Merralee Behind The Scenes » She She

Share Your Merra-Lee Memories

Bev — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:21:12 +0000

Ever since making our announcement last week that Merra-Lee, Boutique 15, Meeting Place, She She, and East Room are closing, we’ve gotten several wonderful and supportive comments from the community in person and via e-mail, Facebook, and our blog. Your kind words mean the world to us! Thank you.

It seems Merra-Lee is associated with fond memories for customers as well as for those of us who’ve worked here. I know Halloween just won’t be the same to me without Clifford in our alcove terrorizing…I mean handing out candy to adorable Trick-or-Treaters.

We always had such fun partying with our customers at special events, like the NAOT V.I.P. Royal-Tea party, and being serenaded by the Merry Carolers throughout the shops during Christmas walk—they’ll be back this year!

We’d love for you to share your fondest Merra-Lee memories with us in the comments below. If you’ve got pictures or would like to have your story put up as it’s own post, just e-mail me at bev@merralee.com and I’ll set you up. (And hey, we’ll be happy to hear about new memories you make with fabulous deals at our Going Out of Business Sale, starting tomorrow—doors open at 9am.)

A Girly Girl is Always Prepared: Urban Aid

Bev — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:38:25 +0000

Urban Aid™ kits were dreamed up one night at a girl’s night dinner when one of the girls said “wouldn’t it be great if there were some type of overnight kit” for those unexpected sleepovers or all niters! Or how about for a bridesmaid on the wedding day? Or when you’re just plain on-the-go?

These handy dandy purse-friendly tins come packed with all the little things that fill in this blank:

“If only I had a ________”

Each tin has a theme, and She She has a variety of choices. A cute, funny, and practical gift for your girlfriends as well as for yourself.

The One Too Many Urban Aid Kit contains: eye mask; pair of earplugs; moist towelette; hydrating lotion towelette; pain reliever.

The Bridesmaid Urban Aid Kit contains: a sewing kit; mini emery board; dental ﬂosser; double stick tape strip; earring backs; 2 adhesive bandages; stain treating towelette.

The On-the-Go Urban Aid Kit contains: mini emery board; dental flossers; sewing kit; hairband; 2 adhesive bandages; stain treating towelette

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Forms and the Fitting Process

Bev — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:41:19 +0000

Amoena is a worldwide leader in post mastectomy bras, apparel and other post surgery supplies, using the most innovative materials for comfort and appearance. That’s why She She is proud to carry the Chicago area’s largest assortment of Amoena products, including full and partial breast prosthesis as well as prosthetic nipple sets, post surgical garments, swimsuits, and bras.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about after breast surgery and the fitting process:

What is a breast form and how long will it last?

A breast form (prosthesis) is a soft silicone molded form designed to recreate the natural appearance and gentle movement of a woman’s breast after mastectomy or other breast surgery. Most breast forms are warranted against manufacturer’s defects for two years from the date of purchase. Premium breast forms may last longer than two years with proper care. It is still a good idea to see a certified fit specialist every six months to one year to have your fit evaluated because women’s bodies change with age and weight. There are several different styles and shapes of breast forms available.

Why do I need to be specially fitted for a breast form and bra?

Breast shapes, surgery, and body types vary. The breast form is weighted to restore balance, help maintain shoulder posture, and increase physical comfort after surgery. Our certified fit specialists have been specially trained to help you choose a breast form that best matches your natural breast and will help restore balance. The fit specialist will also measure you for a post surgery bra to hold your breast form in place and talk to you about the benefits of a properly fitting bra and breast form. She She is fortunate to have two ABC certified fit specialists, and all of our fitters have received special training.

Is there any point to meeting with a She She specialist prior to surgery?

We strongly recommend making an appointment for a pre-surgery consultation: 630-232-0933. During this visit you’ll be educated regarding the various products available for, immediately after, and on-going post mastectomy (such as forms and apparel).

Are appointments required for fittings?

To provide our customers with undivided individual attention and to ensure that a certified staff member is present, appointments are required for post mastectomy fittings. Our qualified staff will fit you in our private dressing rooms for bras, and you’ll also be educated on the types of forms and other products available to allow you to be comfortable and active after breast surgery.

How long will the fitting take?

Your fitting will last about an hour. This time is important because it insures your getting the best fit possible and allows time to answer your questions. Since breast surgeries are done in several different ways, each fitting is unique. If we are filing medicare or Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO for you, allow an extra half hour to complete paperwork.

When can I be fitted?

Your doctor will tell you when you can be fitted—usually 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. A lightweight puff and soft unconstructed stretch bra are available for wearing immediately after mastectomy or other breast surgery.

How much does a breast form cost, and will my insurance pay for it?

Silicone gel breast forms typically range from $350-$475. Insurance coverage varies but Medicare, and many private insurance companies pay a portion if not all of the cost of the prosthesis and six bras. She She staff can file Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO forms for you, and can assist with other insurance forms.

Medicare typically covers one form every other year and six bras per year. For any other type of insurance policy, please check with your insurance company prior to appointment.

Do I need a prescription?

Most insurance companies require a doctor’s prescription to accompany the completed insurance form. Please obtain the prescription from your doctor prior to your appointment or your doctor can fx it to us 630-232-2677. A prescription is not required if we’re not helping you file insurance.

Learn about the materials used in Amoena breast forms.

See questions regarding attachable breast forms.

She She Bra Fitting Fundraiser

Bev — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:39:24 +0000

We all know how important it is to have a good-fitting bra—and how difficult it can be to find one. Even if you think you know your size, our bodies shift without us knowing it and it’s important to recheck you size every couple of years. That’s why each season, She She lingerie store, at 17 S. Third Street in downtown Geneva in the western Chicago suburbs, periodically hosts bra fit clinics. It’s a great opportunity to get fit and help raise money for charity.

On Tuesday, April 12, 2010 from 9:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m. come in to She She to get fit for a bra, foundation or after breast surgery product and help us raise money for the American Cancer Society. A portion of sales from all of The Merra-Lee Shops on April 12 will be donated toward breast cancer research.

In addition to our in-house fitting experts, special guests Julie Naylor-Gottlieb, Amoena Territory Manager will be here. Julie can answer all of your questions about Amoena’s full line of post-breast-surgery products, including bras, breast forms, and swimwear.

Also joining us will be Nikki Spitzer representing Green & Wellness.

Featuring a special collection of jewelry by Nancy Neill Designs.

FREE GIFT with appointment! Call 630-232-0933 to make an appointment for April 12 with one of our ABC certified fitters.

Materials Used in Amoena Post Mastectomy Breast Forms

Bev — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:47:48 +0000

She She boutique in Geneva, IL carries the largest selection of Amoena post mastectomy products in the Chicago area. One reason She She chooses Amoena, is because of the superior and innovative materials the company uses in their products, including breast forms.

The Amoena breast forms are made from two materials that are soft on the skin: Silicone and PU Film. Silicone is produced synthetically from the natural raw materials, sand and coal, and is therefore a natural product. It offers various advantages: silicone is kind to the skin, soft, water-repellent and resistant to both chemicals and heat. This means that the breast forms adapt quickly to body temperature. Amoena develops and produces all its silicone gel itself. They are mixed from silicone raw materials and quality is carefully checked.

The name PU Film refers to an extremely hard-wearing, high performance film that closely resembles the skin in softness and suppleness. Intensive tests have shown that the film causes no allergic reactions or skin irritation. With this gossamer-thin but hard-wearing film, the silicone breast form is gentle on the skin and body.

Amoena Natura, Individual, and Contact attachable breast forms are even more comfortable to wear with a unique and innovative design that includes new Comfort+ technology, and the secret is Outlast®. Outlast was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations. Today Outlast® brings comfort to the life of millions of citizens on Earth and has been awarded with the prestigious seal of approval “Certified Space Technology”.

Outlast® materials will keep you more comfortable by absorbing excess body heat when you create too much and releasing it when you need it most.

More comfort
Less overheating
Less chill
Less sweating
Active temperature regulation

Everybody’s sensitivity to temperature changes is different, which means everyone sweats or becomes chilled at different rates; quickly or slowly. But the temperature corridor in which we feel comfortable is relatively narrow: when the body core temperature of 98.6°F fluctuates only 3.6°F upwards or downwards we are subject to fever or hypothermia. Here Outlast® products help. They reduce temperature swings and influence the comfort zone efficiently. The microclimate is well balanced, one sweats less and is less chilled. You feel not to hot, not too cold, but just right.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Amoena Contact Breast Forms

Bev — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:58:49 +0000

She She fit specialists can answer any other questions you may have regarding Amoena contact breast forms. Appointments for Pre- and post mastectomy consultations and fittings are strongly recommended: 630-232-0933.

Q: What is a contact breast form?

A: Contact breast forms attach to the skin and move with the body, staying in place with every movement.

Q: What are the benefits of a contact breast form?

A: Contact breast forms relieve pressure on the shoulders, which is especially important for women with lymphedema or a larger bust. Additional benefits include easy wear and care, more freedom in clothing choices, like low cut-dresses. All of this can result in a greater feeling of security and self-confidence.

Q: Has the Contact adhesive been tested for skin compatibility?

A: In skin compatibility tests, most women did not have any issues with skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you have reactions to the silicone used in products such as stockings and strapless bras in the past, then the Contact breast form may not be the right choice. We recommend you discuss any concerns with your physician. Your skin may require a certain period of time to get used to the breast form’s adhesive. When you first wear the breast form you may experience slight skin reddening when you remove the form. This is generally caused by increased circulation and not an allergic reaction. If you experience an unusual skin reaction, immediately stop use and seek medical attention.

Q: How long can the adhesive back layer last?

A: The precise life of the adhesive layer will vary from woman to woman. On average the adhesive lasts approximately one year. While the life of the adhesive is determined by several factors, it is primarily dependent on properly caring for the form by following the provided care instructions.

Q: Is it really necessary to clean the Contact breast form every day?

A: Yes. The Contact form must be cleaned every day it is worn in order for the adhesive back layer to maintain its adhesive properties. The adhesive will pick up lint from clothing, dry skin cells, and body oils during daily wear. These deposits, if not cleaned and removed, will reduce the effective life of the adhesive and decrease the its ability to adhere to the body.

Q: Will the adhesive on the Contact breast form come off on the skin? Will it ever separate from the form itself?

A: The adhesive back layer is permanently affixed. It should not come off on your skin or come loose from the form itself.

Q: How can I be sure the Contact breast form will attach securely? Is a Contact breast form right for a woman who exercises and participates in sports?

A: Besides careful daily cleaning, a well-fitting bra is the best guarantee that the breast form will adhere securely. If you’re active, exercising or in a warm climate and perspire, this can inhibit the secure adhesion of the Contact breast form to the chest wall. Because the adhesive layer of the Contact breast form and your skin must be completely dry to securely attach the breast form to the body, many women have found the Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology helpful—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.

Q: If I have oily skin, will the adhesive layer stick to my body?

A: It’s the skin on the chest wall that must be considered. If your skin is extremely oily on your chest wall, the adhesive may not adhere well. Remember to properly cleanse the skin on the chest wall before applying the breast form.

Q: If I had radiation therapy on my chest wall, can I wear a Contact breast form?

A: If you have had radiation therapy on your chest wall, a Contact breast form may not be the right form for you. It is best to consult your physician before wearing a Contact breast form.

Q: If I use a skin moisturizer on my chest wall, will the adhesive layer still adhere to my body?

A: If you use a skin moisturizer on your chest wall, the adhesive layer may not adhere properly. Moisturizers often leave an oily or greasy residue on the chest wall that inhibits the adhesiveness. If you must moisturize your chest wall, use a small amount of Amoena Skin Balance Gel Cream. This cream is formulated to leave the skin feeling dry to the touch while providing ample moisture.

Q: If I take Nolvadex (tamoxifen), will this have any effect on how well the adhesive adheres to my body?

A: The most common reaction associated with hormonal breast cancer therapy is hot flashes similar to those many women experience during menopause. These hot flashes usually cause perspiration. Moderate to heavy perspiration will affect the ability of the adhesive back layer to adhere and to stay secure on the body. Choose a Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.

A Look Inside She She and Its Post Breast Surgery Products

Bev — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:08:38 +0000

She She is part of the five Merra-Lee Shops, located in historic downtown Geneva. She She carries the best in pajamas, lingerie, foundations, and post breast surgery (e.g. lumpectomy and mastectomy) products by Amoena.

For more than fifteen years, She She has been a proud leader in servicing post breast surgery needs. All She She fitters are expertly trained and knowledgeable of post surgery bras and products and are capable of assisting customers with their individual needs. Our staff boasts a combined 35+ years of bra fitting experience and proudly employs two ABC Certified Fitters (ABC=American Board of Certification of Orthotics and Prosthetics).

The store itself also obtained its ABC Certification for Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2009. She She is pleased to accommodate our mastectomy and lumpectomy patients’ needs by filing Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO on-site and can offer assistance with other insurance filing for coverage of prosthesis and bras.

She She has the area’s largest assortment of Amoena post breast surgery bras and other products. Our Amoena inventory includes full and partial breast forms, prosthetic nipple sets, post operative camisoles and bras, novelty bras and swimsuits.

Appointments with She She fitters are strongly encouraged to best accommodate our customers’ needs. Please feel free to contact us for further information at 630-232-0933. We look forward to meeting with you soon.

The She She fitters,

Denise CFm, Heather CFm, Alison, Christine, Marilyn, Martha, Peggy, Carol & Cindy

Le Mystere Bras

Bev — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:00:27 +0000

Among our brands of top quality bras at She She, we carry the Renaissance and Full Fit collections by Le Mystère. Michael Rabinowitz, founder and CEO of Le Mystère, has dedicated over 40 years to the intimate apparel industry. It is this experience that has helped to create the perfect fundamentals for the Le Mystère brand and its customer. Because Le Mystère understands that no two women are alike, the company offers a variety of styles.

Le Mystère’s Full Fit Collection is an extension of the Essentials collection, but caters to the full fit figure for women of all sizes.

If you haven’t been fitted for a bra in the last six months, it’s time to do so. Receive a complimentary fitting at She She, and when you buy two bras, including those by Le Mystère, you’ll get the third 1/2 price! Bras to not need to be purchased at the same time.

Spanx and Wacoal Shapewear

Bev — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:44:07 +0000

We’ll be shedding our coats and sweaters soon, so now is the time to get shapely for our spring and summer wear — and we’re not talking about going to the gym. We’re talking about stocking up on shapewear and smoother products from Spanx and Wacoal.

Introducing

The Wacoal iPant

The Wacoal iPant is more than shapewear—it’s hope on a hanger! It not only provides shapping support, it actually reduces cellulite and smooths your skin. Seriously. The Wacoal iPant is constructed of Novarel Slim® nylon microfibers with embedded microcapsules containing caffeine to promote fat destruction, vitamin E to prevent the effects of aging, ceramides to restore and maintain the skin’s smoothness, and retinol and aloe vera to moisturize and increase the firmness of the skin.

For best results, wear the Wacoal iPant 8 hours a day 7 days a week for 28 day. Novarel Slim test results show most women reported improved appearance, a reduction in thigh measurement and that their clothes felt less tight. Active ingredients are still present in he Wacoal iPant after 100 washes.

Spanx

Spanx shapewear is in the magazines and all over Hollywood as the premier under-garment body shaping product. Come in to She She to try out revolutionary Spanx hosiery and power panties that slim and shape target areas—tummy, thighs, hips and rear. Spanx, a patented product by Sarah Blakely, can be worn under even the tightest clothes without any visible panty lines. Most body shapewear products are too thick or stop on the thigh, causing discomfort and leaving bulges on the thigh that can be seen through clothes. Spanx shapewear, made with polyester and a thinner cotton, are unbelievably comfortable and provide the perfect amount of support without those unsightly bulges.

Unique Spanx features:

Waistband: Through the newest technology and a carefully chosen yarn combination, Spanx created a comfortable waistband, without the binding rubber cord that digs into the waist.

Control Top: The Spanx control top extends further than typical control tops to smooth out and support trouble areas.

Gusset: Spanx took a year to develop its cotton gusset, rather than the industry standard of polyester, to offer women a comfortable substitute for underwear.

Leg Bands: Spanx bands are knitted right into the garment, making it all one seamless piece that lies flat and comfortably on the leg.

Wacoal Bras

Bev — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:39:40 +0000

For most women, finding the perfect bra presents a great challenge—and She She is here to make the process a little more pleasant and a lot less frustrating. Our certified fitters will help you find not only the right size, but also the right bra for you. Our store only carries the highest quality brands, and Wacoal is one of the best. Women choose Wacoal bras for the superior comfort, fit, and design.

The all-female team of designers at Wacoal have worked for 25 years to earn the trust and respect of our customers in the United States. These women understand the importance of balancing great fit and function with extraordinary beauty and unique design. Wacoal bras range in sizes from AA to H cup and 30 to 44 band to accommodate the figures of different body types.

Style matters too, so She She has a variety of bras from Wacoal, including sexy B.Tempted by Wacoal.

What we love best about Wacoal, is that they guarantee customer satisfaction for all of its intimate apparel. If you haven’t been fitted for a bra in the last six months, come into She She at 17 S. Third St. in Geneva, IL — when you buy two bras, you’ll get 1/2 off the third. This includes our entire collection of Wacoal lines.