Warner & Bali Provide Affordable & Comfortable Alternatives to Victoria's Secret

For most of my adult life, I was hopelessly devoted to Victoria's Secret, Body by Victoria, full coverage bra. So devoted was I, that I was willing to eat beans if necessary to afford them - at around $50 they weren't exactly cheap.

That was until Victoria's Secret became more about Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and their latest, nubile, love-pimping child, Miranda Kerr, strutting the catwalk, rather than providing good, quality bras to loyal, card-carrying devotees, like myself.

The downward spiral of the greatest bra on earth began with the straps. They got skimpier. Much like spaghetti straps. And unlike the wide and giving straps of the original Body by Victoria, full coverage, they were not built for comfort.

The wide band, which had provided comfortable, uplifting support for my south-bound determined chest, for years, without slipping or sliding, became narrower. The amount of fabric in the bra itself seemed to be diminishing as well.

And those wonderful, full-coverage, seam-less cups? Filled with memory foam. Hell-oooo? I wasn't sure if I should wear it or lay my head on it.

Then, to add insult to injury, as the quality of my favorite bosom buddy decreased, the price increased in a mathematically perfect, inverse relationship.

Finally, somewhere between another price increase and the addition of the memory foam, I had enough. Severing my twenty-five year relationship with Victoria's Secret, Body by Victoria, full coverage bra, I began my own, Eat, Pray, Love, quest for under-garment enlightenment.

There just had to be alternatives out there and I was determined to find them. And I did. The Warner's Invisible Bliss Under-wire T-shirt Bra (Style #01355) and the Bali Natural Uplift, Under-wire Bra (Style #3227).

Warner's Invisible Bliss Underwire T-Shirt Bra (Style #01355)

The Warner's Invisible Bliss T-Shirt Bra (Style #01355) is as close to the comfort of the original Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria, full coverage, as I've ever found. Like the Body by Victoria, it is extremely soft, full coverage and very comfortable. And dare I say every bit as good in quality.

In terms of sizing, they run a bit small. So, for example, if you are a 36D, try both the 36 and the 38D to check for your personal comfort level.

Regularly priced at around $32, they provide an excellent alternative to the pricey Victoria's Secret. If you manage to catch them on sale you can find them for around $19. At that price, they are worth the investment.

The Warner's Invisible Bliss T-shirt Bra can be found at both Macy's and Kohl's. If there is not a Macy's or Kohl's near you, you can search the web for Warner's Invisible Bliss T-shirt Bra Style #01355 to find a store near you that carries them.

Like every bra, hand washing is advisable and hanging them up to ensure longer wear. Personally, I break all the rules and wash mine on the gentle cycle in the washer and hang them up. They seem to hold up fairly well.

Bali Natural Uplift Under-wire Bra (Style #3227)

If you're looking for a solid, uplift bra with no frills, the Bali Natural Uplift Under-wire Bra (Style #3227) is an excellent choice, though they do come in a lovely satin jacquard in a variety of colors.

They are constructed well and do the perfect job of a bra - lifting and separating. The wide straps provide a tremendous amount of comfort, while the U-back gives an excellent fit with no slipping and sliding.

Speaking of fit, they run pretty true to size. But, it's always a good idea to try on several sizes. Each bra is constructed differently and none of them wear the same, as you ladies know.

They too are priced very reasonably at $38, (still more than $10 under Victoria's Secret) and as with everything, you can score a pretty good deal when they are on sale.

Like the Warner, the Bali can be found at both Macy's and Kohl's and most department stores. If you wish to read more about the Bali before you purchase it, HerRoom.com has an excellent review section.

With both bras you're getting value and comfort. And with the extra money you save by not paying the high prices of Victoria's Secret you can afford that Starbucks double chocolate latte as well!