Product Review: Hanky Panky

We've talked about Hanky Panky a lot over the years. We've loved them from the first day we opened The Girls Bra Shop five years ago; being the first to bring them to you in New Brunswick.

So what exactly is Hanky Panky and why do we love them so much?

Hanky Panky holds claim to the world's most comfortable thong. Their thongs have an "abbreviated back which sits between the cheeks ensuring no visible panty line (VPL). " Now let's be clear on this: they sit between the cheeks. What I personally love about Hanky Panky is that their thongs don't climb up between the cheeks but sit perfectly between. This alone has me agreeing with their claim to be the world's most comfortable thong.

What I also love about Hanky Panky is the material they use. Not only is it beautiful and appealing to my love of all things feminine and pretty but the soft stretch lace provides a snug fit in the places I want it and yet doesn't cut in to my hips.

The thongs come in original rise, low rise, one size and plus size.

But that's not all Hanky Panky is great at. We are also big fans of their boy shorts, tank tops and bralettes. The medium rise, full-coverage panty is great under your favorite outfits as well as lounging around with your favorite matching tank top. Their tank tops and bralettes provide the comfort Hanky Panky fans have come to expect, above the waist.

Hanky Panky boy shorts, tank tops and bralettes come in the extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large sizing. They also have the plus size options in the boy short and tank top.

There is always time for Hanky Panky.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

------------------------------
Source: http://www.hankypanky.com

Product Review: Miel...the sweetest things

Did you know that we test, try and fall in love with each and every product we have in the store? If we don't love it, we don't carry it. That's why when you come into the store you'll hear our team gush about each and every thing.

Since it was National Underwear Day last week, I thought I could talk about undies. One of the many favorites is Miel...the sweetest things.

"At the office, at the gym or around town, miel holds you close and comfy." For me, miel is like taking your favorite yoga clothing and turning them into panties, bandeaus, and tanks. Attractive, comfortable and great for going to the gym, office or lounging around on rainy days.

Their product is made from "the softest lightweight microfiber/spandex/cotton blend". The fabric is breathable, wicks away moisture and dries quickly. And as an added bonus: there is "built-in anti-microbial protection against stains and odors to keep the fabric fresh and clean." Their undies have become staples in my gym bag.

Miel products don't dig in or bunch-up. They are seamless where it counts. You forget your wearing them.

Made for girls by girls and so close to home (Montreal Canada), their luxuriously comfy tank tops have shelf bras that surprisingly contain girls with fuller cups. It also features "adjustable shoulder straps and smooth torso compression".

We agree, Miel has the sweetest things. I hope you come in and check them out for yourself.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Happy Canada Day!

Wear your Canadian pride...modestly.

Red can be invisible under most white shirts. Giggle.















Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

You Asked, We'll Answer

Below are common questions we come across.

How much does a fitting cost?
Fittings are complimentary at The Girls Bra Shop.

How much does an average bra cost?
There really is no such thing as an average bra. Each one has a dozen or so features that make it unique and special. We do try to carry something for every budget and have bras in our store that range from $60 to $145. Our prices are not determined by size but by the materials and manufacturing processed used.

Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome in most boutiques. However, we recommend making appointments to guarantee you will have a fitter available during those unpredictable busy times.

How long does a fitting take?

That really depends on the purpose of your fitting: first time fitting, re-fitting, wedding, prom, swim, shapewear, etc. On average a fitting can take up to 30 minutes. 

Will I be naked?

Certainly not! Measurements are done over your clothing. You will then be presented with a series of bras for you to try on and help determine the proper fit. It is important once you have the bra on that your fitter see you in that bra so she can check the fit. At no time are you completely exposed.

How long will my bra last?

That really depends on the quality and care of the bra. On average the lifetime of a bra is 6-9 months. However, you can get a longer life out of bras by doing the following:

• Invest in quality. The better the quality, the longer a bra will last. 
• Buy more than one. Three to five quality bras is the recommended average. The more you can rotate your bras, the less wear you put on each one.
• Take proper care of your bras. Hand wash your bras. Machines are known to break down the materials and damage the wires. This is especially true with foam lined bras. Store your bras without crushing them.
• Put your bra on gently. Twisting a band around your torso and flipping your cups increase the wear and tear on your bra.

These tips work. I'm still wearing bras I bought 4 years ago and they look brand new.

How do I get rid of back fat?

A bra band needs to be snug to ensure the proper support. Some women are softer than others and will pillow a little in the back. This is natural and typically barely noticeable under clothing. There are a few bra brands who have bras with wider and flexible back bands to account for the softer back. Some of my personal favorites are Empriente, Chantelle Sexy Shaping and Elomi.

Ann & Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Spotlight on Anita

When opening our bra shop we introduced many brands to our region that had never been heard of before. One of these brands is Anita.
With 125 yrs experience, Anita continues to combine "quality, function and comfort" in creating their line of undergarments and swim wear.  Anita has several areas of focus: full busted; post op; nursing, athletic; and comfort.
Like any of the brands we select for our stores we test the product ourselves to make sure it is a brand we can stand behind. Anita has proven over and over that it is up for the challenge. Let me take a minute to highlight a few of their products and their features, but don't just read about them, come into your nearest The Girls Bra Shop, try one on and see for yourself.



Frankly, Scarlett....
Scarlett (B to I cup) is more than just a pretty bra. This bra has a softly-padded underwire band as well as interlock fabric with cotton on the skin for extra comfort. The cup is additionally lined in the larger sizes to offer perfect support in larger sizes. The straps are more centered at the back for perfect support. Briefs and high waist briefs match the underwired bra­.



 We all know how important it is to get active but that can be a challenge if you don't have the right equipment. Wearing a proper fitting sports bra designed with breathability, dryness and support is key to good performance and an essential in your gymbag. 

Here's what I like about Anita Active (B to H cup): The net panels at the back regulate the moisture level and ensure that the skin remains dry. The side support function enhances the shape of the breast. The ergonomically tailored relief straps provide firm support. The seamless inner cup of microfibre towelling provides chafe-free support.





Some days you just want to stay in your pjs. Well, that's not always possible but who says you can't still surround yourself with comfort? Anita has a wide selection of comfort bras to choose from: Twin, Alicia, Safina, Aerelle are but a few that you will find at The Girls.

Featured here is Twin wireless (A to F cup). Double-layered, molded cups in breathable microfibre create a natural breast shape and provide firm support. Try it on and feel the silky-soft microfibre for maximum comfort and double-layered cups and all-round breast support for maximum fit and comfort.







Splishin' and a Splashin' in Estepona Spain

 What a treat to see one of our clients enjoying her vacation while sporting an Anita swimsuit.

 In her words: "I love my new Anita tankini. That's performance. Not only does it slim, but the top remains down even when swimming. I feel pretty in my new swimsuit. Thanks!"
 ~ Maureen  



Like I said at the beginning, don't take our word for it. Come in and see for yourself why we like Anita so much.


Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Back To School Special

It's that time of year again. The air is crisp. The leaves are starting to turn and fall colours fill the clothing stores. Being a country girl, it was a big deal going Back To School shopping. Mom would pile us in the car and we would head to the city. I would have all my money saved from my summer jobs, a list of school supplies, and a copy of Seventeen magazine with all the cool styles and trends circled.

This was always a big day for me. As we headed into Kmart, my eyes would pop out of my head at all the new things just waiting for me. But there was always one thing I just had to have to start  the new school year with and that was the Back To School Kit. A big display in the center aisle, towering high with the FOR HIM kits and the FOR HER kits. There would be body lotion, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, lip balm and gum. All for $3-$4. I always thought these were a great idea. From school to university I made sure to pick up one of these kits.

Well, Tammy and I thought what a great idea for the store too. Girls heading back to university are on a budget and they have so many things to get to make that new apartment or dorm room look great, not to mention the new wardrobe for strutting across campus. We all know the new clothes will look so much better with the right stuff underneath. So we decided to make it fun and easy by offering our own Back To School kits. We have put together some of our favorite things that we think will make you stand out on campus. And, at a price that won't kill your wallet. 

The great thing is, this special works for everyone's fall wardrobe: students, Teachers and anyone else who wants to add a little panache to their armoire. These kits are available in store only, while supplies last.

Back To School Special:

$48.99 Bra OR Panty Pak

Pak includes: 1 Change Bra OR 3 pairs of CK or Elita Panties, Celeste Socks, Forever New Soap 150g, and Laundry Bag.

That's over a $25 savings!

Your Bra Wardrobe

You wouldn’t wear the same shoes with every outfit. And you shouldn’t wear the same bra with everything either!

Your bra wardrobe should consist of a selection from each of the following three categories:

• Everyday Bras
• Special Occasion Bras
• Sports Bras

Traditional thinking says that each woman should have a small collection of EVERYDAY BRAS in black, white, and nude. We don’t agree. Your EVERYDAY BRAS CAN BE FUN TOO! Choose colors based on what you wear. If you wear white, choose a nude bra so you don’t see the bra under the shirt. Do not wear a white bra under white. If you wear dark colors, you can choose a bra in black or in another fun color. I have a fabulous blue and red bra that I wear under my black shirts. It makes me feel so pretty and doesn’t show through my shirt.

Rule of thumb is to have 5 to 7 EVERYDAY BRAS. We all do it, but you should not wear a bra for a few days in a row. Instead alternate your bras throughout the week, giving the bra a break. The reason for this is that body heat tends to relax the fabric. Giving your bra a break will maintain the original shape and extend the life of the bra.

You should also vary the style of your EVERYDAY BRAS depending on what you wear. A T-Shirt bra will give you smooth lines under figure hugging clothing while a lace bra will shape you beautifully under a knit sweater.

So enough about everyday, what about SPECIAL OCCASIONS? What is your special occasion? Are you going to the masquerade ball? A strapless bra may work perfectly with that dress. Maybe you are going out for an evening of dinner and dancing? Or maybe you just want to treat yourself to a lacey set for when you want to feel your best? Whatever the outfit or occasion, there is a bra designed for it. Sometimes I wear an indulgent lacey set under my everyday clothes….just because.

If you lead an active lifestyle, you should also invest in SPORTS BRAS with good bounce control. This will not only keep the girls comfortable while you are working out or competing on the field, it will keep your breasts healthier and perkier longer. With age the connective tissues that hold your breast up slacken and cause sagging. This is accelerated with the bouncing from physical activity. If you exercise everyday, you should have more than one SPORTS BRA to alternate throughout the week. Again, this extends the life of the bra and eliminates the icky factor of re-wearing a sweaty bra.

With today’s designs you have so many options open to you in style and color. Build a bra wardrobe that not only suits your lifestyle and personality, but that you love.