I visited the Intimacy store at 900 N Michigan (one of 12 locations across the U.S.) and was assisted by the amazing Kristen…She’s the store manager and leads a team of fabulous Bra Fit Stylists. Intimacy prides itself on being a full service boutique, with a highly-trained staff. When you arrive for your appointment, the stylists conducts a mini consultation to determine your problem areas (like your bra straps slipping off your shoulders or underwires digging in at the armpit) and your tastes in clothes and lingerie. The stylists then go and choose different styles from their stock of 90 high-end brands in an A-K cup. They bring them to you while you relax in your room and sip some water. You feel very pampered this way, and it takes a lot of stress out of bra shopping when an expert is assisting you.

I was surprised by how many different styles I was able to try on in a short time, and Kristen explained that the stock is organized by sizes, not by style…so the stylist can see very quickly what options are available in your size and can bring you a wide selection. Kristen also provided me with a few tips for bra shopping, and I’m sharing them with you!

1. First of all, you should shop for bras and lingerie in a stress-free environment where you feel comfortable. The stylists at Intimacy thoroughly know their stock and they consult with women day in and day out…women of all shapes and sizes with different stories and challenges with their bodies. They’ve seen it all and they try succeed in creating an inclusive, accepting environment where all of the customers feel comfortable. 
2. Pay no attention to bra sizes. If you’re like most women…you know about what size you are, and when you shop, you always look for that size, no matter what the brand or style you’re trying. But the problem with this tactic is that every brand is different…some are fuller in the cup or shorter in the straps and with different types of bands. Just because you’re a 40DD in one style, you might be a 38E in another. That’s where the expertise of a stylist really helps! 
3. The lifespan of a bra is about 1 year…depending on how often you where it and how you wash it. You should always hand wash your lingerie sets and hang them to dry.
4. When you purchase a bra, it should fit snugly on the last set of hooks. All bands stretch–this is normal–so buying it on the last hook allows you to move inward and tighten the fit as it stretches. 

So…after a thorough consultation, I had to make my choices…I ended up with this adorable Elomi Betty set…

…And this stunning, delicate lace set from Empreinte…

So…have I convinced you yet? Make an appointment at Intimacy and score some sexy delicates for Valentines Day…or everyday!

Thanks Kristen and the Intimacy team for giving me the scoop and finding me these gorgeous sets!