Valentine’s Day is upon us and by now we have all been bombarded by all the red roses, red hearts and V-Day movie specials on Lifetime and you either love it or want to run away from it. But what if we suggested that you look past the clichéd chocolates, teddy bears and flowers and dig deep to find a new and all-encompassing way to show love this V-day?

Despite all the ads, Valentine’s day doesn’t only have to belong to the couples who can’t get enough of each other. Why should it, when it is a day that is supposed to celebrate love, which has many forms? We certainly don’t have all the answers, but I believe that we can be transformed by finding the form of love where we can give the best of ourselves to others. When it comes to love, the ego and the heart cannot share the same space and we must allow for our ego to be checked if we want love to truly blossom. There is no need to separate love into romantic love, sibling love, self-love, or even friendship. The practice of pure love is simple and allows our selfish needs to take a back seat.

This Valentine’s we encourage you to practice the type of love that would transform your relationship, either with your significant other, yourself, a friend or a sibling. Love is love and expressing the forms of love where we can be our best selves is the most loving practice of all. 

When you joined the gym, or decided to partake in that Zumba class, you bought all the things you thought necessary for your new exercise adventure. Water bottle =check, cute gym outfits= check, branded sneakers= check! But what about a new sports bra? Did you think that the cute lace number that you wear everyday would be suitable? Well, I have some news for you, no it is not! Yes, your everyday bra has been professionally fitted, and it was one of the best investments you've made in yourself, but it cannot do the job of a sports bra, and here’s why: sports bras are manufactured to provide a level of support and comfort during exercise that the typical everyday bra does not.

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should be fitted for a sports bra as soon as possible:

1. Avoid permanent damage to breast tissue and ligaments: Exercising without a sports bra can cause damage to breast ligaments (called Cooper’s ligaments) causing the breasts to sag and droop. No matter the breast size, damage can be done when the chest is not properly supported during physical activity. A supportive and well-fitted sports bra will protect your breasts and minimise any damage to the soft tissue and ligaments.

2. Maintain comfort while exercising:  The moisture-wicking materials of a sports bra makes them better equipped for exercise. Manufacturers of sports bras pay attention to making the bras out of materials that will keep you comfortable while exercising, while preventing you from chafing (something that can develop from wearing a wet bra during prolonged physical activity).
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3. Reduce pain and discomfort: Wearing a sports bra prevents breast pain by reducing bounce. Sports bras are designed to restrict movement, which means less pain. However, you need to make sure that you replace a sports bra every 6-8 months after continuous wear to make sure that the supporting fibres are not worn out.
 
With that said, now is a GREAT time to make that appointment to have yourself fitted for the perfect sports bra. Visit us at book.prettyunderpinnings.com and we'll get you properly outfitted for your fitness adventure!

​It is 2019 and you have rung in the new year with gusto; this year is going to be the best year yet, right? Yes! You are going to achieve all your goals, you are going to get that promotion, buy that house and go on that awesome vacation. But wait, do you have a plan, or will you just be ‘winging it’? Winging it may sound very hippie and allowing the ‘universe to decide’, very cosmic and spiritual, but let’s be real; without a plan you would simply be left to wishing it all into existence.
You may also want to fall into the same act of making New Year’s resolutions because that is what everyone does, right? Well resolutions don’t always work. It is time to ditch the resolutions, to resolve means to find a solution to a problem and you are not a problem. It is time to reflect, learn and create an intention. Plan, act and manifest.

Here are the 4 steps to being more deliberate about your intentions this year.
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1. Make lists: Many people would head straight for their phones and laptops to their faithful list app or word processor programme, but to me, taking up a pen/pencil and writing it down makes it more real. The tactile feel of pen/pencil on paper has been proven to strengthen connections in the brain, so making a list this way cements it even more in your brain than using tech.

2. Set goals: So, you have your pen, and paper and you are making your list. What is on this list? Are there tangible goals listed? Compare: Visit Mexico vs travel more. Which sounds more intentional; visiting Mexico, right? Yes, it does because ‘travel more’ is very vague; setting a goal like this makes it easier to lose sight of it and forget. When you set a major goal of visiting a specific country for example, then what you do is set smaller goals or benchmarks to reach that major goal. So, your intentional goal setting should look something like this:
Major Goal: Visit Mexico
Minor goal 1: Save $100 a month
Minor goal 2: Research Mexico
Minor goal 3: Get necessary vaccines
This can go on until you can identify everything that you need to realize in order to achieve your major goals. This way your goal achievement becomes intentional as you will be attaining notable benchmarks on your way to success.
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3. Set target dates: We all know how a deadline date shakes us up enough to make a move towards doing the work that we need to do to achieve a goal. Why not set target dates or deadline dates for the achievement of your goals? These dates in a lot of instances can be fluid; some not so much. A target date, however, gives you something to work towards that is clear and concrete. So, even if you think you may still want to be vague and say I want to achieve X goal by ‘the end of the year’, try saying something like ‘by November 20th, I should have saved 90% of the money needed for my trip.'

4. Keep checking in: So now that you have been intentional and made your list, set goals and target dates, and you are off with a bang and feeling energised. Take a moment ever so often to check in. Check in with that original list and see what needs to be modified, what needs to be crossed out, and what needs to be added. This way you would know how attainable your goals are and how close you are to achieving them. Checking in also allows you to have a more realistic view of how your year is going and whether you need to re-evaluate.  Sometimes we start a year with a foot-long list of things to achieve by the year's end, but we allow lack of intentional planning and checking in to cause us to not achieve even half of the list; sometimes none.

When we add intention to our goal setting, we can create the reality we want. We then set ourselves on to the path of intentional living and goal achievement. So, take a moment this January and write that list; be intentional and achieve those goals!

Have you ever considered getting a professional bra fitting? Maybe you have been following Underpinnings on social media and have asked yourself, ‘I wonder if I should make an appointment to have a fitting?’ Maybe you have been hesitant because you think that your bras fit pretty well, and a bra fitting is only for “certain” people or maybe you think it is a waste of time. Whatever the cause for your hesitation, we think that making that appointment to get a professional fitting may be the best decision you have ever made!
 
Want to know why? Read on for the top 5 reasons you need to make that appointment for a fitting today.
 
1.  Your bra hurts: Many women feel a sense of freedom at the end of the day when they remove their bras because it has been feeling like a vice all day. Well, did you know that your bra is not supposed to feel like that? Your bra is not a torture device and it certainly is not supposed to hurt you. In fact, when a bra fits well you shouldn't even feel as if you are wearing one. A bra fitting would help you find the correct sizes and styles and will alleviate all of that unnecessary pain. From the poking of the underwire, to the sinking, pressing sensation of a too-tight shoulder strap; a professional fitting will get you into the perfect bra in minutes.
 
2. Your weight has changed: We are not talking about a two pound weight difference here; we are talking about a difference of 8-10 pounds or more. Since breasts are made of mostly fatty tissue, when you either gain or lose weight, the fit of the cups would be noticeably different. Additionally, the fit of the band, which is the part that goes around your rib-cage, would also be affected. Suddenly your bra would be either too tight or too loose in all the wrong places. A professional fitting would alleviate this problem and get you into the perfect fit in a style you love.

3.  Peace of mind: Have you ever gone to one of those ‘bra boutiques’ and felt as if you could not get the help you needed? They simply gave you the size you asked for and rushed you to the cashier, while simultaneously moving on to another shopper. Have you ever asked them a serious question about the fit and the longevity of the product and gotten either a stock response, or no response at all? Well, when you deal with a professional bra fit consultant you will get the peace of mind that you are dealing with someone who knows their product and cares about helping YOU, the individual client. All questions would be answered; you will get individual attention because their job is to help you and find you that fit that would boost your confidence and relieve any discomfort. Many bra-fit professionals are women who have had similar problems, and with their knowledge they dedicate their time to help other women. 

4.  Many women wear the wrong sized bra: Some numbers we have seen suggest 85% or more, and from first-hand experience at the boutique we can attest that the vast majority of our first time customers come in wearing bras that do not fit well.  The question is, why is this number so high? Well, too often we follow the advice of non-professionals who tend to pigeon-hole women due to their body shape. Or, we have only been exposed to the mainstream brands, many of which have a very limited size range. This is why a professional fit is needed; a bra-fit professional can guide the process to a correct fit.

5.  Body confidence: Yes, the way your bra fits can affect your level of confidence. Have you ever gone shopping and seen the perfect blouse, you try it on and somehow it does not drape well over your body? You notice it does not look right because the fit of your bra is making it bulge or pucker in places it should not, or your bra does not support you well enough so your posture is negatively affected. But the moment you get that perfect fit you feel like a million bucks! It is simple, having that perfect fit affects the level of comfort you have in your body, and can affect the level of confidence you project! All you need is a well fitting bra or lingerie set to get you feeling like a rock star!

Chances are you have seen the harrowing statistic that 85% of women are wearing the wrong sized bra. Chances also are that you didn’t believe it, because why would so many women walk around wearing the wrong size? Well, the thing is most women don’t know the telltale signs of an ill-fitting bra, and because everyone else around us complains about bras being uncomfortable, we believe that this is just the way it is.  If everyone else is experiencing underwire pain, we start to all expect this as par for the course.
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However, you should not accept pain and discomfort, making the decision to get a fitting will help you to live your best bra life and then you can be the catalyst in another woman’s life by suggesting a bra- intervention. ​

But what exactly is a bra fitting and what should you expect? Well, this post is going to help you navigate your way through your very first fitting.
 
What is a bra fitting exactly?
A bra fitting is best done by a trained bra-fit consultant who can take into consideration the position of your breasts on your ribcage, shape, size etc in order to find the fits that suit your unique body.  A perfect fit improves posture and helps your outer layers fit better, ensuring you always look your best.
 
Dispel fears and educate yourself on what to expect
No you will not be poked and prodded! You will not be paraded in front of other customers in your unmentionables! Relax, breathe. A bra fitting at Underpinnings is an intimate experience between you and the bra-fit consultant. The decision about whether to disrobe or not, in front of the bra-fit consultant is dependent on you. If you are a bit shy you can put on the bras in the dressing room before the consultant comes in to assess the fit, if you aren’t shy, then by all means have at it! Your comfort in this is important so don’t be afraid to speak up.
At Underpinnings, we make you the centre of attention. A fitting usually involves a pre-discussion, and then we ask the client to remove as many layers as they are comfortable. Measurements are made, and then you get to try on some enviable pieces that you can make your own! A simple process that makes a world of difference.
 
Bring a friend
Bringing a friend is an amazing idea! Bring two and have a full on bra-intervention party! The more the merrier. The more friends that you help out, the lower that statistic gets. Also, who does not like to show off a cute underwear purchase to their girlfriends?
 
Be open
Try on as many styles as the bra-fit consultant gives you. Finding out that you are a totally different size can be a bit strange at first, but be open to it because it will only benefit you in the long run.
 
Make that appointment!
So now that you have an idea about what to expect at a fitting, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your bra-intervention today! Log on to: book.prettyunderpinnings.com
 
 

​There comes a time in every bra’s life where you need to let it go. Many of us try to hold on to our bras way past their prime and that only leads to pain and heartache. So, we here at Underpinnings wanted to do our duty to try to help you know when it is time to break up with your bra by providing you with 5 easy-to-remember tips.
 
Tip number 1: Your weight has changed
Whether it is on purpose, or just a force of nature, whenever your weight changes significantly (think 10 lbs or more) you are more than likely going to need a new bra. When a bra is too loose or too tight it means it is not actually fitting right. It is time to break up and get a new fitting!
 
Tip number 2: A wire has come out
Now, this may be obvious, but we have seen some things! If you notice that a wire has popped out of your bra, it is time to say goodbye. Do not try to save it! There is no hope and anything you do would only lead to frustration.
 
Tip number 3: The hooks are damaged
If you can’t hook your bra it has literally stopped being worth it. How would it hold? Step away from that safety pin and go out and get you a new bra!
 
Tip number 4: The underwire does not rest on your skin
Every part of your bra has a specific function and if they are way past their prime, they cannot provide you with the comfort and support that a bra should. The underwire of your bra must lay flush against your skin in order to provide you with adequate lift and support, if they are out of position it cannot do its work. It should not cause you discomfort!
 
Tip number 5: The band rides up
So you have had the bra for a few years and over time you have made it to the tightest closure, and yet still it does not fit snug. This is a clear sign that your bra has surpassed its time. Bra bands are meant to fit well on the loosest or middle set of hooks when now purchased, but stretch out over time (the purpose of the other hooks). If it does not fit snug even on the tightest hook, it has stretched out too much and it's time to get another. 

Is it time for you to break up with some of your bras? 

​Our newest #UPliftProject video is up, and in it we are chatting with Kathryn Nurse, founder of Immortelle Beauty. Immortelle Beauty is the Caribbean cosmetic company Kathryn founded in 2010, with the aim of creating "Little Local Luxuries".

I first came across the Immortelle line a few years ago at a pop-up market and was so impressed with the visual appeal of the products that I had to try them. I was not disappointed!  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with this fellow female entrepreneur, and I decided then and there that I wanted to feature her in an Uplift video.

Take a look as Kathryn speaks about her passions, the inspiration she finds in her work and what she loves and appreciates about her body.

Kathryn is currently participating in the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Business Class of 2018, a programme geared towards equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to successfully grow their business. Vote for her here.

You might be wondering why Idris Elba is the image of choice in this, our first blog post for 2018. Well Idris is actually the inspiration for this post and for the theme I’ve set myself this year.

Many of you may have heard snippets of Idris Elba’s moving speech on losing the boundaries in your life (if you haven't see the links below). We all have them; either self-imposed or imposed by others. Now, I hope that if you viewed that video you took in the true point that Mr. Elba was making, instead of just taking in his chocolatey goodness.  For 2018 I’m challenging myself and you to find the places where the boundaries exist and learn how to lose them!

Losing the self-imposed boundaries
Stop talking yourself out of things. Don’t set limits on your goals, don’t restrict yourself.  We all have that voice that tells us we aren’t good enough. We play small, afraid of stretching and afraid of failure. We tend to talk ourselves out of pursuing our dreams by saying things like, “I’m not qualified for that”, “What if I fail?” “I could never do that.” Stop. Stop doing that.  You can do anything that you set your mind to.  Yes, I am being cliché, but let’s face it, it’s the truth. Why not throw caution to the wind the next time you are faced with something scary, but enticing? Why not just go for it? Living life to the fullest means trying new things, even if you aren’t 100% sure that it would be successful.  Living life to the fullest means enjoying the little moments in between the big ones and allowing yourself to fail and be imperfect. It means allowing yourself to take chances, take risks and learn every step of the way.  When faced with an enticing, but scary, opportunity why not write down every reason you should take it, instead of mulling over every way in which it could go wrong? Believing it will all go right is 50% of the hurdle.

Losing the boundaries imposed by others
Second, stop letting others define who you are and who you will be. Stop letting others limit you.  Your friends and family, while they may want the best for you, may create the most limits on your life. They wish to shield you from pain and heartache, but in so doing try to keep you within a box; a safe zone.  Living according to other people’s standards makes you miss out on a number of opportunities to spread your wings. Resist the urge to simply live by someone else’s rules. Instead chose to release that inner, authentic you! Block out the negativity of others who are themselves afraid of being who they are and taking risks. Stop living within the restrictive expectations of other people.
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Third, society has a way of putting us all into situations where we are pitted against each other. Restrictive situations where we tend to feel as if we are never enough. I am here to tell you that you are enough.  Stop setting boundaries on who you are. Your goals are not the same as someone else’s.  Your uniqueness is simply that; unique.  Your journey is yours alone.  Surround yourself with inspiration and inspirational people who will always push you to break free of the norm.  Live outside of the lines and release yourself from the limits you impose, as well as those imposed on you by others. The opportunity to create the life you desire awaits if you are willing to lose the boundaries!

1. Lose the Boundaries Goalcast
2. A conversation with Idris Elba 

In the Underpinnings dressing room I am privileged to see women smile at their reflections, do happy dances and even squeal with joy. I have also seen and heard women apologize for their bodies, lamenting stretch marks, tummies and the dreaded “back fat”. As women, we can be our own worst critics, and there seems to be something about a dressing room that brings out buried insecurities in so many of us. I created the Uplift Project video series as a way of trying to help women come to an appreciation of their whole selves, by showcasing the beauty of self-confidence and self-appreciation. Over time, and through continued interaction with women through my work at Underpinnings, as a facilitator of the Springboard Women’s Development Program, and yes, through my own journey of personal growth and introspection, I’ve come to realise that many of us find it challenging to be truly loving and accepting of ourselves. These show up in so many ways: we constantly find fault with our bodies, we settle for relationships or jobs that are unhealthy, we hesitate to try new things because we are afraid that we will fail because we are “not good enough”…the list goes on.

I believe that self-love is the act of acknowledging and accepting all aspects of myself: the physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional, even while I continuously grow and evolve. Developing this habit is the best thing we can do for ourselves, and while it takes work at first, with consistent practice it can become the default setting.
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Here are 5 simple ways you can practice loving yourself.
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1. Know your self-worth: Practice listening to yourself. How do you feel today? What do you need and want to make you whole? Be mindful of who you are as a person, rather than relying on others to provide affirmation.

2. Take care of yourself in order to take care of others: You cannot pour from an empty cup. To be a great wife, mother, employee or business woman you need to connect with yourself often, find your centre and take care of you. Allow yourself to be selfish sometimes; your inner circle will appreciate it. A refreshed version of you is always more willing to go above and beyond for those you love.

3. Engage in positive activity: Self-love doesn't always mean bubble baths and spa retreats. Practicing self care can take the form of engaging in healthy activities, social interactions, intimacy, exercise and providing your body with sound nutrition.

4. Allow yourself to say no: Don’t be afraid to set boundaries! Loving yourself means knowing when you need to say no to the numerous activities that deplete your energy stores (physically, emotionally and spiritually).

5. Be unapologetically you: Never apologise for who you are! Live in your truth and your purpose. The more you do this, the more you will love yourself, and the more you will find the fuel to create your best life.

When we make a decision to actively love ourselves we become more conscious of the actions we take and thoughts we have. This awareness allows us to choose rather than just react. I choose love, and I hope you do too.