Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
My Fit Card
It's also really important to try on the bras before you purchase them. I found out that our Dream Angels collection is simply not for me. The position of the straps and the particular lace material used on the wing creates a lot of discomfort. Jessica, my lovely co-angel and bra fitting guru, told me that Dream Angels irritated her too and she simply couldn't wear anything from that collection.
I spent about 2 hours trying on bras. We started with 34C Push-Ups when it became very apparent that they didn't look right. She brought me our new Gorgeous Push-Up in a 34D and then we started to see a difference. The reason for this is because the Push-Up has limited coverage and the larger cup size helps provide coverage while also giving you cleavage and lift. Makes sense! This includes our Very Sexy and Body By Victoria collections.
I also tried on some our Incredible collection. This bra has our Infinity Edge technology, which means the seams lie flat and are not stitched (like the Dream Angels). This creates smoother lines so that you won't see the bra underneath her clothes. Interestingly enough, I can make do with a 34C in the Incredible Push-Up and Racerback Push-Up. The smooth shape enables it to fit more tightly without bunching or pulling on the skin. It lies flat. This bra also features self-adjusting straps, so it has no clips or strap adjusters, which helps the seamless look.
Body By Victoria is probably my most loved collection of all. Like the Dream Angels, this bra features Memory Fit technology, so the bra molds to your shape. However, it also has softer straps, softer lace, and is made with nylon/Lycra spandex. This gives it what we call "4-Way Stretch", which means you can stretch the length and the width of the wing. This is the ultimate in soft, comfortable bras. I turned out to be a 34D in Demis, but a 34C in Full Coverage. Remember, less coverage might mean a larger cup size for you!
Multi-Ways and Strapless! Again, the Very Sexy Multi-Way was killer on me 34D. I also tried on the PINK Multi-Way Push-Up in 34D and the cut was so flattering. Sweet lace detailing, but plenty of coverage and support.
Showstopper Collection - Again, 34D in Demi, 34C in Full Coverage. This is a very comfortable bra as well that lies seamlessly against the body.
Unforgettable Collection - The Demi in 34D looked awful on me. Not enough coverage in the right places, and just felt awkward. I'll have to try on the Push-Up in 34D next time.
Verdict: I am, in fact, between sizes. Depending on the style, individual cut, and features of the bra, you could be multiple sizes. I ended up exchanging my Dream Angels Push-Up for a Body By Victoria Demi. Jess and I both agreed that one looked the best on me. <3 So, taking the time to try on the bras will really make a difference and save you the hassle of discovering in the middle of a date that your bra straps are slipping down.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Know Your Size!
The last couple of days have left me a little confused and frustrated. Bra sizing is an intensely delicate procedure for all women. The most recent changes in my body shape have forced me to come to terms with certain things I don't like about my body, and I'm hoping that blogging my experience will encourage other women to empathize and not feel ashamed of their unique shape.
Part of our continued training as permanent VS employees included that we try on multiple bra styles to see what styles and fits we like best. I took a box of 34C (what I knew to be my size) into a fitting room and went to work. The very first few that I tried on were either multi-way or strapless bras, none of which fit correctly. I was shocked. My 34C push-ups fit so well, minus a tiny bit of spillage in one cup, and a slight gap in the other. Reluctantly, I asked for a 34D in one of our multi-way bras. Sure enough, it fit like a glove. I threw my hands up in despair at the thought of having to completely overhaul my bra collection.
Thanks to our wonderful company we receive a seasonal bra gratis. This particular one was for a nude bra, and so I picked out a Dream Angels Push-Up that features our Memory Fit technology to create a customized fit for the wearer, and romantic lace detailing. I went home, put it on, and was amazed.
I showed up at the following day (today) donning my new bra. Everything felt right until the end of my shift. I noticed that my underarms felt sore from the placement of the wings of my new bra. Upon arriving home, I felt disappointed and frustrated. "So, I'm not a 34D?" I thought. I pulled out all of my bras and tried them on one by one. My Dream Angels Demi in 34C fit like a glove. Even my latest Push-Up purchases felt good. I put on my new Dream Angels again and proceeded to adjust the straps. Tighter straps meant the tissue under my arms would suffer, looser straps created gapping in the cup.
Then it began to dawn on me. I am between cup sizes. This can be rather infuriating because you could be one size in one style, and another size in a different style. For me, this is due to a few often overlooked details that can make or break your bra fitting experience:
1. I have wide-set, bottom heavy breasts. This means I have a clear divide along my sternum (breast bone) between both breasts. This creates more fullness in the bottom and outer sides of my breasts (as opposed to being more rounded or higher set). This also means that my breast tissue is wider than it is longer. My breasts do not sag in the same way other women's do. A woman that is fuller in the center will rest differently than mine, and will then require different styles. So, my fullness comes from the outer sides of my breasts.
2. Differently sized breasts. It's very common for women to find that one breast is slightly larger than the other. I have this, and I hate it. One cup spills a little, the other gaps a little. In this event, most would be advised to round down, but that isn't always the best solution. If you round up, you can simply tighten the strap on that particular side to eliminate the gap. This also doesn't work for everyone. In my case, it only jams the wing of the bra into my tissue and leaves me sore after several hours. (Note: This could be more do to with the construction of the particular bra style, i.e. stitched edges vs. smoother edges).
3. Different styles do different things and possess different features. A Push-Up is designed to displace breast tissue by adding padding in order to push the breasts upward and toward the center to create volume and cleavage. A Demi, or "Half" cup creates a more open neckline and gives subtle support with a lower cut. To the frustration of many women, this means that not every single style will look good on you. Each style has different straps, different stretch, different coverage, etc.
So, how is a Multi-Way 34C too small for me? There is nothing pushing my breasts to the center. In the Multi-Way, my breasts rest in the same way they would without a bra, which means I need a wider underwire to give all of my tissue proper support. A 34D will help with this. However, I can get away with a 34C in Push-Up because that style is essentially forcing all of my tissue up and to the center AND leaving space for the tissue under my arms. The 34D, while it did push my breasts to the center, the tightness of the straps (especially since one breast needs a tighter strap) was forcing the wing into my tissue. This might not be noticeable right away, but if you wear a bra all day like this, it can make you want to scream.
If you're talking Strapless, it's kind of the same deal, but with an added twist. A strapless is difficult for a naturally bottom-heavy breasted girl to pull off, especially without proper coverage. I was spilling out of the C-cup (think natural breast position here, no push-up) and it could barely keep my breasts where they needed to be. The straps only provide some of the support, and most of the weight is supported around your ribcage. However, all of my weight is already around my ribcage. In fact, my breasts don't hang past my ribcage. The width of my breasts causes me to need a wider support system, but I'm not desperate for lift (only when I want cleavage). Wearing a D-cup will give me the wide support from underneath and the top coverage will help the bra from sliding down without straps.
I'm going into work tomorrow to try on some more styles and to exchange my bra for a more comfortable style. I may have to face the facts that our Dream Angels collection won't work with my body. We have some incredibly cute colors, so I'll be sad if this is so, but it's not the end. We have other beautiful styles that I'd be happy to invest in.
So, ladies, get fitted. Try on multiple styles in multiple sizes. If you're like me, you could be between sizes. Take a day with your friends and go try stuff on! Trust me, it's worth it.
My Size Predictions:
Push-Up: 34C
Demi: 34C/D (These provide the least coverage of any bra, and size may depend on the collection, i.e. Dream Angels, Body, Gorgeous, etc.) Unlined Demis tend to be one layer of lacy material which provides less all over support and relies more on the underwire and the straps.
Multi-Way: 34D
Strapless: 34D
Balconet: 34D (This is a "shelf" bra with wide-set straps. It creates lift, but with less cleavage than a Push-Up.)
Full-Coverage: 34D (Bra construction provides ultimate support without padding, and complete breast coverage. Very busty women should own at least 1 or 2 of these.)
Add 2-Cup: I already know that I don't need this style. It is meant to create a fuller figure by enhancing the bust. It creates a very rounded breast shape, which I already have.
Part of our continued training as permanent VS employees included that we try on multiple bra styles to see what styles and fits we like best. I took a box of 34C (what I knew to be my size) into a fitting room and went to work. The very first few that I tried on were either multi-way or strapless bras, none of which fit correctly. I was shocked. My 34C push-ups fit so well, minus a tiny bit of spillage in one cup, and a slight gap in the other. Reluctantly, I asked for a 34D in one of our multi-way bras. Sure enough, it fit like a glove. I threw my hands up in despair at the thought of having to completely overhaul my bra collection.
Thanks to our wonderful company we receive a seasonal bra gratis. This particular one was for a nude bra, and so I picked out a Dream Angels Push-Up that features our Memory Fit technology to create a customized fit for the wearer, and romantic lace detailing. I went home, put it on, and was amazed.
I showed up at the following day (today) donning my new bra. Everything felt right until the end of my shift. I noticed that my underarms felt sore from the placement of the wings of my new bra. Upon arriving home, I felt disappointed and frustrated. "So, I'm not a 34D?" I thought. I pulled out all of my bras and tried them on one by one. My Dream Angels Demi in 34C fit like a glove. Even my latest Push-Up purchases felt good. I put on my new Dream Angels again and proceeded to adjust the straps. Tighter straps meant the tissue under my arms would suffer, looser straps created gapping in the cup.
Then it began to dawn on me. I am between cup sizes. This can be rather infuriating because you could be one size in one style, and another size in a different style. For me, this is due to a few often overlooked details that can make or break your bra fitting experience:
1. I have wide-set, bottom heavy breasts. This means I have a clear divide along my sternum (breast bone) between both breasts. This creates more fullness in the bottom and outer sides of my breasts (as opposed to being more rounded or higher set). This also means that my breast tissue is wider than it is longer. My breasts do not sag in the same way other women's do. A woman that is fuller in the center will rest differently than mine, and will then require different styles. So, my fullness comes from the outer sides of my breasts.
2. Differently sized breasts. It's very common for women to find that one breast is slightly larger than the other. I have this, and I hate it. One cup spills a little, the other gaps a little. In this event, most would be advised to round down, but that isn't always the best solution. If you round up, you can simply tighten the strap on that particular side to eliminate the gap. This also doesn't work for everyone. In my case, it only jams the wing of the bra into my tissue and leaves me sore after several hours. (Note: This could be more do to with the construction of the particular bra style, i.e. stitched edges vs. smoother edges).
3. Different styles do different things and possess different features. A Push-Up is designed to displace breast tissue by adding padding in order to push the breasts upward and toward the center to create volume and cleavage. A Demi, or "Half" cup creates a more open neckline and gives subtle support with a lower cut. To the frustration of many women, this means that not every single style will look good on you. Each style has different straps, different stretch, different coverage, etc.
So, how is a Multi-Way 34C too small for me? There is nothing pushing my breasts to the center. In the Multi-Way, my breasts rest in the same way they would without a bra, which means I need a wider underwire to give all of my tissue proper support. A 34D will help with this. However, I can get away with a 34C in Push-Up because that style is essentially forcing all of my tissue up and to the center AND leaving space for the tissue under my arms. The 34D, while it did push my breasts to the center, the tightness of the straps (especially since one breast needs a tighter strap) was forcing the wing into my tissue. This might not be noticeable right away, but if you wear a bra all day like this, it can make you want to scream.
If you're talking Strapless, it's kind of the same deal, but with an added twist. A strapless is difficult for a naturally bottom-heavy breasted girl to pull off, especially without proper coverage. I was spilling out of the C-cup (think natural breast position here, no push-up) and it could barely keep my breasts where they needed to be. The straps only provide some of the support, and most of the weight is supported around your ribcage. However, all of my weight is already around my ribcage. In fact, my breasts don't hang past my ribcage. The width of my breasts causes me to need a wider support system, but I'm not desperate for lift (only when I want cleavage). Wearing a D-cup will give me the wide support from underneath and the top coverage will help the bra from sliding down without straps.
I'm going into work tomorrow to try on some more styles and to exchange my bra for a more comfortable style. I may have to face the facts that our Dream Angels collection won't work with my body. We have some incredibly cute colors, so I'll be sad if this is so, but it's not the end. We have other beautiful styles that I'd be happy to invest in.
So, ladies, get fitted. Try on multiple styles in multiple sizes. If you're like me, you could be between sizes. Take a day with your friends and go try stuff on! Trust me, it's worth it.
My Size Predictions:
Push-Up: 34C
Demi: 34C/D (These provide the least coverage of any bra, and size may depend on the collection, i.e. Dream Angels, Body, Gorgeous, etc.) Unlined Demis tend to be one layer of lacy material which provides less all over support and relies more on the underwire and the straps.
Multi-Way: 34D
Strapless: 34D
Balconet: 34D (This is a "shelf" bra with wide-set straps. It creates lift, but with less cleavage than a Push-Up.)
Full-Coverage: 34D (Bra construction provides ultimate support without padding, and complete breast coverage. Very busty women should own at least 1 or 2 of these.)
Add 2-Cup: I already know that I don't need this style. It is meant to create a fuller figure by enhancing the bust. It creates a very rounded breast shape, which I already have.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
VS gives you wiiings!
And I've got mine! I talked with my Direct Report Manager today and found out that I am indeed staying on, that I am "adored" even! How cool! I was excited and my DRM was quite happy as well. I also got some stellar feedback from some co-angels about my fitting room awesomeness. And I found out that my DRM is from good old Connecticut and is a hardcore Pats fan. What could be better than that?
Tonight, we were cutting a lot of people, so that left very few of us in the store with plenty of customers and a lot of recovery to do. I had customers all the way up to 9:15 (after closing), which cut into my recovery time. And of course that last customer was a lady that had questions on prices, questions about returns, needed an extra bag and tissue paper... The works. And I got no credits today! That was a major miss for me.
The back counter of the Beauty cashwrap was a disaster, and it was all for me. I sorted piles of bras, panties, sleepwear, etc. Then sorted everything by size. I damaged out inventory. I just didn't have time to sort hangers (we have about 5-6 different types of hangers), but it was definitely not for lack of hard work. Nevertheless, the order of operations is becoming familiar, and now I'm working on picking up speed when I execute tasks.
Angel Body Status: I'm hurting. Closing cash wrap kicked my butt tonight. Mix that with workouts and my quads are aching.
Angel Quest: I've got a fun little project to complete. All associates are trying on our new Gorgeous bra collection (pushup, demi, and add 2-cups). This gives us stronger talking points when we're conversing with customers and our added incentive gets us a buy in (discounted price) on a couple of cute items like a pair of lace thigh high, back seam stockings.
Angel Rewards: This week I bought myself a marked down Unforgettable Pushup in a midnight blue/purple night sky print with rhinestones. $50 bra marked down to $15.99! Steal. Large Dream Angels Forever Eau de Parfum, $62 marked down to $16. Steal.
Sweet Dreams, all!
Tonight, we were cutting a lot of people, so that left very few of us in the store with plenty of customers and a lot of recovery to do. I had customers all the way up to 9:15 (after closing), which cut into my recovery time. And of course that last customer was a lady that had questions on prices, questions about returns, needed an extra bag and tissue paper... The works. And I got no credits today! That was a major miss for me.
The back counter of the Beauty cashwrap was a disaster, and it was all for me. I sorted piles of bras, panties, sleepwear, etc. Then sorted everything by size. I damaged out inventory. I just didn't have time to sort hangers (we have about 5-6 different types of hangers), but it was definitely not for lack of hard work. Nevertheless, the order of operations is becoming familiar, and now I'm working on picking up speed when I execute tasks.
Angel Body Status: I'm hurting. Closing cash wrap kicked my butt tonight. Mix that with workouts and my quads are aching.
Angel Quest: I've got a fun little project to complete. All associates are trying on our new Gorgeous bra collection (pushup, demi, and add 2-cups). This gives us stronger talking points when we're conversing with customers and our added incentive gets us a buy in (discounted price) on a couple of cute items like a pair of lace thigh high, back seam stockings.
Angel Rewards: This week I bought myself a marked down Unforgettable Pushup in a midnight blue/purple night sky print with rhinestones. $50 bra marked down to $15.99! Steal. Large Dream Angels Forever Eau de Parfum, $62 marked down to $16. Steal.
Sweet Dreams, all!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Angel Body: Day 1
I started working out again today, and I've got my work cut out for me! Lunges are terribly difficult right now as my thighs (hamstrings and quads) are very out of shape. After 2 sets/20 reps of regular and donkey kick lunges, I was done with them. I'm going to gradually increase the number of sets as I get more confident and toned.
I've always been a big fan of body weight resistance exercise. I've never been concerned with wanting to lift heavy weights, or running long distance. Give me calisthenics, baby!
Today's positive: I can feel my glutes hating me!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Angel in Training
I am pretty sure it has been decided that I am not just a seasonal employee anymore. This is very exciting for me as I have been having a blast working at Victoria's Secret. Honestly, every part of my life has been enhanced since I started my job. My relationship, my connection with friends, and my usual optimistic outlook has returned full force. I feel more feminine than I ever have before.
I closed at cash-wrap last night and I thought we were never going to get through all of our go-backs. Customers are our number one priority, and so most of my time was spent getting our patrons through the line and out the door. Right as we were ready to begin to clean up, our last customer, a bride, stepped into my line. This bride was Indian royalty and had collected four full shoppers of 90 items. Panties, bras, teddies, sleep wear; she had everything. One couldn't help but fill a mixture of awe, excitement and jealousy. As materialistic as I try not to be, I still find myself daydreaming of the day I can walk into a Victoria's Secret without checking every single price tag.
Many women complain about the retail price of our bras. However, I've never found the price to be an inconvenience. I've purchased cheaper bras at Marshall's and none of them lasted more than 6 months. Thin material, cheaply constructed; the design clearly lacking any sort of understanding of the requirements of a proper-fitting bra. Never have I had this problem at Victoria's Secret, and I mean that sincerely. Each VS bra I've purchased has lasted over a year, and some far longer. For me, this certainly justifies all of the time and money I've invested into the company thus far.
I understand that VS isn't for everyone, but I'm happy to say that it's become a source of happiness for me in more ways than I could've imagined. I have more training and observations to come in the next few weeks, and there will be more to write and reflect on I'm sure... :)
I closed at cash-wrap last night and I thought we were never going to get through all of our go-backs. Customers are our number one priority, and so most of my time was spent getting our patrons through the line and out the door. Right as we were ready to begin to clean up, our last customer, a bride, stepped into my line. This bride was Indian royalty and had collected four full shoppers of 90 items. Panties, bras, teddies, sleep wear; she had everything. One couldn't help but fill a mixture of awe, excitement and jealousy. As materialistic as I try not to be, I still find myself daydreaming of the day I can walk into a Victoria's Secret without checking every single price tag.
Many women complain about the retail price of our bras. However, I've never found the price to be an inconvenience. I've purchased cheaper bras at Marshall's and none of them lasted more than 6 months. Thin material, cheaply constructed; the design clearly lacking any sort of understanding of the requirements of a proper-fitting bra. Never have I had this problem at Victoria's Secret, and I mean that sincerely. Each VS bra I've purchased has lasted over a year, and some far longer. For me, this certainly justifies all of the time and money I've invested into the company thus far.
I understand that VS isn't for everyone, but I'm happy to say that it's become a source of happiness for me in more ways than I could've imagined. I have more training and observations to come in the next few weeks, and there will be more to write and reflect on I'm sure... :)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A New Start
A fresh start.
It's a new year, I have a new job, and some amazing new perspective on life.
Victoria's Secret hired me just before Thanksgiving and, despite my excitement toward working again, I hadn't really a clue about what was in store for me. One might expect that a female-dominated work environment would lead to cattiness and backstabbing, but that couldn't be further from what I've experienced. I certainly cannot say that all stores cultivate a similar environment; however, our store does set the bar higher for all the rest.
I really want to chronicle the happenings in my work life at this point because I deeply feel that the stigma towards jobs in retail still exist. Whether we want to believe it or not, it's quietly cultivated and bred into the upcoming youth that these jobs don't cut it. Truthfully, it boils down to how you choose to look at it.
My mother always told me that every job has valuable skills to teach you. She also emphasized the importance of gaining work experience and the power that my personal connections will have on my future. I'm not just talking about corporate networking skills, but our everyday approach to life. How do we see the world upon waking up in the morning? How do we deal with anger, and sadness, and loss?
These are much bigger questions that we need to learn to ask ourselves from time to time. Questions that I don't think are being asked by most, subsequently postponing the need for a life crisis. I've already had a few mini crises and I'd prefer not to have anymore. So, here we go...
It's a new year, I have a new job, and some amazing new perspective on life.
Victoria's Secret hired me just before Thanksgiving and, despite my excitement toward working again, I hadn't really a clue about what was in store for me. One might expect that a female-dominated work environment would lead to cattiness and backstabbing, but that couldn't be further from what I've experienced. I certainly cannot say that all stores cultivate a similar environment; however, our store does set the bar higher for all the rest.
I really want to chronicle the happenings in my work life at this point because I deeply feel that the stigma towards jobs in retail still exist. Whether we want to believe it or not, it's quietly cultivated and bred into the upcoming youth that these jobs don't cut it. Truthfully, it boils down to how you choose to look at it.
My mother always told me that every job has valuable skills to teach you. She also emphasized the importance of gaining work experience and the power that my personal connections will have on my future. I'm not just talking about corporate networking skills, but our everyday approach to life. How do we see the world upon waking up in the morning? How do we deal with anger, and sadness, and loss?
These are much bigger questions that we need to learn to ask ourselves from time to time. Questions that I don't think are being asked by most, subsequently postponing the need for a life crisis. I've already had a few mini crises and I'd prefer not to have anymore. So, here we go...
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