Archive for November, 2009

De-bunking Bra Myths

November 30th, 2009 by Carissa Rose
Bra Myths oftentimes stand in the way of us purchasing and wearing the bra that will optimize our assets.
1.  If my bra leaves red marks on my body, it is too small.
Socks leave red marks, as do some panties.  Even a hair band temporarily stationed around my wrist leaves red imprints on the skin and it does not indicate that the band is too constricting.
2.  Making the straps tighter on my bra will lift my bustline.
Tightening the straps positions the bra better on the body, causing the cup to encapsulate the breast tissue more effectively.  But the straps don’t affect the height of the bustline as much as A)  snugness of band, B) the best bra cup for your body, and C) the natural placement of the bustline on your torso.
3.  I have to wash my bra after everytime I wear it.
In the heat of the Texas summer sure, wash your bra if its covered with sweat.  Otherwise, use discretion to judge when its appropriate to wash your bras.  If worn for a half day in mild weather, washing is unnecessary.
4.  A bra expires after a certain date.
We have clients wearing bras that are five years old.  Bras come and go out of rotation in our wardrobe for various reasons:  weight changes, lifestyle changes (pregnancy, etc.) or we choose to stop wearing it for some other reason.  When a bra is consistently uncomfortable, then it has expired.

5.  The band should be comfortably loose.

The worst offender of all!  Just a couple of weeks ago an acquaintance mentioned she had gone up from a 34C to a 36C because the 34 *felt* too tight.  While I knew this wasn’t the right move for her, being a C cup its not quite as imperative to have a snug band. 

Do you know of more bra myths?  Have I omitted one that really bugs you?  If so please share your thoughts.

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Posted in how to fit a bra, how to measure bra size | 4 Comments »

Big Breasts – Style on the Street

November 22nd, 2009 by Carissa Rose
Bloggers who profile street fashion are all the rage, even garnering front row seats at some of the most prestigious designer’s runway shows.
This is a picture of me (in the Farrah Shell under my open cardi) with The Sartorialist blogger Scott Schuman. He was recently in Dallas for a book signing – I have never seen so many sky high platform pumps and boots in my life than in his audience that evening. His pictures are so famous that he’s now a published author and much sought after photographer.
My favorite quote from his book, “She is one of my favorite subjects to shoot for the blog . . . she receives comments like, ‘Oh she is sooo perfect.’  . . . Julie has one leg slightly shorter than the other . . . and walks with a very slight limp.  However, she has never let her physical challenges alter her appearance or diminish her presence”.

He goes on to say, “In a world of fashion that celebrates a certain kind of beauty, I have so much respect for the people who don’t let their non-fashion-world physique stand in the way of expressing the beautiful person that they know themselves to be.”
The fashion world is mostly made up of easy to fit women, or at least women without prominent bustlines.  In Mr. Schuman’s book there is a picture of what appears to be an Italian ample bosom.
Check out this blog and tell me if you see any full bust women featured in street chic?  What are your thoughts?  Why is there a dearth of large breasts in the street fashion blogs?
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Posted in full busted women | 8 Comments »

Bustline Quiz #2, And the winner is . . .

November 16th, 2009 by Carissa Rose

First let me thank everyone who participated in our 2nd Bustline Quiz.  It was markedly harder than last time (which only had one question) and I apprecite you giving it a go.

Below are the answers.

  1. 1.  C – The cups are too small.  I’m glad you all knew the right answer, which amazes that this fit issue is so prevelant.
  2. 2.  B – size 34FF.
  3. 3.  This was a gimme.  All the answers were viable becuase the bra wardrobe is relative to lifestyle.
  4. 4.  D – cut & sewn.
  5. 4.  C – this was the question that was the toughest.  36C is the most common bra size sold, but still most women have bands too wide for their rib cage.  We were lenient and put your name in the pot if you chose B.

Sadly to say we didn’t have enough entries to have two awards.  Thus we have one $70 Bratique Helene merchandise credit for the winner.

And the winner is . . . Maya!  Congratulations Maya.  Contact us and we’ll help you select the best fitting new shirt for you.

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Posted in bra sizes | 1 Comment »

Carissa Rose Holiday ‘09

November 14th, 2009 by Carissa Rose
We are excited to announce the new Carissa Rose styles for Holiday ‘09.

You will look so beautiful in our Farrah stretch silk sleeveless shell (who knew I was good at alliteration?) you’ll knock yourself off your feet! Available in both this hot persian red color and classic black for $90.

The picture really doesn’t do this piece justice. We fashioned our Glenna wide strap camisole to not only fit large breasts, but also accentuate the waist. You’ve never looked so good in a cami. Available in both chocolate and black for $92.50.

We have a new white shirt style – Emma. Featuring our same great fitting bust & waist coupled with a long & lean silhouette over the hips. Made of high quality stretch cotton for $105.

These pieces are not available on our webiste, so please contact us for more details or to make your purchase.

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Posted in clothing for big busted women, shirts for big busted women | 1 Comment »

Bustline Quiz #2

November 8th, 2009 by Carissa Rose
Welcome to the second Bustline Quiz.
The rules are as follows: please post your answers to the blog, however they won’t be published until the day we announce the winner, which is Monday, November 16. We’d like to award two prizes this time: 1st place – $70 credit toward Bratique Helene merchandise, 2nd place – $50 credit toward Bratique Helene merchandise. These credits don’t expire and are fully transferrable. The catch is that we need a certain number of entries to have two awards. So tell your friends & family to enter as well!

1. What’s wrong with this picture?

Its surprisingly hard to capture this on film, so here it is again in white:


a. the bra back band is too tight.
b. the shirt is too tight, nothing is wrong with the bra.
c. the cups are too small, cutting into the breast tissue.
d. the cups are seamed, a t-shirt bra will take away all that lumpiness.

2. What size is this bra?

a. 32GG
b. 34FF
c. 36E
d. 38D

3. A woman has these in her drawer:

  • Sports Bra (she likes to walk),
  • Underwire Bra (to look her best outside of the house),
  • Leisure Bra (when she comes home at night and still has to cook dinner).

Which of the following does she need to purchase to round out her bra wardrobe?
a. another sports bra because they get so gross & sweaty.
b. a special occasion bra to wear when she has to attend dressy functions.
c. a plunge bra so that she can wear V neck tops and not have the center of her bra peek through.
d. a t-shirt bra to wear with her tight knit tops.

4. Which type of bra cup gives the best support?
a. molded
b. seamless
c. stretch
d. cut & sewn (seamed)

5. What is the most common bra size in the US? Please also state your source or explain your reasoning.
a. 34B
b. 36C
c. 34D
d. 36D

The deadline to enter is Midnight CST Sunday, November 15. Happy Bustline Quizzing!

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Posted in bra sizes | 14 Comments »
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