5 Essential Bra Styles!

For most of us, bras not only help to prevent sagging as we age, they also prevent various neck and back problems, especially if you have bigger breasts. 

We enjoy different fashions and activities, and need different styles of bras to provide a better fit which plays a key role in enhancing the look of your tops, shirts, and dresses. The right bra will make your older clothes hang better, let you appear like you've lost weight, and boost your confidence.

These essential styles will round out your wardrobe.

1. a nude ... a bra that matches your skin tone — from delicate lace, smooth fabric, or full-coverage cups, and the straps will almost disappear too. If you love lighwieght t-shirts, cups molded out of thin foam which eliminate nipple show-through, come in styles from light spacer fabric to memory foam. 

2. a black bra ... an absolute staple - this colour works under anything dark and and saves your nude bra from getting discoloured. Coverage varies from balconette to full cup, and fabric options start with lace, to half lined or fully lined. For others a black t-shirt bra is first on the list.

3. a relaxation bra ... if you’re hanging around the house, traveling, or running errands, find a comfy bra to lend just enough support on easy days. Think wire-free styles in super-soft fabrics, bralette styles, and tank-top cuts. For larger busted women, this bra style is also recommended as a sleep bra for better muscle health.

4. simply beautiful ... a pieced bra will always be the most supportive bra in your collection. Delicate lace and flat seams are perfectly placed to lift and support "the girls" creating a shape that balances you. Want to look like you just lost 10 lbs? switch from a minimizer that compresses breast tissue to a lace bra, and know that even under a sweatshirt you are looking beautiful.

5. a sport bra ... even when you don't participate in in high impact sports, your yoga class, backyard gardening or riding lesson requires extra support. Breasts are supported by the non-elastic Cooper's ligaments - sport bras stop unwanted bounce which breaks these ligaments down and causes permanent sagging. 

Whether you're an A or a K, they're non-negotiable for all bust sizes.

Why do you need more than one bra? 

You've invested in a great bra - and you want it to last! Even if you are not sweating, body heat wears down your bra fibres. Rotate your bras, so the cups and straps can relax, keeping their shape and elasticity. Wash after 2 or 3 wears: fasten clips, use a laundry bag, hand wash or use gentle cycle on cold, air dry only, and store flat (twisting your favourite t-shirt bra with one cup inside the other will break down the fabrics).

Revive your Spirit in Bold Choices for 2023

  From Leatrice Eiseman (Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute) we learn the 2023 Colour of the Year is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

 Our New Years wish for you is to be inspired by Viva Magenta - galvanize your spirit, build your inner strength. and create a strong year for yourself.

 From fashion to home decor you will be able to surround yourself with reminders to grow your spirit this year.

And a bold beginning will be followed by strong colour choices for Spring 2023, balanced by ultra-calm tints and tones from New York Fashion Week.

Mix between colors you may already have in your wardrobe (like a soft blue) and bold juicy colours - 

Fiery Red, Beetroot Purple or an orange shade as vibrant as a juicy Tangelo or a sunflower-reminiscent shade of Empire Yellow.

Play with color to suit your individual taste, wear it head to toe, or just add a hint as your favorite accessory. 

If these bold choices make you nervous, add the very classic colours to update your closet. After the nature inspired blues, look to -

Vanilla Cream, Grey Lilac or Macchiato to add balance. They are soft shades that are lively enough to bring a smile this spring.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Exchange Ideas for 2022

 'Tis the Season - share some happiness with those you love - little gifts of thanks or fabulous stocking stuffers! We've collected stocking stuffers for every budget ...

Keep it Under $30

Protect your kisser for just $5, or pamper your hair and skin. SunBum is a naturally sourced line of sun protection skin care, full selection in the boutique for stocking stuffers, and select items online.

online shopping

 

 

Gift Ideas Under $50

Keep it cozy outside too, with soft hats and scarves, add some gloves and sunshades for those sunny winter walks. Your inside events and visits with friends require a bit of bling to shine for the occasion.

Über-soft bamboo layers to keep everyone warm & cozy.

and for those you want to spoil ...

Recycled warmth for your favorite pooch, or Mangolian Cashmere for your fav people, don't forget to add a BrÜMate for your travels. When you want a more personal idea for the love of your life, we can help you find the perfect gift. It's a busy season for all, and you deserve some new lounge-wear for your downtime.

To make your gifting easier, watch for bonus bundles this year during our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.

2023 Cover-up Trends!

November marks the beginning of cruise and travel season for Canadians - we plan our escapes from winter to beach climates - sometimes just so that we can enjoy the snow on our return. Swimsuit cover-ups are an essential to pack, and picking one or two that double as clothing saves room in your carry on.

Both are easy to roll up and add to your carry-on bag, pick a print that will compliment at least two of your swimsuits for more styling options. Be sure to select a fabric that will drape well and breathe, open caftans are still trending over clothing in both short and maxi styles.

Just back from Punta Cana, and these are the second most popular styles we saw. Loose legs are never too warm, and can transition from beach coverup to a dinner basic very easily.

 

These classsics never go out of styles, and so are always stocked in a variety of fabrics, lengths and colours to be sure you can use them year after year. Happy packing!

Easy Fall Layers.

We all love fall sweater weather - not just because of the warm feeling from being hugged by soft fibres - but because we are constantly changing day to day as the temps quickly rise and fall! Fall leaves on the ground, earthy soups and stews, and spiced lattes - we are drawn out for the last adventure before winter.

Combine all that with a love of travel and you don't need to go far - roadtrips to see fall colours are always a favorite. 

Pack a bag, and take an unscheduled drive ... but what to pack???

• start with basics, tank top, shell, or t-shirt

• add leggings or jeans (whichever you're most comfortable in)

• comfortable walking shoes or boots

• an oversize knit moves with you while sitting at a bistro or walking along a forest trail, and allows air flow as the day gets warmer.

  The best part of layering for fall is shedding clothing if you get too warm. Stop for lunch or discover a small downtown, then on the road again to see what's around the corner.

 

Sometimes the weather forecast is wrong, and while you hoped for a warm afternoon, the temperatures are dropping but you don't want to miss a minute of the day.

Pack a few warmer pieces so you can still enjoy the day.

Vests come in varied materials and warmth levels, from cozy heavily woven fibres to windproof puff layers.

But a scarf is the most versatile accessory this season. A light fabric just slows the breeze around your neck and adds a change of colour to your favorite sweater. A knubby texture heavier scarf is a whole new layer to keep you warm, and quickly unwrapped when you step inside.

Off you go - enjoy this season to it's fullest! Need some inspiration, try one of these drives, maybe even stay overnight ...

Lennox and Adding County, South Eastern Ontario

Drive along the St.Lawrence Parkway 

Ottawa Area 

North Hastings driving and cycling routes.

The hills around Algonquin Park, driving, walking, or cycling.

Bay of Quinte Region

 

Favorite Sweater Colours Fall 2022

It would be much harder to give up the breezy fashions of summer if we didn't have a love for sweater weather to look forward to, so why not embrace some of these new earthy tones this season. Say hello to more is more texture, bold colour and elaborate accessories.

As noted by Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “As we move forward into an environment filled with contradiction, hues for Autumn/Winter 2022/2023 enable consumers to move fluidly between a range of contrasting shades, allowing them to spontaneously express who they are and how they feel on any given day.”

Fall Palette 2022 for sale online **

Embrace the varied shades this season by starting with the colours of falling leaves.

• Lava Falls, an impassioned orange red with a captivating presence.

• Cheerful Samoan Sun enlightens and illuminates.

• Gregarious Orange Tiger, a high vis orange with whimsicality.

Bold colours look fabulous with the right skin tone: Rose Violet, Amazon, Nosegay or Waterspout. Or save them for accessories.

Earthy tones become your new base, and work well layered head to toe as well.

• Caramel Café, a delicious brown hue that tastefully tempts.

• Midnight, a hypnotic deep blue evocative of the evening sky.

• Martini Olive, a fruit inspired green tone with a touch of brine.

  
  

The entire collection is rounded with wonderful neutrals that are anything but boring. From the softest Arctic Wolf or Autumn Blond, a solid navy Polar Night, to gentle hues Lodon Frost or Chiseled Stone.

Trends you will see include colour blocking (especially with bolder statement colours), fringes, wearing shades of the same colour head to toe (and yes that includes your shoes), denim, and leather is not just for belts this season ... dare to shop outside your comfort zone.

We are here to help your fashion adventure this fall. Looking towards the holiday season, expect to see metallic materials, sequins and sparkling embellishments.

** dress for sale here

Finding your Best Swim Bottom!

You're the most beautiful when you feel beautiful - so take these suggestions tongue in cheek, and wear whatever makes you happiest...

When you are wearing a bikini, tankini or onepiece, how a swimsuit leg cut is the most important consideration when looking for a flattering fit. Colours and patterns are second, but working towards a balanced look - for the top and bottom halves of the body to look proportioned, will always be the most flattering.

Best bottoms for an hourglass. This silhouette is naturally proportional and balanced.

• Your hips and shoulders are almost the same size.
• You have rounder or sloping shoulders.
• You have a clearly-defined waist.

Accentuate your clearly defined waist and great legs. Keep the style simple, from a skinny tie side to high cut leg, and in one-piece swimsuits try a wrapped  waist. The new belted bottoms will also look great. Keep colors similar across the bust and hips.

 

 Best bottom for a pear. With a clearly accentuated waist and a bust smaller than the hips, it's the second most common shape.

• Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
• You have round, sloping shoulders and a well-defined waist.
• Your buttocks and thighs are full and round.

Overall your swimsuit needs to add volume to your upper body while keeping the bikini bottom simple, and emphasize your waist (creating balance). Keep bottom colours darker than the top. Higher cut legs will divide the size across your hips, minimizing them.

Best bottoms for an apple or athletic build. The key is finding one that minimizes the attention to your tummy and hips.

• Hips and shoulders have the same width; waist is the same width or wider.
• Your lower legs and arms look slender.
• You might appear short-waisted.

Bottoms should be darker, try tummy-control, ruched, and high-waisted.  Alternately a slight scoop under your belly. Patterned, ruffled, or embellished tops draw the eye to your face, and empire waists are your friend. Retro swimsuits with dark bottoms, ties or ruching help define your waist.

Best bottom for a wedge shape. Find a flattering swimsuit that accentuates your waist and optically balances the top and bottom.

• You have strong and broad straight shoulders, wider than your waistline or hips.
• You have an athletic build and rather flat buttocks.
• You have an undefined waist.

To bring attention to small hips go for fuller coverage patterned bottoms, tulip-shaped skirts, or wide-leg swim shorts. Tie side bottoms with wider ties work well too. Lighter colours pull attention down, and balance with darker halter or triangle style tops. Tankini tops should flare over the hips.

sketches from Karen Cox/SheKnows. Look for more inspiration at 

https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1109215/body-shape-chart/