To measure yourself for a bra, you will need:

• Your best fitting bra (Even if your current bra doesn’t fit perfectly, it’s better than no bra at all. The goal is to get your bust lifted so that you can get an idea of your current size. Avoid minimizers or push up bras.)


• A soft measuring tape (You can pick up one of these at the drug store. They’re very inexpensive!)


• Linda’s Online Bra Calculator (The calculator on Linda’s Online is a step up from the typical DIY subtracting method. The calculator uses a complicated algorithm to determine a starting point for your size.)

Step 1: Measure your underbust

With your bra on, use the soft measuring tape to measure underneath your breasts around your body. Really get that measuring tape directly underneath your bust! The measuring tape should be straight across, and parallel with the floor. Be sure to keep it taut. Remember, the bra band provides 90% of your bra’s support, and needs to be snug to do so – so make sure you’re relaxed (not holding your breath) and the tape is snug. In this case, our model’s underbust measurement is 29 inches. 

Step 2: Measure your cup size

Again, with your bra on, use the measuring tape to measure around the fullest part of your bust. The tape should stay straight across from front to back. In this case our model’s cup size measurement is 36 inches.

Tip: Again, wear your best fitting bra while you measure your cup size. Even if it doesn’t fit perfectly, it will give a more accurate measurement than going braless. If your bra is particularly loose, worn out, or you have very large, sagging breasts, you can use the buddy system again. Have a friend use the bra straps to physically pull your bra up so that your breasts and nipple are about half way between your shoulder and elbow. Then measure around the fullest part of your bust. Not exactly ideal, but it has helped in certain cases.

Step 3: Calculate your size

Log on to www.LindasOnline.com and visit the Bra Calculator page. Use the fields to input your underbust and cup size measurements and click the “Calculator Your Size” button. In this case, the model’s measurements were 29 inches for her underbust and 36 inches for her cup size. The calculated size is a 30G.

Note: You’ll notice that the calculator will add between 0 and 3 inches to your underbust. Totally normal! All women of any size need a snug band for their bra to do its job, but basically, the fuller the bust, the snugger the band needs to be to stay in place. 

Don’t be alarmed if this is really different than the bra size you typically wear. Many women are not wearing the right bra size! (Read a little bit about bra sizes and why they may shock you.) And keep in mind, a calculator is a great tool, but it can never replace the expertise and insight of a real, expert bra fitter. A fitter can take into consideration your shape, body type, and different bra styles. Also, bras are similar to jeans: every brand and style fits a little differently. You’ll never get a true “this is my size in every bra” size from the calculator or a fitter. So use this size as your starting point. It’s a great step in the right direction, and with a little trial and error, you too can find the right bra and feel fabulous!

If you need more help and want personalized guidance, call or email Linda’s Bra Divas: 1-888-262-4887 or service@lindasonline.com.

Happy bra browsing!

Swimwear season is in full swing here at Linda’s and Linda’s Online! And while monotone suits have their place … it’s all about prints this season! Take a look at some of the sassiest styles below, and get shopping! Remember, your swimsuit is an extension of your personal style. Wear what you love! And most importantly, wear what fits. Feeling comfortable will help you feel confident and look fabulous. Come on in to my Murray Hill Linda’s shop for a wide selection of bathing suits and personalized, expert help from my Bra Divas and I, or go shopping online!

This darling Madame Butterfly print from Freya almost looks like bows at first glace. Take a closer look and you’ll see that this fancy print is actually butterflies! Look even closer and you’ll notice that the underwire bandeau tankini top fits D-GG cups, and the underwire plunge bikini top is supportive for D-JJ cups! Style and support: now that’s a winning combination!

Summer time is bright and fun, just like these Gold Coast bikinis from Miss Mandalay! We like the zig zag print and bold colors, and we love the underwire support! 

Come sail away in the Cleo by Panache Pippa collection! This underwire bandeau one piece features support for D-G cups and a removable strap, while the underwire bikini top keeps D-H cups lifted! Yacht or not, you’ll love these swimsuits! 

Prints don’t always have to come in funky colors. Take the Miss Mandalay Twiga or Gingham Girl swimsuits, for examples. These two suits feature fabulous prints in neutral, basic colors. Plus: tons of support and loads of sass! 

Florals are so big this season. By big, I mean popular, not in size. This teeny floral print on the Hattie group from Cleo by Panache is darling, but not overly cute. The teal background and coral flowers are perfect for summer, and the hidden underwire support is perfect for boobs! 

These are just a few of the popular prints and flattering styles at Linda’s this season. Browse through the swimwear selection, and don’t hesitate to call or email my Bra Divas for personalized help! Swimsuit shopping may not be everybody’s favorite thing to do, but we’re here to make it enjoyable and to to help you feel fabulous. So dive in!

Here’s to summer fun!

I’m very happy to announce the first in a new series of Braducational Videos: How to Hand Wash Your Bras! My Bra Diva Kim has years of experience as a fitter, manager, and lingerie expert and now, she’s here to help me “bradcuate” you. Watch the video and keep reading to get Kim’s tips – including how often to wash your bras, which soap to use, and more! They’re pretty awesome because, hey, she learned from the best Yours truly! Take it away, Kim!

Hi everyone! I’m Kim from Linda’s. I’ve worked in the lingerie and bra fitting business for about 8 years. Linda is a great teacher! I also gained a lot of experience in the luxury and high end lingerie business. But when it comes down to it, bra fitting and proper bra care are my true passions. And let’s be honest, whether you spend $50 or $500 on a bra, it has to fit right, and you have to take care of it. I’m so thrilled with this new Braducational Video series. It’s a project that I feel very strongly will help women learn more about their bras, and their boobs!

I started the video series with simple how-to steps for hand washing your bras. I’ve seen so many women come in for a fitting, leave with amazing bras that fit them perfectly, and then totally ruin those awesome bras. Don’t throw your money out! I think a lot of women think hand washing is really difficult or time consuming, but it’s actually easier than you think, and totally worth it. Take a peek at the video above. And be sure to subscribe to Linda the Bra Lady’s YouTube channel so you get updates on every Braducational Video (the topics are really great, I promise!) I’ve also included the how-to below, along with a few extra anecdotes, just for Linda Unhooked readers! xoxo Kim

How to Hand Wash Your Bras: Braducational Video

• A clean sink, bucket or basin


• Gentle silk or lingerie wash (LeBlanc is by far my favorite! It’s really concentrated so I only need to use one capful in the bucket, which means a 16 oz. bottle lasts a long time. Very economical! Plus, I was my tights, swimsuits, silk blouses, sweaters, and dresses in this stuff. It’s awesome!)


• A place or device to hang your bras (I use the rack with clips shown in the video)


• A water faucet (I use the tub faucet because it’s bigger)


• A towel (I use this under the bras to let them drip. If you hang them in the shower, you won’t need one)

Step 1: Sort Bras by Color

Just like clothing, bras can bleed. Ever washed a nude bra with a new black bra? Did your nude bra turn grey? Ugh. Avoid color bleeding and wash light and dark bras separately. You can even wash one color in the sink and the other in a bucket!

Tip: You don’t need to wash your bras after every single wear. In fact, over washing can cause them to wear out too fast. Usually every 4-5 wears is good enough. If you have a 100-degree-omg-I’m-sweating-like-crazy-day or it’s a sports bra used for actual sweaty exercise, you can wash them more often.

Step 2: Use the right soap

I can not stress the importance of this. Many women say, “You’d be proud of me! I hand wash with my [insert harsh, basic detergent name here]!” Sorry ladies, hand washing is a great start, but using the soap you use to wash your clothing is harmful. Basic detergents, and even some “delicate” washes are too harsh on lace and elastic. It will cause the fibers to become brittle and lose their elasticity. And once your bra band stretches out, that bra is dead. Protect elastic and lace with a soap made specifically for lace or lingerie. I’ve tried a few, and LeBlanc is my favorite.

Tip: If you have sensitive skin (like me) wash your bras before you wear them. Within a minute or so of trying on a new bra, my skin is red and I’m itchy. It’s not the bra. It’s what’s ON the bra. Many manufacturers starch their bras to help them keep their shape during shipping or while hanging on a hanger. Just wash your bras before you wear them and you can avoid itchy, red splotches.

Step 3: Fill a container with water and soap

Be sure that the container you’re using is clean.  I use a bucket that I picked up for $1. I place it in the tub so that my husband and I can still use the bathroom sink, and I can avoid toothpaste residue. Use lukewarm water. Anything too hot is too harsh on delicate fabrics. If you are washing larger bras (ex: a a 44H molded bra), it may make sense to fill the tub. That way you’ll have enough room to submerge your bras without crushing them. If you’re using a larger container, you’ll need to use a little bit more water and soap, maybe 2-3 capfulls. In a small sink or bucket, you only need 1 capfull.

Step 4: Submerge and soak your bras

I love this step. It’s so easy! All you do is let your bras sit. Go for a walk, go watch your favorite TV show, go have dinner… whatever! Soaking your bras is by far the most gentle way to wash bras. And yes, it cleans them. In fact, the next step is part of the cleaning process. Read on! 

Step 5: Rinse

Drain the sink or bucket and rinse each bra. No need to get out a wash board or use your hands to scrub-scrub-scrub. All you need to do is gently rub the fabric between your fingers, paying close attention to the band and inside of the underwires where bras tend to be the most soiled. Run the bras a few times under the water to rinse out any excess wash. And be careful not to invert or dent the cups of your molded bras. You can even use your hands to reshape molded bras. 

Step 6: Pat and hang dry

We’re almost done! After rinsing each bra, pat out any excess water. Do not wring or twist your bras! Then hang them to dry.You can dry them outside in the fresh air, but avoid the sun. A shaded area is best so the sun doesn’t bleach your bras. Also, I avoid drying my bras in my bathroom since it tends to be very humid in there. Too much humidity will cause your bras to take too long to dry and get that musty smell. I usually hang my in my bedroom (my husband is used to it – hehe). Also, try putting down a towel under your bras to avoid a puddle. Here are a few of the best ways to dry your bras:

• hang bras over a shower curtain rod


• hang bras over or on a hanger


• hang bras on a tall dry rack (I use this for my blouses and dresses, too!)


• hang bras by clips (I use this most often. I clip them at the base of the wire where it meets the band. Be careful – if your bras are much larger or very heavy when wet, this could stretch out your wire or band)

Let your bras dry overnight and you’re good to go!

Tip: NEVER put your bras in the dryer. Seriously. The high heat and tumbling will ruin the elastic, and cause underwires to break. Might as well just throw out your bras!

Besides helping your bras last longer, hand washing is very environment friendly (using just a little bit of water and no energy to air dry) and economical (that 16 oz. Le Blanc wash is only $16 and since you’re only using a capfull at a time, lasts for months and months!). I hope this video and these tips help you take great care of your bras – enjoy!

xoxo

I’m hosting a Mother’s Day Giveaway! Starting today through May 10th at 10AM EST! That’s right, you can sign up on my Facebook page by clicking the “I <3 my Mom" icon, or enter the giveaway here. It’s really easy to enter. All you need to do is Like Linda’s on Facebook, then enter: your name, email, and a photo of you, you and your mom, or you and your kids. Also answer either or both of these questions: “What do you love best about your mom?” and/or “What do you love best about being a mom?”

One winner will be picked at random to win:

• $50 Linda’s Gift Certificate to either a store location or our online store


• 2 oz. LeBlanc wash


• A large bra dryer rack with clips


• Hollywood Fashion Tape


• HotMilk pink panties


• A 100% silk Mary Green Eye Mask


• Commando Low Beams nipple covers

Entries must be received by Friday May 10th, 2013 at 10AM EST. The winner will be notified that day via email! The winner has been emailed. Thanks! See rules for more information.

Win it for yourself or give it to Mom! Either way, we’re excited to help a deserving woman pamper herself this Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

PS: I am not endorsing Macy’s or Macys.com, but wanted to give credit for the prom dress styles that I found online there. The dresses below are great examples of popular prom dress styles and what to wear underneath. Wherever you choose to buy your gown, get your undergarments at Linda’s or Lindasonline.com!

This silky purple gown by Patra has a simple silhouette with a v-neck front, straight back, and wide straps. The side slit is just high enough to show some leg without showing too much. Luckily, you can wear a basic bra with two straps with this gown. Just be sure to try a plunge style like the Natori Feathers Bra, instead of a full coverage bra. That way you won’t risk the bra peeking out the top of the dress. You can even pair the bra with the matching Natori Feathers Girl Brief, which has a higher lace waist for total comfort!

I love the bright color and bold gold print on this Xscape cross back prom dress, don’t you? The backless dress trend is very popular. The best bra for a gown without a full back is a stick on style like this The NuBra Seamless Adhesive bra. The inside of the cups are sticky and totally stay in place! Just be sure to avoid any lotions or perfumes on your breasts before you use it. Also, the front clips together for extra shape and support, and you can angle the cups and decide just where to place the clip. For undies, stick with something close to your skin tone and without a lot of seams or fuss. The Hanky Panky thongs (shown here in the original rise) are super comfortable and easy to wear under almost anything!

Go glam in a sequin, short black dress like this plus size style from Trixxi. It shows off your legs and shoulders while the gathers and sequin bodice shape your middle. For further shaping, my Bra Divas and I love the Elila Longline bra. It’s only $56 and is a great solution for C-H cups! When wearing a short dress, I always tell girls to wear a fuller panty like this Curvy Kate Smoothie Brief. You don’t want to risk your skirt rising in the breeze and showing off a little too much in your prom photos – catch my drift? But don’t worry, fuller coverage doesn’t have to be boring – this style features a cute leopard print!

Have a safe, exciting, and fabulous prom night!

After the call from Good Morning America, my Bra Diva Kim and I sat down to read an article about this French study in our cushy Murray Hill fitting room. While we read it out loud, we gasped at several of its claims and findings. In fact, a customer in the fitting room poked her head out and said “Go braless? Are they crazy? No way. Not me! It just wouldn’t be comfortable!” I totally agree. Below, read some of the  exerts from the article in The Local, plus you can read it here.

The results of a mammoth 15-year study led by professor Jean-Denis Rouillon, from the University of Besançon in eastern France, are finally in and it looks like conventional wisdom about bras and back pain has been way off the mark. According to Rouillon, a sports science expert, the lesson to be learned from the preliminary results of his marathon experiment is that “bras are a false necessity”. “Medically, physiologically, anatomically – breasts gain no benefit from being denied gravity. On the contrary, they get saggier with a bra”

All the women involved in the study were aged between 18 and 35, although the professor was keen to stress that the group were not a representative of the global population of females. After regularly measuring women who were not wearing bras the scientists concluded that “on average their nipples lifted on average seven millimetres in one year in relation to the shoulders.

…Rouillon advised certain women not to immediately throw away all their bras in the bin.”It would be of no benefit to a 45-year-old mother to stop wearing a bra,” he warned.

“These are preliminary results,” Dr. Rouillon said. “The small sample of 320 young women is not representative of the entire population – that would require something like 300,000 subjects.” However, Dr. Rouillon did confirm that the initial data indicated that when young women stopped wearing a bra, there was no disimprovement in the orientation of their breasts, and in fact, there was widespread improvement. “Of course, this is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether or not wear a bra – for example, many women simply find them very comfortable, especially in winter,” Rouillon acknowledged. Ultimately, however, he feels his work is not complete, since the findings are not definitive.“We will simply have to recruit a larger sample of the female population, and conduct further research,” Rouillon added.

Interesting stuff, right? Although I’m not a doctor or a research professor, I’ve done over 26 years of my own research on thousands and thousands of women of all ages and sizes. And after my research, I say that going braless will not stop sagging, and will not encourage perkiness. This is especially true for women with full or heavy breasts, those who have had children, gained or lost weight, or those over age 40! Not every woman needs to wear a bra all the time. If you are an A cup or a very firm B cup, you can most likely go braless. These women aren’t in desperate need of support from a bra. But most of those women prefer to wear a bra anyway – mainly for the shape and confidence that a bra can give you. I shared all of this and more with Juju Chang from ABC and Good Morning America. Here are a few behind the scenes shots from our TV Spot:

I was thrilled, and not surprised at all, to learn that my Bra Divas, customers, and even Juju Chang, agreed that going braless wasn’t the best idea. Heather, a very brave customer (it was her first time at Linda’s!) was so thrilled with the result of her first bra fitting, that she agreed to do an interview with JuJu and I – without her top! She proved that she was more comfortable and confident in her bra and no top, than in a top and no bra! When asked if going braless would be more comfortable and relieve back pain, Heather was quick to disagree. Now that she’s in a well fitting bra, she actually feels more comfortable! Here’s a sneak peek at this portion of the interview that didn’t air. You’ll only see it here on Linda Unhooked:

Most women agree: a great bra is the best way to support your breasts. In fact, I even encourage sleeping in a bra without an underwire for some extra support at night. Now listen: breast tissue is soft by nature, and gravity and age will take its toll on even the firmest breast tissue.  It’s my belief that wearing a well fitting bra has obvious short term benefits (great shape, lots of support, looking fabulous), and that there are long benefits, including less sagging! Part of the research suggested that women who went braless saw a 7mm raise in their nipple location every year. When Juju Chang asked me what I thought of this, I suggested “Maybe these women were standing on their heads for 12 hours a day!” You can’t escape gravity! Juju also pointed out that photos of women in cultures where they do not wear bras show lots of sagging breasts. To me, it’s just obvious: no bra = sagging breasts.

Kim got in on the media coverage, too, in this clip on New York’s Fox 5! She and several of our customers share their thoughts on the benefits of bra, and if they would ever go braless.

Who knows? Perhaps Dr. Rouillon will find the 300,000 young 18-35 year old women who are willing to go braless in France, but probably not in the USA. While there are plenty of non-bra wearing women here, it’s just not as typical. Mainly for cultural and societal reasons, but also because women in the USA have me to help them find the best bras! And let’s be honest, back pain and discomfort in a bra happens because the bra doesn’t fit properly. I’ve seen it over and over again, wearing the right bra actually helps ease back pain, ends sagging, and feels fabulous. Just look at me as an example!

What do you think? Would you go braless? Do you think not wearing a bra will keep your pair perky?

xoxo

Happy Swimsuit Shopping!

I’m such a proud Bra Diva momma! I work hard to train my bra fitters to be experts in their field, and I’m always proud when they use that knowledge to help the women in my stores or online. But I’m even more proud when I see them living what they preach, and of course, so excited for them when they get married! Last year, two of my top Bra Divas took the plunge and married the special men in their lives. And these beautiful brides have agreed to share their bridal gown and undergarment shopping secrets with the rest of us. Believe me, they’ve helped enough brides in the past that they were well prepared for this adventure – but nothing beats real life experience.

Now these two Divas are prepared to share their insider tips on choosing the best undergarments for your wedding day!

First up, Bra Diva Britney! Britney has a curvy, shapely figure. Her sweetheart neckline, corseted bodice and full skirt were a gorgeous compliment to her figure! Britney has loads of bra fitting experience in the shop, and now works the phones helping women all over the world find the perfect bra!

Bra Diva: Britney Married: September 29th in Cleveland, OH Dress by: David’s Bridal Photography: Rentham Creative Veil: Vera Wang

Britney’s comments about her dress: I won a gift certificate for my dress at a bridal show. My wedding colors were black, white and red. I LOVE to wear the color black, so when I found a wedding dress with black on it, I knew I had to try it on. I was actually having dreams about it! I also love drama and got married in a huge Gothic cathedral in downtown Cleveland, Ohio so I needed a dress that could help me compete with the space. When I finally tried the dress on, I just burst out into tears. It was the perfect dress for me!

Britney’s comments about her undergarments: When it came to my undergarments, becuase of the way the dress was structured, I could wear anything that was strapless. I decided on the Panache Harlequin Bridal Longline Bra in a 34E, basically because it looked so BRIDAL. The underwear actually ended up being the biggest issue. I wanted to wear the matching underwear initially to the Panache Harlequin Bridal Longline Bra, but I tried them on and I just felt so uncomfortable that I couldn’t do it. It’s so important to be comfortable on your wedding day because the last thing you want to do while you stand up in front of your friends and family is pull a wedgy out of your butt. So I finally decided to wear my favorite thong, the Hanky Panky Original Signature Lace Thong in black to match the lace in my dress. I was so comfortable that I couldn’t even tell that I had anything on. It was great!

Britney’s Advice to Other Brides: My best advice to brides to be when it comes to your dress and your undergarments is know your style and don’t compromise. You need to feel like a more perfect version of yourself that day, not somebody else. Wear a dress that compliments you and is similar to things you traditionally wear. If you’ve never really worn anything that is backless, strapless, and plunges down to your belly button, don’t use your wedding day as the time to try it for the first time. Save it for the honeymoon

Next up, Bra Diva Kim! You may have noticed a lot of Kim on the blog and my Facebook page recently. She is a long time Bra Diva with years of store experience. Now, as our marketing director, she helps me “braducate” women in lots of ways – including helping me with media mentions and press engagements. Kim opted for a sheer tulle and lace gown with no built-in structure. The look matches her vintage style, and the sheer, flowing fabric was great for a hot day. I should know – I was there on her wedding day, sweating in the August heat, too! Bra Diva: Kim Married: August 5th at the Bronx Zoo, NYC Dress by: BCBG Max Azria Photography: M G B Photo Veil: Made by Kim’s Mom

Kim’s comments about her dress: I found this dress by mistake! I was just trying things on with a friend for research before my Mom and Sister came into town. But when I found this one, I couldn’t resist. It was off the rack from BCBG Max Azria, on sale (which meant no returns), and totally perfect. I was so happy that I wore a light dress on my wedding day – it was over 90 degrees with extreme humidity. I also love that it has that soft vintage look, and art deco details. Unfortunately, it was also see-through and showed my bra straps and back band… luckily, I have years of undergarment experience and was able to fix the problem so I could wear my dream dress!

Kim’s comments about her undergarments: Because my dress was so sheer, everything showed through. Even simple shapewear like Spanx were visible through the layers! I opted for the seamless Commando Slipology Half Slip to keep my friends and family from seeing too much, and worked out like crazy so I wouldn’t have to wear shapewear. The slip was so smooth that it left no bumps or ripples! Underneath, I wore my favorite underwear, the Hanky Panky Low Rise Lace Thong in a light blue. It was my “something blue”, super smooth, and very comfortable! I always tell brides to steer away from low back options so you won’t have to worry about a backless bra… and I did not listen to myself. Luckily, my breasts are not very heavy or full, so I was able to wear the NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra with confidence. I wear a 30DD or 32D, so I chose the C cup since it’s based on a 34 band. It was the perfect color for my light skin tone and never showed through my sheer dress. More importantly, even after sweating like a maniac (it was SO humid), it stayed in place!

Kim’s advice to other brides: When it comes to your gown, don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside of the “bridal box”. I was so thrilled to find my dress at a ready-to-wear clothing shop. It saved me money, and was a more unique option that fit my non-traditional style. Be sure to think about what bras and undergarments you can wear with your gown when you buy it – and take a few bra options with you when you shop. Don’t fall in love with a gown that you won’t be able to buy the right bra for. For your undergarments: Be comfortable! A lot of brides want to wear fancy, bridal undergarments under their gown, which is great. But if they don’t help your gown look its best, you won’t feel your best. I’d rather go with boring and supportive and save the fancy stuff for later that night. Also, if you have full breasts, don’t do what I did. Don’t go low-back or backless. I was lucky enough to be able to wear an adhesive bra and feel totally confident, but I had to put a lot of trust into a sticky bra. You have a lot to worry about on your wedding day, and your bra shouldn’t be one of them.

Bonus: Kim wore a second dress during her reception! This short beaded dress required a totally different set of undergarments. Are you wearing a different dress to your reception? Make sure you plan ahead and pick out and pack undergarments that suit the second style!

Aren’t they lovely brides? Best wishes to both of these gorgeous newlyweds!

Do you have bridal undergarment questions? Email my Bra Divas at service@lindasonline.com, or come in to the shop with photos of your ideal (or purchased) dress. And join me every Thursday from 1-2pm for #BrideChat on Twitter!

And they lived happily ever after!

As a bra fitting expert, I help a lot of brides and bridesmaid. A lot! So last year when I noticed the hashtag #bridechat in my Twitter feed, I decided to see if any Twitter brides needed my expertise. Turns out, they did! I help women with their undergarment and lingerie questions for the big day. I counsel brides to think about their friend’s breasts before demanding that every bridesmaid wear a backless gown. I even offer up my own thoughts on non-bra related topics! It’s really fun. And, there’s a whole group of industry professionals that are on hand to help brides, couples, etc. with their wedding questions! What’s even better: the group is full of really cool, really honest pros. And that includes the new host of this chat, wedding photographer Casey Fachett. Below, he gives us the skinny on Bride Chat!

What is Bride Chat and how did you get involved? Bride Chat is twitter chat for couples getting married, former brides, and wedding industry professionals to discuss tips, trends, and topics regarding weddings. I got involved a couple of years ago when I noticed there weren’t any wedding photographers involved. As a photographer, I see ALL aspects of the wedding – fashion, flowers, music, etc. – so I thought I was uniquely qualified to add my commentary. When the original founders of the chat moved on to careers in other industries, I stepped in to host the chat.

How can someone join the chat on Twitter? All they have to do is use and follow the hashtag #BrideChat on Twitter – if you don’t use the hashtag, we won’t be able to see your questions or comments.

We have a wide variety of wedding industry professionals who join in depending on their availability. Some regulars include (Linda the Bra Lady), Colin Cowie Weddings, wedding planner/blogger Bitchless Bride, Mens Wearhouse Tuxedo, Shafonne Myers (editor of Pretty Pear Bride), and wedding blogger Jessica Poole Hardy from Storyboard Wedding. There are many more pros who stop by from time to time, and we are always happy to see new faces!

Do you have to be a bride to join the chat?

No! Despite the name, we don’t limit ourselves. If you have a topic or a question for couples getting married, feel free to join in the conversation. We get a lot of interesting tips and feedback from couples who are already married!

What are some of the topics that you’ve talked about in the past?

We’ve covered a wide variety of topics, including bride and groom fashion, color trends, tips to help you stay sane during wedding planning, wedding inspiration, as well as the humorous side of weddings – probably because I like to keep things on the lighter side.

We are always looking to expand Bride Chat to include new vendors, more couples, more topics! We want to hear from you! Let us know what you want to hear about – if we don’t get to it during the hour, we will try to get back to it during the next chat. Don’t be afraid, we won’t bite!

Are you a bride or groom getting married soon? Or are you part of an upcoming wedding? Are you just dreaming about the future? Join us every Thursday on Twitter for #bridechat! And be sure to follow me, Linda the Bra Lady, on Twitter for bra, swimwear and undergarment tips: @lindathebralady.

xoxo

Want in on these trends? Get your shopping information below!

Trend one: Fringe

Linette is in great shape, so why not show it off? She is wearing a very popular L*Space Dolly Fringe Bandeau top in black and a sexy cut out bikini bottom. These two styles show off some skin without being too revealing. And while Linette looks fantastic, she wanted a little help emphasizing her petite bust. The fringe texture and knotted details draw the eye up there, and give her bust a little extra shape and interest. PS: Did you know that Linette is one of my very own Bra Divas? That’s right! She’s the manager of my Murray Hill location and has years of bra fitting experience.

This fringe trend is so popular (it’s on boots, bags, and coats) that I carry it in several styles and colors this season. Take a look at the bandeau in black, berry and blue:

I also carry the L*Space Fringe Halter Bikini Top in cream, paprika and black:

Trend 2: Nautical

Melinda is a fit mom with a one and a half year old. Yep, you read that right! She eats healthy and exercises regularly to get that toned body. One thing that she couldn’t tone? Her breasts! As with any woman, pregnancy and breast feeding can take a toll on the elasticity of your breast tissue. To get a little extra support, this Panache Stella Bikini top has a built-in underwire and comes in well fitting bra sizes! In fact, Melinda went from wearing two bras at once (I know, I know) in the wrong size, to a well fitting new size. A good bra, or bra sized bikini, makes a huge difference in how you look and feel – especially on the beach!

The nautical trend is classic. It’s always in! This season, the Panache Stella swimwear group showcases three of the top nautical trends in one group: navy, stripes, and braided rope! Shop the whole group and find a swimsuit that fits and flatters your unique shape.

Trend 3: Retro

The retro trend is everywhere this season, especially in swimwear! Brittany is wearing the Panache Tallulah Bandeau and High Waist Bikini Bottom, and wearing it well. Besides the retro style, this suit also showcases the floral and metallic trends that are so popular right now. As far as support goes, Brittany can walk tall at the beach in this molded, underwire bikini top. She can even remove the straps and wear it strapless! It’s that secure. And she may have a smokin’ figure, but if she did have anything to hide (hey, we’re all human here), the high waist retro bottom trend is a great solution.

The Panache Tallulah group offers this trendy print in several swimsuit styles: bandeau, one piece, bikini, tankini, etc. Wear what feels best on you! 

Trend 4: Gingham

Tacking on to the retro trend, I love the gingham look! Gingham is especially great for the sugary sweet girl. Here, Elisa brightens up the traditional blue or red gingham in a bright orange, khaki and white gingham Seafolly Bikini. Her bust gets the shape it needs from the removable molding. And she can feel confident and comfortable playing volleyball or riding a wave runner in this ruched side retro bottom. The fuller coverage provides the comfort, while she stays on trend!

Go gingham in Seafolly in orange or black! Or try the gingham trend in an underwire bikini top from the Freya Kansas group! So sweet in blue…

Here’s one last look at all four trends!

Which trend are you going to try this year? Remember, just because it’s “in”, doesn’t mean it’s for you. My tip: wear what feels right for you! Especially when it comes to fit and support. There are so many supportive, gorgeous swimsuits available at Lindasonline.com, you won’t have to compromise.

xoxo