Linda Unhooked

How to accessorize your LBS: Little Black Swimsuit

Linda The Bra Lady — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:34:27 +0000

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!

Sporty can be sassy, too! Start with a perfectly fitting bikini top like this Freya Fever Bikini Top. The underwire and D-GG cup size range mean super support. Pair it with the matching boyshort for coverage and comfort, then layer with a cute tennis skirt! Add in some color with bright sunglasses and flip flops and tote it all around in a sporty bag. And don’t forget your sunblock!

It’s glam time. This Panache Holly Tankini is so simple, but it’s so easy to spice it up. This tankini fits up to hour glass figures up to a J cup, so I went retro glamour girl. The fabulous white cat eye sunglasses have a trim of leopard print. Keep the classic animal print going with a floppy beach hat and wedges. So dramatic, darling! Slip into this flowing Anita cover up for your trip to the poolside bar. Margaritas anyone?

Wow! Black does NOT have to be boring. The cut out bottoms and fringe details on this L-Space Dolly Bikini are so on trend for this season! Jazz it up with a playful cover up in another hot trend, ombre. Take this bikini on the festival circuit with a fringe bag, crochet wedges, printed bangle and classic sunglasses. You’ll be ready to take in the tunes and then soak up the sun. Rock on!

Remember, trends come and go, but a flattering black swimsuit is always in. Take good care of your suit and you can wear it for seasons and seasons! Just change up your accessories to match your personal style and that year’s trends. How do YOU like to wear your little black swimsuit?

Enter Linda’s Strapless Style Photo Contest!

Linda The Bra Lady — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:14:02 +0000

The weather is warmer, you have weddings to attend, and cute dresses and tops to wear about town… this means only one thing: it’s strapless season! Get ready for your Spring and Summer wardrobe by investing in a fabulous strapless bra.

Did you get your strapless bra from an NYC Linda’s shop or Lindasonline.com? Then take a photo of you wearing it under one of your favorite outfits! We want to see what you choose to wear with your strapless bra. Two winners and one grand prize winner will be selected and will win gift certificates of $50 or $100 for Linda’s or Lindasonline.com, so enter today!

Didn’t buy your strapless bra yet? What are you waiting for?! You have until May 22nd to enter. Visit my shop or let us help you shop online so you can show off your style and enter the contest!

And remember, a strapless bra can be worn with far more than just strapless dresses! Here are a few ideas for wearing your strapless bra:

Take off all straps and wear it as a strapless under your wedding gown, a strapless dress, or a top with unique straps

Lengthen and criss cross your straps to wear with a racer back tank or dress

Take off one strap and make the other as long as possible. Loop that strap in the front on one side, around your neck, and again in the front on the other side. Halter problems solved!

Wear is without straps or with just one under those trendy one-shoulder tops and dresses

Wear a strapless longline style under your wedding gown or an evening gown

Add clear straps and wear it under an all-lace top or dress

Wear it under a spaghetti strap gown to avoid those sightly bra straps from showing

Need more style inspiration? Check out my Strapless Inspiration board on Pinterest! I am adding new style ideas all the time, including bra and clothing suggestions.

What do you wear your strapless bra with? Leave a comment below!

And don’t forget to submit a photo – you could win a $100 spree to Linda’s!

Team Linda the Bra Lady at the EIF Revlon Run/Walk 2012!

Linda The Bra Lady — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:36:07 +0000

I am so proud of my Bra Divas! A big group of them, along with some of their family members and our brand representative from Anita (our mastectomy bra and prostheses provider), walked with almost 20,000 others in the 2012 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women! They raised more than $2,400 together that will help generations of women get better health care, fight cancer, and live a long and healthy life. Isn’t that amazing? Take a look at some of the photos from this inspirational event!

Check out more photos from this fabulous event! This was our first year participating and I can’t wait to join in the fun next year!

Muah!

Hand Washing: Why It’s Good for your Bras and the Environment (and it’s easy!)

Linda the Bra Lady — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:37:44 +0000

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.

Tip: Bras don’t need to be washed after every wear (unless you have a very sweaty day). Typically, washing your bra after every 4-5 wears is a good idea. Sports bras, however, should be washed more frequently.

Hand washing is good for the environment

Have you ever run just a few of your delicate items on the gentle cycle? Not so great for the environment. Washing machines have to use a lot more water than if you just washed your bras in a small basin of water. Also, running the washing machine uses a lot of electricity and energy, while hand washing requires little to no energy at all! And don’t forget how many bras pile up in landfills after their owners mistreat them with harsh soaps and mean machines. Taking care of your bras and washing them properly means more supported breasts and less garbage in the world!

Hand washing is good for more than just bras

Did you know that you should also hand wash your bathing suits, hosiery, lace tops, silk blouses, cashmere sweaters… the list goes on! Using a gentle wash like Le Blanc Silk & Lingerie Wash will help all of these items last longer and look better.

Hand washing is easy!

Please don’t stress about hand washing your garments. Sure, it takes a little bit more effort than just throwing them in the machine (which, by the way, there is a right and wrong way of washing your bras in the machine if you positively insist on doing it!) but hand washing your bras is so worth it in the long run. Here’s how easy it is:

Gather a few bras in similar colors (just like clothes, bras can bleed color)

Drop a cap full of Le Blanc wash in a sink, small basin, or any container full of cool water

Place bras (or other items) in the basin making sure that they are submerged all of the way

Walk away. That’s right! Go eat, take a nap or watch TV for 30min to an hour

Return to your basin feeling rested and fabulous

Remove bras from the basin and, one by one, run them under cool running water

No need to scrub a dub and ruin your bras, just gently rub the bras between your fingers. Take extra care around the underwire and the bra band where it tends to get the most soiled

Make sure molded cups are reshaped (you can “pet them” with your hands to fill out the cup shape

Hang them up, lay them over a mesh net, let them drip over a towel, etc.

DONE!

Tip: NEVER put bras in the drier. There are some handy ways to dry your bras now-a-days! Here are just a few ideas:

How do you prefer to dry your bras?

Happy Earth Day!

April Bra of the Month: Elila Strapless Longline Bra 6421

Linda the Bra Lady — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:56:39 +0000

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.

Click below to discover April’s Bra of the Month!

Elila Strapless Longline Bra | All Elila | Vitamin A Swimwear Event

Have you tried this fabulous bra? If so, leave a comment and let me know how you liked it and what fabulous outfit you wore with it!

Happy April!

In-Store Event: Vitamin A Swimwear at Linda’s Murray Hill

Linda the Bra Lady — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:50:29 +0000

You’re Invited! Are you on the hunt for a bathing suit for your next vacation or stay-cation? Whether you’re just taking a dip in the pool, laying out in the park, or traveling the seas on your private yacht, Vitamin A swimwear has a swimsuit for you. And now you can get the inside scoop on some of the hottest new styles of the season! Make an appointment now or stop by my Murray Hill store on Thursday April 26th for your first opportunity to try on and take home brand new styles from their Gold (sophisticated, sultry, glamorous) and Silver (flirty, fun and super sassy) collections. The new styles will hit the store that morning – don’t miss out!

And as if new styles and expert advice weren’t enough, shoppers will have chances for lots of gifts! From Vitamin A tank tops, headbands and hair ties, and swim bags to an entry into our Grand Prize Raffle where you could win a Vitamin A swimsuit and a $75 Linda’s gift certificate. And big bonus: all Vitamin A is 10% off – April 26th only! Don’t miss out on this fabulous in-store event and one-day-only perks. Request your appointment at my Murray Hill store now and take a look below at just a few of the styles that you’ll find in the store!

Fab. u. lous. Are you as excited as I am!? Make it a point to stop by on Thursday April 26th, 2012 from 10am-9pm. Or better yet, make an appointment and get your spot confirmed for this one-day-only event!

XOXO

“Bra Tacks”: What “tacking” means and why it’s so important!

Linda The Bra Lady — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:42:30 +0000

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!

What does it mean when your bra tacks?

“Tacking” refers to the underwire and front portion of your bra resting firmly against the front of your body and in between your breasts. (See the photo for reference.) And “firmly” against your body does not mean “resting on there” or “sorta hanging out around that general area”. Firm means your bra has to be snug so that it can actually hug you and stay against your body instead of floating around and (inevitably) down.

Why should my bra tack?

If your bra properly tacks in place, that means it fits! And a bra that fits is a bra that feels and looks fabulous! Tacking allows your bra to anchor onto something and gives a secure feeling and starts with a snug band. A loose bra band means sagging breasts in the front and constant riding up in the back. A snug band means supported breasts and a bra that stays in place! So if you can easily fit a finger (or more?!) between the front of your bra and your body, it is not tacking properly and it is too loose. Additionally, if your bra band is snug enough, but your cups are too small, your bra can not tack. Your underwire will rest on top of your breast tissue, floating away from your ribs and sternum. Breast tissue is soft and is not a good anchor for your bra. Be sure to get ALL of your breast tissue inside the wire and cup. Your wire should rest firmly on your body all the way around, but especially in the front where it will tack. Get them all in there? Hurray! That means your breasts will now look fabulous.

What kind of bras should tack?

All underwire bras in the right size should tack. That’s right. All of them. Non-underwire bras don’t have the benefit of a an underwire’s firmness and shape to help tack in the middle so they’re off the hook- but the band should still be snug. You don’t want any “underboob” slipping out of your bras, do you!? Bra styles with wires that are taller or higher in the middle will have more material to tack. Some styles, by design, tack more than others. But that doesn’t mean that a very low plunge bra with very little material in the front shouldn’t tack. You heard me before, all underwire bras should tack firmly against your body. However, depending on your breast shape (women with very full breasts at the top), body type (if you have a concave chest), or the design of the bra (all styles are different), some bras will not tack at the top of your cleavage. Most will, but not all of them. The important part is toward the bottom (like in the photo above).

If your bra is not tacking you may want to try a new size, come in for a fitting, or simply replace your dead and stretched out bra.

Time to get tacky (in a good way)!

Donate to Team Linda the Bra Lady for the Revlon Run/Walk 2012!

Linda the Bra Lady — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:27:30 +0000

My Bra Divas and I work with women and help women all day long. So when I was asked if we wanted to form a team for the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in NYC this year, I thought “of course!” Although I will be out of state at a very important charity fundraiser, my Bra Divas are going to be among the celebrities and celebratory confetti and make the walk from Times Square to Central Park!

A note on what the Revlon Run/Walk is all about:

The nationally acclaimed Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women has touched the lives of millions of people through increased awareness, education, research, and diagnostic treatment services.

Created in 1994 by Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the EIF Revlon Run/Walks (Los Angeles & New York), along with our sponsors and participants, have distributed over 65 million dollars in the fight against women’s cancers. Thanks in part to these funds, new treatments are being developed and lives are being saved.

The EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women continues to unite men, women, and children of all races and ages in the fight against women’s cancers.

I’m so pleased that my Divas, plus some of their friends and family, and some of our brand’s representatives are joining together for a great cause. They are working hard to fund raise! And, you can help too! Donate online to our team and help us help even more women! Every donation counts – even $1.

XOXO

Linda’s Latest BFF: Bra Fan Forever is Joyce!

Linda the Bra Lady — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:38:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce another BFF: Bra Fan Forever, Joyce! This young lady actually got fit by yours truly (lucky lady!). She was a unique size, a 28D- a far cry from that worn out 34A she was wearing. She needed a bra that matched her sweet but confident attitude. Well, and she needed a bra that fit. Just like other women out there, she was suffering in the wrong size. 28’s are still hard to come by, but I’m happy to say that we are working with the best brands to bring more options to our customers with petite frames. And, even more importantly, I’m bringing size awareness to those petite ladies. A D in a 28 band is not the same as a D in a 40 band. Remember, the smaller the back, the smaller the cup. Joyce would never have dreamed up picking up a 28 band, let alone a D cup. But that’s why I’m here to help, and that’s why Joyce is my newest BFF!

What is your…

name? Joyce

age? early 20’s

occupation? Student

Why are you Linda’s BFF?

I am a bra fan forever because I’ll always be grateful for Linda showing me how a bra should really fit. Linda is an expert in her field; sounds harsh, but most of the fitters at the department stores, lingerie chains, and even boutiques don’t know what they’re talking about.

When did you shop at Linda’s?

I shopped at Linda’s last August right after Hurricane Irene. I wish I could go more often, but I live on the west coast now. Please open a shop in Southern California!

Who helped you, and what did you think about her Bra Divas skills?

Linda helped me, and she was a real professional. I was actually pinched pretty hard a few times by a fitter at another store. I’m happy to report there was no such pain or discomfort at Linda’s.

What size did you think you were, or were you wearing when you first went to Linda’s?

I knew the size I was wearing was terribly wrong, but I was wearing a very stretched out 34A when I arrived at Linda’s.

Were you wearing the right size? If not, what size did were you fitted for?

No, not even close. I was fitted for a 28D.

What was your favorite part about getting a fitting?

My favorite part about getting a fitting was wearing a decently fitting bra for the first time in my life!

How did you feel and look after your fitting?

As soon as she had strapped me into the first bra, I couldn’t help but burst into a smile. It’s like the sun came out on a cloudy day. I felt the way you feel when any article of clothing fits you well: fabulous!

Do you have a favorite brand, style or type of bra? If so, which and why?

So far, my favorite bras are the Panache Cleo bras because they are so comfortable, create a beautiful silhouette, and start at a 28 band size.

How did you hear about Linda’s?

I heard about Linda’s on Yelp.

Would you tell your friends to get a fitting at Linda’s?

I did as soon as I finished with my own fitting! My friend was in the waiting area and I made her get a fitting too (that’s her in the photo to the right!)

Why do you think getting fit for bras is so important for women?

The experience completely changed how I view my body and all the lingerie and sports bra purchases to come. In the past years of wearing bras, I had always felt something was wrong with me; that my cup size was far too small and there would never be anything that fit properly. I tried department stores, Gap Body, Victoria’s Secret, even smaller boutiques, and I never felt like anything truly fit correctly. The reality is, however, that the industry for the most part has chosen to ignore those of us with backs smaller than a 32 band. As a result, I resigned myself to the gapping cups and band ride-up indicative of ill-fitting bras because of misinformation and lack of selection. Women should get a proper fitting for bras so we realize there’s nothing wrong with our bodies or our chests. Moreover, we all deserve to have bras that fit well and make us feel great!

What was the best piece of advice that you got, or the most important thing that you learned at Linda’s?

The best piece of advice I received was that I could wear bras with removable pads and double up to make my breasts appear even. Genius!

A big thank you to Joyce for sharing her story (and telling her friends!). Do you want to share your bra fitting experience? Check out all of the details here.

XOXO

Linda’s March 2012 Bra of the Month is the Fantasie Esme!

Linda the Bra Lady — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:38:14 +0000

This month, I reveal yet another amazing basic bra that would otherwise fall between the cracks of sassy styles and long-time favorites. I’m glad to announce that this month’s Bra of the Month is a newer basic with smooth cups and supreme support. Best of all? It fits D-H cups with ease. It was so popular in my two New York City bra fitting shops that I knew I had to feature it! :::trumpets sounding::: Here it is, the Fantasie Esme!

Fantasie Esme Bra | All Fantasie Bras | Free Shipping

Love,