Review: Adore Me & Paili/Arabella

Whew! This review has been a little rough just getting to this stage.

I had previously read a blog post/review of Adore Me by the Lingerie Addict (read it here), so I had some expectations going into this, but I saw an add for your first set for only $20 and had to give it a try.

I knew that the bras in my size were all from Affinitas, so I looked at some of my go-to sites for reviews. It took me all day to decide, but I ordered the Kimberly bra and panty set (Adore Me calls it the Leona).

Now, when you sign up, you only get the $20 set if you register for the VIP membership, which is where they charge your card each month and you get to pick some lingerie. They send you an email before charging, so you can choose to skip a month.

Ok, ok. I signed up. I went with slow shipping because it's free and I'm cheap.


Then I got this in the mail:

box is a little beat up

but it's all "pretty". i hate pink.

I knew about the relabeling. Of course that's the first thing I checked out. I was shocked at how poorly and obviously it was done.

sewn right on top

you can see where they cut out the old tag

they think the sticker there is sneaky. i guess 

old tag fibers

I really expected more, but oh well. I tried it on. I had ordered up a cup size based on the reviews on other sites. By the way, Adore Me uses US sizing, and goes up to an I, so that's what I got.

The set is adorable. I love pinstripes. The fit, on the other hand, was horrid. The band was too tight and I was spilling out everywhere. *Le Sigh*

Failed attempt. I went online and found the exchange page. It was actually really easy. I filled out a little form, got a printable return mailing label, and got an email with a code to get another set for free. So ease of use has been pretty good.

I picked the Arabella set for my next try, or Paili as they call it (is that even a real name?). I went up to a 34I, so up one band and another cup. Time to wait again.

The box was beat up again, and filled with pink tissue paper again. The tags were much better and look like they were done by the manufacturer.

The fit is, well, it's OK. The 34 band is a little loose, and the cups *barely* fit my boobs, but it fits enough for $20. The girls are a little wider than I'm used to, and the textured cups show under thin and/or light colored fabrics, but it looks good under a dark tshirt.

The panties are super comfy! And sexy, with their see-through back side. I will totally wear them even without the bra. 

no pics of these on - gotta avoid the creepers

So what's my final conclusion?

Meh.

Affinitas bras just don't fit me well, and if that's the only brand Adore Me is going to relabel, then I'll pass. I got a nice deal on this set, but just barely. If Affinitas fit you well, then yeah, check it out. They really are good deals on the bra and panty sets.

I will be canceling my account and heading back over to True&Co. who now carries bras in my size. And lets you try on a handful and keep what fits. Yes yes. In other good news, my town is getting a Nordstrom Rack in October! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they stock lots of bras in my size range.

Upcoming Review

Just to let y'all know...

I took the plunge and ordered something from AdoreMe today. They actually have my size, and your first purchase (if you sign up for the VIP service) is only $20 for a set. That's a set, as in bra AND panties. Which is really a great deal if you compare the one brand they seem to carry (Parfait by Affinitas, don't think they make it themselves).

I ordered the Lola Balconette (or Leona according to AdoreMe), in a 32I/32G. Yes, I'm normally a 32H/32FF, but I looked up some reviews on different sites and found that Parfait tends to run a cup size small, and maybe a band size small. I prefer my bands pretty snug compared to most women, so I just went up a cup. Plus, I think my strapless bra is by them, and the 32G is even small. If this doesn't fit, I'll see about a refund since I ordered the largest size they carry.

Anywho, this is just a note that I will be reviewing the bra and service soon. Something to look forward too!

in the mean time, I'm going to go see if Jockey has bras in my size yet (I doubt it; too soon).

3 Bra Stores, 1 Bra

Alrighty, so I made it to my 3 bra stores in Denver.

First stop was Le Soutien. Cute little store in Cherry Creek. I followed an elderly lady in and listened a little as she talked bras. How great to see an elderly woman that was properly fitted! She lifted up her shirt right there in the store to show the lady the one she had on. The sales lady helping her did mention that they only carry wired bras in the store, but will special order for anyone.

Meanwhile, I was fitted by the owner, Sharon. Lovely lady. I told her my size and she grabbed some of the store favorites and had me try them on. She left the room while I put on each bra and then came in. I can see how some women would LOVE this, but I'm not shy about my boobs and would have been just fine with her staying in the room. They did have a robe hanging in the change room, which was a great idea. I tried on some Prima Donna bras and loved them, but it's hard to spend $150 on a bra when I have enough as it is. Sharon did tell me that she thinks the 34 is just a little tight on me, but also said that I would know best what works for me, and if I want a 34 I can have a 34. I liked that.

Selection wise, they only have beautiful bras. Prima Donna, Chantelle, Conturelle, some Freya. Pricey, all pricey. But they do have the whole size range, from A on up.


Just 2 blocks away was SOL (Store of Lingerie). Very young, very hip, trendy colors. I didn't try anything on, because it was all the same. Really, same brands that Le Soutien had, and same idea. Cute, pretty bras. What made SOL stand out was their great pajama selection. Cute adorable PJs, and lots of tank top styles with a shelf bra. I've been thinking of getting some PJs like that. Still thinking about it. They're pricey. Yes, SOL was also pricey. Oh, they had some fun and sexy stockings and tights as well. Definitely a slightly younger target market.


Finally a drove a little ways away to Treva's. That's tree-va. She was there. When I said I was just looking they said great! Let us know if you need help! So I browsed. This store had the older target market. Treva her self is older, and her sales clerk was older as well. By older, I mean probably about as old as my Grandmother.

Treva's, though, carries soft cup bras. Yes! The selection is very basic, all white, beige, and black, but the one thing that makes Treva's special is one little section of the store. They stock a good range of sizes in mastectomy bras and carry breast forms. They accept Medicare and other types of insurance to cover those. They also had hats, scarves, and caps, and other accessories for cancer patients. If you have breast cancer in Denver, please check these ladies out. They even had a tank top with shelf bra that has a pocket for breast forms.

So! Anyway, I tried on a couple soft cup bras. Found a bra by Aviana that fit well and was comfortable. Plus, it didn't give me uniboob! It's not super pretty, but still pretty, and was only $45. That's cheap for me. Plus, as Treva herself rang me up, she threw in a free calendar (2011, but has bra pics) and said I could pick a gift from these 2 baskets. I grabbed a little lingerie bag, since I didn't bring one with me, and might wash some bras.

Now let me tell you about the other shopper that was in there. Good Lord I wanted to shoot her. Or at the very least duct tape her mouth. She did nothing but bitch about her breasts and how she wanted to cut them off and get rid of them. She hated them, she hated bras, she loathed underwires, she snapped at her husband. I was glad when she left. Her husband even asked if the store could order another of the bras that she likes, and she got mad at him! Hello! He's trying to help you! Want to know her size? 44K.


There you have it. My 3 stores and 1 purchase. If you're in Denver, check them out. Just remember that Treva has functional bras, and the others have pretty (and expensive) bras. 

Denver, Here I Come!

So, I will be spending a few days in Denver next week. I have some friends and family to visit, but that won't take up all of my time, so I looked up 3 bra boutiques: Treva's, Le Soutien, and SOL. I plan to visit all 3 and see how they do, how the selection is, etc. I really could use another softcup/wireless bra. My Anita is rather stretched out already (it's only a year old!). Although from browsing the websites, I don't know that I'll have much luck finding anything without wires at Le Soutien.

I also went back to the Breakout Bras site today and browsed around. Found a lovely wirefree Panache bra that I will consider ordering if I strike out in Denver.

I know, I owe y'all some bra reviews. I'll see about that once I'm back from my vacation. Until then, let me mention that removing the side boning from my full-figure bras was such a blessing. I can now wear my beautiful Olivia comfortably all day long.