Like it or not, we’re all on a budget. And now, more than ever, women and their families are having to make their dollars stretch as far as possible. And that means their bras are stretching out, too! One of the first things to get cut from the budget are bras and underwear. Many women just feel that spending money on something that most people don’t even see is just not a priority. But I’m here to tell you: just because most people don’t see your bra, doesn’t mean it’s not important. In fact, bras are the foundation to your whole outfit! Read my advice and learn how a good bra can make a cheap outfit look like a million bucks, and just how to budget for your bras.

Invest in your bust: It’s no secret that the right bra can help you look 10 pounds slimmer, but it can also give your outfit a more expensive and polished look. Ignoring your bust line and focusing on fancy or expensive clothing is a big no-no. I’ve seen it all in the dressing room. Women come to my New York City shop in a fabulous $500 dress with a worn out, cheap bra on underneath… and she looks like a disaster. If that same woman wore the same dress (or even a $50 dress) with a quality bra in the right size, she’d look so much better! Besides, you wear your bras everyday – something that gets so much use and makes such a difference in your appearance deserves your investment.

Start With Staples: Now that you know it’s important to invest in your bust, what should you buy? To stay on budget, focus on what’s most important first. Just like buying milk and eggs at the grocery store, you need to buy your bra staples first. That means save the “special occasions only” or “just to wear with that one top” bras for later. Buy a few good basic bras in neutral colors to rotate.  These staples will go with almost every outfit and will be able to rotate through your whole wardrobe.

Take Care: One thing that really irks me is seeing a woman invest in a great $80 bra, then when I explain how she should wash and care for it, she says “Oh, I just don’t have time for hand washing. I just throw my bras in the machine”. WHAT? There goes your $80, and in a hurry! Listen, bras don’t last forever. But they will expire even faster if you don’t take care of them! That means hand washing with the right kind of detergent, air drying, rotating, and having enough on hand to prevent stretching out the elastic.  Because, let’s face it, once that elastic is stretched out, say goodbye to the support and shape you loved.  Taking a little extra time to care for your bras will save you money and keep you looking fabulous.  Bras aren’t free,  so take care of your investment, and your bras will take care of you .

One by One: I always suggest that my customers invest in at least 3-5 good basic bras to kick start their bra wardrobe. But, sometimes buying 5 bras just doesn’t fall within budget.  For those women that can truly only afford one bra at a time, I encourage them to follow a simple and easy plan. Each week, set aside just $10 in a bra fund. You heard me – a bra fund! After about 6 weeks, you’ll be ready to come buy a new bra! The majority of the bras I carry are between $55-$85. I don’t think you need to spend $150 to get a fabulous bra that does its job. In fact, I carry some great bras that start at just $26! You can even buy a bra after just three weeks of my $10 plan. Next time you can save up for 8 weeks and get a more sophisticated style. Then save for 5 weeks to get another basic… you get the idea! Though it’s easier on your bras if you can buy a bunch at once, adding and subtracting bras as they wear out, one by one, is an easier way to balance your bra budget with your other expenses.

Get Gifted: Can’t make room in your budget for a good bra? Ask someone else to! Suggesting your favorite bra or a fitting appointment and gift certificate to your friends and family may seem strange, but it’s very effective. Tell them that they’re not just giving you underwear, but they’re giving you the gift of comfort and confidence. Read up on all of my helpful hints: How to Get The Gifts  You Want.

Here’s to staying on “bra-dget”!

During all of the holiday hustle and bustle it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Though I love to shop for other people (especially my family!) I also love shop for myself! There are so many holiday parties to attend, family members that I haven’t seen all year, and desserts to try to avoid – how could I not go shopping? Here are the gifts I’m giving myself this year. Which one is your favorite? Click on the items to explore!

 

Attention holiday shoppers! I know it seems like you have a lot of time before you have to get a present under the tree, but let’s be honest: you don’t! Now that we are well into our second week of November, time will start flying. Next thing you know you’ll be stuffed with Turkey during Thanksgiving, crammed with the holiday work load, and then BAM! It’s gift giving time. Take my advice and start early. I’ve even made it easy with these fabulous picks! The shopping information and links are below. Enjoy your holiday shopping Linda’s style!

Psst! Are you a guy looking to give your favorite gal something special, but need a little help? Read my Guide for Men: How to Give the Gift of Lingerie!

1. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong is so easy to give. It comes in “one size” and stretches to fit! No need to guess “is she a Medium or a Large?”


2. Karla Colletto makes some of my favorite suits! This classic style is available every season in new and fashionable colors.


3. Leblanc wash is AMAZING. Not only will it keep bras in great condition, but it’s also a life-saver for cashmere, bathing suits, and tights!


4. Mary Green boyshorts are super silky which make them comfortable, but they also boast a big flirt factor!


5. This Simone Perele set is so sexy, but also smooth enough to wear under work blouses. *PS: Our email blast accidentally quoted the boyshort as $89, but it’s $55. Lucky you!


6. The Panache Tango II offers such great support for D-K cups that I made it my November Bra of the Month!


7. And this Mary Green Sleep Mask is perfect for women who travel. It’s cute AND practical.


8. And who wouldn’t want a Gift Certificate to shop in-store or online with me?! Exactly. A gift certificate to Linda’s is the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

A perfect round up of holiday goodies to give (and get!). Which one is on your wish list?

Happy Holidays!

Hi guys! Welcome to my guide for giving lingerie. You may be here because you need a little help shopping. Maybe you’re here out of sheer curiosity. Perhaps you’re here because a smart woman sent you here. In any case, I’m here to help! Bras and panties can be a fabulous gift! Giving the gift of lingerie means you are in a relationship with a woman who you will see in that lingerie. I do not suggest this kind of gift to a brand new girlfriend, or during a party where she will open it in front of other people (especially family – yikes!). Giving intimate apparel is an intimate thing. So take the time to pick something thoughtful and appropriate for this special someone!

Get acquainted: Shopping for bras and panties can be painfully awkward for a man. Mainly because you don’t know the topic very well. Women who are buying lingerie for women have a clear advantage – they are in familiar territory. So, the first step is to just get familiar with the topic. Check out my helpful style guide for bras and underwear. These guides will give you a quick explanation of just what a “demi” cup or a “G-string” really is. You can even click on each style and browse the shop to see real examples.

Do some detective work: Some women will come right out and tell you their bra size and what style they prefer, while others may be a tad more timid and will shy away from revealing any kind of “number”. So take a look in her drawer! I’m not saying you should be a weirdo and go plundering through her panty drawer for pleasure. Rather, be observant and see what sizes (yes, sizes is plural. It is possible for women to fit into several different sizes!) she stocks in her drawer. Also, take note of the styles that she prefers (remember to use those guides above if you need help!). Giving her something that suits her size and style will earn you lots of points as opposed to playing the guessing game. Not good. I’m telling you – a woman who loves a molded cup, bright colors,  and wears a 32F or 32FF will think you don’t even know her if you give her a black, all lace bra in a 34B.

Just ask! I know it seems more fun to pillage through her underwear drawer and surprise her with a sexy gift, but you are still making an educated guess. Don’t be shy to ask your lady friend what kind of bras or lingerie she loves to wear. Make sure you are picking something that she will actually want to wear. Here’s a little insider tip: When she feels and looks her best, she will be at her sexiest! You may be tempted to buy her a faux-fur trimmed thong, which might only make her feel silly. But if you bought her a well-made lace panty that flatters her shape, she will feel (and look) like a million bucks! You’ll never know unless you ask.  You can even go through my site together and let her pick out her favorites!

Not all gifts have to be sexy: I know more than a few women out there who will fall completely-head-over-heels-crazy-in-love-with-you if you buy them a (gasp!) basic bra. Believe it or not, it’s true! Good basic bras are the foundation to a fabulous outfit and outlook – doesn’t every woman want that? You may find it more appealing to give a sassy little something, and that’s ok. Giving lingerie should be fun! But, how much more will she thank you if you also include her favorite everyday bra? She will wear that bra almost everyday – and think how lucky she is to have such a great guy. Think about it. It’s good logic.

Send Her to the Best in the Biz: Still feeling like she would love a bra and panty set, and unsure if you can take the “that’s not my size!” risk? Never fear. Send her to my store! Set her up with an appointment and let my Bra Divas and I guide her through all of her bra options – and even help her get into the right size! Have you ever heard her say “I can’t stand wearing this bra. It’s so uncomfortable!” or “Ugh- I hate this bra. I can’t wait to take it off.” If so, then searching through those bad bras for a gift idea will only help you give her a bad bra! Help her get the help she needs at a Linda’s location. Even better – send her with a gift certificate in hand! Treat her to a real bra (and confidence!) makeover. You know she deserves it. Maybe she will even have something sassy and fun to surprise you with!

Send in the Reinforcements: Can’t make it to one of my stores? No worries. Let her know that you want to give her a great gift. Then, have her measure her bust (you can even help – what a guy!)  and use my Bra Calculator as a starting point. Next, call or email my Bra Divas for a personal size and style recommendation. I promise – getting the help that you (and she) needs will make bra and panty buying a smooth and easy process. We’re always here to help!

Happy Shopping!

I’ve been offering post-surgical and mastectomy products for quite some time. I carry some fantastic basic products that are perfect for everyday wear. However, I’d like to show you a few of the prostheses, bras and accessories that are beyond the basics!

Anita Viviana Active Mastectomy Sports Bra : Just like any bra wearer, breast cancer survivors who wear a prosthesis need to change out their basic bra for a well-fitting sports bra when staying active. It’s especially important if you have not had a bilateral mastectomy and still have breast tissue to protect on one side. Even so, part of the reason for wearing a sports bra is to give your basics a break from sweat, and wear and tear. Perspiration and heavy movement can stretch out elastic and ruin the shape of your bras.  Keep those “good bras” good, and slip into this extra comfy sports bra! Great for tennis, a jog around the block, or a trip to aerobics class.

Anita Care Active Ocean Silicone Prosthesis: I love this! Anita Care provides a healthy dose of prostheses, but this one is unique. It’s grooves in the back of the form allow air and water to flow around it freely. Not only does this give a nice cooling factor (hello aforementioned aerobics class!) , but in water the grooves also stop the prosthesis from floating up to the top of your bathing suit or (God forbid!) the pool. Amazing! It’s perfect for swimming in the pool, or even at the beach. Chlorine and salt water can ruin prosthesis forms. This one gets my applause for its chlorine resistant material! And, just like your basic bras, your prosthesis could use a break from wear and tear now and then, too. So, swap it out for this one!

Anita Care Romina Mastectomy Bra: Who says mastectomy bras have to be boring? Not me! While fit is the most important aspect of your bra, it doesn’t hurt for it to look nice, either. Women who have gone through a mastectomy are coming to terms with their new body and their new prosthesis. Believe me, a gorgeous bra can actually help make the process more bearable, if not pleasant! And, bonus: this pretty little number will be up for grabs at my Care for the Cause event October 27th! It’s part of a grand prize package worth more than $300! Make an appointment or stop by my Murray Hill store for your chance to win it for yourself See you there!

Have a great day!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Working with breasts all day, I know how important they can be. Breasts can provide us with confidence, a sexy shape, nourishment for our children and a sense of femininity. They are special and unique to each woman. And, even those that have a love/hate relationship with their bust, know how lucky they are to evade one of the leading causes of death for women in our country: breast cancer. Sure, I provide expert fittings for women with breasts of all sizes.  But did you know that my staff and I are trained for mastectomy bra and prosthesis fittings as well? In fact, I got my start in bra fitting when the American Cancer Society invited me to a bra and prosthesis fitting class over 20 years ago! Through the years, I have been proud to provide post-surgical options to many women. And now, I am proud to announce our first ever Care for the Cause Event!

Join my Bra Divas and I for a special, one day only, in-store event at my Murray Hill location on Thursday October 27th from 1-9PM. We will be providing free fittings all day for those who have battled breast cancer and need help with post-surgical options, and for any woman who needs a lift and some bra education. Also, I’m happy to announce that Joyce Rylander, a representative from Anita Care (my favorite post-surgical company) will be on hand with special gifts with any purchase, and  fantastic information and advice on bras, prostheses, and care. Have you struggled with your post-cancer bra and prosthesis options? Then I can’t wait to see you there! Do you know a breast cancer survivor? Come and find out the best solutions for them! Ever wondered what are the best ways to prevent breast cancer? We’ll have some information on hand! In-need of a great bra and want to support a great cause? Pop on in to the shop!

Every customer who makes a purchase will earn an entry for our contest! You will have a chance to win one of several prizes. Prizes currently include gift certificates, OnGossomer thongs, a special Fit for the Cure bag and makeup case from Wacoal, and much more! And, don’t miss your chance to win the gorgeous Romina bra and panty set from Anita. It’s available for both mastectomy and non-mastectomy customers- a beautiful addition to any woman’s wardrobe! PS: Earn an extra entry by donating any amount to our Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation fund. I truly believe that our donation can make a difference!

Update! The inventor of Rub On Nipples, temporary areola tattoos that last one to two weeks and are easily removed with rubbing alcohol, will be in the store with free and fun samples! Elizabeth Vivenzio, who had a risk reducing mastectomy herself, created Rub On Nipples as a realistic looking and temporary solution for women who are considering permanent areola pigmentation. They are a great solution for women with reconstruction who may not be ready for a permanent tattoo. I just started carrying them in my store and they are fantastic! They even come in 12 different skin tones. Come see what all the fuss is about!

Can’t make it in to the store for this fabulous event? Don’t fret! Stay tuned right here  to Linda Unhooked for lots of great fitting, breast cancer prevention, and breast health advice all month long. Although, you will miss out on the cupcakes and drinks… just sayin’!

Don’t miss this amazing event. I hope to see you there!

Ah…the weekend. For many of us, it’s a time to recharge, relax and (often) run errands. The weekend is our time off from work, and work clothes, too. Isn’t it nice to wake up, slip on a pair of your most comfortable sweatpants and lounge around for part of the day? Not bad. Not bad at all. However, there is something that most women forget about: the weekend bra. Is there a certain bra that you should set aside for the weekend? Can you just wear an old bra? What about a sports bra? Do you even have to wear a bra at all? Ladies, ladies, ladies… I hear you. And I’m here to put an end to the debate. Read on!

Can I wear my old, worn out bra? When many women come into my shop, they are wearing totally worn out, or ill-fitting bras. Most of the time, they are so comfortable and happy in their new bras, that they don’t even want to leave in their old, crummy bra. So, it shocks me when I ask, “Great! Want to toss out that old bra, right here?” And the response is: “No, no, no. I’ll hold on to it. I can wear it on the weekends”. WHAT? Not acceptable. While you may get to take the day off, gravity does not. And that means your breasts don’t either. Keep those breasts up and perky! Think about it, you came in for a fitting to get away from that crummy bra in the first place. A well-fitting bra always feels more comfortable and supportive. So why, when you want to be most comfortable, would you reach for that old thing? Whether you’re out in public or lounging at home, proper fit is a must.

Can I wear a sports bra? This answer isn’t quite as black and white. While I’m strict about tossing poorly fitting or worn out bras, a good sports bra on the weekends is a different story. And I do mean, a good one. Sloppy, stretched out or generally sized sports bras are just as bad as a terrible basic bra. However, a good sports bra can be a great substitution for a basic bra on the weekends. It may not give you the same sexy shape as a good basic bra, but it will still protect and support breast tissue while you run errands. Even a non-underwire style that fits well can do the trick and still be super comfortable. In fact, I love to travel in the Anita Active Medium Impact Sports Bra. It’s smooth, wire free, and comfortable but it still gives me proper support. Even other non-underwire bras, that are not specifically sports bras, can give you the same comfortable result.

Can I take a break from the basics? Oooh this is where we get to have some fun! Some work environments or work clothes may prevent you from being able to wear your sassiest bras Monday through Friday. So, Saturday and Sunday can be your time to pick the prettiest little number from our bra drawer! Why not? Do you have plans for a Saturday night out? Strut your stuff in a gorgeous lace number! Just have plans to cart the kids to practice or clean out the refrigerator? Who cares? Spice up your boring weekend and wear a little excitement under that sweatshirt. It can be our little secret.

Do I have to wear a bra at all? Listen. I’m The Bra Lady. You should know my answer to this question. Women with full breasts still need to keep them lifted and happy. And, the truth is, so do those with petite breasts. Even if you just want to wear a little bralette, having some protection and shape is always a good idea. I think there are a lot of myths out there about comfort and breast health when wearing a bra. I was actually trained by the American Cancer Society to fit bras- and after years of experience, I know that most bra problems and discomfort can be easily remedied by wearing the right size. So, if your bra is so uncomfortable that you can’t wait to go braless on the weekend, it may be time to get re-fit. Either your size has changed, you need a new style, or your bras are dead. Usually, it’s just that simple.

Can I just wear one of my favorite basics? Yes! YES! YES, of course! Once you’ve found a good group of core basics, you may feel just dandy in one of your favorite basic bras. There’s no reason that you can’t rotate one of these preferred styles on the weekends. And while some fabrics or styles may just be more desirable than others, when you’re in the right size, there’s usually no need for a “weekend bra”. All bras are weekend bras! Try a few different basic styles: stretchy, lacy, molded and non-molded, etc. Rotate them in throughout the work week, and if one feels just that much more cozy, set it aside (or get an extra!) for your coziest days. It’s ideal to be able to have good, comfortable basics on hand all week- not just on your days off.

Here’s to being comfortable all week long!

Love,