The Adventures of Bra Shopping

For those of you under a C-cup, this might not make sense for you.

I have been on a journey for some new bras for the last two weeks. My last major shopping experience was when I was working full-time and not a student. I could easily spend up to $150 (3 to 5) just on bras, not including the matching panties. But on a full-time student budget of an independent contractor, one must really rethink this spending. So, I have gone to many stores, but let's first review the rules before I discuss my finds.

There are definite rules to be followed when you are a 40 DD.

• It must defy gravity
• It must provide full coverage.
• It must be able to be worn more than 6 hours without excruciating pain.

Other rules that quickly get thrown to the wayside.

• Would prefer color.
• Would prefer matching panties.

Ashley Stewart has Jill Scott's Butterfly Bra is absolutely beautiful. The problem with it for me is that it cost $39 for the strapless version and $44 for regular. It only comes in the icon plus-size bra colors: black, mocha (read tan) and white. Would it be too much to ask for a turquoise or purple?

Then there is the always reliable Lane Bryant. They have had their own lingerie label for years called Cacique. This is definitely were most of bra shopping sprees have taken place. They have beautiful colors. So what is the problem? I don't have $30 to $70 (that's right the most expensive one is $70) to spend on a bra. The two that I can say that I am coveting are the Microfiber Mesh Balconette and the Lace overlay French Balconette. They are both padded, which I like, it gives a little more definition. I have an ex that says that is unfair for me to wear padded bras, but I like them. The Microfiber Mesh cost between $36 to $42. It comes in 3 colors and has a matching panty.


The Lace Overlay is just sexy. It would not be an everday one, but it would be nice to have. It cost $36. It only comes in that one color, but wow. It doesn't have a matching panty, but who cares.

So after finding such beautiful bras where did I go: Walmart. They have this bra by Secret Treasures that cost $8.88. First, I love that price, but will it work. I brought one and gave it the date test. You know the test where you want your breast to be in its optimal placement to get the eye of that guy. Well, it passed the test. It was comfortable. I didn't have to do adjustments halfway during the date. It stayed in place. The only drawback is that it only comes in black and white and no matching panties.

So, when you are out on your bra journey, you might want to give Walmart a look. This is just one of my shopping adventures. I don't even want to think about what I have gone through to find jeans.

Undressed: The Naked Truth of a Fashion Marketing Student

In 1998, I was blessed with the opportunity to help a friend launch her clothing line. I was completely shocked. Just years before I had studied everything from human anatomy to tv production to public relations to child development.

I had only done very small projects, but I had ideas that she and her investors were impressed with when we talked. I did freelance work for her for about 3 years. I have loved every opportunity that I have gotten to do freelance marketing for different companies, but the call to finish school was getting louder.

This call has taken me on a journey that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure if wanted to get a degree in business, marketing or advertisement. I thought that I wanted to finish my advertising degree that I started at Towson State University, but I was thinking that I wanted to move out of Maryland. On my search, Charlotte kept nagging at me, so I began to research what Charlotte had to offer. My search led me to The Art Institute of Charlotte.

At the age of 31, I officially started at the Art Institute of Charlotte in October 2005. I took one class online and moved to the Charlotte area in December 2005. My life as a fashion marketing student has been interesting and long. It has been a struggle to be able to maintain my sanity while going back to school. Being at school with people who are 10 to 15 years younger than me is an experience. Imagine if you will, my perspective, of talking to people who weren't even alive when the Challenger exploded. There are times that I wonder did I get in the game too late. Am I too old to really do this?

There have been many trials and tribulations and smiles and laughter. It just depends on the day. Most days I am plugged into my computer, it literally goes everywhere I do. I could be cranky because I didn’t get enough sleep or be thinking darn it why didn’t that print out right. I could be smiling because I know that this experience has confirmed that I want to own my own business and that I have no interest in the design aspect of apparel. I am always saying that I am not creative, but have to realize that it is just a different view of creativity. I get excited about writing, creating a business and marketing plans, psychology and math. Ask me to style someone or draw an outfit and I guarantee that I will freak out. So, I might not be able to tell you which shoes to wear with that outfit, but I can figure out ways to fund your passion.

My journey as a fashion marketing student will end soon. I don’t know what my next step will be and that is a little scary, but it is the road I will take. So, if you are out there and need someone to help you create your business image .... I am your woman.

My journey is mine.

Convoluted, but joyously mine.

The Quest

It might not seem like much of a hassle for the average woman, but I am having difficulty finding a supportive sports bra.

One of these days I would like to walk into any sports store and find my size. Do they think women of size, don't exercise? I do exercise. In fact, I want to really begin running. I just don't want to get out there and wind up knocking myself out. The "girls" need support, a little cuddling.

Yes, I know I could order online, but what if it doesn't fit right. I keep hoping that I will find a store with something to fit me.