Archive for December, 2009

Why Buttons are Evil

December 29th, 2009 by Carissa Rose
A few months ago I was enjoying a bowl of tortilla soup from the Mermaid Cafe in Neiman Marcus NorthPark, when I looked across the table to a pair of ladies walking by.  I was surprised when through the gape in one of the woman’s button-down blouse I could see not only her bra but her stomach as well.  Oh my!  I felt for this unsuspecting lady because she had no idea that she was flashing people as she walked past them.  And actually being unaware is better than being insecure that you’re going to flash people.  Insecurity is a defeating feeling.  Ignorance is bliss.

Buttons are hard to manage for small, medium and large bustlines.  If Jennifer Anniston causes a shirt to pucker and pull open . . . Both pattern makers we’ve worked with praise our hook & eye closure (our sewer and CFO have a different response though.  Hooks & eyes are cumbersome to sew and expensive to purchase).  Buttons have to be relatively closely spaced over the bustline to prevent the gaping, but putting so much pressure on one point of closure – a button – causes pulls and lines across the center front. 

Also take into account the height of the bustline.  The center bust point varies on bodies, and usually the gape occurs between the center bust point (where the nipple is in a bra) and the high waist.

I cringed when I saw this picture in The Financial Times.  It is slight, but her shirt isn’t securely closed.  I wish the photographer would have taken her picture from the opposite side.

Lots of ladies are adept at safety pinning, able to do it in a matter of seconds.  Some women wear camisoles underneath their white button-downs so they feel covered in case of a pop.  I have only owned one button-down shirt in my life, and I put a snap inbetween the buttons where there was a pull.  I don’t wear that shirt.

And that is why we think buttons are evil.  For women with large chests, we make button-down shirts that give that sleekly tailored look, but have a secure closure.
Tags: , ,
Posted in clothing for big busted women, shirts for big busted women | 7 Comments »

Merry Christmas 2009

December 21st, 2009 by Carissa Rose

Months ago I read “Professional Pattern Grading for Women’s, Men’s and Children’s Apparel” by Jack Handford.  His dedication reads as follows:

This book is dedicated to all those who share my philosophy that clothing is truly one of our necessities, along with food and shelter; but that food, regardless of the thought and care that goes into its preparation, is ephemeral and only the memory of it remains; that shelter represents an expensive and generally long-term investment that is not easily changed to suit our shifting moods. 
On the other hand, clothing can be as disposable as we wish, quicklky changed according to our needs and within a wide range of prices – and the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from wearing a well-designed, well-constructed and well-fitted garment of appropriate material can out live the most magnivicent meal without representing the expense or permance of housing.

Lovely, lovely, lovely.  I am likeminded with Mr. Handford and his sentiments.  Wearing clothes that we feel wonderful in is a more-than-positive experience.  It elevates our mood and we perform better.  That is our goal in designing clothes for women with large breasts.  We want you to look and feel your best.

I hope this holiday season you have the perfect mix of good food, warm shelter and excellent clothes that fit you well.

Tags: , ,
Posted in big breast clothing, clothing for big busted women | 2 Comments »

Behind the Scenes – Carissa Rose Launch

December 12th, 2009 by Carissa Rose
In the middle of November we had the Carissa Rose launch photo shoot.  Below are some pictures from the full day of shooting.  Notice how tall the model is compared to the stylists.  Yes, she has on very high heels which put her height well over six feet tall.  Model stature is giraffe-like, and I mean that in the best possible way.  Have you ever seen a giraffe walk?  It is one of the most stately and elegant things in nature.
The pictures of the dress on the stool looked a little like Victoria’s Secret to me, not really the brand identity we’re going for.  As you know we target the woman whose bust is bigger than the bras VS carries, but the dress pictures without the stool are some of my favorite pictures from the day.
I can’t believe the developer is putting this picture of my husband kissing me on our new home page!  I’m not wearing a stitch of make-up, not that I normally do.  But if I knew I was going to be photographed, I’d put some make-up on my face!  At least my husband is more than good looking to compensate for me being au natural.
We’re super excited about our new website and brand coming in early 2010.  I hope all women with large breasts looking for button-down shirts give us a try!  We’ll knock their socks off, but keep their shirts securely buttoned.
P.S.  Dallas Child Magazine published a “Day in the Life” article about me, just in case you’ve ever wanted to know what I do during the day.  I lead a very exciting life.
In the print edition they mispelled my name with an E instead of an I – CarEssa Brown, with our new clothing line as Caressa Rose.
The editor, who apologized profusely, explained that the mommy featured in Fort Worth Child was Caressa, so I too became Caressa.  I understand, everyone makes mistakes and Carissa is a hard name.  If I had a dime for all the times I’ve been called Clarissa.  UGH.
Tags: ,
Posted in shirts for big busted women | No Comments »

Boobs of Yesteryear

December 1st, 2009 by Carissa Rose
Back in the day before breast augmentation and implants, there were still big boobs.  I guess being full busted wasn’t so common then because Hollywood loved the stars with large breasts and small body frames.  Think of the famous women of the 50’s – Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell and Jayne Mansfield, who is pictured below.  They were valued for their big bustlines.
This picture actually warms my heart.  Ms. Mansfield has such a small frame – look at her arms and waist, and a more than ample bosom.  Do you think she would have been as accepted in Hollywood today?  Are there any current celebrities who have that same body type?  Natually, sans surgery?
Or would Jayne have felt societal pressure to have a reduction if one was available then?
And do you know who is looking at Ms. Mansfield’s mounds of cleavage?
Ah well, fun fun fun!
Tags: , ,
Posted in full busted women | 4 Comments »