Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I survived my 7 solo days with the kiddos – we actually had a really good time going to the park, hanging out at the pool and seeing Cousin Sofia. I’m exhausted for sure. And super glad Mark is home. And truly thankful that camp starts today.
My one accomplishment last week during a few hours of babysitting? I shopped for new bras and organized my underwear drawer. I figured it was time to pack up the nursing bras since I weaned Henry, oh, two months ago. :)
My unmentionables drawer was in serious bad shape. Is this photo a dramatic recreation or the scary honest truth? You decide.
I blame my therapist. After Henry was born I visited a post-partum therapist a couple of times, and she urged me to let go of some of my perfectionism. Her advice: “You’re not still folding your underwear, are you?”
And given permission, I stopped folding and started shoving. But digging through a mess first thing everyday was getting me down. As was putting on less-than-supportive nursing bras. Why in the world did I own 10 of them?
It was time to figure out how to organize your underwear drawer. I bought a simple set of containers similar to these. Mine were purple. This was a less annoying option than this where every panty and bra has a separate container.
Isn’t this spectacular? (Sorry for the close up.) Boy did it feel good to pitch the ugly stuff. And since I now own some not-fancy-but-still-fabulous new bras, here are my 5 bra-buying tips:
- Get a bra fitting. I first got measured after Oprah preached this and found it life changing. My size has varied so much with pregnancy, breast feeding, and weaning that it was time for an update. Don’t be embarrassed; you don’t even have to strip down.
- Chat up the saleslady. Ask her what styles are most popular, most comfortable, most affordable, etc. With a gazillion different bras, they can help you quickly sort through the endless rows. Plus, you’ll get great stories (like the one mine told me about the woman who tucked her boobs into her pants!).
- Try on a ton of bras. This is tedious, but you’ll narrow down what works and feels best on you. I discovered that I’m a fan of nude colors, underwire, and light padding.
- Find cheaper options. Bras are expensive! Now that I know my size and what I like, it’s easier to shop places like TJ Maxx or Target or stock up during sales.
- And don’t buy a bunch of new bras when you’re 4 months pregnant. I made this mistake when pregnant with Caroline – not realizing the girls would just keep getting bigger!
As for underwear, my advice is simple: Don’t buy your panties at Costco. Ugh. I love that store but, man, is that unsexy or what? Every time I put them on I thought of warehouse grocery shopping – not a good association. I like Target’s Gilligan & O’Malley. Fun colors, really comfortable, great price. Plus they make nursing tanks that were hands down my best baby purchase.
Where do you guys shop? Any affordable store or brand recommendations?
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I sooooooo need to do this. My underwear drawers are a hot mess. LOL
Steph, You've inspired me to organize my underwear drawer. I too, need to discard the ugly, if not slightly ill-fitting stuff, and organize the good stuff that remains ;-) Thanks for the post!
It looks great.
I know nothing about bras! That said, your drawers look nice. I think it's fine to keep your stuff folded up and organized. Although that's coming from a bunny with OCD who compulsively organizes everything. If I wasn't a bunny rock star I would have been one of those organization consultants.
I'm jealous of your organized drawer! And super excited about the Gilligan and O'Malley undies recommendation. I have two of their summer nightgowns from target, and I'm obsessed…they're SO comfortable and soft, and great for when I'm breastfeeding and when I'm not! Going to have to try out their undies and nursing tops too…I love my bravado nursing bras, but with #3 coming along in September, would love some new ones. As for non-breastfeeding bras, I recommend the brand wacoal (you can get them at nice department stores). The prices are HIGH, but I buy two-three a year and basically rotate them, and they last. The support is amazing, and they're nice looking too.
Thanks for this post! Just in time for the semi annual VS sale! I need to get organized!
I just saw their commercial – what good timing!
I love organizing! LOVE.
PS: don't forget this giveaway end today.
I love before and afters. This is great!
Happy Monday! Thanks for the sweet blog visit!
I found bras aggravating most of my life. They never quite fit anywhere. Then I threw up my hands and went to Victoria’s Secret during the semi annual sale. I shop online mostly now and have lingerie that fit and don’t creep. They last years if not thrown in the dryer and only cold water washing. 4-5 years wear out of a really good bra or panties is worth the initial investment. Some styles are under $30 for a bra and 5/$25 panties I can’t pass up.
Great post stephanie, My drawer was in much need of an overhaul. I just went to VS and got their 7 pairs for $25.00 The bra shopping is still a must on my list. I have got to go get fitted. Thanks for the reminder. I wear these tube top bra's that give that UNABOOB look! UGH! After nursing the twins for 15 months those suckers(literally) are shot to H.E. double L! Some days I just want to say "screw it, i'm gettin a boob job"
Seriously- i feel like i'm "picking" each one up and placing them in a box to gift wrap. I manuver them around trying to get just the right spot and they still seem like they've been poured into the bra.
On my list of things to do this next week- bra shop! Thanks!
Hi Amber! I think complimentary boob jobs ought to be part of the breastfeeding package. Right? Kudos to you for BF'ing twins for 15 months!!!
WOW! You got totally organized! My bra drawer looks very similar to your before pic. Uggghh bra shopping after breastfeeding came to an end was a not so fun experience!! Hello push up bras please! Great tips though..yes I agree with getting a proper fitting.
Hi Lindsay! Yep, it's so depressing to go from big & busty to deflated all of a sudden. It's like, where did it all go?!? :)
I really need to do this. And the Target nursing tanks are the best! No support, but when you're nursing you really don't care about support :).
Thanks for stopping by my blog! So glad you liked my burlap chair. You should def redo your bench! I can't wait to see the "after"!
Following you now. Thanks for following me :)
Emily http://lovelybeasts.blogspot.com/
That looks great! It honestly doesn't bother me much to shove things in that drawer, mostly because of the time saver, but I completely agree with tossing the ugly! I love having fun, bright and sometimes sexy under items. It makes me feel great even with some baby weight still hanging on. I also love the bra fitting. I got one before I was pregnant and it was a great improvement. I should have another for size now, but I figure it'll just change again since we are planning for more kids. Bra shopping is always an adventure for me because I almost always have my daughter with me so trying on is so not an option right now. I have found what I like so I do a quick sizing on top of my shirt and hope for the best. It's worked so far! And I shop mostly at Target now. I love to hop into Victoria Secrets or the Leggs store once in a while, but Target is the majority by a landslide.