If you want your fall fashion forecast to read "cozy and chic" or if you just want to recreate this lace and herringbone combo, check out my mini post about textures and patterns for fall: http://www.blogher.com/patterns-and-texture-key-chic-fall-outfits

    I hate bra shopping because I always feel like I end up settling. That is why I was so excited that Jockey was a sponsor for BlogHer13. I had read about their new volumetric fit system online and had even watched the videos and hoped that they would have a booth so I could talk to someone about the new product. But they went one step further by giving all the attendees a free fit kit of their own and it was the most exciting piece of swag I got all weekend. Now it has been over two months since BlogHer which I will pretend has been because I have been dutifully trying out my new bra and not just because I keep forgetting to write this post.

    So for anyone unhappy with their current bra, my short answer is try out their new collection. Long answer: even though I was very excited about the possibility, it surpassed my expectations. For anyone curious about how the fit kit works, I would suggest checking out their video because it will give a much better explanation than I could hope to. Basically you receive a set of ten molded plastic cups and a tape measure. You use the tape measure to determine the size of your band and the molded cups for your cup size. This gives a more customizable size than a traditional bra. Word to the wise: the molded plastic cups are the the size that the fabric cup of the bra will be. After years of "full coverage" bras not really covering as much as I had hoped, I was wary about the sizing and ended up ordering up a cup size. Huge mistake. It arrived and I immediately realized that I should have just followed the instructions and not second guessed myself.

    I did exchange it for the correct size (trust in the fit kit!) and it really lived up to the hype. The edges are so smooth that you can't see any lines even under even the flimsiest of t-shirts and their claim of a more comfortable resin alternative to underwire (of which I was quite dubious) was true. After wearing the Jockey bra for a couple weeks, I can barely believe that I was ever satisfied with my previous bras. As a large-chested woman, it is the greatest feeling in the world to be able to forget that I am wearing a bra. No surreptitious adjustments required here. You truly have to try it on to believe the difference it can make.

    Even the two small issues I have do not dampen my enthusiasm. The first is that exchanges have to be done over the phone and you end up having to send the original back as a return and just order a new one. It's not a huge deal, but I do prefer filling out an exchange form to send back with my item so I can avoid multiple credit card charges while I wait for a refund. The second is that these bras are truly full coverage so they don't work with my wrap dresses or shirts that have a deep v. Basically if you are trying to show off some cleavage, part of this bra is going to show. However, they only have a limited selection of the volumetric bras right now so hopefully as they continue to refine the product they will be able to offer demi styles.

    As an everyday bra, this is truly incredible. The tag line for the volumetric series is "the closest thing to custom" and that is what it feels like. If you have any misgivings about your current bra, order a fit kit online or head over to one of their stores. And don't think that you have to be a DD to benefit from their new sizing format; the 10 different cup sizes instead of the traditional A-DD give many more options for women of all sizes. It was one of the easiest and most rewarding bra fittings I have ever had and best of all, I got to do it in the privacy of my own home!

But most importantly, I could feel great in these clothes as a set because each individual piece was within my comfort zone and was comfortable to wear. That also means that I can take each part of this outfit and wear it many other ways in settings that might not be suited to a stripe-on-stripe look. It's a lot easier to try something outside the box when you don't have to commit to always doing it that way. What fun color palettes or patterns have you experimented with this season?

I am very excited because BlogHer '13 is this upcoming weekend here in Chicago! I have been getting myself organized for the conference and, as a style blogger, a big part of that is choosing my outfits! I have my first two outfits picked out, but am turning to you to help me choose my third outfit.