Freya Deco 365 - One Year Bra Celebration

Since Freya launched their moulded seam free bra back in 2009, Deco has become possibly the most prevalent collection available to the fuller bust market.  It's success has led the introduction of a variety of styles and colour ways over the years, providing wearers with unbeatable support and fit, and resolving solutions to common clothing dilemmas.  Plunge or half cup, strapless or multiway - even the recent addition of the moulded soft cup - along with matching briefs, shorts and thongs, Deco has the answer whatever you choose to wear and however busty you are.  From 28-38 for B-GG cups.

Staple colours black and nude are the fail safe options every woman should own and Deco's continuity shades, including charcoal grey, are available across the main Deco family.  If vibrancy is more your thing, Deco Honey provides bold fashion colours which follow suit with the trends.  This season sees the beautiful purple iris taking centre stage over last season's hot firecracker red.  The Deco Flamingo is a playful feminine version of the Honey styling, featuring a cute flamingo design print.

Freya Deco Honey 'Iris'

Freya Deco 'Flamingo'

A step up from the perfectly wearable moulded bra is the new Deco Shape collection.  Boasting more advanced styling solutions including a multiway bra, strapless slip and strapless longline bra this collection is problem solving as much as it is pretty.  The delicate floral pastel detailing makes Deco Shape ideal bridal lingerie.

Freya Deco 'Shape'

So you can see, Freya's Deco really is something different and worth celebrating.  Freya have just launched Deco 365 - a brand new mini website dedicated to Deco which will stay online for a whole year, showcasing Freya's full Deco range.  Not only is it there to help select the right bra for you, there's also an exciting style competition where by uploading your own best fashion look you could win some fabulous prizes, including Freya lingerie and a £1000 shopping spree!

I uploaded my own outfit to the website which will be added to the style gallery.  You can enter and add your own photo here.

I was sent the 'nude' Deco plunge bra in 28GG which is an excellent all rounder, invisible beneath most clothing whatever the colour or fabric.   Personally I adore wearing colourful lingerie and I'm particularly keen to get my hands on the gorgeous 'iris' Honey.  The flamingo print will also be a really fun bra to take me through summer.  I would love to check these out as soon as I can!

My chosen outfit wearing my Freya Deco Plunge Bra in Nude 

Have fun snapping and good luck!

Becky x

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Bra Review - Freya Patsy

Thanks to Lingerie Heaven, this week I received Freya's new AW12 Patsy balcony bra in the black and gold colourway.  Last season saw the first Patsy when it was released in the lime green and as much as I was really attracted to the design I didn't get around to trying the bra out.  So I'm extremely thankful and excited to have this opportunity to see Patsy for real!

Front of Patsy

Back of Patsy

I tried Patsy on literally the moment after it arrived.  Before even putting the bra on I could tell it was a beauty; a polka dot pretty fit for a 50s pin up.  Although wholly mesh fabricated, it's not totally sheer, and really rather a demure, classy yet modern design.  If you're soft for vintage inspired looks Patsy will  be right up your street.  The gold spots and detailing works well against the black base.  I love the centre bows!

I know I've been lacking in the video production department, to be honest I'm not the most verbally eloquent of people and find it much easier speaking by the written word, but I was so keen to share my thoughts on this one and felt the best way of conveying such would be by recording it.  Hopefully you'll get what I'm trying to address and see that I'm just a mad bra obsessive with some helpful bits of info.  Let me know what you think of the vid!

Anyway, I was sent the 28GG which is pretty much my 'usual' bra size if ever I had just one.  I was pleased to find that the band fitted perfectly, it felt firm but not too tight.  The cups felt comfortable.  If Patsy made an H cup I may have tried it to see if it gave me slightly more room as especially on one side there was a slight bulging.  It didn't come to anything during the day's wear though so I'm not hugely concerned about it.   Often I find under wires dig in under my arms but I didn't particularly experience any discomfort during the day wearing the bra.  I would rather the centre gore fitted either a bit higher but preferably lower like a plunge as my boobs don't allow much space for the middle of a bra.  A major downer which limits what styles I can wear.

Now, the straps on this one are possibly their downfall.  I do prefer, on the whole, straps that are fully adjustable and stretchy all around but these are the first straps I've seen with so much stretch.  They are super stretchy and I can pull them away from my shoulders a mile off, and that's with the adjustment already made.  I didn't want to adjust the straps too much for fear of subjecting my shoulders to angry red marks, or worse, snapping the straps!  So with the adjusters almost to the tops of my shoulders, I felt the support was fairly okay but still allowed an immense amount of bounce.  Not very good for the ample bosom.

The second issue, admittedly not as crucial to the bra's support design but still possibly bothersome, is that the shape isn't exactly rounded but gives a fairly pointed silhouette.  I much prefer a round curvature of my bust line as opposed to triangles, but I guess considering the retro look of Patsy, it shouldn't be surprising that the pointy effect is also very 50s!

I'm not planning on running a half marathon (unless you include whipping round the shopping centre before the parking meter runs out, in which case I should probably opt for the Freya Active), and I can most likely live with a less than round boob shape.  If it's all about aesthetics - and this bra most certainly is a cute little minx - and good band support, then Patsy with her golden glints is sure to pick you up this Autumn.

Freya Patsy is available to buy right now in the plunge and half cup at Lingerie Heaven for only £26.50.

I would love to know what you think of Patsy and her fit.  Have you tried it yourself or been tempted by other gorgeous Autumn bras?

Becky x

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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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The Bra Band Project - the big 30 and under campaign

Since I started blogging more about bras and my experiences with fittings, I had my eyes opened.   A world of smaller band sizes I never knew existed, and since being properly fitted as a 28-30 GG-H,  sizes I now needed myself.  Trying to find a bra in a properly fitting size is harder than you'd think when the sizes you need are barely stocked on the high street or as is the case for many smaller backed women, not even manufactured.

Less than a few months ago a campaign appeared to be forming; the Bra Band Project, led by a group of influential lingerie bloggers (By Baby's Rules, Bras I Hate, Boosaurus and Braless in Brazil) with the same bra passion much like my own.  The intention being to promote the need for smaller backed bras mainly for the DD+ 30" and below, a poorly served market only on the increase as better fitting advice becomes more prevalent.  I knew I had to take part, and if you've not joined yet, there's still time.

The picture I sent in

The Bra Band Project is a simple concept - send in an image of yourself to show that you are a person that needs a bra measuring 30" or less.  All the images collated are being used to create a mega board of women, all varied figures and shapes that have one thing in common - the need for DD+ 30 back bras.  With businesses, blogs and demanding customers supporting the project helping it to go viral, its the hope that lingerie companies will see the sense and finally produce a wider range for their customers.

The project has just gone live, showcasing what can only be a hugely positive response that proves the need for 28, 26, and 24 backed bras.

Visit the Facebook page and the Flickr stream now to join in the campaign.

Becky x

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Lingerie Love - Charlie Girl Lingerie and Cleo

Ever since my first foray into the online world in the year 2000 I've been transfixed by the allure of shopping online and even to this day, I, like many people, are still enjoying the buzz and convenience of buying over the internet.  With so many online stores at the tap of a key lingerie shopping can be a minefield and finding the right one - which for me means a shop that sells 28GGs - can be a mind numbing task.

So I was delighted when I came across Charlie Girl Lingerie store, not least because of its chic and modern site design.  I was thrilled to see that they provide free delivery to UK addresses for all orders - already a huge incentive when many other lingerie stores charge in the region of £3.50.  The banner on the home page welcomed me with Freya imagery and I knew I'd come to the right place.

Charlie Girl Lingerie website

Don't be discouraged by Charlie Girl's small independency, for they have a vast catalogue of available stocked lingerie to suit even the smallest frame and the largest of busts with choices to rival many of the big name stores, and the staff have ample enthusiasm and dedication when it comes down to their customer service.  After sending off a quick email I received my reply the same day.  I'm very particular about receiving a personable experience and with lingerie buying it's essential.   I've found so far that Charlie Girl Lingerie are spot on with both their attitude and offerings to the niche area my bra size falls into.  If you're hunting high and low for 28 back bras like myself you're onto a winner!

Cleo by Panache is a vibrant, trend conscious brand and it seemed fitting when equally modern Charlie Girl Lingerie sent me a Cleo Bonnie set to try out.  I've been a fan of similar Cleo bras so I was keen to see how the Bonnie faired.  Following advice that Panache styles can run smaller than my usual 28GG Freya fit, I was sent the Bonnie in a 30GG and the brief in my usual 12.

Cleo Bonnie Set

Bonnie is, very aptly, a bonny design.  It's a charismatic fuchsia pink with an explosion of embroidered flowers and intricate pattern trimmed with apple green stitching and centre bow.  The three section cups are totally unpadded with a beveled edging in balcony style.  It features well formed semi adjustable straps which are double strengthened with a soft layer on the reverse of the front strap which makes it super comfy.  The breathable wings are a substantial enough width with a double hook and eye fastener.  It really is a pretty yet functional bra without being overly gaudy and pretentious.

Close up of the Bonnie

Back of Bonnie

The knickers that complete the Bonnie set are lovely. They're bikini style so sit low on your tummy but provide excellent coverage on the bum. They make a cute combination when worn together with the bra.

Bonnie Brief

I found the 30GG slightly too wide in the band for my comfort, it definitely felt like the straps were just too wide set on my shoulders which caused the cups to pucker.  The 28 back would be a huge improvement that would easily solve the niggles I experienced, but the GG cups felt adequate and supportive.

You can just about see the puckering

I didn't really like the look Bonnie gave me and I'm not convinced that it's purely down to the wider band,  I think it's how the cups are designed.  I felt it gave me a look of 'two separate lumps stuck on my chest' as opposed to my natural cleavage line. I do own the similar styled Lucy which I ended up modifying to fit my bust (I stitched the ends of the underwires at the centre gore together to pull the cups in.) because I have close sitting boobs.  If you have wider set boobs then this bra should be absolutely fine.

Not so flattering shape

Me wearing the Bonnie Set

So I think I'll try modifying the Bonnie in an attempt to get the cups to sit more naturally against me.  Other than that, I'm actually quite in love with the design and the gorgeous colourway.  I love colourful lingerie and I love it even more when I can shop from the comfort of my own home and buy stunning bras and knickers from a shop that actually sells my size!  This makes me one happy bunny.  :-)

Becky x

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Bravissimo Fitting & Freya Review

Following a bad relationship with my 32F/FF bras and a brief encounter with some 30Gs I found myself pounding the high street of my local big-ish town of Darlington in an attempt to find a good retailer with sound fitting advice.  I soon realised this was a far bigger and more complex problem I had on my hands when I kept coming up against shops that were shocked at my question: if they stocked 28 back bras.  I knew I had only one reasonable option left.  Bravissimo.

Bravissimo has fast become a leader in the large cup market and is rapidly gaining a huge following of dedicated customers who return time and again because of their expert knowledge.  Unfortunately there aren't too many of their high street shops yet and with my nearest branch being all the way up in Newcastle, it was a pretty hike.  I knew I really had to go and get fitted properly once and for all and despite the distance made the special trip to Bravissimo situated in the indoor Eldon Garden Shopping Centre.

It was quite late on in the morning by the time I'd arrived and I was surprised by how quiet the store was.  I expected there to be queues of desperate women eager to get fitted but there were only a handful customers; a lady was purchasing a new bra while someone's partner sat waiting in the seated area. It wasn't long before I was greeted by a friendly looking assistant who welcomed me to sit down and swiftly took my name.  I merely had to wait a few minutes before the fitting consultant was available to see me.

My fitting consultant was a lady called Susan and she really was an easy person to talk to despite what could have been an embarrassing situation.  Not everyone is comfortable getting their boobs out, especially in front of complete strangers, so it's nice when in these situations you have someone who is both professional yet personable, and treats you with respect.  Susan asked me if I was okay having her present in the room with me or if I would be happier if she stood outside the room while I undressed, and I said I was completely okay with her staying.  See what I mean about treating you like a real person, unlike some certain places I've recently encountered.  Asking the customer, because it's your decision, is such an important part of this process and I'm pleased I was offered the question.

Looking at me wearing my own bra Susan had a quick look over and feel of my band and without doubt said I looked like I needed a 28GG, even an H.  I said that it's probably because I have a boob bigger than the other which she simply assured me is normal with most women.  She asked me if there were any bras in particular I was interested in so I told her I wanted to see how I fitted for Freya especially, and possibly Curvy Kate.  I couldn't try on any Curvy Kates at all because there were none in stock.  I had a feeling the store wasn't going to be getting much of them in again, if at all.

Susan left me briefly to source some bras and quickly returned bringing back a few different sizes, and then stayed with me to help me try them out.  Each bra I tried Susan was very efficient in making sure the straps were adjusted right and checked that the bra overall fitted properly.

Some of the bras I seemed to have more luck with than others.  I was surprised by the size and fit inconsistency across different styles of bra.

I first tried on the Freya Faye in both 28GG and 28H in the white and black colour ways.  I was disappointed by the fit and even though it was decided the 28GG felt more comfortable (I felt drowned in the 28H) I didn't feel either of the sizes were great on me.  Whichever size I tried I couldn't get the centre gore to sit flush against me, and instead sat away.  The 28H didn't improve it, just overwhelmed my whole chest and felt too deep under my arms.  Looking at the two images below of both a properly fitting Faye and then the Faye on me, you can see the difference.  It almost looks like the Faye I'm wearing is higher cut where the centre gore sits, like there's a good inch of depth further up on me which in turn creates a lesser rounded look of the lace edging.  Perhaps if the centre gore panel was lower down between my boobs it would sit better on me.

Freya 'Faye' how it should look

How it looks on me

Then I tried Freya Lauren and we didn't get on at all!  I was really surprised because I liked it from seeing it online and thought it would be a good all rounder; something that gave a really good fit.  It looked awful on me.  The 28H was the best fit but again it just didn't fully encapsulate my boobs.  The centre gore just didn't want to play ball.  I disliked how it felt and looked - the cups puckered as if to say they were too big for what they contained, but nothing would make that centre gore shift.  I decided my boobs mustn't like some shapes of bra because they are quite full fronted.

I did however find the Freya Edina bra was quite a good fit.  I was fitted in the balcony style which is my bra shape of choice.  This one had a really unique look about it; chic monochrome with a fancy print trimmed with black straps, lace and detailing.  I usually prefer colour but I saw the appeal in the Edina.  The band felt snug but it was a moderate tension and didn't feel restrictive.  As the fabric isn't as stretchy as some other Freya bras I needed to go up in the cup for a more flattering fit.

For this design Susan decided the 28H was the best size for me.  Unfortunately I didn't get to take a photo of me in this one, I think I was too carried away in the moment, but at least it was a joyful moment!

I was also fitted for some sports bras by Freya, which I will continue in my next post.    :-)

Becky x

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