Amoena

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.

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.

Real Simple Magazine recently posted an excellent series of articles on how to flatter specific body types through fashion—what to wear and what not to wear. Here’s a quick and dirty summary from our buyers—study up and then come into Merra-Lee, The Meeting Place, and Boutique 15 and let our new summer fashions work their magic!  The principles below also apply to formal styles at The East Room.

Apple Shape:  Tends to carry the most weight around the midsection.

Apple shapes should wear:

• Angular lines
• Wrap tops
• Anything with a corset-style structure
• Pleating and gathering under the bust
• Deep v-necks and scoop necks
• Straight-leg bottoms
• Higher-waisted pants and pants with a bit of stretch to hold stomach in

Apple shapes shouldn’t  wear:

• Extreme A-lines, or anything too blousy that lacks shape
• Busy details like pocketing on top half
• Patterns that don’t match overall size (e.g. don’t wear small prints on a bigger frame)

Pear Shape:  Smaller on top/bigger on bottom

Pear Shapes should wear:

• Darker colored pants with stiff or stretch fabric
• Seams that run down the front of the leg
• Fluted skirts
• Lower and thicker waistbands
• Tops that are slightly A-line
• Low-slung tunic tops
• ¾-length jackets and tops

Pear Shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Fading on your denim, which highlights trouble areas
• Too-tight tops
• Attention-grabbing pocket details on the hips and thighs

Hourglass Shape: Curvy around bust and hips with smaller waist

Hourglass Shapes should wear:

• Simple, solid shapes
• Thick belts
• Pencil skirts
• Volume around the shoulder
• Wrap tops, scooped and boatneck necklines
• Bootcut or flare pants

Hourglass shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Ruffles
• Frills
• Lapels
• Busy patterns
• Straight, boxy shapes

Boy Shape:  Straight up and down

Boy shapes should wear:

• Details at the bust such as ruffles, wraps and rouching
• Sleeveless tops and halters
• High-waisted skirts
• Bootcut pants and jeans, with a lower rise

Boy shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Menswear-inspired styles
• Straight cuts
• “Boyfriend” jeans

The Merra-Lee shop is all NEW, and we’re ready to celebrate with big savings for YOU!

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Explore the New Merra-Lee:

Fun, Fresh & Fabulous!

Cut Loose clothing is for women who aren’t willing to sacrifice fashion for comfort and visa versa—that’s why it’s become one of the most popular designers at The Meeting Place.  Cut Loose began out of a box on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, when two enterprising expatriates decided to bring European flair to California and sold dyed cotton T-shirts and drawstring pants to passers by.  Because there were no dressing rooms on the wharf, sizes had to be forgiving, and that tradition continues today but with a much wider variety of styles, which can be dressed up or down, in an array of soothing and fun colors.

The skirts are a trendy new twist on a 1980s pattern for tennis skirts. It’s a fresh and flexible look that can be dressed down or up and is convenient for packing since it can be folded up like an accordion.

The style lends itself perfectly to Livermore’s penchant for mixing various textiles from previously worn clothing because the skirts are made from strips of different, but coordinating, men’s suit and pant fabrics. Men’s trousers have never before looked so good!

Beverly donates most of her profits to charity, including a sewing school in Honduras and the Glenwood School for Boys and Girls in St. Charles.  The Geneva Patch recently featured Beverly in the article linked below:

Local Designer specializes in “New Again” Fabrics

Mark scoured our basement, attic, and other nooks and crannies for very cool display pieces—which didn’t seem nearly so cool until he got a hold of them:

Note the luggage display - Naot shoes are perfect travel companions!

New French door entrance to She She

Merra-Lee’s selection of  contemporary fashions for women of all ages and expanded collection of fabulous casual jewelry will be showcased in sleek, new surroundings, where you’ll be bathed in natural light because we’re knocking down walls to let the sun in.

We don’t want to spoil the surprise…but we can’t resist giving you these peeks at what you can expect at the new Merra-Lee.  We’re open during construction, so feel free to stop by 230 W. State Street for a real-life sneak preview.

Watch for details regarding our official Grand Re-Opening event this spring.

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Shark tail: Don’t worry, the “mermaid” look isn’t back…yet, anyhow. But we’re still going under the sea this spring with shark tail points accenting the bottoms of tees and other tops.

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Slouch pockets: Or drape pockets.  Cut to match the laid-back feel of Spring 2011, these over-sized pockets casually drape, or slouch, at the bottom of tops and dresses this season.

Slub knits: a lightweight knit with short horizontal lines of texture running throughout. It has nice stretch and drape, so it’s perfect for tops, T shirts and cardigans.

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Tresses: Tunic + Dress.  These multi-purpose tops or dresses are stronger than ever and work well over slim pants and leggings/jeggings. Jegging (jeans + legging) is another fairly new term, first gaining in widespread use last fall.  Jeggings continue to be a fashion staple this spring.

Brand new spring fashions are arriving at our stores, and it’s time to refresh those wardrobes.  We know keeping up with the latest trends can be confusing and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.   Many of the items currently hanging in your closet are still trending, so all you need to do is add a few key pieces to keep your look easily and affordably up-to-snuff.

Our buyers are out at the markets talking to industry experts and top designers to learn what’s going to be hot this summer.  There’s a lot to know, so we’re going to break down this coming season’s fashion tips into a series of posts, or “classes” so stop back regularly for:

Spring Fashion 2011 101!

To start out, here’s a quick peek at Spring 2011:

Something Old: Sleeveless tops and dresses are still strong, as are slim pants and jeggings.

Something New: Skirts are getting longer, going to knee and tea lengths.  Stripes are hot. Other new styles: slub knits, shark tails, slouch pockets, and tresses (don’t know what these are?  Neither did I. Tune in to the next post).

Something Borrowed: The fashion world is borrowing heavily from the military this upcoming season, with lots of khaki’s and utilitarian-wear.

Something Blue: …and coral and lime green and khaki!  Khakis and other military-inspired neutrals are strong, but at the same time so are bright colors and floral prints.  Mixing colors and styles will be HUGE in Spring 2011.

Our next lesson will be a tutorial on Spring 2011 Fashion Vocabulary, in which we learn what in the heck a Slub Knit is and why you want it.

We know many of our customers value American made clothing. At our shops, we purchase women’s apparel from the best designers around the globe, so our clothing and jewelry collections are international; however, because  quality is just as important to our buyers as style, a natural result is that many of our women’s fashion lines are made right here in the U.S.A.

In our stores, you’ll find “Made in the U.S.A.” labels in women’s designer tops, pants, dresses and T shirts, including fashions by:

Carol Tomkins; Cut Loose; Fenini; Hanky Panky; Hodges; Jenny B; Nally & Millie;
Staples

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Several pieces in our unique  jewelry collection are also American made,  including designer pieces by:

Anne Koplic

Kelsey Lynn Kreations

Marjorie Baer