My Mission
Formerly part of the Burlington-based bra boutique A Sophisticated Pair, the Sophisticated Notion blog is a continuation and expansion of free educational resources for the intimate apparel industry. Whether it’s thoughtful product reviews, detailed recommendations, (lengthy) informational videos, or personalized style advice, I am here to help you find the best products for your size, lifestyle, and budget.
My name is Erica, and I previously owned and operated A Sophisticated Pair from from 2011 until 2020. Shortly after opening, I created a blog for the business with the sole aim of shamelessly promoting products and inexpensively drawing traffic to the fledgling business. Over time, the blog transformed into part product review potpourri, part lingerie manifesto, and part personal odyssey. When the business closed, my work curating content not only for the blog but also for the educational articles I wrote vanished into the ether of the Interwebs. What I did not expect was how integral the blog was to my sense of happiness and identity.
I missed writing new content and sharing my passions with others. I owed us a resurrection story. And so I bestowed upon it a new appellation, one befitting the bones of the old and the flesh of the new.
When I considered the name, I knew “Sophisticated” needed to be included. The Sophisticated Pair shop occupied nearly a third of my life, but more importantly, it shaped, sanded, and refined me into who I am now. It made me a better version of myself, and it was essential to bring that experience to this project. But what was the blog now?
There was no storefront or practical need to tether the posts strictly to bra reviews. I chose “Notion” because I want the blog to remain rooted in lingerie and fashion (and the word “notion” has ties to both) but it also represents a sense of vagary. Unlike the previous incarnation, A Sophisticated Notion is an informal, personal space where I can share not only my experiences but also the writing projects I’ve created. I want this to be a space where readers can find educational guides on bra fitting, product reviews, personal essays, and maybe even an interesting short story. I am nothing if not the culmination of my past and the hope for my future. And so is this blog.
The new direction may not appease everyone. Some readers may focus strictly on lingerie posts while others enjoy the variety. My expectation is you’ll come for the lingerie and stay for everything else. Regardless, it’s good to be back!
