Big Bras Blog! Butterfly Collection

Bra School: Not all D cups are the same size

2012-05-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

From Left to Right 30D, 32D, 34D, 36D, 38D. Five different band lengths, five different cup volumes. All D Cups.

I know that bras can be confusing little minxes. When I try and explain to someone that besides their 34G bra they could also wear a 32GG they look at me with bewilderment. This post aims to give you an easy-to-understand guide to how cup sizes work.

Most people think that all D cups hold exactly the same volume of boob and then that cup size is just sewn onto different lengths of band to make the 30D, 32D, 34D etc. This is not true.

In my world of D-K bras* you may think there are only 11 cup sizes (D, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K) However, there are actually SIXTEEN different cup sizes, or more accurately, cup volumes (volume refers to the amount of breast tissue a cup can hold).

In this table below I have colour co-ordinated all the D-K BRA SIZES THAT HAVE CUPS WITH THE SAME VOLUME.

The volume of each cup increases as the 'Cup Volume Number' increases. E.g. #1 is the smallest cup volume and #16 is the biggest cup volume.

You'll notice that there are six band sizes for each cup letter and as the band size increases on each cup letter the cup volume also changes. So for example, a 28D has a #1 cup volume, a 30D has a #2 cup volume, 32D has a #3 cup volume and so on.

Real Life Example
Imagine you wear a 36D; your cups fit well because they encase your breasts but your band keeps riding up. Instead of thinking of your boobs as a D cup you can think of them as being a cup volume #5. When you realize your band keeps riding up because you actually need a 32 band not a 36 then you can see that a #5 cup volume on a 32 band is actually an F cup.

What is Sister Sizing?
When people talk about sister sizing what they're referring to is all the bras with the same cup volume but on different length bands. In our chart all the bra sizes with the same cup volume number are sister sizes. For example, 28JJ, 30J, 32HH, 34H, 36GG and 38G are all sister sizes to each other because they're all cup volume #10.

This is the basic logic behind how cup sizes work but as always you should learn how each bra style and brand fits (we have a How This Bra Fits tab on each of our product pages). When you put on your bra be sure to look for the Five Fit Signs to make sure you're in the right size for you.

I hope this has helped (I expect I've confused a few people too). If you have any questions leave a comment below and I'll get back to you xx

*A footnote for anyone wondering why I don't use UK DD cups; it's because they are the same equivalent as US D cups so to avoid confusion I don't use the DD size.

ARCHIVE - Is Your Professional Fitter Giving You The Right Bra?

2012-05-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

From time to time I'll re-post an old blog that struck a chord with readers. If you're a regular reader you'll know that I don't like the stat "80% of women are wearing the wrong bra" because it suggests that this is the fault of women when in fact I firmly believe that it's mostly down to the amount of dreadful fitting advice that is given out by manufacturers and boutiques alike. You should know how to measure yourself so that you can tell whether your fitter is giving you the bra that's right for you or just right for their commission. This blog from last year talks about how fitters can let you down if you don't know what you're looking for.

One of my smaller busted girlfriends told me she hasn’t been for a professional fitting in years because in her words “fittings don’t make a difference, bras just hurt”. I rummaged through her exhausted looking bras and they all read 34A. Just by looking at her I knew she wasn’t a 34 band so I showed her how to take her measurements and she quickly discovered that she is actually a 30C.

My friend went through the usual process of disbelief and laughter at the idea of being 2 cup sizes bigger then she looked at me and said “do they make bras in that size?” She didn’t know it but she hit the nail on the head as to why she’s always hated bra shopping – not enough stores carry her size so they put her in a size they carry regardless of the fact that it will be ill-fitting and painful.

Without boring you with the science, the cup on a 34A is the same volume as the cup on a 30C because cups are relative to the band size. How these two bras differ is that a 34 inch band gave no support to my friend so her straps were taking all the weight of her bust and the band was riding up her back. She was generally uncomfortable and in pain.

The bust volume is the same on all three women but their band sizes are different - cup size is proportional to band size.

Lots of stores only buy the most ‘common’ bra sizes (32-38 A-D) because it’s most cost effective. This may make retail sense but it doesn’t make you more comfortable in your bra! This is why I encourage every woman to measure herself before she goes for a professional bra fitting. It’s even more important for big busted women to know their band size because a loose band can wreck your posture, health and silhouette.

Almost 40% of the women who call me because they are unhappy in their bras, are wearing a DD cup. This is because a DD cup is the biggest they can find on the high street. To get a DD cup big enough they are wearing band sizes that are WAY too big so they end up dreadfully uncomfortable and very undefined. You can see from this chart that the volume on a 38DD bra is the same as the volume on a 34G bra but the support and shape are totally different.

Wearing a bigger band to accommodate your bust volume leaves you very uncomfortable (remember a Canadian DD=E).

When you measure yourself at home take particular note of your under bust measurement. If your bra fitter starts to put you into bras that are more than 2 inches bigger than this measurement your alarm bells should start ringing. A lot of stores use a fitting method that adds Four or Five inches to your band size. This method is out of date (and in my opinion dangerous!) and only serves to get women into readily available bras rather than correctly fitting bras. Check out the wonderful Thin and Curvy blog to see what a difference it makes being in the right band size.

There is a lot of bra information out there that is confusing and designed to keep you baffled about your boobs (so you don't know when you're getting bad service!). Knowing your size is incredibly empowering and can put an end to poor quality fitting services and painful bras. So grab yourself a tape measure and take back control of your boobs!!!

12 MORE Must-Read Boobilicious Blogs

2012-05-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic response to our original 12 Must-Read Boobilicious Blogs post. It's so exciting to see that people want to know more about their bra size and options as well as breast health and fashion for busty women. In the last six months since the original 12 post there have been even more new blogs talking about the quest for great bra fit and fashion.

http://missunderpinnings.com/
This is one of my new favourites written by a North American blogger (we need more of these please!) On the search for small back, larger cup bras as well as the fashion to flatter her shape, this blog is easy to read, uplifting (in more ways than one) and gives you some good ideas.

http://boosaurusbras.blogspot.ca/
This blog only came on my radar earlier this year and has already made a big impact. Christine, the author, is passionate about good bra fit, easy to relate to and a bit of a geek - which I love!! I highly recommend checking out her blog.

http://curvywordy.blogspot.ca/
A new-ish UK blogger, Curvy Wordy has a great writing style and covers a lot more than just the bras. She's eloquent about her struggles without being a Moaning Minnie (sorry, but some bloggers just vent and that gets dull fast - Curvy Wordy is definitely not that!) This blog is always chock-full of good pics too!

http://thelingerieaddict.com/
Considered by many to be the Godmother of Lingerie, The Lingerie Addict is a mecca of lingerie knowledge and passion. Headed by Treacle, the original addict, this blog has information for buyers, sellers and designers alike. A must-have in your lingerie list.

http://voluptuouslythin.wordpress.com/
This blog is almost brand-spanking new but I have to include it because it shows such promise and made me super excited that young American women are getting involved in the bra conversation. Izzy is just 17 and yet she already knows that she's been short changed in the bra department. As a 32HH she wants to spread the word to other young women and improve bra knowledge in the US - HALLELUIAH!!!!!

http://cleavagechronicles.blogspot.ca/
This is the blog for Presenza, the brand behind a line of bust-friendly wrap blouses. The brainchild of Jill Homiak this blog has fashion and style tips for busty women of all proportions.

https://swimwearandlingerie.wordpress.com/
Written by the lovely Maggie (here in Canada no less!) you are always guaranteed to learn, giggle and empathize when reading her blog. Maggie is also a tireless supporter of lingerie bloggers, retweeting them whenever humanly possible.

http://busts4justice.com/
Busts 4 Justice is the home of one of my bra heroines, Beckie, who single-handedly brought Marks and Spencer's to their knees on national TV and admit that big busts need to be treated more fairly. She is a fantastic advocate for good bra advice, sizing and offerings. I was lucky to be interviewed by Beckie last year about my mission for Butterfly Collection and large breasted Canadians! In my head she wears a cape all the time!

http://hourglassy.com/
Hourglassy is the blog for Campbell and Kate, designers and makers of classic white button-down shirts for larger breasted women. Darlene is a passionate writer who understands the life and wants of a busty woman. Her journey as both business owner and busty clothing magician is absolutely worth the read.

http://kel-kitty.blogspot.ca/
Three things to know about this lady - She has fantastic style, amazing hair and a killer personality - if that doesn't make you want to read her blog then you're like stone! A UK blogger, this young and vibrant blogger has heaps of fashion picks for busty women and lots of knowledge about what constitutes good fit. Check her out!

http://bybabysrules.com

They say a good blog is defined by a unique voice and I think an ex-military, bra loving, dog owner counts as a unique voice! You'll find small band and big cup reviews as well as general bra questions and a passion for great fit!
http://guilty-pleasures.org/
Guilty pleasure is a compendium of great lingerie articles and blogs from the unique and lovely Miss Tique as well as designers and other lingerie experts. Whether you're looking for some sports bras advice or reviews of the most exquisite luxury French designers, Guilty Pleasures will have something for you.

Well that's my 12 extra blogs for you - I hope you see some faves and some new ones in there. Let me know if I've missed your favourite xx

Mother's Day: New Moms and their New Boobs

2012-05-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

In honour of Mother's Day I'm handing you over this week to two wonderful women in my life, my sister Rebecca who I adore and my fabulous friend Jess. They both had baby girls last year so I asked them to answer a few questions about life with their new boobs xx

My sister lives in York in the north of England and last August she gave birth to her first child (and my first niece!) This is her story of new Mummy boobs...

1) Did you switch to non-wired bras before your daughter was born?
I did. About 4 months into my pregnancy I started to feel uncomfortable as my rib cage expanded.

2) When did you start wearing a nursing bra?
I bought 3 nursing bras after the baby was born. I think full term Mums would be advised to buy some in the last few weeks of pregnancy but my baby was very early. There was little choice so I bought what fit well enough. My sister then sent me a Butterfly Collection nursing bra from Royce and it's superb...so comfortable and gorgeous!!!

Heather from Royce gave my sister the support she needed

3) Was it complicated at first to figure out how to use your nursing bra?
The design with clips is very easy to work out...although there are many moments during each day when I forget to clip myself back up and end up swinging low!

4) Is there something that has happened to your boobs that no one told you to expect?
I didn't know that there would be such a massive difference in the size of my breasts when my baby only nurses from one side. For good breast health your baby should always drain both sides, but if she falls asleep during a feed I end up with one grape and one watermelon!!! The Royce bra is great here as the cup seems to hug me no matter what size I am.

5) Do you feel very differently about your breasts since nursing?
Each and every day I feel in awe of my breasts for providing my little girl with a life source. Mother Nature deserves a Nobel prize for this design. I feel that they are precious and need to be cared for (they can feel very tender after nursing). Having your breasts out half the day makes them less 'intimate' so I certainly feel the sex appeal of cleavage may have dwindled during the nursing period. But life ebbs and flows and I'm sure once nursing is done I can hoik them back into action in a red lacy push up!!!

6) What kind of outfits worked well for you while you've been nursing?
Almost everything I own now is either v necked or a loose T shirt which I can easily pull up.

My lovely Canadian friend, Jess, gave birth to her first baby last September. Here is her new Mom boob journey...

1) Did you switch to non-wired bras before baby was born?
I did. I was around 6 months pregnant and was much more comfortable - partly because they were non-wired and because Claire fitted me into the right size of bra for the first time ever!

2) When did you start wearing a nursing bra?
Right after the baby was born although because she was early I had my mom pick up a couple for me. She couldn't find any in my size (34E) and so my first bras didn't fit right. I ended up living in the sleep style nursing bras for a long time because they fit and I found them easier overall while I was figuring out nursing! Then Claire fitted me properly (my size hadn’t changed since late pregnancy) and gave me a Royce nursing bra which is still my most comfortable and prettiest nursing bra.

Lauren from Royce was my pick for Jess

3) Was it complicated at first to figure out how to use your nursing bra?
The clips were easy enough but to be honest I still found them to be a pain while I was learning how to nurse, I often forgot to do them back up and would discover them undone the next time I went to nurse. I found the sleep-style of bra super simple and more comfortable for me and baby.

4) Is there something that has happened to your boobs that no one told you to expect?
I was lucky and didn’t really have any problems getting breastfeeding started.What I didn’t expect was how much milk you produce at first while the system is sorting itself out! I spent the first two months constantly damp because I was literally pouring milk. She ate less but more often so there were a lot of times where my breasts were just so full they were dripping!

5) Do you feel very differently about your breasts since nursing?
I feel completely different about my breasts since I’ve started nursing. Breasts are part of our sexual identity but that has totally changed for me since are doing what they are designed to do. One thing that is obvious to me now is how far we have to go in Canada in terms of respecting nursing moms. I never really had any issue with seeing moms nurse in public. Now that I am a mom, it makes me sad how much of an issue it is here. I bought a nursing cover so I can nurse discretely in public; at first this is how I was most comfortable but the baby doesn’t really like nursing under the cover. Now I would be comfortable nursing her without the cover but I know it would make some people uncomfortable so I still use the cover.

6) What kind of outfits worked well for you while you've been nursing?
My daily outfits are now always soft cotton, dark shirts often with a cardigan or some type of open shirt over top – they have to be easy to hike up and out of the way, dark colours hide dampness, soft shirts are best for snuggles and comfort and the cardigan or other sweater help me nurse discretely!

Holly Jackson: How to Deal with Cup Size Shock

2012-05-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

I've recently managed to convince several people to get measured through Twitter and the power of friendship, and some of them have come back to me feeling very unsettled after finding out their new bra size. I can sympathize since I recently lost some weight and changed sizes to…a 32J (and by the way Internet, I have not yet collapsed due to the weight of my own breasts!)

Several of my friends used a good bra calculator and had similar revelations. A good friend of mine found out more about her bra size; she previously thought her bra size was 38G and she turned out to be a 36L. The calculator also gave her the American size translation which made her a 36R in US sizes, this seemed even more of a shock! She was understandably freaked out. Suddenly, her whole life was different. She asked lots of questions that I think about too. If she got pregnant, how would she find nursing bras? If she lost weight would her breast size go down or up? Where in the world did a person buy L cup bras anyway? She was truly upset. Her body, as she understood it, was different than it was before the calculator, and she was now in a category of cup size that can make life difficult.

I tried to be practical and soothe her, but honestly, I feel the same way sometimes. Life was much easier when I was a G cup (even if my bras didn't fit as well). I could wear all kinds of bras and felt like I had tons of choice. As we learn more and cup sizes increase worldwide, G is starting to be more accepted in terms of being a normal cup size. Unfortunately, if you're above that the market hasn't caught up as fast. I find myself staring at websites and wondering where I fit in now that I've found my new size.

If you're struggling with the acceptance phase of finding out you're on the larger end of full bust sizing, here are some quick tips to help you along.

1. You're not alone.
Many women are in the same boat, whether you know it or not. Happily, many women are also blogging openly about their experiences, and lots of wonderful communities have formed around these blogs. Find one you like, and join in. You'll learn things, and even make some like-boobed friends in the process.

2. Tell retailers that you exist.
If we want the market to change, this is what we have to do. In the age of the internet, people are easier to contact than ever. Use that to your advantage and contact retailers and ask why they don't carry your bra size. Small boutiques like Butterfly tend to be more responsive to things like this, but even big retailers have made changes based on widespread internet campaigns.

3. Speak with your wallet.
If someone carries your size, make sure you buy from them. Sometimes this means paying a little bit extra, but that extra is exactly like voting with your wallet. One of the issues that brands face when they want to make larger cup sizes is finding an audience, so make sure you're showing them they have one.

4. Don't be afraid to talk about it.
I once convinced someone to get measured and into a bra that fit on a train trip from New York to Philadelphia. It all started with her awkwardly asking me what my bra size was, and the fact that I was willing to reveal it helped her accept her own full bust figure. I'm not suggesting that you start walking around with a name tag with your bra size on it, but if we don't tell people that larger cup sizes exist people won't realize that they do. Most people don't know that J, K, or L cups exist! By getting measured and 'owning' your size we can change the mental image of full bust women and make bra manufacturers take notice of us.

The Misadventures of Plus Four

2012-04-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

This fitter is wearing a white coat and smiling, she must know what she's doing...that or she's thinking "Sucker!"

Before elastic became a major part of bra manufacturing the bra fitting advice was 'add 4 or 5 inches to your underbust measurement to find your band size.' This Plus Four Method never works for women over a D cup. Plus Four only works for some women under a D cup (women with very close-set breasts or an athletic frame can benefit from the plus four method).

Unfortunately Plus Four comes in very handy for unscrupulous boutiques and brands (Playtex I'm looking at you) who use it to put large breasted women into bras with huge, unsupportive bands and smaller cups. Because cups are relative to their bands (for example, a DD cup on a 38 band has more volume than a DD cup on a 30 band) you need D-K cups in order to give enough cup coverage on a smaller band. Just increasing the band size to get more cup volume is the Worst Kind of Fitting Betrayal. For more information on how to measure yourself at home, click here.

I see images like this all the time and it's just bunkum! Measure your band size where the band lies, around your ribs.

To try and legitimize this dangerous and outdated form of measuring (adding inches to your band size was necessary for breathing in the 1930s and 40s when lingerie was made with whalebones!) some clever marketing bod came up with the idea of measuring right underneath your armpits and OVER your chest to find your band size (like measurement 1 on the diagram above). Common sense tells you this is as bonkers as measuring your feet to find your hat size!!

This kind of lazy bra fitting promotion is usually coupled with daft suggestions like 'exhale and pull the tape measure really tight' or 'form a loosish gap over your bust measurement'. This kind of advice is needlessly complicated and it drives me up the wall, so I've come up with my own version of how to put plus four to use... introducing The Misadventures of Plus Four!! xx

View the larger image on our website

Why I Feel Sorry For Victoria Beckham

2012-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

I was never a Spice Girls or football fan but I've watched brand Beckham grow over the years with keen interest. There aren't a lot of Husband and Wife brands not least because in crazy celebrity land your 'his and her' brand could have a very sticky end. The Beckhams have a strong and growing brand, especially since Victoria has become legitimized in the fashion world and has focused her entire professional attention on design. So why do I feel sorry for this successful and well-heeled woman? Because she is a stark example of how the media and the public can reduce a woman to commentary on her body rather than dialogue about her actions.

Jennifer Hudson wearing a Victoria Beckham dress

I come across Victoria Beckham stuff fairly regularly in the boob world; she has designed some bust friendly pieces (like Jennifer Hudson above) she's been very vocal about female body diversity (she may be thin but she realizes not everyone is!) her lingerie shoots for Armani, and of course stories about breast implants. She's never confirmed it but I think the mid to late 90s pictures show pretty conclusively that she had breast implants, and if she did.... big deal. If she had them taken out.... big deal. We're entitled to our own decisions about our bodies. Whilst writers and commentators alike write thousands of column inches about her body, VB has been doggedly building a diverse life.

What do any of us we want our daughters to have? A happy home, healthy children, confidence, a sense of purpose and humour, a profession that fulfills them, extraordinary experiences, failures that they learn from, great shoes?! Then why when someone achieves all of these things, and I really think VB has worked hard at her life and brand, do we feel compelled to shoot them down? Is it good old fashioned jealousy or are we taught to believe that women shouldn't try and have too much?

The Evoque interior in the special edition Victoria Beckham Range Rover

Having just worked with Range Rover to design the interior of a special edition Evoque a whole new wave of self-satisfying hurtful jibes have swept the internet: "who does she think she is" "is it big enough for a real person to fit in" "give me a break, she's just a washed up singer". I know Victoria Beckham isn't working her fingers to the bone creating design mock-ups and cup-holders, but she's obviously got a sense of flair and design. The Beckhams have driven Range Rovers for years so it's pretty savvy of Range Rover to create a cross-promotion with such a powerful brand. What's the big problem!? If a giant car company asked me to design a luxury car interior I'd jump at the chance!

In a sea of fame-hungry reality stars who categorize success as getting their drunken Friday night exploits into the newspapers, shouldn't we cultivate more hardworking, self-made, female role models? It seems wherever I turn in the press there's always someone ready to tear a strip of a woman for being too thin, fat, successful, diverse, ambitious and I always wonder what the author does - do they contribute to the world or do they just erode it with cynicism and cruelty?

Of course I'm sure the extensive wealth, beautiful home, thriving business and gorgeous family takes the edge off comments from her critics, but on some level I wonder if Victoria thinks "I'm just trying my hardest, why does that piss off so many people?" I know that fame is synonymous with criticism but do you think that women are criticized more deeply and often by the media (and the public) than their male counterparts? xx

The Mental Leap from Wrong Bra to Right Bra

2012-04-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Any bra fitter will tell you that the most rewarding moments are when you fit someone who's been languishing in the wrong bra into the right bra. It's wonderful to see the mixture of disbelief and joy when a client realizes her boobs don't need to rest on her midriff anymore! However, just physically getting someone into the right bra isn't the whole story. For some women being in the right bra can be as mentally distressing as the physical strain of being in the wrong bra.

Don't Get Used to Low and Wide Boobs
Some women spend decades in the wrong bra, it becomes their norm and even though they experience shoulder dents, riding bands and sagging breasts, their 'wrong' bra is familiar. When you wear the wrong bra for a long period of time you'll get used to your breasts either lying low against your body or spreading wide across your body. Either way, your breasts will appear to have less volume because they're being spread over a larger area than if they were in a correctly fitting bra.

Breasts look so much bigger when they're unsupported and spread out

It's this 'dispersion' of breast tissue that leads to shock when put into the right bra. The right bra will lift your breast tissue up and away from your body and cup all your breast tissue close to your body (the closer your breast tissue is supported to your body the less bounce you encounter and therefore less damage to your breasts). When all the breast tissue is lifted into the right cup you can see the true volume of your breast and countless women are shocked that their breasts look 'big'.

Don't believe the Big Boob Stereotypes
While it's totally understandable that wearing the correct sized bra for the first time can be a shock, it's really saddening that so many women are upset at the idea of having larger breasts. Large breasts don't say anything about who you are just as having large feet or a small nose don't define your personality. And yet, we have these preconceptions that large breasts are a 'bad' thing. This is a crippling myth that we just have to eradicate because it's so harmful. Being in the right bra can be rewarding on so many levels:

Your posture is improved when you're in the right bra and this improves your circulation and takes pressure off your back and neck.
When you stop worrying about your shape you free your mind to think about more important things.
You'll see your waist again!

From a professional point of view a large breast that sits high on your chest (midway between your shoulder and your elbow) and is well supported is a far more flattering and healthy look than undefined, low-hanging breast tissue (which I think looks much bigger) that makes you appear much heavier.

Embracing your figure and supporting your bust is good for you physically and mentally.

Why Accepting Your Body is Good for Your Health
For over 15 years my Mum has worked with physically disabled children and has always told me "You only have one body and when you're fortunate that it works perfectly you must celebrate it and look after it every day." I know this is an extreme example but it's always stuck with me that your body is unique and nothing to be ashamed of. Your breasts are not out to make a mockery of you, they don't define you and they don't hate you. They are part of you and deserve to be treated well so try and accept and love your shape rather than hiding it. I'd love your thoughts on why wearing the right bra is such a scary prospect for some women xx

My Organic Wedding Makeup

2012-04-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before I have very sensitive skin; daily hives, swollen eyes and rashes are commonplace for me. Blotchy and red isn't exactly the look I want as a bride when Mr Butterfly and I get married next month so I needed to get the skin situation under control and find beauty products and makeup that don't make me look like I have the plague!

Back in March I wrote about the potential links between cosmetic/beauty product chemicals and the rise in breast cancer as discussed in the documentary Pink Ribbons Inc. As the descendent of breast cancer survivors I am keen to minimize my risks wherever possible so I have been on a chemical free skin regime for a month. My daily hives have gone from all over my torso, neck and face (and taking about 2 hours to disappear) to just 5 on my back and chest which ease after about 30 minutes. It's safe to say I love my Rocky Mountain Soap products especially the Cocoa Butter Soap and Coconut Lip Butter.

Finding chemical free makeup has been SO much harder than finding good beauty products. I trawled the internet but found that the products were either insanely expensive or came with hefty mailing charges. I turned to our fabulous makeup artist Lien (btw her new blog, The Soulcialite, is jam packed with fashion and makeup tips) to help me track down some chemical free options.

Curlique is a store/education facility where you get top notch products and expert advice

Lien took me to Curlique in Vancouver, a totally amazing and unique place with top name cosmetics handled by makeup graduates from a local school, Blanche MacDonald. After listening carefully to my skin history, our makeup graduate, Paula, came back with a brand that has changed my life! Sappho is a line of chemical free cosmetics designed here in British Columbia by a TV and Film makeup artist, JoAnn Fowler.

All Sappho products can be bought online

Regular foundations make my skin tight and sting within seconds of application. Sappho foundation is made of natural mineral pigments suspended in essential oils; it's light, doesn't sting and the colour's fab. Because the foundation worked so well I was like a kid in a candy store and wanted to see everything Sappho had to offer! The prices aren't crazy and considering that they're organic, animal-friendly and mostly sustainable, I think the price is great:

Concealer, foundation, blush, five eye shadows and four animal-friendly makeup brushes later I felt excited about makeup again! Lien has me on a strict skin regime between now and the wedding and I'm excited that I'll actually look the way I feel - glowing with happiness not hives! Do you have a product you love for sensitive skin or have you made the switch to a chemical free cosmetics line? xx

Sorry to break this to you, but people know you're wearing a bra

2012-04-16T07:02:00.002-07:00

This t-shirt was a Dorothy Perkins hit

Living in Canada there are lots of occasions where I feel conspicuously English; every time I say lift and not elevator, bin and not garbage, cooker and not stove. In the world of bras the time I feel most English is when my clients say they don't like "bras you can see under clothes." I hear this every week without fail and it's something I had rarely considered when I was in the UK.

Just to clarify the concern is not a leopard print bra showing through a lemon yellow blouse or a neon pink plunge peering through a white t-shirt, no, the concern is any seam that confirms the presence of a bra. Why do so many North American women feel it would be an embarrassment if other people knew they were wearing a bra?

Are You Hiding More than Just Seams?
Almost every lingerie rep I've spoken to in Canada and the US has told me that North American women like seamless, nude bras. There has to be something deeper at the root of this 'seam-phobia'. I think it has something to do with the sheer lack of bra size choice North American women have experienced that has bred a continent-wide disillusionment with bras. Canada and the US have a disproportionate lack of readily available bra sizes in comparison to the UK, Europe and Australia.

It's no wonder that generations of women forced into big bands and small cups want to hide in their bras; they've been uncomfortable and 'lumpy' for decades! There is a distinct lack of Big Bra Celebration in North American compared to the UK and I think the knock-on effect is this desire to blend into the background and hide your breasts, hence the epidemic of seamless bras.

I love that the seams are part of the design on this bra from Freya

Are Seams Really That Big a Deal?
I always think of these two things when someone says they don't want their bra to be visible:

Everyone knows you're wearing a bra (and nobody cares)
No one's looking at your bra seams (and even if they see them, they don't care)

People are definitely going to notice that you look better in the right bra but people aren't looking directly at your boobs or even more specifically, your bra seams. What baffles me is that many women would rather wear an ill-fitting seamless bra that gives them sagging and spillage than have the 'dreaded seam'. For women with heavy breasts you need seamed bras because the seams are what give you shape and support. The seams 'direct' the breast tissue up and away from your waist to give you definition and lift. Don't get me wrong, seamless bras are great, but they're not for everyone and they're not the only option.

My Outfits and Seamed Bras
I mostly wear seamed bras because my boobs are side heavy so they need some forward propulsion and I never feel that my outfits look compromised by my seamed bras. Here are some fabrics, styles and designs that I think are completely compatible with seamed bras:

Patterned Clothing - patterns distract from any seam underneath
Dark Fabrics - black, navy, charcoal and brown sweaters (or jumpers in my world) hide seams perfectly
Ruched Tops - Lots of busty friendly clothing has ruching at the neckline which detracts from underlying bra seams

I'm wearing a seam-free bra in only one of these outfits - can you tell which one

I own seam-free bras which I wear with stretchy jersey fabric because it's super clingy, and that's about it. I sometimes wear one under a white shirt but I usually wear a seamed bra because I prefer the shape - I find seamed bras make my boobs look less spread out.

Feeling happy and confident in your bra depends a lot on bra style and it has to feel right for you. Being trapped in one style of bra because of some mental barriers about your body image is quite a different thing. Are you someone who used to be seam-phobic but got passed it? I'd love to hear your story xx

Ralph Lauren Bust-Friendly Dresses

2012-04-11T07:08:00.001-07:00

I spend most of my life in dresses partly because I am a total girly-girl and love being in a skirt and partly because jeans and I no longer speak to one another. My figure doesn't look great in pinup style clothing (although I often wish it did because then I could wear this dress!) I need a dress with either a V neck or boat neckline and a flattering skirt. Flattering on me is something that doesn't cling to my hips but follows the line of my curves without adding bulk.

The Bay in Vancouver (the big Canadian department store) recently got a giant facelift and added tonnes of well-priced mid-designer dresses to their collection. One of the additions which surprisingly works with my figure is Ralph Lauren's dress line. I'm a 32GG and lots of these dresses work across my bustline in a size 10. Here are some of my favourites:

$145 CAD - I love the colour and the 3/4 sleeve helps to draw the eyeline away from my bust. The ruched tummy panel is my eternal friend

$149 CAD - I'm a big fan of colour and this green is so pretty. There is more wiggle room in here for boobs as it's not an empire waist. The buckle gives a nice detail and I'm hooked on the little shoulder pads!

$183 CAD - One shoulder dresses have been a revelation to me. I didn't expect them to be as flattering as they are. The lace is elegant and modern and I think the colour is spring sexy.

$149 CAD Pattern is my friend because it hides the lumps and bumps that create my hips! I think this is a great day to night dress.

I still struggle to find bust-friendly dresses in Vancouver so I shop online a lot. Do you have a favourite brand whose dresses I need to check out? xx

Why Curvy Kate's 'Star in a Bra' is More than a Competition

2012-04-09T07:37:00.003-07:00

For those of you not familiar with this British brand, Curvy Kate is a line of lingerie designed specifically for D-K cup women. Their fun, beautiful and sexy designs bring excitement and joy to women shopping for big cup bras, which is why we stock this brand at Butterfly Collection because bras should be fun for big boobs too!

Georgina from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust came 3rd in last year's UK SIAB

Since 2009 Curvy Kate has run a model search called 'Star in a Bra' which looks for naturally busty women to become their spokes-boobs and model for a year. Last year's UK finalists included the fabulous Georgina Horne from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust and the lovely Lizzie Haines who ultimately won the competition. The competition has generated a huge amount of interest over the last three years and last week the competition went stateside with the first Star In A Bra USA!

We are incredibly proud to sell Curvy Kate bras - Lottie above is my absolute favourite

Why North America Needs 'Star in a Bra'
It is beyond fantastic that this competition has come to North America because injecting some celebration into big boobs is much needed. I have always been shocked at the vast differences between how European and British women view their busty figures as opposed to how American and Canadian women perceive themselves.

I'm not suggesting that every British busty woman spends every minute of every day being delighted at her G cups but there is definitely more widespread acceptance and celebration of being busty. There is without doubt a greater sense of embarrassment and 'shame' about big boobs here in North America. I don't know where it comes from but I know (and see it on a daily basis) that it holds women back from accepting and loving their bodies.

There are so few places in the media that celebrate naturally busty women with positivity, education and empowerment. Curvy Kate's Star in a Bra competition gives naturally busty women a voice and shines a light on the beauty, diversity and plight of D-K cup women.

Lizzie Haines won the UK 2011 SIAB - Her humour, passion and humility are infectious

How Star in a Bra Works

Details about how to enter and how to vote are available on Curvy Kate USA's Facebook Page
Top 30 contestants will be chosen by the Curvy Kate staff
Through Facebook the public will vote for their favourites - the 10 with the most votes become finalists
The Top 10 get flown to a professional photo shoot for a Curvy Kate makeover
These 10 go back to the public vote and a winner is then announced
The winner will appear in print and web promotions for a year and attend events as the SIAB winner

If you fancy entering (and I highly encourage all my beautiful, talented and brilliant American readers to do so!) then it's worth reading these submission tips to give yourself the best chance!

More than a Competition
We need to change the cultural perceptions around larger boobs in North America (who wants their busty 15 year old to spend the rest of her life with a crippling shame weighing on her!?) A lot of the emotional baggage around being busty is fabricated and you have to choose not to listen to it. The rest of the strain comes from not being in the right bra and that's where companies like Curvy Kate (and dare I say Butterfly Collection) can help. Please let me know if you plan on entering because I will throw every inch of my busty support behind your boobs!! It could be the best thing you do for yourself! xx

Be a Small Band, Big Cup Warrior!

2012-04-04T07:15:00.003-07:00

It’s a common story that larger cups are very difficult to find in stores. What’s 10 times more difficult is trying to find large cups on small bands. Try finding a J cup on 26 band and it’s like searching for unicorns.

On our return from Curve in Las Vegas I wrote about my shock that Freya referred to 28 bands as a Junior Size. Coming from a leading large cup retailer I was seriously dismayed. Someone who experienced the same Junior reference was Sarah from StackDD, a pregnant 26/28 J/JJ woman who is anything but Junior (she’s making juniors for Goodness’ Sake!)

Both these bras are G cups but the one on the left is Plus Size, the one on the right is Full Bust

There is obviously an industry wide misconception that big boobs live on big women. This is apparent by the number of brands who still call ‘Full Bust Bras’ ‘Plus Size Bras’ – they’re not the same thing! Plus Size refers to bands not cups. Large cups do not = plus size. Big Boobs live on small ribcages too (and having a small ribcage doesn’t necessarily mean you’re tiny all over, but that’s another story!)

The fabulous bra bloggers, StackDD, Braless in Brasil, By Baby’s Rules, Bras I Hate and Boosaurus, have decided enough is enough and are making strides to get more 24, 26, 28 and 30 bands on D-K bras. This is their Bra Band Project to make the manufacturers sit up and listen:

“To prove that we are not all juniors and that we exist as a market we have decided to create the Bra Band Project. We are looking for photos of women who wear 30 bands or under to prove that we are real. We will make a flickr album and eventually a collage with our photos to show that we are not just juniors but women of all shapes and sizes that need small bands. We'd love your help so please submit your own photo and band size using this link or email it to brabandproject@gmail.com. We need both your bra size and your photo. We cannot include a submission without both of those.”

This is a great opportunity for you to be a Bra Activist and make the lingerie industry get crackin’ on some small band bras that will fit your body. You don’t have to take your clothes off to participate either. Clothed or in a bra, take a full body shot or waist and up (at least your torso should be included) then the Bra Band Ladies will crop out your face to keep everything anonymous. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO NOW!

Facebook: Which Bra Brands Are Actually Listening to Customers

2012-04-02T07:22:00.007-07:00

There are two kinds of lingerie brands as far as I'm concerned... the ones who want their customers to love wearing their lingerie and the kind who think anyone who doesn't love wearing their lingerie is an idiot. Needless to say I have to restrain myself from knocking out the second lot with one swift GG cup.

The arrogant lingerie brands are also deaf, dumb and blind to the fact that women exist outside of the 32-38 A-D paradigm. "We don't get any call for G cups" is as ignorant as saying "We don't believe women exist." We experienced a lot of this shortsightedness at Curve Las Vegas. I have total respect for the brands who say "We don't have the expertise to make bras for women over a D cup" they are cognoscente of their strengths and don't want to deliver a sub-standard product - bravo! That's quite different from dismissing the existence of larger cupped women completely.

Separating the Social Wheat from the Chaff
With the ever-expanding social media world those brands who truly listen to their customers are fast distinguishing themselves from the old guard of stubborn brands. Here's my list of brands who have an engaging and enjoyable Facebook presence:

Curvy Kate
Curvy Kate continues to raise the standard of what it means to be a social lingerie brand. Their engaging and informative social activity also includes the wildly successful Star in a Bra campaign which is run entirely through their social media channels. A great mix of fashion, fun and knowledge I always pause to read their posts. Curvy Kate has also recognized that different countries need their own social media messaging. Curvy Kate Australia and Curvy Kate USA share country specific as well as brand-wide information something lots of brands overlook (to their detriment in my opinion).

Panache
Most of you know that I love Panache and the biggest reason is they are one of the few companies who have actively realized that Canadian and American women get ripped off when it comes to price on D-K cups. Lots of Panache bras retail for under $70 which makes being a busty woman much easier on your wallet (then throw in Free Shipping like we do every day, and you've got happy boobies!) Panache have been super interested in our feedback as a retailer and from our customers - heck they even let us tour their HQ and meet all the bra designers!

On the social front I think Panache is still working out their voice. They have fab photography and their work with British Olympians on their sports bra is fantastic, but there still doesn't seem to be a great deal of interaction. I would love to see Panache grow their social media strategy and come up with some fantastic interactive competitions and activities for Panache customers and retailers. We want to love you even more!!

Freya
Freya has fantastic photography and uses their Facebook to share some great fitting and style advice. Lots of customers post questions to the Freya page which Freya then answer which makes it really useful for other Freya customers. Freya is involved in a lot of media shoots and has recently teamed up with the England Netball team to promote their sportswear.

Alegro
Alegro Lingerie has a tiny Facebook presence right now but the reason I'm including them is because they are responding to every single thing that customers ask, write or think about them. So few brands answer speculative questions honestly but Alegro is obviously setting up its social media activity to be transparent and honest. Check out their response to my review and public questions over on Thin and Curvy's blog. I think we can expect really good things from this burgeoning brand (not least because their bras are so lovely!)

Claudette
Claudette is a relative newcomer to the lingerie scene but already they're making a big impression. Their Facebook is a vibrant place driven by varied and gorgeous photography. We're trying out Claudette's Neon Green Mesh bra this spring and hope to grow our relationship with them as they venture into even bigger cups.

Enell
Regarded by many to be the ultimate in sports bra control, Enell is using their Facebook page to mentally and physically support women. I really love their approach to well-being and health. They don't use this page as a constant selling tool (something which bugs me about some brands). Enell shares tips about leading a healthy life both in and out of your Enell bra.

Some Other Brands to 'Like'
There are some other brands whose Facebook activity I enjoy. Not all these are in English but that doesn't matter when you can enjoy the photography.

Ewa Michalak - Polish brand with phenomenal bras and refreshingly diverse models
Kris Line - Another Polish brand with good photography
Pleasure State - US company with a growing Facebook presence
Affinitas - I'm still waiting for Affinitas to completely get their act together as a supplier so I'm still biased against them in the social forum but their photography is great.

Lingerie is such a personal thing and the companies that connect with the emotional element of buying intimates will having much deeper customer loyalty and a greater understanding of the changing needs of women. I take Butterfly Collection's Facebook responsibility very seriously. It is a place to share the joy, facts, frustrations and stories of being a busty woman. Our business is selling D-K bras but our passion is making women feel happy and confident about their figures xx

Big Boobs Equals More Confidence - Unless You Actually Have Big Boobs Apparently!

2012-03-26T07:07:00.004-07:00

Gossard recently commissioned research with Manchester University to study the correlation between enhanced cleavage and improved confidence. The research is for the launch of Gossard's Super Egoboost bra which gives small busted women a larger cup size and more pronounced cleavage. The research measured actual physical signs of confidence and found that women wearing the Super Egoboost displayed more confidence:

Smiling - which represents positive emotion and signals confidence increased dramatically by 73 per cent when the women were wearing a push up bra.
Averting gaze and breaking eye contact - normally associated with low confidence - decreased by 41 per cent.
Self-comforting hand movements such as stroking of the chin or wiping the forehand, which is a signpost to low self confidence, decreased by 64 per cent during the trial.

One Rule for Small Boobs, Another for Big Ones
It's fascinating to me that small busted women feel more confident with a larger bust when I know that a lot of big busted women feel less confident because they're busty. Why is there such a disconnect between the two? If this research were true for all women then we busty girls should be overflowing with confidence when in reality some busty women go to extreme measures to hide their shape.

Control and Options
I wonder whether there's something empowering about having the option to be big or small busted that is unique to smaller breasted women. If you're a 34B then you can choose to be small busted and demure or you can whack on your ultra boosting push up bra and rock an hourglass figure. Do busty women tire of only ever being busty?

Why do lots of naturally busty women feel like the woman on the right and not the one on the left!?

Why Aren't Busty Women More Confident?
I meet women every week who don't like being busty and it always makes my heart sad. I truly believe that not having adequate bra support (physically and emotionally) from an early age undermines the confidence necessary to fend off the ignorant comments busty women inevitably experience at some point. It's such a shame that busty women who haven't been emotionally supported can't enjoy being busty and just ignore the moronic stereotypes and jibes - it's all just jealousy!

Wearing the wrong bra for a long time doesn't help either; it doesn't just wear down your shoulders it wears down your happiness. How are you supposed to feel happy, let alone confident, when you're in pain and your boobs move independently of you?

Being in the right bra gives you back control over your breasts

The Right Bra and Confidence
I know that when I'm in a bra that I love I feel even more positive about the clothes I wear over the top and about the way I look. Wearing the correct size and style of bra for you won't solve your confidence issues over night but with time it will give you a degree of control back over your body and that is an empowering thing.

Let's face it you can't compare a foam-filled bra with the natural tissue that makes up your beautiful and natural boobs; a push-up bra isn't subject to the laws of gravity! I'm a firm believer that when you put good stuff in, good stuff comes of it, so start a new relationship with your breasts and get them into the right bra for you and your life. More than just your confidence can improve.

Are you someone who has made the journey from hiding your breasts to feeling confident about your shape? I'd love to hear your personal story xx

Don't Hate on The Tape Measure!

2012-03-19T07:31:00.007-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks a press release about measuring for bra size has been doing the rounds. The University of Plymouth research suggests that using a tape measure leads to inaccurate bra size results, however, nowhere in any of the articles I've read does it say what measurements people were taking or what they were doing with them. It's yet another half story that does more bra harm than good!

What's the Rest of the Story?!
Maybe I agree with this research, maybe I don't but I need more info to find out! Is it suggesting that using a tape measure to find your band size then adding inches to the measurement gives you inaccurate results? If so I agree wholeheartedly. Is it suggesting that trying to find your bra size by wrapping a tape measure around your back then pulling it up through your armpits and resting on your sternum is about as effective as measuring your feet to find your hat size? Then I say Hurrah! But nowhere does it say how the tape measure is being used, it just takes a cheap shot at the humble tape measure.

I hear and read people deriding the tape measure all the time. The common retort is that getting fitted in-store is the best solution. Of course a good bra fitter is a wonderful thing to have but MILLIONS of women do not have access to a good bra fitter (working in a store doesn't automatically make you a good fitter) and they should not be left to languish in a painful bra. With a tape measure and good bra knowledge, you're well on your way to finding your own perfect fit!

The Five Step Check to Fit
The recent research promotes that a 5 step approach to fit is the best way to find your size and I absolutely agree, however, I don't think this is an either or scenario - the tape measure can help you get a perfect 5 step fit a good deal faster if you use it correctly.

No matter how you get measured for a bra the Fit Check still applies. You can walk yourself through the Five Fit Checks and work out if your bra fits you.

1) All of your breast tissue must sit inside the cup. This includes the breast tissue at the sides, top and middle - it all wants to be inside the cup! If you're spilling you need a bigger cup. If the cup is baggy, you need a smaller one.

2) Your band should be snug which means it stays securely in place around your body without pinching you. If your band is too loose your bra will move causing you discomfort. If your band is too tight, it hurts!

3) The gore (the centre part at the front) needs to lie flat against your body without poking into you. If the gore doesn't lie flat it means either your band is too big or your cups are too small.

4) Straps should not dig into your shoulders, if they do then its' likely your band is too big. Your band takes the majority of your boobs' weight so if it's not supportive enough your straps (and consequently your shoulders) end up taking the strain.

5) Your band should be horizontal with the floor all the way around your body and there should be no gaps between your body and the band (if there are your band or your cups are too big).

If you listen closely you'll hear your boobs screaming for help!

Your Bra Doesn't Fit -
Now What?
So you've gone through the 5 fit checks and worked out that your 34C bra is not your friend. You know you need to come down in the band and up in the cup. The question remains - how many band sizes do I come down? I've fitted women who arrived in a 38D and left in a 32GG - it would take a great deal of trial and error to arrive at this final destination by yourself without a tape measure.

I am by no means suggesting that a tape measure system is 100% accurate, but used correctly it can give you a great starting point to know which sizes to begin with. Once you try on your suggested size it's then easier to use the 5 Fit Checks to work out if your size needs tweaking - "This band fits but I need a bigger cup" or "this cup fits but the band is too loose so I'll go down in the band and up in the cup to keep the same cup volume".

Stop Blaming Women and Tape Measures!
I despise the '85% of women are in the wrong bra' stat because it suggests women are to blame for being in the wrong bra and they're not - fitters and manufacturers have a lot to answer for. Lots of women have been badly fitted by 'experts', many cannot find their actual bra size in a store near them and lots of women simply are never told that bra sizes extend beyond the 32-38 A-D range.

Women have been given misleading and confusing information for decades and understanding bra fit needn't be complicated. By measuring around your ribcage and using that as your starting band size your margin for error is lessened. Measuring around the fullest part of your bust to work out your cup size is not perfect but again it's a starting point from which you can effectively use the 5 Fit Checks.

The Butterfly Collection Bra Calculator
I have debated for a long time whether we should have a Bra Calculator. The very term has become synonymous with online torture generators like the Playtex US calculator. However, I know that women are more than capable of understanding their own bra size when given the right tools and knowledge to figure it out. So with equal amounts of trepidation and exhilaration I introduce the Butterfly Collection Bra Calculator!

We'd love your feedback!

How is our Calculator Different?
The objective behind our calculator is to give you a good starting size from which you can work out which fit is right for you. We've added some features you don't see on other calculators:

Traditionally the problem with calculators is that they don't account for your size being different with different brands. We have taken the guess work out of this and the calculator gives you your suggested bra size results by brand (then handily shows you all the bras available in those brands and size!)
We've also included results based on personal preference. Some women prefer a really tight band and some prefer a slightly looser one. We've included these size results for you too.
Because we're based in Canada and have lots of US customers we've also included a column that shows your size translated into North American sizing for brands that use that size system.

Your Help Please
I'm prepared for some backlash on this project because whenever you put something in black and white someone is going to question you laying down the law. I know this calculator won't work for everyone. It will be very inaccurate for A-C cup women because we don't sell A-C cup bras. It won't work for women who need the plus four method to offset an athletic build, protruding sternums and close-set breasts.

However, I do want to make this a useful and empowering tool for women 28-38 D-K and to do that I need your feedback. If you take a spin in our calculator please leave a comment on this blog about how the results worked out for you and what you would like to see improved, it would be a great help!

Calculators should never be used in isolation, understanding which bra styles work for you as well as which brands fit you best all contribute to getting your valuable assets into a fabulous bra that's right for you! xx

Attack of the Killer DDDDDDDs!!

2012-03-12T06:16:00.038-07:00

When Mr Butterfly and I set off for Las Vegas last month we were super excited to attend a big lingerie show and get up close and personal with lots of brands. We definitely met lots of interesting and passionate people at the Curve Show but this was interwoven with some glaring problems that dog the lingerie industry and keep women from their best-fitting bras.

Here are the FOUR big bra problems I encountered:
1. The use of multiple Ds is keeping North American women away from embracing larger cup letters
2. Not enough brands understand the difference between Full Bust and Plus Size bras
3. Sizing for Full Bust women is still wildly inaccurate
4. Online boutiques are massively overlooked by brands and women alike

It was a privilege to attend the Freya Fitting Seminar, however, it raised more questions than it answered.

1. Who Wants to be a 12D? Not me!
As most of you know I'm an adopted North American having lived here for 7 years but I'm originally from England. I had never heard an F cup referred to as a DDD before I moved to Canada and it baffled me why multiple Ds were used for bra sizes. Figuring out how the multiple D system translated into UK sizes took me months.When I attended the Freya Fitting Seminar in Las Vegas, the fitter referred to the range of sizes produced by Freya as going from D to 12D (or K in UK sizing). Using Ds to describe sizes all the way up to a K is ludicrous and harmful in my opinion:

No one else in the world uses this multiple D system so it makes it harder for women to figure out which bras from other countries will fit them (something they need to know considering how few North American brands design for G+ boobs).
Keeping women trapped in D cups perpetuates the stigma that anything over a D cup is huge (check out my blog 'Breaking the D Cup Barrier' to understand why this is a problem)

The majority of women in North America do not know that bras with cups over a DD exist which is part of the reason so many full busted women are in the wrong bra. If we could get some universal and consistent language around small back, full cup boobs then perhaps D-K cup bras will seem less scary. Ditch the Multiple Ds!!

2. Full Bust Bras Aren't Necessarily Big Bras
What's the difference between Full Bust and Plus Size bras? Plus Size refers to your body size and not your boobs. You can be plus sized and have a small bust. Check out the chart below to see an approximate breakdown of Regular, Full Bust and Plus Sizes:

A lot of brands we spoke to were eager to tell us about the addition of G and H cups to their range, however, very few of them had these cups in bands under a 34. Adding larger cups is a good step but in the full bust market only adding 2 band sizes is only half a job. Brands still need to figure out where the Full Bust and Plus Size markets differ. Check out Holly Jackson's review of Full Bust vs Plus Size.

3. How I wish there was a single sizing method!

I understand that no two garments can ever measure exactly the same. The machinery you produce the garment on, the style of the garment and the average weight/height of the models in your country all affect the eventual size. However, in the bra world the advice on size (and measuring for size) differs wildly.

During the Freya Fitting Seminar I raised the question that UK DD bras are always shown as being equivalent to a US DD whereas in fact they almost ALWAYS fit like a US D cup. A UK E cup fits like a US DD cup and a DDD fits like an F cup. The fitter agreed that she also found this and yet every UK size chart lists a DD the same as a US DD.

We were handed a Freya Sizing Chart and I was really surprised to find that their chart suggested adding inches (in one instance the classic +Four Method). For a dedicated Full Bust brand like Freya I was so surprised to see them recommending adding inches to your band.

I was undoubtedly the annoying kid asking too many questions. "Why do you add inches...?"

Considering Freya makes 28 and 30 bands I was surprised not to see them on the list so I asked "Who do you fit into 28 and 30 bands?" The answer totally floored me - "Juniors". What?! Has Freya been online and read how many fully grown women review their 28 back bras? The seminar was supposed to be conducted by Frederika Zappe, Freya's senior fitter, but she was ill so we had a last minute stand-in fitter who was perhaps caught a little off-guard, but surely she should know that women wear 28 back Freya bras.

If a flagship Full Bust company like Freya is adding inches and marginalizing 28 and 30 backs then the industry is in more denial than I thought.

4. We Were the Ugly 'Online' Sisters!

When we set up Butterfly Collection I very quickly realized that North America wasn't used to the idea of selling bras online. Brands told me time and time again "We don't sell to online" "We have no need for online boutiques." It was very frustrating but I knew that what I was trying to achieve (bringing hard to find Full Bust bras to Canadian and American women) was even more important and necessary. How are you supposed to shop for your HH boobs if you live in a remote village in the North West Territories!!

My passion revolves around giving women the tools to understand their breasts and bra size

We continue to come up against 'Online Fear' and indeed some brands at Curve simply wouldn't talk to us about their lingerie because we're online. One brick and mortar store owner actually said to me "So you don't have to think about fit then being online." This summed up for me the lack of knowledge about online boutiques. We have to empower our customers even more to understand their size and styles. Fit should be everything to every boutique whether online or off.

When I spoke to brands and other store owners about the online discussions around Full Bust bras, removing +Four as the standard measuring technique and competitions like Star in a Bra most looked at me like I was spouting gibberish. Being so far away from the conversations (and women) who rely on the Internet for their bra knowledge, support and product is a mistake that some may realize too late.

The heaven that is Claudette's Neon Green Mesh bra will be coming to Butterfly this spring!

Conclusion
Our trip to Vegas was thoroughly worthwhile (we got to see Claudette's neon green mesh bra for goodness' sake!) While the lack of knowledge about Full Bust bras is frustrating it also makes me even more determined to grow Butterfly Collection and set the tone for how Full Bust women everywhere should be treated. xx

Is Your Makeup Harming Your Boobs?

2012-03-05T07:45:00.018-08:00

In my recent blog about the documentary Pink Ribbons Inc I touched on how shocked I was by the suspected links between beauty products and breast cancer. Amazing strides have been made to identify that not all breast cancers are the same but we still don't know what causes most cancers. Very few are genetic so we need a great deal of research into the causes of cancer.

Now I'm not going to be able to cover the huge amount of information available on the suspected links between beauty products and cancer, but I am going to give you some resources to explore further and leave you with some questions you might want to ponder. Plus there's a boob-friendly giveaway for you to enter too!

How can my makeup be harming my breasts?
Pink Ribbons Inc (and many other activists) want effective research into possible links between the increasing number of chemicals in our makeup and beauty products and the rising number of breast cancer cases. Considering the average woman uses 12 beauty products a day and many are known to contain carcinogenics (cancer causing chemicals) it's not a massive logical leap. Very few beauty products are regulated for health safety and groups like Breast Cancer Action want Government co-operation and industry transparency so that effective research can be done. The video below demonstrates how our beauty products could be linked to cancer and also defines irony:

Who Knew There was Lead in my Lipstick?!
Chemicals such as lead, arsenic and a multitude of carcinogenics are found in products that we put on our bodies and faces every day. Organizations like Campaign for Safe Cosmetics are pushing for there to be more transparency about the chemicals that are in these products so that women can make informed choices.

Products in the US are still allowed to include chemicals that have been banned in Canada, the UK and large parts of Europe. There are arguments on both sides of the coin about how safe/dangerous these chemicals are but I really don't think women have any clue that these chemicals are in our beauty products in the first place - I didn't! I didn't realize that I could be absorbing (and ingesting in the case of lipstick) deadly chemicals in however small a dose. Why does my lipstick have lead in it when it was banned in paint and pencils decades ago!?!?

Common Sense
I scraped by in Chemistry and Biology so I'm no scientist, however, I've read enough Agatha Christie to know that Arsenic rarely ends well. So when I learned that Clinique Stay True makeup (Stay Ivory) contains arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, nickel, lead, and thallium I was more than a little dumbfounded (results from Environmental Defense Canada). Just to put this in context, this is a list of what these chemicals and heavy metals can do to you in their purest form:

Arsenic: diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, hair loss, stomach pain, convulsions. At worst coma then death
Beryllim: fatigue, weakness, night sweats, difficulty in breathing and a persistent dry cough
Cadmium: tracheo-bronchitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, bone density loss and fracture
Nickel: bronchitis, reduced lung function, cancer of the lung and nasal sinus
Lead: headache, abdominal pain, memory loss, kidney failure, male reproductive problems, and weakness, pain, or tingling in the extremities
Thallium: numbness of fingers and toes,vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, and effects on the nervous system, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. It has caused death.

Why Take the Risk?
OK so my Clinique foundation is not causing my hair to fall out and my toes aren't numb, however, I'm pretty sure that my body would be happier not processing even tiny amounts of these things. What has shocked and infuriated me the most is that there seems to be an industry-wide concealment of the facts. In the US and Canada cosmetics and beauty companies do not need to list ingredients in a product that are the result of a side-effect (i.e. the by-product of mixing one thing with another). Surely we have the right to know the contents of everything we put on or in our bodies.

The Changes I made to my Bathroom Cabinet
After watching the documentary and doing my own digging I decided that I was going to reduce my chemical intake as much as possible so went on the hunt for some friendly products. My first stop was Rocky Mountain Soap company, a Canadian business whose Lip Butter I had already fallen in love with. I knew they did good stuff but I didn't realize that all of their products are 100% chemical free, made in Canada and sustainably produced - now that's good stuff!!

I've been using the little haul above for a couple of weeks now and I'm in total heaven. The pomegranate moisturizer has eliminated my hives (I have crazy sensitive skin) and the soaps create amazing lather. The shampoo and shave bars are Mr Butterfly's and he's even commented on how much better his hair and skin feel.

Win Yourself some Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Goodness!
The ingredients philosophy at Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is "When an ingredient has been identified as potentially harmful it is safest to avoid it. Period." Who knew common-sense could smell so good. I asked the lovely ladies at RMSC if they would like to share some of their Soapy Goodness with my readers and they didn't hesitate! To win their gorgeous Six Soap Collection you simply need to write on their Facebook Page why chemical-free products are important to you and your life. Be sure to "Like" Rocky Mountain's Facebook Page and Butterfly Collection's Page to qualify. We'll announce a winner on March 14th over on our Facebook Page.

I really hope this blog got you thinking about what goes on your body and more importantly, what we deserve to be told about ingredients in our beauty products. Below are some resources to help you find out more as well as some companies providing chemical-free beauty products. xx

Stacy Malkan's Fascinating Book About Chemicals in our Beauty Products

Resources to Learn More About Chemicals in Beauty Product
EWG Database - Thousands of beauty products analyzed for harmful ingredients

Environmental Defense Canada Report on Heavy Metals in Makeup

Campaign for Safer Cosmetics - with resources for writing to makeup companies like Estee Lauder and Proctor and Gamble about using safer ingredients

The Shocking Story of Toxins in Cosmetics - The original video

Rebuttal to the video above criticizing the information

Breast Cancer Action petition to US government for FDA control of cosmetics and beauty products

Gorgeous Companies Making Chemical-free Beauty Products
Rocky Mountain Soap Company

Liz Earle Makeup and Beauty Products

Suki Skincare and Makeup

Radiance Cosmetics

World Book Day - Must-have Boob Books

2012-03-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

In many countries today is World Book Day which celebrates reading and brings awareness to issues around publishing. It got me thinking about all the fantastic books I rely on for bra and breast knowledge. Of course there is lots of information on the internet but there's something extra personal and beautiful about holding a book chock full of gorgeous images. Here are some of my favourites:

Hoorah for the Bra! by Cheree Berry
This is one of my absolute favourites not least because it's a pop up book! The information is good but the visual representations of bras through the decades are brilliant! The hook and eye closure is a nice touch too.

Not enough adult books have pop-up elements!

The Bra Book by Jene Luciani
This is my bible. There is so much useful and insightful information in this book. Everything from how bras are made to how to put one on correctly. It's beautifully laid out and easy to read. I'm a big fan of anything that demystifies the thick layer of 'confusion' around bras.

You can tell from the well worn bookmarks how much I read this book

1000 Dessous by Giles Neret
I use this book for inspiration and it's especially useful for putting into context the way our figures have been shaped by fashion, social convention and economics. It is page after page of images of women in lingerie from the conventional to the erotic, it really shows the diversity of lingerie.

Bra: A Thousand Years of Style, Support and Seduction by Stephanie Pedersen
This is an unassuming little book. It looks like it will be a cursory look at bras but it's actually an indepth look at the journey of the bra from two handkerchiefs and ribbon to deep plunge foam filled boosters!

Any book on the history of the bra will have Madge's cones in there somewhere!

Books I'd like to Own
There are a few books I don't have right now but that I'm keen to read. Elisabeth Dale from The Breast Life has authored a book that includes a collection of her mammoirs (personal breast stories like the one she wrote for Butterfly Collection). Elisabeth is passionate about breast health and happiness and someone I look to about issues around breast cancer education and breast-feeding rights and tips.

After recently seeing the film Pink Ribbons Inc I am very keen to read the book from which the documentary was developed. I've read sections from it but I really need to get hold of Pink Ribbons Inc: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy by Samantha King

Samantha King's passion and determination make a complex issue very accessible

Do you have some Must-have Boob Books that I should know about (p.s. I don't need to know any more about Madonna's conical bra thanks!) xx

Bullying and Bras - What You Can Do

2012-02-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday is Pink Shirt Day, an awareness day that raises awareness about bullying in schools, in the workplace, at home and on the Internet and more importantly, how to stop it. On Friday I attended the CKNW fund-raiser in aid of Pink Shirt Day (proceeds raised went to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver) because I know what it's like to be bullied and especially as a busty teen.

One Amazing Parent Can Save You From Bullies
As an adult of course I know that my bullies were insecure girls lashing out but at the time it was very difficult. I was very fortunate that I had a fabulous Mum who knew how to buoy my spirits and stop me from believing the hurtful things being said about me. That was the key, keeping me from buying into the dreadful things being said about my body/hair/behaviour. In later life I found out she hoisted her own formidable bust round to the parents' homes and confronted them about their children's behaviour - she's a force to be reckoned with!

What Moms AND Dads Can Do
The role of parents in supporting girls who are being bullied is absolutely critical and it stems from not being a bully yourself. I know this sounds harsh but too many women have stories of being made to feel a freak by their own families. If you are a small-busted woman whose teenage daughter develops very quickly or substantially I understand that it is foreign territory. The best thing you can do is find someone who has the knowledge to get, and keep, your daughter in the right bras. A great fitter will know that you need to fit teenagers with sensitivity and education. By instilling a sense of confidence in a teen then her boobs belong to her and not the bullies or testosterone driven boys. As the father of a well-developed teen it is vital that you don't make her feel ashamed of her figure. Insist upon age appropriate clothing, of course, but there's a difference between dressing appropriately and being made to feel you have to hide your shape. Some men will always judge her for her shape, don't be the first one to do it.

The Long-term Effects of Bullying
The lasting effects of being bullied about having large breasts can be a self-loathing or embarrassment about your body. I speak to women every single week who want to hide their boobs or make them appear much smaller. This is rarely a style thing and almost always stems from a lack of confidence in their appearance. It breaks my heart that they feel their body is 'wrong' or 'bad'. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with being busty, it doesn't say anything about your personality, it's just genetics!

I know it doesn't help that Society equates large breasts with promiscuity or lack of intelligence. Through my 20s I was constantly battling the stereotype of blonde and big-boobed (my favourite was an editor at The Times newspaper saying "I mistook you for blonde but really you're a business woman.") But I do know that you can defy and stand against the stereotypes as long as you believe in who you are.

Investing in our Daughters and Ourselves
Last week I wrote a response to a blog where the author was berating her breasts for being too big as a teen, then too small in her 20s, then too uneven, then too deflated. She used the word hate several times and it just frustrated the life out of me that we're bullying our own bodies. One reader left the most beautiful response, she wrote:

"I hope that I can help my daughter, by buying her great bras that fit beautifully at all stages of her development, by talking to her about what it means to have breasts and be sexualized. By being and recognizing that I am an attractive and confident person, despite my breasts and because of them. It's a complicated relationship but a worthy one to get right."

In one sentence she summed up the key to 'breast happiness'. "I am an attractive and confident person, despite my breasts and because of them." Our breasts don't define our personalities but they're also nothing to be ashamed of. This is the message we need to instill in our daughters and in ourselves. It's never too late to shed the layer of skin that we allowed other people to define and see yourself in a whole new light.

I hope that if you or your child is being bullied you start talking about it to someone you trust. Bullies thrive on inaction. By exposing their behaviour they quickly have no where left to hide. Most of all I hope you don't allow a bully to define how you or your daughter feel about yourself xx

We Have to Stop Hating Our Boobs

2012-02-22T11:07:00.001-08:00

One of my wonderful 'followers' included me in a thread about a blog post entitled, 'Stupid Boobs'. I read about boobs every day so it takes a lot for me to be taken aback. However, the author of the post, Alexandria, is living a daily hatred of her breasts and on top of that she's angry at them for making her vulnerable to breast cancer (a disease she doesn't have and hasn't had).

There is so much in this blog that makes me sad and the reason for my response is that we can change this today, right now. Alexandria's story is littered with the things most of us have experienced. Whilst girls get boobs boys are sustaining a 2 year-long erection which drains the blood from their head so all they can muster in the sight of something they don't understand (but crave with every fiber of their being) is stupid rhymes and point or giggle inanely. We can't change teenage boys. However, as women, we can change the way our daughters feel about their boobs.

The moment Alexandria's Mom lifted her shirt (uninvited) to look at the 'Problem' of her uneven breasts (btw, fewer women have even breasts than don't), the die was cast that boobs needed to be a certain shape/size/perkiness etc etc. The teenage boys and the long haired, blue-eyed girl (who was probably stuffing her bra because her mother said something equally undermining) are childish comments that you can put into perspective as you move into adulthood. But the comments of an adult, a mother or father, they will set you back years.

Boobs are bizarre when they show up and if they arrive as quickly as mine did (no bra to a 32C in 6 weeks) then you worry you have the plague. This is the crucial time that we need to make BOOBS BELONG TO THE OWNER NOT THE SPECTATORS. So many women I speak to have stories of other people making them feel bad about their boobs. They would all feel differently if they'd had one person saying, you are beautiful and blessed (to be healthy and developed for a start) and reassuring that no one in the world looks like you and that's what makes you so utterly unique. Feeling a sense of pride about our bodies (from the tender age of 11, 12, 13) rather than shame, is the strongest self-esteem building block you can create. Now I'm not suggesting that you can make teens with impenetrable force-fields. When the kid at the back of the bust makes a 'missile smuggling' joke, it's going to hurt, but that girl goes home and has a safe place to land, talk about it and reclaim her breasts.

I would love to ask Alexandria, what did you expect your boobs to be? What could they have done that would keep you from this 'Hatred'?

The fact that after successfully breast-feeding two children (a feat that many of my friends would have loved the chance to do) Alexandria still 'hates' her breasts is so sad. She states that it's the daily fear of breast cancer that leaves her detached and resentful of her breasts. This is going to sound blunt, but you'd be better off loathing your heart and brain because you're far more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. If that sounds ludicrous, good, it should. Fearing and loathing our body parts is not the answer. Nurturing them, looking after them and getting educated is the best thing you can do.

There are tonnes of things you can do to get educated and keep on top of your own breast-health. And indeed not settling with one answer if you feel you need to take it further is great. No one knows your body like you do. But is hating your boobs because they have the potential to become cancerous really the best defense or the message you want to give you daughter?

I really believe that we need to reclaim our bodies - they have belonged to the media, men and other people's opinions for so long we've forgotten to just chill-out and celebrate the life we have in the one unique body we have. Your body might not think that much of you, but you never hear it complain! I very much hope that Alexandria can find the peace and confidence to put her boob-hate behind her and be thankful to the 'lumps of flesh' that have done their best (despite enduring daily hatred from the one person they've been trying to impress). xx

When's the last time you got wrapped up in Lace?

2012-02-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Serenade in White is a Canadian design - $66.00

I am, and have always been, in love with lace. I remember the first time I went to Italy when I was 16, I saw a woman with flawless ebony hair, cream pencil skirt and black satin blouse that draped elegantly at the neck revealing the merest hint of a fragile black lace bra beneath. Perhaps because I was just coming into young womanhood, that image has stayed with me all my life as the epitome of sophistication. She was powerful, elegant but also seductive - an amazing trio.

Since that time I have always owned at least one lace bra. I can't imagine opening my bra drawer and not seeing a delicate lacy bra with a pattern that feels as unique as a snowflake. Whenever I wear lace I feel more sophisticated, no matter what I put over the top.

Lace Isn't For Me
In North America there is a wide-spread perception that lace is too flimsy to support large breasts, or that it's scratchy and uncomfortable. Modern lace has come a long way since the Victorian looking fabrics that adorned scary curtains and frilly shirts! Modern lace is flat so that it doesn't create lumps and bumps under your clothing, it's also often mixed with elastane (like spandex) which gives it a soft, stretchy quality.

Lace in Fashion
You only have to look at how popular lace has become in the fashion world over the last few years to know that lace is having a resurgence. I absolutely love the dramatic and elegant Temperley Gown on the Duchess of Cambridge and the contrast to Emma Watson's young and trendy (but equally beautiful) Rafael Lopez dress. Lace is versatile but always makes a statement.

If you think that your life doesn't accommodate lace you might be surprised. One of the most comfortable and best-selling bras we've sold is the Boudoir Starlet from Alegro. This very modern bra has stretch-lace that hugs your curves perfectly. Our dynamic guest-blogger Holly, put the Boudoir Starlet through its paces (even at the fun-fair) and it kept her boobs firmly but beautifully in place!

Most Popular Lace Bras
Take a look at some of our most popular lace bras, they all have that delicate feel but all three can withstand everyday life.

This seamless lace print bra is the easiest way to wear lace every day - $68.00

In our Plus Size range the full cup lace bra from Elila is the most popular for great support - $32.50

Boudoir Starlet combines classic lace and funky details, like the rouched strap - $59.00

As you know I think every girl needs a great seamless nude bra but life is all about variety (too much of anything is boring). No matter whether you are a busy working Mum, professional or student, you should experience the quintessentially feminine touch of lace. How does lace make you feel? xx

Is the Pink Ribbon Holding us Back from Ending Breast Cancer?

2012-02-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

I recently saw the Canadian produced documentary 'Pink Ribbons Inc', a very thought-provoking film asking whether breast cancer pink ribbons have become a profit-making rather than disease-eliminating industry. The film has had a big impact on me and I believe that part of Butterfly Collection's job is to be responsible to your breast health as well as your comfort and style so I want to share with you some of the themes from the documentary.

Pros of the Film

It raised questions about how many chemicals in our food and cosmetics mimic the hormone estrogen, something that is linked to breast cancer. 90% of the 100,000 commercial chemicals in the US have never been tested for their effects on human health - we're eating and wearing some of these chemicals!
It asked whether we've become too used to the Pink face of breast cancer and forgotten the ugly reality which should make us want to demand better legislation about our consumable products and environment.
It showed a group of women who will die from breast cancer talking about how alienated they feel from the breast cancer fund raising because it doesn't resonate with the reality of breast cancer. (Check out this incredible photographic tribute to women facing breast cancer http://www.thescarproject.org/)

Cons of the Film

The commentators didn't come down on the women who walk, run etc for The Cure however, they implied that they were being completely pink-washed with the warm and fuzzy marketing. It neglected to acknowledge that the reason Pink resonates with these women is because it represents the love they feel for their sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, friends etc. The warm and fuzzy part is the love we feel for one another and that's why millions of women around the world want to get out and fund raise.
They went a bit overboard on the sinister background music while a lone runner pounded the roads of San Fransisco.
There wasn't quite enough clear direction on the things women can do TODAY to change the breast cancer funding and knowledge available to them.

How Quickly Things Got Off Track
The original breast cancer awareness ribbon was salmon coloured and attached to a postcard made by Charlotte Haley, a woman whose family had been widely affected by cancer, and distributed to her family and friends. The postcard read “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is $1.8 billion, only 5 percent goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.” The original message was all about cancer prevention and research transparency.

Estee Lauder wanted to buy the rights to Charlotte's ribbon to use as the symbol for fund-raising, Charlotte said no, it was a symbol of demanding rights and change not money. Estee Lauder changed the colour to Pink and so was born one of the most successful marketing campaigns of all time.

Pink Product Overload
Over the last few years there has been an alarming increase in the number of 'pink products', many of which are obviously not breast health friendly; the most frightening example is a pink ribbon bucket from KFC! Although the specific causes of breast cancer are not known it doesn't take a genius to figure out that filling your body with saturated fat isn't part of 'The Cure'! So why are we jumping into bed with anyone willing to donate a few dollars to The Cure?

The Fairy Pink-Mother
The company behind all the Pink Ribbon affiliations (including the KFC debacle) is Susan G Komen for The Cure (most recently under fire for stopping funds for breast cancer screening at Planned Parenthood centers - facilities that largely provide abortions so SGK is being accused of political rather than budgetary decisions). The film looks closely at the activities and motivations of this company and asks whether advances in breast cancer research are being harmed not helped because SGK has lost sight of ending not perpetuating breast cancer.

Great resources at Worldwide Breast Cancer website

North American has one of the Highest Breast Cancer Rates
Breast Cancer rates are higher in North American and Western Europe than the rest of the world. Because the rates are so high in Canada, America, the UK and parts of Western Europe you'd expect a lot of money is being spent on working out which environmental factors have an impact on breast cancer rates, right? Wrong.

Does the Pink Ribbon Prefer 'The Cure' over 'The Cause'?
Over a billion dollars has been raised for all sorts of different researchers looking for a cure. A cure would of course be an incredible breakthrough and change the face of mortality rates across the world. The pharmaceutical company that finds a cure will literally make billions so the stakes are financially high and this is the biggest reason the focus is on The Cure and not The Cause of breast cancer.

If we still don't know The Cause why are we focused on The Cure?
The short answer is, Money. Firstly, pharmaceutical companies can make billions from a cure but they won't make a penny if it turns out we can eliminate The Cause. Secondly, studying which environmental factors contribute to breast cancer would include poking around the manufacturing processes and chemicals used by companies like Revlon, Avon and Ford all of which generate millions of sales from Pink Ribbon activities.

The Vicious Pink Circle
Some of the major players in Pink Ribbon fund raising could also be some of the biggest sources of chemicals in our daily lives that are causing the very problem they're promoting the cure for. It's like buying cigarettes to find a cure for lung cancer. If big players like Susan G Komen continue to distribute funds in a way that doesn't upset their biggest sponsors then we may never get to the root of the problem.

Revlon's pink ribbon slogan, 'The Beauty of Giving', probably best sums up the vicious circle of some breast cancer fund-raising tactics.

The beauty of giving is that you can keep giving (or buying makeup in this case) as long as there's a cause to buy for.
By making breast cancer more 'beautiful' in a pink bow it doesn't seem as scary or urgent to solve so we keep buying products (that potentially cause the problem).
By giving some sales proceeds to charity Revlon can avoid being asked to research whether chemicals in their make-up contribute to breast cancer, because no-one's going to bite the hand that feeds them.

Five Things you Can Do To Change Things
The message that struck me most is that we need to shift from finding a Cure to finding the Cause. Something has changed in the last 40 years to cause more women to get breast cancer - we can find out what that something is and prevent it from killing women. Prevention may very well be The Cure.

1) Download this Think Before You Pink Toolkit to find out how to spend your pink ribbon dollars effectively

2) In the US there are no restrictions used on body care products. You can demand change by contacting your Representative and asking them to support the Safe Cosmetics Act.

3) Canadians can demand changes in cosmetics laws by filling in this super easy pledge at Environmental Defense.

4) Become familiar with Dr Susan Love's website, it has a no-nonsense approach to preventing, treating and researching a cure for breast cancer. Read her take on the Race for the Cause not the Cure.

5) Join the campaign for Safer Cosmetics, including getting toxic chemicals out of baby products.

I'll be doing a follow up blog with more info on the cosmetics side of this story - I for one rely on my war-paint but I'm not willing to risk my life on looking fabulous. I've found some great companies doing beautiful (inside and out) work in the cosmetics and beauty industry.

Pink Ribbons Inc is jam-packed full of details about the fund-raising methods, disposal of funds and general 'pink-washing' that keep us from eliminating breast cancer from our lives. For those of you who are able to go and see it I highly recommend it, for everyone else I hope some of the points in this blog get you thinking in a new way about our role in demanding a cure for a disease that kills 59,000 women in North America every year. xx

Meet a Company That Gives 'Two Figs' for D-G Sleepwear

2012-02-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

When I hit my 30s I made a commitment to my nightwear drawer to look more like Rita Hayworth and less like Bart Simpson during my sleeping hours. One of the few companies making gorgeous sleepwear for D+ women is San Fransisco company Two Figs Lingerie. Their pieces echo classic Hollywood so you can look amazing while you sleep or generally swan about looking fabulous!

I was very fortunate to receive a lovely tweet from Two Figs asking whether I'd like to boob-test one of their creations on my girls and of course I jumped at the chance! Our lovely guest-blogger Holly was simultaneously trying out their Empire Gown so we were putting Two Figs to the H cup test on both sides of the border.

Big Boobs Like Nighttime Support Too
Two Figs makes D-G sizes but I always find with sleepwear that there's a much bigger margin than regular bras so I was confident that a G cup would suffice. Even though you don't need high impact support during your sleep it does help to have sized sleepwear that minimizes the movement of your breasts. I never recommend wearing a bra during your sleep as the elastic can cause skin irritation and damage breast tissue. Soft support from specially designed sleepwear is completely safe.

Luxury Takes Time
As most Canadians know you can have a wait on your hands when you order products from the US. The package took 10 days to arrive then I had to pay extra border duties on it at the post office - a pretty typical experience, especially for luxury goods. I very excitedly hurried home, tore open the box and whipped off my clothes (my poor neighbours must call me the crazy lingerie lady).

I'm a big fan of beautiful packaging, it sets the tone for the whole experience so I was really thrilled with the care that went into the packaging. The tissue paper was great quality and tiny clothes pegs were a lovely touch. I appreciated that for about 40 seconds before tearing into the next layer.

The gown was folded expertly so as to avoid crushing the lace or creasing it too much. At $175 USD you expect this level of thought and Two Figs don't disappoint. I asked to be surprised so I didn't know which piece was coming and I was thrilled to discover they had sent me the knee-length Halter Chemise. Some of my favourite sleep pieces are halternecks.

The Fit
The reason I like halternecks for sleepwear is that you can lift your girls to different levels depending on what you're doing. Seducing - get them up there! Sleeping - at ease, ladies ;) The cups are a little on the small side for me but as I said before it doesn't bother me for sleepwear.

The cups are darted at the bottom which looks very elegant but I think it might be part of the reason my boobs felt a bit bottom heavy. Perhaps with a bigger cup my breast would have sit slightly differently in the cups. I love that the cups have slings in them (an extra layer of material that creates side support and stability inside the cup).

The Back
One of the things I really love about the chemise design is that it has two ties, the halterneck and a band tie. This gives total control over the fit of this piece. The ties are really long which I LOVE! You can tie them into dramatic bows or leave them long and flowing for a romantic feel.

The Details
The Indigo colour is sumptuous and elegant, not a common colour so it feels extra special. The Swiss lace center panel gives the whole piece a delicate and decadent feel. The skirt is rouched into the lace panel which I felt was very flattering on me. Apart from the lace I'm not sure what the chemise is made of because there isn't a materials or washing instructions label in the garment (I'd never machine wash it but it would be helpful to have some guidance and details).

You can check out Two Figs retailers list on their website for places you can buy their gorgeous D-G sleepwear range. I can safely say that I will be flouncing around my apartment pretending that I'm Jane Mansfield and loving the splash of glamour this Two Figs piece brings to my life! xx

Does Shopping Online Mean Compromising Personal Service?

2012-02-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you've ever read my interviews with Fuller Figure Fuller Bust or Busts4Justice then you'll know the story of how Butterfly Collection came into being. I purposefully set out to create an online store as opposed to a brick and mortar store because I wanted women in the most remote parts of North America to have the same access to D-K cup bras as someone living in a major city (and even in some cities it's hard to find good D-K cup bras!)

Since 2009 we have sold bras to women living in parts of the Canada and the US that are only accessible by helicopter or sled! The emails I receive from women in these areas are some of my most treasured. Changing the 'bra-life' of a woman you've never met face to face is a uniquely wonderful feeling.

I recently received such an email and I wanted to share it with you because it's what prompted this blog:

"My Personal Boutique: Hi Claire, I just had to tell you how impressed I am with the service I've received from you and your team. In the last 4 years I've only bought two bras (and I knew when I was buying them that they didn't really fit!) Since I found Butterfly Collection last July I've bought 6 bras and 4 of those were recommendations from Lucy which she got totally right! I feel like you know me because you listened to what my life is like and I am loving my lingerie for the first time in years, thank you."

This email brought home to me that having a personal experience doesn't rely on being there in person, it relies on paying attention. I've been in many shops where the assistant was obviously just going through her commission-fueled paces and couldn't give a toss that my hips are being segmented into six parts by the too-tight jeans. One of our fabulous Twitter followers recently mentioned that an in-store fitter simply wasn't listening to her or why she needed the bra, she just kept saying this is how it should look. You know when it looks right!

I totally understand that some women worry that shopping for bras online will lack that personal knowledge and experience you get in a traditional boutique.What I've come to realize about the approach we have here at Butterfly is that we aren't just interested in your bra size but your 'life size' too. What shape does your life have, how do you feel about your bras and body and what does your bra need to be to work for you.

I think that's why I got my knickers in such a twist over the Playtex Calculator debacle because they are an enormous company capable of bringing great bras to many women but they forgot that the bra has to fit the woman not the other way around. If you are a bra professional then you have a responsibility to give women the support they need to live a busy and pain-free life.

By asking questions over email, Skype and the phone (1-888-225-0474) we get to know the woman and her life because we can't just rely on looking at her body. I feel like we are closing the gap between an in-store and online bra shopping experience and that's something of which I'm very proud. What matters most to you in good service? xx