Book Reviews- Body Drama and Diet Drama by Nancy Redd

Hello readers. I wanted to do a book review today and I have two books that are in my opinion, really great for younger women. Both of these books are a bit more young adult oriented *Id say 16/18 plus* but offer really great messages. Both books are really colorful, and well written. I like to read books but this is a visual treat, not just a plain text book.

This is the webpage with links about the books if you want to learn more - http://www.nancyredd.com/

Body Drama is about issues women can have with their bodies, and covers a good amount of topics. I think by far my favorite part of the book when they show how photos get altered in magazines to make them look better. It sort of washes the idea that there is a "perfect" beauty to strive for. This book is informative, and could be used as a quick reference guide or just a wonderful book to read. I really liked seeing regular women in this book as well, showing how everyone has different types of body drama *and some of the pictures are very cute*. It's basically an adult body book but when I say adult, I mean young woman. I would call this a positive feminist book so to speak and think every young adult should own it. This book is usually by my nightstand or in my purse, that is how much I like it. The book also makes you feel connected to other women in a positive way and makes you realize that you are not alone.

Diet Drama continues along the same idea but focuses more on eating healthy, and right, while also ignoring weight, and instead focuses on loving your body. Both of these books have real women, not airbrushed and are really well written. They are definitely geared towards younger women or teens.  I truly feel this is an extremely positive book that young women should read because it focuses not on numbers but on how you feel about yourself. The book also explains caloric needs for example well, as well as what types of food are better to eat. These books are wonderful and both in my opinion give a sense of community, due to the fact most women I would argue at least think/get concerned about their weight. Both these books are worth checking out, and fun to read. I find myself flipping through the pages of both again, and again.

Rating- Five out of Five stars. These are extremely informative, positive books for young woman and I think they should have this be read in high school for young women *that would be a good
 change!*

Why I think A Sophisticated Pair is the best shop in the world!

I wanted to write a post about a shop that has gotten me through this year, and why I love A Sophisticated Pair.

Earlier in 2012, Before I ordered from A Sophisticated Pair online, I HATED bras with a passion.They never fit properly, always were uncomfortable, and honestly I was always rushing to get out of work since it hurt. I only wore them when I had too, and thought all bras were uncomfortable. I figured that back pain, headaches, and just being annoyed with your bra was just a normal thing. This place changed my life *for the better*, and for sure without their help, I wouldn't be able to work as well as I do. Ever since the first order, I was hooked because this is the best place to order your bras. Now I feel comfortable sitting up straight, do not feel the need to slouch.

1.They offer five star customer service-This alone makes me a repeat customer. You really do feel like family when you are talking to the staff. I sincerely wish I had a chance to step inside the shop, but even on the phone or internet, they convey the image of a loving, caring, compassionate person. From the first day I ordered from them they always gave great customer service.

2.They always offer fair prices on bras, and by fair I mean great prices. I have never once been over charged for anything. They also offer free shipping for over 50 dollar purchases.

3.They are patient with you, and even if you experience size fluctuations they work with you. - This one is tricky because an inch or two can throw off a measurement. I do not know of anyone else who has been so patient with me and worked so hard with me. I feel like most other shops would give up on their customers for being difficult or having changing sizes. Definitely not the case here. They actually will suggest waiting if in between sizes sometimes, and most places would capitalize on that.

4. They really work with you, and cater to your specific needs. This makes A Sophisticated Pair stand out from all the rest. I know I am not just a sale, I am a person to them. They take time to read my blog, and get to know me. I can't say that about any other fitter. They helped me find great sports bras for work, as well as some great regular bras for when I am off.

5. They have an extremely fashionable, intelligent person running the store. Erica is by far the coolest person you will ever talk to. I wish I could actually meet her some day. She always has a great wardrobe on in her blog *which they have a great blog by the way*. I like that they love animals, and care about people. They have a face, and personality even on the internet. This makes the shop owner really stand out from the other shop owners in my opinion. Erica is an animal lover, a great blogger, and a fountain of knowledge.

6. They have the cutest guard dogs, and I love their physical shops lay out. I am glad they posted pictures of their shop on Facebook. You can see how beautiful their store is :).

-Have a great night.

Facebook Page

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Have a lovely Monday!

Panache Andorra Review

Hello again dear readers, hope your having a great 2013. This time I wanted to do a review of the Andorra.

The Andorra by Panache is a very soft feeling bra that is sexy. The design on the bra itself is really pretty. Luckily, this is one of the bras that you do not need to hand wash which I can appreciate *even though I always hand wash now*. My only concern about this bra is it looks like it would not hold up well if you have to do strenuous activity and work. I will have to update later about the price.They offered some really neat colors on this bra from what I remember, I wish I had picked up the lagoon one but black goes good with everything :)
- After a few months, I will say the band feels very tight as well, and unfortunately this does not fit me as well as it used to. It is a lovely bra but I feel that Panache bands always run tight compared to some others :(

Support Level-Medium to really good
Price Tag-??
 Washing/Care-Hand washing is probably best but in a lingerie bag shouldn't be too bad on the delicate cycle.
Colors/Design-I appreciate that they offered some nice colors on this one!
Complaints-I am a little concerned about it being used for days where you have to do lifting/working but other than that, its a great bra.
Comments-This one is a really great bra as well that is definately worth picking up. Give it a try, and I am pretty sure you will like it. I like how comfortable it is and if you do gain a few inches in the bust, this wont be a huge deal in this bra unlike some others.
Rating-5/5

Natori Calais Review

Hello dear readers. Hopefully you are having a great Saturday!I have more reviews on the way but for now, I wanted to focus on the Natori Calais. This bra is actually one of my favorites, it is very supportive, and seems to conform to your body. Out of my whole collection, this is one of the most comfortable ones yet. I would argue it is well worth the price, which is 64 dollars. The patterns on this bra are gorgeous and unique, and I would love to see more bras like this. For me, this is one of the bras I have that I always love wearing, and out of my collection, I would argue one of the best. In terms of material-this is probably a bra to be careful with if you are doing strenuous activity. I would say if you are thinking of buying a Natori bra for yourself for Christmas, this is the one to go with.

Support Level-Medium to really good
Price Tag-$64.00
Washing/Care-Hand washing is recommended.
Colors/Design-This is by far one of my favorite designs on a bra. It is really gorgeous
Complaints-More colors would be nice.
Comments-This is by far my favorite bra out of my entire collection. If you need a new bra, and don't mind hand washing, pick this one up right away.
Rating-5/5

Are bras a neccesity for women? (Comments welcomed,)

Hi again dear readers. I wanted to post this about perspective on bras. I want to hear/discuss from my readers if this is possible.

 I know for a fact many women have thought of going bra-less, due to the fact that firstly, an improper fitting one can be agonizing, but bras can be expensive as well. So here is my question, why do we wear them?

I would argue we wear them for multiple reasons. Half of those reasons our for ourselves, but the others are for our society.

 While there is no proof *as far as I know* that not wearing a bra can cause sagging, some people believe that. I personally wear bras to support my bust during harder work days, where I am moving around a lot.

 I have felt the horrors of wearing an improperly fitting bra during heavy activity, and can remember the pain vividly. I wanted to share a story of my own about why bras are really important. I took up the job mowing my family's eight acre property, and I was wearing a flimsy bra (think, the cheap XL/L sports bras that have universal sizing) that did not support me at all. I recall the last part was brutal because the last part I mowed was extremely bumpy, and all that bouncing around was incredibly painful. I would not wish that on anyone.

 I also think that it is socially unacceptable in our culture to not wear a bra, interestingly enough. At least in a retail/professional setting. Think of employers-if they interviewed two busty women, one who didn't wear a bra, my guess is she would not be hired.

So in review-I believe we wear them because we are expected to. I have heard women who don't wear bras in public be called *slobs* and *mannerless*. I also believe they help us when they fit properly *protect us against prying eyes, help support them during our active lifestyle, help us seem more professional*
 I also can understanding not wanting people to be staring at your chest throughout the day *bras help that typically*.

So, my question to my readers tonight is why do you wear a bra? Do you think as women we are conditioned/expected to wear them? Do you wear them for personal reasons or a bit of both? Do you think its acceptable, or unacceptable for a woman to not wear a bra in public?

Natori Sheer Luxe Review

Hi again. I wanted to post a few new reviews tonight, but this one is my first review of the night. The Sheer Luxe by Natori is a wonderful bra, that is supportive, and has wonderful material. I will say at first, I was worried because I heard/felt the bra shifting/conforming to my breast tissue at work, and I was concerned the bra was ripping as I was wearing it. My current occupation, I put merchandise away at a Pet store, but also cashier. This bra handled my job extremely well, and still is holding up well. This bra is very comfortable, and fits nicely. They offer three different colors, Black and white, red and white, and tan and white if I am not mistaken. This is one of my favorites and is definitely worth the 50 dollar price tag. My only complaint is that the cup actually ends right where the nipple area is, and this makes me a bit nervous when it is cooler outside. The colors are beautiful, and I do not think the photos do it justice. This bra is really comfortable, and I would say a welcomed addition to my lingerie drawer.

Support Level-Medium to really good
Price Tag-$50.00
Washing/Care-Lingerie bag is fine, use on delicate cycle in a lingerie bag is preferred.
Colors/Design-Beautiful, the photos do not do justice.
Complaints: I only wish the cup went above the nipple area, I am a bit worried as the temperatures drop. Otherwise, it fits pretty good. The band seems a bit tight but it may need stretched out.
Comments: I love how sturdy the material is, I was so nervous at first but this is excellent. This is a bra you can be active in,and do not need to worry about tearing.
Rating-4 out of 5