Bra and Lingerie Specialist | Sarah Elizabeth Lingerie

Finishing through the eyes of a first time marathoner

Annalisa Munisamy — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:54:53 +0000

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2021, my first road marathon since March 2020 and what a great come back marathon! Cape Town you beauty! Although I have thoroughly been enjoying the trails and sea swims I loved being back on the road.

The route weaves through The Mother City, past iconic landmarks and then heads out to Ronderbosch. As you wind through the suburbs I looked up, paused and took a mental photograph of the views of the common against the backdrop of “the mountain”. I would pull that memory out and savour it later. Then you head back into town, past the Old Biscuit Mill and on towards the stadium. In past years as you approached the stadium, you knew you were finishing. Not this year, you ran on past to do a 5km loop in Sea Point. This was a bit of a mind game for me, and at this point, my mojo did a swift disappearing act.

But if this loop at the end of the route is my only “criticism” it should be dwarfed against the brilliant organisation, friendly volunteers, ice-cold water points, easy covid testing, hot coffee at the start, seamless batching and the kind medical personnel that dispensed the game-changing Imodium with a smile and a wink at the 32km mark (rookie mistake on my part 🙈). Even the overcast rainy weather was perfect for marathon running. Well done Salam Cape Town Marathon.

There are a few things that I am reminded of:
Being physically able to run enjoying the company of friends is priceless and precious. Marathon running is even more “fun” when you finish 🤣. PBs should be celebrated with gusto!!!! and seeing the finish through the eyes of a novice marathoner is a privilege.

As I mentioned, my mojo had departed in Sea Point, my run/walk strategy was less than inspiring. As I stopped to walk, I didn’t indicate and a runner bumped into me. I duly apologised and he, in turn, admitted that he was using me as his pacer. “Glory be,” I thought. Could you have not chosen someone else more competent and less knackered? The words I tell so many new runners swiftly came to taunt me. “The more you can input into someone else’s journey the less you think about you, the better your running will be”. So I pulled myself together, picked up my mojo, and of Brett and I trotted. We walk/run the last 4kms. As we chatted I found out that Brett started running in 2019, he had trained through the pandemic and this was his first marathon, he was aiming for a 4:30 finish. Not only was he going to finish his first marathon he was going to smash his target!

According to recent statistics, only half of one per cent of the world’s population has run a marathon. On the final kilometre, I turned to Brett and said “savour every moment, look around, enjoy! You are just finishing your first marathon”. His smile was radiant, it sparkled with a sense of achievement and therein lies the secret to why we run marathons. What a privilege to finish through the eyes of a first-time marathoner.

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Body confidence at its best!

Annalisa Munisamy — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:56:42 +0000

Over the years I have loved getting to know Zietta and I am so delighted to be able to share her story. This is her “Warrior Woman” story.

This is what bravery and determination look like. Zietta Jansen van Rensburg (Olivier).

This is her story: Zietta Jansen van Rensburg (Olivier).

Growing up I was teased about my large breasts. When everyone was still trying out their training bra’s, I had underwire. Then the rage for front clipping bras arrived (what a nightmare). My boobs would just unclip them and unceremoniously spill out at the worst of occasions. I was teased by other girls and it affected my self-image beyond measure. I came to think that big boobs were bad. It is abnormal. You should hide them. I changed in the bathroom toilets and never between the other girls.

I played a lot of sports and loved it. I am adventurous and outgoing…but my bras and particularly my ill-fitting bras caused severe back pain. I was scheduled for a breast reduction at 16 for medical reasons as the orthopaedic surgeon agreed, the weight of my breasts and the hockey stance was aggravating it.

I can remember reluctantly been dragged through all the big malls trying to find bras. I remember having a total meltdown. I thought I was freak. I was in pain both physically and emotionally. I had to wear two bras over each other and bind myself down at times. I hid them. I hid myself.

This was then compounded when I was the victim of sexual assault. Attracted to my breasts, I felt my freakish body had lured predators. I felt it was my fault. I kept quiet.

I went through a stage where I wore my hair short, dyed it black (naturally blonde) and just avoided life. I continued to play sport and isolated myself in the great outdoors. I never dated. I never wanted to take my top off. Some may not understand that large-breasted women have similar issues to those who had to stuff their bras with toilet paper.

In Bloemfontein, Varsity, I had a rebirth. My breasts were an asset and I found a shop that stocked “alternative sizes”. I was still skittish around men but found my freedom. I made the promise to myself to never ever buy a bra that comes with the matching panties ever again! Pretty underwear only, I promised myself I would work hard and save just to invest in myself and my bras. Unfortunately, underlying insecurities always stayed lurking in the background.

I got married and qualified as an attorney. My body went through so many transformations and I was shy about it. Uncertainty lingered. On my birthday, in early November 2019, our marriage unfortunately ended. With 3 kids, the youngest being 3 months old…I decided that I had to make changes. Post-partum body and all. One of the things that I remember doing was going and buying some new underwear. If I could not feel sexy from the inside out, I needed to feel sexy on my skin.

One of my best friend’s house burnt down on the 5th of October 2019 and as we were both in tears about the sorry situation we were in (all her furniture being replaced, but the sentimental objects gone) I asked her what she missed most of her earthly possessions? She said it was her Midmar Medal of 2011. Her husband died of cancer in 2008 and her swimming the Midmar was her turnaround. Well…I used to swim open water. Could I do this again? The answer was yes! We swam Midmar in 2020 and 2021.

When lockdown hit, pools were closed. I started running – sorry…crawling… As I ran more, my son started to cycle with me. As he cycled more…and I had to start cycling. I took up yoga again. I was advised to do yoga as a 16-year-old to strengthen my core to prevent surgery…but alas… this was also forbidden by hubby.

Fast forward to June 2021…

I did not know my bra size.

You (Sarah Elizabeth) helped so much and your patience with getting the right fit over such an extensive distance was amazing! You know your product and you made me feel sexy.

When my package arrived yesterday, I opened it with breathless anticipation. I delayed gratification. Like Nathaniel once said, “even if you drink water, drink it out of the prettiest glass you have”. This morning (although it is a HECTIC workday), I dressed up and took some photos for you.

This is my body.

The body that survived sexual assault. The body that survived abuse.

The body that made 3 children. The body that breastfed each child for a year.

The body that I tortured and didn’t appreciate.

The body that I have pushed from 2019 to now to LIVE again. The body that wakes up every morning and gives my children hugs.

The body that is scarred and stretched, but is mine.

The body that real.

The body that is sexy, because I am sexy.

Me.

Zietta Janse van Rensburg (Olivier)

Image credits: Amy Johnson Photography

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commUNITY

Sarah Elizabeth — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:56:18 +0000

To say the last week was challenging, is most probably the understatement of 2021. Just when I thought we were starting to gain momentum fighting the pandemic and recovering from lockdown, civil unrest explodes on our doorstep. It was scary.

I am sure as the panic resides the learnings, both on an individual and collective level, will become clearer. The issues are extremely complex, and I don’t want to oversimplify or brush over the severity of the issues, but I like to keep things simple. Problems, as Duke Ellington once said, are a chance for us to do our best. Just our best, that’s it. Not the impossible. So that is exactly what the team and I will do, our best. We will help where we can, with whatever we have and do what we can to co-create a way forward.

As I sit down at my computer late on Friday evening for the first time today, there are several thoughts mulling in my mind. Firstly, I am extremely thankful that my team and their families are all safe. Thank you for your message of support and love. Secondly, I have watched as each one of our team has contributed this week to help restore, mend, and serve our communities, this has been our focus over the past week. Which leads to thirdly, I am sorry that we have not been present over the last couple of days. We will be back in full force next week.

Now to give you an update on current operational circumstances, our local KZN courier branches were extremely hard hit. Many of their warehouses, equipment and vehicles were damaged. Continuity plans are being put in place and we are optimistic that any orders, that have not been sent out, will go out next week. We will also be updating everyone individually over the upcoming days. Thank you for your patience. If you plan to place an order, please go ahead, just forgive us for any delays that might occur.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

With love,

Sarah E

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Post Surgery Blues..

Sarah Elizabeth — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:10:14 +0000

Why a sports bra is best for post-op blues

I am passionate about seeing women live actively. Firstly, I fundamentally believe that women should be active to remain healthy and cope with the pressures of life, no matter your age, size or race. Secondly, I think it is important to note that everyone’s abilities are different. Being active will look different for everyone. Some women may prefer stretching, yoga or walking while others might like to run up mountains, swim in the sea or ride their bikes. It doesn’t matter what you do, just get out there and make being active a priority. In conclusion, being active should become the “ordinary”.

This month our Warrior Women segment features Glenda Thompson. Glenda doesn’t believe age should define or limit you and lives life to the fullest. She walks daily with her two dogs, Sam and Pip; swims and is a yoga teacher. She recently went in for open-heart surgery and shares her story below.

Being extremely active and then suddenly having all activities curtailed after open heart surgery was bad enough, but finding, that I would have to go easy on wearing any form of apparel for my bosoms as interference with the chest cut was a no no, left me feeling slightly dis-heartened to say the least. I understood the reason perfectly, but it didn’t help me to regain my confidence and general verve for life.

I spoke to Sarah from Sarah Elizabeth about my dilemma. I was not allowed to wear bra’s with under wire and could find absolutely nothing suitable on the shelf that was even vaguely comfortable. Sarah came to the rescue with the perfect solution – the Anita Sports bra. No wires and the best support ever! It protects my scar area and keeps me well supported – and will continue to do so when I get back into my Zumba/Yoga/ walking and golf routine. It is literally one of the most comfortable, gorgeous bras I have ever worn and I cannot thank Sarah enough for her concern and for coming up with just the right thing to boost my confidence!!

Glenda Thompson

I hope you have been inspired to get out there. If you are going in for surgery and have been recommended to invest in a non-wired sports bra I can highly endorse the Momentum Sports Bra from Anita or get in touch if I can give you any assistance.

Always remember “confidence is worth sharing” and I can’t wait to share it with you! In closing, I want to encourage you, as South African women, to live actively, let it be part of your day!

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Young mom survives horrific accident to become long distance swimmer

Sarah Elizabeth — Tue, 25 May 2021 11:22:04 +0000

Bravery and determination in a sporting context often inspire images of great sporting icons collapsing at the finish of a race, or an Olympian chasing down a world record and standing to receive a gold medal. However, sometimes bravery is just waking up in the morning and being willing to try again.

I love meeting strong, active women and recently I met a lady who is the embodiment of bravery and determination.

This is her story:

On 8 September 2018, Kerry Hardy (41), mother of two, was involved in a horrific car accident. The terrifying turn of events, where death seemed the likely outcome, left Kerry fighting for her life. She sustained severe head and abdominal injuries. Kerry’s journey to recovery was challenging. Due to her immense determination and bravery, she recovered far quicker than any of her doctors predicted. However, life as she knew it had fundamentally changed. Be brave, keep going and do the best you can have been a motto of Kerry’s before the accident and this now became her mantra during recovery.

Growing up, Kerry swam competitively at school but had not actively been in the water for many years. Towards the end of 2020, following one of her multiple operations, a friend introduced her to Thompson’s Bay Pool. Swimming once again became a fundamental part of Kerry’s life post-accident.

Most mornings, Jose´de Charmoy, a well-known local Ballito long-distance swimmer, can be found swimming (and talking) at Thompson’s Bay Tidal Pool. In February, he observed Kerry cautiously swimming around Thompson’s. A heap of pebbles lay at the steps and, after each circular lap, she would move a pebble, recording the laps. Day after day, Kerry would arrive, swim around Thompson’s counting her laps with the pebbles.

This went on for many weeks. Jose´ explains that he and his friend Mike Oberholzer saw a spark in her and it wasn’t just her swimming potential. Her iron will to succeed and her excitement for life shone brightly. Jose introduced himself and offered some swimming guidance. Lap by lap an unlikely friendship formed, and Kerry landed up sharing her horrific past. Each day, the duo would tweak Kerry’s technique and slowly her daily distance started to increase.

After two months, she was comfortably up to about 3.5 km. Jose´ then suggested she enter the 5km Yellowfin Ocean Sea Challenge. Without giving it a second thought, Kerry entered her first sea swim. The duo once again ramped up her training and, stroke by stroke, Kerry’s confidence grew. On the morning of Sunday16 May, Kerry excitedly entered the water at Clarke Bay alongside Jose to complete her first open water ocean swim. The broad smile as she exited the water at Salt Rock Main beach was so clearly evident. Open water swimming is not for the faint-hearted; few would even contemplate it, never mind attempt it. Kerry embraced the challenge, showing once again her determination and courage.

“It was special sharing and completing the swim with Kerry,” Jose´ says. ”She taught me that past hardships can be overcome through perseverance and, at the end of the day, there is hope! Equally remarkable as Kerry’s courage and strength is her can-do attitude and positive outlook.”

“The accident could have happened to anyone”, explained Kerry, “but I hope I can give people a glimpse of what bravery looks like and inspire them to never give up. Every day I know that when the sun rises, I need to be grateful and excited that I have the whole day ahead of me to do amazing things”.

From death’s door to long-distance swimming, Kerry Hardy proves to be an inspiration to everyone who hears her story.

If you have an inspiring story to share about you or a woman close to you overcoming obstacles through determination and being active, we would love to hear it and possibly share their story and inspire other women #confidenceworthsharing

Email us your story

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You are valuable, you are loved

Sarah Elizabeth — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:12:00 +0000

Hi Ladies,

A little while ago I happen to come across an Instagram post from an organisation called eXopse HOPE that cares for those working within the sex industry and victims of sex trafficking. The post described one of the brothels and it has and continues to, weigh heavily on my mind, heart and soul.

When faced with the enormity of modern-day slavery and the sex trafficking industry there doesn’t seem like we could much we could do. I was then reminded that you don’t always have to do massive gestures, help where you can. So, this week in our team meeting we packed up new panties, pads, carry bags and easter eggs and these will be distributed to the ladies through eXopse Hope. We put the following message on each bag “Remember that you are valuable, you are loved”. It is my hope that this simple message reminds these ladies and children that they are not alone in the shadows but worthy of freedom.

Why share this? Firstly, I thought it would be great to remind you that YOU are valuable and loved. Secondly, no matter how small go out and help where you can, even if it is just a smile at a stranger.

Stay safe,

Sarah E

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What is BRAfidence?

Sarah Elizabeth — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:42:01 +0000

What is BRAfidence?

Feeling so good in your bra that you project confidence and positivity!

At Sarah Elizabeth, we describe it as a state of being “certain”.

Certain of what, you may be wondering?

It is the certainty of who you are and being comfortable and content in that.

But how? Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work and learn from many people, here are a few tips I picked up along the way.

Don’t sweat the small stuff
Don’t apologise for your opinions or circumstances you can’t control.
Be humble and kind
When you get to the top don’t forget to turn back and help the next one in line (that’s a line from a great song but love the sentiment)
Don’t wear an uncomfortable bra (ok, I made that one up)

Can I tell you the most important realisation to internalise is that it’s what’s inside that makes you beautiful, and of course a good bra sure helps. You were born to be real… not perfect.

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The ULTIMATE Swimsuit for active women

Sarah Elizabeth — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 06:31:32 +0000

For so many women putting on a bath suit fills them with dread. For ladies who are not flat chested and swim to keep active the traditional swimsuit offers no support. This can be both terribly embarrassing and uncomfortable. As a swimmer myself, I know how important it is to feel confident and comfortable while exercising. I believe that many women feel inhibited from participating in active swimming because they can’t find a swimsuit that offers both support and coverage. This is why I love the Freestyle swimsuit by Freya. It has built in wired support (sized on your bra size) and good coverage to ensure you feel supported.

Experience has shown, that when you wear something you feel good in, you are more likely to project confidence and positivity. Therefore, because of this swimsuit feel so good, our customers can face any swim confidently.

I have seen it transform the confidence level of women. It makes me so happy to see women able to feel confident in the water.

This what one of our customers said:

“I LOVE my new Freya swimsuit. It is the perfect fit and with build-in underwire it gives great support and shape. It is the first swimsuit I have ever felt confident in when training – I am happy to run up the beach at the end of a sea swim and not feel self-conscious” Anne Lyall

Happy swimming ladies, and if you need any help or advice, or just want to swap swimming stories please get in touch!

“Remember, confidence is always worth sharing, and I can’t wait to share it with you”.

Shop Freestyle Swimsuit now

Sarah E

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Check your bumps for lumps

Sarah Elizabeth — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:02:07 +0000

October arrives in a flurry of pink. Breast Cancer Awareness month is here and a perfect time to remind and encourage all our Sarah Elizabeth clients to “check your bumps for lumps”. Here are some tips to help you:

All women from puberty on must examine their breasts.
All breasts are different some lumpier than others. Each woman must be familiar with the texture and consistency of her own breasts and how that changes with her menstrual cycle.
Examine with the flat surface of the hand keeping the hand flat on the breast while gently bending the fingers.
Breast cancer is usually a painless lump in the breast.
If any changes are noted or any lumps are felt during self-examination then have them checked immediately by your doctor.

Many of us have been directly affected by this disease; my mother-in-law passed away, my own mom has fought breast cancer and so many others. The message is simple to look after your breasts and get to know them.

I thought I would reshare a blog that a friend of mine wrote for me about losing her mom to breast cancer when she was only 14.

Your breast assets… look after them, by Kate Grant …Every man dies, not every man really lives. Get out there, live and love to your hearts content, as life is too short!… read more

So, remember ladies, life is short. Go out and live it boldly and as Cinderella said “Have courage and be kind”.

If the team or I can help in any way please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Confidence is always worth sharing and I can wait to share it with you,

Sarah

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Bra fitting demystified in three easy steps

Sarah Elizabeth — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:26:11 +0000

A properly fitting bra not only looks great but is essential for your health, comfort and posture. It should give you great shape and protect your breast tissue as well as your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Your clothes will also fit better, and I am sure that you will agree that when you wear a bra you feel good in, you project confidence and positivity.

Many women think that finding your right bra size can only be done by a professional. It certainly does help to have some with knowledge and expertise help you but sometimes it is just not an option to go for a fitting. You can easily evaluate your fit at home in 3 easy steps.

Set aside some time when you are alone and relaxed. Put on your best fitting non-padded bra and go and stand in front of the mirror. Now before you start criticising your body, simply look at what do you see going on with your bra.

Step 1: Evaluate the band:

Does your band feel snug and sit horizontally across the middle of your back? It is very important to remember the band around your body should provide nearly all the support and needs to fit snugly, but comfortably and you should still be able to slide your finger under the band. The band of your bra should be positioned in the middle of your back, creating a horizontal line and it should not rise up! If it is riding up, it is too loose, and you need to decrease your band size. By changing your band size, it is more than likely your cup size will have changed. General rule is if you decrease band size and your cup was fitting properly before, then you should increase your cup size.

Step 2: Let’s take a look at what the cups are doing?

Your breasts should still be fitted comfortably and be enclosed in the cups of your bra. There should be a smooth line where the top the cup meets your breast. The wires in the front should lie flat against your breastbone and under your breasts. I once read that you should think of your bra like a house and your breasts are the inhabitants. You need to make sure that the inhabitants fit in the house and are not escaping out the side windows. Also, it is important to remember to that size doesn’t matter. What matters is a good fit, not the numbers and letters on the tag. We are more than letters and numbers!

Increase your Cup size if:

Breasts are spilling out of the cups

Your breasts are cut in half and you have the ‘four boobed look’

Wires are not sitting flush between your breasts

Uncomfortable bulges occur in the wrong place

Decrease your Cup size if:

Your breasts are leaking out the bottom of the bra.

Baggy or ‘gaping’ cups occur

Appearance of saggy breasts occur

Step 3: Now evaluate what is happening with the straps:

If your straps are digging into your shoulders, then your band is most probably too loose. The straps should never take the weight of your breasts.

Most importantly, please remember, YOU know your breasts and body. Regardless of
whether you have been fitted professionally or not, judge a bra by how it feels on you, don’t let someone else convince you that this is the style or size for you if it does not feel good on you. It should be supportive, comfortable and you should feel great wearing it. Don’t get hung up on finding the “perfect bra” or wearing the bra that someone told you was perfectly fitted but is so uncomfortable. Find the bra that fits YOU perfectly, that you enjoy wearing and gives you the confidence to embrace life.

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