Breast augmentation may require new bra

Thousands of women have breast augmentations each year.

A new shape calls for a new bra. Disappointment often comes in the dressing room.

What many women find is that conventionally designed bras don't properly fit their enhanced breasts. The shape of the cup, under wires and connectors don't complement the changes in shape and size. Implants are spherical, and augmented breasts take on the same roundness. Regular bra cups are conical shaped to accommodate natural, tear-shaped breasts, so there is extra space and material which augmented ones don't require.

Le Mystere No. 9 is the first bra designed for women who have had breast augmentations. And it's getting quite a welcome.

"It just really molds to the woman's body,” said Amber Brooks, manager of The Lingerie Store. "It just fits perfectly.”

Not only is it functional, she said the bra styles are pretty and fun.

"I kind of call it a Betty Boop style, showing a lot of cleavage. It lifts.”

The better fit comes from wider underwire that's a different shape and a cup that's large enough to fit the enhanced breast.

"It's been a great seller,” she said.

The Lingerie Store has had the Le Mystere No. 9 less than a month. The store carries two styles, with more coming soon. The lace bra costs $79; the smooth cup, $76. Colors are pink champagne and black.

While a conventional bra may not fit a woman with breast augmentation, the No. 9 also fits women who have not had any enhancement.

Casing the iPhone

Leave it to Louis Vuitton to be one of the first luxury companies to unveil designer cases made especially for the new iPhone.

Beginning Monday, the cases will be available exclusively at Louis Vuitton's Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York. The phone number is (212) 758-8877.

Several colors and materials will be available, from $225 for monogram canvas to $1,120 for the alligator case.

A nationwide launch is planned in late October.