We’re 10 years old in April!

We’ve seen many changes over these 10 years, including a move seven years ago. We’ve always been thrilled with our current location, with its ample free parking and fantastic neighbours.

Recently we did some renovations to address comments and requests from customers. They liked the size of the store and the amount of stock we can provide, but they (and we) wanted a more intimate setting. One of the things we did was change the lighting to be more welcoming and calming. You can read more of our renovation story in this earlier post.

Our industry has grown and changed a lot over these 10 years, with innovations in technology, research and development by our manufacturers. When we started, a molded cup bra never went above a D cup; now we can get up to an H cup. Even seamless, non-molded bras now go up to a well-fitting G cup. You can even get a really good fitting G or H cup in a strapless bra. It’s tremendous how far they’ve come.

As the industry has changed in what it offers, we’ve expanded our inventory as well. We wanted to get our feet firmly planted before expanding into swimwear and hosiery, and especially before starting to help women with prosthetics, from pre-surgery considerations to getting fitted for prostheses.

In talking to clients about what they wanted in bras and hosiery, we brought in great luxurious Italian brands like Trasparenze and the simple elegance of Phillipe Matignon. This range of mid- to high-end products is unique in Barrie.

Quality is important to us; we don’t do anything halfway. As we’ve expanded our product lines, we’ve taken our time to research the products we feel would be good for our clientele. We continue to listen to our customers and bring in products based on their needs.

This commitment to customer service has been recognized by our community as well. We are honoured to be the recipients of the Bell Business Retail Excellence Award from Barrie Chamber of Commerce in 2008, and the Businesswoman of the Year from Barrie Examiner in 2013.

We support our community in numerous ways, by dedicating time to several charities, as well as donating resources for fundraising. Some of these are listed on our Community page, and others we’ve written about on the blog, like the Barrie Toy Tea, 100 Who Care, and the NSMHPCM Palliative Care Conference.

Our caring staff has grown with us - always eager to learn about new products and finding the perfect fit for you.

Thank you for joining us for this trip down memory lane, and thank you for your continued support. We look forward to the next 10 years with you!

Preparing Your Children for University or College

Having recently gone through the process of preparing a child for university out of province, we were reflecting on how much was involved, and what tools were most helpful for getting it all done.

Most universities offer in-depth guidelines for students moving into residence, and their parents who are helping them prepare. They provide things like moving lists, residence room layouts and dimensions, photos and videos. We relied heavily on the Dalhousie Residence site.

We knew it was important to get a hold of as much of the bedding and kitchenware items as we could ahead of time, since the few days at the beginning of school would be such a madhouse in the stores around campus.

We took advantage of stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, who will ship right to a university residence or a local store so items are there when the student arrives.

If your child is travelling a farther distance, you definitely have to be more organized, even thinking as far ahead as the winter months. Do you pack their winter clothes? Ship them later? Will they be home for a visit in between?

Undergarment essentials include lots of socks and underwear (Hanky Panky for the girls, Saxx for the guys) so they don’t have to do as much laundry. Also be sure girls have enough sports bras to stay active and avoid the “freshman 15.”

What are your best tips for having a child away at university or college?

Lingerie Tips for Bridesmaids and Mothers of the Bride

While bridal dresses may have a built-in corset, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride usually need to take care of that foundation separately.

After all, you’re going to be in many of the wedding photos, and also want to make the best impression in those important mementos. With the investment you’ve already made on the dress, shoes, hair, accessories and more, don’t neglect the essential ingredient of an attractive and comfortable wedding day outfit.

Without proper-fitting lingerie, mothers of the bride and bridesmaids may not feel or look your best, constantly adjusting or pulling at straps or waistlines, instead of focusing on the precious occasion.

Depending on your outfit, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride may need:

• Strapless bra
• Halter bra - if the front of your dress comes down lower, you can try a transferable bra that can either go across the back or be worn like a regular bra
• Control wear for nice smooth lines

Tips for buying lingerie for a special occasion:

• Plan ahead and shop early (some items and sizes may need to be special ordered)
• Bring the dress or a photo of you wearing the dress
• Have a professional fitting - you'll be amazed the difference it makes and once you have a proper fitting bra you'll want to wear it every day

Fun Ideas for Bridal Showers

Are you planning a bridal shower this summer? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Boasting a beautiful waterfront, Barrie would be the perfect place for a bridal shower on the beach (check out these décor ideas). Set up manicure and pedicure stations for the ultimate pampering experience for the bride and her guests.

Match the shower theme to the bride’s interests, whether that means starting with a round of golf or a DIY craft activity. Then move on to refreshments, gifts and party games.

Purse bingo is perfect as an icebreaker for groups where not everyone knows each other. Make up some bingo cards with common (and not so common) items, and call out one at a time. The catch is you have to find someone else who has the item in their purse – it can’t be in your own purse. When you find someone with the item, circle the item on your card, until someone fills up a row and calls “Bingo!”

A lingerie store is a fun and unique setting for a bridal shower. Guests can bring cash instead of gifts, and the bride creates a wish list of lingerie items to spend her gift dollars. All guests can have a personal fitting to see and feel the latest products on the market. If guests do choose to purchase anything, some stores like Brabary apply a portion of that amount towards the bride’s purchase.

Wherever your bridal shower is located, the one-size-fits-all Hanky Panky thongs make a fabulous gift. You can even throw in a pair of Saxx for the groom.

Unique North American Lingerie and Sleepwear

In many communities around North America, there is a movement going on to encourage consumers to shop locally. The benefits are that the money you spend is reinvested back into the community, and it helps local shop owners thrive and give back.

At Brabary, we’ve extended the Shop Local movement with a quest to source as many North American-made products as we can, so when you’re supporting us as a local business you’re also supporting other businesses committed to local manufacturing and staffing.

It’s no longer necessary to go to Europe for unique, high-end luxury lingerie and sleepwear (though they do still tend to be ahead of us when it comes to bras and getting a true fit).

While our last post featured one Canadian-made brand of swimwear and resort wear (SHAN), today we’ll share a variety of North American vendors we’re proud to feature in our store.

ARIANNE was founded in 1947 in Quebec and makes tops, camisoles, loungewear, lingerie and sleepwear.

Christine, created by designer Christine Morton, was the first line of silk lingerie designed and manufactured in Canada (Vancouver, BC). Customers include Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diana Krall, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Mary Green (San Francisco, California) – Called "a visionary of ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship," Mary Green's sleepwear is made from the finest Chinese silk and has been featured in all the top fashion magazines.

Saxx (Vancouver, BC) – Men’s underwear line created out of a frustration with men’s underwear that was not designed for how men are actually built.

Forever New – Finally, to care for all of these delicate products, there is the Toronto-based company The Forever Group, makers of eco-friendly gentle laundry soap Forever New as well as other laundry accessories. Visit their site for cleaning tips.

New Year? New thinking!

“I’d rather have a birthday party than a funeral!” – M., an 82-year-old woman with a remarkable outlook on life.

It’s the New Year and time for a new you. Forget about resolutions and concentrate on doing things to help you feel better about you.

Exercise – Yes, we live in a cold climate, but you can still commit to getting fresh air every day, getting out for a walk, and getting moving. (If you have a dog to walk, you’re ahead of the game!)

Eating healthy, whole foods – Walk around the perimeter of the grocery store and fill your cart with fresh foods, rather than the middle aisles of packaged, processed foods.

Rethink that drink – Assess if you’re happy and comfortable with the amount of alcohol you’re drinking. How is your body coping with what you’re putting into it? What do you need more or less of?

Change it up – There is always a new fitness trend to try. While it’s great to have a routine that keeps you disciplined, it’s also good to throw something different in there. Otherwise your body gets so used to what it’s doing that it’s not as effective. Plus you can get bored and lose enthusiasm. Reenergize yourself!

Go vogue – Try a different hair do or makeup regimen. Sit yourself down at a makeup counter and ask for a new look.

Wardrobe refresh – If healthier eating and a recharged fitness routine help you to lose weight or tighten up, get your bra size reassessed. Even a small change in weight – in either direction – can impact how your bras look and feel.

Be sure to always wear clothes that feel and look good for the shape you are now. If you feel good, you look good, and you can move through your life with confidence.  

A Handy Checklist Twenty-Five Things For Your Next Trip

Visiting different places around the world can be a great source of pleasure, but getting there can be a source of stress, especially if you’re worried about what you might have forgotten to pack!

Here is a checklist we’ve put together of important things to remember for your next trip:

1. Enough underwear for everyday, unless you’ll have laundry facilities
2. Swimwear – check that it still fits, and that it’s weathered the summer
3. Special occasion bras for evening events
4. Everyday bras
5. Forever New powder – you can use this for both swimwear and lingerie
6. Shapewear for special outfits
7. Hosiery for special outfits – choose the right weight for the climate
8. Sunscreen – it will be more expensive to buy it there (just remember to pack it in your suitcase because of liquid restrictions)
9. Sun hat
10. Beach bag – there are handy mesh bags that fold up nice and small
11. Insulated travel mug to keep your drinks cool while you’re poolside
12. Flip flops
13. After-sun lotion
14. Nail polish in the same colour you’re wearing, for touch-ups
15. E-reader – tip: download your books in case there’s no Wi-Fi
16. E-reader screen for reading in the sun
17. Comfortable running/walking shoes
18. Workout wear so you can enjoy the buffet and still feel good in your bathing suit
19. Extra cell phone coverage for your destination country, or walkie-talkies to stay in touch
20. Valid passport (worth checking before you get to the airport!)
21. Money in the currency where you’re traveling (hint: consider opening a $USD account if you travel often)
22. Small bills for tipping
23. Canada-themed gifts for resort or hotel staff
24. Sleepwear – choose the right weight for your location
25. Coverups or wraps – tip: looks for versatile items that work both in daytime and evening

What would you add to this list? What are your must-haves for travel? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever forgotten to pack?

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting bra.

Register for Stress-Free Gifts This Holiday Season

Gift certificates have become a popular alternative for gifts in all seasons, but on Christmas Day, it’s nice to have something to unwrap. More and more women are taking advantage of gift registries – they’re not just for brides anymore!

There are online gift registries, and check your favourite stores to see if they have a registry program. You may think it will take out the element of surprise, but not if you go to different stores and pick out a variety of things.

By registering for gifts you’re taking the stress away for the gift giver. For yourself, you make sure to avoid the stress of taking things back if they weren’t the right size or style for you. Plus, some things like hosiery can’t be taken back so you would be left with something you can’t use.

Everyone wants to stretch their dollars further, and no one wants to see their money wasted. Pre-registering for gifts you really want help the gift giver choose something that fits their budget, and ensures their money will be well spent.

So enjoy a fun day of shopping, try things on and get expert help to find the perfect fit and register for your favourites. The gift giver can feel confident in their choice, and just enjoy making you happy. You can take pleasure in the beautiful items you’ve selected, and everyone can focus on enjoying the holidays stress-free.

Have you ever registered for gifts? How did it work for you? Have you ever shopped for someone else using a gift registry, and how was that different from doing it on your own?

You don't need to go to Toronto to experience the selection of a world-class boutique – it’s now available right here in Barrie at Brabary. Come in and register today!

Are Your Undergarments Ready for the Holidays?

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes a whole lineup of festive parties as well as many occasions to don evening wear. Everyone wants to look – and feel – their best during the holiday party season, and wearing the right foundation can help achieve that goal. With proper undergarments, your posture improves, your figure looks more toned and tightened and you carry yourself with confidence.

Bras and slimmers

Two of the most important foundation garments for the holiday season are the bra and the slimmer. We have a previous post that will help as you search for your perfect bra, and here are some other points to remember:

• Do not wear light coloured undergarments under dark dresses and outfits. If a photograph is taken of you, the light colour will show through.
•  If you are large busted, you can still wear a strapless bra! In fact, many strapless bras now come in up to H-cup sizes. These bras are comfortable and will stay up all night.
• Do not try to wear an all-in-one slimmer. Instead, wear a well-fitting bra with an additional slimmer garment. You do not want to run the risk that your slimmer will draw your breasts downward. (For more tips on finding the perfect shapewear for any special occasion, check out this post.)

Hosiery

Hosiery is another great way to make a statement this holiday season. A festive pair of hosiery is a wonderful way to get yourself in the party mood. You can try a pair of fishnets for a more daring look, or a pair with a contrasting back seam for a timeless style that will lengthen the look of your legs. For an even more festive look, consider a pair with rhinestone embellishments.

The holiday season has many opportunities to get dressed up and celebrate with friends and family. In the right foundation garments, including bras, slimmers and hosiery, you will look and feel your best.

If you would like additional information on finding the perfect bra for special occasions, check out this post: “Special Bras for Special Occasions.”

Hosiery Inventory

As the weather becomes cooler, it’s time for an inventory check on your hosiery. You want to ensure that you have all the essentials for the season, and also see how your collection is holding up to wear and tear.

Socks for every season

Socks are a crucial wardrobe item. Warmer weight socks are especially necessary in the winter, even for casual shoes. Many women prefer the comfort of wool, which can be just as sleek as cotton, depending on weight. Silk or nylon can add variety for different occasions. Winter sports may also require special socks. Just be sure your sock choices do not cause any negative skin reactions, and check the label if you have any fabric allergies.

Damaged hosiery

As winter approaches, look over your hose and socks so you can replace any damaged ones. Inspect your hose for holes, pulls and tears – these can make a negative impression and make you look sloppy. That’s why we recommend that you always do a 360-degree turn in the mirror before you leave the house.

Check for socks with loose elastic, or hosiery that’s lost its sheen or gotten too thin. To protect your hosiery from drawer damage, store it in a netted bag to reduce the chance of catching.

Dress up the basics

Is this fall kicking off a new career or school year for you? You might want some new socks, pantyhose, leggings or other varieties. You can’t go wrong with two pairs of good, everyday black tights and two pairs of fancier ones. It is also a good idea to keep two pairs of solid-coloured tights in your favourite shade. Consider your closet’s colour palette as well. Are your outfits more neutral, or do they tend to be brighter?

Fashion hosiery can dress up a simpler outfit. Fancy knee-socks or nylons will do the same for heels or penny loafers, showing a flash of style when you cross your legs.

Flattering your shape

Every body type can benefit from confidence-boosting patterns. Geometric patterns are slimming for larger legs, while floral or box-like patterns can help fill out thinner or longer legs. Shorter legs benefit from vertical lines.

This fall is an excellent time to inventory your hosiery. Once you’ve covered the basics, consider a few of these unique items to dress up your collection.

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting bra and hosiery.

Hosiery Choices for Fall

As we progress further into fall, it is time to think about the best hosiery choices for the season. With changing weather, many women believe they need to sacrifice form for function in their hosiery. This is simply not the case. Warmth and comfort can come with elegance. Here are some of the options you have to choose from when planning your fall outfits:

• Denier. Denier is the measure of thickness and weight, affecting the hosiery’s style, warmth and appearance. Summer weight is 8 denier, while winter hosiery can go beyond 100 denier. For fall we recommend a denier of 20, still sheer but with a nice weight for cooler evenings.

• Fabric type. There are many options for fabric this fall and winter, from classic nylon to cozy wool or cotton, or the elegance of silk or cashmere. Additionally, many hosiery lines also have very fashionable leggings this fall. 

• Rise. Low-rise Vita Bassa hosiery is an optimum choice for women who wear lower rise pants or skirts, perfect for women sensitive to fabrics like wool who need a full hose rather a trouser sock. Other rise options include stockings or stay-ups – distinct from stockings because they do not require garter belts to keep them in place.

• Shapewear. For a smoother appearance, many hosiery options this fall have shapewear incorporated into the hose themselves. These are an excellent choice for women who want a sleeker look under dresses. Many hosiery varieties also include gussets, so you can skip the underwear.

Colour. Black and grey are the in-season colours this fall, but there are also a number of browns and Bordeaux styles.

As always, it is important to care for your hosiery. Remove your jewelry and wear gloves to avoid tearing your hosiery on fingernails. Forever New Fabric Care Wash is available to safely clean lingerie, hosiery, silks, wool knits and other delicates, allowing your fine fall garments to look great all season long.

You don't need to go to Toronto to experience the selection of a world-class boutique – it’s now available right here in Barrie at Brabary.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

If the nightly news is to be trusted, we all need to be getting better sleep at night.

Unfortunately, the pressures of the modern world make it very difficult for many women to get the kind of sleep they need to function optimally. Here is a list of easy tips and tricks to help you sleep better tonight.

• Make sure that your mattress has adequate support and be sure to flip it regularly to prolong its life span.
• Wear something comfortable to bed every night. Everyone’s tastes are different; many women enjoy flannelette pyjamas – they feel like a hug, while others prefer technical fabrics that can wick away moisture while you slumber.
• Get into the habit of allowing yourself to relax entirely before bed. Limit your use of electronics in the hour before bedtime and try a yoga pose such as laying down with your feet against the wall. You may also want to practise a few deep breathing exercises: focus on your breaths while thinking “positive in, negative out.”
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach. The unnecessary pressure can cause your breast tissue to tear and stretch, a negative condition that is irreparable. Furthermore, according to Dr. Andrea Ryan of Anderson Chiropractic Group in Barrie, “By sleeping on your stomach, you force yourself to turn your neck and create undue postural stress on your nervous system. Sleeping on your back is optimal as it maintains the most neutral position for your body.”

Ultimately, getting better sleep at night comes down to practising a regular and healthy sleep routine. Commit to taking the time you need to unwind each night before bed: take a bath, light some candles, unplug from the world and get the best night’s sleep of your life.

Brabary is located at 12 Commerce Park Drive in the south end of Barrie, featuring specialty sizing bras, custom bras, fine lingerie, swimwear, wedding day trousseau, sports bras, hosiery, maternity bras and breast prosthesis offered in a broad range of quality brand names. We look forward to helping you.

How to Keep a Special Dress in Place With Tape and Glue

It’s like our mothers always said: “Women are all smoke and mirrors.”  The good news is that the modern versions of smoke and mirrors are, in a word, fabulous. If you have a special dress for an upcoming occasion, we guarantee that you can make it work with the right touches of tape and glue.

The truth about tape

Many women use body tape exclusively (if they choose to use any kind of adhesive). While tape can do the trick on many occasions, it may not work with those dresses that drape the body J-Lo-style.

When you bend forward in these dresses, that fabric is going to follow gravity’s pull, leaving you exposed. Sometimes tape just isn’t strong or reliable enough to handle this kind of situation. That’s when you may need glue.

Tips for fabric body glue

For some situations glue is an alternative to tape. Here are some things to keep in mind:

            •            Apply body glue to clean, dry skin.

            •            If using a non-traditional body glue, test it on a piece of fabric to make sure it    

                         will wash out.

            •            Make sure body glue won’t inhibit you from making any natural movements.

            •            Always carry backup in your purse. Bring along some body tape, too. You 

                          never know, right?

Have questions about using body tape or body glue with your special dress? Bring in your outfit for a consultation with one of our lingerie specialists!

Special Bras for Special Occasions

Your daughter’s wedding, your best friend’s 30^th birthday, the corporate party where you’ll give a toast, whatever it may be, the day is quickly arriving, and you’ve already purchased the perfect dress for the special occasion – but what about a bra?

Special dresses and special occasions usually call for a special bra to complete the look. Depending on your dress and body type, you may need a strapless bra or a transferable plunge bra. How do you choose? What are the options?

Cup size doesn’t matter

It may come as a surprise to most women with larger cup sizes, but today’s strapless bras are available up to an “H” cup size. And – believe it or not – they actually have really great support that doesn’t compress your breasts. This support is provided by a higher level of underwire (the “gore” part of the bra that connects the cups in the front).

Transferable bra options

Transferable bras tend to have a lower gore and more of a plunge style, which gives more cleavage but less support. To get that full look without losing support, try putting “cookies” in your bra, which fit under your breasts and push them up (instead of adding volume).

Transferable bras are suitable for dresses with halter straps. They can also work for racerback dresses: cross the bra at the back instead of wrapping the straps around the neck like a halter. You can also use a a product called the “Hide-a-Strap,” which connects to your regular bra, allowing you to cross the straps in a racerback style.

For a one-shoulder dress, opt for a strapless bra or transferable bra.

Of course, the best way to choose a bra for your special occasion is to bring the dress in for a personal fitting with a lingerie specialist.

Brabary has a full range of specialty bra, so you'll feel and look your best for that festive occasion. We look forward to helping you. 

How to Look Your Best Under Your Best Dress: Shapewear for Special Occasions

Some say it started with the flappers. Others blame James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause. Whatever the cause, dresses are continuing to get tighter and shorter, making it more challenging than ever to hide all our bumps. The solution? Choosing the right shapewear.

Today’s shapewear comes in just about every variety: high-waisted thongs and briefs, bike short styles, long-legged slimmers that include the bottom of your thigh, and designs that start just above the knee and slip all the way up to the bottom of your bra. We’re just getting started. These days, there’s shapewear for just about every imaginable outfit and occasion!

Here are two important tips to consider when choosing your shapewear:

            •            Avoid body suits that go on top of your bra. These tend to compress your breasts and draw them down. Opt for a new design that sits just underneath the bra, providing better support.

            •            You don’t want to go too tight with your shapewear. Remember – those bumps need to come out somewhere! The fit should be tight enough to smooth out your figure, but still comfortable enough to last through the evening.

For the best fit, bring your outfit to the store for a personal fitting with a lingerie specialist. You’ll feel fabulous in your dress and enjoy the evening more when you’re confident that everything is in the right spot.

Brabary has a full range of shapewear - we look forward to helping you 'shape up'.