Let me tell you about the Karen. Wouldn't you know it, I'm wearing it right now! So, anyway. This is a bra that I searched high and low on the internet for in my "default" size (30G). At one point I found it on Nordstrom's website on sale, but then I didn't act quick enough and it slipped through my grasp. Imagine my delight, when I found the Karen at my local Nordstrom Rack on clearance for $22.

But! I compromised with a 32FF. So I feel like I should put a giant disclaimer on this review, because while it technically fits, it is on the tightest hook. Like, if I had my way, I would much rather have a 30 band. However, given the nature of the cups, I wonder if a 30G would have ended up stabbing me in the armpits. But I digress.

Let me start by saying I've tried a couple of other molded "plunge" models and this one may be by far the most comfortable. For example, take the Freya Deco -- while I love that bra, it goes slightly farther up in the armpits than the Karen. The Deco also smushes your boobs closer together and up, while the Karen seems to just lift them up but not necessarily smushed together. Not that there's anything wrong with that! It just means, given the cut of the bra, you can wear something that is more of a V-neck with the Deco than you can with the Karen. The Karen is good for necklines that are open or wide but that don't dip down too low. In general, I love the rounded, uplifted shape that the Karen gives my profile. It might look like I'm getting some quadboob action, but that's only if I contort enough while taking photos (but I'm working on that lol).

Of course, I love the star pattern. This is why I sought it out! The material is soft and but no means scratchy. To me, the band is firm for a 32, given that I prefer 30 bands. I do wish that the straps seemed a little less flimsy. I mean, maybe I'm used to .75 inch straps now, instead of the half inch straps here. Another thing is, if I had my way, I would design this model with three sets of hooks, instead of the two that this model (and every other Cleo model I've tried) has. Why the resistance to the three sets of hooks? :'(

Okay, I'm done waxing poetic about the Karen. I say if you have boobs like mine, get your hands on a Karen and try it out for yourself https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

Updated on Mar 16, 2013 Flag this

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