Posts in category "petite"

Designer Interviews: Lula Lu Petites

Continuing our special week of small bust coverage, I’m talking with Ellen Shing of Lula Lu Petites, a lingerie brand specializing in A, AA, and AAA cups bras. In this exclusive interview, Ellen shares her inspiration behind the line, the challenges of designing for smaller busts, and her favorite pieces so far!

1) I remember meeting you at my very first CurveNY back in 2010, and being amazed that there was a designer doing lingerie exclusively for small busted women because it just wasn’t something I’d heard about before then. What made you start Lula Lu Petites, and what did you do before then?

I started the Lula Lu Petites line because after opening the store and scouring the trade shows, season after season, I was unable to find the bras and the sizing that my customers were looking for. After feeling like finding a bra for my customers at the shows was comparable to finding a needle in a haystack, I decided that instead of waiting for someone to make bras for my customers, I would do it myself since I already knew what they needed!

Prior to Lula Lu, I had worked as an Assistant Buyer at DFS (Duty Free Shoppers) and my main jobs before that were in marketing, where I worked at companies such as Alexa Internet and the NBA in Hong Kong.

2) How does Lula Lu fit into the ‘big picture’ that is the multi-billion dollar lingerie industry? What distinguishes you from other brands, especially as more and more retailers are starting to venture into small bust market?

We’re definitely a niche brand in that we’re focused on an often ignored segment of bra sizes. We like to say that, even if a woman is small-busted, they are still women and they want to have the same choices as all women do when it comes to bra styles. Our goal is to provide our customer base with the same basic, pretty, sexy, etc. choices that they see for other sizes, but designed to flatter their smaller curves.

3) Congratulations on your recent InStyle feature! I recognized that bra as one I’d featured in my own lingerie trend forecast. What’s the inspiration for your collections and how do you keep things fresh season after season?

Thank you! I often start out with the body style of what I want, meaning a particular cup design or, for example, a design without underwire. Then, if the style is on the fashion side, like the Amara that you saw in InStyle, I may work with our consultant to pair colors that I am interested in. If there is a particular lace I already know I want to use, which is what I had picked out for the Amara, we play around with the colors until we come up with an eye-catching combination.

4) What are some of the challenges of designing bras for smaller busts? I know there has to be more to it than just taking a regular bra pattern and making it smaller. Are there any special or unique things you have to be aware of for the smaller busted woman?

I try to fit all of the bra sizes, especially the AAA and AA cups, before going to production. I know have driven all of the factories I work with crazy, but I insist on it because I do not always trust the grading. The smaller cup sizes can be especially difficult to grade and, when I have had samples made with a factory’s grade, it might not fit as well. I much prefer to see how something works on an actual body versus following a grade “rule” that is just based on an assumption. I know that is not the way most designers work. I’m lucky I have a good technical consultant/patternmaker I work with who understands my logic, even if it’s not the normal industry logic!

5) Aside from being smaller busted, what’s the Lulu Lu woman like?

She’s like all other women, meaning she can be a lawyer, housewife, mother, accountant, secretary, etc. She likes her body and breasts just as they are but hates the bra shopping experience, which is when she starts to feel deficient (and she wishes she knew where to go to get the bra help she needs!). She just wants a bra that fits her body type and not to be told to go to the children’s department for bras!

6) Out of all the collections you’ve designed, which bra and panty set is your favorite?

I really like the Amara and the Natasha. They are both irresistibly sexy, and designed beautifully with lace and careful detailing.

7) Where do you see the future of the A, AA, and AAA cup lingerie market going?

I think it’s still a growing segment and I think there will be even more options in the future for this size segment.

8) And last, but not least, where can we buy your lingerie?

La Petite Coquette, Soleil Toile, Town Shop, Bits of Lace, My Boudoir, Herroom.com, and Lulalu.com

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Where to Buy Nylon Stockings

Fancy Heeled Vintage Stockings – Image Scan via Slip of a Girl

Today, May 14, is the 73rd anniversary of the nylon stocking, which was first introduced by the DuPont Company at the 1939 World’s Fair. Before nylon, stockings had been made of cotton, wool, rayon, or silk…materials which were either too bulky and warm to wear comfortably year-round or too fine and delicate to wear all day without tearing.

When I first started blogging, it was as Stockings Addict, so hosiery will always hold a special place in my heart. I love how stockings can instantly make any outfit more sophisticated, more stylish, and, yes, more sexy just by their presence. Unfortunately, stockings have been waning in popularity for years now, and you only have to look at the photo at the top of this post to see that stockings today are far less elegant than those of previous decades.

But for those who still enjoy a fancy nylon stocking, all isn’t lost. A few companies, like Cervin, still produce creative, fashion-forward styles, and the machines of today allow for combinations that could only be dreamed of in the 1960′s.

The Parts of a Fully-Fashioned Stocking

If you’re new to stockings, there may be a few terms in this post you don’t recognize, so let’s do a quick review. A Stocking (unlike pantyhose, tights, or thigh highs) requires a garter belt to keep it on the leg. RHT stands for Reinforced Heel and Toe. Fully Fashioned Stockings (like the one shown above) are made in the vintage style, sewn flat and then stitched up the back with a fully-functional backseam and trademark keyhole. Cuban and Havana Heels are squared off at the top, while French Heel stockings come to a point. Fancier styles, like Manhattan Heels, have an outline around the heel and foot. Non-stretch Stockings are more authentic as they’re made of 100% nylon, but have no “give.” Stretch Stockings, made of a nylon/lycra blend, are less authentic but more resistant to tearing.

And a few quick notes when it comes to hosiery care, especially for the stockings listed below. 1) Invest in a pair of hosiery gloves. 2) Purchase a specialty hosiery wash like Hosiery Mate. 3) And always, always, always hand wash and hang to dry.

And now that we’ve covered a few of the basics, let’s move on to the stockings…

1) Kay Marel “New York” Bows

2) Kay Marel “New York” Skyscraper

Kay Marel
No one makes stockings like Kay Marel anymore, and believe me, I’ve looked. These authentic fully-fashioned nylons from the 1950′s are almost a steal at $32.50, and the skyscraper and bow fancy heels look like something straight off the set of Mad Men. Unfortunately, if you’re not petite (that is, if you’re over 5’4″) these stockings aren’t a good fit for you. They simply won’t come up high enough on the leg. To illustrate, I’m 5’8″, and they came to just above the knee on me. Height issues aside though, these are fabulous nylons.

3) Secrets in Lace Diamond Backseam

4) Secrets in Lace “Cabaret” Manhattan Heel

5) Secrets in Lace “Bettie Page” Vintage Dot w/ Backseam

Secrets in Lace
If you’ve not heard of them before, Secrets in Lace is pretty much the resource for authentic vintage style (otherwise known as retro) stockings. These are the nylons Dita von Teese relies on for all her burlesque shows, photoshoots, and red carpet appearances. While they offer a ton of styles suitable for everyday wear, the fancy stockings shown above are my personal favorites.  All 3 pairs range from size Petite, fitting women who are under 4’11″ and less than 95 pounds, to size Opera, fitting women who are up to 6’2″and 200 pounds. The styles shown above cost (in order from top to bottom) $54.99, $45.99, and $25.99, respectively.

6) Agent Provocateur “Whip Me” Stockings

Agent Provocateur
With a kinky twist on the classic French heel-and-seam stocking, Agent Provocateur’s “Whip Me” nylons are a delightfully naughty union of vintage style and modern flair. Wear them with your highest, most fetishy heels for look that grabs everyone’s attention. These stockings retail for $70, and the size C fits around a size 8/10 US.

7) Cervin “Swing Time” Fully Fashioned Stockings

8) Cervin “Capri” 15-denier Nonstretch RHT Stockings

9) Cervin “Capri” Bicolore Nonstretch RHT Stockings

10) Cervin “Seduction” Bicolore Seamed Stockings

Cervin Stockings via Stockings HQ
I’ll just come right out and say it…I love Cervin. And apparently I’m not the only one since (full disclosure) they make stockings #3-6 on this list too. Not only are the prices incredibly reasonable, these stockings feel and look amazing on the leg. Even better, they’re available in sizes Small (fitting women around 4’10″) to XXX Large (fitting women up to 6’2″). I’ve purchased multiple pairs of what you see here in multiple colors, and never been disappointed. The stockings show above are priced at (in order from top to bottom): $56.88, $11.80, $12.61, and $17.50.

Stockingirl
Stockingirl is another fantastic hosiery resource, especially if you live in the United States, and these lacy Gabriella stockings are perfect for a holiday party or fancy evening out. These stockings are also made of stretch nylon, so they’re less likely to run and you don’t have to worry about them wrinkling around the knees or ankles by the end of the day. Available for $39.99, the Gabriellas fit women up to 5’9″ and 160 lbs.

12) Dollhouse Bettie Black Tulip Lace “Eternity” Stockings

Dollhouse Bettie
The last pair of stockings on this list aren’t especially delicate or fancy when compared to the other nylons we’ve talked about so far, but they are amazing for two other reasons. 1) They’re made in-house at Dollhouse Bettie (the only lingerie store I know of that makes it’s own stockings), and 2) They are incredibly well-made and durable. The Eternity stockings use sheer black mesh instead of traditional nylon, which makes them great for women who want to wear more hosiery, but are worried about tearing or ripping their stockings. These retail for $29 and fit up to a size US 18.

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Grade A-Cup: Easy Answers to Small Bust Questions

Today’s guest post is by Gayvin Powers, a.k.a. Eve of Eve’s Apples Lingerie. As the founder and owner of a lingerie store specializing in small bra sizes, Eve has been featured in the New York Times, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Marie Clare, and Jezebel.  Here, she shares her expertise on how to solve several common problems for women with small bra sizes.  Eve also invites Lingerie Addict readers to write her at eve@evesappleslingerie.com with their small bust questions.
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Does your lack of cleavage have you in a conundrum? Does the training bra in the ‘tween department fill your nightmares? Are you haunted and taunted by your “A” cup bra?

If you answered “Yes,” chances are you have a small or petite bustline.

Most smaller, natural chested women have run into countless problems shopping for bras over the years. The following are just a few of the obstacles small and petite busters deal with in getting a bra that fits well. But never fear, help is on the way!

* The dreaded triangle training bra — everyone’s had one. No one enjoys it.

Fortunately, several lingerie companies are now specializing in petite bras and flattering bralettes that look divine on a small bust. A few of my favorites are Wacoal, Timpa, The Little Bra Company and Eberjey.

* Condescending comments from Sales Reps with more endowed bosoms. A Sales Rep from a popular store once told my friend looking for a push up bra, “We can only work with what you’ve got.”

It’s unfortunate that every woman I’ve spoken to has endured some kind of ridicule based upon her breast size. As a result, I subscribe to the saying, “No one can hurt your feelings without your permission.”

* Cups that pucker away from the breast. “You mean to tell me that a AA is too big?”

This is the most common bra problem for all women. When the cup puckers away from the breast (leaving a peek-a-boo affect), it means the underwire isn’t gathering the entire width of the breast into the cup. The quick fix is to “Go DOWN a band size and UP a cup size.”

* Bras that look too small for your torso. “I finally found a small bra I like, and you’re telling me that my body is too big even though my boobies are too small?”

Yep, this is a common one too. A larger cup size is needed. Specifically, a wider underwire is needed to gather all the breast tissue into the cup.

* “When looking from the side, my bra makes my breasts look mutated!”

The cup flattens to the top of the chest, looking deflated while bottom of the cup pops out. The result is a deformed look. A lot of women experience this when there is too much material on top of the cup. C’est tres désastre! Try a demi cup, balconette or bralette instead.

* “I’m destined to a life without cleavage.”

Make way, there is help! A great plunge or push up bra will bring out cleavage that you never knew you had. Nowadays, there are several great cleavage bras that go down to a 28AA, providing unbelievable cleavage. I recommend The Little Bra Company’s Lucia Bra, Panache’s Atlantis Gel Bra, onGossamer’s Bump It Up Front Close Bra, and Wacoal’s Embrace Lace Bra.

Trust me, the list goes on. These are just a few of the common bra problems women have when looking for a small bra. For more personal questions answered, you can email Eve (eve@evesappleslingerie.com) with the subject “Ask Eve.”

For women with a small bust or petite bosom, shopping for a bra and grown up lingerie need not be a panic filled, prepubescent trip down memory lane. Designers, manufacturers and stores are coming together to serve this underrepresented market. Days of the white polyester training bra are over! “Celebrate Your Inner Eve” today!

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The 12 Days of Knickers–Lula Lu Petites

Intimate, luxurious, seductive…lingerie is a great Christmas gift. But with literally thousands of pieces to choose from, finding the right piece can be a little intimidating. That’s where The Lingerie Addict comes in. From Dec. 6th thru 17th, I’m featuring a new store everyday, complete with my top 8 recommendations from each. With something for every budget (and body!) you’re sure to find the perfect holiday present in no time.
$56.00
$76.00
$78.00
$78.00
$80.00 
$82.00
$84.00
$117.00
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