50% off at Maidenform.com (+ 10% for newbies)

[jshallow01]

They have a bunch of bras, panties, and shapewear for 50% off.

s/h is $5

And if you signup as a newbie you get an additional 10% off.

I guess they are having problems applying the 10% on the site.

If after you place the order and it isn't there -- call CS and they will credit you the 10%. They are very polite and understanding about it.

Also -- for an extra 5% off -- use the dash bar.

So, you can get up to 65% off. Woohoo! I bought a ton of stuff from there today!

[4erika]

Go through BonusTree.com for 20% rebate.

[jshallow01]

Wow! Wish I knew that when I ordered (about bonus tree) -- then it would have been 85% off.

Maybe I'll have to have my s.o. ordered some stuff for me as a new customer.

[Brenda2000]

Making it clickable..

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[margee]

Hey 4erika...what is you email address....they offer a bonus for referrals, and I know this isn't the place for referrals...but i hate to see a good thing wasted....my email is [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

[jshallow01]

I just was on their site and they still have the same deal -- basically the same selection.....

But I REALLY! like the things that I bought -- they offer a lot of support and are comfortable....

[cata5]

I'm glad I found the site for future use,but their stock is low and the colors and sizes I chose were out.And the annoying thing is that you don't find out until you get to the checkout.They tell you to choose another size or color and when you do,that is out too.Why don't they give you a better idea of what they DO have?I spent 10 minutes going back and forth at checkout before I gave up.Bummer...

[3beans]

Rats, I finally found one in my size and shipping was $7. For one bra! Better save up for a larger order.

[barbaralarry]

I just have to mention this. I'm a certified foundations fitter (sounds weird, but its a valued position!) I really hope you all who bought bra's have been fit for a bra by a pro- because I have never yet met a woman who was in the right bra EVER before I fitted her!

When I worked (I'm an at home mom these days) I found that there were maybe 2 bra's in the entire department that fit one woman. Please, make sure it fits, by a pro. I think JC Pennys and Nordstrom offer this program, I worked for The Bon Marche, and I know our pro's were very well trained.

A bit of trivia- the most common size I fit were 38DDD, believe me these women were very pleased to get the comfort of a bra that fit them right. It shouldn't feel like you even have it on. For the larger endowed woman, I found the Lilyette 838 was the first to try, as it was wonderful... (triple seams for strong support) but the company discontinued it. I havent worked during the cancellation of the style, so I dont know what they are offering that compares.

[Pipanella]

barbaralarry:

DDD? I won't ever see that even if I someday weigh 500 pounds. I have to buy a bra that can stand up on its own to make me look like I have ANYTHING! :-) But, thankfully, in the past few years, bra makers must have heard the pleas of we 'petite' women, and we now have something to choose from. Used to be, if I found a bra I liked and it fit, I bought 6 at a time. Might never find it again! I believe you that there are probably only 2 bras in a whole department that fit one woman. We certainly do come in all shapes and sizes, don't we?

[barbaralarry]

Pipanella, You'd be perfect for the super bra that Victoria Secret, etc sell. The Bon sells it too, at least it did when I shopped there last. I became a Domestic Goddess about 8 years ago when I left work to become a fulltime mom.
I forget the name of the particular bra, but Im sure you know which I mean. Also, about 8 years ago, I was involved in a swimsuit shoot for a local magazine (never in public would I wear swimwear, but I did for the mag!), one of the smaller busted models was shot with her upper arms pushed inward to her bust so her cleavage looked fuller. Its amazing what they can do for the camera's! Even MY pictures came out great! (tho, I left the shoot bawling- so embarrased in a suit!)

[barbaralarry]

Pipanella, I just remembered, the Olga Christina is made for petite women. Olga's daughter Christina is petite, and Olga designed the bra styles for her daughter and the way other women built like her and what their needs are. They are beautiful bra's and quality made. Also, the Maidenform styles (per the post) are another I would tend to try on petite women, and younger women, who had their endowment mostly out front, and not full (to the sides). Good luck!

[Pipanella]

Cleavage? Endowment? What are those?? LOL

[lorianna]

Barbaralarry....I SURE wish you lived in my neck of the woods! I was professionally fitted for a bra when I
was about 15 and was told I needed to wear 1 24 hours
a day..even to bed! My wonderful mom whispered to me
No Way!! I HATE bras...they are the most uncomfortable
things...I take it off immediately when I walk in the door
and wear one only when absolutely necessary! I've always
been large busted...most people see it as a privilege, but
believe me, it isn't always a blessing!
Anyway, I truly doubt our JC Penney has a professional
bra fitter, but I'd love to find one in my area! I
HATE the huge straps and very wide bands in the back!

One question for you...why oh why, no matter what bra I
buy, do my straps continuously slip down my shoulders?
Sorry to be so personal..hope no one minds! hee hee!

[barbaralarry]

Hi lorianna, I'd be happy to help!

Depending on your bra size, here are some questions and suggestions. Do you have indentations on your shoulders where your straps lay? Many well-endowed women do. A wider strap bra really is best (sorry!), so the weight of your bust will spread across a larger area, and not in one tiny line where all the weight would set. We used to sell at The Bon these really neat inserts that a woman could slip onto her bra strap that would help with this. Its a wide (maybe an inch from L-R)and about 3 inches long insert that you put right where those shoulder indentations may form. Much more comfort wearing those, and I think I remember the company discontinuing those as well! :-(

Truly, the more seams, and the more clips there are in a bra- the better the support. If you are large busted, you probably have 3 sets of clasps? Its really the best route. I know you were hoping I wouldnt say that, but its important for your comfort. Definitely a single clasp is out regardless of size, in my opinion. (first bra's are fine with single clasp)

For your slipping straps, I would guess you might have the slippery straps, the satin kind, that are falling off your shoulders. I would also guess you dont have them adjusted correctly. Tighten them up, the adjustment may be in the back. Its also possible, that the way your shoulders are, its creating the problem. There are solutions though! Definitely look for a bra that has lace or cotton straps, no more of the satin/silk-like straps for you! I wouldnt go with the ultra thin straps either.

Most likely you are in the wrong bra. When shopping for a bra, remember to find one that doesnt leave a large area (say, more than a 1/4 inch) space between bust fitting into the bra, and the bottom of the bra (underwire). When you put it on, bend over and scoop yourself into it from the sides under your arms, pulling yourself forward.

If you are smaller busted, then some of this may not pertain to you. A smaller busted woman can go with the slim straps comfortably, and you can go seamless and with one seam comfortably as well. The larger bust is best with triple seams, where a seam goes across the cup, and in the center of that seam another seam goes straight down from the center. WONDERFUL for support! Usually, this style is also a minimizer, whereas, the bust is distributed further out to your sides.

I used to go to the fitting room to fit someone, and other women in other rooms would hear me training my customer, pretty soon I would hear "Uhh, ma'am? Would you come into my room when you're done?" I would stay in the fitting rooms for hours, because they kept filling up with more needy customers! I even lost credit for sales because I would let the other employees ring them up, I just wanted to help the customers. There really is a true need for finding the right fit- otherwise, there is immense discomfort.

I'd be happy to help via email, [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], There might be embarrassment coming from some people reading this (including you). I sure dont want to embarrass or offend anyone!

I know from experience that The Bon Marche has a wonderful employee training program for bra fitting. I remember Sears simply has a video for the lingerie department to watch and learn from (unless thats changed). I, personally, would not go there for a bra fitting. I heard Nordstrom had fitters, but am not familiar with their training. JCPennys, I am pretty sure they do, but again, I'm not familiar with the quality of their training.

When I was working, I wanted to open a program to work with the schools and help the teenagers learn the importance of finding the right bra, fitting the girls, and then offering a percent coupon for their purchase if they come back with parent to buy it. I have always felt the program would have an overwehleming response, and would go nationwide. Then, ... my son was conceived, and I have been an at-home-mom ever since! lol

Some women that read this might be interested to know this- When you have your bra filled to the sides, but the space where your nipple goes doesnt seem to fill the space, the bra is actually to SMALL for you, not too big. There really is an art to finding the right fit. Please make an appointment at your local department store, and even ask for the manager to recommend their best person to you. Ask around, and I'll bet each woman you ask will say they are not comfortable in their bra. Very common problem, unfortunately!

Good luck ladies! Barbara