Fred & Ginger Lingerie

It's that time of year! When all of our Lingerie Designers are launching their Spring/Summer 2010 ranges.

First I want to show you Fred and Ginger Lingerie, their collections are 1950's inspired with a strong focus on glamour and sophistication designed by Victoria Holt. They tell a story AND they tell it so well. That's what I love about them, that and I love 1950's fashion.

You can find them all through out the UK, New York and their Online Boutiques:

www.bellelamour.com
www.sauvage.com.au

MY FAIR LADY








Please note- I have not reviewed this Collection, so I can not advise on Shape, Support or Fit. However I am going to assume it is more of your Boudoir Range and therefore perfect for Valentine's Day.

Bra Must Haves

Just like you need staples in your wardrobe and in your pantry. There are must haves for your bras as well.

• Multi Way Bra- You need a good multifunction bra, this allows you to wear halterneck, strapless, Criss Cross and a regular style.

Strapless Bra


• If you don’t usually wear strapless styles but wear low cut tops then you will need a plunge bra. If you can find one that is adjustable then that’s even better! However if you’re an E Cup plus I am still searching for a good one.
Plunge bra


• Everyday / Work: You can’t go passed full-cup bra whether it’s a soft cups or moulded its personal preference and whatever suits you better. Whatever it is when you put it on you don’t/shouldn’t have to even think about it until you take it off!
Full Cup Bra


• Feel Good Bra: Depending on your taste you should always have a lingerie set that makes you feel good. Whether you need a pick me up, you’re going on a date or maybe a job interview. It’s an instant confidence booster.
Balconette Bra


• Sports bra:- You need a good sports bra, if you need help you can read about that here.

Bra Style Guide
Different shapes suit different people, so it’s important to know which bra shape works for you. If you need to re visit it you can read it’s all about the shape.
BEWARE- If you’re looking for a Multi Way be careful a lot of them are in the Multi Section however they are unable to convert to halterneck or criss cross.

All images are from Fig Leaves

Meet The BraBall®

Look at this super cool gadget!
You will never have to handwash your bras again. It totally protects your bras and the shapes even if they are gel, water, padded or molded.

They also improve the quality of the whole wash! Due to the way in which the Bra Ball pounds around the wash.

They will hit Australian shores really soon!

You can check them out here for more information on the Bra Ball.

If you are outside of Australia contact www.braballs.com

Sports Bra

Whether you wear Berlei Sports, Triumph, Champion, Enell or Shock Absorber Sports Bras you have to why and the difference between them.

Why do you need a Sports Bra?
Without a Sports Bra your breasts can move up to 10 cms when you exercise. It will stretch your skin and you loose elasticity.
What does that mean?
Once they hit south, they will stay south. That's why it is super important to have a great Sports Bra and now there are Sports Bras for everyone you just have to know where and what to look for.
As a G cup I have always worn 2 Sports bra (at once) to minimize bounce. Jogging or running hurt so I stuck with walking or the cross trainer.

What is the difference in Sports Bras?
You have 2 kinds of Sports Bras:

1.The Crop Top


This has NO UNDERWIRE and works on binding your breasts as much as possible to reduce bounce. It has a wide razor back so the weight is distributed evenly through out your back.
Pro: - If you buy good quality it will have excellent support and it places no pressure on your back.

Con: - You couldn’t wear this Sports Bra all day or for too long because it is quite restrictive because it does squash your breasts. However if you are just wanting it for exercise then it is perfect especially for larger cups. It is usually a thicker material.
E.g. of a quality Crop Top Sports Bra is Oprah's favorite Sports Bra the Enell, I can wear this Sports Bra and happily run and jump without any bounce.

2.Traditional Shape Bra


This has underwire and has thick straps, it is crucial that-
o Band fits snugly around your back
o Underwires sit flush against your chest
o It must be the right shape for you otherwise it will dig in and be very uncomfortable
o NO gapping in the cup, this will create bounce
o NO spillage in the cup, it will not give you the support you need
Some look like traditional bras coming straight across the back while others have razor backs (where the straps cross over at the back) . It is personal preference, one isn’t better then the other. However Sports Bras that have underwire and a razor back can be tricky to put on.

Pro: - You can wear these all day long if you need to. There are a wide variety of styles so you can ensure you get the right shape for you. They are a light weight material to absorb sweat.

Con: - They only go up to an E Cup (some don’t even do that) so larger cup sizes are not catered for at all.
HOT TIP- When trying on Sports Bras jog on the spot and jump up and down that way you’ll know if it stops bounce.

HOTTEST TIP: - Don’t listen to Marketing Hype such as “Worlds Best Sports Bra” or “No 1 selling Sports Bra” It is getting the right shape for you, no 1 sports bra can suit everyone.
Sports Bras still have bra shapes so you may to read It's All About The Shape.
Or if you don’t know your bra size read How To Measure Your Bra Size

Bra Wannabe's are totally O.T.T

I recently read an article called “Why a new bra could change your life” I read the title and thought “I totally agree!” so I was eager to read on.
It was THE most over the top article I have read in my life listen these absurd statements.

•“When your bra is too tight around your back, this can restrict the movement of your diaphragm; In turn this squashes your oesophagus, leading to restricted digestion and reflux.”

HOW TIGHT WOULD THAT BRA HAVE TO BE SERIOUSLY?

•The Cure:
“Ditch the restrictive bra and wear a supportive singlet instead,” says Cooper. “This will reduce the band of tension wrapped around your body.”

SURE LET YOUR GIRLS HANG FREE THAT WILL DO WONDERS FOR YOUR POSTURE! NOT TO MENTION THE VISUAL.

•“If you experience pins and needles in your arms or hands, try loosening your bra straps. “Straps that dig in to your shoulder can cut off the nerve supply,”

HOW TIGHT WOULD THE STRAPS HAVE TO BE?

•An errant underwire poking into your chest is doing more than just irritating you. “Breast tissue can become congested when it’s compressed like this. When toxins can’t drain from your breast, small harmless lumps may form. This doesn’t cause cancer – if you’re used to lumpy breasts, it makes it much harder to detect when something is really wrong.”
I’M SORRY; I’D THINK YOU WOULD KNOW IF THE UNDERWIRE IS WRONG WHEN IT’S DIGGING INTO YOUR FLESH! WOULD YOU REALLY CONTINUE TO WEAR IT?

The Cure:
“Go braless when you can,” says Cooper. “Allowing your breasts to move naturally helps toxins drain.”
PLEASE DO THIS AT NIGHT, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITH OUT A BRA ON.

She did have one point I do actually agree on that isn’t totally over the top.

Let the Bra Queen tell you the facts, I’ll keep it real!

If you DO NOT wear a supportive bra, your back WILL over compensate for the weight of your breasts causing your to slouch. This in turn will over stretch your muscles and put your back out. It MAY cause you headaches.
If you are just pulling any old bra off the shelf and saying “Yeah that looks like my size” then I guarantee you you’re not.
Look in the mirror on your side, if your boobs are still heading south WITH a bra on then you are wearing the wrong size NO MATTER what your size is.
If your bra is ridding up, straps are falling down, you have 4 boobs or your boobs are falling out of the bottom for the love of god GET FITTED and you really won’t know yourself!

You may also like Bra Sizing and Info

How Often Do I Wash My Bra?

This is a question I get asked ALL the time.

You can wear your bra twice before washing it.
It is not necessary to wash your bra after you have worn it once.
Aim to wash your bra 2 to 3 times a week.

How do I wash my bra?

I always recommend giving it a GENTLE hand wash, no vigorous rubbing!
If you insist on putting it in a machine then ALWAYS use a wash bag.
By looking after your bra your will maintain the shape so they remain comfortable, supportive and you will get great lift.
Don't hang it out on the clothes line, the sun will harden the material and fade the color. Just hang it inside over a chair.

How long should a bra last?
If you have a good quality bra that fits you well AND you look after it, you can expect it to last you 1 to 2 years.

Your body shape does and will change so you should always be aware of that. If you are going up and down in weight then your bra size will change as well.

You may like to read my FAQ and see how your bra should fit.
Want to know more about shapes?
Are you wearing the correct Bra Size?

How To Fit a Maternity Bra

When do you need to start wearing a Maternity Bra? By the time you're 14 weeks pregnant it is recommended you stop wearing under wire bras. You can either wear non under wire bra or get fitted for a maternity bra.

A Professional Fitter will be able to fit you in a way that your breasts can continue to grow and you will not need to continue to buy different sizes.

How it should fit-
* As a guide go up a cup size AND a band size
* All Maternity Bras have 6 rows of hooks. In the beginning it should fit on the middle hook. (That way your bra can expand with you & it has room to tighten once you have the baby and you lose weight)
* You should be able to fit your hand comfortably in the cup, that will ensure you will have room when your milk comes in.
* Straps you should be able to fit a finger under there. When your milk comes in you may need to loosen off your straps a little.

HOT TIP- A good Maternity Bra still needs to give you support and lift. It should also be comfortable. Some shapes will suit you better then others so I recommend you try on a few different ones.

Which Maternity Bras do I like?-
Hot Milk- They have pretty Maternity Bras that are still comfy and supportive, average price around $89.95

If your Maternity Bra Size is a G Cup Size+ I recommend Triumph's Flourish Maternity Bra it is really ugly and quite big BUT it is the only one that will give you the lift and support you need and when your girls are that big YOU NEED IT! RRP $69.95.

B to E Cups- I really like Elle McPherson's Range. The largest variety is available at MYER and several small business's the average price is $69.95.

For more information on Bra Size read How To Measure Your Bra Size

How to Choose and Fit a Mastectomy Bra

As you all know my great passion is to make women feel good and I truly believe that an instant pick me up is Lingerie. It makes my heart ache that sometimes people that the most need things (like a pick me up) are unable to get it. Like plus size women finding nice bras, larger cup size ladies OR women who have had a mastectomy. They have to search high and low just to find one.

I’m going to change that!

They go into a Bra Shop that is full of teeny boppers and have to ask about finding a mastectomy bra and the teeny boppers make these women who are vulnerable enough as it is, make them feel like they are from out of space.

One woman I spoke to went into Australia’s biggest Bra Shop to inquire about finding a mastectomy bra and she left in tears because she felt like a freak as the “Professional Fitter” (I use that term very loosely) looked at her in disgust.

So I thought I would shed some light for these beautiful, remarkable women.
The world of mastectomy bras and prostheses can be daunting for breast cancer survivors. Breast surgery is difficult enough let alone trying to shop for mastectomy bras and prosthetics. It shouldn't and needn't add any further angst.
Fortunately, today's mastectomy bras have come a long way and they come in most of the same styles and many of the same colors as regular bras. However it’s not always easy to find them.

So what do you do and where do you start?

Start by getting fitted with a mastectomy bra and a prosthesis as soon as healing is complete after surgery. (Approximately 6-8 weeks). Prosthetics are sometimes known as "breast forms," and are typically made of silicone gel inside a soft, flexible shell. They come in a vast array of cup sizes and shapes in order to match as closely as possible to the existing breast (in the case of single mastectomy patients.) Mastectomy prostheses generally come with a nipple.

You may prefer to have custom prostheses manufactured. This can help produce a breast form that more closely resembles the remaining breast in the case of a single mastectomy surgery. Customized forms are obviously much more expensive.
Mastectomy bras are designed with pockets inside the cups. The prosthesis slips snugly inside the pocket. Choose a bra that fits correctly. A properly fitted mastectomy bra will ensure that the breast form rests firmly against the chest and doesn't slip from side to side, up or down.

Single mastectomy patients should choose a breast form in the same cup size as the existing breast. The right prosthesis will fit closely to the chest without any gaps. You may need to try several different shapes to find the best fit.
Double mastectomy patients can choose any cup size when it comes to breast forms. Most women feel most comfortable choosing prostheses that are the same as her former cup size. However, it is possible to choose a smaller or larger cup size if preferred.

It's usually recommended in this case not to go more than one cup size larger or smaller. It's also recommended to choose a shape that is most similar to your own breasts and that they still complement your body shape. This will help you to make a more natural transition.
Mastectomy bra manufacturers may use different cup sizing charts from one another. Even different styles of bras made by the same manufacturer may have different sizing charts. So just make sure you read their size guide but it’s really no different to how all bras sometimes differ from shape to shape and brand to brand. You can read this to find out about bra shapes.

HOT TIP- The correctly fitted mastectomy bra should-
•Rest firmly against body but will not cut into the skin.
•It should not leave marks or indentations in the skin after removal.
•It will hold the mastectomy prosthesis firmly in place. In the case of a single mastectomy, it will appear undetectable from the remaining natural breast.
•Whether a client has had one or both breasts removed, the mastectomy bra should feel comfortable, and most of all, should look good and make her feel proud to be a breast cancer survivor.

Where to buy them in Australia?

Upon my research I have spoken to the inspirational Colleen of Colleen’s Post Mastectomy Connection and let me tell you she has been there so she knows actually how you are feeling. That is why she allows one hour to fit you for your mastectomy prosthesis and bra. She takes great pride in her work ONLY stocking mastectomy ranges like Swimwear, Lingerie, Nightwear even wigs and stylish headwear. How awesome is that!

Where is she? Canberra ACT. Yes I know she needs to be EVERYWHERE! But people travel interstate frequently to purchase her range. Colleen has the largest mastectomy collection in the southern hemisphere.
Like any “Professional Fitter” a lot of the time you still get incorrectly fitted. Once Colleen has correctly fit you she will happily send you any future purchasers because she is frequently getting new beautiful collections in. Visit her www.colleens.com.au

Did you know this! You can get up to $400 back! YAY….

The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program is a new Australian Government initiative to provide reimbursement of up to $400 for both new and replacement external breast prostheses to all eligible women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. The $400 limit applies for each prosthesis for each breast.
The Australian Government’s reimbursement program will commence on 1 December 2008 with Medicare Australia administering the reimbursements. External breast prostheses purchased from 1 July 2008 will be eligible for reimbursement. Once a claim has been made, reimbursements for replacement prostheses can be claimed no earlier than two years from the date of purchase of the last prosthesis.
Medicare fact sheet (596kb pdf)
Women can access more information about the program, including eligibility criteria and claim form by:
•visiting the Medicare Australia website,
•contacting Medicare Australia on 132 011 (call charges may apply),
•visiting a Medicare Australia office.


If you don’t want to travel I recommend you visit www.advancedbreastcare.com.au they are a great Australian site it’s your “where to guide” that gives you ABC shop whereabouts in EVERY state.

Other sites you may wish to visit are
National Breast Cancer Foundation www.nbcf.org.au

McGrath Foundation www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

Breast Health is where I received the delightful reimbursement info www.nbocc.org.au

Ingredients For a Great Bra

What are the ingredients for a GREAT Bra?

The most common mistake women and even “Professional fitters” make with bras is they think it’s all about the bra size. IT’S NOT!

So many things come into play when you get fitted bra. You may have a great fit but why do you still want to rip it off at the end of the day?

Here’s WHY?

•It may be the wrong shape for you- Under wires are digging in, you are getting obvious back fat, and it’s gapping in the top of the cup OR your boobs are under your arms.
•The quality is crap- Quality means comfort, support and a longer lasting bra
•The material is poor quality- It’s scratchy on your skin, it doesn’t mold to your body and it feels like plastic. Again it’s going to be uncomfortable.

So when I do a Bra Review this is what I look for-

•Lift- It MUST give you good lift
•Shape-The shape must complement your body.
•Appearance- Is it pretty, sexy, cute, seductive
•Cost- Are they ripping you off? Should they be charging the price they are? I don’t mind paying good $$ for bras but they have to do everything they should! Like my list…
•Quality of the bra- Like is it flimsy, will it last?
•Material- What is the quality of the material? Is it soft, is it going to be comfortable, will it wash well, will you be able to see it through clothes.
•Separation- Do you have two breasts?

The Bra Queen honest in her reviews, with I very high standard and value for money are high on my list. Honesty speaks a thousand words I believe you should know what you are getting.

An expensive bra does not mean it’s a good one. As I publish my Bra Reviews you will see this for yourself.
If you would like me to hunt a bra down for you for example to go under a specific outfit and you can’t find it or you may have an uncommon bra size or you would like me to review a particular Bra email me braqueen@gmail.com

It’s ALL About the Shape!

How many times have you said “I don’t get it? It’s my size how can it not fit?

OR

“It’s my size but it’s tight across the back?”

It’s NOT the wrong size it’s the wrong shape! You can wear a bra that is the perfect size but if the shape isn't right it's going to be really uncomfortable for you.

Let me break it down for you!

ALL bras anywhere are 3 basic shapes.

It’s the materials, colors and quality that vary.

Plunge Bra are the triangle shaped ones. These are good if you are full up the top in other words: your breasts haven’t gone south.

A common error in these bras is that they create space in the top.

THIS IS NOT GOOD! It will create bounce and where bounce there is is NO support.

In saying that though they are still a very handy bra to have for those tops with a plunging neckline.

Example Of a Plunge

Balcony Bras are great for smaller cups A to D it will give you lift and shape and make them look fuller. It’s also great for the women who have lower set breasts its way more flattering to your body.

Also if you have wider set breast so if you've said "This bra is my size but it's tight across the back" this bra is awesome!

Example of a Balcony

Balconette Bras-It's the in between it’s kind of like your sweetheart neckline. It’s more then a balcony but less then a plunge. These are great for bigger busts whether your full or even if they have gone south. They give great shape, lift and will give you the support you need so you won’t want to rip them at the end of the day. I love this cut it suits the majority of women!

Example of a Balconette

Look for a shape that brings them forward, you don’t want them under your armpits!

1. It is uncomfortable

2. It will make you look bigger then you are.

Do you need to find you Bra Size?

You may need to see my Bra Dictionary.

How To Measure Your Bra Size

My Bra Size Guide is so good it's ranked Top 3 in the world!
We all know that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. Blah Blah Blah!
I will show you how to get the right size AND shape for you!

Upon my extensive research, I have found that finding your correct bra size isn’t as easy as one simple measuring system.

Generally speaking it differs from smaller to larger cups. My measuring technique is similar to others however we have tweaked it to ensure a perfect fit. Steps 1 and 2 are generic for both smaller and bigger cup sizes, though Step 3 is for smaller cups and Step 4 is for larger cups

1. Band Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage snugly just under your bust. Make sure you’re wearing a good fitting, non-padded bra while measuring, measure in inches. If it’s an odd number go down one. Use the Band Size chart below to convert your band size.

• Bras stretch in the back; your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook when new;
• Band is level from front to back;

Band Size

Australia	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26
UK & US	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
Europe	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110

2. Cup Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your breasts. Measure in inches the fullest part of your bust. Simply subtract your band size from your bust measurement and that will give you your cup size. Use the chart below to find your cup size.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

AU

A

B

C

D

DD

E

F

G

H

-

-

-

UK

A

B

C

D

DD

E

F

FF

G

GG

H

I

USA

A

B

C

D

DD

DDD

E

F

G

H

-

-

EU

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

-

-

-

-

3. Smaller Cup sizes A - D
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. Now to tweak! Go up in your band size and down in your cup size.

For Example:
Band Measurement: 32 inches = Australian Size 10
Bust Measurement: 35 inches
Cup Size: 35 - 32 = 3, Equals a C cup
Bra Size: 10C

NOW go up a band size and down a cup size = 12B

4. Larger Cup Sizes DD Cup & Up
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. The band sizes are generous so remember you want it to be a snug fit.

For Example:

Rib Cage Measurement: 34 inches = Australian Size 12

Bust Measurement: 40 inches

Cup Size: 40 – 34= 6 Give’s me an E Cup.

Bra Size: 12 E

NOW YOU KNOW YOUR BRA SIZE, WHAT SHAPE IS BEST FOR YOU?

FAQ's Questions on Bras

You can also watch my video

Any questions? Email me braqueen@gmail.com

Bottoms Size Guide

SIZE	DRESS SIZE GUIDE	WAIST (INCHES)	HIPS (INCHES)
S	8-10	24-27	34-37
M	12-14	27-30	37-40
L	14-16	30-33	40-43

HOW TO FIND YOUR BRA SIZE

If you need any help please ask! I am the Bra Queen, HA!

Bra Dictionary

I don’t know about you but have you been in a Lingerie store recently?

Where do you start we have gel bras, cream bras, water bras, molded bras, padding, soft cups ARHHHHHHHHHHH

I just want I bra that fits, looks good and comfortable. Too much to ask, sometimes yes!
Then you ask yourself is the sales assistant telling the truth or is she trying to sell me something or on the flip side you can’t find anyone to ask, FRUSTRATING.

You get it home wear it and it’s uncomfortable or pulling at it all day long and can’t wait to take it off at the end of the day.

Let me give you the down low-

Gel Bras: - Has exactly that. Gel inserts to make your breast look bigger. The 1st gel bra was invented by U.K brand Ultimo. They were the bras Julia Roberts wore in the film Erin Brockovich. They give you a very natural shape and are very comfortable.
Not available in Australia however Alluring Lingerie do stock Ultimo and happily do special orders.

Their have been variations since like: -
Water Bras- Are the same as gel except they have water. Popular however they can be heavy and depending on the shape can look a bit pointy.

Cream Bras: - Are again designed to make your breasts look bigger. I have found that you will either love or hate the cream. They feel quite firm being a harder consistency then gel or water.

Molded Bras: - A lot of people confuse a mold as padding. It isn’t padded it is a slight mold to give you shape and contouring. Ladies like these because you can’t see your nipple under your t-shirt.

Padded Bra: - Has foam at the base of the bra to give lift and enhance your bust size. Personally I think they aren’t as comfortable because the foam isn’t flexible so your boobs aren’t able to mold with the padding.

Soft Cups: - Are just that, a lot of women are a bit spectacle of wearing soft cups because they are paranoid about nipple showing. However for the large or fuller breasted lady these are probably the best you can wear. Your breasts don’t have to try to suit the mold and the shape.

Golden Rule: - If it feels uncomfortable when you try them on then that won’t change when you get them home.

Things to look for: -

• You want the band to fit snugly on the loosest hook and sit evenly from front to back.
• Straps snug and you should be able to fit your finger under it.
• Cups are to have no spillage or gapping
• Underwire is to sit flush against your chest.


Be careful- Sometimes Professional Fitters are still “sales” and sometimes when you are a larger size they will alter the size to something they have in stock. As you know the majority of people don’t cater for the larger cup size. But fuller cups NEED the perfect fit in order to get support and comfort. It will even improve your posture and it is very slimming as it gives you lift and shape.

If you need more help finding your Bra Size please read How To Measure Your Bra Size

HOW DOES YOUR BRA MEASURE UP?

The average Australian Bra Size has gone from a staggering B Cup to D Cup.
This has lead to incorrect fittings all over Australia. Quality Bras just aren’t available in those sizes in Australia and what is made is very unattractive.

The majority of women started to get fitted incorrectly for the sake of a sale or so they could still wear a fashion bra.

Thankfully the UK, the leaders in cutting edge fashion. Has an average bra size of DD/E Cup so they cater for Fuller Cups.

We were so tired of wearing unattractive and ill fitted bras and certain that every woman in Australia was too.
Once we discovered that larger cup size women could actually have choice and a variety in their Lingerie. We decided to import it so was readily available to all Australian women. I am extremely dedicated to giving women the very best comfort available in a stunning range of new and sexy bras.

Bras must be fitted properly so they are comfortable and do the jobs they are suppose to do.
You should be able to put your bra on at the beginning of the day and not feel it until you take it off.
Women with Large Breasts often get back, neck and shoulder pain. If you have chaffing, scratching and red marks, Bulging or it’s digging in; you’re wearing the wrong bra.
They should also make you look and feel great.
And don’t forget a good fitting bra is very slimming, it will leave you with a shapely silhouette.

It’s all about the FIT, FIT, FIT. What to look for:

• You need a bra that fits snugly around the back & sits even from front to back.
• Under wires must sit flush against your chest
• Your whole breast in the Cup with NO spillage or gapping
• You should be able to fit your finger under the straps
• Finding the correct shaped bra for you is just as important as the Fit.
• Quality materials not only look great but ensure optimum comfort and support and a longer lasting bra. It will also give you shape and you won’t feel the need to rip your bra off the first chance you get!