Just like many aspects of life, if there isn’t a strong foundation, the process of building upon those fundamentals can be a struggle. The same can be said for fashion, even the most beautiful garment can look unflattering if your foundation is mal-wear (an ill-fitting bra.)

I recently discovered ( ok, a year ago) A la mode, a loca boutique specializing in bra fitting. I went in because a friend of mine recently had a baby and needed some new bras because he traditional bras were not giving her the support that she needed. While, I am there my good friend Challyn, who is also  a bra specialist, commented on how “sad” my boobs looked. I already have big boobs, I didn’t want to be sad too, so I allowed her to fit me for a bra. After she took my measurements, she picked out the most beautiful bra, I slipped into the dressing room and was surprised at how supported I instantly looked. I stood taller, my sweater fit better and I swear I looked 10 pound lighter too. I left a la mode feeling confident and sexy.

Fast forward a couple of months, I needed to update my bras, I knew that I could bypass the bra fitting games and go to my girl Challyn, because she had my size and preferences on file. On my way to A la mode, I started thinking about all of the time and money wasted on bras that didn’t support me and just made my boobs look “sad.” As, I park, there is a sign out side the door, that advertises 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, which brings me to this edition of my blog “foundation of Fashion” where I inquire bra specialist and good friend Challyn on why are 80% of women are walking around with a poor fashion foundation.80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, why do you think that is? 

A lack of education. Many women are misinformed about their bra fit or completely unaware that they are wearing the wrong bra. Some  Women also think that they are the same size in all brands of bras which isn’t the case.  Just like clothing retailers, your size of clothing will vary depending on the brand; the same is for bra fits; it will vary depending on the designer

What do you say to women worried about bra size instead of bra fit?

“The tape measure doesn’t tell the truth.” Many bra specialist in retail stores don’t do fittings properly, which can give incorrect measurements. I also don’t tell women their size until after they have tried on a couple of styles and they see how much better they look when wearing a bra that is truly supporting them.

How does A la mode differ from  stores like Lane Bryant and Victoria Secret? 

A la mode imports various styles and wide range of sizes from Canada and Europe that are both supportive and stylish. Whereas stores like Lane Bryant and Victoria secret, design and manufacture their own bras and the measurements will be geared towards their product. For example, a woman who measures a 42 H, the bra specialist will add inches to the band to get her into a 46DDD because it is the size that they sell; hence one of the main reasons some many woman are walking around wearing the wrong size bra.  A la mode caters to women of various sizes, even the most difficult to find sizes.

How do you encourage women to come in and get fitted?

I usually tell my friends how “sad” their boobs look Challyn is laughing and so am I because that is how I became a loyal customer of  A la mode. Once women see and feel the difference of a proper fitting bra , women are  left feeling supported. confident and sexy.

The right bra creates the proper foundation for all of your stylish garments to fit; it will also help with your posture which will help you walk tall and confident. Usually, I give you, my readers, some advice on fits of a particular garment but in this case my advise to you is:

 Go to A la mode  for a true bra fitting

 Invest in your bra because it is the “hardest working piece of clothing”(alamodeintiamtes.com) you will purchase.

 Try on multiple styles and DO NOT panic about the bra size, focus on how amazing you will look in your blouse

 Leave feeling supported, confident and sexy.