I'll be honest I bought this bra mostly because of the adorable scalloped edge on the top of the cups, plus it was a fun red and I didn't have a red bra so why not treat myself right? I couldn't really find a review for it but a few reviews for other Stella Mccartney bras said the bands ran small so I figured better safe than sorry and sized up. I probably shouldn't have, because the gore doesn't sit completely flat and the band is on the loose side (not uncomfortably so, it's just not my best fitting bra)
That said, it was bought as a special occasions bra and so it serves its purpose. The fabric looks and feels lovely, the scalloped edge peeks out of lower cut tops, the mesh of the band has little polka dots on it. It's a very cute bra that probably would have been perfect if I'd bought it in my regular size!
I would never have tried this 32E Stella McCartney bra had it not been for the $9.97 price tag at Nordstrom Rack. It was originally $110. I'll measure the bra later, but I can assure you the band does not stretch much. I usually wear 30Fs, but this 32 band is firm. It helps it's a full band. The cups are more rigid than I prefer. Sometimes I have to reposition myself in the cups, which rarely happens with my other bras. I'm used to lightly padded bras that are more lined than padded. I may take in the center gore later, as it's a bit wide. The ...look of this bra is more aggressive than most. It's certainly a change from flowers and lace.
Edited to add: Ten months later, I have not worn this bra again. I think I figured out why. The Jodie Rocking pink and gray snakeskin printed fabric doesn't feel authentically me. It's too rocker chic for me.
Notes on construction: (1) The outside fabric is silky snakeskin print fabric. Each cup has one vertical seam. There is a little decorative trim at the top of the cups that is black fabric, but the trim doesn't factor into the fit. The inside of the cups does not echo the vertical seams of the outside material. The inside of the cups is a smooth, black, felt type material, except where that decorative black trim is at the top. (2) The straps are detachable at the front, where they attach to the cups. I find this strange, as the straps are only partially adjustable, and it's not like you're going to cross the straps in front, over your chest. Or, at least, I'm not going to. You may want to; I'm not trying to live your life for you! Anyway, just thought I should mention it. Read more 197 more words
This was definitely too big in the cup for me, but the materials and construction are lovely.
While the cup seemed to run a tiny bit large, the band definitely was on the tight side - this feels very much like a true 28 band, even though it's labeled 30.
The band on this bra runs about a size tight- I tried the 32DD but the band felt as snug as some 30 bands, so I would definitely size up in the band. I felt for me that the cups ran small, as I has quadboob in the 32DD which is usually acceptable as my first bigger band sister size. They didn't have one, but I would have tried the 34DD to check for cup volume and see if the band was passably snug.
I am a shallow 32D. This bra fits me wonderfully - I just don't need another seamless dark bra right now. The shape is a true demi. Top of the cup lies nice and flush against the body. Band is fused instead of sewn, so it's very smooth and soft against the skin. Cool hardware on the straps. Straps detach in the back for racerback option.
This bra is a very full 32D. The cups are very deep at the apex and there is a lot of volume at the top. The band fits true to size. Unfortunately, I am too shallow a 32D to wear this bra. (I can wear most Wacoal moulded bras in 32D comfortably and most Betsey Johnson, Josie, Calvin Klein, Splendid moulded bras in 32D.) The bra is cut like a demi cup in terms of shape at the top (almost straight across), but it's slightly fuller coverage.
This bra seems to run small in the band, but true in the cup. This in a 30D was too tight around the waist, but if I unhooked the band the cups would have fit. I think this in a 32C would probably fit perfectly. This bra has wide set straps with gold accents (I though it had black accents, so I was surprised when it came). This band is not very stretchy and is a fused neoprene feeling fabric. I think this band might be hot.
The cups have a textured mesh overlay that is not fused to the lining. I looks modern. Straps adjust half way.
I am loving this bra, the 32 band runs snug so I am able to wear it on the 2nd hook with no problem (I measure 28 underbust) and the fabric is pretty rigid so it shouldn't stretch out to quickly. The width of the cups is pretty much perfect for my wideset breasts and amazingly the cup does not gap or wrinkle at all. I usually find with contoured balconette bras that they either close in too fast and cause quadboob or I have an awkward gap at the top of the cup, but this is like it was made for my breasts. The fabric is super smooth ...and soft and does not show under tighter tops and because of the very thin foamy contour cup it is the perfect t-shirt bra. The wires are more on the rigid side compared to my other bras and that took a bit of getting used to but after a few wears I don't even notice I am wearing it. The only thing that is ever uncomfortable is the three interlocking logo circles at the front of the straps, if I make a wide sweeping gesture (as I am prone to do often) they can pinch my skin a bit. I did notice as I was measuring the bra that the straps can convert to cross back so I may try that to see if it alleviates the problem. Overall this is my new favourite bra and quality completely justifies the $68 price tag, unlike my Natori feathers at the same price I would actually be happy to pay full price for this instead of skulking the sales.
The good: soft smooth fabric, a pretty appearance, quality construction The bad: the straps don't adjust quite as short as I would like, and this is a new bra, so if the straps stretch over time, I have no adjustability, I will need to alter this bra. The FYI: I measure a 30DD/30E and this 32DD fits comfortably on the loosest hook. Definitely buy a band size up from your true measurements. I tried on a D-cup in the same bra and had spillage, so I believe the cup size is accurate.
Picked up this bra @ Nordstrom Rack in a 32DD(see my other review). I found it today in a 32E and it's even better! The wires are a good length (I need wide) and the top of the cups fit great. This definitely fits more like a 30", which is a good thing in my case. It's very comfortable, give some cleavage effect without anything smooshing out. I'm still keeping the 32DD since I only paid 10 bucks https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
Of course, this fit almost perfect but Bratabase didn't generate any "similar" bras, arghhh!!!! I could have used the suggestions, oh well.
I picked up this little beauty at Nordstrom Rack yesterday for $9.97, original price on the tag was $110.00!!!!!!!!!!! The outer fabric 95% silk, so I was afraid to wear it or *gasp* have wash it, but then I remembered it only cost 10 bucks https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Thin, lightweight, molded cups, incredibly soft! Smooth enough to wear as a tshirt bra. So far this is the only 32DD I've tried that has not created some level of quadboob on me. There are panels on the sides of the cups to catch some of the armpit bulge. The band is 32, but it fits ...more like a 30" band so far. In fact, I layed it next to a Freya Taylor 30E, and the unstretched Taylor band is over an inch longer! Fingers crossed Ellie doesn't stretch! The only reason this isn't a perfect fit: I do have a bit of spillage on the sides of the cups, but they don't seem to dig in too much and the bras straps aren't to wide-set, so it's still comfortable. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close, and it's definitely my best fitting bra, but I've only worn it once, so time will tell. Read more 100 more words
This bra is absolutely stunning and it is super comfortable. I also really enjoy the half-cup styling for my breast shape. It adds and nice natural smooth lift. The band is stiff enough that the 32 fits nicely where I normally wear a 30. Also, I enjoy only having 3 rows of hooks versus the 5 billion on the 30E - Freya ยป Patsy Padded Longline Bra (1222) that I have. It's easier to put on and I find that it doesn't roll up throughout the day as much.
I read somewhere that Stella McCartney belongs to the same brand family as Elle Macpherson and therefore the fit is similar, but this bra doesn't have the tight band I'd expect from an Elle Macpherson 32. (Maybe the underwired models fit differently?) It doesn't run that large, just very stretchy. The band is made from thin jersey with narrow elastic and I'm not sure the bra would be very supportive even if it fit better.
On the other hand, it's just irresistibly pretty, and I love that it's 80% cotton (organic cotton, even!). The cups are fully lined, giving them a bit more stability than the band.
Despite being marked 32 inches, the band on this bra is snug and stays put on my 27-28 inch underbust. The band material, composed of 88% nylon and 12% elastane, also seems hardy enough that I can continue wearing the bra on the tightest hook without its stretching into oblivion.
This is the best fitting bra I've ever worn. It makes all my other bras feel uncomfortable. I want to find more bras with this fit. The underwire fits perfectly without poking, and the fabric is comfortable. The only con is that the lace on the straps can flip up and have to be adjusted sometimes. A beautiful and comfortable bra that makes me feel sexy. Well worth the cost.
