Today I finished going through every Hourglassy post from 2012 as part of my blog housekeeping and organizing, and I was surprised to realize how much I enjoyed the reading roundups that I began in 2012 but let fizzle out last February. They took a lot of time to write, but as I reviewed them, I found links to some pretty useful information that I’d forgotten. Now that we’ve just had a holiday where I could catch up on my reading, I find myself with more useful information that I want to share with you. If this keeps happening, I’ll revive the roundup!

First

I’ve just given our blog roll some much needed updating . . . deleting links to non-existent blogs and moving blogs that haven’t posted anything since last fall to the “less active” section. But I didn’t only weed and prune. I’ve also added three new blogs that you’ll really enjoy:

• Florence, the writer behind Science and Silicone, began her escape from the Bra Matrix after reading posts by Venusian Glow. She now posts beautiful photos to accompany her reviews of a variety of lingerie brands and pieces. She’s recently started a four-part series about her experience with breast augmentation, so far covering the factors that went into her decision to undergo an augmentation and the rationale behind her choice of  implants and placement in order to go from a 28DD/E  to a 28F/FF.
• Big Cup Little Cup launched in October 2013, but only recently have I noticed their impressive library of reviews and advice. I especially love that Charley is called “Little Cup” because she wears a 30D. Sian is the “Big Cup” who wears a 28GG/H. They also have “guest cups”, most notably Charley’s big sister “Growing Cup” who writes the Maternity Diaries.
• Brastic Measures is the newest newcomer, having begun last October. She doesn’t intend to post regularly, but given the variety and depth of her first seven posts, I hope she posts often. Amongst other topics,  she’s broken down fit issues for the funnel-shaped rib cage and center-heavy breasts, reviewed an $18.99 bra off eBay, and–my favorite–shown how to remove a strip of fabric or elastic that causes the lace of a bra to cinch across the top of the breast.

Second

It’s not perfect, but the Ewa Michalak Nina Top is the best sleep/house bra that Curvy Wordy has found so far. If you’re on a quest for one, be sure to visit the links to all her past sleep bra tries that are located at the bottom of her post.

Speaking of sleep bras, there’s a new brand that will be at Curve this weekend called Nightlift. The bras cost $98 and only go to a DDD cup (32-42 bands), but I’m fascinated by the cradle concept designed to support breasts while sleeping on one’s back or side.

I’m dying of curiosity to try one, but a sleep bra has never been at the top of my wish list because my breasts don’t get in the way of my sleeping, or I would sister size to a 34 or 36DDD. They’re being marketed as a way to prevent sagging and wrinkles, but that doesn’t motivate me, either. However, I do like the idea of a bra to wear under certain nightgowns that would look better with a firmer bustline, especially if I could fall asleep comfortably in it since there are no underwires.

Right now there aren’t a lot of reviews out there, but here are a few links I found through the company’s website and tweets:

• Glamour Fashion Blog (It’s not your imagination that the bra rides up in back in the pictures on the website–this writer noticed it on herself as well. I guess that’s okay as long as it doesn’t mean the band is so loose that the cups can’t contain all of the tissue.)
• The Gloss
• Smarty Panties

Third

Kris Line will also be at Curve this weekend. I’m always tempted by their bras on Zulily, but I can’t risk ordering the wrong size since all sales are final. Those of you who live in Florida can visit La Bella Intimates to try Kris Line in person, but for the rest of us there’s finally an online option–La Bella Intimates has launched its ecommerce site where you can find the Fortuna and Brilliant styles in most cup and band sizes. As of this writing, I couldn’t find the return policy anywhere on the website, but when I called the store today, they told me that you have 14 days to return a purchase for store credit.

That’s probably good protection from shoppers who might buy a bra to find their size and then return it to buy for less from Zulily. Otherwise, I can’t see La Bella being able to compete.

Fourth

On the subject of competition, here is the sign I saw on Linda’s wall last week while I waited for a friend who wanted my help with a fitting. This is Linda’s way of discouraging shoppers from using her fitting services but purchasing elsewhere.Yikes! I had told my friend to meet me there for two reasons: (1) she wanted a cami bra, and Linda’s website said they had one by Natori; and (2) it was on the way to the Completely Bare lingerie popup shop. But if I had known about the fee, I never would have suggested it.

“Was it on the website?” I asked one of the women behind the front desk.

“Yes,” she said. I got out my smartphone, and sure enough, there it was–buried in the FAQ’s section.

“I’ve been coming to Linda’s for years, and I’m on the mailing list,” I said. “Was there a newsletter announcement?”

“No,” she answered. “The mailing list is only for the online store.”

Once my friend arrived, I explained the situation, and she was fine with taking the risk. Fortunately, she liked a Simone Perele Caressence in 34F. For my part, I was shocked at the low selection. Linda’s no longer carries Fantasie, and the fitter tried to push an Anita sports bra on my friend because they had sold out of the Panache.

Finally

We’re getting excited for Curve this Sunday. Invest in Your Chest has whet our appetites with their preview of Curvy Kate’s new Scantily line and other pictures on Twitter. Sweet Nothings also has us excited about the six new full bust lingerie brands that she reported on today, although none seem to be coming to Curve. As usual, if there’s anything you want us to look for or ask, please let us know!