Are you wearing the right bra size?

Safari Bra

Surveys suggest that 2 out of 3 women are not.

Your clothes will look and fit better if you follow the measurement chart below. Here are a few handy hints to help you choose a bra of the correct size. By following this simple self-measuring guide you will have all the information that you need to work out your correct bra size. We suggest you use a flexible paper or plastic tape measure, marked in centimetres. Place the tape measure round your back and under your bust; make sure that the tape measure is flat and not twisted. Pull the tape measure tight and make a note of the measurement. We will call this measurement your band size.

Now, take a similar measurement, this time measuring across the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape measure a little looser this time. Now make a note of this measurement, which we will call your cup size.

63-67	68-72	73-77	78-82	83-87	88-92	93-97	98-102	Band Size
30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	UK
								Cup Size
75-77	80-82	85-87	90-92					AA
77-79	82-84	87-89	92-94	97-99	102-104	107-109	112-114	A
79-81	84-86	89-91	94-96	99-101	104-106	109-111	114-116	B
81-83	86-88	91-93	96-98	101-103	106-108	111-113	116-118	C
83-85	88-90	93-95	98-100	103-105	108-110	113-115	118-120	D
	90-92	95-97	100-102	105-107	110-112	115-117	120-122	DD
	92-94	97-99	102-104	107-109	112-114	117-119	122-124	E
	94-96	99-101	104-106	109-111	114-116	119-121	124-126	F
	96-98	101-103	106-108	111-113	116-118	121-123	126-128	FF
	98-100	103-105	108-110	113-115	118-120	123-125	128-130	G

You may also find this table useful when comparing UK to European sizes:

63-67	68-72	73-77	78-82	83-87	88-92	93-97	98-102	Band Size
30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	UK
80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	French
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	Italian

Tight Lacing Concept

Tight lacing is the name given to the practice of using the corset for long periods of time, intending to alter the silhouette by reducing the waist. The Corset used for this is an evolution of the corsets that our great-grandparents used, which has nothing to do with what today we call a corset, available in lingerie stores and sex-shops.

The Corsets are built from resistant tissues, in several layers and reinforced in strategic areas, tied in the back, and with rigid fins, usually made of steel or aluminum.

It is a known fact since the Middle Ages that the constant pressure of the Corset on the waist and lower ribs for 16 to 24 hours daily bends gradually the floating ribs, and with time the alteration becomes definite. However, besides the fact that Tight Lacing demands discipline and willpower, it must be practiced with criterion, since the reduction of the waist is a historically proved fact, it is also incontestable that the exaggerated use or little criterion can cause several problems of health.

For effective reduction of the waist, modification of the internal organs location and accommodation of the ribs, the corset must be quite reinforced, having fins made of steel and eyelets really close to each other.

Beware of the choice of a second-hand piece: obviously the corset for Tight Lacing must be custom-made; it must not be very high in the superior part so it doesn’t become a nuisance while sitting; in the inferior part it must not be very short, because it takes the risk of causing deposit of the abdominal fat in the part free of pressure, creating an undesirable belly; one must avoid waterproof materials or materials that make the breathing of the skin difficult; finally, it must have an inferior diameter of 3,94 in to his waist when shut.

The most indicated models for continuous use are the Victorian Underbust and the Waist Cincher, being more comfortable and allowing a better movement.

You must be asking yourself about the practical effects of the Tight Lacing. There are some sites in the Internet with prognoses on reduction – of course it is necessary to be careful with those data, because when we talk about the human body, any prognosis is an exercise on fortune-telling. Only for illustrating purposes I transcribe one of those prognoses:

“A Corset can reduce the waist approximately 2 % each week, until you reach a reduction of 75 % of the original waist after about 3 months of use.”

Shop for Custom Made Corset at La Maison De Luxe Boutique

The first goal of the Tight Lacer is to ‘close’ your corset, that is, starting from a piece with a diameter 3,94 inches thinner than her waist, she reaches the first stage when the corset manages to be completely closed. She must use it, then, during one more period until a sensation of comfort appears with the use, seeming to be loose, even tied to the utmost.

When that happens, it is time to change your corset for a smaller model. The new corset must again be 10 cm below your waist, and you can use the previous corset to sleep, saving the new piece. Repeating this process sometimes, you will find the waist of your dreams. However, it is necessary to be careful of not exaggerating, since some Tight Lacers tend to create an exaggerated waist, which not only isn’t healthy, but also turns them permanently dependent on the use of the corset.

There are people who cannot practice this training, like diabetics, people with respiratory insufficiency or back problems, etc. However, if you are healthy and have good sense to carry out a progressive and cautious training, no other method is as effective for reduction of the waist as the Tight Lacing.

by V. Ramos

Corsets for Men….

The use and wear of corsets by men historically was not an uncommon practice. Not only did it provide sturdy back support for activities such as riding and hunting, but it also created the very narrow waist, broad shouldered look that men’s fashions of the day dictated.

Today male corsetry still exists… for some of the same reasons men corseted in the past as well as many other physical, spiritual, and erotic reasons.

Special Construction to Meet the Needs of Male Customers

There are certain aspects of the male anatomy that need to be taken into account when designing a corset for men. The length of torso is very often much longer on men than on women… this requires special care during the drafting and designing process. Proper balance and line are crucial to the aesthetic success of a piece.

Here are some photos, of a corset designed by Mme. Sher especially for men – an interesting cross between typical masculine fashion and a touch of what would typically be thought of as a feminine garment (primarily in the back lacing of the corset). They definitely look sharp and would dress up any formal outfit.

You can buy Mme. Sher Corsets at www.lamaisondeluxe.co.uk

How to lace your corset

The whole process must be done in front of a mirror, so you can see if the adjustment is been done in the correct way and in the correct spots.

First of all, you have to make sure your skin is protected by the corset liners, witch our line can provide, before wearing your corset.

Once you have the protection, get your corset. Open the laces from the back at their most, without untying the lower knot.

Put your corset open around your body and incase the front latches. To make it easier you can incline the busk (latch) a little on the right side and place it over the toggles. Incase first the central latches and then follow to the ends.

Turn your back to the mirror. If you’re wearing a back protector panel, place it correctly, straining it over your back, before adjusting the corset.

There will be two links in the middle of the laces. Pull the links with your thumbs. It’s not necessary to make much effort. Get the lace from the lower side of the link and pull it up.

Put the wire around your hands to get a better grip and keep pulling until it adjusts to the lower part of the corset. Be careful not to tighten it too much, or you might hold your blood stream.

Now you do the other way. Find the upper part of the link and pull it down. Keep pulling until you perfectly adjust the corset on the thorax, without excess.

A corset too tight at the thorax may cause a huge discomfort, mark the skin more than a bra and even make your breathing difficult.

Now focus on the knot at the waist. The main adjust is made after tying the first knot, strongly pulling the lace to the sides. This knot is the secret to a perfect adjustment of the corset.

With the knot already tied, pull the lace down.

Tighten once more pulling to the sides, and then pulling the laces up. Adjust once more, now from the waist, pulling again to the sides.

Tie the knot. The laces can be hidden under the corset.

How to take your measures

1. Avoid measuring after a full meal.

2. If possible, best to measure first thing in the morning.

3. Don’t slouch, stand straight, but not unnaturally erect.

4. All horizontal (Round) measurements should be taken parallel to the floor, making sure your tape doesn’t slip down.

5. If possible, get someone else to help measure you.

6. Re-measure for accuracy.

Bust: Take this measurement around the fullest part of the bust by passing the tape around your back and across the front to the nipples in a straight line.

Underbust: This measurement should be taken around the rib cage directly under the bust.

Waist: This is usually part of your torso, a good way to find your waist point is to tie a string around the waist, not to tightly, move it around a little and the string should naturally sit on your waist (measure your natural waist, not the size you desire).

Hip Bone: This is usually around where the top of the hip bone is and across the fullest part of the stomach.

A: While being seated, measure from waist to lowest center front point, approximately to the top of pubic bone. Make sure you can sit down as the busk is straight and will not bend. If you have a tummy pooch, press firmly with flat of hand to measure flattened tummy, do not measure around the curve of the pooch.

B: Measure straight up from waist to where the bottom of bra would rest or just under the pectoral muscle (underbust measurement), NOT where breast meets body.

C: This measurement, very important for the overbust with cup corsets, is not necessary for the underbusts. Place one hand over breast and press in and up to simulate desired cleavage. Measure straight up from underbust to your nipple.

If you need assistance in ordering a corset, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Include the corset style you’re interested in ordering, as well as your measurements.

Back to La Maison De Luxe Boutique Website

Pearl Knowledge & Information

White Freshwater Pearl Necklace

The Freshwater Pearls History:

Freshwater Pearls are the first to be successfully cultured with records dating back over 700 years. Today cultured freshwater pearls are closest to natural pearls in growth. The lower cost and increasingly higher quality of freshwater pearls makes them a popular choice.

The Freshwater Pearls Classification:

La Maison De Luxe Boutique are partnering with the leading Chinese Pearls manufactures and suppliers to strike for provide our customer the best quality of Freshwater Pearls jewelry. Our freshwater pearls product line including all different quality type of Pearls from A to AAAA, all of our product and carefully selected and evaluated with the GIA standard.

Please refer to the chart below see detal quality difference from A to AAAA freshwater pearls.

Grade	AAAA Best Product	AAA	AA	A
Luster	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Moderate
Blemish	98% – 100%	95% – 98%	80% – 90%	60% – 70%
Smoothness	Very Good	Good	Good	Good
Matching	Good	Good	Good	Good
Nacre	Very Thick	Very Thick	Very Thick	Thick
Origin	China	China	China	China

Tightlacing returns in the 20th & 21st century

Corsets and Tightlacing have made a recent comeback since the 1990’s. Individuals of all ages have rediscovered the elegance and the self confidence that corsets bring, replacing old stigma’s of suppression and martyrdom. And as the wearer can use it to control, rather than being controlled, it is also becoming ironically a feminist item.

*  *  *  *  *

But what is Tightlacing?

In short, Tightlacing is the act of wearing a laced corset, 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week. Over time, the body will adapt to the shape, and become curvaceous.

True waist training requires at least 12 hours a day in a properly tailored corset made for tightlacing. Yes, it will reform your body, but like a diet it is only as permanent as long as you stick with it. These 12 hours must be when you are most active. Also, in order for your body to adapt properly to the corset’s shape, you must eat, drink, and do your daily routine while comfortably laced.

Tightlacing is not for those that are looking for a miracle cure (body wraps, electric pulse devices, unorthodox diets) for an unshapely body. Tightlacing will only work for you if you enjoy the feel of the hug of a properly tailored corset around your body. Yes it takes perseverance, but anything in life that is worthwhile is the same way.

To place an order for custom made corsets visit www.lamaisondeluxe.co.uk

La Maison De Luxe is launching a new partnership with Mme. Sher Corsets

Mme. Sher

Sher is a Brazilian corsetmaker that makes custom made corsets for tightlacing. Her contact with the haute couture starts in childhood, since her mother has always worked with it.

The research about corsets, made for her own use, began in 1998. Soon Sher realized that there was nothing like that in Brazil, and that the self-named “corsets” had nothing to do with the ones existing in other countries.

Preformed Half Cup in Dot Fabric Corset

The initially aesthetic concern evolved to the confection of higher level models that could shape the silhouette.

These corsets soon got the attention of friends that started ordering for themselves. The talking about the corsets got more and more people interested in it, and soon Sher found herself involved in a great business that quickly grew up.

The official launching of the line was in September 2004. Ever since, Sher has been taking care of a big and demanding clientele that searches for a slender silhouette without giving up comfort.

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We are proud to announce that La Maison De Luxe Boutique is the European Distributor of Mme. Sher Corsets.

Mme. Sher Corsets works with international standard quality, custom-made only.