For anyone wanting a professional and discreet bra fitting service, I can highly recommend Contessa. I contacted customer services who said that they would offer me a fitting at my local store. So, after phoning and making an appointment, I visited the store yesterday. I didn't dress up except for a fitted shirt - didn't want to make the staff feel too uncomfortable. The manageress was a little nervous, but probably not experiencing as many butrerflies as I was! Her hands trembled as she measured me but she soon relaxed and really warmed to helping me find a proper fitting bra. She brought me about seven or eight different bras and assisted me with adjusting the straps and choosing the styles etc. She asked me lots of questions about the styles and colours that I liked and what 'look' I was hoping to achieve. She even suggested that I put my shirt back on see what the bra looked like underneath.

The things that struck me most were:

1. I was completely wrong in my own bra measuring attempts - I used on-line guides and thought that I was a 38A - yesterday I was told that I am a 34A!! I can't argue as the purchase fits beautifully.

2. The helpfulness of the manageress - I thought I would be treated as a freak but after an initial nervousness, she was so helpful and ended by saying "You've got my number. If I can help you any more, do give me a ring."

I always thought that I would need breast enhancers but the bra I purchased is padded and shaped. I'll definitely go again after a very positive and refreshing experience.

Penny