I travel quite a bit for business and my biggest pet peeve has to do with airplane etiquette. When deplaning, it is common courtesy to allow those in the rows in front of you to exit first. On both legs of my trip last week, there were a few folks who were in such a rush that they basically knocked me over while trying to rush off the plane. I understand being in a hurry if you have to make a connecting flight, but at least give the person in front of you a few seconds to grab their bag and go. Same thing goes for elevators, by the way. You let people out before you get in.

Speaking of pet peeves, I’d love to hear yours! And it seems a few of my readers have a similar pet peeve about bra sizing:

Dear Jessica, Why doesn’t anybody make a bra with odd size bands?  It would be so much easier to find your size for women who are between sizes. Thanks!

What a great question! I consulted our technical design expert and she taught me something really interesting. Bras are designed with elastic in the band that allows the band to stretch up to five inches.  Technically, bras grade two inches between bands – 34B to 36B to 38B – and so forth. If made odd, then the grade would be one inch – 34B, 35B, 36B, etc. – and it would be near impossible to carry every size. Also, the hook & eye closures have ½ inch space from one hook to the other, therefore if you’re an odd size, you can size down and fit to the middle hooks. For example, if you are 37, go down to the 36 band on the middle hook or go up to the 38 band on the tightest hook.

It’s also important to note that women’s bodies change all the time (sometimes daily, monthly or with weight gain or weight loss).  The three hook adjustment, along with a bra fitting by a Soma Fit Expert will make sure the bra you buy works the best for your body.

It’s been a tragic and sad few weeks, and I think we could all benefit from a little pick-me-up. I recently came across a press release issued by Pantone, the world’s leading authority on color, announcing its 2011 Color of the Year, a beautiful and dynamic reddish-pink sweetly named Honeysuckle.

Pantone’s press release states, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

How fresh, cheerful and pretty is this shade of pink? It reminds me of advice I received when I worked for the wonderful and ridiculously talented makeup artist and businesswoman, Bobbi Brown. Bobbi would say that whenever she felt under the weather or needed a lift, she’d wear her pink pearl jewelry because the pink tones of the pearls magically brought out the natural pink in her cheeks and cast a flattering glow on her face. I find that you can create the same effect with clothing and lingerie. Check out some of my favorite items from Soma’s new spring collection of tops, dresses, sleepwear and lingerie, all designed in our stunning and ultimately flattering “Kissable Pink”.

I had to share this note from one of The Undercover Post readers. It put a smile on my face the minute I received it! Thanks to the reader who shared her thoughts  – you made my day!
Xx,
Jessica

Soooo
I just got my package delivery from Soma and…
I bought their
Vanishing Edge Medium Control Shapewear Underwear
And
A new Essence Holly Push-up Bra

OMG! I am sooo sexy!  Well, not sexy if you look at me wearing nothing but the control panties and bra BUT WAY MORE SEXY if I put a dress on over the control panties! My stomach looks 20 years younger!!!!

BEFORE:
I look like “Wow” cute dress!  Too bad your stomach hangs all the way over your underwear and lays on top of your thighs. Perhaps you could belt that lower stomach area up and tack it with a couple of staples.  Just don’t staple it too high above your underwear line or else you will staple your sagging boobs.

AFTER:
I look like “Wow” cute dress!  You look very well-proportioned with your slimmer stomach and boobs where they are supposed to live because you finally broke down and bought the correct bra size since you are now in your mid 40’s. 34 D cup looks much better on you. You are in no way a C cup anymore.  I like the fact that your boobs are no longer coming out under your armpits. It is a good thing to invest in well-fitting undergarments. Money well spent. Money well spent indeed.

So, GO SHOPPING!

And the best thing is the underwear is actually COMFY and has thin lines of silicone so the undies don’t ride up! I am literally ½ the size I was before the underwear and I can still breathe and walk and sit and it feels like normal underwear – just higher.

Hello world! I look FAB! THANK YOU SOMA!

To make sure you have the right bra for almost any occasion, I recommend building a “bra wardrobe”. I love to think of a bra wardrobe as being similar to the rest of my wardrobe. Just as I have different tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories to suit a variety of moods and occasions, I need a variety of bras to support me – and my look – on any given day!

My tips for building a bra wardrobe are to start with six must-have styles:

1. T-shirt bra – A super comfortable bra with soft, molded, seamless cups that “disappears” under thin fabrics like your spring sweaters and warm weather t-shirts.

2. Strapless or convertible bra – This is a must-have for tops or dresses with tricky necklines or backs.  A convertible bra is versatile and can be adjusted for almost any neckline or silhouette. Great for strapless, one-shoulder looks and more!

3. Racerback – The straps of this bra come together in the back for a no-show look under sleeveless tops and tanks.

4. Cami – Meant to be seen! This is a hybrid of a camisole-meets-bra and works under low-cut blouses, sweaters and dresses. It’s a favorite of mine for the office.

5. Weekend – A wirefree style for leisure and travel. Your super comfortable “Saturday” bra.

6. Something sensual – This could be a push-up demi, a gorgeous print, a lacy minimizer, a bright color – whatever works for you and makes you feel pretty and confident!

Hi,

I was wondering if you make any sleepwear gowns with built-in bra cups for those of us who need lots of support. I am a size 10-12 but wear a 38D and definitely droopy sometimes.

Thanks,
Marsha

Hi Marsha,

Thanks for your question. We occasionally offer shelf bra options, but more commonly, we carry gowns and tops that are designed to help support the bust without feeling too confining or restricting. So while the style may not have an actual cup in it, it’s constructed to provide a degree of support. One of my favorites is the Cool Nights Tattoo Gown:

Also, we offer numerous wirefree bras that act as terrific sleep bras. Heidi is our newest wirefree bra. She’s in a beautifully soft fabric that feels like you have nothing on. Heidi offers light support with adjustable straps – perfect for sleeping and lounging.

I hope this helps!

All the best,
Jessica