Lingerie Heaven & Freya Deco 28GG!

There's two things that can't excite me more - fabulous well fitting lingerie and bargain hunting.  Put them together and I'm one pretty happy bunny!  Allow me to introduce you to the web's best kept secret; Lingerie Heaven.

I first came across Lingerie Heaven back when I was hunting down a specific bra which was discontinued and so hard to get hold of: the pretty Panache Tango Spirit bra with it's quintessential floral print.  My heart literally skipped when I saw the bargain £10 price tag.  I've found all the prices are significantly lower than the RRP and as if that wasn't good enough, you can also earn loyalty points on your purchases in return for free lingerie!  I suddenly felt like I'd discovered by destiny this hub of lingerie lust worthiness.  If there was ever a recession beating tip, this is one.

Lingerie Heaven website

Lingerie Heaven is a neat little shop tucked away in a corner of the web with its roots firmly planted in fitting excellence.  Should you be lucky enough to live near the Hertfordshire base you have the beneficial option of a proper fitting consultation, but even if you don't, there's always help and advice on hand via email from an experienced fitter.  For anyone who struggles to source small backs such as 28s or need a cup right up to a KK, you're sure to find what you need right here.

I was really interested to find out that Lingerie Heaven was founded out of the same frustration experienced by many of us.  Proprietor, Clare, started the business after realising the very same problem with finding well fitting, supportive and attractive underwear in larger cup sizes.  In a day when the archaic +4 is still being rung out, it's refreshing to know that this is one retailer which shuns the old ways.

Clare told me "As someone with a smaller back size and a large cup I understand just how frustrating it is to find a good fitting bra and so I wanted to provide a ‘to order’ service so as many sizes as possible are available for my customers rather than selling just the items I had in stock."  Adding, "As a fitter I find a lot of women are a smaller back size than they realise as they are all using the +4 or +5 method to measure themselves when this does not give an accurate fit."

I have to be honest, I've never had such a thorough and helpful consultation before.  Clare was keen to help me find the best bra to suit me and following some wonderful options decided to go for the Freya Deco.  I explained my recurring problem with sizing differences across brands and ranges, which was when the Deco in 28GG was recommended.  Freya Deco in a 28GG?  You heard right. They've only gone and introduced a GG to the 28 back options!  Time for celebration, me thinks!

I've been envious of other Deco loyalists because I couldn't join the club.  I'd heard much about the amazing fit and got a taste of it via Deco's pretty sister, Ashlee, but I'd found the 30GG a little too big.  It was like a dream come true to be told of the arrival of 28GG this month.

The bra arrived speedily and I was ridiculously excited to get the package opened.  I felt like I was eight years old again, opening the goodies in my Christmas stocking at the foot of my bed.  Deco was lust at first sight and loved followed once I slipped into it...

Me wearing Deco Plunge Bra

I was sent the Deco plunge bra in charcoal which is a dark smokey grey colour.  I actually love wearing grey so it's a very pleasant, wearable shade.  This Deco features two little pearlescent buttons and a grey bow to the centre gore.

The fit is spot on, I'm so pleased with it.  I've been finding lately that 30 bands fit me best with Freya bras but as the band on the Deco is quite stretchy the 28 is perfect.  The moulded seam-free cups are well supporting and yet gives a remarkable cleavage with a natural rounded shape.  What I love about the Deco over Ashlee or Taylor is that the cups are totally smooth without additional frills or lace which means it's excellent to wear under close fitting tops.  Through my t shirt, I have no bulging, no unsightly boob spillage and I, for once, have a perfectly unadulterated silhouette.  How refreshing to finally find a supportive and comfortable bra that doesn't advertise through my clothes!

No spillage or quadra-boob!

And comfort would be the defining sensation I've experienced through wearing Deco for several days now.  I've been able to wear it through entire days of activities and not once felt like I wanted to take it off.  I think this is what makes a really great bra, something I'm sure my fellow fuller bosom friends would agree on.  :-)

Great news -  you can buy the brand spanking new Deco in 28GG now and exclusive to Becky's Boudoir readers you can claim a generous 20% off all orders - that's everything in the shop, including sale items - from Lingerie Heaven.  Offer ends 6th July 2012.  Add code: blogger20 at the checkout.

Becky x

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How Panache Tango-ed Without Me

Tango.  It's been Panache Superbra's most successful collection having enjoyed a recent 10 year celebration with the launch of the Tango Luxe.  I've read countless reviews raving about the Tango's super fit yet I can not speak of such an unequivocal opinion.  Panache Tango danced the last dance without me.

My Tango journey began with the balconette style in a 28GG.  I bought it in hot pink.  The colour was gorgeous and I was excited with the anticipated liberation.  It didn't happen.

Tango 28GG

Tango 28GG

The 28 back was uncomfortably tight with side boning which came up so high it dug in and hurt beneath my armpit.  The cups were too small and restrictive; my boobs were pressed in and squashed and bulged over the cups.  It wasn't a pretty sight and about as comfortable as cramming size 6 feet into a size 4 shoe.  It hurt.

I decided the balconette wasn't the best style for me so opted for the Tango Plunge next.  This time I bought the 28H.  Would it fasten up?  Like heck would it.

Tango 28H

Now the cups were spot on.  I fitted in it like a dream.  If only the back fastened!  I've never in my life attempted to put on such a small band, I was sure it was defective.  I emailed both Panache and the retailer I bought it from yet neither helped.  I was able to return the bra for a refund but I never did find out if it was a dodgy product or not.

So the Tango 28H was almost there but not quite...

Tango Plunge 28H

Recently I bought the Tango Classic 30GG, taking the stance that the 28 just wasn't going to fit me, and that judging by the fact I'd gone up in the band since the original 28GG I'd tried, this one may do the trick.  Yet again it didn't happen.  Also stupidly I totally forgot to take any pictures of it on me.  D'oh!  This time the 30 band felt right but the cups were again too small.  At first I thought it was the right fit but found as I wore it a little the cups couldn't contain me and I was falling out all over the place.  So annoying.

Tango Classic 30H

Finally I went for the Tango Classic in 30H.  I actually give up.  The band, yes, comfortable, the cups - ridiculously too big!  Where the 30GG faltered in the too small cups I expected the 30H to be the one (after all, the 28H was too small).  The cups seem to have been made to circle wider back under the armpit, so I could feel huge unfilled areas beneath and around each boob.  It looks silly and I feel swamped in it.

Tango Classic 30H

Tango Classic 30H

I just don't think I'll find a happy medium with Panache Tango and I'm gutted.  Sometimes I really do crave just a simple, non invasive, light bra that doesn't feel like I'm lugging around the kitchen sink.  When the hot summer spells descend, that's when I crave it most.

The only thing I would say is I've switched and played around with a few different ranges of the Tango, including the balconette and plunge with the original leaf embroidery and then the two plunge Classics.  The original fabric is taut with no stretch whatsoever, whilst the Classic is much more pliable.  Maybe I shouldn't give up on Tango quite so soon, after all I could always go back to the 28H and try it in the Classic...

What's your experience with and opinion of the Tango collection?  Any suggestions and advice for finding the perfect fit?

Becky x

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I'm in The Sunday Sun!

A week ago I was reading the Sunday Sun newspaper online and happened across a competition they'd just launched; the Miss Sunday Sun contest.  I enter the odd modelling competition, not all the time though because these competitions are usually for younger girls.  There was no age limit stated so I decided I had nothing to lose and entered myself.

A few days ago I received a call and email from a journalist at the Sunday Sun wanting to speak to me with regards to my application.  They were keen to hear more about my background and why I entered, and they wanted to know who took the photo which I sent them as they were keen to publish it in the paper.  

It's always a difficult one, being asked why you entered a competition.  I find it's along the same lines as those tie breakers you get with certain competitions where the most unique and clever answer wins.  I  feel like I have plenty influences why I entered so I probably kept them on the phone for longer than they intended!

CavyCapers.com played a huge part of my life, almost my entire twenties, devoted to all things guinea pig.  I loved every minute of it and was often in papers and magazines because of it.  Sharing my knowledge and helping people was my drive force.  I still do love my guinea pigs (and now rabbits!) but I grew disheartened and somewhat bored with the direction I was going in.  At the beginning of 2009 I was on the radio and in the papers talking about the new Disney G Force movie and chatting about CavyCapers.com. Yet by the end of the year I'd come runner up in a Face Of campaign for leading pharmaceuticals brand, Pharma Nord and I'd been on national tv (in a bid to win a wedding!) declaring myself as a model.  I'd begun my modelling journey and discovered my next passion.

So that's pretty much my story - with the addition that I was also by this time suffering with fibromyalgia - and even though I've now hit thirty, I've got passion and dedication and don't want to stop.

Today the paper came out and I discovered myself beaming right back at me on page 2.  I love the picture and so proud of my fiance, Sean who was the photographer.

Me!

I'm not sure how the contest will pan out and how the applicants will be ultimately picked but I really value your support.  I would love to get to the next stage.  I just may need your help with my quest.  :-)

Becky x

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Fibromyalgia, Modelling and Me

I wanted to touch on something that I wouldn't usually discuss on this blog but felt compelled to write about.  I have a condition called fibromyalgia.

I've been suffering with fibromyalgia for several years now and have met along the way some lovely people who also live with the illness including other bloggers and even models.  It is a common health condition yet still is a relatively little understood illness which I am often asked about of its effects.  New acquaintances and quite often photographers are timidly putting the question to me, curious but at the same time not wanting to offend.  It's become apparent to me that some people are in a way afraid.  Afraid what it is, what it means and ultimately how it affects them.  So I've decided to lift the lid and bare all.

Fibromyalgia, or FM or FMS for short, literally translates as muscle pain ('fibro' means the fibrous tissues, 'my' is muscles and 'algia' is pain).  It's a chronic condition meaning long standing, and very much widespread of the whole body, specifically in certain areas.  In a nutshell it means it's generally a lifelong condition that involves pain in its many forms body wide.  It's also a syndrome which means the pain is simply the beginning, before delving into the nitty gritty, some of which include fatigue, tiredness, stiffness, migraines, short term memory loss (commonly referred to as 'fibro fog'), irritable bowel syndrome and depression.  Over days, weeks and months, severity of symptoms vary, whilst peak painful and disturbing periods are known as flare ups.  Medication coupled with careful planning can help with the daily management.  'Pacing yourself' is the mantra you live by.

By Chris Rout

I don't want to get in too deep with all the medical speak, it's not all that interesting if it doesn't affect you and even for a fibro sufferer myself, it can get really tedious!  It is important however if it's something you've heard about and maybe if you've found yourself asking the question yourself.  I understand that it can sound big and scary especially if you've read it as a health notice on one of my modelling profiles.  I want to clarify how it affects me and what it means you can expect.

I do have to live with daily fatigue and pains in various parts of my body.  Days are better than others and vice versa.  I take medication and generally I can cope pretty well with the symptoms.  I may feel it, but I try not to show it, and I've never heard anything negative about it affecting me on a shoot.  I have my fiance with me going to, on and from my shoots because I do need the assistance.  Driving is very draining for me and most distances cause me agony, so it's best not to drive myself.  During the shoot, it can be difficult for me to put on some clothing and need the second pair of hands.  Some poses can be stressful for me, I may require help getting into a position, but I will always try.  The fact is a shoot is never that long and as soon as I'm finished I begin winding down.  Well, the winding down is actually more like dying, or at least dropping off to sleep as soon as I land in the car.  Sometimes I realise I have overdone myself and the effects will come upon me like flu.  It's not uncommon for me to go to bed for several hours immediately following a shoot, sometimes for up to a week.  I don't model full time purely for the reason that I need to allow repair time and will never model on the consecutive day.  When shoot day arrives I'm well prepared, fresh and ready to go.  A lot of the time aches and pains can be mentally manipulated.  I may well be feeling like crap and you will never know.

By Chris Rout

It's important to me that those I work with can understand a little where I am coming from but I also don't expect special treatment.  I'm a hard worker, passionate and dedicated to anything I sign up to.  I'm not perfect and live with a disabling illness but I don't allow it to run my life and ruin it.

Generally people are understanding and sympathetic which I really do appreciate.  The industries in which I work can be cut throat, yet I've had the pleasure to work with the most friendly and down to earth, creative people.  Those who avoid me thinking I am more trouble than it's worth possibly need a little more education, but their negativity isn't worth me the pain.

By Sean J Connolly

I hope I have enlightened those of you who have wondered about fibromyalgia and what it is.  I decided being completely open and transparent is the best medicine and I'll sleep a little more soundly tonight.

I was a guest blogger for health and beauty website Talk Perfection last month when I discussed fibromyalgia.  To read the feature please follow this link to Talk Perfection.

Thank you for listening.

Becky x

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Early Summer Sales - My Picks

We're still only in June and yet the summer sales have already started.  My inbox has become flooded with retailers online sale notices and there's some amazing deals to be had in the large cup lingerie stakes.  Lots have caught my eye so here's some of my favourite must haves!

Over at Leia Lingerie there's the sophisticated Fantasie Shannon for only £15!

Also from Leia there's this season's funky Freya Roxanne for a mere £15.50.

On Figleaves there's paintbox delight Cleo Ellie down to £17.50.

You can get the polka dot pretty Bestform Carlton from Brastop for £14.95.

Also from Brastop, the beautiful Kris Line Cesaria is available in limited sizes for £16.95.

And exclusive to Bravissimo is the gorgeous Flirty Frill bra, now £18.

So what are you waiting for?  Get filling those virtual baskets before they all go!

Becky x

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Ewa Michalak Reviewed - Half Cup Nina

Ewa Michalak Explained

Having heard of Polish lingerie brand Ewa Michalak on the blogging circuit for a little while I was really keen to try them out and judge for myself just how they compare to the bigger names in the game.  At first I wasn't too sure how someone not Poland based went about buying from them, because when you initially visit their website the language is set as default Polish.  However located at the top of the main page is an option to switch to English by clicking on the UK flag.

Once you're looking at the site in a language comfortable to you, the next task is to look for bras.  Something that is pretty refreshing and definitely unique to the Ewa Michalak brand is the immense range of sizes; all bras in the shop are available from cups A right up to L, from 24 to 46 backs (with some being tailor made specially for you), so fabulous news for everyone who doesn't like choice restriction based on your size.

Ewa Michalak website

You'll notice from the easy to navigate side menu that sizes are gauged as european, but UK conversions are placed along side the Ewa Michalak sizes so there's no need to worry about translating.  It is worth bearing in mind though that Ewa sizes aren't exactly like for like, as I found out for myself.  Often the bands are found to run small, and sometimes the cups.

Before you order anything you are recommended to fit yourself according to the sizing calculator found under the Sizing Help tab.  You are required to enter three figures in cm: your underbust tightly measured, your underbust loosely measured and then your overbust measurement, where you measure round the fullest part of your bust standing in a bent over position.

Ewa Michalak website - Sizing Calculator

Personally I think the calculator is very hit or miss.  The measurements I entered for myself gave me a very way out bra size result of 75DD or 34DD in UK conversion, which I just had to disregard.  It concerned me that it gave me a back of 34, when I fit a 28 or 30 back in the UK, translated as giving me a +4 fit which we all know is not the way to fit these days.  Which is why I say you should note the inconsistency with UK sizes and take this into account when finding your own size.  Judging by my usual 28GG-H I decided to go with 30GG which is a 65GG with Ewa Michalak.

Following three trials with some of Ewa Michalak's best selling bras I've come to realise that fitting myself for the brand isn't quite so simple.  This is the first of three reviews so you can see how I faired with them.

Ewa Michalak Reviewed

Having been asked which bras I would like to review, I first opted for the HP Nina, which is a gorgeous half cup.  As I mentioned earlier, I went with the 65GG (UK 30GG).

The Look and Fit


HP Nina is an ever so lightly padded black bra with silky smooth cups offset with three section dark floral ribbon trim and edged with pretty lace.  The ribbon also trims the side wings and continues up half way of the front of the straps making this part less stretchy to the back half section.  I find that the design of the ribbon in this way actually benefits the wear of the bra, making it more supportive and less bouncy.  The hook and eye fastener is 3 hooks wide with four levels of adjustment to play with.

I love the look of balconette bras but don't get on well with them, so when I saw the HP Nina looked very similarly styled but with a lower centre gore I thought I would give it a go.  It's fits perfectly for my shape and sits in the right place without nipping between my boobs.  I've not really worn a half cup before so now I know it's a good option for me.

When I first put on the HP Nina I was aware how snug the band felt; definitely a little closer than I'd usually wear.  It didn't feel overbearing so I decided to keep it on.  The cups felt a little on the small side but didn't dig in.  I wore it quiet happily throughout the day although I increasingly became aware that the cups were feeling too small.  I could feel the underwire prominently at the side of my boobs, which indicated to me that I needed more room.  When I bent over (sorting laundry for the washing machine) my boobs would raise up and try to leave the cups, creating a quadra-boob effect.

The Result

I love the look of this bra because it's quite sexy and modern looking.  You don't often see bras in this kind of design for the larger bust which is a treat.  The half cup design really does suit me being a close set boobed girl so this has opened up more options of style to me.

The downside really is the tightness of the band, and even more so, the smallness of the cups.  I feel if I increased the cup size to the H (making it a 30H) then I would have more room and it will probably reduce the tight feeling too.  So in this respect, regarding the sizing of Ewa Michalak bras, I would suggest going up in the back and up in the cup than your usual size.

Keep an eye out for more Ewa Michalak reviews to come.

Becky x

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Lingerie Love and Fanciful Photos

Young of age lingerie company, Fraulein Annie, caught my eye only recently, despite being conceived two years ago.  This week the glamorous lingerie brand released some stunning images of their Spring Summer 2013 collection to give us a teasing sneak peek.  The photos are beautiful, a style I've been cooing all over for a little while now.  Floral, feminine, romantic and dreamy; if these images are anything to go by, Fraulein Annie's A-G cup lingerie is something special.

Right now I'm adoring grown up, womanly lingerie, and even more so, beautiful lingerie combined with the great outdoors; gorgeous floral blooms, hazy sunlight, soft natural colours.  I just love images with this make up and I've been collecting photos and creating a mood board for a photo shoot like this for myself for some time.  Fraulein Annie's recent pictures have hit the nail on the head for me.

This was a photo I took of all the inspiring pieces I wanted to create my floral dream shoot with.  I did this a year ago and only now starting to work with it, adding more and more to the collection as I've gone.  My recent angel photo shoot was the start of the same concept, so I'm hoping very soon to create more and complete my pretty picture.

Currently listening to - All Angels - Into Paradise album.  A beautifully fitting collection of music for today's blog theme (and my favourite group).  :-)

Becky x

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Review - Leia Lingerie and Freya Ellie

Lingerie retailers are ten a penny but there's not many that stand out from the crowd.  Now in the midst of the UK's recession it takes a lot more to attract customers and keep them coming back.  Expert advice and excellent fitting is one way to stay ahead of the game and selling a good range of lingerie by well respected brands and at prices to suit all pockets will always get shoppers interested.  As I've recently discovered, Leia Lingerie is a lingerie store that ticks all the right boxes.

When I came across Leia online I was pretty impressed.  The website was visually clean and enticing and I found it really easy to navigate to where I wanted to be.  When I saw the wide range of bra sizes including backs from a 28 and cups up to a K cup, I knew I was in a good place.

www.Leialingerie.com

I hadn't realised that Leia is actually a high street name too, so if you're daunted by the idea of buying bras online, which can be a tricky thing to buy, you do have the option to pop by your local branch and try the bras out (and benefit from Leia's expert fitting service!)  The stores are dotted around the UK including a branch in York which is fab news for anyone living in the North of England like I do!  I will be calling into the store next time I'm in the area.

Leia sent me a gorgeous Freya Ellie set in the post which I was delighted to receive.  It's one of Freya's new season ranges that recently made it into Glamour magazine, and if it's good for Glamour it speaks volumes for Freya's trendy bras for bigger boobed girls.

Freya's official promo image

Glamour Mag Snippet (Ellie on the left)

The design and colourway is both vibrant and fresh.  The zingy lime green lace trim and bows make this bra stand out with pink accents against the white base colour.  The floral pattern looks like a mix of tropical flowers such as hibiscus while the tiny flowers remind me of elderflowers (which has inspired my thinking of making yummy elderflower cordial which is in season right now!)

Having a funny experience with Freya's 28 backs being on the tight side, I decided to go with a 30H.  Sadly it didn't fit so well but Leia were very friendly and accommodating and sent me a replacement 30GG.  I got the knickers in a size medium short which to me are a 12, fit well and super comfy.

Me wearing the Ellie Balcony Bra and Short

I'm glad I opted to go up in the back to a 30 because it's a really good fit and I know the 28 would have been very tight.  I wore it for a day and decided to try hooking onto the middle hook because I didn't want the back to feel loose.  I know this means losing one of the adjustments over time but it's not too bad.  It's comfortable and supportive so I'm happy!

The GG cups fit really well.  I was concerned at first about some puckering to the cups but after a good shuffle of the boobage I fit into the cups perfectly.  There's no gaping or empty spaces, and no bulging over the cups at all which I'm really pleased with.  I've found with my Panache bras I need a 28 with an H cup but it's looking like for Freya I'm best in a 30GG (apart from my 28H Freya Jolie for some reason.)

The vibrant Ellie

I was expecting Ellie to feel the same as Loretta from a few seasons ago but it feels different, not so silky but still a smooth fabric.  What do I love about it is its wider hook and eye fastener like my Jolie, with a 3 hook set.  It makes it feel reassuringly supportive which is essential with big boobies.

I've enjoyed wearing Ellie so far; it's comfortable and doesn't dig in anywhere and it's a fun design, allowing a cheeky zesty flash to peek out of low summer tops.

The only disadvantage would be more to do with me than the bra, as the centre gore shifts a little up onto one of my boobs but that's only because I suit plunge styles better.  (Close set boobs often don't agree with balconettes.)  Having said that, Ellie is one of the best balconettes I own.

I really, really want Freya to change some of their bras ever so slightly to fit more like a plunge.  The only true plunge bra that Freya does is the Deco (and its Ashlee and Taylor offspring) but the smallest back of a 30 doesn't fit me so great and I would actually require a 28 (just my luck!).  If Ellie was cut a little lower on the bust the fit would be spot on.

I'm really pleased I found Leia Lingerie because I now have a reliable lingerie shop that not only sells my favourite brands but is personable, helpful and accessible, whether I want to make a swift online purchase or fancy an enjoyable browse in my nearest store.  Oh and if you're a magpie for bargains like me, the outlet department is the must have destination!  Happy bra buying.  :-)

Becky x

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