Review - Leia Lingerie Store, York & Freya

I finally went down to check out Leia Lingerie's only store in the North, right in the heart of York.  Having reviewed bras sent to me courtesy of Leia head office, I was really keen to look into the Leia experience from the consumer point of view.  After all, buying online is all very well but how does it compare to proper instore interaction where you look for professional advice, was a question I wanted to know.  Knowing here in the UK we have a serious lacking of good, reliable bra fitters in our high street shops, I was hopeful Leia would stand apart from the retailing competition.

Me going to Leia, York

Walking into the small but perfectly formed store was like stepping into a perfectly organised ladies room.  The walls boasted lit viewing displays of bras whilst on racks hung the prettiest of bras in various sizes.  There was much to take in with the eye; the shop was modern with good lighting, clean and presentable.  The atmosphere felt cheerful and yet calm.

It was easy to approach the ladies and I spoke to Angela who immediately offered me her time for a fitting session.  I was taken to a good sized fitting room where Angela asked me if I would like her to leave the room while I undress my top half and I expressed I was happy with her staying with me.  With a swift measure of my chest and no hint of the foisty Plus Four technique, my 28 back was confirmed.  As I was originally wearing a 28GG bra Angela nipped out and brought back a bra in a 28GG and 28H to compare the fit between the two.  I was encouraged to 'lift and scoop' myself into the cups throughout the fitting session which was sound advice, whilst Angela adjusted the back straps for me.  Preferring the fit and the way the centre gore sat between my boobs on the latter size, Angela drew to the conclusion that the H encased me much better.

Asking if there were any particular brands I like to wear and any colour preferences, Angela selected a small range of Freya bras with 28 backs, bringing some GGs just in case.

The first bra, which was actually the bra Angela fitted me in, was the newly released Freya Gem.  Having only seen Gem in the catalogue, at which point I'd decided I liked the design, I'd also assumed the form of the fabric and the design.  How mistaken I was, as when Angela brought the bra in, I said "ooh which is that one?", thinking it was a totally new bra I didn't know about.  I loved Gem instantly! The fabric is so beautiful and light; what is actually intricate lace I thought was a print.  I'd also previously believed there was a light pink colour beneath the cups but I was wrong again.  The only pink on black Gem is the three little bows.

I would liken the style and fit of Gem very closely to Jolie, one of Freya's best selling lines.  It's extremely similar in the construction of the cups, centre gore and wings.  This likeness isn't a bad thing.  It was really comfy and I felt the difference between the GG and H as the H was much closer to my chest at the centre gore.  I had slight unfilled area in one cup which is only due to my boob.  My larger side was much happier in the roomier cup.  (I did try the Gem in the blue colourway too but I totally forgot to take a photo, so sorry!)

Wearing the 28H Gem

I tried a black Freya Jolie for fit next.  I do have the Jolie myself in white and in a 28GG.  I always thought it fit really well, that was until I tried it in the 28H!  The difference again was noticeable when I put it on.  The extra room for my larger side was appreciated and it just felt perfect.  The base design is almost identical to the Gem but the fabric, although thin and unpadded again, is made from a different lace.  It's also not sheer in the way Gem is, so the ideal lace bra if you prefer the more opaque look.

Wearing the 28H Jolie

 Eyeing up the lovely bras hanging, waiting to be tried on, I realised there would not be much point trying the GGs out.  Oh how gutted I am, butterfly print Martha :-(

There was also tattoo floral print Ada but it must have been a GG and not in stock in the H as I didn't get to try that one on.  Oh, and biscotti colour Carys, which, well, I didn't like enough to try on...

But, I did try on the brand, spanking new to AW12 Ivy in the very festively vibrant design of fern like leaves and spots which resemble berries in hot 'firecracker' red and teal green.  I love colour and Ivy really does deliver in that respect.  It felt very much like summer's Ellie, the same slinky fabric and the way the lace panel edges the tops of the cups.  Ivy in 28H felt a lot better than the 30GG Ellie I tried, so at least I know it's not that the shape and style didn't suit me.  Ivy felt and looked fabulous so I'd recommend you try her out!

Wearing the 28H Ivy

After much deliberation I decided to go with Gem!  As much as I liked Ivy too I knew I had to follow my heart as Gem did something for me the minute I laid eyes on her.  I wouldn't normally go for a thong, usually a brief or short, but Gem brazilian thong is a beauty; honestly, the back is so detailed and intricate I couldn't not take her home too.  So I got the matching thong in a medium, which is basically a 12.

I just want to thank the ladies in the York Leia store for being so brilliant and on the ball, especially my very friendly and efficient fitter, Angela.  If you've not gone for a fitting yet or even had a nosey around the store, I fully recommend their service!

What do you think of Gem?  Would you have gone with another style?

Becky x

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Interview - Celebrity Stylist Sophie Stevens

At the beginning of October, Wonderbra launched their Decoder app - the tool to help you select the right bra for your outfit - and everyone's been talking about.  Now Wonderbra's Haul of Fame campaign has shown you just how versatile Wonderbras are and how there's more than one type of bra you could benefit from keeping in your lingerie drawer.

A topic I touched on earlier here, the trends you wear and how you dress yourself makes a huge bearing on how polished your finished style will look.  We all know that an invisible bra line under a t-shirt is the smoothest look and we can probably agree that white straps glaring out from beneath a little black dress would be the biggest disaster of a date night!  Once we're done stressing over our lingerie we have the body confidence hurdle because we're not sure what makes our lumps and bumps look good.

I've been lucky to snaffle the chance of interviewing stylist to the stars, Sophie Stevens.  Sophie's been in the spotlight working on top photo shoots and with A List celebrities, including the one and only Kylie Minogue, for over 15 years, so she has the credentials to enlighten us with all the answers to our fashion dilemmas.  

Sophie Stevens
Image - Wonderbra

This is the exclusive Becky's Boudoir interview with Sophie Stevens - you won't find this goss' anywhere else!



On Sophie Stevens...

• BB: Today you're a successful, influential fashion stylist. What was your 'big break'?

SS: I was very lucky with getting into the industry. I did a work placement at a magazine as part of my degree and they got me back to cover peoples holiday and fashion trips etc. The fashion Editor there gave me a great reference and recommended me to another Fashion Ed that was looking for a fashion assistant and voilà, I landed my first job!

BB: Fantastic!  Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time.

Q: What has been your worst personal fashion disaster you'd rather forget?

SS: Well as a stylist, I shouldn’t really have any! But I did own a pair of navy knee length boots once that first time out got soaked in the rain and turned my legs blue! It wouldn’t have been such a disaster if I hadn’t been going on a date that night and planned to wear a short dress and bare legs! I had to go out in my lunch break and buy a whole new outfit otherwise I would have looked like an actual smurf!

BB: Oh no! Just as well your stylist instinct switched on to save any embarrassment!

Smurfette!

Q: You style all kinds of people in the media. Without name dropping, can you recall your most challenging client?

SS: Its normally the agents that are trickier then the celebs to be honest, giving you false sizes or saying the celeb is happy to wear short dresses only to find out on the shoot that they are in fact two sizes bigger and hate their legs! I was once told that a certain celeb believed she was a size 8 when in fact she was a size 12 and I was to get in size 12 garments and cut out all the labels and replace them with size 8 ones! I thought she was joking, but no, she was being serious!

BB: Woah, when you think you've heard it all!   I guess that's the crazy world of celebrity.

Sophie on Fashion...

Q: Dressing to flatter a curvy figure can be tricky. Which fail-safe wardrobe staples would you recommend?

SS: A good selection of key dresses. I think wrap dresses look great on curvy girls especially if you have amazing boobs, as the neckline is really flattering. Block body con also looks great on curvy figures and panel dresses that extenuate the boob and bum area and minimize the waist can look incredible.

BB: Great, I love wrap dresses!  I would never have considered a block colour body con dress before.  Now's my time to go for it and show off my curves in a confident new way.

Cross Over Jersey Dress
Image - Pepperberry

Q: Which fashion trend is the best investment this Winter?

SS: Leather is huge this season and is always a great investment. Stick to classic black or directional oxblood, but investing in classic leather pieces now, when there is such an amazing selection out there will mean you can wear them year after year, and although more expensive initially, they can make even the cheapest of other garments look more expensive when you mix them together.

BB: Ah, so time to bring out the trusty leather jacket! I imagine Oxblood would be a fantastic colour for Autumn.

Belvedere Leather Jacket
All Saints

Q: I have big boobs and often struggle with tops and coats fitting well. What do you suggest I do to shop safe?

SS: I would always suggest taking a few different bras out with you when shopping for tops so whatever the style of top you’re buying; you will have the right bra to try on to make sure it fits properly. Often its not the top that is ill fitting, but your bra, so make sure you get measured and fitted regularly as this can make a huge difference to how your clothes will look. Coat wise, wrap styles that tie at the waist are great for curvy girls as they give you the flexibility to skim over your boobs, make your waist look tiny and then flare out over your hips.

BB: I wholeheartedly agree that properly fitted bras are crucial for making any outfit look great.  It sounds like I invested in the right coat for my figure, flaring out from the hip really is the most flattering silhouette.

Fit and Flare Belted Coat
Asos

Q: Ugg boots. Yay or nay?

SS: There’s no denying Ugs are super comfy and warm, I do have a pair, as do many stylists I know, but mine are strictly for wearing at home, or when I go home to the country for winter walks. They are a definite no no when on a date though! Men hate them! Lets, face it, sexy, they are not!

BB: Phew! I would hate to put my Bearpaws to the back of the wardrobe any time soon.  But yeah... they are far from anything sexy!

Bearpaw Boots

Sophie on the Industry...

Q: I'm a pin-up and lingerie model. What tips would you give an aspiring model for achieving photo shoot success?

SS: Know your body; be aware of how it looks from different angles and practice in the mirror. You need to be able to move and walk in heels that often may not fit, or are really uncomfortable, so practice! Always turn up to shoots on time or early if possible. Ask to see tears for the feel of the shoot and be clear of what the client wants from you. Make sure you arrive on set with clean hair, nails and make sure your body is well prepped. Good models always turn up to my shoots with a selection of underwear with them, so different coloured thongs, different styles of bras, so whatever I put them in, they have something that fits perfectly for them. Really good girls also bring extensions in their exact hair colour too, so, should we need it, we have an exact match and gives the hair stylist a lot more scope and makes our job a lot easier.

BB: Great advice there for anyone looking to get ahead in their modelling career.  Where fashion shoots are concerned, taking your own lingerie is worth remembering.  I would have to say, heels have always been my downfall.

Q: Thanks to shows such as Mad Men and campaigns for more curvy women in the media, what do you foresee for the future on the catwalk?

SS: I think size will always be an issue on the catwalk. And things often change in waves. From the healthy curvy 90’s Supermodels to the waif trend that thankfully disappeared as quickly as it arrived. I think people know that clothes actually look better when you have curves, and men certainly love girls to have boobs and a bum and the models I prefer to book always have great curves. Designers and catwalk models are a different breed however. These girls are super tall and lean, so not your average girl at all, but I think as long as there is a balance, and magazines, movies and pop stars represent a broader spectrum of sizes, fashion will be represented properly. Girls are very savvy these days and know that catwalk models probably represent 1% of the world in terms of women’s figures, and that a healthy and curvy shape is what actually makes a woman a woman.

BB: Personally, I feel designers should fit for a figure as women by nature have curves.  It's encouraging to see so many brands catching on with the use of curvier women.

On the Catwalk at Mark Fast

And Sophie on Wonderbra...

Q: Which is your favourite go-to Wonderbra?

SS: Tricky as I wear different Wonderbra's depending on what I’m wearing, so the tee shirt bra is for my everyday tee’s, vests and shirts. It’s seamless and smooth so perfect for everyday sexiness. The Ultimate plunge I keep for my more daring necklines, cut outs and halter neck styles. The full effect bra, gives me up to an extra two cup sizes when I want that extra boost and to show my cleavage off to the max in any low cut va va voom styles, and probably my fave is the ultimate strapless bra for my one shoulder and strapless numbers as well as for wearing under any sheer lace and chiffon pieces as this bra is good enough to show off on its own!

BB: Great choices! I think you can't beat a good plunge! 

Sophie Stevens
Image - Wonderbra

Thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us, Sophie!  We wish you continued success in the fashion world.  :-)

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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Wonderbra Haul of Fame Campaign - Part 1

Strapless bras, multiway bras, push up and plunge.  For something so small, bras sure know how to bewilder us!

You shouldn't have to possess a science degree to know which bra you could be wearing with your little black dress.  But never fear, no matter what you choose to pull on today there's a bra best suited to your outfit.  Wonderbra has done the hard work for you and developed a clever little mobile app called the Decoder that demonstrates what style of bra is best worn underneath your clothing, whether it's a simple tee or sexy little number.  Your bra fails need never happen!

To show you the theory behind the Decoder app the folks at Wonderbra have enlisted the help of celebrity stylist Sophie Stevens.  I will be speaking to Sophie later on in my series of Haul of Fame blog posts and will be finding out more about how to match the right bra with your outfit plus loads more tips on dressing a curvy figure!

Sophie Stevens
Image courtesy of Wonderbra

I was approached by Wonderbra to take part in their Haul of Fame campaign.  In the same way the Decoder app shows you, I've picked a few outfits of my own and selected the best Wonderbra to wear them with.  Don't think the fun's just on my part though!  Wonderbra's running a Facebook competition and invites YOU to style your own outfit for the fantastic chance of winning a cool £1000 shopping spree along with personal style advice from Sophie Stevens herself.  How amazing is that?!


So, what's my first outfit and bra pairing of choice, I hear you wonder.  Well, here it is  -

My first outfit is a smart casual style; something I'd wear for going shopping with the girls and having a drink down the local.  I'm wearing a silver grey lace skirt with a black cap sleeved top that's slightly speckled with lurex yarn.  Adding a hot AW12 trend to bring the style bang up to date: a pearly white sequin collar necklace.  To keep the look relaxed I'd wear my cream and silver leather pumps (no pounding the pavements with high heels here!)

The Wonderbra I chose to wear underneath my top was the super smooth T-Shirt Bra.  It's available right up to a G cup so brilliant for those of us fuller up top.  I received the 32F in error but it actually wasn't too bad, considering!  It was supposed to be a 32G but to be honest I felt a 30G would have been the best size.  I LOVED the straps on this one, really soft yet sturdy and absolutely comfortable!   It felt supportive and most importantly for your outfit, didn't show through.  My top looked smooth and unspoiled thanks to the seamfree cups.

Keep an eye out for my Haul of Fame Part 2 post later this week for the next installment in my Wonderbra bras and outfits decoded!

Becky x

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