Isabella Fine Lingerie

I’m super, super disappointed that this place has closed. I never had a bra that fit me even remotely well before I got fitted here. The staff and owner had always been helpful and accommodating — remembering me and that I always would come in with my sister and mother AND what they liked but didn’t buy.
There is no similar store to this one and I am at a loss. I can order bras online, but I’ve never had a better fit, nor a more beautiful bra than the ones I have bought here.

Accurate sizing so that my bras really support and flatter, instead of just contain. Great customer service, responsive to feedback, not pushy about making a sale.

I usually buy bras on sale at Filene’s, wear them until they look embarrassing or stop fitting (a month if they’re DKNY, or a year or two if they’re something else), throw them away and buy more of the same. Repeat.
I went to Isabella’s once, 2 ½ years ago. I got a fitting and tried on so, so many different kinds of bras. The one bra that I bought there is still in excellent shape and I still wear it regularly. If I still lived in Chicago, I’d buy all my bras here.

A fine shop for all your fine lady undergarment needs.
I’d passed by Isabella’s many times but never entered until I was in desperate need of a proper strapless bra for a finicky bridesmaids dress I had to wear.
The sales lady who helped me was great — so helpful and friendly, and understanding. She brought me several options that felt like a godsend. I’d never tried on better fitting strapless brassieres in my life! Yes, they were a little pricey, but believe me, it’s worth it. No more pointless bandeau bras for me. After returning home, I started a goodwill bag, and the first items in the bag were two old, useless bandeaus. (They really do nothing.)
They didn’t have the strapless I wanted in my exact size, so they ordered it, but I still left with two other regular bras that I loved! Beautiful and perfect-​fitting.
The customer service and general atmosphere here was such a pleasant surprise after who knows how many dead-​end department store missions. Looking forward to returning the next time I need something special n’fancy ;-)

I’ve walked in here a few times and was never greeted. I think they cater to a very conservative Lincoln Park woman: sorority girl or anorexic/​yoga-​fiend/​mom of two who is spending someone else’s money. You know exactly who I’m talking about! For this reason, their selection sucks. It’s boring and looks about 10 years outdated. Plus most of those brands you can find at TJ Maxx. If you’re looking for quality lingerie go to Agent Provocateur!

For a while, I’d been toying with going to get a fitting. But it took a mishap to get me to go: My strapless literally bruised me.
So … something had to be done. I went to Isabella & was helped by Deborah (Debra?). I was there for about an hour, tried on about two dozen bras, but I was there for a reason and needed a solution. For the record, I think the second and third ones I tried on were the eventual successes. I walked out with two bras, and plans for returning for two others (color/​size options). Also, both of the bras are supportive, but sexy. I’m not really a lace person, but I still don’t want a grandma bra, so I was happy that there were lots of style options (including lace, for those who like it). They are on the pricier side ($ 50-​$ 120/​bra) than your average department store, but there is a range and a sale rack.
A number of super favorable customer service points: 1) they told me about the Unilocal discount – I didn’t remember the special, 2) they can keep info. on what you purchase so you don’t have to remember, 3) they offered to get the other sizes/​colors I wanted and even offered to send them to me since I don’t live nearby, 4) I went there in jeans & a t-​shirt and there wasn’t any snobbery.
Like every other person who has ever gone and gotten «re-​fitted» for a bra, I wasn’t the size I thought (1 – 2 bands down, and 2 – 3 cups up). I’m hoping this is the dawn of a new era for me.

Two years later, I’m still a fan.
This past weekend, I had a mission. I was headed to a Bachelorette party and needed a gift. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted (or the Bride-to-Be’s bra size) so I needed a wider array of selection. I’d tried other places, but was still empty-​handed.
Isabella was perfect. In addition to a broad range of bras (a decent number of which were on sale), there was a decent array of lingerie (ranging from comfortable-​everyday to special-​occasion), and underwear (mostly lacy, predominantly thongs). All price ranges were represented, and I was able to get a gift (and something for myself) quite quickly.
The saleslady who helped me select said items then wrapped the gift portion of my purchase in a cute white box with a grey bow. Perfect. I was ready for the Bachelorette festivities!

A few years ago I saw an episode of Oprah on getting properly fit for a bra. It wasn’t news to me, but after seeing her before and after viewers, I was really excited about going. But then I had a thought…
Just like E.F. Hutton, when Oprah talks, people listen. I thought I’d wait a few weeks, because I didn’t want to deal with throngs of other women ready to burn their bras. Sadly, true to form, I never got around to it. Sorry boobs! When I did remember, I really wasn’t in a position to splurge for some proper boulder holders.
When I returned to the world of the gainfully employed, I fully intended to visit Isabella pronto, but didn’t. When I did get around to being fit for a bra, I ended up at Nordstrom by happenstance. After my experience at Isabella, I think that was for the best.
Fresh off my fitting at Nordstrom, I decided it was time to replace my sports bras too. I did a little research and found a highly regarded, high impact sports bra. Since Nordstrom only sold the bra online, I ventured to Isabella to try it out.
Maybe it was because I came in for one specific thing, maybe it’s because I looked a little frumpy that afternoon; whatever the reason, I didn’t feel like they were too excited to help me. What did impress me was how quickly the associate knew what size I needed, even under the bulky shirt I was wearing.
I was told to try the bra on and she’d pop by to evaluate the fit. In a word, the process was efficient; it was not paticularly attentive or warm and fuzzy, like my experience at Nordstrom a day earlier (nor was it rude per se). After a quick once over, I was told the bra was right for me; I felt like my questions were an inconvenience or hinderance. Since they were out of the color I wanted in my size, I asked to special order the bra and left my info. Again, I felt like an inconvenience; shouldn’t it be easier to drop $ 60 on a bra? Had the store been busy, I wouldn’t have found any of this odd.
It wasn’t until nearly a month after my visit that I got my bra. I called 10 days after my visit and was assured they’d be calling me when it arrive. When it approached the one month mark, I was thoroughly annoyed. I called back and learned their computer system had some sort of crash and my order was lost; I’m not holding this against them, but I would urge them to back up their database regularly. Fortunately, they still had one bra in my size and color and held it aside. When I picked up the bra, they apologized for the confusion, but even then it felt very matter of fact. If it were me, I’d offer a coupon good on a future purchase or some other token gesture of good faith; it’s not like they’re the only game in town.
Despite being underwhelmed by my overall experience, I did sign up for their monthly email specials and use their Unilocal promo to save $ 10 on my purchase. I haven’t written Isabella off, but you won’t find me beating a path back here either.

Lovely boutique… I went there to get a proper bra for my wedding dress (and I can actually wear a regular bra– yay!).
The salesperson was super helpful… She asked a lot of questions and clarified terminology so we were on the same page. Additionally, as we were picking out the right bra, she pointed out things that I should look for in a bra fitting, so I ended up getting a mini-​lesson as well.
Price points weren’t bad– there were some high end bras, but I was also impressed that there were some bras that were relatively inexpensive.
In short, I’ll definitely go back!

DC is my home now and I want to be clear… I love my city… but just one question…
WHERE ARE ALL THE GREAT LINGERIE STORES???
In Chicago and New York I think.
I have the hardest time finding my bra size, so I called Isabella when I was in Chicago hoping for a fit…
I was in luck! This place has an amazing selection of bras in sizes A — G (and maybe even higher than G?) In every color and style you could think of.
The woman working was very helpful, pulled several bras for me based on some suggestions that I made, and even went out of her way to pull sale items. I appreciated her attentive but-​not-​pushy manner and love the bra that I left with. I will return the next time I am in Chicago!

After my beloved Trousseau closed its doors this past spring, I knew that eventually I’d have to find a new place for unmentionables when the time came to replenish.
I had bookmarked Isabella after it got RotD and when I looked up the business listing again for their hours/​location, a 15% discount for first-​time buyers was below their info. Now I was sold. Upon closer inspection, this discount appeared to be only for online purchases, but I figured I’d go to the store, try on and decide what I wanted, and then come home and buy everything online.
Now let’s be honest. Undergarment shopping isn’t always fun, that is unless you’re buying the sexy stuff, but the purpose of this trip was to stock up on the «everyday» stuff, i.e. not all that sexy, but practical. And necessary.
Since aforementioned bra shopping is on par (at least for me) with shopping for jeans (read: yuck), I wanted to make it my first stop of the day and get it over with, so I arrived at Isabella at 11:30 on Sunday morning, only to find it closed. The business hours are apparently 12 – 5 on Sunday, despite the Unilocal listing that had them open at 11:00 (I just edited it).
Slightly annoyed, I walked around a bit and came back at noon sharp to get the job done.
I was greeted immediately and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I explained that I was looking to purchase a couple of everyday bras and she directed me to a fitting room and began bringing me things to try on.
She found me the perfect bra. It fit like a dream and even though it was practical, it was not frumpy or ugly. I glanced at the price tag and it was $ 116. Now, I am quite well-​versed at the high cost of women’s finery, but this was still a little steep. I tried on some others, but kept coming back to the $ 116 one. I decided that with the 15% off, it was still worth it for something that looked and made me feel good, and to that end, the cost was justified.
I asked the salesgirl if it came in other colors and ended up buying two. I mentioned the Unilocal discount and she said that she was happy it brought me in and that she would honor it even though it was supposed to be for online purchases only. I added a few more items to my purchase and other than the fact that I spent way more than my monthly car payment (really!) at Isabella, I am a happy customer and will definitely return.
Support the ta-​tas and bring ‘em to Isabella. You’ll be glad you did.

Having a small ribcage and large boobs (can I say boobs on Unilocal?)…well yeah, the selection is meh at best. Victoria’s Secret is a joke, but anyone reading this knows that by now. If you’re looking for obscure sizes, quality, and pretty things… well ladies (and gentlemen?) this is it.
It’s obviously pricier than Victoria’s Secret or other chains, but not astronomical like Agent Provocateur. I think most start around the $ 70 range. I also think that for this business, you absolutely pay for what you get.
The sales ladies are über nice, and even if they don’t have your size they can take things in to fit you. Downside, sometimes they have lots of lovely things, sometimes the selection is… hmmm less than lovely. But when it’s good, it’s good, and I’ll keep going back.

My girls are happy and perky once again!
Isabella is now one of my besties. On the real. Who would have known that I was WAAAAY off on my bra size. Seriously, well, I knew, but lived in denial for what seemed an eternity. Anyway, step in my besties, the girls of Isabella.
I went on a Sunday afternoon after the Bears had secured a large enough lead that I felt it was ok for me to leave (after all, they CAN hear me through my TV). Also, being that they were playing Detroit, and they only one their first out of how many games, oh yeah, like 19 last week, I was confident that Lovie, Jay, and Devin didn’t need me anymore. Much to my surprise, there was NO ONE but the two employees in the store. Score.
Staff was super friendly (colleen, please go back again, I swear, you’ll change your mind about them!), and SUPER helpful. Much to my surprise, there wasn’t any awkward measuring as I’ve experienced in the past, and most of them, fit like a glove.
Being that my girls are on the «more-​to-​love» side, the right fit, makes a HUGE difference. I feel about 20 pounds lighter, straps stay in place, no more huge red marks on my shoulders either! Also, my shirts fit a whole lot better too!
HIGHLY recommended, especially if you’ve got the big girls…:-)

Isabella let me down (pun intended). Hard.
I had very high hopes that this was going to be the very best place to have a «bra» awakening. You know, how everyone is convinced you can look ten pounds thinner, six times happier and three times more likely to achieve your wildest dreams (etc, etc)…if you’d JUST wear a bra that fits correctly. Yes, I was looking for that. It was time.
And, I had an excess of cash to burn on this endeavor (this type of boob bliss doesn’t come cheap, so I’ve heard). I had finally reached an age in my adult life where I was prepared to invest heavily in undergarments. I’m so… adult? I guess so, if being adult means spending a lot on things that are not very important to other people in my life (well, not many). Like, kitchen equipment. Or, wine. And… undies. (who am I kidding, I don’t own any kitchen equipment!)
Ok, I digress.
I am back on track now.
No one even really offered to help me. I felt sort of… shunned? I don’t know. Very disappointing. Even after picking things out and having someone put them in a dressing room… I got way more advice overhearing them fitting OTHER people. I thought to myself «yep, I’m pretty sure that that OTHER person is not paying for these, and that I should be advised individually on how to arrange this business up in here.» I was not. No «can I get you another size?» or anything of the sort.
For once in my life, I sort of wanted to be stalked around a store and fawned over, and fixed, and prodded. Like, HELLO! this is what I came for. I realize it was a Saturday, but they were plenty staffed… and more than happy to drool over all the LP mommies with their big ass bling. I’m sorry, but… no. I realize (some) of those women are important to your business, but not at the expense of others. It’s a very rare day that I EVER feel slighted, and that is exactly how I felt. I’m not overly sensitive… I’m observant. And patient. Even after ASKING for help, I received the bare minimum.
At $ 150 a pop (some of the items)…service should be there. Each and every time, without a doubt. Always. It wasn’t for me, at all… and I can’t say I’d ever be inclined to go back.
I actually even found myself WISHING I had gone to Victoria’s Secret… I mean, they’ll hound the bejezus out of you… and have a tape measure! I mean sure, it looks like a pink gorilla puked all over the place and their aim is most definitely tween girls, but atleast they’d…I don’t know… SAY HI. Or, fit me for a bra. Or, make me want to buy stuff?
Even with service issues aside, I wasn’t that thrilled with the selection. Pretty basic colors/​styles. Pretty… gasp…conservative sleepwear stuff… and just overall, not that exciting. Expensively not exciting.
Sorry, Isabella. Not feeling it. My chest is going elsewhere. I’m taking suggestions, ladies. Please send.

I did not like it here at all.
I went in here looking for a strapless bra, which is quite a task because of the giant nature of my chest. I can’t stand being saggy, so I explain this predicament to the sales girl and she send me into the dressing room.
«Dressing room», oy… a curtain that doesn’t shut all the way. Is anyone modest anymore?! So the girl pops in and out, hanging out in the doorway while my stuff is visible to the whole store– not good.
She doesn’t tell me anything about sizes, just says «oh you need to go up.» Then I’m looking at oddly pressed saggy things and she’s saying «yeah you look greaaaat in thaaaat,» very unconvincingly. When I tell her what I don’t like, she says «yeah thats the best they’re gonna look in a straplessss.» At this point I’m feeling like crap.
So I left. Unimpressed. Ick.

In the famous words of so many Jenny Jones guests of years past, «If you got em, flaunt em!»
Or something along the lines of that. My new philosophy on all things boob-​and-​bra is that you have to have some fun and feel confident. And there’s no way you’re going to do that with the wrong size bra.
Enter: A proper bra fitting.
Like most ladies here, I came to Isabella thinking my bra size was just fine. And like most ladies here, I was given a whole new size. Suddenly I felt myself standing up straighter and holding my head higher. The thing fit!
Aside from function, Isabella also offers plenty of fashion. I had to hold myself back from the beautiful frills and funky colors. Next time, I may not have such self-​restraint.
The ladies here were helpful, didn’t push more expensive bras for the sake of sale, and ran back and forth from my fitting room to bring new bras to try that matched my specifications. When my favorite bra didn’t come in a basic nude, they took my number and, sure enough, they called me two weeks later when it arrived.
If you do stop by Isabella’s, brace yourself. Your bra life will forever change and you will never settle for mediocrity again.

Ladies, listen up. I’m talking about BREASTS!
Yes, breasts. They pretty much hang out with you 24/​7, are nice and soft, and lots of people want to touch them.
So why wouldn’t you take the best care of them possible?
Do yourself and your «girls» a favor and introduce them to the staff at Isabella. The Isabella fitting concept is based on «boobology», which is something where art, science, and magic intersect to create the perfect bra size just for you!
As part of full disclosure, I had Isabella’s owner and staff at my shop for a plus-​size bra fiting event and you know what? THEY ROCK. All the shoppers came away with kickass new bras that really flattered their figures and made the clothes at vive la femme look even awesomer.
I ordered five new bras in my proper size and immediately jettisoned all my other crappy bras that weren’t doing me or my girls any favors.
So if you are a curvaceous cutiepie and wear a band size of 36 or higher, defeinitely stop by as they offer an amamzing selection of full-​figure bras. If you need a special size they will move heaven and earth to make sure they bring it in for you.
Lift and separate — –and do it at Isabella!

Sister Erin P. has been raving about this place for months now and could not wait to take mom and me in there.
So happy we went! We were immediately greeted by the owner (who greeted Erin by name). My mom put out on the table right away that she did not really expect to buy anything but was interested in getting fitted. I followed suit and let her know that i was in the same boat. With a genuine smile, she said «no problem» asked us a few questions about our ‘girls’ and what we are currently wearing and handed us each a bra to try.
The first one she gave each of us was a perfect fit! I was scared to look at the price tag because Erin had mentioned that lot’s of their stock is well over $ 100. drum roll please…$ 42! yay!
I left with my bra but knew the true test would be in the next few days while trying it with my everyday shirts. still perfect! Mom left with three bras and she has been very happy too.
Another great thing is that they keep all your size and purchase information on file so you don’t need to go through the fitting process each time, and if you have a special someone looking to get you a gift, the staff can easily assist them (not that I do, sadly, but I think its a great idea!)
Thanks Isabella!

I recently went for a fitting and I couldn’t be happier. First of all, they had a wide selection of bras, and even offered to call me when more items matching my likes/​needs were coming in. So hurray to cute new bras!
The second amazing thing was that the bras they fit me with were glorious. No back pain, back fat, quadra boob issues here! The fitter also taught me a few things that I didn’t know (like UK and US sizes not always matching up how I expected).

Ladies, it’s time to burn your bras.
No, I’m not trying to start a revolution — wait, actually, I am. Because if you’re anything like me — and you probably are — you are wearing a bra that is completely the wrong size for you. Tonight, that changed for me.
But let me rewind a little bit. Over the weekend I was looking at different bra shops online, knowing I needed to be fitted properly as the bras I had purchased from a large chain store (that I won’t name… but it’s no secret) just weren’t cutting it. They weren’t laying right anymore, riding up in the back, straps falling down… I was in bra hell.
Enter Isabella Fine Lingerie, and their cute website that includes a «boobologist.» All you have to do is take a picture of yourself in a light colored top, answer some questions, and boom — the next day Dr. Bella (aka Lauren), emailed me back with some helpful sizing advice, some suggestions, and even a coupon for an online purchase — and her friendliness and sense of humor were infectious. Sold.
So tonight after work I took a detour and popped in here. Lauren recognized me from my picture, and she took one look at me and didn’t even have to break out a measuring tape to figure out my size. She rummaged through a drawer, handed me a bra, pointed me towards the fitting rooms… and I was off. I was skeptical at first because really, is she that good? And she had handed me a padded bra, which I normally don’t love, grumble grumble. But I tried it on… and voila. She poked her head in, made some adjustments, and came back with a different cup size.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.
I was floored that she nailed it on the second try just by looking at me. But you know, she does this all day long so I don’t know why I was so surprised. She came back in to check the results, and I nearly bursted with glee — I had been wearing a bra that was too big for me, and now that I was wearing a bra that FIT everything just fell into place — literally. Lauren remarked how I’m smaller on top than I look, and then made me to the «t-​shirt test» which is basically just putting your shirt back on to check it out… and damn. Hey, there are my ribs. And hello, girls, it’s nice to see you back up where you should be. I was speechless. I was in love with Dr. Bella.
Since it was obvious to both of us that I would be burning all of my bras when I got home, Lauren went and grabbed me a ton of stuff to try on. She brought me a nice mix of standard bras and some saucy bras. I found several winners in both categories, and I even picked up a new sports bra and some panties. I was so excited, and both me and my boobs were sad to put on my crappy bra back on to go home.
I chose to tune her out when she told me the total, but you know… it is freaking WORTH IT. I asked to be put on her mailing list, and Lauren pointed out that they keep all my info and purchases in the computer so if I come back for something I had previously bought they’ve got it all right there. How much easier can this get?
So ladies run, don’t walk, to Isabella and ask for Lauren. She is indeed a boobologist extraordinaire, and is fully worthy of her Dr. Bella title. Her friendliness, sense of humor, and expertise has just made me a customer for life.