Dear Eli, I'm 95% there.

My wearer loves me. She trusts the support I give her, she feels firm, not jiggly, and her back pains are gone. But, she's not diggin' my side stays. Usually they are super helpful. They help out on the support front, they help give shape and keep the garment from pulling around.  She says I'm poking her and as soon as we get home she throws me on the floor. I'm a lover not a fighter. How do I repair our relationship??

Sincerely, Lover

------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Lover,

I love simple solutions! She can simply take out your side stays.  They don't work for everyone and all she needs is a pair of scissors, a sewing needle and a thread. I've outlined a quick how-to below which you can share with your wearer.

1. Cut a couple of threads from the top elastic where the bone is kept.  

2.  Lift the elastic and push the bone out. 

3. Once the bone is out, use a needle and thread to mend the stitches. 

Voila! You are now 100%!

She's going to enjoy you oh-so-much-more.

Sincerely, Eli

Dear Eli, I'm parched!

I feel dehydrated, hot, and bit feverish. I'm about to topple over. Oh! I'm achy...Why oh why does my wearer stick me in the damn dryer?? It even takes longer than washing me by hand (with yummy smelling body wash) but she insists on dumping me in with her sweatpants. She is literally beating me up, and doesn't realize that if she keep it up I won't be able to support her anymore. I know I seem tough and sturdy but that only works if you follow my care instructions.

Please help!

Melting away

Dear Melting Away,

Oh poor you! Yes, it is awful to spin round and round without any fun lights or music...while becoming parched. Here are a couple tips to share with your wearer to avoid the dryer forever more.

1. I'm so easy to wash by hand! Just take me into the shower with you, sud me up with your own bath wash, and hang me to dry. Tada! I'll be dry and ready in a day.

2. The more I dry out, the less supportive I will be. I really want to last a good few months, but you won't like me anymore after a couple of spins. Help me, help you.

These are tried and tested...hope they work for you too!

Eli

Dear Eli, I've got to be me!

I am a sassy three-piece cup with amazing seams, but I'm ignored in the drawer every day, as my no-seam sis gets the ride of her life. I mean, come on! I hug & balance the body by giving support, shape and structure to the bust. Who doesn't want that?? I know we all want a little "less" some days, but if my wearer doesn't get the right support, her bust will simply droop and fall. Masks are great for Halloween, but really, every day? How can I show my wearer that my seams rock?

Desperately-wanting-to-come-out-of-the-drawer

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Desperately-wanting-to-come-out-of-the-drawer,

You've got all the right stuff to make your wearer feel awesome every day. Here are a couple tips to woo her the right way:

1. Don't be shy, show her your seams! At first, she might not understand why they're all there, but she will be very very curious to see what that kind of structure helps her with.

2. Get her to walk around with you for 15 minutes. She'll notice the difference immediately. She will stand straighter (no back aches here) and her bust will look like it just got a boob job

3. Get her to wear a t-shirt over you...she'll be giddy with how she looks in the mirror.

I'm telling you, drawer for you no more...time for the ride of YOUR life!

Eli