Edwards & Millers

Edwards & Millers.  Oh my god.

Here's their website: http://www.edwardsandmillers.com/blog/

This soon-to-launch company is making 26-34 bands with DD-M cups.  No custom ordering.  Actual 26 bands.  I am excited.

They are also making longlines.  I have been desperately lusting after longlines for a while now.

I am so, so excited.

If my tone sounds unexcited, note that 1.) I have been excited for a quite a while about this and am just posting this now, so a bit of the excitement has worn off and 2.) I'm so excited that I'm not even caps-locking about it because I'm just in awe.

The starter of the company herself is a 28K, so she's definitely focused on what she calls BBSB women- big breasts, small back.  She understands what we need in a bra and won't exclude us.

Check out these awesome interviews:

http://voluptuouslythin.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/edwardsmillers-lingerie-interview/

http://www.weirdlyshaped.com/2013/07/edwards-and-millers-interview.html

http://thecurveshaveit.blogspot.com/2013/07/interview-with-edwards-and-millers.html

I am psyched.

Panache Tao Tankini

(It appears that this suit might be discontinued... but I am going to review it anyway.  Yay me!)

First off, I'm sorry for being a loser and not posting for a long time! :(  I took chemistry over the summer and since that ended I've pretty much just been derping on the internet, but too lazy to make a post.  I am a loser at not being lazy.  I apologize.

Anyyyyway... I love my Panache Tao Tankini! <3  For one thing, it is adorable.  Check out these pictures from herroom.com (http://www.herroom.com/panache-sw0611-tao-tankini-swim-top.shtml and http://www.herroom.com/panache-sw0617-tao-folded-brief-swim-bottom.shtml):



The bottoms also come in a low-rise option, but I got the brief.

It looks like tao would be pronounced like tau, which is one of my favorite numbers. <3 (Tau > pi!)

Some of the color splotches appear slightly more blue-ish-green-ish-gray-ish than the pictures suggest; they're a bit darker and slightly more camo-y.  It's a bit hard for me to describe; sorry.  This might be due to a coloring change from swimming, but I've only swum in it once so far.

The tankini is a bit shorter in the torso than some others; even on my small frame, it doesn't quite reach the bottoms.  This has been an issue for some reviewers who were looking for something with a bit more coverage.

The hidden bra inside truly is a bra; it has the hooks and eyes and everything, although they can't be seen while wearing the suit.  However, when bending over or looking from above, there's a bit of white, meshy fabric visible that connects the bra to the suit.

The bra actually fits quite well.  I will probably wear this as a normal top sometime without a separate bra; the only issue is the short-ish torso.  The top is lovely and supportive and gives a fairly nice, rounded shape.

One slight annoyance I've had is that the fabric of the top itself (not the bra, thankfully) is a bit scratchy/itchy.  It's very slight, and I hardly ever notice it, but for those with very sensitive skin, it could be an issue.

The straps are also adjustable.

Unfortunately, the bottoms are a bit big on me, but I don't blame the sizing.  I got a small, when I'm usually closer to extra-small.  I can still wear it, but I roll the top down a bit to get rid of all the gaping at the waist.  I think it actually looks rather cool rolled down.  It comes up pretty high, so I still get good coverage.  However, I wouldn't go in the ocean wearing too-loose bottoms. :p Luckily, plain black bottoms can match the top easily.

I didn't even think to adjust the Tao while swimming, and I didn't have to. :)

Overall, I feel supported and stylish in my Tao tankini. <3

Victoria's Secret?

I'm considering getting 'sized' at Victoria's Secret for the lulz, just to see what they'd put me in.  However, I am bad at predicting my emotions and I don't know if I'll laugh, cry, rage, hallucinate, or some combination.  Probably some combination, as it REALLY hurts me how many women are sized incorrectly in bras that cause them pain.  If my readers (if they exist...) want me to, though, I will go there and get 'sized'.  Anyone interested?  Also, I will soon be reviewing the Freya Lyla Underwire Plunge Balcony Bra AA4301, which arrived and fits in the band! :D  Slightly too big in the cups, but oh well.  The band fits me!

RIXIE CLIPS! :D

     Rixie clips are one of the most amazing things in the world.  My Tango II bra is a 28G, and for nearly a year it's been almost the only bra I wear.  I've always worn it on the tightest hooks, but it's stretched out and my ribcage has gotten smaller (about 26 inches).  It's been riding up really high, which hurts my shoulders and makes it hard to sit up straight.  A few weeks ago, I saw someone sitting up straight and thought, "Oh my god... That is so cool... He is sitting up straight... That looks so fun..."  I couldn't sit up straight for more than a few seconds without slipping back into slouch-mode, so I was really jealous.  I remeasured myself as a 26GG, noted how much my bra was riding up, and went on a sitting-up-straight quest.  I ordered some 28G bras that are rumored to run tight in the band and that appear easily Rixie-Clippable- I'll write reviews of those bras when they arrive if they fit me.  I also ordered some Rixie Clips, and they are AMAZING.
     Rixie Clips are bra band tighteners, similar to extenders.  They come in black, white, nude/beige, and now red.  They can be ordered from Ebay, Etsy, or the Rixie Clip Bra Band Tightener Facebook page.  The creators seem really nice and helpful!  Some pictures from the Ebay listings (I claim no credit for these pictures; they belong to the creators of the Rixie Clip Bra Band Tightener):

     My Rixie clips arrived on Saturday (the day before yesterday).  Because the Tango II has a thin enough band for the Rixie Clip but quickly thickens out, I didn't think there would be enough room  for the clip to really take effect.  However, even the small amount of tightening makes a HUGE difference.  When I first put on the Rixie-Clipped bra, I was amazed because I could stand up straight.  It feels wonderful.
     Rixie Clips are really easy to use.  You just slip the clip onto your bra band and snap it on.  Then, you use the hooks on the Rixie Clip instead of your bra band's hooks.  You can easily remove Rixie Clips and reuse them.  Plus, they can also be used as extenders!
     Unfortunately, there is currently only a two-row hook option, but the creators are working hard on releasing a three-row hook option very soon!
     I'm excited to try my Rixie Clips on my new bras!  I will probably buy more Rixie Clips and will keep using them again and again!
     Shout out to Thin and Curvy for her post about Rixie Clips that introduced me to this wonderful invention!

Panache Veronica One-Piece Swimsuit Review

     I did a bit of Panache bashing with my last post, but usually I really do love the brand, so I'm here to write about an amazing experience: wearing a swimsuit that fits.

     I don't think I've worn a properly fitting swimsuit since around 4th grade.  I used to be forced to shop for hours, both online and in stores, and try on dozens of suits, and I would end up with one that at least didn't directly fall off while I was standing still.  I would swim with it, and though I would still have fun in the water (because swimming is super fun!), I would be forced to almost constantly adjust my suit.  Even with this constant adjustment, I've had awkward nip slips at the pool.  At the beach, my top has been almost completely pulled off by rough waves many times (I haven't tested this new Panache suit at the beach yet, though).  I'm already sometimes self-conscious, and bathing suits that don't fit make it much, much worse.

     Enough with the background sob story.  When I found out a few months ago that Panache made swimwear, I absolutely freaked.  I could barely believe that there was a possibility of a bathing suit ACTUALLY FITTING ME!!!
     My mom and I saw the scarlet red Veronica one-piece on Herroom (it's also available on other websites in different colors, sizes, and prices) and fell in love.  We realized it might ACTUALLY WORK! Unfortunately, they didn't have any 28Gs (and of course, no 26GGs :( ), so we went with a 30F.  Why not give it a try, right?
Here are the pictures from Herroom (I do not in any way own these images; they are from the link above):

     I tried it on, and IT FIT! :D
     Because the band was rather loose, my breasts weren't as supported as I would like them to be in a bra; they weren't really uplifted in the suit.  I don't think the sagging was noticeable or odd-looking, but it did have a slight minimizing effect, as they weren't pushed up and on display quite as much as they likely would have been in a 28G (or 26GG).  This isn't really a problem for me; I just want a bathing suit that covers and supports me enough to swim comfortably.  Even it I did find it to be an issue, it's not really a problem with the suit, as I'm not in the right size.
     Also, a word of warning: the second time I did the back closure, it wasn't too hard.  The first time, however, was pretty confusing. xD  I had to take the suit off and mess with the fastener a bit to figure out how it worked before I put the suit back on.  The second time, I could do it behind my back, which is rather impressive for me since I'm one of those people who hooks a bra at the front and spins it around.
     Anyway, after figuring out the fastener, the suit passed the cartwheel and handstand and jumping tests with flying colors!  I was so happy!  I couldn't wait to try it in the water!
     I went to the pool and tested it out.  I jumped into the pool.  I mermaid-swam.  I spun around in the water.  I jumped and splashed about happily.  Not once did my suit require adjustment.  Not.  Even.  Once. It was an amazing experience.
     Then, I played in the pool with my little brother.  I carried him in the water and held him up high and hugged him.  He asked me to float on my back so he could rest on my belly while he practiced kicking his feet (he is so adorable!!).  Throughout these adventures, I didn't need to adjust my suit at all.  It stayed put.  I was in awe.
     I've only swum in the suit once (yesterday), so I really can't say how well it stays together.
     In conclusion, this suit was amazing for me, as I haven't had a properly fitting bathing suit since I got boobs.  If you're having swimsuit troubles, I recommend it.  It's fantabulous! :D

Panache And The 26-Inch Dilemma

     I am a huge fan of Panache.  They made the first bathing suits that have fit me properly since my chest grew!  (I'll be reviewing them soon- haven't tried them in the water yet!)  They make bras in a 28G!  They are honest about sizing!  Well... most of the time.

     Panache has been thinking about adding 26-inch bands for a while now.  They've been asking women on the Panache Lingerie Facebook page whether they need a band size smaller than 28.  And in a 2011 interview with Butterfly Collection, they said, "The next collection we are designing is Spring 2013 and this will be the first trial of 26 bands in select styles in Cleo and maybe Superbra. We know that there is a huge need for 26 bands and we want to get the support absolutely right."

     Isn't it summer of 2013 now?  What happened, Panache?  Companies sometimes get backed up, though, so I'll give Panache a second chance on that one.  That's not why I'm upset with Panache right now.

     A few days ago, I posted on the Panache Lingerie Facebook page that I, too, would love a 26-inch band.  Panache nicely responded the next morning that they appreciate my feedback and will alert the design team, and that they have a higher chance of making them in the future as more women request them.  The response didn't make me jump for joy, of course, as it doesn't provide a huge amount of hope for 26 bands, but I'm glad that they took the time to respond and listen to me.  This, also, is not why I'm upset with Panache.

     The reason I am upset is because of Panache's response to an email I sent them (before I had gotten a response on Facebook):

"I love Panache so much because of your wide range of bra size options and your honest and helpful sizing advice. I've been wearing a 28G for a while now, and have always been rather small for a 28, feeling loose on the tightest hooks. My rib-cage area has gotten even smaller and I really need a 26; my current bra's band rides up extremely high, I have shoulder pain, and it is difficult to sit up straight. I heard that you were planning on adding 26-inch bands in spring of 2013; is this going to happen anytime soon? Has it already happened and I've missed it? (if so, that's embarrassing... thanks and sorry!) Please let me know if 26 bands are coming or have already arrived! Thank you so much for your time and for making amazing bras!" (My name was signed, but I've removed it for privacy reasons :) )

     I received the following response (I blanked my name out):

"Hi ______,

Thank you for your interest in our products.

We still haven’t done or have immediate plans on doing 26 bands.  The smallest we do is a 28 in select styles.  My only recommendation for you is possibly trying a smaller cup.  Our smallest begins at a D.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Courtney WalkerCustomer Service Administrator"

     My first thought was something like, "WHAT THE HECK?!"  I just couldn't believe that my beloved Panache, my bra savior company, would say something like this.

     Firstly, Courtney (the customer service administrator who had responded) didn't even mention passing on my suggestion to anyone.  She just said that they don't have plans to make 26 bands, plain and simple.  Screw me, right?

     Then, she suggests trying a smaller cup.  This is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.  Wearing a too-small cup with a too-large band is exactly how Victoria's Secret and other screwy, inch-adding companies size women incorrectly and cause pain.

     I really had trouble believing that Panache would say this.  It's just ridiculously wrong.  I didn't respond until today, two days after I had received that horrible email.  My response was:

"I don't understand why you're suggesting a smaller cup size.  As the support of a bra comes from the band and my cup size fits well, getting a smaller cup would only cause more discomfort."

     Courtney responded two minutes later:

"Because you said your bra was loose on the tightest hook.  There for you would need to decrease the cup size since the band is as small as it can be.

 

Thanks

Courtney"

      Umm, no.  This is, again, very wrong.  I replied four minutes later:

"Decreasing the cup size would not make the band any less loose.  The band would still ride up and cause discomfort.  The smaller cup size would not fit my chest.  The band is not as small as it can be; I can have it altered or custom order a 26 band from Ewa Michalak, which is a much better option than wearing a sister size that doesn't fit right."

     That was at 3:15 PM.  It is now 5:09.  Of course, it hasn't been very long, so I shouldn't expect a reply so soon; I will keep you all posted when/if Courtney responds.

     I'm really, really upset about this.  I would never have expected such horridly wrong advice from a Panache representative.  I don't know what I should do about this; it really saddens, worries, and upsets me to see such a lack of bra knowledge from a representative for one of the leaders in proper bra fit for women.

What do you guys think?  Am I overreacting?  Should I try emailing Panache again?  Am I wrong?  Should I alert the company through Facebook about this incorrect sizing advice?  Should I let it slide?  Please comment what you think!

I Am Not A Freak

     My name is... well, I'll post it eventually.  For now, you can call me Cat. :) 
     I have been outraged far too many times by bras that don't fit, companies that lie, 'fitters' that have no clue what they're doing, moronic objectifying jerks, and much more.  I also nearly cry when I think of how many women are stuffed into bras that don't fit at all and cause horrible pain.
     It drives me mad when people think I'm 'blessed' with my chest, when really I'd rather be completely flat.  My chest causes horrible back and shoulder pain.  My band size (around my ribcage) does not exist in stores except for special order.  My bras (which still don't fit very well, because my band size doesn't exist) cost around $60-100 each (anything less is a steal!).  They must be ordered online, unless I want to drive a good few hours to a place that carries something near my size.
     I think that this blog will help me connect with others who share my bra/bust related problems, help women find bras that fit, and educate men as well.  Hopefully I won't give up on it. :)  I can't rest until women have support for their chests!