Five Things You May Not Know About Sports Bras

After hitting a few bumps in my golf cart recently, I realized I’d forgotten the most essential piece of my golf wardrobe! Then, a friend confided that she was suffering from sore breasts after going out for a run – even though she was wearing two bras for extra support.

Let’s look at five things you may not know – but need to know – about sports bras:

1. Sports bras are recommended for all sports and warm weather activity, even low impact sports like golf. Some women wear older, worn-out bras for golfing because they don’t want to ruin their best bras, but you deserve better! Sports bras are made from moisture-wicking material that keeps you cool and comfortable.
2. Two regular bras do not equal one sports bra. Sports bras are not just for comfort. They are specially designed to support and protect your breasts. Because there are no muscles in the breast, each and every time you bounce during strenuous physical activity, you cause irreparable damage to your breast tissue.
3. Sports bras can have underwire. For women that need or want more separation between their breasts, underwire is an option. It’s really important to have a professional fitting, and you’ve really got to know your body. Underwire can be your best friend, but if your weight is fluctuating or you’re retaining water, it will be your worst enemy – pinching and pressing you, and even blocking your lymph nodes or milk ducts.
4. Sports bras can double as tops. With today’s new range of colours you can wear many sports bras as tops to change up your wardrobe.
5. Brabary carries sports bras! Because our name has become synonymous with luxury, comfort, and personal service, some people have been surprised to hear that we carry sports bras. We weren’t the first place they thought of for this essential part of their wardrobe.

For more information, see this earlier post about everything you need to know about choosing a sports bra.

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.

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!

Plan for Success With Your New Year’s Resolution

It’s a new year, is it time for a new you? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Do you ever wonder why they don’t seem to last? For most people, it’s because we fail to plan for how we’re going to achieve those goals (and sometimes the goals are too lofty to begin with).

Let’s take losing weight, by far the most common New Year’s Resolution. If you make a vague statement like, “I’m going to lose weight this year,” it’s much harder to take yourself seriously.

Instead, set a measurable goal for how much weight you want to lose, and by when. Create small milestones along the way, and reward yourself when you meet them. Make sure each target is realistic and achievable. You may want to capture your progress in photos (e.g., wearing the same outfit) to give yourself that visual encouragement.

Even though you may have an ideal weight in mind, when it comes to self-improvement there is no final destination; there are always opportunities to improve ourselves, and always a chance to try again. So don’t beat yourself up for not reaching some ideal – it’s a constantly ongoing process.

Some people set aside time each day for development – reading, learning a new language, staying current with the news, or improving a skill.

Clearing clutter can be a wonderful way to open up your life to new goals and habits. I just went through my own closet and got rid of anything that didn’t bring me joy. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in the last season, pass it on. Yes, even if it was a gift. Let someone else enjoy it – you will feel amazing.

Organizing can feel overwhelming, so just start small with one drawer or area, or just tackle your shoe collection. If you’re really feeling stuck, ask a friend to come over and help. The buddy system works wonders for all sorts of goals. If you’re both looking to get fit, you can meet for a walk at the waterfront, work out together at the gym, or take a healthy cooking class.

If you notice that you keep putting off your plans, shake things up and try something different. Not getting to yoga? Choose another class at another time. Not getting enough fruits and veggies? Experiment with new types of produce and browse the web for recipes and ideas.

Another area to look for improvement is your financial health. Are you saving as much as you could be for retirement or your kids’ education? See what small changes you can make – they could really add up in the long run.

Brabary Renovation, Part Two: Execution, Results and Lessons Learned

Our recent four-day renovation at Brabary (read our earlierpost about how we prepared and planned) went very smoothly. We want to highlight a few of the key lessons we learned, and what helped make this project such a success.

The designer and I worked together closely and communicated openly with each other. That was extremely important. Our senses of style were also a good match, so she was able to understand and deliver my vision for the store.

While we could have rented a storage unit, we chose to pack up all of our merchandise and store it in the center of the room, covered in sheets. The tradespeople had to work around it, but it made a huge difference to how quickly we were able to hang things back up on Wednesday morning. Imagine – we arrived at 8:00 a.m., and opened at 10:00 a.m.!

I had a moment of doubt when I saw the state of things on Sunday morning, but the designer quickly reassured me that the workers were starting later in the day and would work into the night. And indeed, we met our goal of a four-day renovation!

That’s where having a designer really paid off. She was so diligent in communicating back and forth between me and the tradespeople, so everything kept moving and I always knew exactly what was going on.

There are always other less expensive options for renovations, but you have to realize that it’s a trade-off. Then it might be you calling tradespeople or vendors, making design decisions, or even assembling furniture or fixtures.

Do what you do best and pay others to do what they do best. It is so important for professionals to understand the best use of their time and skills, and this extends to all areas of your business.

The same valuable lesson applies to household tasks and projects. Some people love being part of the process, others find it stressful and find that it’s well worth paying for help. On the do-it-yourself end you can get free advice on colors at a home improvement store, and on the premium service end you can have a decorator source, select, and even go out and purchase everything for you. And there is a whole range of options in between.

We’re extremely happy with the results and process of our renovation at Brabary. The staff is thrilled and there’s been a noticeable improvement in morale. While some of our returning customers haven’t even noticed (the colour changes were that subtle), we know that we’re creating a better first impression for our new customers.

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.

Getting Fitted for a Breast Prostheses

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of breast prostheses, not just for confidence and self-esteem, but for health and comfort to compensate for the missing weight of whatever portion of the breast or breasts was removed.

After recovering for 3-6 weeks in a post-surgical camisole, it will be time to visit a specialty boutique and get fitted for a breast form. At Brabary no appointment is required, but check with your local store to be sure. You want the swelling gone completely from the surgery in order to get a proper fit. It’s also important for all the sutures to be healed and closed to prevent infection when putting on something more tightly fitted like a bra.

Here are a few things to note:

Breast form (prosthesis): One brand, Amoena, includes a silicone additive that helps equalize your body temperature and keep you cooler.

Swimwear: There are special prostheses available for swimwear, with a special cavity so water flows through and doesn’t add any more weight.

Bras: A breast prosthesis requires a good bra. There’s weight to it, and the bra must be able to support it, or it will be uncomfortable and you won’t want to wear it. At Brabary we can customize any bra for a prosthesis by adding a pocket – free of charge; you don’t have to buy a pre-made prosthesis bra.

Government assistance: In Ontario, the government will reimburse you every two years for 50% of the cost of a breast form. If there is a significant size change in your breast form, because of swelling or significant weight loss or gain, the government will reimburse you in between that two-year period. See the Ontario Ministry of Health website for more details and the most current regulations.

At Brabary, we will fill out the reimbursement claim form for you. You should also check with your insurance company to see if they cover the balance. Whatever is not covered by either the government or your insurance, can likely be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return (check with your accountant to be sure).

Also give your accountant all of your mileage records and receipts for gas, meals and parking for all medical appointments and procedures so you can claim those as well. These costs all add up and you’ll find that every little bit helps.

Getting Yourself Ready for Spring

Need a boost to clear away the cold weather doldrums and fully embody the spirit of spring? It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to liven up your life from the inside out.

1. Explore the latest hot spring colours with a brightly-coloured bra or pair of Hanky Panky panties. All day long you can smile to yourself, knowing that you’re wearing spring under your clothes.
2. Spread the love to others by flashing a colourful pair of Falke capri leggings, sunglasses or shoes, or a fun and fashionable scarf. Looking for some unique ways to tie a scarf and get a whole new look? Check out this Nordstrom video.
3. Put on your walking shoes and head outdoors to rejuvenate your senses and experience the joys of nature. Spring isn’t just about getting out and smelling the roses, you can try a new scent yourself from your favourite fragrance store.
4. Wake up from your hibernation by shaking up your routines so you’re forced to pay attention to what’s become automatic. Take a new route to work, brush your teeth with the opposite hand, or set a goal to have conversations with three strangers every day.
5. Instead of plain water, add cucumber, lemon or fruit slices for added colour, flavour, and health benefits.
6. Feeling particularly brave? Ask your hairdresser to surprise you with a new look for spring.

What will you do to boost your spirits and welcome the warm weather? 

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). 

Spring Colours for 2014

The snow mountains are melting, the grass is peeking out, and the temperatures are finally starting to climb – yes, spring is here! From our first glimpse at the colours and designs, we had the sense that this spring is going to be fun. We’re all tired of the dark and dreary of winter, let’s come out of that and get a little more lighthearted and play!

We’re seeing more on the coral line of colours, with a punch of neon. This makes for an interesting contrast, where you might have a coral blush pink bra with just a pop of chartreuse (neon green). It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of bright colours onto these nice subtle colours.

Bright green is a popular colour trend for the spring, while different shades of blue will be ongoing right into fall. Blue has already been around for awhile, so it’s surprising how long it’s hanging on!

At Brabary we’ve even brought in a little bit of white, in keeping with the North American trend of white and nude t-shirt bras and white lace. Now keep in mind that whites don’t stay white for long. They get yellow very quickly, so if you’re refurbishing your wardrobe, you might want to choose some new articles to brighten things up.

As the temperatures heat up, it’s also worth looking at technical fabrics that breathe better and keep you more comfortable. Rather than rigid, molded cups, they use what’s called a spacer or 3D fabric – it’s like a weave with pockets of air in between.

As with the start of any new season, this may also be a good time to be fitted and make sure your bras are still fitting properly. Your bra should be supporting 65% of the weight of your breast tissue. If it’s not fitting properly, you’re carrying that weight in your neck and shoulders, which can cause headaches, back pain, neck pain and irritability.

If it doesn’t fit properly, your bra can be your worst enemy. If it does, it can be your best friend.

Make Community Resolutions

New Year’s is a time for self-improvement (Brabary January 2013 Post #31) but it’s also a time to expand those resolutions to the community around you. What can you do differently in the coming year to improve things for others?

Shop carefully – When you choose to spend your money in locally-owned businesses you’re strengthening the economy of your area. Did you know Barrie has a Farmer’s Market that’s open year-round?

Give back – If you’re new to volunteering, sign up for a one-time event to get your feet wet. You can do this at several organizations until you find one you’d like to commit to regularly. You never know what new passions and interests may emerge.

Spread the love – Whether your kids are accumulating community hours for school, or would just appreciate more time together as a family, looks for places you can all participate.

Senior’s home are often looking to match visitors with residents who don’t have family close by. Your kids can practice their reading while making a real difference to someone who might be feeling lonely.

If you or your children have artistic talents, why not put on a show or teach a class? Have a passion for food? Serve those in need at Out of the Cold or other meal programs.

Close to home – You don’t need to commit to a formal volunteer program. You or your kids can shovel a driveway for an elderly neighbour, or prepare a meal for a family who are going through a tough time right now. That kind of gesture goes so far.

Pay it forward – Buy the person behind you a coffee at the drive-thru. Purge your closet and donate those items to a local charitable organization such as Goodwill, the Diabetes Association (they’ll even pick up), Salvation Army (Barrie Bayside Mission Centre), Collier’s Closet (Collier Street United Church) or your own local church, or the Busby Centre.

Let’s bring back the community feeling. It’s so amazing how these acts can ripple through the entire community. 

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!