Recently, I went on a mission. Not a spiritual one. Not a do-gooder one. A mission to find the perfect fitting bra. I heard rumors that one was “out there” somewhere and when I say “out there” I mean at Nordstom. There, I was told, they have trained professionals with tape measures around their necks who knew their AA, B, DD’s.
(That’s right, I said AA.)
Some of you might be thinking, she means an “A.” No! There is a size called “AA.” It’s smaller than an “A” and, I think, the most delightful of all bra sizes. Not just a silly “A” and not all show-off-y like “DD”.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
So I found myself at Norstrom, face to face with a bra “pro.” At least I think she was a pro, she had a real notebook and everything. She was all of 20 year olds and she had recently had eyelash extensions that she “just totally loved.” So good. Let’s call her “Jen.” Jen was very skillful with her measuring tape and listened with compassion as I told my story of the hours spent scavenging through the random A bins at Victoria Secrets sales, the poor sales person sent to the “back room” to find a smaller size in a bra I loved (only to come back defeated and empty-handed or sometimes never to return), and the years of wanderlust looking for the perfect fitting bra.
She scribbled down my numbers, tilted her head and then she said the words that changed it all: “You’re a ‘AA’, not an “A.”
“Really?” I said in surprise (not to be mistaken with disappointment). “I didn’t know there was such a thing. ‘AA,’ really?”
Jen nodded sadly, her eyes filled with compassion behind their perfectly coifed lashes, “Yes, it’s (pause…she collects herself) smaller than an ‘A’, ” she barely finished.
“Great! Do you have these ‘AA’ bras of which you speak? Can I try one?” I said with renewed zeal and hope.
She trots off and brings me back five or six. The whole time I’m making jokes like, “So you must have an overstock of these in Orange County…Do you offer a discount on the smaller sizes?” That kind of thing. Obviously not embarrassed or ashamed.
I like the way I am.
After one last crack, something like, “Have you ever sold one of these at South Coast Plaza? Will there be any special ceremony or fanfare?” Ms.-all-of-20-years-old, new-eyelash-extensions, never-stepped-foot-outside-Orange-Countys-limits said, (dramatized pause) “It’s okay, you have a pretty face.”
Gee thanks, Jen.
Some of my compadres…
Hey! Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Hopped on over to yours and am so glad I did. I’ll be back! Now, as far as the AA problem.. I’d gladly trade you my D any time. Hee hee.
Hey! I’m an AA too! Oh wait….you’re talking about….oh…never mind…
fancy that, i’m a bit of a “bra pro” myself!
Shanan-Thanks for swinging by!
Michele-ha! ha!
Aaron-leave it to you…
Suz
Seriously? WOW….
Okay I have NOT (repeat HAve NOT) looked very much at your, ahem…chest area- but are you sure you are AA? Really?…even so it is awesome the way you embrace all of yourself….you look great. And I too would trade anyone to get rid of my D’s….ya think I could put them on the barter section on Craigslist?
TMI
Actually Michele was me…my bad…
Hate to be the one to break it to you but I dressed (styled) Sarah Jessica Parker once for a photo shoot and she is a full B…
Marcy-Thanks. I will stick with what I got, but you can give Craigslist a try.
Nat-Sorry. had to write it. Don’t you just appreciate the sketch of Jen?
Chris-Darn, thought Michele was reading my blog–got all excited for a minute.
Janine-Say it isn’t so! NOOOOOOOO Just kidding. I still love the way she is so comfortable with herself. If you told me Debra Messing was a Full B I have to admit then, I would be bummed-out.
My daughter wears a AA. She’s eleven. Ha! What a great post. I went to ye olde bra fitter a few years ago after wearing an A cup most of my adult life. She was about 70 years old, took one look at me and said “36C”. It’s the first time in my life my bosoms looked good, so it was worth paying $40 each for several bras.
Shut UP! She actually said that?!?! On behalf of young twentysomething girls everywhere, I truly apologize.
Jessica, I accept your apology. You, my dear, are the balm to all twenty somethings in the world. You cover a multitude of their sins with your wit, charm, and intelligence. (oh, and beauty)
Suz
Debra is an A… barely. In fact I think she should try the AA. Love your blog by the way!!
Ha Ha Ha! Can’t believe she said that! I wish more young girls had your perspective.
I love/hate bra shopping. Finding the perfect one is the best feeling in the world, but the endless trying on? Not so much. Just like jeans shopping. Good on you for embracing the AA.
So….um…why am I not listed as one of your compadres? I can try to get a glam photo like the ones you have of those other fabulous ladies.
So….um…why am I not listed as one of your compadres? I can try to get a glam photo like the ones you have of those other fabulous ladies.
Janie-Thank goodness for small miracles…get it “small” miracles?…
Missy-Do they not have “bra pros” in Australia? OMG-Nordstrom? Do they have Nordstoms?
Ericka-I didn’t want to “out” you as a “AA”
Oh how this girl wishes she were a AA!!! No matter how much weight i shave off my five foot 2 in frame, my DD still keep me looking chubby, to say the least!! I stand up a salute those AA women (now if only my breasts could do the same).
i love your bra story – and you do have a very pretty face.
miss u
V
If I lift my arms over my head my AA bra heads right up to my neck…so what size does that make me AAA? pffff I never laughed so hard in my life while in a dressing room at VS with my sis-nothing in the store fit! And they didn’t sell bandaids-imagine that! Seems like we got kicked out of the store. GREAT READ!
no she did NOT say that to you!!! i am stunned – i gasped! LOL!! and i loved your comment about the overstock in oc. great stuff!