New for Spring: Adhesive Prosthetic Kit, Spring Colours, Natural Options

The Amoena Contact Multi is a new innovation for women who want the flexibility of wearing a breast form (prosthesis) directly against the skin, for example if you’re wearing a lower-cut or strapless dress.

With this kit, women can get more use and flexibility out of their breast form, such as the temperature-regulating Natura Cosmetic Breast Form. Instead of inserting the breast form into the pocket of a bra, this adheres to the skin and can then come off and be fitted back into your bra.

This kind of innovation parallels the amazing advances we’ve seen in the medical field, where cancers that were once fatal now have many survivors.

Here are two other changes we can look forward to for spring:

Embracing spring colours

Spring has definitely sprung here at Brabary, where we’re seeing exciting new colour palettes from our wonderful suppliers. Isn’t it great to go beyond black, white and beige into the colours of the season? Come and check out the stunning and vibrant Passion Orange, and the calming and serene Ocean Blue, just to name a few.

Eliminating harmful chemicals

Today more and more people are sensitive to chemicals and looking for healthy options for cleaning products and makeup. Helpful resources include the Queen of Green blog from the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Skin Deep database from the Environmental Working Group.

Already free of any harmful chemicals, we were excited to learn that Forever New will soon be launching an fragrance-free lingerie detergent for those with sensitivities to scent.

It’s Reading Week

University students across Canada are gearing up for Reading Week. Last year the Dal News (our daughter attends Dalhousie University) put out this list of Top 10 Ways to Spend Reading Week.

Of all those options, we’re glad our daughter will be spending her week at home in Barrie. Here are some of the things we’re thinking about as we prepare for her visit:

Activities

There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Barrie in the wintertime. I would also love to skate or walk along the Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park.

Meals

I know one of the things my daughter is looking forward to is homemade meals. If Thanksgiving and Christmas are any indication, we’d better loosen our belts because we’ll be indulging in all her favourites.

Family dynamics

There is always an adjustment when someone has been away and returns. She’s bound to get more of our attention, and that won’t go unnoticed by our other children.

And as independent as our kids get when they’re living on their own, back at home they tend to jump right back into the habit of letting Mom do everything for them again. It’s only natural, and can happen when we return home no matter how old we are.

Shopping

Our daughter is in residence so she may not need the same type of care package as someone living on their own. Plus there is only so much she can pack into her luggage for the flight home.

Still, I’m sure her wardrobe will need some replenishing (starting with the bras, of course), and let’s think ahead to spring and warmer weather!

Studying

It’s called Reading Week for a reason, and I’m sure my daughter will have assignments and studying to do. It may be hard to remember that our kids have been developing their own independent study skills at university, and we should encourage that rather than swoop in again like when they were in high school.

Friends

We have to accept that we’re not the only ones our daughter wants to spend time with while she’s here. And it’s not just about sharing her time, I’m also going to have to share my car!

Thinking ahead

Reading Week is a prime time to secure a summer job for when the school year ends in April. In fact, a lot of summer jobs like camps have been hiring already and may even have closed their applications by now.

They’ll be a lot of competition on the job trail. Students can start with a basic web search (“My town + jobs”), and then branch out from there.

Brabary and other local stores often hire summer help because their regular staff want to take time off.

For some students, this is also time to confirm accommodations for next year, if they haven’t already.

Do you have a child coming home for Reading Week? What’s it going to be like at your house?

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.

How to Choose a Sports Bra

Now that spring is here and people are getting back outdoors and into warm weather sports, it’s time to look at how your bra is supporting those activities. Did you know that each and every time you bounce during strenuous physical activity, you stretch your breast tissue and cause irreparable damage?

A proper sports bra will not only protect you and keep you comfortable during exercise, it’s also another fashion item that matches the gorgeous colour trends of the season. If you’re comfortable, sports bras can be worn as a single top alone, you don’t necessarily need a tank top over them.

There are different styles of sports bras, with some that look very much like a regular bra, and others that come in the racer back style. While a racer back bra doesn’t have shoulder straps that can slip down on you while you’re working out, they do tend to put more pressure on your upper shoulders and neck. Keep that in mind while you’re choosing the best bra for your needs.

An expert fitting will help you determine your own personal preference for style and fit. Beware of the myth that a sports bra should tightly bind your breasts to keep them stable while exercising. Your bra should never compress the breast tissue, but should support it. Wearing two bras, or a bra that is too tight, will do far more harm than good, blocking circulation of the breast tissue.

Sports bras use highly technical fabrics that wick away moisture as you’re working out and sweating, so you don’t have to worry about being in a wet bra or having sore, chafed, red skin.

Depending on your favourite forms of exercise, you can choose sports bras with different levels of support. Look for numbers or descriptions such as 1/minimum support (e.g., for yoga) up to 4/maximum support (e.g., for running or aerobics). 

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.

Choosing and Caring for Your Sleep Wardrobe

When it comes to getting a great night’s sleep, one of the most important factors is the clothing you wear to bed. There are many options from which to choose, and we have done our best to cover a few of the most popular options here. Read on to discover our thoughts on the perfect sleep wardrobe.

The right fabric for a great night’s sleep

Pyjamas come in almost every fibre. One of the most popular choices is flannel. Usually made out of 100% cotton, flannel can be purchased at many different price points based on the fibre quality. Other great options for sleepwear include:

• Silk (feels very soft and comfortable against the skin)
• Microfibre (excellent for wicking moisture away from the skin)
• Cotton (soft on delicate skin)

Whichever fabric you choose for your pyjamas, be sure to avoid polyester and other synthetic fibres. They can hinder the body’s process of expelling toxins, something that happens predominantly during restorative sleep. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the seaming. Many women find cheap seams to be bulky and irritating on the skin.

Loose-fitting night clothes will promote optimal circulation. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night feeling constrained.

Skip the foundations or try a sleep bra

Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing undergarments to bed in order to encourage air flow over the body. If you cannot imagine sleeping without them, stick to natural fibres only. Additionally, women who need a little extra support at night may enjoy a sleep bra. Made of microfibre and elastic, this stretchy and supportive garment keeps breasts in place without being too confining.

Care for your sleepwear

Just as it is crucial to wash your bras and swimwear regularly, your sleepwear and bedding needs the same care and attention. Especially when you consider that the average person produces about 1/2 a pint of perspiration each and every night (according to Melissa Maker of Clean My Space). Be sure to keep plenty of sheets, pillowcases and sleepwear on hand so that you can change and wash them frequently.

Ultimately, whatever you wear to bed should comfortable and should keep your temperature regulated appropriately – not too warm and not too cool. Happy sleeping!

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 sleepwear.