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!

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?

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.

The Barrie Toy Tea

November 19, 2014 was the 9^th annual Barrie Toy Tea, an annual fundraiser for the Children’s Aid Society and Gilda’s Club. The admission fee was an unwrapped toy or a cash donation, and there were refreshments and raffle prizes – all donated from the community.

A highlight of the event is always the fashion show, and Brabary was proud to be involved, along with Red Tulip, Janet Kemp, John McNabb and other excellent local merchants.

It’s always fun finding models for our lingerie and swim suits, as well as our male models who escort the ladies down the runway.

Angela Baldwin and Caroline Harrison coordinate the fashion show, and always bring a team of kids from the Kempenfelt Bay School to help out.

Congratulations to the organizers for another successful event, and especially to the two charities – The Children’s Aid Society of Simcoe County and Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do in our community! The Brabary gang are excited to participate again in next year's event!

Winter 2014 Palliative Care Conference

The annual winter conference of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN) is coming up on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville. The theme is “Consent, Capacity & Compassion Fatigue.”

I’ll be there as an exhibitor in my role as the owner of Brabary, but I’ll also be there as a participant. I always find the sessions incredibly informative and helpful, and the tools I learn there I can relate back to all areas of my life and business.

I first started attending back when I met someone who was involved in putting on the conference. Her mother was in town and needed a prosthesis, so they found their way to us at Brabary. She suggested we get involved with the conference, since so many health care professionals aren’t aware of the options for their patients – and other people in their lives who may need prostheses.

This upcoming event got me thinking about all the different resources that are out there for people who are going through a cancer journey, such as Gilda’s Club (emotional and social support), Canadian Cancer Society (rides to treatment and lots of information), or retail stores like ours that provide products and personalized fittings and support.

Click here for a registration form for the conference.

7 Cooling Tips for the Dog Days of August

Now that things are finally warming up here in Barrie, Ontario, we wanted to offer some ideas for when the heat starts to get unbearable.

1. Ceiling fans can be effective at cooling your house, but note that other types of fans may just re-circulate the hot air (learn more in this article at Berkeley Wellness).
2. Closing your blinds during the day and opening your windows at night can be a very efficient way of cooling your house. See more money-saving cooling tips in this article from the Money Mini blog.
3. A cool bath before bed – or anytime – can be a refreshing way to lower your body temperature. For your bedding, special breathable fabrics are available that keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
4. Choose clothing made of similar fabrics that can keep you cool all day long by protecting you from the sun’s rays and wicking away moisture. Speaking of sweat, be sure to wash your bras even more regularly in the summer to help them last longer.
5. To cool your body from the inside out, stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages. To make water a little more exciting, try adding fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, lemon, mint and strawberries. These also work to drain your lymphatic system and help with circulation.
6. For a cool, fresh and natural dessert or snack, try frozen fruit. Cut up fruit into bite size pieces and freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet (approximately one hour), then store until it’s time to eat. Try frozen bananas, berries, kiwi, mangos, oranges, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or grapes.
7. As you’re sitting to work, relax, or enjoy your refreshing drink or snack, place a cool cloth or frozen bag against the back of your neck.

The summer is short, so enjoy it by keeping yourself cool and comfortable.

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.

Breast Prostheses – Pre-Surgery Considerations

Many people think breast prostheses are cosmetic, but a breast prosthesis is a medical device, recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health as part of their Assisted Devices Program.

Prostheses are not just for visual affect, they compensate for the weight that’s taken away when part or all of a breast is removed (there are partial prostheses available for those who have only part of the breast removed). A breast prosthesis is weighted and sized to match your natural breast, which keeps one side of the body balanced with the other. Otherwise, the hips, shoulders and the spine can get out of alignment.

A woman shared that her mother was in her 70s when she had a mastectomy, and never gave thought to a prosthesis. “Who’s going to see it?” she thought. Eleven years later, she underwent extensive spinal surgery because of the imbalance the loss of breast weight had caused.  

Because there will be so much to think about after your surgery, you can reduce some of that stress by planning ahead. One thing to consider is a post-surgical camisole. These garments have many special options – you can step into it and pull it up without straining your arms, and it also has a drainage tube pocket that can be removed later when no longer needed. It also has pockets for a single or double fiber fill.

In a follow-up post, we’ll look at the next steps in being fitted for a prosthesis.

Bring Spring into your Home

Tulipe by Shan - available at Brabary

With temperatures rising, you’re likely finding plenty of excuses to get outside – whether it’s tending to the newly thawed lawn, longer walks, or fun group sports outdoors. There are also plenty of things you can do indoors to bring in the feeling of spring. Here are a few ideas:

• Have fun with potted plants that you can eventually move outdoors or plant in the garden. As a bonus, plants also freshen up the air inside your house.
• Tulips are a lovely symbol of spring, as are other fresh cut flowers you can use to adorn the house.
• Brighten up your décor with colourful accessories like throw pillows – choose pillows or fabrics to make your own.
• Fill a vase with lemons or green apples. For more ideas on how to bring spring’s hottest colours into your kitchen, check out these countertop accessory ideas from the Marilyn Denis Show.
• Let spring greet you and your visitors right at the front door. Put together or purchase a spring-themed wreath or go one step further and paint your front door in a nice bright colour.

Don’t forget about Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11^th. A beautiful flowering tree will help Mom bring spring indoors as well, and a Brabary gift certificate will give her the chance to look and feel her best with the help of a professional fitting and consultation. Mothers give so much and put everyone’s needs before their own – let’s give back to Mom!

Beautiful Swimwear Made in Canada

With the frigid temperatures and extreme weather we’ve seen so far this winter, we thought it was time for some warm weather fantasy.

At Brabary we’re always looking for beautiful new products to bring to our clientele. Known internationally but designed and produced right here in Canada, Canadian-made SHAN swimwear and resort wear is recognized for their soft fabrics and gorgeous artistic patterns.

SHAN was founded in 1985 by designer Chantal Levesque, and by their fourth year they were already winning awards (Miami Swim Show). SHAN can be found in some of the prestigious stores around the world, including Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Holt Renfrew.

After observing their consistent quality, we knew our customers would appreciate this beautiful and well-made line and SHAN designs are now available at Brabary.

As our vendor it was also important to see how SHAN stands behind their products and their  commitment to customer service. Because they’re in Canada, we can order in any of their products – regardless of whether we carry it in the store – and usually have it within the week.

From design to production to customer service, SHAN is top Canadian quality all the way, and we are so pleased to feature their swimwear and resort wear in our store.

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!

How to Prepare for the Holiday Season

Although the holiday season is certainly very exciting, for many people it is also fraught with stress. However, if you put in a little bit of preparation ahead of time, you will be able to cruise through the holiday season as peacefully as possible.

Wardrobe

One of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season is determining what you should wear for holiday parties. To avoid a major meltdown right before you have to get out the door, try on your prospective holiday outfits well in advance of the party season. Everyone’s body changes from year to year, so you may not be able to just re-accessorize an old dress.

Once you have your clothing squared away, plan the outfits completely including shoes and accessories. This ensures that you will head to each party feeling your very best.

Food and drink

During the holidays, there may be many impromptu gatherings. To avoid the stress of having to feed guests or attend a drop-in on the fly, we recommend the following preparations:

• Have hors d’oeuvres in the freezer
• Keep a running list of healthy and delicious meals that you can make quickly
• Maintain a well-stocked bar
• Keep a set of hostess gifts made and ready to give – we recommend a pair of Hanky Panky underwear wrapped around a bottle of wine for something fun and different

Shopping

The best way to avoid spending more money than you would like during the holiday season is with a detailed list and comprehensive budget. Allow extra time to place special orders for undergarments and other specialty gifts.

Get home safely

The most important thing to plan this holiday season is making sure you get home safely. Canadian Designated Drivers is a wonderful organisation that will drive you and your car home from any party or event. For more information about this vital service, check out their website.

The holiday season can be stressful, but it does not have to be. If you plan ahead and resist the urge to overbook yourself, you will be able to enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Tankinis are the Perfect Warm Weather Swimsuit

As we discussed back in April, tankinis are the perfect bathing suit for women who want to wear a two-piece bathing suit without exposing as much skin as a bikini. Though many people know that the tankini is a great option for older or fuller-figured women, tankinis really are the perfect warm weather swimsuit for women of all ages and body types.

Versatility

Tankinis are an inherently versatile swimwear option. Women can opt to purchase a more fitted tankini top for athletic use and vigorous beach sports or they can select less-fitted, figure-flattering options to conceal problem areas.

Tankini tops come in styles that flatter all bust sizes. Women desiring a sexier silhouette can opt to wear a tankini with a plunging neckline, while well-endowed women can find a tankini top with plenty of support.

Most importantly, all two-piece swimsuits are completely mix and match! Owning a tankini automatically doubles your swimwear wardrobe.

UV protection

Everyone knows that unnecessary UV exposure elevates one’s risk of skin cancer. Tankinis are a great way to protect yourself against harmful UV rays because less visible skin means less sun exposure. Furthermore, many companies have begun making fabrics that are enhanced with additional UV protection. Find a tankini made out of any of these sleek technical fabrics and you can spend all day in the sun without worry of unnecessary exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

The number one reason why you should try a tankini this summer

Tankinis are much, much easier to manage for restroom breaks. Since tankinis have standard bikini bottoms, there is no need to deal with the hassle of pulling up a wet one piece swimsuit after you visit the restroom.

If you purchase a tankini that you love and care for it properly, it will last for years. Be sure to wash and dry your bathing suit after each and every wear. Oils in sunscreen and sweat can degrade the elastic over time, leaving your beautiful tankini baggy.

Tankinis are a great option for all women. Try out the perfect warm weather swimsuit this summer and see how great you feel!

Cooling Tips for Large-Busted Women

Summer is an uncomfortable season for many, but larger-busted women often have a particularly difficult time staying cool and dry. In the past, applying cornstarch or talcum powder to the undersides of your breasts was the only way to absorb moisture and keep your skin cool and dry. These days, the secret to staying sweat-free and comfortable during the summer months is as simple as finding a proper-fitting bra.

The best summer bra starts with the best fit

For larger-busted women, the most important job that your bra performs is keeping your breast tissue off of the skin of your torso. Choosing the correct band and cup sizes will ensure that your skin does not rub together, which is what causes uncomfortable sweating and chafing.

Though it seems counter-intuitive that a tightly-fitting band will keep you cooler during the summer, a snug and correctly fitting band is absolutely crucial for your comfort during these hot months. A tight band ensures that your breasts are lifted up and off of your torso, preventing chafing. Additionally, a snug band reduces strain on your neck and back.

Underwires are another tricky subject. Many larger-busted women struggle to find a good-fitting underwire bra so they end up wearing bras without underwire. Many department stores stop carrying underwire bras after the DD cup size (while specialty stores like Brabary will stock underwire bras in sizes AA all the way to M). Underwire bras lift and separate your breasts, preventing them from chafing or building up too much sweat.

Stay cool, be comfortable

Though summer will always be a hot and sweaty time, there is no reason to let it cause you unnecessary pain and suffering. The trick for larger-busted women is to make sure that your bra is properly fitted, with underwire. You can get added cooling benefits by choosing fabrics that are lightweight and breathable.

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 find the perfect fit.