Hey, NYC. You’ve been through a lot lately: Hurricane Sandy, Athena the Nor’easter, plus the day-to-day guts it takes to be a New Yorker. You deserve a break. That’s why I’m offering lots of FREE gifts today until Sunday 11/18/12 at both of my NYC Linda’s bra fitting shops. We are so thankful to be back up and running after the Hurricane, and we’re even more thankful to have such supportive and fabulous customers like you. Come on in, and let us shower you with gifts!
Breasts come in many different shapes and sizes. As a bra fitter for over 25 years, I’ve seen almost every size from AAA cups to N cups. Women often have complicated relationships with their busts. Some love them, some hate them – most finally love them once they’re in the right bra size! But in all that time, there is one thing that is alarmingly clear: those with full breasts want small breasts, and those with small breasts want full breasts. In a world where bigger is (usually) better – is having bigger breasts really better? Keep reading for my two cents, and leave your own opinion in the comments below!
Ch-ch-ch-changes! I’ve been in the bra business for a long time – over 25 years. In those years I have fit thousands of women with thousands of bras. I have always used the same “good fit” criteria, and made it my mission to help women find the right bra size, feel comfortable, and be confident. Throughout my years, I’ve always said that an in-person fitting with a trained bra fitter is best, but I’ve also been “braducating” women about what makes a good fit, how to shop for bras on their own, and even how to measure themselves to get a good starting point.
Recently, I was interviewed by SheFinds.com and suggested that bra sizes have changed in the past 10 years due to vanity sizing. This led to a segment on Good Morning America (above), more articles, and a huge discussion on the social media outlets. I was expecting some differing views on the topic, but I wasn’t expecting so much misunderstanding. So, keep on reading for my explanation of why I think vanity sizing has changed modern bra sizes.
School is just around the corner! It’s a great time to check in with your daughters and the young women in your life. Have things changed over the summer? And I don’t mean does she have a tan and great memories from camp. I mean, has her breast size changed? I know – this can be a pretty uncomfortable topic. I wrote a fabulous post (in my humble opinion) on helping your daughter buy her first bra, but what happens when she outgrows those bras? And more importantly, what happens if the little girl that you’ve raised suddenly has a more womanly figure … and is totally uncomfortable having it?
Below are my tips on the importance of “braducating” your daughter on what a normal cup size is and how you can help create a positive image of her changing body so she won’t spent her mornings taping down her breasts like Roberta in Now and Then.
By Linda The Bra Lady on July 13th, 2012 in Just Sayin'
Last Tuesday was our first ever Tasty Tuesday at Linda’s Lexington, and what a tasty evening it was! If you missed out on the free cocktails, yummy treats and bra fittings, here’s a few photos to get you up to speed. Some of our favorite customers stopped in for a re-fitting, brought a friend, or just said hi to our new manager and the staff! Lots of gals gobbled up our tasty treats (both healthy and sinful options) as well as the summery orange+cranberry+raspberry cocktail my Divas mixed up! There were lots of laughs, tons of girl talk, and some pretty amazing before and after bra make overs.
And keep an eye out so you won’t miss out – maybe we’ll host another Tasty Tuesday soon!
By Linda The Bra Lady on July 3rd, 2012 in Just Sayin'
Do you like FREE cocktails? Do you like FREE yummy treats? Do you like FREE bra fittings? If you answered yes, then you’ll love Tasty Tuesday at Linda’s Lexington! At Linda’s, we truly believe that bra fittings should be fun, informative and friendly. My fitters are there to help you get the perfect bra AND give you helpful advice, just like a good friend. And there’s nothing more fun than drinks and treats with a friend. Make an appointment for you and a friend, or just stop in on your way home from work and say hi! Tasty Tuesday is the perfect way to perk up your Tuesday!
It’s officially summer! Summer brings a lot of things to mind: vacation, relaxation, breezy cocktails by the pool… oooh yeah. More importantly, summer means bright bras and fashionable swimwear. Take a look and click on some styles inspired by summer and picked especially for you:
So you’re not in love with the thought of Valentine’s Day? That’s ok! A lot of people use this cupid occasion to pump up the super sweet and sappy messages, eat those terrible candy hearts, or drown in their single status sorrow. But I’m here to tell you that not only is it ok to celebrate this V-day, but it’s more important to celebrate all year long. Here’s how:
Crush on yourself: Have you ever sent yourself a Valentine? Probably not. Most people think that it’s silly, or a waste of $0.44. Honestly, I think whether you have a significant other or not, you should take this time of year to remember the person who loves you the most: you. So why not DIY your own valentine? Or take yourself out for dinner? Or buy yourself a pretty little bra and panty set? (I’m especially keen on that last one, just so you know.) Don’t wait for someone else to read your mind. Pop into the shop and buy yourself those dozen roses and display them proudly at the office or at home, with a special note that reads: “I love you. Love, Me”.
Dress your best: I may not be a fan of wearing snowmen earrings at Christmas or heart socks around Valentine’s day, but I can’t resist wearing a sassy bra and panty set. If you’re not feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, nothing will make you look and feel like a goddess more than wearing a sexy and comfortable bra. I’m telling you, you will walk taller, look thinner, feel more attractive, take over the world! Ok, that last one is just based on my own personal experience but the other three are pretty spot on for all women who wear a great bra in the right size. Don’t keep that sexy bra stashed in the back of your bra drawer just in case Mr. Right comes along. Pull it out and wear it on a day when your spirits need lifting, or any darn day you feel like it!
Red and Pink and White, oh my! I don’t have anything against the colors red, pink or white in general. I think they are lovely! But who says that you have to wear these colors on Valentine’s Day? Not I. Personally, I love black lingerie. But if you like another color (blue? bright green? leopard?) go ahead and wear it. I’m a true believer that wearing what makes you feel good will help you look good. Besides, when it comes to lingerie, it can be your little secret! No one has to know that you have on bright purple undies… unless you decide to show them. Ow!
Start fresh: Sometimes we hold on to things for too long: a grudge, a boyfriend, a bra… you get the idea. So why not use February 14th to start fresh and let go of old things. Revamp that bra drawer and get rid of those old bras that don’t fit, don’t feel good, and are slowing you down. It will feel so thrilling to start fresh again with an organized drawer full of well-fitting bras. Uh-oh. Low on the well-fitting bras? Then treat yourself to a personal bra fitting! Pop into my shop or shop online for fantastic bras that will help you feel and look fantastic, too! Think there isn’t anything sexy in your size? Think again! I carry beautiful and well-fitting bras in every size imaginable.
Dance around in your underwear: I’m dead serious. Put on your sexiest set or your favorite boyshorts and tank and pump up the volume! May I suggest something fun that makes you feel fabulous: “Young Hearts Run Free” by Candi Staton. You don’t need a partner to dance. Listen to this fun beat and the “self preservation” lyrics and have some fun!
Now, here’s a little secret: I think you should do these things throughout the whole year! That’s right. There’s no reason you can’t love yourself, dress your best, and have a good time – all the time. I think Valentine’s Day should just be a nice reminder if you’ve forgotten to do some of those things recently. So go on, live a little, and don’t let yet another Valentine’s Day drag you down to the dumps. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day the Linda the Bra Lady way!
Ho ho ho! It’s that time of year again: The season when you get to pick thoughtful gifts to give. But, it’s also when you desperately hope that your friends, family, and special someone will finally get a clue and get you what you really want. Let’s be honest with each other, getting what you want for the holidays isn’t as easy as ::spoiler alert!:: asking Santa anymore. Sorry.
So how do you ask your friend, co-worker, or lover? It’s hard! The good news is that they want to give you something that you actually want. It can be stressful to give a good gift! And, if you’re hankering for a fabulous bra or a sexy set, it can be awkward to ask for. So here is my advice on how to ask for what you want without being greedy. Keep reading and I’ll clue you in! (more…)
It’s almost Halloween! Some people love going all out and wearing a festive outfit, while others are happy to tote the kids around and eat a fun-sized candy bar here and there. And, for some women, it’s an excuse to wear a barely there outfit, put on a pair of ears, and strut around as some kind of animal. I get it, it can be fun! Sexy, scary or sweet, it’s all the same to me. Because regardless of what kind of costume you plan to wear, you better make sure you have the right undergarments! Bras, slips, and even bustiers are all right here at Linda’s!
The Faux Lace-up Top: So many halloween costumes for women have a lace-up top- the pirate wench and the bar maid always make an appearance at parties. But, don’t rely on those faux laces to actually give you a sexy shape. Most halloween costumes come in S,M,L sizes and won’t really hug your curves the way you want them to. To create a sexy waist, slip a Sqeem Firm Compression Vest underneath it all for the structure and support you really want!
The Busty Bustier: Don’t trust the bustier provided with your costume to give you the support that you want? You’re not alone! Try a bustier like the Panache Harlequin Tiffany Basque, or other style, to keep you lifted. So many costumes can start with this perfect foundation piece- it’s supportive enough to serve as an undergarment, and classy enough to be worn on its own as a top. Underneath, or on its own, it will make for a fun night!
The All White Costume: Lots of costumes are all white and may look great on the dance floor under the black light- but oooooh boy, that polka dot panty or printed bra will show right through! Anyone thinking of going the Angel or Princess Leia route should stick to nude colored basics underneath. Think about it, that $20 costume from the drugstore won’t come with an opaque lining. So, take precautions and wear a Commando Slip and a nude colored basic bra. Need more help? Find your best nude with this handy guide.
The Short Skirt: Got a great pair of gams? Show them off with one of those popular tutu-style skirts on so many halloween costumes! Afraid that the poofy skirt will show off a little too much? No problem! Cover up with a pair of opaque boyshorts, or have some fun with the Honeydew Ruffle Rumba shorts! They are just the right combination of sass and coverage.
The Halter/Strapless Top: Want to wear a Cinderella gown or Marilyn Monroe halter dress? Don’t spend your whole night trying to keep your bra from falling down- not cute, and not comfortable. Take your measurements and pop them into my Bra Calculator. Then, try a good strapless bra! They each come with straps so you can wear them as a halter, racerback, one shoulder, or even put clear straps on one. Besides, the holiday parties don’t stop at halloween. Keep your strapless on hand for the Christmas and Hanunkkah season, too!
Linda Unhooked is the place to solve all your nagging bra problems, with no-nonsense fashion advice for women of all sizes. Linda "the Bra Lady" Becker is an expert bra fitter in New York City.
