Dear ladies, girls, women, who read this blog (note: anyone I work with, am related to or who possesses male genes might like to head somewhere else for a few minutes).

This is a blog about bras (and all the boys who kept reading just left).

I realise this is a topic not usually attempted here (or on many blogs for that matter) and I guess that’s because it seems like a bit of a taboo. But I am here to tell you that bras – underwear in general – is essentially the building block of a decent outfit and those bits of lycra and cotton are just as important as your accessories.

Here is what I know about bras.

They are a pain in the butt. Or, rather, the boobs. Let’s face it – they are painful and annoying and expensive. They pinch, twist, get in the way, can ruin a neckline and rob us of a decent chunk of disposable income that could be spent on shoes. Much like tampons, they are painfully necessary.

But, having said this, I have a few bra stories to tell from recent weeks that I hope will enlighten you.

Berlei Ambassador Kate Ceberano

I recently had a birthday – a shocking twenty eight years old (pause for the horror). But, the shock to more of my girlfriends (following a hilarious discussion around the five dates in five weeks concept) was that I didn’t own a push up bra. Oh yes. Terrible isn’t it!

Now, this was not an intentional error. I didn’t realise there was some kind of push up bra sisterhood that I hadn’t been informed about; I’m a rather naturally endowed lass who has never wanted for any extra oomph. Until I went for a little birthday shopping trip (with some birthday dollars from Nana who will probably be horrified I bought lingere instead of books).

My friendly Myer assistant poked and prodded and measured and flitted back and forth between the sales floor and my change room until I felt like I had tried on every bra in the store. And you know what? I still didn’t think I need a push up bra. But I bought some pretty lacy things and was properly fitted for a day to day bra that was comfy and practical. Cause that’s what I’m all about – the practical (probably also why I don’t have a date).

The Berlei Barely There. Available in 7 colours, RRP $59.95

Until a little invitation arrived in my inbox from the Berlei bra bar. They would be setting up shop at LMFF and offered fittings and champagne. Of course I said yes.

I learnt that you are supposed to get fitted (PROPERLY) for a bra every six months. I learnt that having a bra that doesn’t fit properly can do horrible things to your back, neck and posture. I learnt that a bra should most often be done up on the middle clasp. I also discovered the most comfy and flattering bra I have ever worn.

The Berlei Barely There is everything it promises and more – and for this well endowed lass, just the right amount of tee shirt smoothness coupled with ‘oomph’. I’m not about to photograph my chest and post it here for you to see (sorry for the boys who kept reading) but I assure you, I recommend this bra and then some. I’m going back to get it in all the colours.

And just so you know I am practically an authority on bras, I’m going to reveal my size. I can tell you I can’t buy bras at Kmart and finding something with with right balance of support and sexy (I am only 28 after all!) is hard when you move past a C cup. I was officially fitted as a 10E. Yep, E. I bet you thought you were two cup sizes less than you were too. Go get fitted!!