I’m mustering up my courage to publish what has been sitting in my my Drafts folder for 6 months: a post all about unmentionables.

When I went to Paris earlier this year, I wanted to bring back something special to remember my trip. As I explored the different department stores, I kept finding myself wandering into the lingerie departments, admiring all the pretty details that French undergarments are known for. It got me thinking about how finding a bra that fits me properly is no easy feat, and I started wondering if the search would be any different in France.

As it turned out, it was just as difficult, and I became a woman on a mission. I was determined to find a beautiful bra that would fit my 32A bust, and I wasn’t going to stop until I found one. Department store after department store, I came back with little luck. I remember being so disheartened that I started texting my best friend back home about how all European women clearly had bigger boobs than me. She encouraged me to keep on hunting, so I did.

With the help of Yelp, I searched for lingerie stores next. Princesse Tam.Tam was my first stop, but it felt too youthful for my taste. Next up was La Perla, because I was morbidly curious if super expensive lingerie would fit and look any better than department store options. The answer: no, not on me.

Finally, I found myself at Agent Provocateur. It was my last stop of the day, nearly closing time, and I was sure I would end up empty handed yet again. When I started talking to the sales associate, however, I started feeling a little bit of hope. She told me that this brand ran on the smaller side and that she was sure I would find something I liked here. She pulled out a drawer of lacy things and had me try on a number of them. From the pile, not one but two styles emerged victorious! They both made me feel extremely confident, sexy, and very much like a woman, so I knew I had found the winners for me.

Agent Provocateur bra & underwear

Through my search, I discovered an appreciation for the lace bralette trend. After returning home, my mission for finding beautiful bras that fit continued, and I tried on several options from Free People’s intimates line. I found that sweetheart and V-shaped neckline were the most flattering for my bust size, especially with styles that offered little to no padding.

Free People pink & teal bralettes

left: Agent Provocateur (similar) / center: Free People / right: Free People

Note: Agent Provocateur is definitely pricey, but if you like their lingerie, I recommend checking out the L’Agent by Agent Provocateur line, which is a collaboration with Penelope and Monica Cruz. The sizing is the same but the collection is at a much more reasonable price point. And if you are small-busted like me, it will still fit you. (View The Outnet’s collection and Nordstrom’s collection of L’Agent by Agent Provocateur.)

I’m so happy I started that mad search in Paris. Purchasing these intimate pieces has certainly played a role in my journey of growing to be more confident and comfortable in my own skin and feel like the 30-year-old woman I am. I encourage every woman to have at least one thing in your underwear drawer that makes you feel empowered and sexy — and it doesn’t matter if the only person who knows what’s underneath is you! 🙂