The Designer Drawer

claim code

2011-06-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

KEZ48UH7QHKY

Product Spotlight: Soma Vanishing Edge Lingerie

2011-06-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

I recently visited a Soma store in my local mall and wanted to let you all know about this relatively new brand. Soma is owned by Chicos and is a sister store to White House Black Market (one of my favorite stores!). Soma has only been around since 2004 but is quickly gaining growth and popularity. They currently have 140 stores nationwide. Not to worry if there isn’t one near you….they also have a Website

Right now they are having their Semi Annual sale with savings up to 70% off….and a great deal on panties: buy 3 and get 2 free. I saw some panties on their website for only $3.98 and bras starting at $12.98…So don’t walk, *Run* to that site ladies!

I was really impressed with their Vanishing Edge collection and am happy to see more lingerie manufacturers finally producing more seamless undies for us ladies. One of my big pet peeves is panty lines showing through clothing. Tres’ Tacky!

Vanishing Edge microfiber stripe hipster

Vanishing Edge cotton modal bikini

Vanishing Edge Nadine bra

If you wear a size bigger than a D cup it has been difficult to find *any* bra in your local mall. Even Victoria’s Secret only carries bras up to a size 38D in their stores, and going to a department store usually results in limited selection and dismal styles. Very disappointing considering our nation's median bra size is now a 36DD! Why do more stores not carry bigger bras? I guess that is a topic for another day. The good news is that Soma carries sizes from 32A to 42DDD in their stores and has a wide variety to select from. Their Vanishing Edge prices start at $14 for a pair of panties and up to $64 for their Torset Singlette Shapers. Bras are $48 and well worth the price for comfort and quality fabrics and fit.

Vanishing Edge Shapewear Torset

photo credits: Soma.com

Every Girl Needs A Convertible

2011-06-22T12:22:00.001-05:00

I can't think of a more versatile style of bra than the convertible! It's a definite "Must Have" as it can be worn so many different ways with the more revealing skin-showing styles we're going to be wearing in the hot summer months ahead.

Look for a comfortable fit with fully removable straps that give the option to wear it strapless, halter or criss cross style.

One of my favorites this season is the Felina strapless padded contour bra shown to the left. It comes with two sets of adjustable straps: the the traditional ones that match the bra...and a bonus set of clear straps. It has an inner gummed lining for stay up support and a rear center hook & eye adjustable size close.

Another great option is the Le Mystere Shameless Convertible bra (style #755) shown to the right for those that don't want a padded bra but still prefer a contour cup to help with shaping. This bra also features seamless styling for a smooth look under clothing.

If you don't need a full strapless bra but still want the halter and criss cross option, I suggest Wonderbra's Convertible Gel bra (style #7842). This style comes in a vast array of both solid colors and fun prints. The interior gel gives a moderate amount of padding and provides some cleavage enhancement as well.

For those deep plunging styles, I love the Fullness Padded V bra featuring fully removable straps and and a low cut front.

Looking for a set of clear straps to attach to your existing bra to reduce visibility? The Maidenform Clear Concealer Straps are an affordable option featuring a thin, light weight, fully detachable thermortastic polyupethane band.

All of these products are widely available at your local retailer and can
also be found in The Designer Drawer's websites featured on the right side of the page.

Happy shopping ladies!

When the traditional bra size measurements don't work

2011-06-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, ladies....I have an issue with the traditional method we use to measure our proper bra size, and I'm so happy to be able to finally talk about this as my first official blog post!

So here is the method we are supposed to use:

To measure for band size: Measure around your torso directly underneath your breasts and round that number up to the nearest whole number. I agree with this...I am 35" (go figure) so I wear a size 36. No problem so far.

The problem comes when we measure for cup size. Traditional methods say to measure at the fullest part of your bust. Subtract the band measurement from your cup measurement. For each inch in difference, we are supposed to go up one cup size.

1/2" difference = AA
1" difference = A
2" difference = B
3" difference = C
4" difference = D
5" difference = DD or E
and so on.....

So using me as an example, I have a four inch difference and am supposed to be a D cup. WRONG. I can smash my bewbies into a D cup but I usually always have the dreaded "sausage boob" effect because the cup size is too darn small.

So what I am suggesting is that there needs to be a third measurement, and it works really well for me. I measure one of my breasts from the center of my chest across to where the tissue ends just underneath the arm. Guess what...it measures 6 inches instead of 4 inches. Subsequently, I wear an F cup (and they fit great) to make up for the two inches the traditional method does not take into consideration.

So the moral of this story is that if you are frustrated by those fitters that insist you squish yourself into a bra that is too darn small.....ask for that third measurement and just see if it doesn't work better for you, too!!

Any thoughts on this revolutionary measure method? Let me know what you think!!