Today was the much anticipated mother-daughter day out, inclusive of tea and bra fittings at Intimacy. I am SO impressed and will be going there from now on for all my bra needs.
Despite being professionally fitted, both mom and I were in the wrong size. Mom was wearing a 36 and needed a 34. I thought I was a 32 and actually ended up being a 30. In fact they thought I might need to go even smaller, to a 29, but 32 is the smallest size they had on hand so I'm having them altered (for free!) to a 30 first. If they are still too big, they'll take them down to a 29. So my "true" size is actually a 30G rather than a 32F. They said 30G's do exist but they only opened 2 weeks ago so they don't have the full range of sizes and stock available yet. They also told me that the reason my straps kept falling off was because the band was too big. When they take in the band, the straps will come closer together.
They brought me back at least 20 different bras to try and made a "good" and "bad" pile. I almost fainted when I saw some of the prices (upwards of $150), but I didn't want to leave anything off the table--after all, I can always look them up online and keep them in mind for when I *do* have the $$$ one day. The fit and quality of these super high end bras were utterly amazing. I used to think Chantelle was at the higher end of the spectrum (at $70-$100), but it was one of their less expensive brands. Lucky for me one of my best fitting bras was only $58. The brand is Passionata and is produced by Chantelle, in case anyone is wondering.
In the end I only bought 2 bras because I might drop a few pounds now that I'm more active again, and I also went off the pill so there is a good chance I'll be going down a cup size.
The alterations were all free, and they offer free alterations for the life of the bra. So if the cups still fit after a year but the band is loose on the smallest hook, or the straps are loose, they can later them back down. According to them, the bras they carry should last three years when laundered properly (using a gentle/organic detergent and a handwash setting), so the cost-to-wear ratio is virtually nothing. If I had $200, I would have bought an amazing Lise Charmel bra, which was hands-down the best fit on me. It would be money well spent. But, it is what it is. I'm happy with the styles I got. Unfortunately the seamstress is on vacation until January, so I probably will have to wear my ill-fitting bras for a couple of weeks more...but this is the first time I ever felt excited about getting bras. Go figure.
Anyway, I just wanted to write this up in case the information might help anyone here. They're opening new stores all the time so if there isn't one in your city now, it's worth checking periodically.
