IN September, Shirley Crisp realised her 20-year ambition and opened the doors to her first lingerie shop.
Shirley, 37, has always understood the importance for women of well-fitted underwear - the basis to a good, comfortable shape in clothes - with a well-fitted bra that can help the posture and therefore prevent neck and backache.
Shirley has stocked her store in Windermere with affordable, everyday fashion, without the compromise to quality.
She told me: "Not being an off-the-peg size myself, I can really relate to women with different shapes.
"The wrong bra cannot only make you look saggy and badly dressed, it can cause you to stoop and get back ache and neck tension.
"It's so important to give your breasts the best - they are yours, so love them, admire them, and show them off with lingerie to shape and support you in amazing comfort.
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"My first four months at the new store have been positive and rewarding. I have had clients give me the following feedback:
I feel totally liberated by being fitted for the perfect bra after having had two babies.
I've never found so much choice in a GG cup.
Sensitive attention to my mastectomy purchase.
Thank you for sorting me out for my wedding day lingerie.
Nice to be fitted by someone who isn't a twig herself.
"And we've had many delighted customers binning their old bras right here in the shop."
Interesting facts about breasts and bras:
Through the generations, women's breasts are getting bigger.
Most young women now want a fuller bust, and are not scared to show it off.
10,000 women in the UK had breast implants last year.
80 per cent of UK women are wearing the wrong size bra.
Wash your bra by hand if you want to make it last longer.
Know your bra shape:
Full cup - excellent support, full coverage maximum comfort for everyday.
Balcony - excellent uplift and support, wide set straps to expose the neckline and cleavage.
Soft cup / none wired - a clean shape under clothes, good comfort.
T-shirt - ideal to wear under fine, fitted tops. Can have a minimising effect.
Plunge - great lift, cleavage, and wow factor.
Multi-Way - useful under dresses, and very low cut outfits. A stars and models "must have".
Gel - offers to help define shape and enhance the bust.
Nursing - support, comfort, accessibility when feeding.
Mastectomy - comfort, pocketed and supportive.
Shirley's five point guide to a good fitting bra:
The bra back strap should fit firmly around the body, it should not be slack.
l Shoulder straps should not be so loose that they slip down, but should not feel tight or leave red marks.
Under cup wires should sit against the breast bone, not away from it.
There should be no digging in from your wires anywhere.
You should feel well supported, comfortable and confident.
For extra tips on the right bra for you, how to establish that it's time for a fitting and a new bra, and how to make the most of your individual shape, I have found a fabulous web site of short videos of women for women. They are checking their bra size and showing the difference a well-fitted bra can make. Take a look, it's really interesting and helpful -www.videojug.com.
Then pop in store to Shirley C of Windermere, and get yourself sorted - you deserve it.
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