dressed up like a lady: Need a boost.

Oct 9, 2013

Need a boost.

Bustier top: ASOS Woman
High waisted skinny jeans: VS
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini

I dig the look of this kind of bustier top, but if I'm being honest, this one kind of sucks. Ha! It's always sliding downward, it doesn't actually boost anything (not much real architecture going on in there), and it's not even all that comfortable. If I'm not carefully posing for a photo, it quickly becomes a mess. But weirdly, the sparkly bustier top is kind of a necessity in my wardrobe -- not just for like, general fabulousness, but because it's part of my stage uniform. 

Okay so, we have a show in two weeks. Help me out: where should I look for a new sparkly bustier top that doesn't suck?

There's something kind of early '80s Pat Benatar crossed with casual-glam Marilyn Monroe crossed with early '90's Mariah Carey going on here. And I dig it. Cammila definitely brings that vibe to our shows both stylistically and vocally. What you might not know from photos is that her lungs are as amazing as her legs, and she has no problem filling up a club with her big voice -- in addition to filling out a hot bustier top. So if she says she needs a new one, I'm not going to stop her.  -MC


  1. Have you tried wearing a strapless underwire bra under it? It might help keep the top from sliding down and provide the structure the bustier doesn't. Of course a bustier top should probably have that built in, so, you don't have to wear a bra!

    When I have to wear a strapless bra, I wear it in one band size smaller than my normal bras so that it is tight enough that even with the weight of my chest, it doesn't slide down too much so I still get the "boost" I like. This is the only strapless bra that has enough support for me, but unfortunately they don't have small band sizes:


    In the photos it looks like the bra compresses the chest a lot, but I haven't found that to be the case, I think the model just has a small cup size.

  2. This strapless bra looks like it would be perfect for under a bustier top; deep front plunge, lower back, wide sides for support, etc.:


  3. You should keep an eye on bustiers at Frederick's of Hollywood, they may have more support. I only found one bustier on their site in a smaller size, and I don't think it would work for you; the product photo made me laugh, the underbust seams cuts right through the boobs because they are not made for girls with larger chests (couldn't they have found a model the garment fit?):


    These are the two that look like they would provide good support but are currently sold out of the smaller sizes:


    Some of the colors of this bra could pass as a bustier:

    1. I should have known you would have the best and most solid advice, Alana! You are the shit.

      The one I have is so dumb, even a bra under it would probably not help a ton -- the fabric is slippery and the shape of the boning is just effing weird. You're SO spot on about Frederick's. They are definitely an excellent bet. I don't know why I didn't check them out in the first place. This VS longline or whatever also looks like a really good possibility. In fact, it might be the best bet because it's kind of short. I'm so high waisted that the crop of the average bustier actually lands in kind of a weird spot in relation to the rise of my jeans. Dang girl, thank you so much!

  4. I'd wager that it wouldn't be difficult to find a better bustier that's black and just rhinestone it yourself.

    1. I know, I know. But I'm so busy, I already have a zillion projects on hold. I don't want to go that route and then inevitably have it sit in the "waiting pile" of my project room for a year. I can't be trusted! ;D

  5. I always check out my favorite vintage shops for particular pieces before I do retail. Vintage bustier tops might be a bit more difficult to find, but it's always worth a shot.

  6. You might have good luck looking for something vintage. Things were much better made 10+ years ago.


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