By Tess Mangiardi
At almost 20, I’ve always felt like buying lingerie was more of a luxury than anything. I mean, let’s be real here. When you’re living on your own and going to college, working part-time somewhere where you’d always rather be somewhere else, lingerie is not really the first thing that pops into my mind when my paycheck rolls around every Friday. Call me crazy, but I think: “groceries” or “dinner at The Smith because it’s been over a week and I can’t stop thinking about their tuna tar-tare and blue cheese covered potato chips.
Okay, well maybe you can call me crazy but that’s not my point. My point is, buying lingerie at 19 is sometimes unheard of. I don’t know too many people my age with see-through nightgowns sitting in their closets and bras that cost just as much as I make in a day sitting in their dresser drawers. So, college girls like me turn to the one thing we consider reliable: The Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale. Judge me all you want, but it’s normally a highlight of my day when I pass by the VS near my apartment on my way to the train and see the pink glittery sign blowing in the wind. “50% all bras, all underwear 2 for 1!” It speaks to me the way a poem does. I can feel the $10 bra underneath my sweater sinking with shame, it knows it is soon to be replaced– thrown into the Island of Discarded Bras, tucked far away into the abyss of my closet. It’s always a good day, and this year wasn’t any different.
I bought a beautiful neon pink bra that makes my boobs feel brand new (if boobs can feel brand new). It’s silky and the first time I put it on I could hear a chorus of angels singing loudly on my head. Not only did it look like it was born out of a Pepto Bismol bottle (juxtaposing the drabby grey bra I’d been wearing for months) but it actually fit. I actually knew my bra size for once and this neon pink phenomenon actually fit me perfectly. I pictured myself walking down the street, smiling because I knew my bra straps weren’t trying to escape my shoulders. It was a happy day indeed.
For any other girls my age who happen to come across this post, the next time you’re feeling luxurious go grab this bra and see for yourself. Though I suggest waiting for the next Semi-Annual sale because, well, let’s be honest, who wants to pay $36 for a bra?
