yep chucked the one I wore in right then and there) then finished our outing with a nice lunch at the mall. Being super proud of ourselves we even shared photos of our new organization, and disposing of our old ones.
I can’t speak for everyone- but overall everyone is happy. It was a nice afternoon with ADULTS, and we did something for OURSELVES. I feel comfortable and pretty. I constantly try to remind myself to do something for me every now and again and this fit the bill. We DID promise to go again in a years time to be measured and purchase new as we should- focusing on the fun and scheduling more girls time.
I don’t care where you go- but go and get fitted. Spend some time on you. If you are anything like me you have extreme guilt when doing so. RNYD constantly tells me to go ahead, to get what I need, to do something for myself. I hold myself back from doing so most often. This felt good.
**Dads if you’re reading this, you can help them by purchasing a gift card and taking the kids for an afternoon. Heck, call her friends and arrange it. Once RNYD scheduled a date for me and my BFF to go to a show and it was awesome, anther time he surprised me with a GC to my favorite salon. I never would have done it for myself.**
Moms with larger band sizes- where would you suggest a momma who need a 40+ go for a GREAT fitting and nice look? Also- Favorite place to get some cute (but functional) undies to coordinate with my new bras??? Love to hear your thoughts.
