Jewelry for your back (plain, charmed, crystal) collections by Bra Barrette
A fashion revolution started by a paper clip? Who knew? Lara Merriam-Smith knew – that’s who.
Wearing a cami and a pair of shorts a few summers ago while grading her students’ papers, Lara kept on pulling up her bra straps that kept on slipping off her shoulders. This case of FBSS (Falling Bra Strap Syndrome) was becoming increasingly frustrating for Lara. The traditional cures of the safety pin, rubber band, and hair barrettes weren’t cutting it anymore. Then it happened. She looked at the blue paper clip in her hand and that’s when the idea struck her to create a product that would hold her straps in place.
Well, the rest as they say is history. Since the first day she bent that little blue paper clip into a spiral shape, the Bra Barrette has evolved from simply holding straps in place into adding jewelry to the back.
Since its inception, the line has expanded to include new colors, charms and Swarovski crystal versions. This year, two new sizes will be introduced – a larger version that will accommodate women with wider shoulders and a petite version for girls under 8 and women with narrow shoulders.
Recently, the product made its celebrity debut at the Sundance film festival and will be featured in Elle magazine in March.
We received six products from the Bra Barrette. From the ‘Plain’ collection, we received the Tripack which retails for $7.99. From the ‘Charmed’ collection, we received the Copper Fairy Charmed which retails for $9.99 and the Copper Flower Charmed Pack which retails for $11.99. From the ‘Crystal’ collection, we received the Opal Crystal Casual Silver which retails for $17.99, the Big Bling Black with Crystal Clear Crystal Drop which retails for $34.99, and the Volcano Crystal Covered which retails for $39.99.
The best inventions are those that come out of necessity and this crafty little invention certainly falls into that category.
Let’s start off with the Tripack which comes in Copper, Silver, and Black. This a must-have basic set. Every woman I know (except for those who don’t wear bras), has been caught covertly reaching into her shirt to put her bra strap back into place. I have done this many a time but no more.
These barrettes are made from a durable food grade plastic and are extremely flexible. They bend and move with you. I also notice that when I use these barrettes, it’s easier for me to keep my back straight because pulling the straps in, ends up pulling my shoulders out. Love it!
Unlike the plain Tripack, the Copper Fairy Charmed and the Flower Charmed Pack are meant to seen. I have a halter top with an elongated keyhole in the back. When I wear the copper barrette with the interchangeable charms, the charm appears to be hanging out of nowhere on my back as seen through the keyhole and it is absolutely sexy. As I walk, the charm swings from side to side and the movement is simply adorable.
Now onto the Opal Crystal barrette, which I actually tried with my white bikini top – I know, the east coast is buried in snow but in the west coast, we’re experiencing summer-like temperatures. I’m telling you, I can’t wait for warm weather because I don’t think I’ll ever wear my bikini top again without this little embellishment. From the back, it’s like a totally different bikini top altogether. Plus it makes my back look bejeweled, definitely a fabulous thing.
The last two barrettes add bling to the back – the Volcano Crystal Covered and the Big Bling Black with Crystal Clear Drop. I wore both of these (at different times of course) out to dinner. They are conversation starters, not with the person you’re having dinner with but with those passing by from behind. In particular, the waitresses who never fail to notice them.
Now if you’re thinking you can’t wear any of these barrettes until the weather warms up, not so. What you do is put your spaghetti-strap tops over a long-sleeve or a thermal shirt and you’re good to go! Try it with this print jersey camisole or this 291 layer tank. Your options are only limited by your imaginations, so layer away!
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