Boux Avenue Swimwear & 25% Discount

The beautiful sun is finally shining and the souring temperatures have had us reaching for our holiday clothes before we've even hit the beach.  If you're like me, your thoughts have already turned to swimwear and possibly panicking about where you packed away last year's bikinis.  If you're a busty girl, the realisation of having to find cup sized bikini tops somewhere is the feeling of dread, especially ones that aren't of the frumpy variety.  Well, did you know Boux Avenue do fantastic swimwear for the D+?

I love going shopping for the holiday wardrobe, I think it's the best way to get yourself all in the mood for the summer shenanigans to come!  When I was last in store I found some gorgeous bikinis, such as the Palma Full Bust Bikini Top that I tried on in the 32G.  It's definitely my favourite collection because it's cute cherry design pays homage to the chic 50s pin up style and it's really support for bigger boobs too.

The full bust Palma is available from a D-G, but the stunning Palma also comes in the Halter Triangle style for A-DD cups.  

Right now you can get a huge 25% off swimwear!  Yay!  
Discount applied automatically at checkout.

The adorable Palma Bikini

Palma on me...

What do you think of the Palma?  Do you like halter necks or prefer bra straps?  I'd love to hear what you'll be wearing on the beach this summer!

Becky x

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Boux Avenue Leeds #3 - Fitting Review

When Boux Avenue opened it's 18th doors in Leeds one afternoon last month, I attended the press event held earlier in the day.  I had the opportunity to check out the new store without the hustle and bustle of shoppers and was able to take a good look at the ranges on offer.  I was offered a professional fitting by one of the fitting associates which I was keen to do, since the staff know their products like no one else.

I spied a bikini which had previously caught my eye online: the 50s inspired Palma cherry halter bikini top and briefs with it's frills and fruity print.  The full support style of Palma is available from a 30 back in a D-G cup so I really eager to try it on.

Boux Avenue 'Palma' full support bikini
Image copyright: Boux Avenue

The Fit
I was introduced to my fitting associate called Georgia who had insanely awesome pink hair!  She was really friendly and chatty so I knew the fitting wouldn't be anything to worry about.  We headed toward the fitting rooms which were given aptly boudoir names and I was led to the 'lace' room where Georgia measured me with the tape over my bra.  According to the Boux Avenue fitting guide hung around Georgia's neck I was told my band size would be a 32.  As I was wearing a 28GG bra it was calculated that I should start by trying on a 32FF (28GG being it's sister size).  

Georgia quickly brought back the 32FF Palma bikini top and gave it to me to try on - I was to lock the door and buzz the concierge desk to let Georgia know when I was ready for her. Unfortunately my door didn't lock properly so it was just as well the shop wasn't open.  The intercom was simple to use, clear to hear through and a pretty cool, modern convenience for shoppers needing assistance.  

The 32FF didn't look too bad but the cups were slightly too small and I didn't like how loose the band felt when I'm more accustomed to a firmer back.  I asked if I could try a 30G, in the hope that the band would feel better but it didn't; the band now felt too tight and uncomfortable.

Failing the 32FF and 30G we decided the 32 band was the better fit, and so I went for the 32G.  The cups weren't perfect, the central gore still didn't touch my skin, but they were close enough and much better than the previous sizes.  I decided the band, although slacker than I'd usually wear, was much more wearable than the too tight band, so it was agreed that the 32G was my best Boux Avenue fit for Palma.

(Excuse the tights, I kept them on for hygiene purposes...)

My Conclusion
Although I'm usually skeptical when fitters use a tape measure and appear to add on inches to the underband measurement, it was good to see that my fitter recognised I had full boobs which would require me to wear the full support bras.  I can count on one hand the success I've had with bra fittings so it's a huge positive that Boux Avenue have knowledgeable staff on hand to properly help and fit women.  Thanks Georgia!

The Palma collection is a stunning bikini and it's fantastic that bigger boobs can enjoy on trend swimwear.  The only qualm I would have with it being available up to a G cup is that it would be so much more accessible to those who wear a larger cup if it were available up to an H or J cup too, which isn't as uncommon as some might think.  I certainly would go for the GG cup over the G.


So, please Boux Avenue, extend your G+ ranges a little bit more!


Becky x

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Homewares - Budget Vintage Florals

The country floral patterns that at one time were reserved for the older generations have recently made us go all granny chic, thanks to the likes of designers such as Cath Kidston.  Vintage loving fashionistas have long been rocking the trend with the regeneration of bygone era floral fashion, with the shabby chic style extending from clothing to homewares.  One reason why retro florals are now so popular is because it taps into the romantic ideals of the 40s and 50s, incorporating the wartime fascination of the make do and mend rule, when everything was simple, attractive and less commercial.

I was never one for floral anything, whether socks or cushions, so it's surprised even myself how appealed, or rather obsessed, about the trend I've become.  I just love the pretty colours and delicate detailing and it's got to be realistic looking, which is how we'll see the trend developing this year; it's all about botanicals: fine art depictions of plants and flowers.  You heard it here first.  (Well, after Vogue.)

Something I always have been and always will be is cost conscious, or 'thrifty' as is the age old term.  Cath Kidston prints as beautiful as they are can be pretty pricey but to embrace these gorgeous florals doesn't have to cost the earth.  I've been buying some bargain bits and pieces here and there and I'm going to share them with you.  You see, everyone can afford the vintage inspired look!


This is my Rosali Duvet Set from Ikea.  This was an exciting find for me as it's been hugely popular and sells out quickly.  The print was allegedly designed by Cath Kidston for Ikea some time ago but as her name isn't on the packaging you're not paying the Cath Kidston price tag.  The set comes in white or blue and I adore the blue colourway so much.  This is a bargain at £24.99 king size!

This is my Minky ironing board which I bought about three years ago.  I thought it was pretty cute with it's pink feet and detailing, and the cover was cool too but I recently found a much nicer one which suits the board really well.  The floral ironing board cover is from B & M Stores which is a haven for good quality bargains.  The pattern reminds me of Cath Kidston's 'Provence Rose' and the colour is so fresh and vibrant.  It cost only £2.99.

This was another great purchase from B & M Stores.  I wanted a sturdy box to store my surplus make up products in, and because it was to be kept in the bedroom I wanted it to look pretty.  This box is perfect and does the job well.   The sky blue is a lovely contrast against the pink flowers.  A fantastic buy at £1.99.

Now, this is a really attractive oven mitt; the colours are vibrant and it's so pretty.  It's not great for your hands, though!  I think it's not that well made in respect of the padding and fabric used, I feel heat coming through the glove pretty quickly when I'm removing a hot tray out of the oven.  I dread to think how it passed safety tests.  :-/  It cost £1 from Pound World.  You could say you get what you pay for but because I love looking at it (and it's partner as I bought two), these will be staying in the kitchen.

This is the Ditsy Paper Tray from Matalan which I thought would be great for storage.  I decided to use it as my sock box and keep all my socks and tights in it.  It's so big and spacious you could use it as so many different things such as store magazines, toiletries or some logs by the fire.  For only £5, this doesn't set you back much.

This is still one of my favourites; a white and lilac button padded floral seat cushion which has tie backs so I can secure it to my bedroom chair.  It looks so shabby chic and a perfect match.  The fabric is cotton and washes well in the washing machine, which is great news if you spill foundation on your cushion like I did!  I only paid £1.99 for it from B & M Stores (you should by now have guessed they're a good shop to try out!).

If you missed my Christmas present post last month, here's a reminder in case you can still buy this.  It's actually an iPhone case for your mobile but I bought it with the intention to fit my iPod Touch in it, which it does perfectly.  I found it in Poundland of all places for, well, a £1!  There was a choice of pink or blue and naturally I went for the blue one because I think I have a thing for blue florals.  This is a really good buy as it looks and feels much more than just £1's worth. 

Do you like the vintage floral theme?  Seen any similar items for bargain prices?  Please share if you've spotted anything!

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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Swimwear Special!

We're in the middle of summer and if you've not yet noticed, it's holiday time!  Whether you're going away overseas for your annual break or enjoying a stay-cation, chances are you'll be hitting a beach or pool for the ultimate in relaxation.  If your trusty bathing suit is looking a little worse for wear it's high time to invest in new swimwear that not only looks fashionable but flattering for your curves.

Shopping for bigger boobs is never a simple task, and buying adequately fitting bikini tops and costumes that cater for a fuller bust is no exception.  However, there's much more choice on the fuller cup market these days and I wanted to take a look at the beach offerings from some of our favourite brands.

Freya has long been a favourite for fashion forward lingerie but did you know they do fabulously sexy swimwear too?  Knowing that their bras are consistently well fitting, I just had to try one of their bikinis!

This month Freya released the hotly anticipated cute Kansas collection.  With it's retro bluebell blue and white gingham and delightful frills, Kansas exudes vintage glamour, channeling the sophisticated 50s style whilst looking fresh and modern.  Freya sent me a Halter Bikini Top in a 28GG,  Rio Bikini Brief and Classic Brief, both in Small.

Freya Kansas Halter Top and Rio Brief

Freya Kansas Classic Brief

Me wearing Freya Kansas

How cute are the frills?!

Plunging necklines suit a closer bust like mine very well, but they're great for anyone wanting sexy uplift and cleavage.  I notice that my bikini top looks more like a half plunge, possibly with it being a larger cup.  My 28GG at first felt a good fit, the back for sure was spot on and comfortable.  I was actually surprised the 28 did fit, as I expected it to be tight like some 28 back Freya bras can be for me.   As I wore the top I felt I could possibly have done with an H cup.  The top wanted to open up and push apart (I realised at one point one nipple was trying to escape!), as if it couldn't contain my boobs so I wasn't greatly supported.  An H cup could rectify the fact the cups weren't cut as high as I'd prefer.

A good plunge but the fabric's pulling down with my boobs

The briefs were on the small size as I'd usually go for a medium, but they did still fit and look good.  The frilly Rio brief is adorable; perfect for a flirty, sexy look on the beach.  They're a really flattering cut too, which sits low on the hip.  For slightly more coverage the Classic brief comes up a little higher on the tummy, but both bottoms are comfortable on the bum!

Seaspray is a brand I've only recently been acquainted with and I've been taken by their feminine swim range.  Sizes are broadly accessible with cup choices in some suits up to an F.

My favourite piece is definitely the turquoise Polka Dots Skirted Suit, another 50s retro classic with a sleek modern look.  It's a brilliantly versatile cross over swimsuit with an adjustable ruching skirt.

My size 12 suit is a really comfy fit and the fabric is so silky and easy to wear.  The cups are generic sizing so wasn't a proper fit in the boob department.  Unfortunately I had to move the bust line up a little to make sure I was covered.  So, it's not the best suit if you've got bigger boobs but I do think it's fab for a beautifully cut suit that accentuates and loves curves!

The Skirted Suit... as a swim suit...

The Skirted Suit... as a beach dress!

Do you have a favourite style of bikini or swimsuit that you find particularly flattering for a curvy figure?  What are your thoughts on this year's trends and the revival of retro cuts?

I'll be reviewing some more bikinis and swimsuits, so watch this space!

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