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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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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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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Freya Jolie - Beauty is Everything!

Freya's Jolie is one of their best selling collections but it took me a while to take the plunge and try it out.  I've never been a huge fan of lace lingerie because I tend to find a lot of lace fabrics quite irritating, and looking at Jolie from a distance I assumed it to be another one of those.  When I recently decided to take a chance I was really glad I did, because it's a truly fantastic bra.

I bought the Jolie in white, a simple basic colour, and leading by my experiences with some GGs being on the small size, I opted for the 28H, and it's the perfect size.  The 28 band was comfortable and unrestrictive, so if you're between sizes like me and go for 30 backs when a 28 is too tight, this will be okay for you.

Jolie is a very lightweight balcony bra with generously covering cups formed with soft touch overlaid lace providing a good supportive structure.  The lace is modern looking with imprints of a floral design and pretty pink bows for decoration.  I don't think it's frumpy in the slightest, very fresh, innocent and young.

The straps are quite wide which is never a bad thing where big boobies are concerned while the band is a good, deep 3 by 3 hook and eye.  I feel no dig whatsover with the underwires and the cups don't cut into my armpits like I've found some Freyas can, which proves it's not a too broad a bra - perfect for smaller frames.

I'm finding more and more that my boobs don't agree totally with the format of balconettes.  I love the look of them but my bust thinks otherwise, and I'm finding yet again with Jolie that my boobs are fighting with the high centre gore.  I see a little red sore in the middle when I take my bra off but other than that, I don't find it bothersome as I wear it.  I'm actually loving how encasing and supportive the cups feel, having had some much bother in the past with overflowing, badly fitting bras, so I forgive Jolie for her minor contention with me.

Jolie is not a sexy bra and not one I'd flaunt but it feels really good to wear for long periods of time and it offers a natural silhouette.  Sometimes you just want a reliable bra and this is the one for the job.

The only sad thing I'd say about Jolie is that it's no longer produced in an array of colour options, having seen some gorgeous pink versions floating around on the internet.  At the moment you can only buy the continuity range consisting of only the white or black.  Hopefully Freya will recognise how much Jolie is cherished and indulge us with some more luscious, colourful bras of fancy.

Becky x

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