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| [From Marie Jo] |
Christmas present opening day is coming, so here are some store/product reviews on some potential gift ideas. Mouse over the links in the nav list below for descriptions of each topic. Jump to a topic by clicking the link or continue reading.
- Local Lingerie Stores
- Local Sex (Store) Experience
- Local Traveling Sex (Party) Experience
- Local Boob Experience
- A Little Story
Bust through those bad bra experiences that can be a drag to get uplifted to the new you! Several new lingerie stores have been popping up in downtown St. John's Newfoundland. I decided to try out Le Boudoir Lingerie, Bra Fittiing Boutique & More because when I popped my head into The Booby Trap, it looked like my grandmothers closet sprinkled with white and beige. I also cannot find their website? However, I did find their horror that is the quadraboob video entertaining. I've heard good things about comfort, so I'll probably go back. Most of these boutiques have Facebook pages I suggest you visit if you have any questions. Le Boudoir got back to me rather promptly. If you're looking for costumes, I suggest you check out the Halloween Warehouse that opens seasonally on Kenmount Road.
Lingerie Links
- Le Boudoir Lingerie Website
- The Girls Bra Shop Website
- Le Boudoir on Facebook
- Booby Trap on Facebook
- The Girls Bra Shop on Facebook
Before I talk about my experience I'd like to point out my other "sexy" experiences so you have something to compare, and I can get a rant out.
I used to frequented these. Some staff from specific stores immediately pounce on you and try to convince you that you look good in everything awful, passing you things you do not want to buy in the wrong uncomfortable sizes and go sly-eyed if I don't. They've told me I cannot return things (for sanitary reasons, this was relieving at the time) and sold me something that was falling apart, that had missing/broken parts and obviously returned (not so fine, since they wouldn't let me return it).
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| [Shunga's "Oriental Crystals" Scented Dead Sea Salt] |
I've went in search of Shunga's "Oriental Crystals" Scented Dead Sea Salt that me, and other friends/family absolutely love. It has people who weren't fans of bath salts (like myself) loving it. It really does make the water feel like velvet and feels amazing on your skin. Rub the water between your fingers if you ever get to a sample of this stuff, picture your whole body in it and you will be sold. I was a teenager when I started using it and I really do believe it cleared up my skin. It smells very clean and they claim it's good for people who have eczema. I could stay in the water until I shrivel into a prune if this Shunga stuff is in it.
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| [Karma Sutra's Treasures of the Sea] |
There is another product NOT to be confused with Shunga's called Karma Sutra's Treasures of the Sea which is a bath salt. Turns out me and a few others tried it due to lying employees which I'll explain in a moment. You need to use a lot of this product to get any affect and it does not turn the water as blue, does not react the same to water and has large white granular bits that take long to dissolve compared to Shunga's fine crystals. Some of Karma Sutra's products are comparable, but this is not. If you use regular bath salts, this may be fine, but those I know have tried it because they were expecting something else. I asked a girl in the local sex shop if she had the Shunga Crystals and was told that Karma Sutra was the identical product. I've been told this incorrect info repeatedly by different store clerks, leading me along with some family and friends to be unhappily stuck with this product. So, this time I pointed out they were not the same, thinking maybe the store clerk just didn't know. I was surprised when her voice turned snappy and argued with me. There was another customer in the store and the clerk decided to pretend being an expert with no answers when she was questioned about what she was saying. What bothered me most was when she said she knew for a fact they were identical but were just put in different bottles. The other customer sparked interest since I went in saying how great the Shunga Crystals were. Since I knew she was blatantly lying to us, I got her to loop into a circle of her own lies. I asked her why she was lying and she just looked at us in shock. The customer thanked me for pointing out the differences.
Though most of these companies do not like to be referred to as sex anythings, there are enough people calling it that for some consultants to start off their parties by stating don't call them that. But alas, I'm not overly sensitive to which words are currently, temporarily socially acceptable/politically correct so that's what I call them. There is to much of this overly sensitive we-need-to-change-all-the-words-every-few-years-to-keep-the-easily-offended-confused business on the go. "Get the Custodial Artist to take this bag of waste to the Sanitation Engineer so they can take it to the waste management collection over at the sanitary division" my ass. I'm getting winded. It's all a bunch of garbage, literally, that's what I call it, it's quicker.
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| [LipSlick] |
I've enjoyed Sensuality Parties and my favorite product is their LipSlick Cinnamon Oral Arousal Gel. I use it as a wonderful thing called "lip-gloss" (seriously, cinnamon is a plumper and the stuff makes your lips feel great). Check out Sensuality Parties on Facebook if you are interested in buying or selling their products. I knew a consultant and found her to be very well rounded, knowledgeable, and open minded. She tried a lot of their products and knew others who have also. She was honest with everything. There are also Passion Parties available but I've had no experience with them. Check out Passion Parties on Facebook.
Another party around town that I was warned to stay away from due to their employees, but unfortunately I did not. I have several reptiles and have bought several Hot Heart Massagers similar to the one seen in this video for my snake and lizard. Bending the metal disk inside the heart makes the liquid inside (probably a saturated sodium acetate solution) react. The liquid starts to solidify and you slowly go from a colder liquid heart to a lighter colored squishy hot heart which eventually becomes hard (if you try to bend it it kinda sounds like ice breaking). You can liquify them again by boiling the hearts in water. My mom liked them so I went to buy her one. The "lady" actually insulted me and a few other people several times in front of different groups (who were not impressed, several stating they'd never buy from her again) but I still wanted the gift for my mom. It felt hard (the heart...it's suppose to be soft initially). I consulted the girl selling me the product because I wasn't about to open it and consequently give mom an opened gift from a sex shop. I was buying hundreds of dollars worth of stuff and the girl selling it to me said the heart was fine, it was just cracked already. I told her I was unsure about that and she said if there were any problems she'd give me a refund, even though they're not suppose to. Well, I finally gave mom the heart and it was indeed broken and falling apart. I went to the "lady" multiple times and she refused to give me a refund even though we've talked about it, she told me she previously would, she sold me a faulty product, I bought allot of products, and she insulted me in front of groups after giving her selling opportunities. For God sakes do not buy from Fantasia until their staff smartens up. I tried contacting someone else within the company and they told me it didn't matter because they have a no return policy. I still have the broken thing sitting in my house.
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| [Le Boudoir, Bra Fitting Boutique & More] |
First off I'd like to say a couple good words about the staff at Le Boudoir. As soon as we walked in we were welcomed, and not pounced-on-because-of-commission welcomed, but genuinely helpful-people-greeting-you welcomed. It was a breath of fresh air when I was expecting the type of experience I've had in other places that sell lingerie. Every time I've walked into their store up till this point I've witnessed a life altering bra story and someone walking away uplifted (in several ways). They have many sizes, and also describe to you how to properly put on a bra which sounds silly but every time I've went there, there has been someone who didn't know (you'd be surprised what you do not know). While you may not be the extreme case, people have walked out of this store crying because they were so happy with what they discovered. You would not believe how a bra can change someones attitude. It sounds funny but you'd be surprised. It's dramatic how different I've felt since I've switched to these bras. I saw a friend's face light up after recommending her visit the store. We came out saying what a wonderful group of people work there and it would be a great place to be if you enjoy helping people because of all the lives it brightens. That's right, we want a boob job. I encourage everyone out there to get sized by a professional.
Wish List
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| [Gift Card] |
Just so all the girls and boys out there know, Le Boudoir have wish lists available so go in and ask if your friends are on file or create some records for yourself. If not gift cards are a good reason to make her walk into the store if you want to make sure (and believe me you do) she's wearing the correct bra size. This can contribute to a various number of health problems, some of which I have. Of course, like the majority of women, I was wearing the wrong bra size (3 cup sizes to small...embarrassing). In my defense, I've had a La Senza staff member suggest I shop at La Senza Girl after being told nothing there would fit me. And it's not like I've been reading up on my grow-a-monster-set-of-boobs spam. Maybe I should have a bra-burning-bonfire in memory of uncomfortable me. Let me know if you're interested in joining. You can read more about this global bra problem here: [1][2][3] and all over the internet. I've never been so comfortable since I was sized. I only wear Le Boudoir bras now. The first time I went into Le Boudoir they created a profile of me on their system, which I forgot about. I mentioned a bra I liked when I was there but did not purchase it. An extended period of time later I was there again and mentioned to a friend there was a bra I liked but I couldn't remember which it was. The girl walked over to the system and said the exact style color and size I wanted. How convenient is it that there are a bunch of people willing to help you, and not sell you thing you do not want? I also found bras I liked to be told they did not fit me right. They were actually honest. I've been served by 3 different girls and found them to be very professional and helpful.
Bra Suds
Something few people use but I thought I'd point out that they have several suds I recommend you check out (which I wouldn't normally). They suggested it to me but I thought to myself I'll just wash them with my own stuff but they gave me free samples and I gotta say the stuff is very pleasant smelling and now I want some. It comes in eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender or natural/unscented. According to the Eucalan website (which has lots of information about their product) it's a non toxic biodegradable phosphate free natural lanolin enriched formula that has a recyclable hdpe plastic bottle. They also have a video about it.
The samples read:
grapefruit/eucalyptus/lavender
5ml | .17 fl. oz.
Collection
The staff in the store state that when someone comes into their store they usually become loyal to one brand. In my case without me knowing, everything I selected was Marie Jo (someone else picked out a Simone Perele piece I did like). I haven't found anything that fit like them in other stores. If anyone ends up being a Marie Jo fan, I recommend the following:
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| [1. Marie Jo Avero Style 0100-0416 Recommended in black] |
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| [2. Marie Jo L'aventure Flavio Contour Plunge Bra and Panty Set Style 012-1106 Recommended in red-pepper (red/pink/grey/white pattern with solid red)] |
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| [3. Marie Jo Lara...*something* Style 010-1456 Recommended in red] |
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| [5. Simon Perele Andora Style 131343 Recommended in Cafe "So French" (It's brown with pink embroidery)] |
- I put the white version up above so you can see the pattern better. I'm not a fan of the checkers but I especially like the straps with the 2 extra flowers that dangle past the straps which you can't really tell from the pictures. These flowers come out over some of my clothes making it look like the bra is part of the shirt. Unknowingly trick people into thinking you have fancy-strapped clothing with this bra. I also find it very comfortable (in the right size). Nothing digs into the wrong places. Of course, the straps are triangularly shaped so I can't wear it with anything exceptionally low.
- From the website - Lightly padded cups that help conceal nipples, adjustable shoulder straps that convert into multiple silhouettes, panels push up, center & shape, underwire provides support and lift. The Avero Mulitpositional T-shirt Bra delivers a smooth, seamless fit with flair. The signature Avero embroidered daisy bra straps convert into a variety of styles including halter, racer back or one shoulder, making this a very versatile choice. The Avero Multi-Positional Bra is lightly lined to conceal the nipple without increasing the bust size. The Avero Multipositional T-Shirt Bra has a subtle check pattern that beautifully accents the curves for an experience of beauty and functionality.
- Contour bras are constructed of a thicker fabric, which conceals the nipple and shapes the breast.
- So far image #2 above is my favorite looking set on me. It feels sharp, funky, with a bit of classy. I love the double straps with the brass buckles (see the buckle on the underwear?) and the switches from pattern to solid (the back of the bra has a similar style to the side of the underwear with the solid red stripe).
- From the website - Smooth contour cups, Angled cups and small center bridge to enhance cleavage, Dual thin shoulder straps, geometric plaid design. The Flavio Plunge Bra is a fun twist on a classic style. Small geometric squares create an appearance of plaid across the cups and side panels. The cups are smooth and contoured with a light lining to conceal the nipple and provide a smooth, rounded silhouette. Attached to the cups are two thin spaghetti straps, one an extension of plaid, the other a contrasting color with a tiny brass buckle.
- Unfortunately I couldn't find this guy on the Marie Jo website, so I'm not sure if this item is still available. However I'm listing it here because the fit of the bra seen in image #3 above is very flattering. There's also a version of this that fits the same in the orient blue color (not image #5), but personally I'm trying to unsuccessfully switch my under-wardrobe to black and reds. The only thing that bothers me about this bra is my black clothes seem to like becoming woolies (or as a friend of mine calls them, "woolie boos") on the back near the clasp edges. There's a similar style here called the Deauville Contour Spacer Bra by Prima Donna.
- There's a lot of detail on the straps of the bra in image #4 above. I didn't get to try this one but my friend did and she was surprised to see the supermodel in the mirror, she looked fantastic and it made her day.
- From the website - deep plunge neckline embroidered tulle, lower cup contouring panels w/embroidered tulle, removable push up pads for cup Size A, B, C, underwire designed for support and lift, embroidery with diagonal seam on the cups. The Camille Push up bra has deep plunge presentation. The delicate embroidery designed with an oriental flair is sexy selection in the Camille collection. The cup has removable pads if the women want a little less cleavage. The diagonal seam and the underwire give you lift and support. The sensual push up bra is everything you want and more.
- Plunge bras create a deep "V" presentation and lots of cleavage. These bras are super sexy construction and run on the motto "the less cup the better."
- The bra in image #5 above is the only one I bought that was not part of the Marie Jo collection. It's Simon Perele. I like the material in it (none of my clothes stick to it) and the detailing in the straps and under the busts. The cup is very soft and molds back very easily to it's original position (almost like a thin neoprene.
- From the website - Created with moulded knit and embroidery, Andora assures excellent comfort and a form-fitting style that highlights a woman’s natural curves. Products available : Strapless, Tee shirt bra, Moulded Padding, Rigid seamless, Shorty, Thong, Bikini brief, Deep brief, Body Control Padding.
Local Boob (Trap) Experience
Edit: I went to the Booby Trap after. The staff was very friendly and helpful there as well. They seemed to show off their ugliest bras on the rack but they have several cuties hidden behind. Just ask for your size. They fit me about the same (28DD vs 30D which is an appropriate sister size). I was surprised by the fact they had several 28 bands (which is unheard of). My only gripe is I showed how it was past the tensil strength and had 0 stretch left on the largest clasp option and she still insisted I was a 28 band. There's not a lot of fat on my body, so that was essentially digging into my bones. Tightly I measure 26 inches around my bra band. I would figure I'd be at least a size 29 which rounds up to a 30 if you know how band sizing usually works. I know a lot of people wear the wrong size...but I like things tight (love corsets), and while I could breath, the short while I was in those bras I had red stripes from them digging into my body. Particularly under-wire painfully digging into my sternum. If you ever have this problem it is usually resolved by going up 1 band size and changing the cup size by 1.
Sizing
So many women do not get bra sizing, it's boggling, but somewhat understandable. Some bras differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Sometimes a D is a D no matter what, and sometimes it changes depending on the band size. In most cases, the cup size changes depending on the band. For example, let's talk about my DD's. 28DD does not equal 36DD knockers. That's the difference between me and my sister, and boy is there a difference (she stole all the boob genes when she was born). This is how it normally works (this can change depending on the manufacturer or how 'perky' your girls are):
Example:
Measure fairly tightly around your bra band while exhaled: 26 inches
Band size - if your first measurement is less then 36, add 4 to this number, otherwise add 5: 26+4 = 30 inches
Add 1 if the previous number is odd: 30+0 = 30 inches
Measure loosely around the largest part of your bust (preferably with non padded bra): 34
Cup size - take the previous number minus your band size: 34-30=4
Cup letter - from the previous number, count the alphabet to that letter. 1-2-3-4-5 is A-B-C-D-(DD or F): 4=D
Tada despite their small size I get a 30D.
Many stores will try to sell you your sister size instead of your true size. They are similar, but there is a difference. For example, 28DD is tight on me, 36A is loose. Examples of sister sizes:
28DD<=30D<=32C<=34B<=36A<=38AA
If you find your true size does not fit, it's sometimes helpful to go up or down a sister size.
If you you're not sure what your true size for a particular manufacture is, ask a professional. I've found them fairly spot on and if they're off they're probably only off my a smidge/sister size.
A Little Story
Edit: I went to the Booby Trap after. The staff was very friendly and helpful there as well. They seemed to show off their ugliest bras on the rack but they have several cuties hidden behind. Just ask for your size. They fit me about the same (28DD vs 30D which is an appropriate sister size). I was surprised by the fact they had several 28 bands (which is unheard of). My only gripe is I showed how it was past the tensil strength and had 0 stretch left on the largest clasp option and she still insisted I was a 28 band. There's not a lot of fat on my body, so that was essentially digging into my bones. Tightly I measure 26 inches around my bra band. I would figure I'd be at least a size 29 which rounds up to a 30 if you know how band sizing usually works. I know a lot of people wear the wrong size...but I like things tight (love corsets), and while I could breath, the short while I was in those bras I had red stripes from them digging into my body. Particularly under-wire painfully digging into my sternum. If you ever have this problem it is usually resolved by going up 1 band size and changing the cup size by 1.
Sizing
So many women do not get bra sizing, it's boggling, but somewhat understandable. Some bras differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Sometimes a D is a D no matter what, and sometimes it changes depending on the band size. In most cases, the cup size changes depending on the band. For example, let's talk about my DD's. 28DD does not equal 36DD knockers. That's the difference between me and my sister, and boy is there a difference (she stole all the boob genes when she was born). This is how it normally works (this can change depending on the manufacturer or how 'perky' your girls are):
Example:
Measure fairly tightly around your bra band while exhaled: 26 inches
Band size - if your first measurement is less then 36, add 4 to this number, otherwise add 5: 26+4 = 30 inches
Add 1 if the previous number is odd: 30+0 = 30 inches
Measure loosely around the largest part of your bust (preferably with non padded bra): 34
Cup size - take the previous number minus your band size: 34-30=4
Cup letter - from the previous number, count the alphabet to that letter. 1-2-3-4-5 is A-B-C-D-(DD or F): 4=D
Tada despite their small size I get a 30D.
Many stores will try to sell you your sister size instead of your true size. They are similar, but there is a difference. For example, 28DD is tight on me, 36A is loose. Examples of sister sizes:
28DD<=30D<=32C<=34B<=36A<=38AA
If you find your true size does not fit, it's sometimes helpful to go up or down a sister size.
If you you're not sure what your true size for a particular manufacture is, ask a professional. I've found them fairly spot on and if they're off they're probably only off my a smidge/sister size.
A Little Story
I'll end off by saying I use to work in a lingerie department, and you'd be surprised what you get told/asked, how many strippers buy from the local box stores, how many guys ask the staff to try things on for them, and how much leopard print lingerie "Trixie" buys. I also had this guy continuously call me asking what size bra I wore and if I could slowly describe how I put it on. Some of the girls at the front desk would purposely forward the phone calls to me when I was in the electronics department because they thought I was the most entertaining about it. I once passed the phone to my boss who was passing by and said "It's for you" at which point the guy said the same thing to him as another person in the store passed us. So of course, my boss handed her the phone saying "It's for you" haha. Long story short, my old boss (male) knows how to put on a bra as described from staff at Le Boudoir better then the 2 girls that answered the phone.
This is me, take it or leave it NL.
