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Cover Your Butt
(Now, we know most of you reading this probably never go bra shopping, since most of you are, ummm... well, male. And those of you men who do, probably do it online, so you can skip this post and go on to the next one. Unless you like to buy lingerie for your ladyfriends...)
Let us just say that we HATE the bra-and-underwear sections at most major department stores. The fluorescent lighting, the indifferent sales staff with their cheesy tape measures and prodding fingers, the racks and racks of schlock crammed together, with a few finer brands possibly tucked in between. And don't even tell us that what's-her-name's SECRET is a solution. Ugh. More schlock, overpriced and cheaply made, and the staff there is so young they should be selling lollipops, not lingerie.
That said; our butts and busts need coverage. Our solution: Beauty & Attitude in North Berkeley.
The ceilings are high, the light, flattering, the selection carefully culled from the best of what's available. Familiar favorites like Cosabella, Wacoal, Hanky Panky, Le Mystere, and some we'd never heard of but adored immediately (did you know Elle MacPherson designs bras?).
We, being advocates for everything organic, also appreciate the selection of said-type cotton undies from Blue Canoe and Suisse Organique.
On our first visit to Beauty & Attitude, we were struck by how damn cool the sales staff are. Cool, AND helpful. -- NOT too skinny, too young, too aloof, too FRENCH, too bored... all the things that usually put us off in the intimates sales arena.
We were fitted nicely in bras we might never have tried if we'd tried things on all by ourselves. And we probably tried on a lot less than we would have had to otherwise, since the staff was so good at gauging our size, and understanding our preferences.
There's also a tempting wide array of sleepwear, from comfy to pretty and combinations thereof -- good for gifties for the self or someone else.
And the shop has a surprisingly good selection of nursing bras (for those of us who might be needing one now, or in the near future). In addition to being a fourth-generation purveyor of ladies underthings, the owner is herself a new mom and knows from experience what to stock, and how to train her staff on the subject.
Just in case you are a guy, shopping for your girl, and need some man-timates for yourself, the store carries a few choice pairs for you (Calvin Klein, Hanro).
Be sure to sign up for their mailing list -- postcards with discount coupons tend to follow. Or/and take advantage of their monthly bra fitting party, first Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m. when snacks are offered and bras are 10% off.
Beauty & Attitude
2116 Vine St
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 868-1790
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Image Credit: www.thisnext.com