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.
B
radelis: 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)
