I started this mission the day before the New Year with my friend, Erinn, writer of the amazing and encouraging blog, Counting My Blessings. She had been interested in going for a while and finally we were able to connect when I was visiting D.C.  Away from New York and my go to places, I did a little research on shops in the DC area. I had a few excellent recommendations and decided that Sylene would be the best fit (pun intended) for our mission.

Upon arriving at Sylene, we were greeted by the friendly staff. Both Erinn and I both appreciated that the staff was accessible and helpful, but also gave us room and freedom to peruse on our own. After wandering around a bit, one of the associates started a room for Erinn. She measured her and selected a few basic t-shirt bras for her to try.  Erinn was not only was impressed with the fit of the Simone Perele bra selected for her, but also with the sales associate’s ability to choose appropriate bras based on her feedback on the fit.  Erinn commented that choosing on her own would have been overwhelming so she liked that she could “lounge in a comfortable leopard print bathrobe and be pampered.”

And since friends don’t let friends only wear t-shirt bras, I selected a sexy Fayreform for Erinn to try.  Every woman needs a show stopper!  I insist on every friend buying a “weekend” bra (which, in many cases, joins the daily rotation).  I knew Fayreform would be a great brand blending both fit and fashion and chose the sultry, yet sweet,  Conceptual, for Erinn to try on. (I’m over the moon for eyelash lace so it wasn’t a difficult choice!).  Success!  Erinn added it to her purchases.  Friends also don’t let friends machine wash their bras so I made sure Erinn had some Forever New wash (Sylene’s preferred brand) to take home with her.

In speaking with Erinn about this experience, she thoroughly enjoyed it.  She commented, “I have the hardest time trying to find bras that fit…I can’t shop at department stores or stores like Victoria’s Secret because they don’t have my size.” As someone who also started shopping specialty stores for the same reason, I can relate.  Having a positive experience where you feel like your size is valued is awesome and can only add to the confidence you feel.

I asked Erinn how these new bras would impact her new year.  She remarked, “I am really hoping these bras give me new confidence…I’m hoping they will make me more comfortable in my own skin and in my own clothes.  That’s the biggest thing.  I’m hoping they help me get comfortable in my own clothes.” This brings up a good point.  The better your bras fit, the better your clothes will fit, and the more confident you will feel.  So, invest in you!  As Erinn stated, “When you have assets as large as mine, you just have to spend the money to make it work.” Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune, but think about the quality and value of the bras you are buying versus the money.  If you are like me and will drop money on jeans and shoes and nice dinners out, you can do the same for your foundations.

Happy New Year!  Resolve to buy yourself some new fabulous, well-fitting bras today!

After trying on the three bras she selected with her clothes, Erinn decided that 2 of the 3 didn’t work.  She is planning on returning to Sylene to exchange them for the Simone Perele one she adored!  I hope that in the exchange she ends up with at least one “weekend” bra!

Conturelle features two sets of ranges – the never out of stock basics and the fashion collections. Some of my favorites include the Provence, Arabesque, Maroc, and Reflexion ranges.

Provence features femininity at its finest. This range, made of elastic tulle, is noted for its delicate embroidery on the bras as well as on the straps. Well-constructed, as well as beautiful, the bras create a beautiful silhouette in white, black, vanilla, or magnolia mauve. Complete the look with a thong, mini briefs, or bikini briefs.

Arabesque provides a sophisticated and classy look and is marked by its exquisite embroidery. I particularly love the look of the molded bra which is adorned with guipure embroidery on the center of the bra as well as the straps! Divine! The colors for this range include black, white, vanilla, and the incredibly rich, indigo. A matching thong, mini brief, or bikini brief is also available.

Maroc is unique in its own right. Made of sheer, elastic tulle, this range stands out for its classic diamond pattern. In black, white, vanilla, and apricot, the cleavage and underwired bras are edged in lovely eyelet embroidery. A flawless look is complete with a matching thong, mini brief, or maxi brief.

Reflexion is extraordinary! Indulge in lavish satin accented by graphic embroidery on the cups as well as the straps. Feel confident in opulent vanilla, black, Havana (a metallic shade), and amethyst. Finish the look with your choice of the thong, mini briefs, bikini, briefs, or control briefs.

So what can you buy and where can you buy it? Currently, the Harmonie, Provence, Arabesque, Perfection, and Maroc ranges are available in stores. Reflexion, along with the fashion ranges, will be available this fall. Those of you in Europe will probably have an easier time finding Conturelle in shops near you. For those of you in the U.S., I’ll keep you posted as I find stockists. However, online, try Bits of Lace or Sylene. Keep us posted in our forums if you find this great brand at a store near you!