I was delighted, over the moon, to discover the vendor What Katie Did. I instantly called them to see if any of their bras might fit me. And so, I have a sad story to tell . . .
What Katie Did's items are beautiful, their staff helpful over the phone, their return policy in my case . . . not so good.
I ordered one of their bras which OF COURSE did not fit. I returned it with all tags in original packaging, because I never remove these things until weeks after buying something as I want to be positive I like it.
They sent it back to me, without tags, not in the original packaging claiming I had removed both. I will admit I did have to take the bra out of the packaging . . . to try it on, but I put everything back in. I even folded it the way it had been folded. This kind of behavior makes me worry, they should at least have sent me an email to try and figure out what was going on. * See comment bellow from vendor, I could be maligning them unnecessarily in my frustration. Vendor being quite nice about the snafu.
Anyway, as a result, I have a peach Harlow circle stitch bra, worth $47.00 to give away to one lucky reader. Please read theirwebsite for sizing and other information.
Size 32 F
To win, just comment bellow and I will chose one person at random, or give it to the one and only reader it fits . . . if there is only one. It's a beautiful bra, good luck! Feel free to spread to the word to friends, family, or partners who might fit the bra.
As it's me I will also pop in a signed copy of Heartless and perhaps a few other bits and bobs. Contest open through Oct 31, 2011, to anyone, anywhere.
Amendment due to comments ~ Added info!
Why it didn't fit me?
My measurements make me a US size 30H ~ that's 30 inch ribs, 40 inch bust.
I usually wear a 32 G because that is what I can find, I just have to have the band on the tightest setting with nowhere to stretch.
This bra on the ribs?
This bra fit me well around the ribs, although it is a 32. So the band seems to RUN SMALL.
This bra on the boobs?
It was WAY too small in the cups at an F, I spilled out around the sides and did not fit down into the cone section at the nipple.
My best guess would be if you were more of a 36 to 38 inch bust measurement and a little, um, floppy, this would be good. And if your rib measurement was 30 to 31, maybe 32. But this bra has very little stretch.
On Shopping
Bravissimo: type in "30 H" see what you get? 3 bras. All under-wire. Welcome to my life.
Figleaves: ditto, plus 2 sports bras, plus shipping from England to get the item in my size.
Stores that import my size into the US all carry the same brands. I know those brands very well.
I'm just giving up and going for nursing bras with a 32 band. Not other options. I'll let you know when I have success.
It might fit me. I'm about a 34 around the ribcage, so if there's someone who fits it better, be my guest.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be the strangest contest I've ever entered. I'm surprised how much fun it was to read the post, although I am sorry for the frustration you experienced.
Do want! All my bras are falling apart and I'm jobless and can't afford new ones. WAH, psuedo-problem sob story!
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I would love this piece of pretty. Sorry for the annoyance on your end, though.
I am not quite the right size, I am a 30F, not 32 BUT I wanted to post to see if you knew about this site called Bravissimo. They are based in the UK and sell bras for us with well, larger chests. (I have never seen my size in a store based anywhere in the US), they have an awesome return policy also, not a sneeky one (http://www.bravissimo.com/)
ReplyDeleteI'm quite confident that it wouldn't fit me. However, on the positive side, I'd love to win the book.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the bad shopping experience. Glad you're spreading the word about the bad return policy. Especially with something like bras, it's near impossible to know from just a measuring tape whether the real thing will fit properly.
I'm a 38 DDD so I'm a wee bit small for it cup wise, too big band wise, but hey, since it was too small for you it might actually fit me.
ReplyDeleteI already have Heartless. Is the manga out yet? Or could I have a copy of a drawing of Lord A if I win instead?
I'm not even close to that bra size (30c)... I'll have to wait for the next book giveaway :(
ReplyDeleteI usually wear size 32D, but I have some in size 30F as well... So it would be nice to hear why it didn't fit you and what sizes you normally wear. I've been wanting to buy WKD's bras for some time now, but now I'm starting to doubt... that kind of behavior is really unprofessional of them :(
ReplyDeleteOoh, a bra in exactly my size! So rare and therefore exciting. Plus I only have Heartless on my Kindle. So yeah, I'd love to have a nice, pretty, quality bra in my hard to find size!
ReplyDeleteI think it would fit me, I wear either a 30 or a 32E/F in most bra lines, I've recently lost a lot of weight in my ribcage and I've got 2 decently fitting bras right now, so I'd love to have it.
ReplyDeleteLadies, I have amended the original post with information about sizing and shopping. I still really hope it fits one of you, looks like we have two solid contenders.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry there will be plenty more Heartless give aways coming up. I'm moving house next month and I need to shed the dead-tree weight.
Gail Carriger,
ReplyDeleteThis is Michelle from What Katie Did, I'm very sorry for this inconvenience. If you could please send the items back to the LA boutique, we would be happy to return the item/exchange, or provide you with a full refund. Once again, my apologies. For future reference this wont happen again. If you have any questions plese feel free to call the store 1-877-221-2472.
Thanks so much,
Michelle
That would likely fit me pretty well if you can't work something out with WKD. I've got a 30 inch ribcage and a 37-38 inch bust when wearing a decent bra. I'm kinda squishy from the recent weight loss, so the pointy shapes shouldn't matter too much.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeletethanks for being so nice, but the contest is up and away and I don't want to be a bad sport. Perhaps the winner will like the bra so much they will order from you again. ~ Gail
Gail,
ReplyDeleteI understand, If there is anything we can do to make you a satisfied customer please just let us know. Again i apologise for this.
Michelle
I'm a 32F, so if the cups were a little tight on you it would likely fit me just fine. I've actually been eying some of their bras for a while, since I tend to wear a lot of wiggle dresses.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your continued search for a bra that fits. I totally understand what you're going through.
Bummer, Madam Gail! But the FailBra should fit my 30 DD Rack. Hope you have better luck next time.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a 32F. I often have to settle for a 34DD, and sew in an additional row of hook loops, but a real, honest to goodness 32F? Lovely! Sorry for your frustrating experience, and thanks for offering a chance for your readers to benefit!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing worse than when a bra SEEMS like it should work, and then just isn't right. But it sounds like this one might fit me! I am also usually a 32F that has to settle for a 34DD.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the right size for the bra (I'm usually a 32GG), but it's great to see someone posting about this and the response in the comments section. It's tough finding a place that sells bras that fit, let alone finding the right size for each brand, and to have someone posting about their experiences makes it a little less torturous.
ReplyDeleteThanks April, it's helpful for me too. It's nice to know that out there are many other women going through the same experience.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the return problems you experienced, Gail. And the improper fit of the bra. It is always such a pain to find one that fits right.
ReplyDeleteI'm a 38-40C. Not too difficult a size to find, but all the brands vary in cup structure. One brand's cup will be too small while another's will be swimming on me.
Going off the updated entry, it probably wouldn't fit my ribs if it was tight on yours. So count me out. I hope it fits whoever gets it!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an unusual post that I must comment just for fun. Please do not enter my 32A self in the contest, that would just be sad.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is my size! And so pretty! But alas, I live in the UK, so I don't think you'll want to be sending it that far. Thank you for introducing me to the company, though - their things look very pretty.
ReplyDelete~Ailsa
Oh no! Bra fail is the worst.
ReplyDeleteI can't find any bras that fit. I did find some in NYC earlier this year. Bought three, but all except one broke the first time I washed them. It turns out they do not make bras that fit me in Denmark. Maybe I should just moce to the States lol.
Great contest, Lady Gail.
I'm a 32/34 DD according to Victoria Secret, but they aren't the best fitting. I own only one bra that actually fits me well. I share your pain about finding a good bra. For something we all wear every day, you think this would be in higher supply unless you're one of the "normal" sizes. Madness.
ReplyDeleteI'm not entering the contest, but I feel your pain with the bra fitting problem. I'm technically a 40A and it is impossible to find bras, especially without underwire (WHY, WHY does an A cup need underwire?) or padding (which never lines up with my actual breasts so it just looks like I have a really lumpy chest). I have pretty much given up finding something in my size and have settled for a 36B, which seems to fit pretty well now that I've lost a bit of weight. But yeah, having an odd sized chest sucks.
ReplyDeleteI want! It's more or less my size :D.
ReplyDeleteHuh it's my size, go figure.. I kinda didn't expect it.. heh Also this has got to be the funniest "book" giveaway I've entered ever.. :P
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had a bad experience though, I've had a few of those and I have to say they are not pleasant, not at all especially when it comes to buying bras, it's a nightmare every time! xx
I deeply sympathize. I am also hovering around a 32 H (being pregnant and nursing makes my size change) and I have spent the last two years trying to find bras that fit. I have (finally, after much searching) found a couple brands that work well for me: HOTmilk and Panache. No underwires, cotton lining under pretty satin and lace, extra hooks in the back. I have ordered several bras through Linda's Online and found their customer service helpful and their return policy reasonable. Good luck, and I hope your bra angst does not keep you from your excellent writing.
ReplyDeleteJessica, ended up having to pick a back up winner, which is you. Are you still interested in the bra?
ReplyDelete~ Gail