At long last I got a bit of time on my own in Toronto to do some bra shopping. I came away, not completely prepared and bought up, but satisfied and somewhat vindicated.

First, as I suspected, I was in the wrong band size. (The person who sized me in Kingston admitted as much when I returned after a few months to show her that the ones she had sold me were already very loose -- but that was the smallest band they'd stocked.)

Moreover, I was also in the wrong cup size. I'd assumed I would need to go up one cup size, but I actually needed to go up TWO cup sizes.

No wonder I was spilling out of my cups before and had "pillow boob."

Unfortunately, the store I went to did not have my size in a basic nude bra.

But they did have black. Plus I got a fun lacy one from a different maker, and a good black one from still another maker. And I now know a few types that work for me and can possibly order on line. All in all, I would say it was a success -- after months of waiting, failed online ordering attempts in the past, and various fiascos. So I'm happy!