Bra Review: Tutti Rouge Betty

When Tutti Rouge's first collection, Liliana, landed for sale back in the spring, the lingerie community was alight with anticipation to try out the hottest new bra brand on the block.  The reason behind the excitement was simple: images of gorgeous lingerie in pretty shades and wearable styles which were shared through Tutti Rouge's social channels showed a glimmer of hope that sexy and desirable designs that look like 'regular' size lingerie were indeed attainable from 28 bands and cups DD to J.  I was as silly-interested as the next full bust blogger and couldn't wait to ride the Rougette train!

When I was asked if I'd like to try the next bra installment, Betty, I was thrilled and not before long a cute 'n' diddy black box arrived at my door.  At first I was sent a 28GG which I didn't have luck getting fastened.  As a rule I only wear 28GG if the bands are stretchy, like Freya Deco for example, with 28H or 30GG my usual sizes, although admittedly I'm preferring 30GG of late, so it wasn't too surprising that 30GG Betty fit best.  With this is mind, I would say Betty does run slightly small in the band but not immensely so. 

Betty comes in DD-HH cup sizes and is such a unique design.  Styled in a half cup shape, Betty boasts lightly padded cups fabricated in a silky satin with a softly coloured poppy print.  Intricate lace trims the cups and all the way around the circumference of the band lending a modern but still feminine look.

The little details make Tutti Rouge's bras so cute; the metal strap adjuster is a heart shape as opposed to a regular rectangle and Tutti Rouge branding is embossed into either end of the back closure. 

Betty's band has just enough give in the elastic, and with the deep wings and three hook wide closure means a really good, firm structure.  The front of the straps are fashioned in a slightly stretchy satin so it looks like taut fabric but allows just a touch of movement for comfort although it does mean the straps are semi adjustable on the reverse side.  Overall I find Betty really comfy to wear.  

At first I was convinced the shape wouldn't suit me but it fits me extremely well.  The wires aren't too wide and finish where I want them to, the cups aren't too highly cut so I've got no rubbing at my underarm, and my boobs are nicely cupped so I feel secure and well supported.  The only nipping I feel is to the outer edge of the wires but then all my bras nip there, and I just need to bend the wire a little to force a bit of curve around my ribcage and then I'm fine.  Lately I've been so finicky with my lingerie, the fact I've been enjoying wearing Betty all day long proves to me that I've found a bra I'm going to be happy in for a long time.

The shorty knickers (size small) feature the same poppy print satin to the front panels, with even more frilly lace trimming, and the back is just as adorable, with it's cheeky see through mesh and peep hole beneath the elasticated waist.  I do prefer to wear my shorties deeper cut with more generosity in the hips but these are still a cute pair of low rise briefs.

Betty... endorsed by Lucy!

Have you been able to try out Tutti Rouge's growing range yet?  Or do you have your eyes on a particular collection yet to come?


Becky x

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Bra Review: Miss Mandalay Paris

Large cup lingerie for smaller backs is more accessible these days compared to only ten years ago.  Now it's pretty commonplace to find 30 back G cups in your local supermarket store and brands catering for the fuller busted have a much wider size scope.  This kind of availability - although it has much room for improvement with recognising the sub 28 demand and need for even larger cups - is fantastic for picking up essentials and pretty seasonals but sometimes you want something a little more luxurious and not so everyday, and you may actually want to support a British brand.  This is when your department store usually falls short.

Miss Mandalay is an independent British brand who've firmly established their mark in the fuller bust market since their arrival on the scene in 2005.  Their collections are both fashion forward and easy to wear thanks to the use of well structured fabrics and clever design which makes them so incredibly desirable.  Being a boutique brand specialising in beautiful design and fit lends to Miss Mandalay's indulgent persona, a refinement that puts the brand in a totally different class.

The 'Paris' collection has to be the most recognisable style of Miss Mandalay with new colourways launched every season.  This spring/summer sees the introduction of Cobalt Blue, a striking deep azure reminiscent of a perfect, tropical sea.  How appropriate for this time of year!  

Unsure which size to try, as I'd heard bands ran small in Miss Mandalay, I bought the Paris in a 30GG, as opposed to my usual 28H, which I must add I've not been most comfortably wearing.  Because of this, I was worried the 30GG would then be too small, but I instantly found the fit to be perfect - phew!

I am usually dubious of balcony styles as it all depends where the central gore sits on my ribcage, as too high or too wide gores can wreak havoc with my close set boobs.  The centre wires sit flush against my chest and it really is in the very best position.  The cups are ample deep and wide enough without the wires disappearing beneath my armpits, like some brands can.

Paris is a non padded style with two section cups fashioned in mesh, with the bottom section less sheer, and trimmed with a satin band along the edge of the cups.  The fit is very rounded and natural with no push up effect, which is a good choice for a simple, comfortable feeling as close to not wearing a bra as you can.

I know a lot of larger busted women like a wide strap on their bra, which in this case I wouldn't say Paris is for you, but I do want to say how amazing the straps do feel, despite their narrow width.  I find them excellent enough as there is no soreness or red marks on my shoulders.

This colour is stunning!  I've lost count how many times I've been disappointed by a bra's colour in reality compared to it's appearance online or in a catalogue.  Cobalt Blue really is a vibrant shade - the perfect colour pop to be wearing this summer.

Becky x

To see the Cobalt Blue Paris in 32C, check out Lingerie Lesbian's review here!

*This post was not sponsored or paid for in any way*

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Lissome Lingerie & Panache Bra Review

I'm always super interested to hear from new brands and lingerie retailers, especially those who pay particular attention to the needs of larger boobs.  I first came across Lissome Lingerie on Twitter during a networking hour some time ago and at the beginning of February Lissome got in touch with me.  As the online boutique only opened earlier this year I was keen to learn more about them.

When I first visit a lingerie website I head straight to the bra size page to check if my often ignored size is offered, so it was especially interesting to see Lissome being so inclusive and readily available for most women, both small and large busted.  With sizes from an A cup to a K and 28 backs starting from a D, you'll be pushed to find a size they can't offer or find for you.  

As I follow Lissome's social accounts, what became clear to me is their enthusiasm, not just to stock plenty fantastic brands and sell to women of all shapes and sizes but the aim to please and satisfy their customers.  There's a real sense of being well looked after which is a personal attribute a lot of online retailers forget about.

I was offered the chance to sample a piece from their range so I was delighted to receive a beautiful package in the post from business owner, Sarah Stephens.  Within the box en-robed with a chiffon ribbon bow I found the classical Panache Tango bra and brief set, carefully wrapped up in tissue paper.  The  bra is the balcony style which I previously struggled to fit properly with so I was keen to try it on for size.

The black Tango set is in a 28H and the briefs, size 12.

Anyone who is not familiar with the Tango collection will be surprised by how well supporting it is.  The unpadded cups are a sheer mesh embroidered with a leaf detail but don't be deceived by it's delicate and feminine appearance.  The deep band that runs beneath the three section cups offer some seriously substantial support.

What I personally like about the Tango balcony is the depth of the central gore which is high enough to properly envelope my close set boobs.  The deep band with it's three hook wide fastener adds to the reliability and sturdy nature of the band.

The briefs are fashioned in the same embroidered mesh to the front with a stretchy fabric for optimal comfort to the reverse.  There's also a little cut out detail at the back to add interest.  I personally prefer cotton or full stretch knickers to taut fabric, but they do have good bum coverage!

I'll be honest, the Tango collection isn't exactly as attractive as other styles, but it is a wearable basic.  In my opinion the Panache Tango is a classic lingerie drawer essential for a reason; it works!



What other bras would you say are your essentials?

Becky x

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Bra Review - Cleo Melissa

We may still be in Winter (yak!) but thankfully March is around the corner and if you look closely you'll see glimmers of spring suggestion; buds are awakening on the old season's tired trees and shoots are sprouting from beneath fading smatterings of snow.  It's so exciting to see the world blooming into life and colour once again.

You don't have to wait so long for a burst of colour though because this month Cleo released their beautiful Melissa collection.  An invigorating azure sea blue is trimmed with pillar box red mesh panelling in a pattern that looks akin to fluffy clouds, while a contemporary fruity berry print electrifies the cups and front banding.  Melissa is a set that will blow away any cobwebs!

Cleo Melissa in 28H

Cleo Melissa's 'clouds'

Cleo Melissa brief in size 12

Melissa's fabric is strong and sturdy with a slinky touch.  The comfortable fully adjustable straps are ribbed (like Cleo Marcie) which follow round to double layered wings and two way hook and eye fastening.  The band continues right round underneath the cups for extra bust support.

I was sent the Melissa set in a 28H and found it to be extremely supportive; the band is the right firmness and the cups keep my boobs separated and well encased.  Unlike my experience with Cleo Meg, the 28H Melissa balcony was a pretty good fit.  The only fit faux pas I found was a slight puckering in the mesh along the top of the cups at the point where the mesh meets the cup fabric and the upper point of the mesh was a tiny bit tight on my left boob.

The briefs are a size 12 and in a bikini style.  They're quite low fitting which isn't to my particular preference.  The back of the briefs which covers your bum is stretchy however the front is the same woven fabric as the bra cups which I found a little restrictive.  They are very cute knickers though and feature the same mesh and bow detailing.

I think Melissa is a really striking design and definitely a breath of fresh air that reminds me what there is to look forward to about spring and summer.  The fit is perky and looks fab - you should really give this one a go!

Becky x

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Bra Review - Bravissimo Paradiso Plume

Earlier this week saw the introduction of some gorgeous new bras for the early spring season at Bravissimo.  New on the block, own brand bra Paradiso Plume had me smitten the moment I saw it online.  I was tempted to place an order from the website but I decided I couldn't wait and made the trek up to Newcastle today; Eldon Garden bound to Bravissimo.

If you've not yet seen Paradiso Plume, get ready for a juicy feast for the eyes!  It's tropical jambalaya is a vibrant and intoxicating explosion of feathers in heady blooms of fuchsia and peacock blues.  This beauty looked stunning on the Bravissimo model and the lofty half cup balcony shape sold it to me.  Sadly - and I'm truly dispirited to say this - it didn't work for me in the slightest, teensiest bit.  Gutted.

I'm pretty!  Oh so pretty!

I tried on the 28H which is my most worn size.  The band fastened up fine and felt snug.  Beyond that, I just don't think this style was made for me.  Firstly, the cups were not sufficient in size; the central gore sat away from my chest bone, in fact, the whole front of the bra seemed to sit away from me.  I also had bulging over the top of my left (larger) side.  I felt as if I needed at least a HH.

Looks kinda okay... except the wide straps and cups!

See the bulging on the left cup?

The bra shape was just far too broad for me; the straps were not only ridiculously far off my shoulders but they were disappearing into my armpits!  If I increased anything this fit would be made even worse, if it could be worse.

The straps are disappearing into my armpits

I look like I'm wearing a backpack on my shoulders!

 I'm quite relieved I did come to try this bra on as opposed to ordering it on a whim as it's not a great design at all.  Now, my boobs are close set and bottom heavy, I'm thinking this bra may better suit wide set and full up top boobs.  If this is you, Paradiso Plume could look fantastic on you.  I'm just miffed it's a no-go for me.

What do you think of the style and pattern of the Paradiso Plume?  Do you think it would suit you better?  I would love to hear how you got on if you've tried it too.

Becky x

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My Curves and Me & Cleo Meg

There's one rule I fastidiously live by and it's always be a bargain hunter.  I'm thankful for growing up in a household which meant our family had to watch the pennies because it taught me to be thrifty and wise with my cash.  I hate to pay the RRP on anything and always hunt high and low for the best price on the smallest of things.  This explains why it makes me so happy when I find out about a new bargain bra shop on the block!

When My Curves and Me got in touch to tell me about their launch I was so excited.  The brand new web store is a much needed addition to the small pool of large bust bra retailers we have to choose from.  We're often bombarded with sales offers but it's refreshing when a shop's ethos is already with the mind of low pricing.  Browsing through My Curves and Me using the simple navigations, it's quick to see both old and new collections of popular brands are available in many, often difficult to source, sizes.

I hadn't had a Cleo for quite a while so when the autumn winter style, Meg, appeared on the screen in a 28H I was tempted into ordering it.  Listed for £20.25 there was an already huge saving on the RRP of £27.  You can save so much more than this though, with the vibrant red Cleo Marcie selling for an amazing £15!

Meg is a really pretty bra but not overly girly so perfect for anyone who dislikes pink and frills.  The swallow print is on trend and contemporary, set against a navy blue base colour, highlighted with bursts of red.  It's a perfect look for a dark winter wardrobe and quite festive looking too.

The fabric is an all over fine mesh with fully adjustable straps that are the just the right width preventing the bra from being anything close to frumpy.  The back fastens with just a double hook and eye but the wings aren't particularly narrow so you still get ample enough support from the band.

Sadly the cups were very disproportionate to my figure and didn't fit me in the cups.  The under wire and centre gore were not a problem but there was so much bagginess to the tops of the cups.  I feel this style would suit a fuller up top bust better, so to fill the entire cups which are very rounded all over.  I was so disappointed Meg didn't fit because I was so hopeful and I love Cleo bras so much for their modern styles.  Thankfully I know Lucy is a good fit so all is not lost with this young at heart brand.

Over at My Curves and Me there's a free delivery promotion going on so now is probably a good time to get ahead with your Christmas lingerie list.  ;-)

Becky x

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Panache Bra Fit & Masquerade Persia Review

Panache are a god send to many D+ bra wearers.  With the Superbra, Cleo and Masquerade lingerie lines catering for varying tastes and budgets, not forgetting Panache Swimwear, it wouldn't be uncommon for most busty girls to own at least one Panache brand bra.  Whether we're wearing the best size for us is another matter, which is why, some three months ago, Panache launched the Bra Fit Challenge.

They designed some really cool posters for the challenge which I just fell in love with.  There's a vintage loveliness about them in a modern sweetie coloured palette.  These were my favourites - 

Found on Panache's Facebook page and website, The Bra Fit Challenge is a simple series of questions about how your current bras fit you to establish whether you're wearing the right size.  Addressing issues such as a band which rides up at the back - which means your band size is too big and you need to downside - and other bra fit problems including straps that slide off, cups that bulge and under wires that dig in.  Before you find out what bra size Panache think you should be wearing you do need to provide your name and email address, which could be seen as a sneaky way of collecting people's data, but I didn't mind giving mine so long as it means I stay in the loop of the latest offers and releases!

I thought I would take the Bra Fit Challenge to see what size I would be told.  Having used some questionably dubious bra fitters elsewhere on the web I was expecting an equally funny response.  So it was pretty refreshing to see, following the good advice and pointers throughout the short survey, that the size I wear, a 28H, is my Panache recommended size.  Phew!

I had forgotten all about the challenge until recently when I received an email telling me I'd won a lingerie set from the competition!  Alongside the challenge ran a competition to win one of 50 lingerie sets and I had won one of them.  I'd been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my surprise parcel so it was exciting when my delivery landed just last week.

I had won a beautiful Masquerade bra and brief set called Persia which particularly made my day because I LOVE Masquerade bras.  Not only are they luxurious and well made but they always make me feel fantastic.

The Persia is an exotic collection oozing Middle Eastern delight.  The new colour added for the winter season is this stunning sapphire blue, the perfect jewel for the festive period, fashioned in silky satin and fully embroidered cups.  The lace detailing runs up alongside the front of the straps with the same fine lace adorning the briefs.  Where bows are commonplace, tassels instead grace the centre gore and the top hem of the knickers.

Whilst I adore Masquerade's never failing quality and attention to detail, I'm sadly not disillusioned by the grandeur of Persia.  The full covering balcony style didn't fit my boobs properly, it looked distorted, unfilled and unhappy on me.  Lifting, scooping and rearranging did nothing to improve the situation.  My boobs were having none of it.

And that was all once I'd managed to get it on.  Usually a 28H Masquerade fits me like a dream but I seriously struggled to fasten the band because it was so tight.  Laying it out next to my Masquerade Amira I found the Persia was a good centimetre shorter in the band.  Despite eventually hooking it up, it was far too restrictive to keep wearing.

I know plunging bras fit me best but there are many balconettes exception to the rule.  As long as the centre wires are close or the centre gore sits high enough then it's no problem.  I'm undecided whether a higher set bust would fit into Persia better than me, or whether the strange cup design and small back is down to miscalculated design?

I'm hoping this is just another bra that doesn't fit me well and that there's still some fabulous beauties yet to come from Masquerade.

The Panache Bra Fit Challenge is back on for the run up to Christmas, so if you missed out last time you still have chance to bag a beautiful lingerie set in your very own size.  Get checking now!

Becky x

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