Blush pink is beautifully romantic and quietly chic. While it can vary in tone, blush pink bras pair perfectly with gray, black, navy blue, and cream. The soft spoken sister to bold hot pink and wild magenta, blush reminds us of spring sunshine, stolen glances, and fresh flowers. As a soft and romantic color, blush pink is sweet under sheer shirts, cozy under soft sweaters and sexy under tough leather jackets. We love the juxtaposition of blush and black for a look that’s pretty in pink. Below, our favorite blush pink bras for a subtle hint of color:

1. Cosabella Sweet Treats Dots Bralette $48.50

2. H&M Push-Up Bra With Lace Back $19.99

3. Parfait Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 $60

4. Josie Natori Plie Bra $120

5. La Perla Stolen Roses Triangle Bra in Embroidered Tulle $240

6. Skin Pima Cotton Jersey Soft Cup Bra $85

7. Parfait Sandine Unlined Wire Bra P5252 $58

8. H&M Triangle Padded Bra $17.99

9. Goddess Plus Size Adelaide Underwire Banded Bra $48

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

We love red and black lingerie for Valentine’s Day. Bold and daring, red is one of our favorite colors. Black and red, on the other hand, is especially eye catching and dangerous when paired with decadent eyelash lace, fancy embroidery, sheer cups, and an apologetically sexy fit. Though it might be your little secret, black and red lingerie feels indulgent and extravagant when worn under cozy sweaters and curve-hugging dresses. Taking a cue from the icons of decades page (think Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, and Sophia Loren), is there anything chicer than an opulent embroidered bra or sexier than a hint of black lace under a sheer top? We don’t think so. Below, our favorite red and black bras that will add a little magic to your lingerie wardrobe:

1. Mimi Holliday Cherry Drop Balcony Bra $106

2. H&M Padded Underwire Bra E/F Cup $14.99

3. Parfait Kitty Full Figure Bra 2101 in Red/Black $50

4. Josie Natori Unlined Bra $140

5. La Perla Maison Push-Up Bra $434

6. Dita Von Teese Marlene Underwire Bra $34

7. L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Kellie Non-Padded Demi Bra $74

8. Atelier Bordelle Juliette Peep Bra $215

9. Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 $42

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Finding the right skincare products is challenging when your skin is dry and sensitive. As anyone with sensitive skin knows, the wrong cleanser or cream can turn your skin into an itchy and red mess. Growing up, I struggled with finding the right balance of products to treat my skincare issues. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to get rid of the redness and frequent breakouts that popped up every week. It was a disaster.

Testing products isn’t easy when you have sensitive skin. I’m always apprehensive when I hear of a new miracle product or see a label with the words “calming” or “for sensitive skin” on it at Sephora. After spending years and hundreds of dollars trying out all kinds of products, I’ve learned that the labels aren’t always true to their word. Unfortunately, I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences with skincare products marketed for sensitive or dry skin.

Luckily, I’ve finally found my skincare dream team. I feel like I have a pretty good skincare routine now with products that I would recommend to anyone looking for something gentle or suffering from the same skincare issues I do. I also tend to buy more natural products, which has helped my skin immensely. It’s so nice to be able to understand and pronounce what goes into your skincare!

Since I know what’s it’s like to spend hours searching for and testing new products, I’m sharing my favorites with you. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!

I like to switch up my routine, so I rotate these products based on my day. Here the products I can’t live without:

1.  Lush Ultrabland (Facial Cleanser)

As an oil-based cleanser, it’s excellent at removing foundation, concealer, and blush. It took some getting used to – it goes on like a cold cream and then you wash it off with water- but it’s now an important part of my skincare routine. It’s also one of the gentlest make-up removers I’ve tried and the one I always re-purchase when I run out.

2.  Bioderma Sensibo H20 500 ml (Cleanser/Make Up Remover)

Bioderma’s Sensibo H20 works like a dream. It’s a unique cleanser – it uses micellar water to gently cleanse skin and remove make-up. By far, it’s the best make-up remover I’ve found for stubborn eyeliner and waterproof mascara. No matter how much makeup I’m wearing, it never irritates my eyes or lips. I use little cotton pads with it and it works like a magical make-up eraser. Worth every penny!

3.  Lush Mask of Magnaminty Self-Preserving (Face and Body Mask)

Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty is my absolute favorite face mask. It has the most amazing calming and cooling effect when applied, so it’s instantly refreshing and perfect for warmer weather. The minty scent is fresh and the mask is easy to wash off. I’ve tried both the self-preserving and regular versions. Personally, I prefer the gentler feel of the finely ground aduki beans in the self-preserving version.

4.  Lush Celestial (Moisturizer)

It took me a while to find a good night cream, but I’ve finally found one. Lush’s Celestial has a sweet vanilla scent and takes a few minutes to absorb completely. I like that it’s light without feeling sticky or greasy. In the summer, I pop mine in the fridge for a little bit and it always feels so cool and soothing. Overall, the perfect overnight moisturizer.

5.  Lush Ultrabalm (All Purpose Balm)

I can’t imagine living without Lush’s Ultrabalm. Unlike many salves, it’s formulated without petroleum jelly. It absorbs fairly quickly and has the faintest fragrance. It’s works well on chapped lips, dry elbows, and dry feet. I’ve even used it on super dry patches on my face without any issues. It’s part of my nighttime routine.

6.  Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Liquid Cleanser)

Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is my absolute favorite. I use it on the days when I’m not wearing make-up or as a post-workout cleanser. It’s super gentle and doesn’t irritate my eyes or cause any redness. 10/10, have re-purchased again and again.

7.  Lush Breath of Fresh Air (Toner/Sea Water Spray)

Finding a good toner was tough. Most of the toners I tried were alcohol based with strong fragrances. Lush’s Breath of Fresh Air was recommended on a visit to Lush and it was quite literally a breath of fresh air! The formula is aloe and sea water based and it’s wonderfully calming on sensitive skin. I use it often.

8.  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration (Moisturizing Cream)

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve tried countless hand lotions. As someone who always has dry hands, finding a hand lotion that was moisturizing without feeling greasy seemed like an impossible task. Luckily, I found First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration. I actually received it as a sample with a Sephora make-up order, but loved it so much that I bought the full-size version!

9.  Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub (Lip Scrub)

While it’s not specifically for sensitive skin, I can’t recommend this product enough. I love the minty, gently exfoliating feel of Lush’s lip scrub. It smells and taste like Thin Mints! If you’re not into mint, there are a few other flavors to choose from. An added bonus? The little glass container lasts a long time.

What are your favorite skincare products for dry and sensitive skin?

{Editor’s Note: All of the products featured in this post were purchased and reviewed by the author. This post is not affiliated with or sponsored by Lush, Bioderma, Cetaphil, First Aid Beauty, Birchbox, Ulta, or Sephora.}

We love red lingerie for Valentine’s Day. Red is associated with passion, love, and desire- perfect for the sexiest day of the year. No matter what you’re wearing, red always makes a statement. On its own, red lingerie is fierce, confident, and dangerous. It’s our go-to color when we want to turn heads and get hearts racing.

As a universally flattering color, there’s a shade of red to suit every style. If you’re feeling sweet, you can opt for lingerie in shades of red accented with girly bows and pretty floral lace. On the days when we’re feeling bold and sexy, you can turn up the heat with dark burgundy, embroidered lace, silky satin, and sheer panels. For us, red lingerie is just as seductive as a red lip or red dress without the extra effort. No touch-ups needed!

Whether your style is sweet or sexy, we’ve found 14 red hot lace lingerie sets guaranteed to spice up your Valentine’s Day. Here are the styles that won our hearts:

1.  Parfait ‘Charlotte’ 6901 Bra and 6917 High Waisted Brief in Red/Black ($15-$42 at Lord & Taylor)

Break hearts in retro-inspired style with a seductive demi cup fit and a big satin bow. The irresistible design pairs perfectly with the matching low rise bikini or high-waisted brief.

2.  Else ‘Petunia’ Longline Bra and Bikini Brief in Scarlatte ($60-$90 at Journelle)

A lingerie set fit for a queen in rich burgundy with sheer, floral lace.

3. H&M Super Push-Up Bra and Microfiber Thong in Red ($7.99-$24.99 at H&M)

Fall in love with the plunging fit and delicate details of this racy red set.

4.  Natori ‘Exotic Flower’ Bra and Tanga in Red ($30-$68 at Journelle)

Gorgeous floral embroidery highlights the plunging fit of the bra and sexy sheer panels of the matching tanga.

5.  Parfait ‘Casey’ Bra and Boyshort in Ruby Wine ($20-$42 at Kohl’s)

Surprise your date with the plunging bra and matching boyshort in bold ruby wine. Ideal under low cut tops and dresses.

6.  I.D. Sarrieri ‘La Naissance de Venus’ Embroidered Balconette Bra and Brief in Burgundy ($140-$320 at Net-A-Porter)

A beautiful lingerie set in elegant embroidered lace worth of its name.

7.  Fleur of England ‘Dare’ Balcony Bra & Brief ($100-$125 at Matches Fashion)

Semi-nude tulle and scarlet red lace add an element of seduction to this saucy red lingerie set.

8.  L’Agent by Agent Provocateur ‘Grace’ Tulle and Lace Bra and Brief in Red ($50-$110 at Net-A-Porter)

A sweet set with big bows and gorgeous eyelash lace. It’s too pretty to wear for one night- we’d wear it year round.

 9.  Parfait ‘Carole’ Wire Bra and Bikini Panty in Lollipop Red ($24-$49 at LindasOnline)

A sophisticated set in bright red. The unpadded style is designed to provide exceptional support without the extra padding.

10.  L’Agent by Agent Provocateur ‘Addie’ Stretch Lace Bra and Brief ($35-$60 at Net-A-Porter)

Leave little the imagination in this fun sheer mesh set in cherry red.

11.  Journelle ‘Romy’ Demi Bra and Bikini ($32-$68 at Journelle)

The cups are cut low with minimal coverage. Not for the faint of heart- the low demi cups and delicate sheer mesh offer minimal coverage.

12.  Parfait ‘Carole’ Padded Bra and Hipster in Lollipop Red ($22-$52 at HauteFlair)

Casually sexy and perfect for a Valentine’s Day adventure. Cheery red ups the flirt factor.

13.  Hanky Panky ‘Peek-A-Boo’ Lace Bralette and ‘Peep Show’ Cheeky Hipster in Red ($42-$48 at Zappos)

Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Wear the bralette with the ribbons tied for a sweet look or untied for a look that’s just the right amount of naughty.

14.  Parfait ‘Estelle’ Balconette Bra and Bikini Panty in Merlot ($22-$50 at NowThatsLingerie)

Show off your flirty side in the rich merlot demi cup bra accented with girly bows. Add the matching hipster panty for an unforgettable look.

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Kitty Babydoll 2108 | Parfait Kitty Hipster 2105 in Red/Black

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses in this post.}

We’re doing things a little differently today.  Many of us are still feeling the residual yuckiness leftover from 2016 that hasn’t quite gone away yet.  Though I’m not sure what 2017 has in store for you (hopefully new experiences and opportunities, moments filled with joy and happiness, and lots of positivity and success), I do know that it will be gone before you know it.  Just like in previous years, there is always a new day, a new month, and a new year that promises to be better than the last.

I firmly believe that 2017 is the Year of the Woman.  You might be thinking, ‘Isn’t every year the year of the woman?’  Yes, but 2017 feels different.  2017 finally feels like our year.  The year we find the beauty in our imperfections, embrace our bodies, and find happiness within ourselves.  The year we make it known that we’ve re-defined the so-called ‘beauty standards’ that we are unwillingly measured up against.  We, not society or the media, get to determine who were are, how we dress, and what we weigh, think, and feel.  It goes without saying, but I’ll say it again for those who need a reminder of our power: As women we’re strong on our own, but together we’re unstoppable.  Below, our open letter to all women.

Below, the full letter.

Dear Beautiful Reader,

I hope this is the year you finally put yourself first. The year you find happiness within and share your joy with the world. The year you embrace your loud laugh, your freckles, your height, and your crooked smile. I hope this is the year you fall in love (or become more connected with your partner than ever before) and wear pretty lingerie just because. Most importantly, I hope you realize your significance in this world. You are a beautiful, radiant, one-a-kind enigma. You’re a force to be reckoned with, though you might not realize yet. You’re flawed, but so is everyone else. Your beauty lies deep within the cracks of your perfect imperfections, the scars and the stretch marks and the quirky facets of your personality that you hide from the world. Though your journey to self-love might be winding, know that there are people who will love you when you struggle to love yourself.

I hope 2017 is your year of embracing your body and finding happiness in all of the incredible things it allows you to do. You can hold your children close to your heart, walk and run and dance with reckless abandon, and lift others up when they are down. Your scars, cellulite, and stretch marks color the lines within your story. They’re little celebrations of your life- reminders of bearing a child, defeating insecurities, growing another year older. You might not love your body today, but you owe it to yourself to not let your worries hold you back from living your best life. We’re all with you on the same never-ending journey of self-love. 

I hope this is the year you invest in yourself. The year you go back to school, find a job that makes you happy to wake up in the morning, shop for new clothes that make you feel special, buy the home you’ve been saving up for, and take care of your health and your body. Big things are happening behind the scenes to make your dreams possible. This is your year, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This is the year you inspire others and become the role model and leader that you were meant to be.

Without a doubt, the world is more beautiful with you in it. 

Are you ready for the Women’s March On Washington?

Tomorrow, January 21, 2017, is the big day. Millions of women around the world will be protesting for equality, feminism, civil rights, social rights, diversity, fair treatment and inclusion. Many of us are protesting in local Sister Marches (find one near you here). Those of us in Washington will have the opportunity to listen to notable speakers such as feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem, civil rights activist Roslyn Brock, actress and activist Scarlett Johansson, editor at large for Elle magazine Melissa Harris-Perry, and CEO of MomsRising Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner in addition to the protest. If you can’t attend tomorrow, you can still join your fellow protesters in spirit and live stream from home on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

With less than 24 hours until the Marches, you’ve likely planned your transportation, your day, your to-bring list, and your outfit, but you might be missing something: your sign. Some of us struggle with what to write because we have so much we want to say. No matter what you choose to write on your sign, know that it only needs to strike a chord with one person in order for it to have an impact.

Here are the powerful words that are firing us up this year:

Have you ever struggled with finding bras that fit and didn’t know where to turn? Welcome to our Best Lingerie Stores series, where we’re chatting with the best local lingerie stores and sharing their bra fitting expertise with you. These lingerie stores have helped hundreds of thousands of women find their favorite bras — and they want to help you look and feel your best too. This week, we chatted with Lee Padgett of Busted In Detroit in Detroit, Michigan. 

Three years ago, Lee Padgett decided to bring a local lingerie store to Detroit, Michigan.

As many of you know, Detroit was hit hard by the collapse in the automotive manufacturing industry. To some of us, it would have seemed like a risky place to start a business. Undeterred, Lee entered the Hatch Detroit contest in 2013 with the goal of making her dream a reality. An organization dedicated to the growth and development of entrepreneurs, businesses, and the Detroit area, Hatch Detroit provided the perfect platform for Lee’s vision.

Though Busted In Detroit didn’t win the contest that year, they ended up winning something bigger. Throughout the contest, women in Lee’s local community were following her journey in the hopes that she would bring a lingerie store to Detroit. These incredible women wanted a lingerie store just as much as she did. When Lee opened her doors in 2013, women from all over Michigan paid her store a visit, including many of those who were with her from the beginning.

Since 2013, Busted In Detroit has been known as a shopping destination in Michigan, one that provides exceptional customer service (her customers love her!) and personalized bra fittings for women from Detroit and all over the world.

Recently, Busted In Detroit celebrated three fabulous years of life-changing fittings, unforgettable parties, and beautiful lingerie. As an inspiration and advocate for her customers (Lee was among the first in Detroit to offer micro-chip card readers), Lee regularly supports non-profit organizations, like Support the Girls Detroit, and the local small businesses in her community.

We recently chatted with Lee about how Busted In Detroit came to be, the importance of offering a wide range of bra styles and sizes, and the benefits of a professional bra fitting.

Image via Busted In Detroit

All About Busted In Detroit:

Parfait Team: What inspired you to start a business?

Lee Padgett: I have always enjoyed being my own boss, and being the one in charge of my success or failure.

PT: What about the lingerie industry interested you?  

LP: I do love the lingerie industry, but it was really Detroit that made me make the choice to open this type of store. There wasn’t a single place to buy a bra, so I figured I could fill that niche. I am a Detroit Lover.

PT: In 2013, you entered a contest, Hatch Detroit, for the chance to win $50,000 toward opening a brick and mortar business. You placed in the top 10 (congrats!) and quickly built up a fan base before your doors even opened four months later. How did that experience grow your business?

LP: The Hatch Detroit contest helped me realize how much women really needed Busted to open. They called, emailed, and voted for us. They started shopping with me before I even had a brick and mortar opened.  The Hatch Contest was a huge factor in the doors opening. The marketing was amazing.

The Hatch Detroit Contest still helps get the Busted message out. The organization is supported by other groups who are interested in building retail in the City or Detroit. This town is all about locally owned, small business.

PT: You’re originally from North Carolina and your lingerie store, Busted In Detroit, is located in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit was once one of the most prosperous cities in the U.S. as a bustling hub for American automobile manufacturing, but the city suffered a huge loss of jobs with the closure of manufacturers Packard and Hudson years later. Today, Detroit is experiencing a resurgence in new businesses and a renovation of neighborhoods and landmarks. Your store is located in Park Shelton. How did you decide on the location?

LP: My love affair with the Park Shelton is a long one.  Between 2003 and 2006 my husband and I owned a coffee shop called Café de Troit. We were located in Downtown Detroit, and we would cater events all over the city. We were the catering company for a group that started renovating The Historic Park Shelton way back then. I would get to go into the building and see the progress.

Then in 2011, when we moved back to the city of Detroit, we lived in the Park Shelton while we looked for a house.  It was still a huge draw for me. The Peacock Room, a wonderful ladies dress and accessory store, opened on the main floor while we lived there. I approached the management of the building about taking over our current space.  The management company loved the idea! They took a chance on a new concept, and three years later, we are still loving our space.

Image via Busted In Detroit

PT: Tell us about your store name. What inspired the name Busted In Detroit?

LP: Can you believe that I dreamed about it?  My husband says it was his idea, but I beg to differ.  We may never really know where the name came from, but we both love it.

PT: You’re known for being incredibly supportive of your local community. You regularly feature Detroit and Michigan made products as well as artwork from local artists. How has supporting your local community helped your business?

LP: Being part of the community is second nature to us.  Our customers help us get the Busted Gospel to their friends and neighbors, and we do what we can to support them. We do Bra Parties in the store, where we supply the refreshments, give a gift with Purchase, and a hostess discount.  This concept has been taken to Silent Auctions by way of a printed certificate. People can bid on the parties, and usually a non-profit, or a school, can benefit from the sale. We end up meeting new customers and making new relationships at the parties. We have recently paired up with a non-profit called Support the Girls Detroit. They are helping women in shelters receive intimate items, and toiletries that they need. We are a drop off station for gently used bras.

If a customer brings a gently used, clean bra for Support the Girls, we will give them a $5 discount on a bra. This helps our customers give back too!

PT: What is the most rewarding part of supporting small and local businesses?

LP: Hopefully people realize that shopping small will help their local economy. More small business sales equals more need for local employees in a flexible setting.

Image via Busted In Detroit

PT: What do you enjoy most about your local community?

LP: My local community is creative and gregarious.  We are always promoting each other.

PT: Congrats on your three year anniversary! Do you have any upcoming big plans you can share with us?

LP: Thank you!  We are doing our best to expand!  Watch for more Busted Stores opening! Busted has open a small lingerie and loungewear store in The West Village of Detroit. With this expansion, we have more room for bras in Busted Bra Shop in the Park Shelton.

PT: Busted In Detroit has 23 5-star reviews on Yelp- your customers love you! What’s the secret to creating a memorable experience for customers? 

LP: Teaching Customer Service skills to everyone who works at Busted.  Being nice is so much easier than not.  We want to make every customer comfortable!  Also providing products that we are proud to introduce to our customers.  The products are our super stars!

Image via Busted In Detroit

Bra Fitting At Busted In Detroit:

PT: Why is it important for women to get a professional bra fitting?  

LP: Bra shopping can be hard. Let someone else find the bras that will fit you.  It takes the frustration out of the process, and you don’t have to keep putting your clothes on.  I think women get frustrated and then they buy what will just work for that moment.  A professional fitter can see an ill-fitting bra very quickly, and can make adjustments in the style, or size to help you get what you need to make you comfortable and to provide the support that you need. Plus we know where all the cute bras in your size are hiding in the store.

PT: What do you wish all women knew about lingerie and professional bra fitting?

LP: It doesn’t cost anything, doesn’t make the bras more expensive, and it is quicker than shopping for yourself.

Image via Busted In Detroit

PT: You’re committed to offering a diverse range of styles and sizes for your customers. You carry brands such as The Little Bra Company, Freya, Parfait, Cosabella, and Nubian Skin with a wide range of colors, styles, and sizes (26-56 AAA-N!) What do you look for when selecting new styles?

LP: I carry different companies, and different sizes, because my customers are all so different.  I look for quality, variety, and fit. I am also a sucker for color! We actually go to an O cup right now, and we will add a P cup soon.

PT: What can you tell our readers about the bra fitting experience at Busted In Detroit?

LP: We try to make people comfortable.  We offer bra fittings to everyone. If you want to have a fitting just come in.  The fitters at Busted really try to make our customer’s experience one that they will share with their friends and family.

PT: Let’s talk about the private parties at Busted In Detroit. Are they by appointment?

LP: Yes they are. We have to schedule the parties outside of our normal business hours, and we need to staff them so that the guests will have a stellar experience.  We offer light refreshments too, so I need to do the shopping before hand. I love a good party.

Image Credit: James Brown / Metro Times

Shop at Busted In Detroit

Store Address: 15 East Kirby Street Suite A, Detroit, MI 48202

Phone Number: 313-288-0449

Website: http://www.bustedindetroit.com/shop

To find a lingerie specialty store near you, visit our store locator here.

Feature image via Busted In Detroit

Do you know your lemons? Worldwide Breast Cancer’s ‘Know Your Lemons’ campaign is using lemons to help women around the world detect breast cancer. Deemed the ‘first breast cancer awareness campaign’, Worldwide Breast Cancer is fighting back against cancer by showing women what to look for and feel for while doing a breast self exam.

Before the images went viral, Erin Smith Chase posted her personal experience with breast cancer on Facebook and urged women to share these photos to raise awareness. She said, “I knew all about self exams, but a picture of what to look for keyed me into knowing I had a terminal disease.”

Many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Some of us are breast cancer survivors. Now more than ever, it’s important to raise awareness and make time for breast exams. Above all, we must make time to take care of ourselves. Whether you’re planning on making an appointment with your health care provider or checking your breast tissue at home, there are two types of exams for detecting breast cancer:

Breast Self Exam

Breast self exams are typically done at home. They involve feeling for lumps, bumps, and irregularities in breast tissue. It’s also important to pay attention to how your breasts look. We suggest checking out Breastcancer.org for The Five Steps Of A Breast Self Exam, a step-by-step guide that can help you perform a breast self exam at home.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, completed on a machine specifically designed for breast x-rays. There are two kinds of breast x-rays, the first being a screening mammogram and the second being a diagnostic mammogram. Most women only need a screening mammogram, but if anything is detected, a diagnostic mammogram is the next step. Mammograms can help identify calcifications (mineral deposits) and both cancerous and non-cancerous masses (including cysts) or tumors, within breast tissue.

If you’re performing a breast self exam, here’s what breast cancer can look and feel like:

Credit: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Here’s what to feel for during a breast exam:

Credit: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Here’s the video from Worldwide Breast Cancer:

Wondering what to do next?

Join the awareness campaign.

Donate to Worldwide Breast Cancer to help support their mission.

Visit their website for more information.

Share this blog post with your friends and family to increase the chance of early detection.

Featured image via Worldwide Breast Cancer 

Anxiety can cause stress, and stress can cause anxiety.

Mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise, eating well, and staying connected with friends and family are the keys to improving and maintaining a healthy body and a calm mind.

I hope you find relief in at least one or all of the tips. I’ve learned from personal experience that it’s best to stick with the ones that work for you and make them a daily habit. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Try to make time each day to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. Below, my list of 11 simple ways to relieve anxiety:

1. Breathe.

2. Practice yoga.

 

3. Listen to music.

Music has been proven to be an effective anxiety and pain reducer. It’s also a powerful stress reliever and therapeutic wellness tool. The American Psychological Association compared music to medicine. Anxiety.org published an article with great tips on using music to ease stress that can help you put together an effective stress relieving playlist.

One of the added benefits of carrying a phone everywhere is the convenient access to music 24/7. My favorite music steaming services include Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon’s Prime Music (free with an Amazon Prime membership!)

4. Avoid caffeine.

5. Exercise.

6. Write in a gratitude journal.

 

7. Try aromatherapy.

8. Spend time with the ones you love.

It’s important to stay connected with loved ones and be open and honest about how you’re feeling. A phone call or text message can help immensely with reducing anxiety and stress. If you’re having trouble leaning on them for support, I’d recommend investing in a journal. Writing is incredibly cathartic. When we write in an emotional state, we send our worries and fears out of our minds and onto paper. I always feel a bit lighter after journaling.

9. Get creative.

Art is a powerful outlet for easing anxiety. You don’t have to be a skilled artist to reap the benefits of being creative. Suggestions include journaling, drawing, painting, writing, and coloring in a coloring book!

10. Eat a balanced diet.

11.  Talk it out.

What are your tips for relieving anxiety and stress?

{Editor’s note: These tips are not meant to be a substitute for a professional’s opinion. Please seek professional care if you regularly suffer from anxiety or feel physical symptoms as a result from anxiety. Your health and state of well being is incredibly important and should be treated as a priority. Please seek the help you need.}

2016 was an exciting year for us. It was the year we launched our blog and excitedly welcomed Body Image Movement Global Ambassador and creator of Love Nourish Be, Krystal Gordon, to the Parfait family! We’ve had a lot to say on bra fitting, lingerie, fashion, beauty, health, and wellness. In the past few months, we’ve spoken about the power of authenticity, confidence, inner beauty, taking time for yourself, creating a dream list, making self-love a mindful daily practice, doing more of the things that scare you, embracing change, creating a morning routine, journaling, and overcoming self-doubt. Whew!

As a lingerie brand, bras are always on our minds, so we also spoke about important topics like getting properly fit for a bra, the best places to go for a bra fitting, determining your bra sister size, whether or not to wear a bra to bed, and the best ways to mix and match your lingerie. While we’re looking forward to making 2017 our best year yet, here’s a look back at our favorite Parfait blog posts from 2016:

1.   The Truth About Perfection by Krystal Gordon

This article hit home for me on so many levels. I remember feeling a sigh of relief the first time I read it. For those of us who perfectionists (myself included), it’s a scary feeling to think about lowering our high standards. We want to do everything and be everything to everyone. Through my own struggles with perfection, I’ve learned that the pursuit of perfection can hold you back from being happy, showing your true self to the world, and finding great success. On behalf of the Parfait Team, we encourage you to celebrate your beautiful and unique imperfections in the new year!

2.  How Often Should You Change Your Bra? by Katie Donnelly

Parfait Lucie Unlined Wire Bra P5202 | Parfait Lucie Brief P5203 in Mood Indigo

So many of us rotate the same one or two bras day after day without thinking about the stress we’re putting on our bras. Simply put, we’re stressing our bras out! By wearing the same bra everyday, we’re doing ourselves and our bras a disservice. It’s crucial to have a bra wardrobe with multiple bras to rotate. You don’t need every style, just the ones that work for you. If you’re shopping for all new bras or replacing some of your favorites, we’d suggest keeping at least one of the following in your bra arsenal: a t-shirt bra with seamless cups, a beautiful lace bra for nights out and days in, a bralette for weekend errands and lounging, a strapless multi-way bra for a quick outfit solution, and a sports bra in a bold color. This is just a guide- the bras you buy you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and style preferences. For some of us, a lacy black bra is an everyday bra!

3.  Core Four Apps For Women by Jesslynn Marquez

Parfait Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Parfait Casey Boyshort 2805 in Nude

These are the four apps that make our lives easier. They help us track our periods, navigate busy streets, curate the articles we want to read, and listen to music on the go. We also use and love Evernote for jotting down quick notes, Spotify for listening to full albums, Todoist for organized to-do lists, Blinkist for short audio books, and Pocket Casts for podcasts.

4.  What No One Tells You About Body Positivity and Self-Love by Krystal Gordon

Parfait Casey Unlined Wire Bra 2802 | Parfait Casey Thong 2804 in Rose Print

It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection. For some of us, the journey to self love is long and winding and full of obstacles. For others, it’s a straight and clear path. No matter how you feel about your body, you owe it to yourself to treat it with kindness, understanding, and patience. You are enough, just as you are today. In Krystal’s words, “Tell yourself that you are amazing!  You are kind!  You are capable!  You are worthy!” When you treat yourself with love and care, you are able to look at others with eyes free of judgement, jealousy, and self-loathing. By embracing you, you are able to embrace her! 

5. Inner Beauty Is The Prettiest Face by Jesslynn Marquez

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Floral Shimmer

We wholeheartedly believe that inner beauty is the most important kind of beauty. At the end of the day, our words and actions define our true beauty, not the way we look or the clothes we wear. Many of the most beautiful women in the world are the kindest, most intelligent, and most considerate. Beauty is not limited to our outer appearances. As Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What kind of impression do you to leave?

6.  Preparing For A Boudoir Shoot by Katie Donnelly

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Bronze

Though some of us have done boudoir shoots as gifts to our spouses and significant others, many on us have done them for ourselves. Boudoir shoots are incredibly empowering. They celebrate the femininity, beauty, and seduction that comes along with being a woman! Most importantly, you get to collaborate with your photographer to make sure that the theme, wardrobe, and overall look and feel are 100% you.

Thank you for reading, following, sharing, and commenting on our little blog! Happy New Year!