Meet our Quaran-Team

With COVID 19, what I will now refer to as The 'Rona, we all have had to adjust our lives quite a bit. Here at cantiq, we are taking every bit of the Stay At Home order seriously. From closing our store (temporarily we hope) to enabling WFH (Work From Home) measures for all of our employees, our hope is to contribute as best we can to flatten the curve. Thats why I decided to take a minute to introduce you to the womxn behind the scenes, helping make and grow cantiq into what it is and what it's going to be.
April 29, 2020 — Chelsea Hughes
DIY Cloth mask for COVID-19 (How to) - cantiqLA

DIY Cloth mask for COVID-19 (How to)

We’ve received a number of inquiries about how to sew your own mask at home, so we wanted to make this information as accessible as possible to all of you. Please keep in mind that these masks should be used in conjunction with social distancing.
April 22, 2020 — Chelsea Hughes
Five Tips To Become A Better (Thirst) Trapper by Maddie - cantiqLA

Five Tips To Become A Better (Thirst) Trapper by Maddie

The art of the thirst trap is attempted by many, but perfectly executed by few. Just kidding, anyone is lucky to receive whatever juicy assets you are sending their way! Although Instagram crushes, Tinder matches, current, and past lovers are blessed to receive whatever you send their way there are still some tips and tricks to thirst trapping. During social distancing, thirst raps have become more important than ever because you most likely wanna show off those quaran-titties because what else are you up to?
April 12, 2020 — Chelsea Hughes
Allright 2019. - cantiqLA

Allright 2019.

So we are almost into the fourth month of 2019. DEEP BREATHS because we literally moved our retail shop to a brand new location… wait for it… in under a month.


Allright Collective had its grand opening February 9th and we are so pumped to share it with you! Featuring a rad group of LA made artists, makers, DIYers, and designers, the collective is bringing new life to Silverlake. You can find anything from illustrations, vintage finds, pins, bongs, pop culture candles, jewelry, and of course our handmade lingerie- plus so many more goodies from talented locals!


Allright is located at 3208 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California


Feel free to bring your dog. We love dogs. Do it.

 

For individual vendors, please check out their Instagrams below:                  

@goddessarmor                          @hey_puppy_la

@elevatejane                               @thecocktailhour_clothing

@waxandwanejewelry                 @reesabobeesa

@honeyandthehive                      @calliopecandleworks

@bummerdayss                           @helloharlot

@pamperedbypetal                      @shanti_wellness

@vivivanvette                               @lasirenashop

@standardthemes                        @house_of_who

@gaypinguys     

 

March 30, 2019 — Bridgett Betka
Your Open Closet - cantiqLA

Your Open Closet

 

Heads up Canada clients- we are coming to a store near you!


Started in 2017, Your Open Closet opened to offer body-positive lingerie for those who don’t fit the gender binary norms. Of course, we loved them right away and wanted to be featured with fellow inclusive brands. They also carry women’s health items like the Fun Cup menstrual cup, harnesses, pronoun pins,  and other novelty goods like Bill Nye socks.


For those of you who love our “more room” sizing, you’ll have to stop by and say hello to Ann and Lesley for us!


Your Open Closet is located at 902 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia.

#tbt F*ck Victoria's Secret - cantiqLA

#tbt F*ck Victoria's Secret

It has taken me awhile to find the words to respond to @victoriassecret and their “fantasy”  Well, here are the only words that come to mind...F*CK your “fantasy” Some may find my use of expletives “unprofessional” but if fiercely standing up for my trans/plus/queer/disabled/curve/non-binary and yes, even cis-male, fam is considered “unbecoming” than so be it. 
February 21, 2019 — Chelsea Hughes
Why the facelift? - cantiqLA

Why the facelift?

Hi! It’s us- the women of Cantiq Los Angeles!


I know we look a little different now, but it’s a good thing. Cantiq is about to hit its fourth year, and we wanted to liven things up a bit. I mean, we are pretty pumped about it. New website. New sizing. New us.


SO much has changed since 2015. We’ve expanded our straight sizes into plus sizes, carrying up to a size 3XL. Hello to our beautiful curvy ladies, we love you! And let’s not forget how we shook things up with our “more room” sizing for penis owners.


Yes, we said penis owners.


Without all of you, well, we would’ve had to close in 2016. Let’s just be honest. We just wanted to thank all of our customers, new and returning, for your ever-loving support for our brand. We will never stop creating for you.


Comment below with styles you’d love to see in the future!

December 03, 2018 — Bridgett Betka
Cantiq Anniversary Party - cantiqLA

Cantiq Anniversary Party

We just want to take a moment to thank everyone that came to our Anniversary party at AboveSIXTY Beverly Hills

Heres the link to the photos by @amyjasmine.com

and dont forget to tag our amazing sponsors, @spinspunsugars @crassholes and @aboveSIXTYbh

August 23, 2017 — Chelsea Hughes
Inspirational Women: Kevy Nathalie Alcindor - cantiqLA

Inspirational Women: Kevy Nathalie Alcindor

As our journey into the world of breastfeeding bralettes continues, we had the pleasure of working with Kevy and her bebé, Bomani. Kevy, originally from Venezuela but now living in Mexico and Brazil, is a perfect inspiration for our new nursing bralettes. Coming from a marketing and financial background, Kevy has utilized her skills to become an advocate for human rights and an influencial member of the breastfeeding community in Mexico. Her son is her number one passion, but in addition to that, she has always had a passion for helping and connecting people. Now lets hear from Kevy and Bomani...

Hi Kevy! Let's start off by talking about Bomani, your beautiful bebé. Can you tell us about the origin of his name and how you decided on that?

My bebé's name is Bomani, the name is from Africa, it means "strong warrior" or "strong soldier" in swahili.

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew inmediately I was gonna be on my own and I prayed for my baby to be resilient, strong and brave, which is why I wanted to name him after something that included that meaning. Once I found out it was a boy, I started reading around 5000 names that meant either strong or brave. I came up with 4 names, 3 of which sounded too "common" (my name is Kevy which is already weird enough). And i also loved the sound of Bomani. And that's how I decided to name him like that. He has a middle name, Daniel, that means "God is my judge" in Hebrew, a suggestion from my dad that i loved.

How old is Bomani?
He's 9 months and a half

What about breastfeeding empowers you?

The fact that it feeds someone, beyond of all emotional facts involved. I cannot believe i was capable of keeping someone alive for 7 months with stuff that came out of me! That gives me the power of efficiently care for someone. Maybe we take it for granted, but it still amazes me.

Breasfeeding has also given me a new purpose in life, make other women and men as well understand that it's so important for someone's beginning of life. So we - as parents - should all try to do it at least for a small amount of time

What are some major stigmas about breastfeeding and how do you feel you challenge them?

For me, it seems that people think I put myself in a second place because of the sacrifice it seems to imply: not being able to drink as much as before seems like a sacrifice for many, not sleeping as much as we were used to is huge, the physical image situations (boobs are dooooownhill LOL) make us think we're not the first priority, and definitely none of these are cool facts. Many of these push us to give up.

I see it in a completely different prospective. As I mention before, being able to keep someone alive for 7 months "just" with milk empowers me and gives me a purpose and importance in life. Hence I need to take care of myself more than before, specially in terms of nutrition and emotions, which makes the milk a product of better qulity, with great impact in the baby.

Many think breastfeeding is so easy...what are some challenges you face? (Not referring to social reactions, the actual act of breastfeeding)
At the beginning of course it hurt a lot. And of course it's so bad that you wanna stop right away. I've said this before, but I think you need 3 key things to have a successful breasfeeding experience: 1) timely and accurate information 2) support and 3) self confidence in your body. If one of the 3 is missing it's not gonna work. I've read that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt so definitely I thought something was wrong. And it was. Fortunately I was able to solve it with the help of my mum, my (IBCLC) lactation consultant and my pediatrician. At this point, it doesn't hurt anymore and the main challenge is being away from my son for long periods of time, because not breastfeeding makes me feel full and that can hurt! But honestly, actually breastfeeding hasn't been challenging lately, and I love it!


Did you ever doubt breastfeeding was the right choice?
Never. I always thought it was the best first gift I could give to my son.

Do you have any tips about milk production for our audience?
I have two. First, the best way to keep production is having the demand - AKA baby sucking as much as possible-. If you work full time - like I do - I know it's more difficult but directly breastfeed him as many times as you can when you're around. In weekends we get crazy, he must eat 10-12 times a day, and he's on solids too already!

Second tip, not sure if it's just a placebo effect, but the days I need to pump more than usual (my usual is once a day), I eat "lactation cookies" or "lactation brownies". It's a treat. There are many recipes out there but the common factor is that you add flaxseed, oats and more important, brewer's yeast. That apparently helps producing more milk.


In what ways have breastfeeding and motherhood changed your relationship with your body?
I learned to accept the consequences of pregnancy. Body definitely changes. It takes long to recover, specially if you were not very active. I used to run and work out but not very regularly, also did some yoga before giving birth. Since I stopped when I was 7 months pregnant (my last race), Up to this point I have not been able to workout as much and hence it has taken me longer to "get my body back". It's difficult to see yourself not as "attractive" - as the usual beauty standards dictate - as before. But now I see myself more like a curvy person, and I like it, I embrace it and accept it. Also when I feel fat or whatever I tell to myself: "your body had formed someone for 9 months, you may as well take that or more time to get it back." Or "you are freaking making food for someone out of your body, that's so powerful!"

My relationship with my body changes along the day, but I see that all this is for some time. It changes and can be difficult. But it helps my son being healthier, it's worth it.


What else would you like to see in terms of fashion/lingerie for breastfeeding mamas?
For those of us with big boobs, maybe some extr support can help, this same type of bras with wires could definitely work for me :)

I know you also have a line of bathing suits, something for breastfeeding would be great!

A sports bra for breastfeeding mommas is a must, something that we can open in the front would be amazing!

I also got to know Leche Libre (@leche_libre on instagram) that designs bad ass breastfeeding apparel. The idea is great, dresses are so perfect, comfy and versatile! More like this would make our world a friendlier Breastfeeding world :)


What, if any, BF communities are you in/find value from? Any you suggest expecting mothers to research?

Leche League worldwide is a great resource. If you can go to at least one meeting around the first month of your child, it'll be very useful. In Mexico my IBCLC lactation community and. Whatsapp group managed by the amazing doula Patricia Zedillo who runs Luperca maternity center in Mexico City has been extremely helpful for many of us. My advice is to find specialized help. There are several random motherhood groups, even-though they mean well there's no better help of a pro-lactation health professional, a pediatrician, a nurse, a nutritionist with appropriate certifications, leche league leaders and IBCLC consultants.

Is there anything else you'd like to say to expectant mothers, or mothers already breastfeeding?

There are many challenges. Giving birth a certain way or feeding your kid a certain way doesn't make you better or worse, as long as you are doing your best. If you decide to breastfeed, and wanna do it right, be patient and please don't compare you or your kids with others. Every experience is unique and amazing. Enjoy it because - this is gonna sound super cliché - it goes by very fast! Also, inform yourself properly about breastfeeding. For some weird reason I don't understand, still today, we prepare a lot for giving birth and not enough for breastfeeding. Eventhough birth is super important, breastfeeding is longer in terms of times. So we should consider prepare ourselves better about it. Read Ina May's guide to breastfeeding, one of my favourites.

Go check out and follow Kevy and Bomani's journey at the links below:

@kevynathalie ~  http://kevynathalie.blogspot.com

Photography credit: @mividabrevefoto
June 07, 2017 — Chelsea Hughes
cantiqLA now on Polyvore! - cantiqLA

cantiqLA now on Polyvore!

Have you guys tried out Polyvore? Like, reeeealllly tried it? Because we are addicted. Their website allows you to style all of your favorite brands seamlessly and save it for your next outfit inspo. This is just one of our boards that we are loving right now featuring our Y Control Bralette.

Check out the rest of our Polyvore here

Also, all customers that create a Polyvore look with their favorite cantiqLA pieces get 25% off their next order, just submit your Polyvore page to chelsea@cantiqla.com or comment below!

May 23, 2017 — Chelsea Hughes
Spring/Summer 2017 Limited Edition Lace Swimwear - cantiqLA

Spring/Summer 2017 Limited Edition Lace Swimwear

Who said Lace can't have as much fun on the outside as it does underneath? For this swim season, we are realeasing some of our best selling swim styles in a new Reversible Lace option. More colors will come soon but hurry and grab them while you can because these styles wont be available for too long! Please also note that all lace swim styles are for Pre-Order and take approx 2-3 weeks to ship.

xoxo cantiqLA Team

White and Mint Combo shown above

Black and Navy Combo shown here

March 29, 2017 — Chelsea Hughes
Four Feminist Leaders Arrested During "A Day Without a Woman" Protest - cantiqLA

Four Feminist Leaders Arrested During "A Day Without a Woman" Protest

On Wednesday, four of the lead organizers of the Women's March that took place in January were arrested outside of the Trump International Hotel in New York City during the International Women's Day "A Day Without a Woman" protest. 

They were among thirteen total people arrested during a protest meant to show "the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socioeconomic system — while receiving lower wages and experiencing greater inequities, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity."

Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory, Carmen Perez, and Bob Bland, as well as other supporters reportedly blocked traffic in the busy area, a move they called "civil disobedience." And although law enforcement warned protesters to stay off the streets, thirteen people simply could not give less of a f*ck.  

 

But what does it even mean for women to go on strike in 2017? Our parents and grandparents would have experienced something much different than we did on Wednesday. No women in 1950 would have meant dinner wouldn't have gotten made, laundry would pile up, and men all over the country would be scratching their heads trying to figure out how to change a freaking diaper. 

Today, it meant forcing our peers to see just how much value women hold in the workplace -- not just as home.

And although arrests were made yesterday, the overall protest went well. Around 1,000 protesters showed up to show their support, letting it be known that their voices would be heard. 

Women make up more than 47 percent of the U.S. workforce and are dominant among registered nurses, dental assistants, cashiers, accountants, and pharmacists, according to the census. Perhaps it had to take a strike in order for men to see where our worth it.

And perhaps, someday, they'll just grow up knowing this, instead. 

March 09, 2017 — Meaghan Lehrer