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Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak PL Stalowka

The Stalowka is available in both PL and CHP styles in many, many sizes. Price is 129.00 zlotys, which is about $41.60

I may or may not have had a photo shoot with the bras when I received them on Wednesday….

The Stalowka is about a 1/2 inch taller than the Karmelki. More on that later.

The inside is lined with the softest cotton; and it’s harder to see because it’s black, but the Stalowka has the pockets for the breast asymmetry correction pads

The actual color in real life of this bra is like a happy medium between the site photo (blue) and my photos (darker grey)

I spent about 2.5 months debating on whether I wanted to order bras from Ewa Michalak. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about what size you should order, and the size calculator on the EM site gives very, very different suggestions than the “normal” UK size that I wear. From lots of people and the calculator, I was told to try anywhere from my standard size of 40J all the way up to a 44J.

I decided to stick with my Panache Andorra size (as it runs tight-ish in the band and smaller in the cup). A lot of feedback about the EM bras has said that you should size up in band and cup. It seemed like the Andorra size was a good place to start (at least in my mind!)

Before I post photos of me in the bra, I want to share the measurements for the 40J PL Stalowka:

• Band Length: 30″
• Stretched Band: 38″
• Cup Width: 9″
• Cup Depth: 15.4″
• Wire Length: 15″
• Cup Separation: 0.75″
• Center gore height: 4.5″
• Wing Height: 5.25″

As compared to my 40J Panache Andorra:

•  Band Length: 33″
• Stretched Band: 40″
• Cup Width: 9″
• Cup Depth: 15″
• Wire Length: 18″
• Cup Separation: 0.75″ 
• Center gore height: 5″
• Wing height: 5.5″

The Andorra is one of my absolute favorite bras, and the two (Andorra and Stalowka) are almost identical, except for small differences in cup depth and wire length. I’ve always felt like my Andorra gave me a great cleavage (obviously not the same as the Stalowka), and now I see how it really compares to a plunge style bra.

For more comparison, here’s the measurements of my 40J Elomi Briony bra:

• Band Length: 33.5″
• Stretched band: 44″
• Cup width: 9.25″
• Cup depth: 15.5″
• Wire length: 17.5″
• Cup Separation: 1″

What this tells me is that, for the most part, a J cup is 15-15.5″ in depth across the board, and typically a 40 band starts at 33″ unstretched. Except for Ewa Michalak bras, which start smaller and do not stretch as much (I mean….the Briony stretches 9.5″!!).

Also, as you can see, Ewa Michalak wires are shorter in length overall, with comprable cup width, wing height, separation, and gore height.

The biggest difference between EM bras and others? Well, obviously EM bras are padded, so there’s that…but oh goodness….look at the shape. I think I fell in love with my boobs when I put this bra on….

My poor right boob is bigger…

It’s so….so round..

Borderline buttcrack cleavage

For reference, this is what the Panache Andorra looks like on me…

Panache Andorra Bra

I swear I’ll get to the actual review in a minute here……

This whole experience with EM bras has taught me a few things:

• Where I once thought my boobs were just full on buttom, I think they are just full in general.
• I have a lot of migrated tissue still making its way back to the homeland. I’ll address this more in the full review.
• My boobs are closer together than I thought, initially. I actually do NOT fall to the center of the EM PL bras. My boobs love these!
• I miss wearing padded bras.
• I grew accustomed to the more natural shape of my boobs in non-padded bras, so the “shelf” effect of EM bras was startling at first.
• I love my boobs!!!

On to the legit review:

Features: Half adjustable straps, ability to add padded inserts into each cup to correct asymmetry, lightly padded plunge shape, delicate bows on the gore and straps, 3 sets of 3 hooks and eyes, and matching band color.

Fit: As you can see from the measurements, the 40 is definitely snug. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it hooked when I first put it on, but thanks to my husband, I got it hooked. It relaxed enough for me to be able to hook it on my own. I wore it all day yesterday while at work, and while it didn’t bother me, I was pretty red when I took the bra off. It was actually a welcome change from the 40′s I have been wearing that have become too loose.

I ended up purchasing some extenders today from Jo-Anns (a 4 set of 3 hooks is only $2.99). It turns out that I really only needed an extra row of hooks for the bra to be comfortable and still supportive.  The cups themselves are spot on. They couldn’t be any smaller, as I would totally have double boob. However, I will say that because the wires are shorter (and the wing height is shorter), I do have a little bit of armpit chub that likes to visit every once in a while. Another blogger suggested that I would need to size up in the cup because this is breast tissue. But, it’s not breast tissue. It’s just armpit fat. I have lost some more weight and haven’t been working out due to a foot injury, so I am super squishy and have a lot of loose skin in my arm/armpit area. I know that if the wires were longer, this wouldn’t be an issue. Going up a cup size would cause me to lose the AWESOME look I get in this bra, and I think it would be too big. And, as it really is comparable in measurements to my other bras, I don’t doubt that the armpit chub problem is because of the wire length (or lack of).

Support and Shape: Why hello gorgeous boobies! The support in this bra is so amazing. I’ve always dreamed of having a bra that felt like my husband was behind me, holding the girls up with his hands. I totally get that same feeling in this bra! It’s like my boobs are suspended in air, defying gravity. And the shape…oh lawdy. So beautiful. I definitely do have some jiggle up top where the breast tissue is not covered. When I wore this to work (I nanny which means lots of up and down, bending over, carrying children, etc.), I was really worried that I was going to fall out of the cups, or that I would spend the day readjusting myself…..but NOPE. Not at all. My boobs, albeit jiggly, stayed put and in the cups all day. I never had to readjust at all.

Other thoughts: I think the only complaint that I have about this bra is that the underwires aren’t really padded at all, and tend to irritate my skin right where the fabric of the center gore rests on my tummy (damn that high tummy!!!). Other than that, I just can’t get over how awesome this bra is. While the cup width is the same as the Andorra, the bra is definitely constructed so differently. Instead of getting the wide shape like I get in the Andorra, I get a very projected, front and centered shape. I LOVE IT. 

Overall Grade: A… It would have been an A+ had it not been for the lack of padding on the underwires….

So here’s my take about ordering from Ewa Michalak:

• The bands are snug. Say you measure 38.5″ underbust. You should be okay getting a 38 band. But if you’re like me and measure more like 39″, you aren’t going to want to get a 38 band. You’re going to want that 40″ band. And maybe even a 42″. I also ordered the PL Carmen in a 38JJ…..the band only stretches to 36″!!!
• The cups run a size small. So, size up a cup.
• If you wear the Panache Andorra, order that same size in your Ewa Michalak bras.
• It took a week for them to make the bra, and then a week to post from Poland. Ordered on Nov. 28th, and got the order on December 12th. That’s pretty amazing! 

Other reviews of the Stalowka:  PL UndieGamer (28G)   CHP Faustine (32G)

Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak PL Karmelki

The PL Karmelki is available on offer on the EM site in various sizes, for about $39

I ordered the Karmelki in a 40J  (90J) along with my order of the PL Carmen and the PL Stalowka.

As part of my reviews, from here on out, I am going to try to include all of the bratabase measurments that I have for the bra that is being reviewed. I think that this is going to add to the level of understanding fit. 

Pics! 

Bratabase Measurements:

• Relaxed band: 31″
• Stretched band: 38.5″
• Cup width: 7.25″
• Cup depth: 15″
• Gore height: 4.5″
• Wire length: 14.5″
• Wing height: 5.5″

Features: Fully adjustable straps (though the stitching on the straps makes it almost impossible to move the slider),  ability to add padded inserts into each cup to correct asymmetry, lightly padded plunge shape, cute little buttons on the gore and straps, 3 sets of 3 hooks and eyes, and matching band color.

Fit: The band of the Karmelki stretches a whole half inch less than the Stalowka, so understandbly, I need two extra rows of hooks with the extender to wear the Karmelki. Not an issue for me. However, in the Karmelki, I would definitely recommend sizing up in band. Also, the cup is almost a half inch smaller in depth than the Stalowka. This isn’t so noticeable in the front, but the small amount of overflow I somewhat experience under the arms is a little more noticeable because of the lack of depth in the bra. However, I still wear this because it looks hella sexy under the right tops, but it’s definitely not one that I wear every day. The jiggle is definitely noticeable under t-shirts. I would suggest sizing up in band and cup if you decide to try the PL Karmelki. 

Support and Shape: Um….It’s a Ewa Michalak bra. I feel like that’s pretty self explanatory. The lift is fantastic, the shape is divine, and my boobs are under my chin. They give that sexy orb look that I’ve always wanted.

Other thoughts: I know this is *too small*, but like Georgina mentions, I love the way it makes my boobs look, so I’ll continue to break the rules, though definitely NOT every day – that’s for sure. I’ve felt a little bullied about what kind of size I should order in EM bras….and I think it’s important for women to remember to wear what is comfortable and what they feel looks good (within reason). Is this the best size for me? Probably not. But do I love the way it looks and feels? Yes. Am I going to wear it everyday? No, because it’s not practical.

In the end, YOU are the one that has to wear the bra…..so if you’re happy, and you’ve got a bra in a size that is fairly good or just close enough and wear it for special occasions or when you want to feel sexy, then do it.

**Also, I will note that when I received this bra, the seaming on the front left of the cup was coming undone and was quite loose. I have not contacted EM because it’s not a huge issue, and if it gets worse, I can fix it myself.**

Overall Grade: B+….I was so surprised by the differences in fit

Plus Size Bra Review: Elomi Energise Sports Bra

I’ve been putting off this review for about a month and a half, trying to give the Elomi ‘Energise’ sports bra a good run so that I could really give you all the best review I possibly can. I was so graciously gifted this bra for review by Eveden. This in no way influences my review of this bra.

 I originally received this bra in a 38J, but had some problems with it. Alexis from Eveden very kindly offered to have a sample size 38JJ made for me to see how that worked. The pictures I am going to post are of the 38J (as the photos of the 38JJ aren’t really that different).

 The Elomi ‘Energise’ Sports bra is available in sizes 34 GG-J, 36 DD-J, 38 D-J, 40 D-HH, 42 D-H, 44 D-GG, and 46 D-DD in colors white, black, and beige. Cost is about $65-75 depending on retailer. 

Click here for photos of the Elomi Energise.

 As you can see in the photos, I did have some side overspill, which is why Eveden offered to have the sample 38JJ made for me. I will be assessing the fit and function of both the 38J and the 38JJ and discuss my thoughts on sizing for this specific bra.

Features: Underwired, non-compression sport bra (encapsulation style), minimal stretch straps, higher height cup to encase all of breast tissue and minimize bounce, non-stretch cup fabrics, 3 hook and eyes in the 38J, 4 hook and eyes in the 38JJ, higher wings on the sides for control and support.

Fit: The 38J was not big enough in the cups for me. Oddly enough, the band on the 38J felt looser than the band on the 38JJ which was quite snug at first wear but has relaxed after 5-6 wears and a couple washes. While the cups on the 38J were too small, the cups on the 38JJ are a little bit too big. While I can’t show you this because I haven’t posted pictures of the 38JJ, the wires on the 38JJ come back quite far on the side, and there is a little bit of space in the cups. A while ago (probably about 6 months), I had tried the Energise on at a Nordstrom’s just to see what it was like, but I couldn’t get the fit quite right then, either.

 Support and Shape: This section of the review is a little bit different because of the purpose of the bra. Obviously, the shape is pointy – however, where this would normally bother me in an every day kind of bra, this does not bother me for a sports bra. In general, I would say that this bra makes my boobs look smaller, especially under clothing. The support is quite nice, and I will discuss in more depth in the next section (function) about the realistic uses of this bra.

  Function: For me to describe the function of the bra, I want to share with you the types of exercises that I tried with this bra on….here’s what I’ve done in it and whether I think it was a good experience…

• Running - Yes, the bra obviously controls bounce more than not wearing a bra would (or wearing a cheap-o sports bra over a regular bra). Yes, I have J cup breasts so I can’t really expect there to be no movement at all. However, after about a mile of running, I did start to feel that all too well known pain in the chest that comes from the bouncing of my large breasts. While I don’t think it’s impossible to use this bra for running, I must admit that I have had better luck wearing a compression style sports bra over the Energise.
• Personal Training – From jumping jacks to push-ups, the bra held up quite well. I’ve never been a huge fan of jumping jacks, but for short bursts of this up and down movement, the Energise is a welcome companion.
• Weight Training – When you’re lifting weights, you’re not moving your body as much as you would in running, so I think that the Energise is great for this kind of activity.
• Cycling/Biking – Again, not moving the upper body very much (if at all), so the Energise is perfect for this as well.

I have seen the Energise marketed as a medium impact control sports bra and I would have to agree with this. I would not really recommend the Energise for high impact sports for long periods of time – though you may have success in short bursts of high impact activity.

  Other thoughts: Because the wires in the 38JJ are more expansive than the 38J, I’ve found that the wires kind of bend away from my body and are quite pokey. Wearing the compression sports bra over the 38JJ keeps the wires from rubbing me in a bad way. I did not have this problem in the 38J – so if you have the right size, it should not be an issue. The four hooks and eyes on the 38JJ was interesting and a welcome change from the standard 3 hooks and eyes on UK brands. When I switched from wearing bras from LB to wearing UK brand bras, I desperately missed that extra hook and eye. I like the stability of the band of the Energise in the 38JJ.

 I think that, overall, this sports bra could be made better by combining the already present encapsulation style support with compression materials to hold tissue more firmly to the body. The size range of the Energise is really quite amazing, and this means that a lot of women have the chance to have a well fitting sports bra that provides good support during workouts.

 The control in the 38JJ vs. the 38J leads me to believe that Elomi could feasibly make and sell the Energise in a 38JJ and 40J to widen their market as the functionality of each size was quite similar. It will be interesting to see if they can expand the size range a little bit more, especially because Freya Active is going to start including K cups in their sports bras.

  Overall Grade: A when used for its intended purpose

Curvy Kate Swimwear Designer Top 30

Hello all!!

I’m here begging for votes; A while back, Curvy Kate posted an app on their page where you could design your own swimwear. Well, the Top 30 have been chosen! The winner with the most votes will receive the entire SS’13 Curvy Kate Swimwear Collection…I have always wanted to wear a bikini and didn’t think it would be possible until I found Curvy Kate. I have yet to try their swimwear, but I only hear good things about it and oh my goodness….check out the  SS’13 collection… 

And….yours truly is in the Top 30!    **Erica from Sophisticated Pair is also in the Top 30

So please, click here: Curvy Kate Swimwear Top 30 and please vote for me, Nicole  It’s the purple, pink and blue halter with banded bottoms

Guest Post: Review of the Curvy Kate Princess

**Today's guest post comes from a wonderful reader of mine and - at least that I know of - Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. Kristi had asked me for help with bras on my FB page, and when she told me that she ordered the Curvy Kate Princess, I asked her to do a review as this is not a bra that I myself have tried. Read on for her experience with the CK Princess **

Recently I got into contact with Fussy Busty to ask her about some bras styles that work for her because she and I share a common problem?  (not exactly the right word)--how about common figure feature which is that we are both short-waisted while still being busty.  What I said to dear Fussy was that I was having a hard time finding bras that  fit in the cup without digging into my armpits.  She recommended, among a few brands, trying some of the balconette styles  because the sides don't come up quite so high and thus might alleviate the problem I was having.  After doing a little online shopping I chose the Emily from Curvy Kate as well as the Princess.  I'll be reviewing (for the first time ever!) the Princess from Curvy Kate.  Fussy asked me if I would review it because she had heard mixed reviews of the bra.  I was happy but nervous to oblige.  I know how much online reviews from real wearers mean to me when I'm trying to decide on something so personal as a bra.  Fit is everything because let's face it, even the prettiest bra will get shoved to the back of the drawer if it's not comfortable and when I can't go to a store to try it on I have to rely on a few factors and the biggest one is what other women have to honestly say.  So let's get to it!

I ordered from Brastop.com and considering that the package was arriving from across the pond, it made it to my door quickly.  I took it as a good sign.  I opened the package to two really gorgeous bras.  I measured out at a 40FF and believe me, I NEVER thought I would ever find pretty bras in my size so having these 2 in my hands seemed almost unbelievable.  I particularly LOVE the polka dots on the Princess.

I couldn't wait to try them on so I snipped the tag from the Princess and got down to business.  The band was snug but not too snug on the first set of hooks.  I adjusted the straps so that they would be as short as I could get them.  This proved to be much more uncomfortable than I thought it would be because it caused the sides to dig into my armpits again.  I thought "oh no!  really?  all that money for these 2 bras and now I can't wear them either?"  but I calmed down and decided that perhaps a little adjustment was in order.  Upon lengthening the straps I felt much better.

  

I do like this bra.  It is gorgeous but I don't love it.  Here are my down sides...  1. I should have ordered down a size in the cup because I think it runs big even though I ordered the size I measured out as.  To prevent gaping across the top I have to push the straps to the edges of my shoulders and that's not always comfortable.  I have some tops that this is necessary for though anyway but I do wish I had known just how big these cups would run.  2. The material, even after a washing, is scratchy and the lace across the top of the cups is stiff but it's really the little bows that oddly enough, drive me so crazy.  I actually get red marks from the stitch on the back of the strap where that bow is sewn to and given that there is zero reason for it to be there other than that it looks pretty I wish they hadn't added it.  Bottom line is that it's the kind of bra that I can't wait to take off.  I was going to wear it for a long trip last weekend that included a car ride and party and I when push came to shove, I just could not do it.  In terms of construction it's a 3 part cup, features 3 rows of 3 hooks and eyes and the straps are fairly wide although not completely elastic.  The center gore comes up pretty high so this isn't a style for low cuts.  The wire on the side does reach my armpit but not as high as some so it's not poking me uncomfortably.  For the first time EVER the center gore lays flat against my breast bone like it is supposed to and that alone is something I truly love because I was starting to wonder if that was ever actually going to happen.

Bottom line?  I think I prefer the comfort of a lightly padded cup and I probably will not buy this style again.  Overall grade?  A for BEAUTY!  C for comfort and fit.

**I've read more than one review that has made mention of the Princess running small in the cup versus the gaping that we see here in Kristi's pictures. Other than the slight gaping, the fit on the Princess seems nice, the shape looks good....and as for the pesky bows... I would simply take a seam ripper to the puppies and pop them off.  Have you tried the Princess? What did you think of it?**

My Weekend...

My weekend has consisted of the following:

• A trip to the casino and late night visit to Tee Jaye's country place restaurant. 
• Homework.
• Putting up our Christmas tree. (after taking down Halloween decorations).
• And starting to write the first half of my thesis/research proposal

Here, let me bore you with my introductory paragraph to my thesis :-)

 

                 The parent-child relationship is perhaps the most important, influential factor in a child’s development. Within the psychological profession, it is well known that parent behaviors and parenting style influence children’s social, emotional, and physical development. While much research has been done on the many facets of this influence, this study focuses on the parenting styles of older, career-focused parents. As our society continues to advance in many ways, the age at which adults choose to have children has changed, based on a variety of factors. To put it simply, more and more adults (and subsequently married couples) are waiting until they are older to have children. Where once people were starting their families during their 20’s, now the trend is for parents to wait until their mid 30’s to have their first child (Roberts, 1987). The following synthesis seeks to explore the pros and cons of adults waiting until they are older to have children. The importance of secure attachments, as well as the influences of parent age, education and career on child development are explored in order to build a base for the proposed study.