We’ve all heard about the “little black dress” or the “LBD”. Now I’d like to introduce you to the “little black swimsuit” or the “LBS”. Just like it’s dressy counterpart, the little black swimsuit is versatile, flattering, and a staple that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Investing in a well made, perfectly fitting black swimsuit means you’re ready for any beach or poolside occasion. Add a few accessories, switch up your style, and ta-da! Need some LBS inspiration? You got it. Below, find a few of my style ideas for accessorizing your black swimsuit. These are just ideas – choose what YOU love and add them to your favorite suit. And remember: starting with a suit in the right size will help everything else look even better!
So chic! This Karla Colletto Rope One Piece Swimsuit is so sleek, and it fits sizes 8-16! The rope detail up the front is a small nautical touch that’s so easy to play up with summer sailor accessories. Pull a breezy tunic over it (also with a rope tie) and add in sleek but preppy boat shoes, a simple fedora and a gold and rope bracelet. Toss it all in your straw beach bag when you take a dip or lay out on your yacht. What, you don’t have a yacht? Just imagine you do. That’s what I do!
You will not believe the amount of groans I get from women when I tell them they should hand wash their bras: “But Linda, hand washing takes so much time!” “But Linda, hand washing is so hard!” Give me a break! I know that hand washing your bras, swimwear, etc. takes a bit more effort than just dumping them in the washing machine. But believe me: the benefits of hand washing far outweigh the hardships. Stop the groaning and read on to find out why it’s such a good idea to wash your delicates by hand and just how easy it can be!
Hand washing is good for your bras
Those same women who balk at how hard it is to hand wash their bras are the same women that complain about how expensive buying the right bra can be. Here’s a big tip: take care of your bras and they will last longer! I’ve written a whole post on just how long your bras should last, and it’s no secret that proper care prolongs the life of your lingerie. Also, did you know that if you’re very sensitive to fabric stiffeners like starch and sizing, washing your bras can help? That’s right! A good wash will help a new bra feel softer and more comfortable without all of that itchy, irritating stuff in it.
It’s that time again! Each month I choose a well deserving basic bra style that is made well, fits well, and has real “staying power”. In a word: Fabulous. April’s bra is perfect for prom and wedding season. Whether you’re a blushing bride who needs a bustier to create a glamorous shape or a full busted teen who wants to shimmy on the dance floor – the new and improved Elila 6421 is the perfect bra for you! Plus, it can be worn with or without straps.
And don’t forget about my Fitting Support Tab! On every product page I list helpful fitting advice and style sizing. For instance, this bra fits very snug in the band. I always suggest starting with one back size up from your typical band size, which means you’ll have to adjust the cup size down to remain the same. Ex: If you wear a 34H, try the 36G. Have more questions? You can always ask my Bra Divas who are trained to help give you the best possible fitting advice via phone, chat or email.
A good bra is a bra that fits properly. Otherwise, why bother? Bras that do not fit well or are the wrong size for your body are uncomfortable, unflattering and make you unhappy. On the other hand, a bra that fits properly can help you feel thinner, more confident, and more comfortable. One of the most important signs of a properly fitting bra: it tacks. Say what? You heard me. Your bra should “tack” against your body – specifically in the front between your breast tissue, against your ribs. Not sure if yours is properly tacking or why it should in the first place? Read on!
I always tell women, “I can only tell you how your bra fits. YOU can tell me how it feels, and how it looks.” Looks are such a complicated thing – they are very personal! And just like our hair, our clothes and our bodies, every woman wants their breasts to look a certain way. There are, however, popular looks. And one of the most popular in my shops? Lifted and separated! Here are three of my favorite bras to give D-N cups this look. And, for those with a more petite bust who want to create curves – shop new additions to The Little Bra Company!
Let’s be honest, we don’t all have the perfect body. So, unless you are a photoshopped supermodel, it’s nice to have a little extra coverage from your bathing suit. And no, I don’t mean 1920’s Grandma bathing suits. I mean classy AND sassy. Ta-da! The modern day swim skirt!
Hips Don’t Lie:
We all know how to cover our middle with a one piece or tankini bathing suit, but what about hips? From stretch marks to veins, there are lots of reasons you may not want to showcase your hips. Sometimes a boyshort bottom just doesn’t do it. And some traditional cover ups are just too much coverage or totally unattractive. So try a new skim skirt! There are so many cute swim skirts now that can cover up hips without sacrificing on style!
Most women who come into my shop are very practical. Sure, many of them love to buy gorgeous lace bras or sexy separates, but most of the time they want to invest their hard earned cash into the bras that will get the most use. The most useful bras tend to be a neutral color. And since I know you’re not wearing white under white, let’s just assume you’re wearing nude. Believe me, I know how important it is to have an army of nude colored bras. But woman can not live on nude alone! Here are my top 5 reasons to invest in some great black bras, too!
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!
Sound the trumpets! It’s time to announce my newest BFF:Bra Fan Forever! This BFF story is about a woman in her 70’s who was brought in by her daughter for some personal help and attention. Even if you’ve had breasts for 50 years, you can always learn a thing or two about your body, your shape, and your bra size. Remember, bra sizing standards and your own shape are constantly changing, so regular refittings are a good idea for women of any age! Congrats to Rosine and her daughter Moira for being such a fab mother-daugther duo!
What is your…
Name? Rosine
Age? 70’s
Occupation? Retired doing temp work and volunteering
Why are you Linda’s Bra Fan Forever? I fell in love with Linda’s when my daughter brought me in for a bra fitting. I had been looking for a good fitting bra for years. My last bra that fit was discontinued by the manufacturer six years ago. Love the undivided attention that I got from Chloe. She just wouldn’t quit until I was happy and had the correct fit!
When did you shop at Linda’s? This past August (2011) I was visiting my daughter and came in for my first visit. I plan to come in more often!
Who helped you, and what did you think about her Bra Divas skills? Chloe was very professional. She quickly realized what size I needed and after some consultation suggested a few styles that might be appropriate. After trying them on I finally found the perfect bra for me.
What size did you think you were, or were you wearing when you first went to Linda’s ? 36D
Were you wearing the right size? If not, what size did were you fitted for? No! I left in a 34E.
What was your favorite part about getting a fitt ing? Finding the vast range of styles and sizes from which to choose.
How did you feel and look after your fitting? Amazing. I was thrilled to have finally found a bra that fit so well that the straps didn’t fall down.
Would you tell your friends to get a fitting at Linda’s? Absolutely!
Why do you think getting fit for bras is so important for women?You look so much better in your clothes. The right bra prevents that matronly look and also preserves your breast shape so they remain perkier longer.
What was the best piece of advice that you got, or the most important thing that you learned at Linda’s? I learned not to wear the same bra two days in a row. Also that it’s important to hand wash and that you are probably not the size you think you are…unless you have been fitted at Linda’s.
You can read more about Rosine’s experience on her daughter’s fabulous blog here. Thanks to Rosine and her daughter Moira for sharing such a touching story!
Do you think you have what it takes to be Linda’s BFF? Share your bra fitting story and you may be featured on Linda Unhooked, our Facebook and Twitter pages and receive a $25 Linda’s Gift Certificate! Hurray!
Many women come to my shop in a bra that is so “dead” that I tell her: “You’re not leaving here in that dead bra. Throw it away right here and now and wear a new bra home!” To me, it’s obvious when a bra has expired. Many women, however, don’t have a clue! They’re walking around in bras that should have been replaced months or even years ago and don’t even know it. There’s no point in keeping a dead bra. Your bra has a job to do, and once it’s dead, it can’t do it.
Many women ask me “How long do bras really last?”. The answer: it depends. And it depends on quite a few factors. Just like “how often should I get refit“, I do not have a one part answer. And before you know how often you should replace your bras, it’s important to know for yourself what qualifies a bra as “dead”. So, here’s my very best advice on how long bras should last, how to help them last longer, and how to know when it’s time to say goodbye.
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.
It’s that time again! Each month I choose a well deserving basic bra style that is made well, fits well, and has real “staying power”. In a word: Fabulous. April’s bra is perfect for prom and wedding season. Whether you’re a blushing bride who needs a bustier to create a glamorous shape or a full busted teen who wants to shimmy on the dance floor – the new and improved Elila 6421 is the perfect bra for you! Plus, it can be worn with or without straps.
