Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Bra Care

The not so exciting task of laundry!


We probably have more bras in our drawer than necessary, we probably only wear 4 of the 12 we own for various reasons from comfort to colour!  That leaves the age old problem of getting your fave T-shirt bra washed and dried because the work shirt leaves nothing to the imagination.  My fave T-shirt bra happens to be Fantasie Rebecca, it has lasted well beyond the time it should have done and it will be a sad day when it goes to bra heaven! https://www.clairewoodall.com/rebecca-moulded-spacer-cup


Bras are a integral element of intimate apparel, your bra can enhance your appearance and make you look amazing, it can make you feel protected and secure and it can also make you feel super sexy and desirable.  Super sexy and desirable won't happen if your lacy bra has holes, is mis-shaped and is a delightful colour of chewing gum grey!

My first top tip to extending the life of your bra is a great fit:
  • Underband, if its too tight the band will be under undue tension.  
  • Shoulder straps, if the underband is too loose you will be drooping forward and using the shoulder straps to gain lift. Not a good option, its also bad for your posture.
  • Cups, too small in the cup and your boobs are using it as a hammock.  Its unsightly to have double boob and trashes the cups as you will be pulling at them trying to tuck in constantly.
  • Wires:  If the band is far too tight, the wires will often squeek, this is due to the cup being distorted and the wire casing being pulled tight.  If the underband is too loose it will ride up your back and cause the cup to tip forward, putting pressure on the wire casing as the wire pushes forward.
Use this fit guide video or go for a professional fitting in store.  https://www.clairewoodall.com/brands/panache

Ok, lets talk laundry, exciting? No.  Essential? Yes!

  • Wear for 2-3 days before washing.  Your body's secretion of natural oils and sweat, not to mention the stuff we lather on will break down the fabric if allowed to be worn for longer than 3 days.  Sports bras should be washed as required, I am a sweaty beast when I exercise, my sports bra is peeled off and will definitely need a wash after just one wear!
  • You will need a minimum of 3 general bras, wash one, wear one, dry one.  By owning 3 good bras it will allow you to care for them correctly.
  • Over washing, this will also reduce the life of your bra.
  • When the bra is new, it should fit on the loosest hooks.  As the bra ages and deteriorates you can move the hooks to the middle and then eventually the tightest.
  • Choice of bra for the job in hand.  Wear a sports bra for sport not your lacey number, its not designed for that.  Think of your poor boobs at that point too, they need holstering and strapping down for a jog not left to perch on the edge of a half cup!

Handwash

Yes this means with your hands, seriously hands are really good at hand washing!

Handwashing prevents the delicate materials that create the elasticity, which incidentally ensures comfort and support, to last.  So, all of this sounds simple enough but just to be sure here is an 8 point guide.
  1. Fill a bowl with luke warm water.
  2. Using alcohol free detergent, pour in as stated.  I use "Soak" and its a Calpol spoonful per bowl.
  3. Soak for a minimum of 15 minutes.
  4. Using a small nail brush, gently brush away any dirt (yep that is skin and sweat and oily residue from your good self).
  5. Rinse as required in lukewarm water.  The reason I  use "Soak" is because its a no rinse formula, I love a bit of laziness!
  6. Do not wring the bra, it doesn't enjoy being wrung out (imagines small voice "stop cruelty to bras").  
  7. Gently press against the side of the bowl to remove excess water.
  8. Hang over the shower rail or washing line.  A husband/boyfriend booby trap!  (Pun intended).

  • Use the washer or dryer.  This will void any warranty, the label clearly states "handwash".  The clever people that make the bras have already carried out all kinds of tests, they know whats happened to the bra when its sent back.  That is even despite an angry email saying you haven't machine washed it, or shouting loudly in a shop that you haven't........you are kidding it looks like you have towed the car with it!!!
  • Heat will warp the bra.
  • Other heavy items in the machine will cause wires to bend and become mis-shaped.
  • Hooks will get caught, causing damage to the bra and also other clothing.  So now you know, there are NO mice in your washing machine making little holes, its your bra hooks.
  • Lace is certainly not designed and manufactured with machine washing in mind.
  • Heat will break down Spandex and Lycra, this will reduce life of elasticity.
  • The wires have blobs of protective coating on the ends, this stops them poking through the wire casing.  Heat softens the glue and the protective blob comes off, allowing the sharp wire to cut through the fabric.  Allowing the wire to stab you!
  • Try not to invert moulded cups, it causes creases and distorts the shape on one side.  My boobs are already looking like distant cousins rather than sisters, they don't need any more help!

So next time you part with your hard earned cash on a bra, don't throw it in the washer and dryer.  That is utter madness, we all want fabulous boobs and our bras help us achieve that, look after your bras and they will look after your boobs!

Claire.xx



Monday, 5 December 2016

Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce

Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce: The shop and eCommerce Lincoln Bra Lady started out as a small appointment only business, from my home.  During my first year I gradual...

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce

Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce: The shop and eCommerce Lincoln Bra Lady started out as a small appointment only business, from my home.  During my first year I gradual...

Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce

The shop and eCommerce


Lincoln Bra Lady started out as a small appointment only business, from my home.  During my first year I gradually increased my stock holding of lingerie and took on more brands.  Towards the end of the first year I became aware that storing 8 semi-clad mannequins in my bedroom was getting a bit creepy come bedtime!

I had embarked on several bra fitting courses, including specialist fitting.  My knowledge had become enriched and my skill set for fitting bras and helping ladies find the right bra for them had become more than just a job, it was a passion.

I moved my small business to retail premises just after a year of trading.  This rather large leap of faith took not only a huge wedge of cash to fit out a shop, but also the determination and mind set to believe in what you are doing.

The late nights and early mornings become a way of life when you have your own business.  The orders and accounting, tidying and sorting, fetching window display items (or trying to think of new and interesting ones, that is actually a sleepless night!) and someone has to clean the loo! 

The shop has continued to grow month on month for 3 years now, we have more stock and choice, we have taken on new brands and moved away from others.  The business changes constantly, it is continually moving and developing to keep up with our ever changing and growing customer base.

We have fitted ladies from near and far.  Our ladies from afar have been the driving force behind the addition of an online retail boutique. We have fitted them in beautiful lingerie, specialised sports bras, nursing bras and many more.  The world we live in today means that ladies want to be able to buy their favourite bra at whatever time of day and night they choose to.  

So, the decision was made to take another giant leap of faith.  Only this time, this new world of eCommerce involves learning a new language!  Yes that's right, the computer people don't speak the same language as anyone else on this planet!!!

I made the decision to keep the bricks and mortar shop as its original name "Lincoln Bra Lady", to maintain local appeal as a trusted member of the community.  We have a great reputation locally, we are collectively recognised in and out of store and often hear "ooh here's the bra ladies" my little team and I are proud of our titles and want to keep them.  Much to our kids disapproval that where ever we go people talk to us about boobs and bras.

Eventually, the site was built.  It has ever so slightly made me go bald in patches and perhaps a little more grey but nothing a good hairdresser can't sort (thanks Emma).  

The decision was made to launch the online boutique under the name of the founder;  "Claire Woodall"........eek that's me!  The site will represent the expertise I have gained, with exceptional lingerie from the best brands.  We have worked with the brands and bras, fitting them in all sizes and shapes.  The site will only stock tried and tested lingerie, if we don't think it makes the grade it won't make the site.  

My aim is to try to make the site a place where you find the best lingerie and swimwear, at the best prices, all gift wrapped and lovely.  We will be on hand to guide you through the maze of lingerie,  with online support via the website and regular updates from our social media sites.  

The site will be a huge learning adventure, full of twists and turns along the way.  The lingerie world has well and truly swallowed me, I am immersed in a world of Lycra, satin, silk and lace.....not to mention the all important power mesh of power panties!

Claire.xx 
 



 

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

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Lingerie life: Bra Fit Tips.xx

Lingerie life: Bra Fit Tips.xx: Fit Guide Wearing a fabulous fitting bra can change the way you feel and look, not to mention the health benefits.  There is no substitut...

Bra Fit Tips.xx

Fit Guide

Wearing a fabulous fitting bra can change the way you feel and look, not to mention the health benefits.  There is no substitute  for seeing a professional bra fitter, she will know her range of stock, the styles and and how each bra fits.  But if you have had a fitting recently and just want to replace or add to your lingerie drawer, here's a few fit tips to help you on your way.

The Underband

The underband should feel firm (but not tight, pinching or uncomfortable) and sit horizontal across your back. The underband should not ride up towards your shoulder blades even when you reach your arms above your head.  

The Cups

Your breasts should be fully encased by the cups, this is true even for push up and half cup styles. The neck edge of the cup should sit gently against each breast without bulging or indeed gaping. Where one breast is larger than the other (asymmetrical) fit to the largest breast as a little gaping is less obvious than bulging.
The cup should gently shape your breasts into the desired style you are looking to achieve.

The Wires

The underwire should sit against the chest wall encasing the entire breast.  The wire should not press on any breast tissue, nor should breast tissue slip underneath the wire.  When putting the bra on, gently lean forward and let your breast tissue fall into the cups.  Some ladies need to lift and scoop the breasts whilst leaning forward to ensure all breast tissue is inside the wire and encased in the cup.

The Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps should be comfortable and not dig in.  The support comes mainly from the underband (remember the firm but not tight underband).  Shoulder straps add a little support and stability to the bra and often a little decorative feature too!


Claire.xx


Bra Fit Tips.xx

Fit Guide

Wearing a fabulous fitting bra can change the way you feel and look, not to mention the health benefits.  There is no substitute  for seeing a professional bra fitter, she will know her range of stock, the styles and and how each bra fits.  But if you have had a fitting recently and just want to replace or add to your lingerie drawer, here's a few fit tips to help you on your way.

The Underband

The underband should feel firm (but not tight, pinching or uncomfortable) and sit horizontal across your back. The underband should not ride up towards your shoulder blades even when you reach your arms above your head.  

The Cups

Your breasts should be fully encased by the cups, this is true even for push up and half cup styles. The neck edge of the cup should sit gently against each breast without bulging or indeed gaping. Where one breast is larger than the other (asymmetrical) fit to the largest breast as a little gaping is less obvious than bulging.
The cup should gently shape your breasts into the desired style you are looking to achieve.

The Wires

The underwire should sit against the chest wall encasing the entire breast.  The wire should not press on any breast tissue, nor should breast tissue slip underneath the wire.  When putting the bra on, gently lean forward and let your breast tissue fall into the cups.  Some ladies need to lift and scoop the breasts whilst leaning forward to ensure all breast tissue is inside the wire and encased in the cup.

The Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps should be comfortable and not dig in.  The support comes mainly from the underband (remember the firm but not tight underband).  Shoulder straps add a little support and stability to the bra and often a little decorative feature too!


Claire.xx