The One That Got Away (Kind Of)

Elle Macpherson Obsidian Raquel Set

Sometimes the lingerie gods are kind, and make your Chantelle dreams come true. Sometimes they like to slap you in the face and laugh for having boobies too small to even produce bras in your size. Haha, just kidding they're not that harsh. But I'll be dramatic to bemoan the fact that this gorgeous set by Elle Macpherson Obsidian will never be mine.

I saw this on Journelle.com a couple of weeks ago and was ready to pull the trigger on it during their Memorial Day sale, but sadly my 34A size was sold out. Journelle's wonderful Mara did some searching for me, even going as far as emailing their Elle rep, but sadly A cups weren't even produced for this style.

I mean, it's not that big of a deal. At the end of the day it's just a lingerie set (a beautiful one with amazing keyhole detailing and abstract leopard patterns) so whatever. But it made me think of this AWESOME photo of Hilary Swank as Raquel Welch in the book Face Forward by the late Kevyn Aucoin. (By the way, if you're a makeup junkie or love portraits or are a sucker for heart-wrenching stories about the power makeup has to lift your self-esteem, you need to read it).

image via wicked halo

Okay, anyway, that's it. It comes in a B cup and up, so enjoy. And sorry if my animated panties are giving you a seizure. They were both just too pretty and I couldn't decide between the two.

Elle Macpherson Obsidian Raquel bra, $90. Raquel thong, $50. Raquel culottes, $50. Available at Journelle.com.

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Solange Knowles does, that's who. And looked freakin' amazing in this Flaminia Saccucci knickers/skirt hybrid outfit at the MoMA Garden Party yesterday. You go, girl.

Image by Steve Eichner, via WWD

"Confessions of A Bra Fitter"

"Small-chested women think they have to wear a lot of padding, but that usually makes the breasts look unnatural. No matter your size, an underwire is the best way to get a perky look. Leave the flimsy bra lets to the 17-year-olds.

The only thing that bothers me more than a woman wearing the wrong size is when she treats her bras as if they don't matter. I see women in Chanel suits with raggedy bras underneath. If you rotate your bras daily and wash them by hand after ever couple of wears, they can last a decade."

Preach it, sister.

via Allure for iPad, May 2012.

Bradelis New York: It's Incredi-bra!

Okay, I confess: when I started hearing about Bradelis New York opening a Nolita boutique, I had no brand recognition at all whatsoever. I RSVP-ed to the event, marked it in my calendar and didn't really think about it too much.

A week ago I was having drinks with my friend Jiabei who mentioned that she has an incredibly hard time finding a bra to fit her frame since most stores and brands don't make 30-bands, so the only brand she comfortably wears is Bradelis. My ears perked and I immediately emailed Allison at GeorgePR to ask if my friend could come with me. Jiabei told me a bit more about Bradelis and why she likes it so much, but I was definitely not prepared for what happened last night.

Jiabei and I were chatting and observing when another party attendee ran over and exclaimed, "I HAVE CLEAVAGE!" I asked her what size she normally wears (34B) and I couldn't believe it. She seemed so confident that the fitters could give me cleavage too, so I hurried to the fitting room to wait my turn. Mind you, I'd had a glass of wine by this point, which was probably around 7.30pm, and hadn't eaten since 1, so I knew I was in for a doozy. Jiabei told me to be prepared to be manhandled—which called for a glass of champagne to calm the nerves.

While we were waiting for our turn, NiNi (the manager of the store in Flushing) explained to us that there's a three-part philosophy to their bra fitting: 1. reshape the breasts, 2. lift the breasts, and 3. support the breasts. As your bra starts to stretch out and become looser, she said, and when you've used up all the hooks, just bring it back to the store and they'll do free alterations. (Mind. Blown.)

When I went into the fitting room, NiNi measured me (after she struggled with my Stella McCartney Irene Gardening bustier, haha—the sucker has five hooks and I don't think she realized that), then brought me back a simple black bra that had a bit of lace trim and a bit of removable padding in the cups (retails for around $68). After I had it hooked on, she came back in and started scooping. Yes, SCOOPING. She finessed the fat and tissue from my sides into the cups, then scooped and lifted everything. The end result? CLEAVAGE. Foreal. NiNi started laughing at my utter disbelief and said, "You can put a flower in there!"

Then NiNi brought back a lacier bra that didn't have any extra padding in the cups. I didn't think this one would have the same results, but I have to say that it looked even better. It might have been because the bra was a bit sexier and the lace trim along the cups was a beautiful enhancer? I don't know. But I'm kicking myself for not buying it on the spot.

You're probably thinking that there's no way this could possibly feel comfortable. A few of my co-workers were wincing as I was telling them the scooping story this morning. But honestly, it was probably one of the most comfortable bras I've ever worn. It didn't dig into my back at all (probably because all the fat was in my bra), and when I raised my arms and moved around, the bra didn't shift! My boobs felt supported and lifted, and that's ultimately the most important.

I asked NiNi if she was going to come over every morning and scoop me into my bra for me, and she said, "No no no, you will learn quickly!" Yes, I'm sure I will.

Bradelis: their bras scoop, lift and remember, whether you're an A-cup or a D-cup. This is a game changer.

Bradelis New York, 211 Elizabeth Street (Between Prince & Spring)

The Bra-Short Suit. Yes, Suit.

I haven't posted an editorial recently and so when I was flipping through this Vogue US editorial in the new May 2012 issue, I had to fight the urge to post it immediately. Like, I started looking for iPad apps so I could post it immediately and then had to control myself because let's face it: I was sitting in my doctor's waiting room and was going to be interrupted anyway.

But y'all know how much I love beautiful long-line bras and shorts (well, this is more apparently on Polyvore and Tumblr... and my own personal wardrobe during the summer months), so this amazeballs editorial was slightly mind-blowing for me. They're like bra-short SUITS! SUITS! And while they may not be exaaaactly work-appropriate, a girl can dream. These three were my absolute faves. Enjoy!

All images via Vogue for iPad, May 2012 issue.