Reply to Oprah's Bra Bible

Hi everyone!

It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve blogged – result, mainly, of repetitive motion problems. I lost most of last week in terms of computer time. But so far, so good for this week.

How many of you have read Oprah’s Bra Bible in her July issue? It is a source for fabulous bra fitting information, but also had a couple of things that I wanted to comment on. So, here it is, my letter to the editor of Oprah Magazine:

Dear Oprah,

I have been a fan of yours for years and really enjoy your magazine. However I was shocked by what I read in your July issue’s “Bra Bible.” Did I really see that the best you could do for Jordan Tesfay – a communications student! - was a $157 bra? And that you recommended to Saudia Davis who, as an actor and housepainter I have no doubt is extremely busy and not overflowing in cash, that she have her bras tailored to suit her petite frame?

May I suggest an alternative? A Little Lingerie Company – www.alittlelingeriecompany.com. We are a website catering to the needs of working, busy women who don’t have $157 to plunk down on a bra, nor the time – or inclination – to take their bras to a tailor. Please tell Ms. Tesfay and your other 34F model, Bernadette Vajda – also a student (who was put in a $62 bra) – that I can put them in bras that will fit them beautifully for a fraction of the price. Our Venus Frippery is only $79 – and it comes in not only a 34F bra, but that price includes a gorgeous matching thong and garter. Or, how about a camisole in a soft cotton with a built-in 34F bra for only $39 ($38 for the sleek microfiber)? Or my Empress bra, with matching thong or panty, for $48.

You say that a woman has need of only three bras. Well, at $157 a pop, I imagine so. But if you are like so many of us who want only three bras about as much as we want only three pairs of socks, I suggest you check out what A Little Lingerie Company has to offer. While not a discount shop, our entire collection is subject to a reality check – if I would balk at paying it, I’m not selling it.

And we don’t just carry large sizes. We carry a wide range of “average” sizes, as well as a lovely collection of A and AA cup bras and sets. In fact, we have sizes running from 32AA to 46F, with some styles running up to G or H cups. Want something from one of our manufacturers that you don’t see listed? Email me – I’ll let you know how quickly I can get it in your hands – and it won’t be for $157.

We especially take pride in providing clear, accurate sizing information about each product. If a cup size runs large or a band size runs small, we let you know. Speaking of which, may I please refer Ms. Davis to our Cloud Nine bra? This bra says it comes in a 32, but – as we clearly point out on our site - its band size runs small. It will very likely fit her beautifully, still for only $29 ($37 with matching thong) – but no tailoring required.

And what happens should the bra you buy from A Little Lingerie Company not fit the way you’d hoped? Simple. You just send it back. Our return policy takes the fear factor out of shopping online: we will refund the full purchase price of any lingerie returned within 30 days of purchase, providing the items are returned in clean, resalable condition, with the tags and hygienic liner still attached. Even better, not only can you return your items, but any time you do, we’ll give you 10% off your next purchase, just as a courtesy.

Moreover, our site is fully bilingual in Spanish and English, as is our customer service help desk. You can call, write, or email in either language and get the full level of customer care you deserve.

We also provide a Fitting Guide, a Wash and Care Guide, and a Gift-Giving Guide. And, given my background is in public health (MPH from Tulane University) including many years working on women’s issues, we also have a blog in which we discuss body image and self-esteem (www.alittlelingeriecompany.blogspot.com). I also provide free seminars (to groups based in Vermont) relating to these issues – “Hey, I’m a Cutie, Too! (Images of Beauty)” and “Is There ANYTHING Left I Can Eat? (Interpreting Health Messages from the Media).” The goal of these seminars is to mix fun with learning, and give participants a nudge in the direction of finding love for themselves, just the way they are.

So, please, tell your readers and viewers they needn’t spend $157 for a beautiful, well-made bra, no matter their size, nor should they have to visit the tailor. We would love to help them with all their lingerie needs. You may also be interested in knowing that we will be adding a gift registry to the site by the end of July, in addition to introducing our Lingerie Gift-o-Grams. These are fun gifts that combine our lovely lingerie with a fabulous assortment of Vermont-made specialty foods and beauty products.

A Little Lingerie Company is more than just another online panty peddler. This is a woman-owned company dedicated to helping women feel good about themselves and their bodies.

As it says on our homepage, the only one who gets to define you, is you.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Michelle
President
A Little Lingerie Company, LLC