Ask the Mouse your lingerie questions...

[Netzach]

Just because something retails 150 doesn't mean you have to go there, though.

I don't have any major fit issues, it's different if you do, but I get by OK buying whatever Wacoal or DKNY bras (their fit loves me) linger around in Marshalls and having more $ for outerwear. I can spend 17 bucks and pitch it in 6 months and not weep.

I do love Herroom majorly. And I do love Chantelle, and it's true that you'll have it for years, but that doesn't always fit with my immediate priorities and my financial shuffle hustle to invest in underpinnings for the longer term. It makes sense if you have unusual fit issues, but if not, you can usually dig and come up with something nice for less.

As for prettiness, I've never gotten swept away by branding, because if I'm spending 250 on something that goes under something else, I can find a human to make a corset for my exact measure. Nylon lace is nylon lace at day's end.

I've never been swept away by Choo or Louboutins because I know, as a perv, that you can get customized shoes for actually less.

I've been in the luxury apparel industry as well. There are some points to be made in favor of better underpinnings and better everything, but there are always some 950 dollar T shirts out there for people who have had the kool aid the most.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

I don't have any major fit issues....

Women like you often get stoned by their peers.

 

[Netzach]

Women like you often get stoned by their peers.

True, that. I've had to invest an extra 30-50 bucks on every pair of shoes I've ever had because I need a lift on one side, so whatever.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

True, that. I've had to invest an extra 30-50 bucks on every pair of shoes I've ever had because I need a lift on one side, so whatever.

Well... they may forgive you on that account.

 

[Loverskitten]

True, that. I've had to invest an extra 30-50 bucks on every pair of shoes I've ever had because I need a lift on one side, so whatever.

I heard they used to cut one of Marilyn's heels shorter to give her walk more wiggle.

 

[MeekMe]

Practically everything I wear should be altered to fit better. I fit anywhere from children's sizes to ladies sizes. The one store I find that fits me best? Ann Taylor hands down carries what I need. The only place I can really get clothing and not feel like a teenager. One of the bartenders I used to see quite often was joking with me one night, "you look like a teenager going for their first job interview." :/ It's not easy being oddly small. I prefer elegant, but fall short (not sure how I feel about the pun.)

I'm on the other spectrum of bras. I need smaller sizes, where as most other women tend to need bigger accommodations. Don't get me started on shoes! 5.5 is hard to find.

 

[Endless_Night]

True, that. I've had to invest an extra 30-50 bucks on every pair of shoes I've ever had because I need a lift on one side, so whatever.

Can so relate. I have one foot that's a half size smaller than its mate. To make matters worse my feet are narrow, with high arches.

I'm so picky about fit no one I know will go shoe shopping with me anymore.

 

[Endless_Night]

So fashion styles are superior to basic in both construction and design.

And may I just say:

Holy Moly! I think I'm in love. This is so beautiful it makes me hurt....

 

[bhndblueyes88]

Don't get me started on shoes! 5.5 is hard to find.

If it makes you feel better, my mom wears size 4.5 EEEE. She has square feet. The consequence of point ballet, teaching primary, and plain ol' bad conformation xD She manages pretty well, but I wish I could buy her a whole shoe company and demand they make beautiful shoes for her feet.

CM, at this point, I second the recommendation that you should write a book. I wish there was some way for you to do super-effective e-consulting for what you do too...you're so damn good at it, you should profit absurdly!!

 

[CutieMouse]

CM, at this point, I second the recommendation that you should write a book. I wish there was some way for you to do super-effective e-consulting for what you do too...you're so damn good at it, you should profit absurdly!!

It's been suggested before; the e-consulting thing. I've never quite figured out how to make it a functional thing. Every few years I revisit the idea of a book, or a website, or a blog or something... but then my head, it a'splodes.

 

[Endless_Night]

It's been suggested before; the e-consulting thing. I've never quite figured out how to make it a functional thing. Every few years I revisit the idea of a book, or a website, or a blog or something... but then my head, it a'splodes.

This would be great. Perhaps shopping as well as sizing?

So what body types do accommodate foam well? And, can brands be expected to fit consistently? I'm wondering if I can get fitted and make a purchase in a shop and then order more of the same online. (I'm not wild about the proprietor of the lingerie store nearby. She's snooty!)

Sorry for the continuing deluge of questions. I want to buy a whole new lingerie wardrobe for a social thing in the fall and spending that much money requires working up my nerve. For me, that means lots of questions.

 

[bhndblueyes88]

It's been suggested before; the e-consulting thing. I've never quite figured out how to make it a functional thing. Every few years I revisit the idea of a book, or a website, or a blog or something... but then my head, it a'splodes.

I imagine it definitely would be difficult to get a REALLY accurate size just by looking. You seem pretty damn good at it regardless!! But if you're taking money, obviously you want to optimize your accuracy... Well, with the advent of 3-D TV, it can only be a matter of time until we get 3-D webcams and the like, right? That shoudl make it GOBS easier?

 

[CutieMouse]

This would be great. Perhaps shopping as well as sizing?

So what body types do accommodate foam well? And, can brands be expected to fit consistently? I'm wondering if I can get fitted and make a purchase in a shop and then order more of the same online. (I'm not wild about the proprietor of the lingerie store nearby. She's snooty!)

Sorry for the continuing deluge of questions. I want to buy a whole new lingerie wardrobe for a social thing in the fall and spending that much money requires working up my nerve. For me, that means lots of questions.

I've found spacer foam bras tend to be a bit more forgiving. Depending on brand, you can find spacer foam bras in B - HH sizes.

I also prefer sweetheart necklines (up to an F), especially if there's been any sort of tissue loss. Everyone loses tissue volume from the top down; it's just life.

If the local boutique knows what they're doing? Suck up and get a decent fitting, buy something if you want, and use an online source like herroom.com. Or come visit me. lol

I imagine it definitely would be difficult to get a REALLY accurate size just by looking. You seem pretty damn good at it regardless!! But if you're taking money, obviously you want to optimize your accuracy... Well, with the advent of 3-D TV, it can only be a matter of time until we get 3-D webcams and the like, right? That shoudl make it GOBS easier?

It's weird, but it isn't hard. It's been almost 5 years since I used a tape measure, so now I can pretty much nail a size off of 2-3 [clothed] pictures, an a handful of questions. I'm mentally sizing people, all the time... I might have even kind of sort of mentally sized people during job interviews, during doctors appointments, shopping... walking through WalMart is torture.

 

[LWulf]

I might have even kind of sort of mentally sized people during job interviews, during doctors appointments, shopping... walking through WalMart is torture.

I open up the "what's cooking" thread, and if I see pictures of people's kitchens, I feel the same way. (tortured)

10 years interior designer/17 years kitchen designer.

You have my sympathies

 

[bhndblueyes88]

It's weird, but it isn't hard. It's been almost 5 years since I used a tape measure, so now I can pretty much nail a size off of 2-3 [clothed] pictures, an a handful of questions. I'm mentally sizing people, all the time... I might have even kind of sort of mentally sized people during job interviews, during doctors appointments, shopping... walking through WalMart is torture.

Yah, I imagine all those breasts smashed or flopped into cheap "one size fits none" seeming bras is painful...probably not as painful as all the breasts just floppin' out in your face that you can find at Walmart, though ^_^

 

[Sir_Winston54]

Yah, I imagine all those breasts smashed or flopped into cheap "one size fits none" seeming bras is painful...probably not as painful as all the breasts just floppin' out in your face that you can find at Walmart, though ^_^

I tend to keep my Walmart line of view at waist level or below...

 

[bhndblueyes88]

I tend to keep my Walmart line of view at waist level or below...

That really doesn't sound wise either...particularly in summer

 

[Endless_Night]

I tend to keep my Walmart line of view at waist level or below...

That really doesn't sound wise either...particularly in summer

Well, living in Texas, where most people swelter out the summer months half naked, I can say with certainty that below the waist is a baaaad idea.

 

[Endless_Night]

If the local boutique knows what they're doing? Suck up and get a decent fitting, buy something if you want, and use an online source like herroom.com. Or come visit me. lol

You laugh, but you might actually be in danger of a visit! Finding an expert who'll make sure I end up with something I like, as well as something that fits properly, is worth a drive. Especially when dropping a hunk of cash! And I think you're only about six hours away.

Seriously. Both times I've been fitted they've put me in flesh-toned, industrial strength hideous. Not an ounce of pretty or even remotely titillating. Just like my great grandmother used to wear. I asked once for something more attractive. The woman said, "Well, I could look for something else." She sounded extremely doubtful.... I left.

Its not even as though I have industrial size breasts! They're pretty typical, in both size and shape. If only I could figure out what it is about me that screams, "Put me in hideous bras!"

 

[CutieMouse]

You laugh, but you might actually be in danger of a visit! Finding an expert who'll make sure I end up with something I like, as well as something that fits properly, is worth a drive. Especially when dropping a hunk of cash! And I think you're only about six hours away.

Seriously. Both times I've been fitted they've put me in flesh-toned, industrial strength hideous. Not an ounce of pretty or even remotely titillating. Just like my great grandmother used to wear. I asked once for something more attractive. The woman said, "Well, I could look for something else." She sounded extremely doubtful.... I left.

Its not even as though I have industrial size breasts! They're pretty typical, in both size and shape. If only I could figure out what it is about me that screams, "Put me in hideous bras!"

The thing that screams "SELL ME UGLY NUDE BRAS!" is called living in America. I swear to god, women here are obsessed with boring nude bras.

"Why don't we try this blush pink?"
"But I need nude!"
"This pink can be worn in place of nude; what color is most of your wardrobe?"
"Black."

Huh?

"If your wardrobe is primarily black, you can actually wear almost anything you like... but I wouldn't recommend nude under dark clothing, as there will be eventual dye transfer, and it'll make your lingerie look dingy. Pink looks like it's a bit outside your comfort zone... how about grey? Navy? Chocolate?"
"I don't know... I've always bought nude, so I really should buy nude."

I really really don't get it. (Then again, I don't own any nude lingerie...)

There's a boutique around here that's been in business since the 1930s. They tell small busted women that pretty bras don't come in their size; here try this [industrial looking] nude one one. They tell full busted women pretty bras don't come in their size; here try this [industrial looking] nude one on. And then they "custom alter" everything to make it fit. I've seen their alterations, and it's like the Frankenstein of lingerie, after they're finished.

 

[MeekMe]

I don't own a nude bra. I do need one, though. Knowing pink can also work is nice. need to find decent lace.

 

[BiBunny]

Nude anything is absolutely hideous--bras, shoes, what-have-you. Why in the name of hell would a person want to wear that disgusting color?

I am a color person. If I had to open my closet or lingerie drawer every day to nothing but boring neutrals like lots of people I've known in my life, I would blow my brains out, I swear. I can't imagine living life in shades of nothing but black, brown, white, beige, tan, gray, and navy.

Sorry, that was kinda random, I know. Just one of my pet peeves.

 

[DeepGreenEyes]

I am a color person. If I had to open my closet or lingerie drawer every day to nothing but boring neutrals like lots of people I've known in my life, I would blow my brains out, I swear. I can't imagine living life in shades of nothing but black, brown, white, beige, tan, gray, and navy.

Fuck, baby... You are the hottest Pottery Barn I have ever seen.

 

[CutieMouse]

I don't own a nude bra. I do need one, though. Knowing pink can also work is nice. need to find decent lace.

Actually, if you want, red is a neutral. It will still show through on lighter weight fabrics, but red goes under everything without showing through - even white.

 

[BiBunny]

Fuck, baby... You are the hottest Pottery Barn I have ever seen.

*Snort* I love and adore you.

Sorry for the hijack, everybody.