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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The Directional D+ List

Image Copyright: Marlies Dekkers

Lingerie for the larger busted can make a shopping trip a daunting task.  While more stores on the highstreet are realising the demand and adding full cup ranges to their lingerie departments they're usually thin on choice of style or the availability of smaller bands.  If you're looking for something a little different, more fashion forward and less frill, you can just about forget it.

There are some fabulous choices for every day bras and solution lingerie which I talk about regularly here on the blog, but recently I found myself thinking about bras that don't follow the typical mould; the type you'd see featured in the fashion pages of glossy mags and most usually modelled by a smaller chested woman.  Did these designer led, directional lingerie garments exist for busts over a D?  So I set out to find them.

Without any further faff, I'll get straight to the point: yes, there are indeed some amazing pieces for big boobs and I'm rather excited about my findings!  These are a few of my very favourites >

Huit

 'Rumeur' Long Line Bra

Only up to a D but I couldn't miss it out.

Stella McCartney

 'Jodie Rocking' Balcony Bra

Wonderbra

'Natural Lift Sexy' Push Up Bra

Pleasure State

'Glitter Spectacular' Contour Bra

Marlies Dekkers

'Dame De Paris' Balcony Bra

Gossard

'Retrolution' Half Padded Bra

Mimi Holliday

'Bisou Bisou Kiss' Super Plunge Shoulder Bra

Elle MacPherson Intimates

'Sunset Glow' Balconette Contour Bra

I'm really feeling these different from the norm designs.  Isn't mesh fabric a wonderful thing?  And lace so exquisite and yet still able to look modern!

Which is your favourite?  Or do you know of some more exciting, fashion conscious lingerie brands for the D+?

Becky x

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Swimwear for Spa Days

So, it's decided (I decided) that Mr BB and myself are overdue a spa day.  I haven't been to a spa for three years now and I've never been with the other half before, so to say we're overdue it is an understatement.  I'm looking forward to swimming in the pool, chilling out in a jacuzzi and sweating it out in a sauna, and some treatments would be rather nice too, such as a massage and a facial.  All that needs to be done is book up with the right spa package and, oh, sort out the issue that is wardrobe!

Champney's Springs in Leicestershire - ooh yes please!

With spas, it doesn't matter whether you're a swimsuit wearer or prefer a bikini, what's more important is making sure you choose the right one for you that makes you feel confident about yourself and importantly, comfortable.  After all, what's the point in worrying about ties coming loose when you're meant to be relaxing?

Not all swimwear is the same so it's wise to thoroughly fit and check out your suit before the big day.  These pointers might help you out:

• Check your suit's not see through when wet (no nipples or pubic hair on show)


• Ensure the bottom doesn't ride up between your cheeks.  No one likes a wedgie.


• Can you can fasten fiddly ties or clasps yourself?


• Boob slips can happen - prevent it!  Bounce and move around, do your boobs stay in place?


• You don't want shoulder or neck pain from too tight straps - adjust to a comfortable tension now before you go.

Here are my top favourites of swimwear perfect for a spa day.  Hmm, which to choose?...

Freya 'Fever' Bikini Top

Leia Lingerie, £30

Kelly Brook 'Pink Rose' Bikini Top

New Look, £16.99

Curvy Kate Moonlight Bikini Top

Figleaves, £34

Lepel Capri Swimsuit
Figleaves, £38

And which did I choose?  The Freya Fever bikini!  I bought the gorgeous blue colourway from Leia Lingerie in a 28GG in the plunge style with medium brief bottoms.  It fits perfectly; the plunging cups are perfectly positioned and super flattering.  I was wise to order the 28GG as opposed to the H too as the cups are just the right size.  All I need now is my spa!

Becky x

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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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DD+ Bra Review - Bravissimo 'Dixie' Plunge Bra

When I couldn't make Bravissimo's Boob School launch last month I was really disappointed, but I was soon cheered up with the news that I could still review a piece from the new Spring collection.

The only Bravissimo own brand bra I'd been able to try on before now was the Paradiso Plume on my recent trip to their Newcastle store, and I hadn't had a very good experience with it despite falling madly in love with it's appearance.  I wasn't sure whether the size or the balcony shape made my fit such a failure and I wondered if that was an example of how Bravissimo bras would always be like.  Being offered a style of my choice gave me the perfect opportunity to try something possibly more suited to my own bust shape, and it proved the right step forward.

Figuring that some balcony styles are a case of hit or miss, depending on where the gore finishes, I decided to opt for a plunge.  It wasn't long before I was told I had the new 'Dixie' collection in the post for me, which I requested in my normal 28H.

I hadn't realised that a hot pink bra had been missing from my lingerie drawer for a few years, and it was a refreshing sight to see how deep in pretty colour Dixie's fuschia shade was.  It's a very simple style; a scalloped self coloured lace trims the cups and little white bows spotted with pink are positioned  at the centre gore and to the fore straps.  The unpadded triple section cups are smooth and silky feeling both sides of the fabric which lends to it's comfortable sensation.

The band has a good firm tension; it's perfectly supportive and fastens with rows of triple hooks and eyes.  The straps are fully adjustable and elastic, possibly more stretchy than I feel they need be, but not particularly a problem.

The cups totally encase my boobs with absolutely no bulging or falling out, and I have a good cleavage without the cups being push-up.  There are no signs of fabric wrinkling, creasing or unfilled areas, in fact the cups are perfectly smooth and mirror my own shape.

I am really, really pleased with Dixie and totally impressed with the fit.  I'm amazed at how comfy it's been wearing Dixie for long days without any need to adjust or move wiring.  I feel Dixie is like a second skin, and dare I say it, leading ahead in my list of favourite bras.  :-)

The briefs, which I was sent in a size 12, were exactly how I like them, not too low and with good bum coverage.  The same lace and bow detailing trims the briefs, with the back of them and the front side panels being an easy to wear mesh, so they're super comfy.

Dixie is a really cute set to own - perfect if you're a pink lover, have close set boobs and suit a plunging style and want to update your lingerie with something a little more youthful and girly.

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 Fit Problems - Bust Shape and Wires

Bra fitting isn't just about establishing cup and band size.  Oh no.  With so many manufacturers, bra styles and varying fabrics, it would be impossible to fit into every single bra just based upon measurement alone.  In fact, fitting into a bra properly can mean a completely different size for exactly the same reasons and you may find in one particular style you require a larger cup than others.

Panache's Bra Fit Challenge campaign

It can sound condescendingly obvious but it's important to remember that every person and every boob is different, even your left is unique from your right which means even though a certain bra may be perfect for someone, it can be the bra from hell for you.  Boobs are three dimensional pesky things to fit, but we love them and every boob deserves a comfortable and supportive bra.

I won't babble on about the different shapes boobs 'come in' as there's really good blogs out there which have already covered this area.  What I do want to do, however, is talk about my own shape, the problems I experience with fitting; how I overcome them or what I avoid.

My Build
Being 5'8" tall and an hour glass figured size 12, I'm not petite nor am I skinny, but I'm slightly built with sloping shoulders, a little back fat and a boney ribcage.

My Boob Stats
My rib cage measures 29 inches and I wear 28 bands most often, other times a 30 band.  My bust is 39 inches, and I wear between GG and H cups.  My boobs are very close together.

My Close Set Bust

If it's not bad enough that I wear irregular sizes (as in typical highstreet store sizes) I have a close-set bust to think about.  I regularly struggle with centre gores and where the front of the underwires decide to finish.

Centre Gore Height
I do love to wear balcony bras but this often places me in a fit quandary.  Balcony bras are generally good for structured support that keeps boobs in place and provides a lifted cleavage shelf.  I have been finding that the exact place where the centre gore is situated is the deciding factor whether my boobs will sit in the cups naturally.  The higher the underwires finish at the front, the more likely the bra will fit okay.

A few mms lower, yet still balcony, and the underwires can finish in the wrong place: right on top of my boob curvature and the underwires are forced to fit where they are.  With movement and time, they shift; one dug into the centre and the other sitting atop my boob.  An extremely uncomfortable fit.

For this reason I prefer to wear plunge bras, because then where the underwire finishes it is pretty low, generally below the curves of my boobs.  As my boobs are already close I don't have unnatural roll together; they sit in a way that's normal.

How my Masquerade Rosa plunge fits

Centre Gore Width
The centre gore doesn't always measure the same on different bras, some are wider and more definitively set apart while others the centre is more narrow, allowing the bust to sit closer.  Depending on how far apart or close your boobs are, you may get on better with one type over the other.

This bra's cups are too far apart for comfort

As my boobs are close together I find they don't appreciate being forced into polar directions.  When they are moved into a separated position they can look odd and in turn force the inner parts of the underwires to go places they shouldn't.  This can mean a simple solution, however.  To bring far apart cups closer together I nip them in and sew a few stitches at the front meeting underwires to permanently reduce the width.  Bras I Hate & Love often reconfigures her bras to fit perfectly because of these same problems.

Underwires - Curvature
Caroline at Curvy Wordy let me into a little secret and immediately solved my dilemma.  Underwires can be a nightmare, particularly when they're big cup sizes on small bands, and I've long experienced painful pressure points at the outer edges of my bras, where the underwires curve round.  I had no idea that the simple solution would just involve physically bending the wire into a 3D curved angle, like a banana.  By doing this to my otherwise flat shaped bras, I've made them more mirrored to the natural curving shape of the body.

A red sore from a pressing underwire

Underwires - Breadth
Some brands are more notorious than others for wide shaped underwires.  This is often down to softer underwires which stretch as a bra is fastened onto the body, but other times the wires are intended that way because of wide set or fuller on bottom boobs which may need more breadth.  This doesn't bother me as much as other problems but it can still be irritating.  In this instance I just bend the underwire back slightly so it's not disappearing into my armpits so much.

Underwires - Height
Sometimes I'll try on a bra that makes me feel swamped purely because the outer underwires decide to sit so highly into my armpits.  This tends to happen when I need to size up in the cup or if it's a high balcony that remains high at the outer edge.  Some bras also have plastic boning on the wings for added support.  I can not wear bras like this, irrelevant of a good fit for my boobs.  An underwire that finishes too high will dig in and leave you sore, so I steer clear of high wires.

Badly fitting bra and too high boning

So these are the immediate problems that come to my mind when I try on bras.  You quickly realise that  bra fitting is a lot more complicated than simply equating numbers, which is why the simple bra sizing method of 'plus zero' is the more realistic approach to the antiquated 'plus four'.  Read what I had to say about it here.

What problems do you encounter when fitting for bras?  Do you experience the same issues as I do or are there more scenarios which drive you away from certain styles?

Becky x

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Large Cup Bra Review - Freya Ivy

Wow, first post of the new year!  Let me take this opportunity to thank you for supporting my blog and I hope you'll stick around for 2013.  The blog changed direction slightly and picked up it's pace pretty quickly last year, so I'm keen to progress and develop further, bringing you, my friends, some cool offers and incentives.  :-)

Even though it's January now and everyone's slowly opening up shop again, I'm hanging on to Christmas by it's last glittery thread.  My beautiful tree is still here standing proudly in front of me with my very retro paper chains still very much in place (bar the odd naughty one that keeps unfastening a loop and falling down.)  It'll all have to be packed away for another 11 months come the weekend, so it'll be very sad... and completely refreshing!  The house will suddenly look bare but so much more spacious!

If you're like me, reluctant to say goodbye to Christmas yet, or you just dread the grey and slow month that is January, Freya's Ivy collection is probably worth checking out.  Boasting colour and lace in firecracker red, glowing berries against a contrasting blue and green base of ferns, Ivy is the most festive nod to the season.

At first I wasn't sure if I liked Ivy, I couldn't decide if it was too brash, too full on.  But then I realised how clever it is and how well the colours work and actually brighten your mood.  Ivy isn't a Christmas bra but delivers the same feeling of the season - vibrancy and awe.

Ivy is the same construction and fabrication of Spring/Summer's Ellie.  I loved Ellie but ended up struggling with the size which was a 30GG.  I decided to try Ivy in a 28H, as I recently found fit success with 28H Freya Gem, and it's the best size.

I really like the fit; the balcony cups feel extremely supportive and encasing, and the three set hook and eye fastening was a good decision.  The straps are like a woven criss-cross pattern than the more conventional diamond pattern, and I prefer it to the latter.  I would like to see the straps a little narrower, as I can't help but feel humungously wide straps spoil an otherwise young and modern bra.  A couple of mms less in width would be interesting.

I got a matching thong with the bra in a size S which is about a 10.  It's easy to wear in a very light fabric and the red lace runs all the way around the waist band.

Does the colour of Ivy work for you?  Do you think it's too bright and in-your-face, or is it a welcome spirit lifter at this time of the year?

Becky x

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Large Cup Budget Buying Guide

If you're fortunate to be of ample bust, you'll know all too well the misfortune that accompanies such a blessing, and that's the sad fact that large cup bras aren't particularly cheap.  It's frustrating to walk into all the trendy high street clothes shops and see a beautiful array of affordable lingerie only to find they stop short of the larger cup sizes.  It's even more disheartening when you require a smaller back size because so few stores stock them.

If you're a familiar reader here you'll know how much of a bargainista I am.  I'm always looking for the best buys I can find to satisfy my bra needs.  If you're needing bras for your newly refitted boobs or just looking to freshen your lingerie draw with some modern pretties, there are ways and means to avoid going in the red.  Here are my 6 top tips for intelligent bra buying.


1.  eBay
Whether you like it or not, ebay is the auction site everyone talks about and there's reason for it.  It's one of the best places to go to for low prices and choice because everyone wants to sell off their wares quickly.  Pre-worn is the requisite for second hand trading but many people sell brand new bras that didn't fit them and weren't returned, and there are many businesses selling too, listing current and past seasons.  You can find plenty bras in every size imaginable, including illusive 28 backs.  Items are usually listed in an auction format where you bid against other interested buyers but often a 'buy it now' option is available for immediate purchase.

I recently bought this past season Freya Jolie bra in a 28H on eBay for less than £13!

2.  Bratabase
This site is all about achieving the best fit from bras using a community built database where users are encouraged to measure and add their bras - the well fitting and not so - onto the site to provide usable feedback helpful for others looking for fit advice for a particular bra.  With the option to list any of your uploaded bras for sale, your unwanted bras can find a new home thanks to the worldwide site membership (which is free).  I have successfully sold some of my own bras using the Bratabase system and each time has been a personable and pleasant experience.

3.  Discount Online Shops
We can all think of web stores who sell at recommended retail price but did you know there are online shops where you can easily pay up to half price less?  Shops such as Lingerie Heaven, Brastop and My Curves and Me are all excellent sources for marked down prices on bras both popular and newly released.  They aren't seconds, with all lingerie being the same top quality product you'd find in the next shop.  It's just great prices!

4.  Promotions
With so many shops and online stores closing down every day, retail is cut throat; every shop has to fight for its customers.  When I'm looking to buy I always look online to find any discount codes that may be on offer.  A percentage off your total order, a monetary discount and free delivery are all common deals at various times of the retail calendar.  If you sign up to website newsletters you'll be the first to know about offers such as free delivery, and often there'll be up to a 20% off incentive for your first purchase.  Social websites such as Twitter and Facebook and also good ways of staying in touch with businesses where you'll often be privy to exclusive competitions and offers.

5.  Sales
There are sales and then there are secret sales, both earn you the potential for huge savings but work differently.

General sales are offered by just about every shop, on the high street and online.  The big sales are at specific times of the year, such as the January sales, winter sales and summer sales, which are to make way for next season stock which actually hits the shelves before the current season is out.  Here you can pick up huge discounts particularly on 'fashion' lines, which are the colourways and styles season specific and not continually available throughout the year.

Secret sales are membership websites - Brand Alley is one of them - for which you sign up to, to gain access to tightly scheduled sales.  Sales are quick, often over within a matter of days, so you have to get in fast if you don't want to miss out.

6.  Cashback
Even if you decide to buy from a regular store online, you can still easily make a saving.  Although not hugely significant, websites which provide cashback for following their lead link can earn you the equivalent of a percentage off your order total which accumulates on your account to mean real money back in your hand.  For example, using Topcashback you can achieve over 5% of your order at Brastop.  Every little helps!


So, this is how I shop.  Do you have a particular shopping style?  Are you a bargain hunter as I am, or someone who likes to be in and out as quick as possible when you shop?

If there's any money saving tips for bra buying I've missed, I'd love to hear!

Becky x

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