About Lucy (+ Measurements)
Hi! I’m Lucy. I’m a long-haired, piano-playing, corset-loving, health-obsessed nerd. I love dogs and my mom’s Jamaican cooking. I hate shoveling snow.
I collect corsets (of course), swords, convertible dresses, and convertible high heel shoes. I’ve always had a fascination with wearable technology, wearable art, and clothing/prostheses that are designed for multiple uses, and are beautiful to boot.
I’ve been teaching piano for 20 years (more than half my life) and have a passion to learn and to teach. Despite being on the music therapy path, I decided to switch my major to biochemistry in my undergrad and worked in a microbiology lab for several years thereafter in an effort to land a “practical, secure” career, but I was disenchanted by the endless pipette-pushing and lack of human interaction, and the arts kept pulling me back again and again.
In 2016 I graduated again as a registered nutritionist, a field where I can directly apply my biochemistry knowledge to helping people improve their relationship with food and with their bodies. I am fascinated by the parallels–and stark differences–between the nutrition field and the body modification industry. There is the obvious harm of “diet culture” and shapewear on one’s self-esteem and body image, and yet when used in a different manner, there is incredible potential to use food and corsetry for body positivity and personal autonomy. Instead of forcing everyone into one cookie cutter aesthetic, I am dedicated to allowing clients the freedom to explore their relationship with their own body, correct deficiencies, address strong reactions (physical sensitivities and psychological connections) to certain food, and help them find a healthy balance.
My History with Corsets:
I started studying corsetry and making corsets over 15 years ago, and it’s been my primary fascination-turned-business for a decade. I have a free excerpt from my book Solaced (and a reading thereof, if you prefer to listen rather than read) where I explain more about how I got interested in corsets!
A car accident in 2014 left me with chronic injuries and I am no longer able to take commissions for bespoke corsets, but in 2015 I was given the opportunity to outsource my work, combining anatomically patterned designs with OTR manufacturing for a comfortable, unique and economically priced option.
It’s one of my greatest privileges to combine my education in health sciences with my passion for teaching, and apply it to the art of corsetry. Contrary to mainstream views, corsetieres need a solid foundation (no pun intended) in anatomy and physiology to understand how the body responds to the pressure of the garment, and to create comfortable and safe corsets.
My Mission:
My original mission was to educate and empower the average corset-curious layperson; to provide a comprehensive and free body of work so anyone can compare the differences between corset brands; their prices, silhouettes, etc. In other words, to create a savvy community of corseters who they are not at the mercy of greedy brands that exploit and swindle their customers. This is why I’ve filmed over 200 corset reviews, created the brand research guide, and built the Corset Database!
Besides this… it has now also become my mission to let the world know that modern corsets are not the same stigmatized “torture contraptions” featured in sensationalized media, and they’re not purely for vanity; on the contrary, contemporary corsetry can improve one’s relationship with their body, and can potentially offer therapeutic benefits. Eventually, I would like to go back to school – again – this time, to study orthopedic technology to further combine my passion for the aesthetics of corsetry with the therapeutic benefits, and become certified to design physician-approved and insurance-subsidized orthopedic bracing devices that are also comfortable and beautiful – the best of all worlds.
My Measurements/ Stats
Although I try to be as objective as possible in corset reviews, the shape/fit/comfort section at the beginning of each video IS still subjective, as everyone’s body is different. At the request of some viewers, I’ve provided my natural measurements as I realize that it’s sometimes difficult to gauge how a corset will fit on your body based on how the same corset fits on me. When you watch one of my corset reviews, please pay particular attention to my hip spring and torso length especially, and never presume that a corset will fit the same way on everyone!
This set of measurements may also be a useful resource for “body doubles” when I’m paring down my personal corset collection. If you are curious about other numbers, please send me an email. Please don’t be creepy about it.
Circumferential measurements:
Full Bust: 35″ (89cm) (Left side is half cup bigger than the right side at times.)
Underbust (ribcage): 29″/73.5cm (full exhale); 31″/79cm (full inhale). (I generally request ~ 30″/76cm)
Natural waist: 27″ – 28″ /68.5-71cm (depending on time of cycle, how much I ate, etc.)
Corset sizes:
- Underbust OTR corsets I can usually close size 24″, or wear size 22″ with a small gap.
- Overbust OTR corsets I normally wear size 24″.
- Custom fit corsets I usually request to close a size 22″ but have gone as small as 20″.
Iliac crest (high hipbones): 33.5″/85cm (I usually request 34″, as my left iliac protrudes more than my right)
Full hip around the bum (about 7 inches down from the waist): 36″/92cm
Approximate vertical measurements:
Please note that my torso tends to be on the long side, and my waist sits rather low. For this reason, many standard-size overbusts tend to look too short on me, but this may not be the case for you. Don’t be surprised if you find that your own waist-to-underbust vertical measurement is an inch or two shorter than my own!
Full height: 5’5″ (165cm)
Waist-to-armpit: 9.5 or 10″ (25cm)
Waist-to-fullest-bust: ~9″ (23cm) with the tape held taut, 10″ (25cm) with the tape contoured around the root of the breast.
Waist-to-underbust: about 5.5″ (14cm)
Waist-to-iliac: 3.5″ (9cm)
Waist-to-lap: 5″ (12.5cm)
For me to sit comfortably, most longline corsets are no longer than 10.5 – 11 inches from underbust to lap, although the center front can be as long as 13 inches if the corset is pointed in the front (rises up over the sternum and dips down at the pubic bone).
Lucy!:)
I’m Roxy. I just left a comment on your sleeping video telling you how amazing your videos are. I was wondering (and if it isn’t too much of a bother) Would you be so kind as to maybe direct me towards some wasp-waist cincher corsets that are reasonably priced? I love that dramatic look. I concurrently due to all of your great reviews about timeless trends ordered a more soft beginner waist training corset at a size 24. Wish me luck!!:) I’m most certainly keeping up with your page and posts. My email address is: Ro*******@***il.com
Once again, thank you so much for doing what you do<3
Hi Roxy! Thanks for stopping by! :) I know of two wasp-waist corsets – one is the “Baby” corset by “What Katie Did” – that one is shorter (only about 7″ high) and great for tightlacing with minimal pressure on ribs/hips, but unfortunately can’t waist train in one (Katie, the owner, says they’re not suitable to wear every day). Heavenly Corsets also makes wasp-waist training corsets, either for occasional tightlacing or for daily waist training – the waist training ones are a bit more expensive but more sturdy in construction. :)
I hope this helps!
Hi Lucy,
I want to say a big THANK YOU for all the amazing information you have given me. I have always been fascinated by corseting and the beautiful women who practice this but never realized how realistic it would be for someone like me to begin waist training. I was doing some research for a Halloween costume when I stumbled upon your YouTube channel. I am a 32 year old single Mom and have not had much of a waist since having my daughter at the young age of 18. Being so young (17 when I got pregnant) and naturally thin, I didn’t take care of myself quite as well as I would today and gained a substantial amount of weight. I went from a size 5/7 to a 14. Needless to say, it took me until age 30 to finally really step up health wise and I am proud to say that I am the healthiest Ive been since having her over 14 years ago! Yes…that means my baby is in High School AH! That being said…it is time to do for me! I have not reached my goal weight (15 more lbs to go) but I would love to start waist training as part of this process. The chance that this could assist me in losing these last few lbs (15 is a few when you’ve lost 60!) and give me the waist I haven’t had in years is so motivating! I have already watched several of your videos and plan to watch them all! I will be setting up a YouTube account just to subscribe! I know you hear this quite often but as a beginner, what corset/s would you suggest. Here is some of my info that may help!
-I would like an under-bust
-Off the rack if my measurements seem reasonable for this. (I would like to keep the price reasonable for starting, if it works for me I would be willing to invest in a custom later on)
-I have a bit of a “pooch” (c-section will do that!) if thats what I should call it. Nothing too dramatic but enough that I would want something a bit longer in front, not too short.
-I would like a bit of rib tightening. I have always hated that my ribs protrude a bit too much so I am thinking corseting could help. Not too much as I really want to go for the perfect hourglass. I also do not want the way too small sharp wasp waist.
-My measurements! Bust- 33″ Waist-29″ Hip-36″ My center under-bust to my center hip is about 10″.
As far as the vids I have watched so far I really liked the shape of the WKD Mae Extreme or the Morgana Femme Couture but would like to keep the price as low as possible (within reason…I want quality!) for now and dont know if those are suitable for beginner training.
So again, thank you so much for being such an inspiration and wealth of knowledge! I look forward to watching many more videos from you!
Best,
Kristina
Hi Kristina, thanks for your comment – for off-the-rack corsets that have a gentle hourglass silhouette, I do supply Timeless Trends corsets on this site. They’re the best quality/price ratio I’ve been able to find, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. If you want a longline corset to give some lower tummy and hip coverage, there is the Josephine corset by Isabella Corsetry $175 (this is certainly not a “gentle” hourglass though, it’s quite dramatic) or the CS-426 (also called the “Lucy” corset, heh) by Orchard Corset, $95. I don’t supply those ones but if you google the name then the site should show up. :)
Hi Lucy,
I just wanted to drop by to thank you for all the work you’ve done. You are a wonderful and interesting person, and I love watching your youtube corset reviews. I’ve always loved corsets and have been wearing them for some years now (topped off with my 40 inch long hair). We do look a bit alike, though you are prettier :)
It’s partly because of your clips and tips I decided to work on improving my sewing, and am atm making my first successful corset. Thanks again for everything you are doing!
If you ever happened to be in Belgium, I would be happy to do a little photoshoot with you, so you can show off your work even more!
Kindest regards
Eleni
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Eleni! I’m very happy that my videos can help you. I work hard on them so others may learn from my experiments, mistakes and successes. Please feel free to show your wonderful corset once it’s finished! If I ever get the opportunity to travel, I would love to meet you and have some pictures taken. It’s wonderful that we look a bit alike – I wonder if we had a picture taken together, if people would think we’re sisters. :)
I think such a photo would look wonderful! Our main difference is probably my skin color. I have a very pale skin, i’m afraid. Here’s an old picture of me: http://sidneyeileen.com/wp-content/gallery/er-blacksatin/serie5-2small.jpg?c3a98b . My hair has grown a lot longer since then. I was the commissioner of the black ribbon corset Sidney Eileen made a tutorial about. I believe you mentioned the tutorial in one of your reviews.
Hi lucy
i d like to know if you know a espevific corset for lordosis in lombar vertebra?
I m using corset 28″ now but i start to feel pain what didnot happen when i was in my 30″.now the 30″ is bigger so i changed for 28″ but started to hurt…i can breath normal but i feel pain all day
Hello, for lumbar lordosis or “sway back” I think a front lacing corset with a closed back may be a good option for you. I had a front-lacing corset which had a very flat front and a curved back, because it allows spiral steel bones to be used in the center back seam. Bound By Obsession makes some front-lacing cinchers.
HI- THIS IS ALEXA, I’VE ALWAYS LOVED WEARING CORSETS MOSTLY THE ONES TO SHAPE THE BODY LIKE SHAPERS, BUT NOW IM INTO REAL CORSETS, PLEASE HELP ME WITH MORE INFO ON HOW TO START IF I WANT WAIST TRAINING, MY EMAIL IS ne*****@*****il.com THANKS!! :)
Hello! I’m sending you an email right now. :)
Hi Lucy, you were very helpful to me a while ago. I am making Padme’s picnic dress corset at the moment and there is the hook & eye closure at the back. Though there are only 2 images that show the back more clearly on the padawansguide website. http://www.padawansguide.com/padme/flowered/padme_flowered_promo2.jpg
http://www.padawansguide.com/fidm/dm41.jpg
It only lets you zoom in so much on them.
I have attempted once before to place hooks and eyes on a dress backing, but it didn’t turn out to good, one thing is they keep coming undone. I have looked through most of your tutorial videos and searched on-line, but I cannot find much help on anyone porviding advice on doing a better job. I see your corsets are mainly lace up at the back, which is probably the more traditional way, but it is just like the movie costume industry to make things in a way that there isn’t much info to help yourself.
Do you have any tutorials that I might have missed for doing back hook and eye closure.
Thanks from Tracy
Hi Tracy, unfortunately I don’t have any tutorials with a back hook and eye closure. One of the defining characteristics of a corset is that it has adjustable lacing in the back – if it doesn’t have lacing then it’s not a corset. I do have a couple of videos on how to insert a busk which is sort of like a heavy-duty hook and eye, attached to bones.
Hello, My name is Ginger Maxim, I am a male Crossdresser. I hope it is ok to write something here.
I fell in love with Corsets and Waist Cinchers. I bought my first one ever back in May, 2012. I tried it on 3 times and noticed all the insides ripping and tearing. So I stopped wearing it. I fantasize about having a small beautiful waist. But I think I might have just purchased a cheaply made Waist Cincher… How do I know if the next one I buy will hold up to my demands. I have a 32″ waist and would love to get my waist as small as possible or IS IT POSSIBLE… I am a total begginer to “Corsetry” But wish to learn more.
Would love to hear your comments, Lucy and if you can make me a professional Waist Cincher? I hope I didn’t step on any toes or offend any one…
Ginger Maxim, very excited to hear from …
xoxo
Hi Ginger, Thanks for your comment – I’ve just replied to your email. :)
Hey Lucy,
I love your videos and all of the insightful information you offer. I have decided to start waist training and want to invest in a nice custom made corset. Who would you suggest Heavenly Corsets or Bound By Obsession? Who do you think makes a better quality, every day corset for waist training?
Also if you have any other suggestions, please let me know. Thank you so much!!!
Sincerely,
Tara
Hi Tara! Thanks for your comment. :)
In truth I haven’t tried Bound by Obsession – I tried her husband’s corset, who ran Bezerk. While I’m sure the two had shared some construction techniques I can’t be absolutely sure that they’re identical and whose are better. However if you purchased from Heavenly corsets then I know Elle’s work is consistent. It has held up for a good amount of time for me, although if you order from her then I would suggest asking for more grommets spaced closer together in the back, so it doesn’t bow outward in the back. I also have a corset from Starkers that I have yet to film a review for, but she does amazing work. I hope this helps! :)
Hi, I’m Che. I am grateful to fall upon your channel as well as your website. I stumbled upon your head bang video and your hair videos, not realizing you did the corsetry until i was going through your awesome videos. You are an inspiration in my hair and waist goals. You’re so thorough at explaining things, and i love the scientific part of it. I’m in college, still debating my undergrad degree with a love of sciences! you are a great teacher.
Hi Che, thanks very much! :) I appreciate your kind words.
I am so thankful I found this site from your You tube videos. I have loved my Timeless Trends underbust corset that I happened to buy at a Ren Faire a few years ago, mainly because I wanted to work on a wench outfit to wear in following visits. :P Until I found out about corset training, I figured I had made a silly purchase.
I am used to wearing shapewear to somewhat reduce and smooth my waist, but always found it lacking in strength. You have been a great inspiration to further my love for that “hug” feeling of a corset. With your wealth of knowledge, I feel very informed on making the decision to train. I work at a custom bra fitting store, where knowledge is very important and I cannot thank you enough for your reviews, explanations and medical know-how. Your videos are a great show of your intelligence and passion for corsets! I hope to sometime in the future work with you for a custom corset. :)
Hi KT, thanks for your kind message. :) I’m glad that my videos have meant so much to you – and I would love to work with you in the future! It’s awesome that you work in a custom bra store; bras are my weak point hehe.