it is about time

 ...a company other than Victoria's Secret sends me a bra catalog.  I am desperate for a new one and absolutely despise shopping for them.  And, I am not happy with my past few VS experiences.  Thank you Bounce for reminding me that there are options out there!

Last fall, after weening my second child I found myself in Denver, alone and able to shop for a few hours.  The moment the sales person at VS asked if she could help me I burst into tears.  Mind you, I was a bit emotional from weening, crazy hormones and the fact that my chest resembled two deflated balloons.  The gal assured me that all was okay as she quickly ushered me into a changing room.  After trying on many styles I found two that worked, sorta.  I still have to tuck a boob back in occasionally (new since the 2nd kid and so strange to me) and the bras have seemed to have stretched out with the straps fraying.  I wash them in gentle, hang dry and don't wear them everyday.  For the price of these bras I expect them to hold up.  Jump to two weeks ago when I finally had another quiet moment to shop for a bra.  I went to VS with my favorite bra expecting to show them what I needed and walk out with new ones.  Nope.  They don't make these styles anymore.  What?  Why?? That doesn't make sense to me.  It is a basic, soft padded underwire bra.  No lace, no special decorations, just a great simple bra.  The salesperson convinces me to try on new styles.  Sure, I have about 15 minutes to spare before I need to head back to the family so why not?  I try on around 10 styles which all gave me, how do I explain this?  um...boob fat.  Not back fat but basically the same thing.  A large "pinchable" amount on the sides of my breasts under my arm.  In close examination I see that the side cut of the bras are different.  The new ones are cut closer to the inside of the breast and don't cover as much of the sides.  When I explained my frustration the clerk (and I am not kidding here) said, "I work exclusively in fitting and every woman has this.  It is how all bras fit."  What? Really??  I don't think so.  I put my original bra on and showed her how well it fit.  She shrugged her shoulders and said nothing. Erg! Does every woman who buys bras from VS have this?  Are we all walking around with odd boob fat showing through our tees?  I left the store in a rage.  Mad because I spent my precious alone time shopping for an ill-fitting bra.  Mad because the salesperson was in her early 20's and obviously did not understand the fitting needs of a 43 year old woman.  Mad because the customer service I received was sub-par and I deserve better. 

I know I should go to the department stores and be fitted properly but habits die hard.  I started shopping at VS ages ago and get sucked in while walking past the windows, that and I had a coupon for a free pair of panties.  Oh how fast we fall victim when offered a $5 pair of undies.  Also, once in the mall I tend to forget about having to buy a bra and start dreaming about the desire of a perfect cropped pant or that gorgeous sweater in a beautiful shade of plum.  I never make it past the shoe stores and sale signs. 

Now back to Bounce - a new catalog and on-line site from Title Nine, a trusted name in women's sportswear.  Offering all styles from basic to pretty lace to hard core work out (no bounce!) and even nursing bras, all at decent prices.  I know it will be hard to purchase without trying them on but I am going to try.  Goodbye VS, Hello Bounce!