Pretty Pick-Me-Up

So we have some good news and some bad news.

Bad news: You’re likely wearing the wrong bra size.

Good news: Now you have the perfect excuse to visit the brand new Victoria’s Secret in Chinook Centre.

This black and hot pink, warehouse-sized, boudoir-esque store showcases all manners of satin, tulle and lace at reasonable prices. Victoria’s Secret opened last week in a hard-to-miss locale (think two-story iconic angels beckoning McLeod Trail commuters).

And no, this is not merely a destination for those in the pre-baby phase of their lives. Although VS does sell their share of push-up bras (even more useful post-nursing), baby doll PJs and garter belts, they also sell full coverage, underwire bras, cotton panties and bathing suit cover-ups—not to mention make-up, skin care products and perfume, athletic wear and their own version of shape-enhancing under garments (Bridget Jones, eat your heart out).

Now back to the part where your bra likely doesn’t fit properly. The bad news is that after babies, your girls are not the same size or shape, so odds are you’ll need a good fitting, so for a truly expert fit, we suggest visiting either SHE Apparel in the SW or BraTopia in the NE.

Both SHE Apparel and BraTopia specialize in hard-to-fit sizes. Expect a store consultant to come into the change room with you checking fit and making recommendations. In a fortunate turn of events, if you are in the wrong bra size, you typically need to go down in band size (it should be tight like a corset) and up in cup size.

Both boutiques are great places to purchase foundation garments that you plan to wear often and for long periods of time (because that LBD looks so much better if you’re wearing the right bra with it). Good to Know: you will likely pay upwards of $100 for the perfect bra and more for fancy European lingerie.

Start off at SHE Apparel or BraTopia first if you feel the need for a good fitting, then go and buy a few more items at VS—now that you’ve got the right size.

It’s a great pick-me-up (no pun intended). Tested by Heather J., Calgary