Ever since I ‘developed’ at such a late age – I was thrilled with my flat chest at 16 that meant I was going to be able to wear whatever I wanted, always – I have struggled with strapless bras fitting correctly, being comfortable and not having them look like they could be used to haul coal in the middle ages.

Going braless is pointless, it attracts far too much attention, not to mention poses a danger to myself and the seams of my clothing, so the alternative is to find something that I had begun to believe didn’t exist. It’s like the scene in Practical Magic when Sandra Bullock wishes for a man with mismatched eyes because she believes the perfect man doesn’t exist – this is how I feel about strapless bras.

After you pass a C cup, heading to Target or Big W for your lingere is no longer an option. Myer is occasionally ok, but mostly Bras N Things and specialty outlets are your friend. Your wallet is not – that extra fabric doesn’t come cheap.

The first Intimo party I attended was a revelation. I was fitted properly – a long time coming – and was presented with bras that were actually wearable for someone in her 20s, as opposed to the lovely Grandma-esque ones most stores shove at you.

I waited nearly six months on the list to get the contour strapless bra, and after a few wears, the verdict is in. It’s a pretty good bra, as far as strapless bras go. I don’t think it’s a miracle per se, but not a bad effort. The fit is great and I was comfortable for about six hours before the movement of the day started to shift the bra and the underwire settled on my ribs.

I do need to point out, I have unusually ‘sticky-out’ ribs. I’ll never have a model-esque flat stomach. When people ask what plastic surgery I’d have first, I’d remove my bottom ribs. I hate them. And now apparently they hinder the wearing of strapless bras.

So, at the end of the day I’ll be wearing the strapless on occassion, maybe to dinner or a special event, but I can’t see me wearing it all day at work again. And especially not with a high waisted skirt as I did yesterday. I have new found appreciation for women in corsets. Ouch!!