If you’re unfamiliar with how designer denim sizes convert, check HERE. Not only do they match up your normal pant size with your designer jeans size, they also give you the low-down on the individual designers … such as which brands run smaller or larger, what kind of fit you can expect, etc.
Posted by: Catie
I read an article last year in Domino about finding the proper bra. It emphasized a supportive band v. supportive shoulder straps. I decided to have a fitting done at a lingerie boutique (not at Victoria’s Secret) and discovered that I was a cup size larger and a band size smaller than I had previously believed myself to be. I bought a Chantelle T-shirt bra, and tried on their Chantilly lace bras as well.
Things to love: Great support! The boning in the band of the T-shirt bra and the seaming in the cup of the lace bra both give great support–which is crucial to having a good “base” upon which to layer your clothing. My roommate wears them as well, because her physical therapist recommended them! If you’re a C cup or larger, I think you’ll be surprised at how much support your body hasn’t been getting once you try on one of these. It’s like a mini body makeover–you look taller and leaner and your back feels better. Both bras are very attractive and comfortable to wear–even the lace. And really, what woman doesn’t need black lacy undergarments?
Less than perfect: They’re not cheap. If you wash them weekly and rotate them daily, you can get away with only having a few bras and they will last, but the initial investment might be a barrier. I suggest waiting for sales at figleaves.com. Also, if you’re between cup sizes in the lace bra, go up a size–otherwise you’re likely to experience a little pinching. (Ouch) The T-shirt bra is not invisible under T-shirts, unfortunately. I’ve noticed that the rims of the cup do show under fitted tees.
Final Analysis: Owning a Chantelle bra has made me realize just how little support I was getting in my other bras. For an A or B cup, this isn’t really as much of an issue, so I’d say save your money and find something that looks and feels good, but don’t spend $80 on it. For those of you who don’t have the luxury, go get fitted at a proper lingerie store (and try on some of the Chantelle bras to double check your size) and wait for the sales to hit figleaves.com. While this isn’t my perfect bra, it’s world’s better than 75% of what I had in my lingerie drawer before (other than my Biofit, which I’ll blog about another day). If nothing else wins you over, know that it is so satisfying to have such lovely undergarments. It’s like having an empowering secret with you all day.
Posted by: Catie
Stop the presses. After raving about Bee Ceuticals products (which I still love, fyi) I found a product to supplement my skin care regime: Burt’s Bees Soapbark and Chomomile Deep Cleansing Cream. While Bee Ceuticals is very gentle, and nice for daily cleansing, sometimes you need something with more oomph! I use a microdermabrasian system, but I’m talking about something that feels like it’s cleaning deep down in your pores, and this does. I have sensitive, combination skin, and this is what I think of it.
Things to love: The cool, tingly way it makes your skin feel. You can tell it’s really working. It cleans so well, I don’t have to remove any of my makeup before I use it. It’s also 97% natural, which isn’t bad. My sensitive skin doesn’t react to it at all. And the price is great. A six ounce tube is approximately $8.
Less than perfect: This won’t be my twice-a-day-every-day cleanser because it dries out my skin a little. When I don’t use it every day, it’s great–like a cleansing booster. I recommend following it up with a very hydrating moisturizer or a night cream.
Final analysis: For the price and results, I love this product. When used to supplement my regular skin-care regime, it’s perfect for me so far.
Posted by: Catie
Last week I was lamenting the fact that I haven’t found a cheap and easy way to keep my nails done as I agonizingly painted and repainted them. Then, my sister introduced me to this product: Nic’s Sticks, by OPI. It’s nail polish in a tube that you apply with the applicator brush-tip. Brilliant! I applied two coats to one hand and one coat with a top coat to the other to see how it held up over the weekend.
Things to love: Fast and easy application. In one coat with my sister’s bright red polish I got an smooth, even layer of polish. The color saturation is very good, so even on the hand with one coat plus a top coat, my nails looked great. OPI is a solid brand, and I always like their products. There’s also a lot of color variety, from funky to understated.
Less than perfect: The polish chips easily without a top coat — too easily. You’re also paying the same price for the stick as you would for a bottle, but getting approximately 30% less. (Both bottles and Nic’s Sticks run about $7).
Final Analysis: I don’t wear nail polish very often, but this would be a fun product to have around for date nights or events. It’s easy enough that I just might start wearing polish more often.
Posted by: Catie
