The Right Foundation Is a Bare Necessity

On my most recent trip to NYC, I skipped out to NJ and shopped for a bit at Nordstrom. I really, really wanted to find a pair of shoes or jeans. No luck. My wide feet didn’t fit into a pair of shoes – and I couldn’t find a pair of jeans that didn’t make me feel horrible. Thats when it hit me.

HELLO! I worked for a lingerie company for a few years, I had attended the focus groups, tons of fittings, I had all the info I needed. So why, why was I wearing maternity bras and undies for the past 3 years?

It was easy and comfy. That’s why, and cheap. Since we are pretty much a single income family, shopping for things other than the bare necessities is not an option. But you know what? The right foundation is a bare necessity.

So off to the lingerie department I went. Picked out a few things that looked and felt good and off I went into the dressing room. I tried everything on. Yikers. My maternity bras must have stretched over the last 3+ years, because nothing I tried fit.

I didn’t cry. I thought about it for a split second. But I’m not one to sit and feel sorry. I found the nearest Specialist (and this word fits – sales clerk would not be a full description of this wonderful person), she measured asked a few questions like, “Well how old is the baby now?” “What? 3!!! and you are still wearing the maternity bras? Oh this must change RIGHT NOW!” and off she went and left me alone with that… mirror. I peaked at it and decided not to really examine until I had a new bra on. It was the right thing to do.

I must have been alone for 6 or 7 minutes when she said in her Eastern European accent, “Open the door honey”. and walked in with an armload of goodies. She explained about each of the bras, their comfort and what they do for “the sisters”. I tried the first one one, she was amazed that I actually knew how to put a bra on (I explained my work history), and it was fantastic. I tried on 7 more, and they were all excellent choices. After each bra though, I put my t-shirt on to see the difference. It was 10 lbs. Each one completely and totally improved my figure. What a relief.

I also tried some of the Spanx line. I want to invest in some of these pieces. I didn’t take any home, instead I vowed to get some exercise and eat better, but these are AMAZING. I’ve never worn a shaper like this before, I tried on the Body Shaping Cami and let me tell you, I totally could have gone back and tried on those jeans and they would have FIT! I’ve heard lots of good things about this collection and always wondered about how well they shaped. I am really impressed.

This was not my first time to the Nordstrom Lingerie Department. My very first time was to find foundations for my wedding dress. Let me tell you that first time and every time there after has been a pleasure. These women I’ve encountered have the most experience I’ve ever witnessed when it comes to helping people find the right foundations. It’s so important. I hope I don’t forget it again.

So – I’ll be burning my maternity bras. Yep. I left with a lovely Natori and a Wacoal. It was more than I wanted to spend, way more, but I feel like a new person, and I didn’t have to buy a completely new wardrobe. I’ve promised to wash them only by hand and to go back in 3-4 months and be fitted again.