I'm so passionate about having a good bra that I'm chiming in again with a couple of suggestions.
First, you can get a good (or bad) fitting anywhere, but, on the whole, I'd tend to favor a specialty shop with a wide selection of styles and sizes, or one that specializes in fitting larger (or smaller) sizes, depending on your needs. Although I've never tried Nordstrom's, I'd image that, because of their generous return policy, they might also be a good option.
Second, take the time to understand how a bra ought to fit and what might be your particular areas of concern. There is a lot of good information on the web, but I'd start with Maya's thread on this forum from a few years back:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-thread
Take a look at some of the pictures in the fitting section of some of the online sites such as Fig Leaves to get familiar with how things ought to look before you actually go for your fitting. That way you can ask intelligent questions, and, if you don't like the answers, you can always opt to leave without actually buying an expensive bra that you aren't sure fits properly.
Third, be prepared to spend between $50-$100 for a well-designed bra the first time. Once you realize that a well-constructed bra can have up to 50 different components, the cost doesn't seem that unreasonable. Cheap bras use a generic molded cup, thin underwires, and flimsy fabrics. After you find your size and know your preferences, you can order many styles online for much less money. If you care for the bra properly, it can last you for several years, so the investment is well worth it.
Fourth, don't get hung up on size. You might be surprised at the variety of cup sizes that a fitter will get you to try on. And, if you've always thought of yourself as a C cup, putting on a DD, F, or even G cup will seem crazy. But remember that you are dealing with a three-dimensional body; going down a band size means that the corresponding cup size will have to increase to accommodate the breast tissue that will be re-positioned. Generally, go for the tightest band (on the outermost set of hooks) that still feels comfortable. Bands will stretch over time, so the additional hooks let you tighten the band so the bra will continue to fit properly for several years.
Finally, don't get too fixated on a certain type of bra as being the "best". For example, some women refuse to consider an underwire because they think they are uncomfortable; in reality, unless you are very small, a well-fitted underwire is the bra of choice for most women. The same goes for seamed vs. molded; after owning seamed bras (which are invisible under 98% of my clothing), I'd never buy another molded cup. And, while a plain, nude bra is fine, don't discount the pleasure of owning a lacy, colorful bra that perks up your spirits whenever you put it on.
