Bra shopping can be stressful at the best of times. Working out the right size, shape, style and colour can send any woman into an indecisive frenzy.

For me, in all honesty I could probably do without a bra. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’ve got great, perky boobs, but when God was handing out decent pairs of knockers I must have been too busy picking fluff from my navel in a corner somewhere because I got the left-overs.

And there wasn’t much left.

At all!!

So that being said, I’m really not a big spender when it comes to the bra stakes. Give me a $250 pair of running shoes and that’s a different story, but my ‘girls’ can manage okay being ‘housed’ in a modest $15 Target bra.

Given that the ‘girls’ haven’t been treated to a new ‘place of abode’ for a little while, a recent bra sale at Target sparked my interest. Knowing my already reasonably-priced bra was just about to become a bra-plus-a-coffee-and-a-doughnut, I was excited!!

Buuuut…….when I noticed the sale, I was at the shops with two grumpy and tired two and three year olds.

Oh and it was lunchtime…..and I hadn’t quite gotten around to feeding them yet…..apart from a couple of doughnuts…..

………..so of course I went ahead and shopped anyway with two hungry, cranky, sugered-up kids………..mistake. Big mistake.

So I may have learnt a couple of things since that particular day. It’s a war out there and you have to go in prepared.

7 tips for bra-shopping with kids (if you must)

1. Plan your shopping trip: Know you’re going bra shopping so you can not only psych yourself but so you can thoroughly sedate brief the kids prior.

Know where the bra section is and head straight there. Having to search from one end of the store to the other cuts into your precious time whilst the kids are still intrigued by the bright lights and headless mannequins.

2. Know the size, shape, colour, contour, material of the bra you want: Knowing what you want makes it easier to find. Once you’ve found the make and model of your boob-storage-facility, try it on and then get the hell out of there. Extra moments spent pondering the filigree on the lace-work plunges you further into dangerous impatient/bored/pissed-off-kid territory.

3. Bad things happen in change rooms with kids: Regardless of whether or not you know your size, you’re still going to have to try the thing on. But be warned, taking too long in a change room with the kids may lead to ‘bloggable moments’. You’ll either find your kid chewing on one of the rejected bras you’ve dumped on the floor OR you’ll end up dragging him by the feet back under the change room door (because they just don’t make the cubicles impenetrable for toddlers).

4. Be decisive: Going back for a second look at the rack once you’ve made a choice is fraught with danger. The increasing tone, volume and velocity of whingey moans and complaints will soon transform your leisurely shop into something likened to boot camp for fatties - you’ll find yourself running, sweating and swearing trying to get the hell away from the smaller person that’s yelling abuse at you!

5. NEVER RELEASE THE HOUNDS: Regardless of sweet smiles and promises of good behaviour- NEVER RELEASE A CHILD FROM THE CONFINES OF THE TROLLEY/PRAM OR OTHER AVAILABLE RESTRAINING DEVICE. Otherwise you may end up frantically pushing an empty pram through Target whilst draped with half a dozen cheap bras, screaming threats at the top of your lungs that if your children don’t return by the time you count to three they will have their trampoline and Wiggles privileges removed.

6. No matter how many staff and security you engage to locate offspring if you do happen to ‘misplace’ them, little old ladies are the best at spotting small feet sticking out of clothing racks. And dressing gown racks are especially good hiding places for small children. Believe me!

7. If you do happen to bra shop at the wrong time with the wrong people whilst making the wrong decisions - if anything, just bloody make sure you walk away from that store with at least one discounted bra (oh and the correct type and number of children)!!

Yep, bra-shopping with little kids is a cinch. No really…..

Have you ever tried clothes shopping with kids?

If you’re looking for specials and sales on bras, clothes…..or pretty much anything else you can think of jump on over to Lasoo for all the latest catalogues from your fave stores.

Disclaimer: no children were injured, maimed or otherwise during the making of this blog post…..but I sure as hell thought about it…….

This is a guest post from Lasoo friend and amazing blogger- CRAP MAMMA.

Knowing you’re wearing the perfect bra can work wonders for your confidence levels. Unfortunately, shopping for the perfect bra can have exactly the opposite effect. Studies show that 85 per cent of women buy the wrong bra – unsurprising given the conflicting information about styles, sizes and brands on the market.

It’s important to note that understanding your body shape will help you discover the bra that’s just right. If you’re small busted, you’re likely to covet lingerie to create the illusion of larger breasts, while your better-endowed counterparts will often prioritise support and a comfier fit. Here’s our shortcut to selecting the perfect bra.

Small victories

Most small-busted women want to enhance their breasts and make the most of their curves. In this case, push up bras promise instant, bombshell appeal. But if your style is more kitten than vixen, a padded bra is a demure alternative.

Curves ahead

For large-busted women, ill-fitting bras come at a hefty price: back aches and bad posture. Full-cup and underwire options offer comfort and high support levels while minimiser bras are perfect for those who want to downsize.

The all-rounder

If you’re somewhere in between, choose a balconette or demi-cup – these bras are supportive, attractive and flattering to all shapes and sizes.

The crowd began to stir – their feet shuffling uneasily in frustration. 45 minutes past curtain call the anticipation was palpable. All necks strained in one direction, desperately waiting for movement from behind a dark curtain.

With international burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese in Melbourne to debut her Von Follies line for Target, the question on everybodies’ mind was how involved would Dita be in the show?

The lights dimmed, the music surged, and a spotlight pierced the darkness. Then she appeared. When her sparkling Christian Louboutin heels strutted onto the stage Dita had well and truly arrived! Resplendent in custom-made lingerie from her line, a wave of energy swept through the crowd, everyone instantly forgetting her late arrival. The frenzied sound of clicking cameras from the paparazzi competed with the pulsating burlesque tunes.

Wearing, suspenders and a sheer black wrap, Dita paused mid catwalk, teasing the crowd as her gown slipped off to reveal a bare shoulder. Slowly the gown pealed away to show off her signature over wire bra and panties from the Von Follies range. Then sauntering down the runway, she literally bedazzled the crowd as her sequined bra and suspenders sparkled, reflecting the banks of lights aimed at her from all directions.  With her petite curves, glossy raven locks and milky skin, Dita exudes golden era Hollywood glamour.

It’s an image that is in keeping with Target’s aim to encourage “Australian women of all shapes and sizes to add some glamour to their wardrobes” and continues the success and momentum of their Designers for Target program.

“I want women to embrace eclectic unique beauty and be proud when they break the traditional mould” says Von Teese.

True to form the Von Follies show featured designs to suit a variety of body shapes.

Three collections from the Von Follies range were exhibited. Girlish high-waisted separates in red, blue and black hues featuring lace detailing dominated the show. Corsets, polka dots and animal print were other key trends.

The models were immaculately presented. Chokers, riding crops, top and bowler hats from Dita’s personal collection gave the girls a sassy edge. Leather gloves, beautiful capelets, fans and sheer fascinators all looked boudoir chic accessorised with the Von Follies pieces.

Brad Ngata, Official Hair Director at the L’Oreal Paris Melbourne Fashion festival, created two key styles to compliment the overall look for the show: a Betty Grable inspired bang and a classic oversized chignon.

With models posing playfully to a soundtrack of Von Teese’s favourite big band ballads and music from her burlesque shows, the theatrical show had a cheeky and fun feel to it.

The charismatic entertainer received a standing ovation for the Von Follies collection for Target when she returned to the stage to close the show.

To view the collection on Facebook see Voight Photography and Design.

Shop Von Follies at Target now.

If your underwear drawer has been looking a little sad of late and needs updating, then you should definitely check out the Triumph range on Zodee.

The site is currently offering 25% off the entire range, including bras, underwear and other lingerie. Triumph is great for basic underwear staples, including strapless, sports, maternity and other essential bras.

The Cleavage on Demand strapless bra is one of the better ones on the market for under $50, and with the 25% reduction you can pick it up for around $37.

By Caroline Warnes

The Myer fashion catalogues are always a treat for all of us - the girls get to drool over the latest Australian designer fashion while the blokes get to drool over Jennifer Hawkins and other assorted glamours who grace the pages.

And the current summer catalogue is no exception - I want at least half of the outfits featured inside (especially the pantsuit featured on the cover, but I know if I wore it that would inevitably lead to comparisons with Hawko, and let me just say that I really don’t need that).

There is also some really gorgeous lingerie featured inside. I love this Pleasure State Aether set pictured here, which is available for $59.95 for the bra and $39.95 for the bottoms.

By Caroline Warnes

I’m not entirely sure what an Ultrasonic push-up bra is, but it sounds high-tech and therefore gets my seal of approval.

Well, actually, I suppose in the interests of not being lazy, I could find out more about it, so here goes. According to Lovable, the Ultrasonic push-up bra “fuses paper-touch Italian micro jersey together using heat, pressure and glue to create the ultimate smooth and flexible bra.” OK, sounds good to me.

What sounds even better is the news that Target has selected sizes of this nifty little number in white on sale for just $15 this week.

Considering the bra has an original RRP of $34.99, this could be one of those “run, don’t walk” to your nearest Target store type of situations.

By Caroline Warnes

If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift but don’t have time to get to the shops, then Lovable has free shipping at its online store until the big day (May 9).

Lovable’s new winter range is now available online, plus there’s a nice selection of sale items, so you should find something that catches your fancy.

Personally I’m getting a bit old and cynical for fancy underwear, so I would be more inclined to go for something functional, such as this moulded contour t-shirt bra.

$49.95 is the same price you’ll pay in-store, but with the free shipping offer, it’s far more convenient to shop from your computer.

Use the code “focship” at the checkout to claim your free shipping.

By Caroline Warnes

Zodee is having another one of its giant lingere and swimwear sales and it’s another good one, with some pieces reduced by up to 90%.

There are over 1000 pieces up for grabs in the sale and the good news is it isn’t just for women - you’ll also find undies and swimwear for men and kids.

I have pretty bad taste in swimwear so I can’t tell if this one is actually nice or not, but I quite like the Bond-Eye bikini top pictured here. It’s reduced by 50% to $32.48.

A lot of the heavily reduced stuff is so cheap because it’s only available in limited sizes, so you may have to spend some time browsing to find a bargain in your size. Otherwise you can shop by size for bras.

By Caroline Warnes

The other day in the Lasoo office we had a lengthy conversation about the word “chemise” (don’t ask) so when I saw this satin chemise featured in the new Myer catalogue, naturally I had to feature it.

No one was entirely sure if a chemise was a) a piece of furniture b) somewhere you buy prescription medication or c) something you sleep in, but Google came to our rescue and it turns out a chemise is actually sleepwear/lingerie. And so our working day could commence again.

Anyhow, this satin chemise is on sale at Myer for just $22.46 (down from $29.95). Love the gold colouring and the fabric is actually satin organza so it would be comfortable to sleep in during the summer months.

By Caroline Warnes

In what is most definitely a massive coup for BIG W, local designer Peter Morrissey has unveiled his exclusive clothing and underwear collection for the retailer.

This collection should do for BIG W what Designers for Target did for its rival - bring it into the realm of fashionistas who might usually be hesitant to buy (or admit to buying) a party frock in BIG W.

This one isn’t just for the ladies, either - there is also a selection of men’s underwear in-store too.

Some of the dresses are really cute and perfect for summer - I love this blue dress, which is a steal at just $79.

Check out some of the other styles in the Peter Morrissey BIG W catalogue.

By Caroline Warnes