If you have a larger chest you know how frustrating it is to shop for lingerie and tops. You often have to resort to wearing stretchy knits, having woven tops tailored to fit you, or simply going without the best fit. Finding a great top can wind up being time consuming and expensive! And even after all that, it’s often hard to look appropriate in the office or any other time you don’t want to flash cleavage. Carissa Rose knows our plight, which is why the clothing line is devoted to providing well-fitting garments that fit a larger bustline and a smaller waist. Carissa Rose by Bratique Helene has just recently released the Holiday ’09 collection and sent me their Glenna Wide Strap Camisole to try.
Carissa Rose sizes aren’t like normal sizes – they take your waist and bust measurement into account. The main sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large) all come in two variations – for example, there is a MW (medium well endowed) and a MR (medium really endowed). There are instructions on the size chart in case you’re unsure of how to take your measurements. As soon as you receive your camisole you can tell that it isn’t like other tops – there is room for your boobs! It’s also designed to show off your waist, so it nips in at just the right spot and then flares out a bit so it’s not too fitted on your stomach. True to the name, the straps on this camisole are wider than those on most tanks. I can wear any of my regular bras with it and I didn’t have to bother with strapless or convertible styles. The neckline is higher than most other camisoles, and paired with the wide straps that means this is a modest option which is fine layered under other tops (like any other camisole) or on its own. I wore mine under a shrug 
because it’s getting cold where I live, but I’m sure I’ll wear this on its own when the weather warms back up again! The material is a gorgeous, silky chocolate brown (the camisole is also available in black.)
Carissa Rose is by the same designer as Bratique Helene. The brand is in the middle of a transition to the new name, so the web address (CarissaRose.com) currently redirects to the Bratique Helene website. The official Carissa Rose website will launch at the beginning of the new year. If you are interested in ordering your own Glenna Wide Strap Camisole, or seeing any more of the Holiday ’09 collection from Carissa Rose, visit the label’s blog at this link for contact information. The Glenna Wide Strap Camisole will also be available on the website early next year.