My Spring Lingerie Picks 2013

Our Spring took it's blooming time to get it's skates on!  Towards the end of April the sun started to show a glimmer of hope and it's probably safe to say now that the May bank holiday weekend officially declared that the warmer weather is back.  Me and Mr BB enjoyed a countryside walk right on our doorstep and it was just lovely feeling the warm  sun shine on my face.  The hedges and trees are sprouting with foliage and blossoms, daffodils line the roadside and the lambs are finally able to enjoy playing together.  This has got to be one of the best times of the year.

Updating my summer wardrobe I've realised I wear a lot of dark coloured bras which isn't very helpful when I want to be wearing my thinner tops.  I think bras have a time and place to be on show and I don't really like my undies spoiling a cool motif tee.  I seriously need some lighter colours and less padding for my warmer weather lingerie drawer.

If you're looking for something pretty and summery like me, you're in luck, as there's quite a choice this season.  Here's my favourite fuller bust offerings:

'Woozie' by Mimi Holliday

'Just Flew In' by Freya

'Ring o' Roses' by Bravissimo

'Polka Dot Satin' by Alexis Smith

'Bella' by Cleo

'Glossies Floral Frenzy' by Gossard

'3D Ptys' by Ewa Michalak

Decisions, decisions...

Becky x

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Blog Birthday Giveaway! #6 Ewa Michalak

This competition is now CLOSED - winners announced soon!

Sadly, this is the last day of the giveaways (Boooo!) but I really hope you've enjoyed entering the fantastic prize draws I've hosted this week.  The prize donators have been amongst my favourite brands and online shops and it will be such a success that you love them as much as I do.

We end with a particularly generous giveaway from leading Polish company, Ewa Michalak.  Not one, not two but THREE prizes of money vouchers to spend on the website, each to the value of 100 Polish Zloty.

I wouldn't have known about Ewa Michalak if it weren't for my fellow readers and bloggers and I've been so thankful for being introduced to the company.  The beautiful lingerie is a breath of fresh air; the european influence makes for a totally refreshing approach we're yet to see designers try here in the UK.

Ewa Michalak are offering 3 lucky winners a 100PLN voucher to spend.  To enter, simply complete the quick 'n' easy tasks in the Rafflecopter below.

Here's some of my current favourites from Ewa Michalak >

Ewa Michalak - 3DM Melon

Ewa Michalak - CHP Mak Nowa Koronka

Ewa Michalak - 3D Kokietka

This draw ends one week from today on the 2nd March 2013 - so be quick!

Terms and conditions apply, provided upon request.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Skintone Bras - The Essential Nude

Colourful bras are all well and good but sometimes you don't want your bra to steal your fashion limelight.  Whether wearing a little black dress or your favourite simple white tee, it's nice to have a bra on standby that'll disappear beneath your clothing.

Skintone bras in nude shades are an essential option for many bra wearers of all bust sizes and many brands offer a multitude of additional benefits such as multiway, strapless and seamfree styling.

Ewa Michalak are still a new indulgence for me but already they've wowed me with their incredible superiority in design and manufacture.  Usually brands can be limited in their collections and tend to stick to the same style vein season after season.  Ewa Michalak is a breath of fresh air with their vast choice of styles, colours and sizes; quite the lingerie sweetshop!

I tried out the PL Toffik.  I'd previously ordered it a month or so ago (when I incorrectly ordered the 65GG) but needed to exchange the size for something bigger, however the replacement bra I received looked different to the first one I was sent.  Looking at the website I found there are two different looking PL Toffiks which is a little confusing.  From what I can see, the first one I had is labeled as a toffee colour where the one I have now is classed as caramel.

The PL Toffik in toffee is a three section cup in smooth fabric.  It's edged with delicate lace along the tops of the cups, adorned with intricately stitched straps and finished off with a centre bow.  It was a very easy bra to wear and was effortless under clothing.  It wasn't seamfree but as close as you'd get.  The band was too tight for me, and the cups a fraction too small, so I returned it for another size.

PL Toffik - Toffee

My exchange replacement is quite visually different.  It is actually extremely similar to the CH Karmelki.  The cups aren't smooth in the same sense but overlaid with feint diamond embroidery and there are three centre oval buttons as opposed to the previous bow.  The colours of both the Toffiks are similar and which I found a bit too dark but I personally preferred the shade of the 'toffee' Toffik.  I also preferred the plain styling for a smoother finish.

I had the second Toffik replaced as a 70H which again wasn't the best size for me.  My fault again!  I now know that 70GG will be spot on for me.

Both versions of the PL Toffik are gorgeous and very well made and I like the way there are slightly differing ideas of nude on the website which gives the buyer a bit more option.  They also come with removable pads which can be kept in or removed if you want extra va va voom or help with evening out different sized boobs.

Another plunge skintone bra is the nude Freya Deco which I tried in a 28GG from Lingerie Heaven.  The Deco is a favourite bra to many, but why?

Deco is a fabulous, well fitting bra that offers real support.  It's also a really good seamfree style because of it's moulded cups which means you don't get any show through of stitching and cup sectioning that normal bras can do.  Another reason why I love wearing the Deco is because it's a plunge which is extremely flattering for me.  Oh yes, and you can get them in a 28 back now, too!

I love the Freya's nude colourway as it's light and unobtrusive.  It does actually disappear when I put a white t shirt on, which is what it's all about for me.  Both the colour and completely smooth cups are a winner with me and will be a wardrobe staple of mine from now on.

Have you tried other brands of skintone bras?  How do you think they compare and which would you say is the best?

Becky x

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Fruitful Autumn - Bountiful Bras

Coming to the end of summertime can be saddening; bidding farewell to long days in the sun and tucking away bare legs until next year.  But thinking ahead of what the next season will bring us, thoughts turn to brisk walks, crunchy and colourful leaves beneath foot and wild fruits ripe for foraging.  Autumn is rich and full of life despite the darkening days and the lingerie calendar forecasts some beautiful offerings this year.

I love coloured lingerie and I have found some seriously delicious bras from some of our favourite fuller cup brands.  Colours this season are deep, mellow and mysterious in juicy berry shades and dazzling colour.

Soon to look forward to is the Freya Marina.  I chose Marina back in July as my favourite Autumn Winter 2012 collection when I entered Freya's Blog Star competition.  I adore the jewel tones which echo amethyst and sapphire gem stones stirring in plum flavours which really is Autumn to a T.

I also have my eye on two Panache goodies, the first being a gorgeous new colour in one of my favourite, reliable collections that is the Tango.  The vibrant Violet is the latest fashion colourway and I'll be looking for it in the plunge style.  A stunning colour coupled with fantastic fit; perfect for lifting the spirits on a misty Autumn day.

The second Panache beauty to catch my eye and receive a makeover is the Fern.  For me, patterned bras can be hit or miss, and Fern's oriental floral scheme with a predominant navy blue is a fresh sight for sore eyes.

For something just as Autumnal and fresh, Ewa Michalak has the serene lilac hued CHP Fiolek.  The colour is soothing with a fruity feel about it, and I love the whimsical bow.

For dank days when the sun fails to shine and you're feeling a little miserable, the floral Satine exclusive to Bravissimo will brighten your mood and your day.  With a delicate floral design and luxurious fabric, Satine is a pretty take on the Autumn colour trend with its precious sapphire blue trim.

So with all these yummy bras to look forward to, I'm not so sad about Summer leaving us.  Instead I'm quite looking forward to the weather cooling, encouraging me to layer up in my coat and favourite big scarves and going out foraging for berries to bake into pies when I get back home.  I may be snuggled away beneath knits and toasting myself in front of my log burner, but knowing I'm wearing one of these breathtaking bras will bring a flush to my cheeks on the darkest of days.  Here's to a fruity Autumn!  :-)

Have you spotted any divine bras set for release this Autumn Winter?

Becky x

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Ewa Michalak Bra Reviews - Part 1: HP Nina Revisited

A little while ago I received a few bras from Polish lingerie brand, Ewa Michalak.  I'd experienced a few problems with ordering my corresponding size because of the european sizing differences but I'm happy to say that since returning my first order, I now have replacements to try.

Being between sizes, it was a confusing job for me deciding whether to order sizes to a 28GG, 30GG or 28H.  The brand being european also meant that sizes are not the same as UK inch bands, calculated in centimetres instead.  Then I'd read about some Ewa Michalak customers recommending to order the next size up from your usual size, so I had a lot to consider.

At the time of my first order I went for what I considered a straight conversion at 65GG, 30GG being my mid size.  As I wear 28 backs often, I expected the 30 to make up for the difference but it didn't work out as I'd thought it would.  Really, because inches and centimetres do not convert precisely, it would have been wiser to jump straight to the 70 back; marked as an equivalent of a 32 back on the Ewa Michalak website.

The first bra I reviewed was the sultry HP Nina, a sexy half cup bra trimmed with a feminine floral ribbon detail in a 65GG (30GG).  It was a relatively good fit but I felt it was just too tight and a little inadequate in the cup.

65GG (30GG) HP Nina

I exchanged it for a 70H (32H) hoping for a more comfortable band and more roomy cups.

When I opened up the package I knew instantly the 70H would be too big.  The cups looked enormous, even bigger compared to other bras in the box of the same size.  The straps were a bit fiddly to adjust (I had to ask my OH in the end to adjust it for me) but once fitted and fastened up on the first hooks, my boobs were quite swamped with a lot of cup space unfilled.  Compared against the photo above, you can see just how much bigger this one is.

70H (32H) HP Nina

The back was a really good fit, so the 70 (32) was the perfect band for me.  I know that if I remained with the GG cups then it would have been the perfect fit.  When I estimated my next size up from the tight 65GG, I admit I was a little too adventurous with going up in the band and in the cups.  So, in the HP Nina, a 70GG (32GG) is the best size to go for, when compared to my average 30GG UK size.

What I like about the HP Nina is that it's a more flexible design being the half cup compared to a full balcony which I don't always suit.  It provides excellent, reliable coverage whilst supporting a good degree of bust shelf.  It's very flattering if you're after a good, rounded shape with a flash of cleavage, and it's not too dressy to get away with wearing everyday.  HP Nina is a glamorous bra, perfect for fuller busts.

Have you tried the HP Nina?  How did you find the fit and sizing?

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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Plunge Bras For The Larger Bust

Plunge bras are not just for smaller busts wanting that 'hello boys' effect.  Despite larger cup bras not being the easiest to buy, there is a variety of styles out there which means you're not limited to balconettes.

As my boobs continued to develop through my twenties I ended up believing that the only style I could wear was a balconette; a design that many larger cupped bras are produced in because of their flattering silhouette and supportiveness.  Since being properly fitted I've come to know that wearing a plunge is indeed still possible for me.  In fact, as I've found out that my boobs are naturally close set, balconettes don't suit me so well and plunging bras are perfect for a bust like mine.

I love proving that big bras don't have to be frumpy and some of my current favourites are simply cute and look pretty as heck!

Check out these plunge pretties -

Ada Tattoo Plunge Bra
Freya coming soon

Wild at Heart Plunge Bra
Bravissimo

HP Koktajl
Ewa Michalak

Lucine Plunge Bra
Bravissimo

Dorothy Plunge Bra
Boux Avenue

I'm frankly quite gutted that the Dorothy bra from Boux Avenue only goes up to a G cup when some of their other lines are an H (and while I'm here the lack of 28 backs is also frustrating).  It would be nice to see them extend the more trendy looking ranges to give more choice to those of us who need a larger cup and appreciate cute designs.   I would so buy this bra if it came in a GG or H!

Becky x

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