correct bra sizing

most women are wearing the wrong bra size, so i've decided to write a post on how to find the correct fit.

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there are two elements to your bra size: the band size (ie. 32, 34, 36) and cup size (ie. A, B, C). you will need a measuring tape to determine your bra size.

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1. band size:

using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. be sure the tape is smooth across the back and level with the front. add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size.

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for example: if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size. if the resulting band size is an odd number like 33", you can usually go to the next even band size (34").

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2. cup size:

measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. subtract your band size from this measurement.

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the result would be your cup size. if the different is:

less than 1" to 1" = A cup

more than 1" to 2" = B cup

more than 2" to 3" = C cup

more than 3" to 4" = D cup

more than 4" to 5" = DD cup

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for example: if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.

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Tips:

you should take your measurements while you are wearing a non-padded underwire bra or a tight-fitting seamless t-shirt.

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because standard band sizes are even numbers only, if you have an odd-numbered band size, you may need to go up or down a size depending on how you like your bra to fit.

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ensure the right fit:

now that you have your measurements, knowing how the bra should be positioned on your body will also help you find the perfect bra.

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here are a few key questions to keep in mind when you're trying on bras to ensure that you get the right fit:

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band

q. can you fit two fingers under the band comfortably?

a. the band should be fitted, but not cutting into your skin. it should sit lower on the back than in the front and sit comfortably below the shoulder blades. the back of the bra should not ride up above the bra line. it it does, adjust the straps. if the bra still rides up, try a smaller band size.

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bra straps

q. are the straps adjusted for individual comfort?

a. straps should be adjusted to give support to the bust without cutting into the shoulders. if the straps are falling down, you may not be filling up the cups. try a smaller cup size.

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cups

q. do the cups fit smoothly?

a. the cups should be filled out so they fit smoothly. if there are wrinkles, you may need a smaller cup size. in the case of cotton/spandex underwire bras, there should be a little excess fabric in the cups to allow for shrinkage. if there is overflow at the top, under the arms, you should try a larger cup size.

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tip: 34D, 36C, and 38B are the same cup size. if the band is not snug enough, try a smaller band size and a larger cup.

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underwires

q. do the underwires completely surround the breast tissue?

a. all pressures should lie on the underwire to support the breasts without digging in at the sides. underwires lie flat against the chest. if the underwire is standing away from the body, suggest a bigger cup size. underwires should completely surround the breast tissue to provide support.

clean out your closet

everyone has too much clothing in their closets. most people only wear about %20 of the clothes that they own. lets get rid of the things we no longer wear. cleaning out your closet will make it easier to get dressed in the morning (less choices) and make your laundry easier (you always put laundry off longer than you should -- because you still have more clean clothes and if you washed all your clothes you wouldn't be able to put them away because your closet is full!)

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pull your clothing out of your closet one at a time and try it on -- think about the words you hear in your head. do they make you feel absolutely beautiful or do you feel bad? going through the clothing in your closet is difficult because it can evoke an entire spectrum of feelings. your closet didn't get out of control in one day and you wont be able to clean it out in one day either. take you time, spend 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there.

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we're only going to keep the clothing that we absolutely adore and feel great in.

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you will begin to see a pattern of your favorite items. we all have a favorite color, fabric or style that brings a smile to our face. i love jeans and pink. it's all about what you love and how you feel when you wear your clothes.

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let's build our wardrobe with the basic foundations:

(i'm not saying you should only have this, you can have more, these are BASIC foundations to build upon)

• undergarments: 7 pairs that you love and 7 pairs for that wonderful time of the month.


• bras: 7 - at least 1 black, 1 natural and 1 white - but colors are fun and make you feel pretty no matter what.
  
• slips: 1 black and 1 white
  
• socks: 7 pairs for the summer and 7 pairs for the winter (i like ankle socks in the summer and colors in the winter)
  
• pants/slacks/jeans: 1 good pair of black wool slacks for dressy occasions and 1 pair of lightweight black for summer, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of tan pants or khakis
  
• skirts: 1 black wool winter skirt and 1 black summer skirt, 1 tan or khaki skirt, and 1 printed summer skirt
  
• dresses: 1 little black dress, 1 summer dress
  
• blouses: 1 black, 1 white and 2 colored
  
• t-shirts: 6 (1 black, 1 white 4 colored)
  
• coats: 1 black and a nuetral

you should only keep clothing that fits you and you feel fabulous in. a great way to see what you are actually wearing is to turn your hangers backwards and only flip them the right way after you wear something. after a sest time period (3 months, 6 months, whatever works for you) get rid of anything that is still on a backwards hanger.
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i know you might be tempted to hold on to some clothing that no longer fits you (you know what i'm talking about: those jeans that are 2 sizes too small) how long have those been hanging in your closet anyway? let them go, if you do end up losing the weight do you really think you wanna wear clothes that are old? nope, you'll wanna celebrate by wearing new clothes that flatter your new figure.

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coming next organizing shirts and blouses.

dressing without losing yourself

When we are dressing ourselves, we must learn the basic principle, and that is to keep a sense of our own personal style apparent. Otherwise, we will feel made up or unattractive, because we are trying to duplicate someone else's look, instead of learning to develop our own sense of style that best suits our body frame, clothing preferences and personality.
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When getting started, you must first learn your body frame. Listed below are all four of the bodies, along with their characteristics and you choose which one of them best describes your body (you may fall into one or a combination of more than one category). The overall goal is to draw the viewer’s eye up to the beauty of your face.
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A-Frame

Body is narrower at the top half and wider at the lower hip and upper thigh area
Legs may be shorter and sometimes heavier
Upper torso may be average to long, firm and slender
When there is weight gain, it is usually in the upper thighs and hips
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Goal: Balance shape by widening shoulders. This can be achieved by choosing garments with shoulder pads or sleeve detailing and horizontal necklines.
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V-FrameShoulders appear to be wider than the hips
Bust is unusally large, with a shorter torso and high waist
Thighs and derriere are usually flat
Legs are thin
Tummy may be more prominent than bust
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Goal: Give illusion of hourglass shape by widening hips. This can be achieved by chooing garments that have width and fullness in the skirt or pants, pockets at the hips and long tunic style tops.
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H-FrameBody appears to be straigh up and down
Thighs and derriere are usually flat
Legs may be longer
Bust is average to large
Weight gain is usually through the middle
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Goal: Create hour glass figure with illusion of smaller waist. This can be achieved by choosing either a bloused garment with a flared skirt and belted waist, wrap tops, v necklines, and long tunic style tops.
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8-Frame
Figure is curvy and perfectly balanced
Bust is full, waist is small, with average length
Hips are gently tapered, with good proportions to derriere
Leg length and upper torso are balanced
Weight gain is always evenly distributed
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Goal: Emphasize figure; avoid clutter, fluff and tight fit. This can be achieved by choosing garments that fit the body and identify the waist, wrap tops, v and scoop necklines, shaped one-piece dresses.

organize your closet - accessories

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.
the next step is accessories (this includes belts, scarves and purses). if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

accessories are a major part in setting up your individual style and must not be forgotten. they give you a "put together" look all day.

there are many possibilities and different ways to organize your accessories, it's up to you to figure out what works best for you.

start by sorting through each group, one item at a time. starting with scarves, then belts, purses, jewelry and any other accessories that need organizing.

for example, take one scarf and go through your arranged categories in your closet (shirts, pants, skirts and dresses, etc.) and see if you can incorporate it into your wardrobe in a different or unique way. do you still want to keep it?

any accessory that you no longer like or feel you will never wear needs to be purged into 3 piles.

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that no longer work with your wardrobe, anything that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more)

2. give. (these have monetary or sentimental value. give these items to family or friends you feel would appreciate them.)

3. trash. (this includes anything that is stained, too worn or broken)

my favorite way to organize jewelry is in plain view (because if you see all your options you will wear it more), you can just hammer some nails in the wall, or use an expandable mug holder mounted on the wall (or cup hooks). when necklaces are hung separately they won't get tangled. earrings can be sorted in ice cube trays (plus they can be stacked and stored in a drawer). i keep my earrings and rings in a jewelry box. i use a piece of plastic grid (you can get it in any craft store) to store my earrings.

As Coco Channel, a fashion icon once said, "Fashion is Architecture:
it is a matter of proportions. " This is true with your accessories as
well as your clothes. If you are of larger stature, your jewelry
should be bigger. If you are petite your jewelry should not overwhelm
and be on the understated side. Keep it in proportion.

The purpose of accessories is to draw the eye to a part on the body
you want to give attention to. Is it your earlobes, dainty wrist bones
or your décolletage? Jewelry is an attention getter.

Wear earrings that are an opposite shape to your face shape. If your
face is round avoid round earrings. If you have a long face, avoid
long dangling earrings. Contradictory shapes balance each other out.
Do the same with purses too.

If you have a thick neck try the slimming effect of the long vertical
line created with a long necklace. Avoid chokers and scarves tied at
the neck; they just draw attention to your neck.

Don't over-do your accessories. Too much is chaotic and you look like
a decorated Christmas tree! No more than 3 accessories at one time!
(This includes eye glasses)

The right touch of accessories can take an ordinary outfit and make it
look extraordinary. Have fun with accessories and show your style!

organize your closet - pants and skirts

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.
the next step is pants and skirts. if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

examine each and every pant and skirt you own and stand in front of a full length mirror and ask youreslf: is it worn out, stained, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore this? toss the pants and skirts that no longer fill your needs into 3 different piles:

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more) if you don't like it and don't wear it -- there is no sense in keeping it. the real question is WHY? ask yourself these questions as you examine the pants and skirts that you no longer wear:

- does it fit well? if it's too small it should be given away, if it is too big and you don't like it enough to have it altered it should be given away.
- does it look good on you? don't feel guilty about not wearing something that is not right for you. pass it along to someone who will wear it.
- it was on sale and it seemed like a good deal. but you don't like the color, style, fit, etc. and it doesn't make you feel pretty -- refer to above, don't feel guilty.

2. trash. ask yourself: "would i purchase this at the thirft store?" if the answer is "no" then toss it in the trash.

- is it too worn? yes, if it has pilled or faded in color. yes, if the buttons are missing and the stitching is coming undone.
- is it stained and dirty?

3. alterations. (these are pants and skirts that you would wear with some minor alterations)

- buttons are about to come loose, or already have.
- minor holes that need to be repaired.
- hemlines that are too short or too long.

- wearing pants too short will make you look heavier. lengthen your leg length and slim your silhouette by getting the right pant length. pants should break on your foot -- or slightly crease over the top. wear your shoes you would wear with your pants to get the correct length.

- for skirts the most universally flattering length is at or just below the knee. long skirts have a tendency to make women look more matronly and short skirts ... well?

now we need to organize the pants and skirts that are left. you'll want to sort by putting all the pants together and all the skirts together and then arrange by color (for example: white, cream, brown, black, grey, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue). sorting by color will show you that you have too many black pants, so there is no need to buy more.

as you start to organize your closet take a look at your hangers. trash the wire hangers and replace with plastic tubular hangers.

having an organized closet will make getting dressed easier and finding new wearable combinations easier.

organize your closet - shirts and blouses

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.

the next step is shirts and blouses. if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

examine each and every shirt and blouse you own and ask youreslf: is it worn out, stained, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore this? toss the shirts and blouses that no longer fill your needs into 3 different piles:

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more) the real question is WHY? ask yourself these questions as you examine the shirts that you no longer wear:

- does it fit well? if it's too small it should be given away, if it is too big and you don't like it enough to have it altered it should be given away.

- does it look good on you? don't feel guilty about not wearing something that is not right for you. pass it along to someone who will wear it.

- it was on sale and it seemed like a good deal. but you don't like the color, style, fit, etc. and it doesn't make you feel pretty -- refer to above, don't feel guilty.

2. trash. ask yourself: "would i purchase this at the thirft store?" if the answer is "no" then toss it in the trash.

- is it too worn? yes, if it has pilled or faded in color. yes, if the buttons are missing and the stitching is coming undone.

- is it stained and dirty?

3. alterations. (these are shirts and blouses that you would wear with some minor alterations)

- buttons are about to come loose, or already have.

- hemlines have come undone or minor holes that need repair.

- sleeves are too short or too long. (the proper length is at the wrist bone.)

now we need to organize the shirts that are left. how you organize them is up to you. you may want to sort by work, dressy or casual, or by sleeve length (tanks, short sleeves and long sleeves) or even by color (for example: white, cream, brown, black, grey, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue).

as you start to organize your closet take a look at your hangers. trash the wire hangers and replace with plastic tubular hangers.

having an organized closet will make getting dressed easier and finding new wearable combinations easier.

organize your closet - shoes

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.

let's start with our shoes. where are your shoes? are they dumped in a pile on the floor of your closet (or worse next to the front door) and you can't find the mate to your black pumps? or are you wearing the same 3 pairs constantly while the rest are gathering dust?

examine each and every shoe you own and ask youreslf: are they worn out, scuffed, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore these? toss the shoes that no longer fill your needs into 2 different piles:

• 1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you no longer wear -- for whatever reason)


• 2. trash. (these are scuffed, unevenly worn heels, stitching coming undone, etc.)

having good basic shoes is essential to a good wardrobe. after the basics you can build it up by adding in fun, trndy styles. your basic shoes should cover every occasion for your lifestyle. here is a list of shoes that most women need:
1 pair of athletic shoes

• 2 pairs black/brown/navy casual or walking shoes
  2 pairs black/brown/navy shoes for work


• 1 pair dressy evening shoes


• 1 pair summer sandals


• 2 pairs black/brown boots for winter

purchase the best quality that your budget will allow in your basic shoes -- these are the ones that you'll wear over and over again. spend less on trendy shoes because they are not worn as much. have fun but keep comfort in mind while buying shoes.

you may have a lot of shoes already, but according to a recent survey conducted by Mervyn's 61% of women own more than 11 pairs of shoes. most women only wear half of these shoes on a regular basis. how many pairs pf shoes do you own?

shoes can change the look of an outfit completely. for example, take some basic jeans and add a colorfull t-shirt and some athletic shoes for a casual look -- then take the same jeans add a dressier blouse and some heels -- the look of the jeans instantly becomes dressier because of the heels.

how should you store your shoes? well that is different for everybody. you could store them in a shoe cubby, or line them up on shelves or a shoe rack. you can store them in their original boxes (a photo taped on the box makes them easier to find) or you could purchase clear plastic shoe boxes (i've found them at the dollar store and the same ones at target for a dollar). if you are tight on space there are over-the-door organizers or even hanging organizers.

tip: to help boots keep their shape roll a magazine and slide it in.

now that we've tossed some shoes, take an inventory and access your needs. write out a list of those needs before you go shopping. here are some shopping tips :

1. shedule shopping when you have plenty of time to try on and visit several stores -- you don't want to feel stressed or rushed.

2. if you find something that you love and that fits perfectly put them on hold -- then go visit several stores and shop around to compare. you may just find the same thing at another store for less!

3. always shop for shoes towards the end of the day, this is when your feet are the largest.

4. when trying on shoes make sure you wear socks or hosiery that you will wear with the shoe. (nylons with pumps and thick wool socks for winter boots)

5. buy shoes that are comfortable -- walk around the store in them (not just try them on and stand still, walk around). don't waste your money on cute trendy shoes that hurt your feet, you'll end up not wearing them.

now that your shoes are organized, try different shoes with other outfits and see if you can wear your old shoes in a new way.

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Tyvek is puncture- and rip-resistant, which allows it to stand up to rough handling that it might be subjected to. That’s nice to know when you’ve got something important inside.

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Care for you tyvek creations: Spot clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Never, EVER, iron anything made with tyvek.

Contact Jocole

Contact Jocole

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the story of jocole

Jocole is a new and expanding compnay that is constantly bringing new product lines and offering many options of modest clothing. Currently featuring qulity extra-long tees and tanks. Superior in style, quality and value at the low price of 3 for $45.00. Our clothing styles complement every person and every wardrobe and provides length to all of the latest fashions -- without compromising modesty. Designed to expand your options. Discover what our customers are raving about and find out how easy it is to be modest.

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Today's clothing styles are getting lower and higher cut in all the wrong places. Parents and teenages alike are increasingly frustrated that they are unable to fund clothes that they both approve of.

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Jocole clothing was formed in July 2005 by Jodi Jean Baird with the help and incouragement of her sisters. Jodi always thought that she dressed modestly. After going through the Redlands Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she began to realize that she wasn't. Many of her shirts were just too short and too low cut. She thought to herself that if she just had some undershirts that covered her in all the right places, she could wear her existing clothing without compromising her modesty -- that she would no longer have to tug and pull at her clothes to cover her. She had graduated in 2002 from Brigham Young University - Idaho with an Associates Degree in Fashion Design and had worked as a patternmaker for a custom bathingsuit manufactuer and a modest prom dress manufactuer. With her background she knew she could design the perfect shirt, and manufactuer it. She went home and drafted the pattern in a half hour, within 20 minutes of finishing the pattern she had cut it out and sewn it up. After tweaking the pattern a few times to get it just right, she had some samples made up in multiple sizes, and then went on to do a run of 100 shirts in black and white. Customers were all very postive about the product and then she introduced more colors, brown and pink.

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The Classic Cap-Sleeve Tee is the perfect undershirt for today's popular styles. Made with lightweight cotton spandex fabric, it has a seamless cap sleeve, a modest scoop neck on one side, or flip it around for an even higher neckline, and an extra-long cut. It can be worn under your clothing or as your favorite everyday tee. It can be tucked in or pulled over your pants to avoid any unwanted exposure. The stretch cotton-spandex blend makes this garment comfortable and easy to move in.

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Our Mission Statement:

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The clothes we wear reflect who we are. Modesty in our dress is a virtue we should not put aside because of today's modern fashions. Jocole clothing values modesty in ones appearance. Our goal is to provide quality, fashion clothing solutions that women of all ages can feel good about wearing. We don't believe that you have to choose between dressing modestly and dressing fashionably.

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We plan to continue introducing products that help us fulfill our mission. If you have a product you'd like to see on our website, please contact us at buyjocole@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can do.

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