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 - 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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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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