How to Choose A Corset with Hot Corsets & Discount Code

Corsets are a huge love of mine.  Modelling boudoir really sparked my fascination with them as it introduced me to brands I'd previously unknown and allowed me to explore a new way of dressing my body.  It's easy to underestimate the self assuring power a good corset gives you.  Fat days are extinguished once the laces are pulled and voila!  Where did those mighty curves come from?!  If you thought you hadn't curves, now is the time you discover them.

Corsetry has a timeless appeal that never seems to date, which makes the purchase of a good corset such a worthwhile investment.  I say good because there's a difference between a cheaply made corset and a corset with all the bells and whistles.

Fashion or Waist Training?

If you're wanting a corset purely for basic aesthetic purposes, such as a hen do or girly night out, a fashion corset would suffice.  They can still look pleasing and sexy but tend to cost the least because the materials used are typically inexpensive; such as plastic boning as opposed to metal or whale bones and fabric is usually thinner.  When a fashion corset costs around £20, that's the quality you expect.  Some fashion corsets can be dearer but you'd be paying for the label or a nicer cut of fabric.

For waist cinching purposes to give you that definitive hour glass shape, you want a 'proper' corset; one with steel bones, a study busk (front closure), strong laces with eyelets that withstand pulling and thicker fabric.  These corsets tend to feel far more substantial and weighty when compared to a fashion corset.

Review

Hot Corsets recently contacted me asking if I'd review one of their corsets.  I was keen to see what they sold, expecting the usual budget corsets you tend to see.  Looking through the site I noticed they sold both fashion and steel boned corsets, and the prices were extremely reasonable which intrigued me.  The corsets looked gorgeous but I didn't want to let that sway me since images can be deceiving.  I ordered the classically cut over bust Red Satin Waist Training corset.

I received my corset exceptionally quick, the next day.  The packaged felt heavy which was a good sign!  Inside I found a dust cover packet, which I could see the corset through the clear side.  A set of suspender straps were included, although I didn't choose to use them as they weren't particularly nice looking.  They were decent, wide straps but since they were plastic, metal clips would have finished the look off better.

My waist measures 28" so I opted for the 26" corset (for the corset to do it's job best you want to order two to four inches less than you measure.)  It fitted perfectly and looked great.  I always have my OH tie me up and it was a simple and quick affair.  The corset hugged me in all the right places and there was no gaping anywhere.

The colour is a gorgeous lipstick red, not as deep a red as I would have preferred, airing more on the orange side, but vibrant all the same.  The fabric is a smooth and silky satin and just looks fantastic.  The modesty panel is a good size which would allow a wider fit quite happily.

The only negatives I can identify with this corset are honestly minor niggles; if the suspender straps were metal the overall look would be more of a quality finish.  Also, the boning doesn't feel especially rigid, it's quite flexible actually, although it didn't create an inferior fit.  Considering the weight, quality of stitching and fabric, and the price (only £39.99) I think this is a genuinely good corset.  A corset I would absolutely, hand on heart, have no problem recommending, and I wouldn't mind extending my corset collection with more from Hot Corsets.

Exclusive Discount!  Get 10% off your next order from

Hot Corsets!  

Redeem code 'Boudoir10' at the checkout.

*PR Sample.  All opinions are my own.

---------------

Do you like the corset look?  If you've never worn one, why not?  If you're a corset aficionado, what do you look for when corset shopping?

Read More

Showcasing Luxury Lingerie: Tallulah Love

Luxury lingerie is women's underwear at it's finest, and when it's homegrown right here in the UK it's all the better.  You normally expect a prestigious brand to emerge from the southern counties, with businesses heading to the big smoke chasing the city dream and it's investors.  So, for a label such as Tallulah Love to be northern born and bred proves how tenacious and fashion forward the fantastic north east is.  Being a Yorkshire lass with a Geordie fiance, I'm pretty biased, but when US Harper's Bazaar requests a shipment of the lingerie finery, you know there's something special about this brand.

Tallulah Love held a Summer Soiree this weekend and I was invited along to check out the show.  It was announced earlier this year that Tallulah Love are to expand their ranges to cater for the larger bust, so with this in mind I was immensely interested.  I popped along to the event held at Cafe No.33 in Hartlepool with my OH where we met the lady of luscious lingerie herself, owner Michelle Taylor.

The venue was cosy and already bustling when we arrived, as we were offered champagne and asked to take a raffle ticket for a chance to win a goodie bag.  Sadly for me I wasn't a winning number and I was gutted not to come away with one of the cute bags of goodies so well done to the lucky 15 who snaffled one!  The tables and chairs were taken but it gave me the opportunity to have a wander around before the catwalk show.

I managed to grab Michelle Taylor (who was wearing such a cute dress) for a chat and we had some photos over at the display area where racks of intoxicating lingerie hung from satin black hangers, and a gorgeous vintage suitcase teased with an array of frilly knickers to buy.  

My favourite pieces included the beautiful ivory silk vintage lace corset featuring an abundance of exquisite French Chantilly lace, and the insanely girly silk balcony bra from the Blue Birds collection.  I like how the bird print design depicts the Tallulah Love branding and yet still maintains a delicate feminine flair beneath all the frills.

As much as I love the chic pretties, the cute gift packaging is just as covetable.  How adorable is the aqua heart box?!

My good friend and amazing photographer Jade Turnbull was there taking shots of the models and I grabbed a pew next to her ready for the show.  The models were on top form and oozed glamour and sophistication.  Despite a little hiccup with the soundtrack the models continued on, showcasing each delicate outfit with an added cheeky wink or wiggle.

Leading burlesque performer, Frankii Wilde, stole the show, however all the girls were total dolls.  I probably looked like a drooling letch but the lingerie was so eye catching, with so much detail to absorb.  Mesh back knickers, frill capped straps and the crowns of faux flower blooms (created by Frankii Wilde's own fair hands) all nodded to an era of the female ideal, the pretty pin up and a sophistication of timeless appeal.

With the forthcoming launch of larger cupped lingerie, I hope to show you some collections that will cater for the D+ amongst us.

----------

What tempts you about Tallulah Love and what would you most like to see come from the brand in the future?

Becky x

Read More

Boux Avenue Swimwear & 25% Discount

The beautiful sun is finally shining and the souring temperatures have had us reaching for our holiday clothes before we've even hit the beach.  If you're like me, your thoughts have already turned to swimwear and possibly panicking about where you packed away last year's bikinis.  If you're a busty girl, the realisation of having to find cup sized bikini tops somewhere is the feeling of dread, especially ones that aren't of the frumpy variety.  Well, did you know Boux Avenue do fantastic swimwear for the D+?

I love going shopping for the holiday wardrobe, I think it's the best way to get yourself all in the mood for the summer shenanigans to come!  When I was last in store I found some gorgeous bikinis, such as the Palma Full Bust Bikini Top that I tried on in the 32G.  It's definitely my favourite collection because it's cute cherry design pays homage to the chic 50s pin up style and it's really support for bigger boobs too.

The full bust Palma is available from a D-G, but the stunning Palma also comes in the Halter Triangle style for A-DD cups.  

Right now you can get a huge 25% off swimwear!  Yay!  
Discount applied automatically at checkout.

The adorable Palma Bikini

Palma on me...

What do you think of the Palma?  Do you like halter necks or prefer bra straps?  I'd love to hear what you'll be wearing on the beach this summer!

Becky x

Read More

Boux Avenue Leeds #3 - Fitting Review

When Boux Avenue opened it's 18th doors in Leeds one afternoon last month, I attended the press event held earlier in the day.  I had the opportunity to check out the new store without the hustle and bustle of shoppers and was able to take a good look at the ranges on offer.  I was offered a professional fitting by one of the fitting associates which I was keen to do, since the staff know their products like no one else.

I spied a bikini which had previously caught my eye online: the 50s inspired Palma cherry halter bikini top and briefs with it's frills and fruity print.  The full support style of Palma is available from a 30 back in a D-G cup so I really eager to try it on.

Boux Avenue 'Palma' full support bikini
Image copyright: Boux Avenue

The Fit
I was introduced to my fitting associate called Georgia who had insanely awesome pink hair!  She was really friendly and chatty so I knew the fitting wouldn't be anything to worry about.  We headed toward the fitting rooms which were given aptly boudoir names and I was led to the 'lace' room where Georgia measured me with the tape over my bra.  According to the Boux Avenue fitting guide hung around Georgia's neck I was told my band size would be a 32.  As I was wearing a 28GG bra it was calculated that I should start by trying on a 32FF (28GG being it's sister size).  

Georgia quickly brought back the 32FF Palma bikini top and gave it to me to try on - I was to lock the door and buzz the concierge desk to let Georgia know when I was ready for her. Unfortunately my door didn't lock properly so it was just as well the shop wasn't open.  The intercom was simple to use, clear to hear through and a pretty cool, modern convenience for shoppers needing assistance.  

The 32FF didn't look too bad but the cups were slightly too small and I didn't like how loose the band felt when I'm more accustomed to a firmer back.  I asked if I could try a 30G, in the hope that the band would feel better but it didn't; the band now felt too tight and uncomfortable.

Failing the 32FF and 30G we decided the 32 band was the better fit, and so I went for the 32G.  The cups weren't perfect, the central gore still didn't touch my skin, but they were close enough and much better than the previous sizes.  I decided the band, although slacker than I'd usually wear, was much more wearable than the too tight band, so it was agreed that the 32G was my best Boux Avenue fit for Palma.

(Excuse the tights, I kept them on for hygiene purposes...)

My Conclusion
Although I'm usually skeptical when fitters use a tape measure and appear to add on inches to the underband measurement, it was good to see that my fitter recognised I had full boobs which would require me to wear the full support bras.  I can count on one hand the success I've had with bra fittings so it's a huge positive that Boux Avenue have knowledgeable staff on hand to properly help and fit women.  Thanks Georgia!

The Palma collection is a stunning bikini and it's fantastic that bigger boobs can enjoy on trend swimwear.  The only qualm I would have with it being available up to a G cup is that it would be so much more accessible to those who wear a larger cup if it were available up to an H or J cup too, which isn't as uncommon as some might think.  I certainly would go for the GG cup over the G.


So, please Boux Avenue, extend your G+ ranges a little bit more!


Becky x

Read More

Esty Lingerie: Shop of Delights

Esty Lingerie are currently holding a fantastic competition which will see one lucky winner receive a whopping £100 to spend in their online shop.  Entry into the draw is simple: all you have to do is subscribe to the Esty Lingerie blog and/or the site newsletter, and with options to tweet and comment on the competition too, there's ample opportunity to boost your chances of winning.

I personally (no surprise) love perusing lingerie departments and online shops, it's rather like rummaging through your own underwear stash, loving old favourites and coming across delights you forgot about.  And, if like me, lingerie is more than grabbing any old pair of knickers to wear for the day, you'll appreciate just how exciting it is to discover new designs and brands in a place like Esty, and agree that £100 is a rather tempting shopping spree all too readily enjoyed and well spent!

I would absolutely relish the opportunity to trolley dash Esty Lingerie, and with their virtual racks full to bursting with corsets and other equally tantilising lady garments, there's a LOT to choose from.

I would be torn between this delicious little lot >

The beautifully intricate 'Marlene' bra by Louise Ferdinand Lingerie, crafted from Britain's finest Nottingham Lace and available in 28 backs and cups D-KK (Yippee!)

The cute pale blue lace 'Forget Me Not' Tutu Knickers by Arabel, with it's flirty frill and oversized bow is crying out for boudoir love (my boudoir)

Anyone who really knows me knows just how much I love a cheeky pair of pasties.  The Pink Swarovski Crystal Pasties by Sass A Frass Designs have to be the most decadent, naughty and yet innocent pasties ever.  Must.  Have.

This Faux Leather Corset by Madame Dee is total dominatrix.  Hot with added cute appeal with its lavish purple satin bows.  I love the shape I get when I wear a corset and this look amazing.

So this is what I would pick if I won.  Get yourself entered and you could be winning £100 to buy some of these beauties!  Good luck!

Becky x

Read More

Spring D+ Bra Hot List

It's always an exciting time for a lover of lingerie to see the new season collections.  This Spring is no exception, with some pretty and fresh designs already making their way into the shops.  Colours are vibrant, marine inspired with hints of retro throw back in the form of polka dots and tartans.  This season is all about being girly and embracing the pin up in you.

Here's some of the hottest bras I've got my eye on.

Cleo 'Marcie' in Aquamarine D-J

Freya 'Totally Tartan' B-K

Panache 'Jasmine' in Floral Print D-K

Bravissimo 'Pretty As A Pin Up' DD-K

Boux Avenue 'Jenny' in Gingham - A-DD

Ewa Michalak 'S Fresh' E-GG

Which new collection have you got your eye on this month?

Becky x

Read More

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

Read More

CT Magazine and Rabbit Awareness Week!

Last weekend saw the launch of brand new online fashion publication, CT magazine.  My fiance, Sean, is the brains behind the whole project, being a photographer himself and also a respected business analyst.  He wanted to revolutionise the way magazines credit the contributors, or rather the lack of.  It's typical for a fashion spread to have the names of the photographer and stylist splashed over the main feature with no thought to crediting everyone else involved in putting the shoot together such as the make up artists, designers, image editors and models.  If they're lucky they'll get a tiny mention at the end where no one looks or bothers to read.  The philosophy behind CT magazine is to acknowledge, appreciate and credit all those involved in the process of creating an image or article.  CT stands for Creative Talent which represents everything the magazine celebrates.  Good fashion created by talented individuals.

Already in issue 1 there's been some amazing content, and I was honoured to be placed on page 12 for the 'How to Be a Fashion Designer' feature.  It was the fantastic image that Sean took of me in the corn field in my peacock dress.

If you've not yet had chance to check out the mag, click here to read the full copy.

****

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) started on Saturday and being a rabbit owner of two beautiful buns myself I've been spreading the news to every corner.  Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and yet they receive the poorest of treatment.  Sometimes due to ignorance but mostly because people don't know what they need to know, so educating about rabbit welfare is crucially important to help pet rabbits live the most natural life they deserve.

This year the topic is concentrating on the importance of vaccinating against potentially fatal myxomotosis and VHD.  The two vaccinations used to given separately but in the last few months the dual vaccination was released which means less stress for your bunny, better convenience and it's cheaper too!

Lots of vets across the country are running FREE rabbit health checks which I really recommend you snap up if you have a bun yourself.  You can find out more on the official RAW website.

I like to show my support to the cause so I worked with Sean to get some really cute images of me with my rabbits, Bobby and Lucy.  It was good fun and the pair looked adorable.

I wanted to go for a boudoir pin up feel so I wore a ditsy floral print corset and a cherry print head scarf.  Oh yes, and you may notice I've had my hair cut too!  I wanted to go for something a bit shorter for autumn and I had my colour stripped too, so this is more my natural colour now.

Here's my favourite pics from the session -

Happy Rabbit Awareness Week!

Becky x

Read More

Pin Up!

Wow, it feels like it's been ages since I last blogged on here.  I haven't been on since last year...!  He he, a joke is a good way to start the year.  I've been a busy bee with lots of things going on so thought I'd best give you the low down on my most recent pictures.

It was actually at the very beginning of December that I did a pin up shoot.  I was to model some uniquely fantastic nipple pasties that came all the way from Canada to be graced upon my boobies!  Susan from Sex on a Stitch made two sets of her handcrafted pasties to my personal measurements, using her signature crochet talents.  In her own words, it's 'Risque Crochet'.  Not something you'd typically put together which is why it works so blooming well!  They're absolutely stunning and so cute, I didn't even need to put them on before falling in love with them.  They truly are little works of art, and you too can own a pair for very little money by popping along to Susan's store.

The first pair I wore were the 'Nipply Crocheted' nipple pasties, which you can actually get in different shades, and I opted for the bright pink tone.  They basically look like crocheted nipples.  A light pink crochet trimmed with pink sequins around the edge with a deeper pink 'nipple'.  They have the option for 'piercing' which I went for and had faux piercings in both.  They're not for the faint hearted but definitely a naughty bit of fun.  I wore the pasties with a pair of cute and frilly suspender shortie knickers with some baby pink stockings.  The whole look is girly and innocent but still cheeky.  You can see the finished image now in Susan's Etsy shop.

I wanted to work with a photographer I'd not worked with before to get a different kind of look I usually have in my images so I chose James from the The Studio by Jaymz.  They do a lot of pin up photography so this partnership was ideal.  James had lots of different coloured backgrounds appropriate for pin up looks and so for this look we went with the purple backdrop to compliment the pink pasties.  Susan wanted to present the pasties in a jovial and fun way so pouting was not an option.  Thankfully I'm a natural smiler anyway so I took it all with ease.  The finished look is simple but presents the pasties well, which is the most important part.

The 'Nipply Crocheted Nipple Pasties

For the second pair of pasties I kept the frilly knickers and stockings on and included a pair of lilac platform heels.  They fitted in with the colour scheme because there's lilac in the pasties.  These pasties were a pink crocheted base topped with a pretty embroidered flower embellishment.  They look very tropical and Hawaiian and the detail in them is just amazing.  They really are a pretty pair of pasties so if you like anything floral and want to keep your bedroom theme very feminine, you'll love these. To see them and purchase your own pair, just pop along and treat yourself!

In this picture I had part of my hair put up into a quiff like bouffant to make it all a bit more exotic.  A girly pink chair made for a cute prop.  

I really enjoyed this shoot, it was fun and girly and meant I could have a play around with the whole look.  I love doing lingerie and boudoir stuff at the best of times and getting to wear tassels and pasties is always that little bit more playful and edgy.  

What do you like or dislike about this shoot?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Becky x

Read More

Christmas is coming... the goose is getting fat!

Or maybe that's me come the end of the year!

Yes, can you believe it, it's that time of year again?! It doesn't seem two minutes ago we were ringing in 2011. Now we have less than a month to go and we'll be in 2012. Then I'll be 30 in February! Shocking, isn't it?!

I've had this blog going a little while now and I felt like it needed a change. I wanted it to be feminine and cute, not too childish but not old fashioned. I think the template I found in the end kinda fits me to a T. What do you think of it?

I've had a busy week so I'm looking forward to deserved really long lie in tomorrow. I've assisted on set of a fashion shoot and today had a pin up shoot of my own where I got to model some nipple pasties on behalf of a Canadian designer. It was great to get into the swing of what I love modelling most, and I was honored to be wearing what can only be described as such cute and intricately made pieces of art. Now being back home the old 'feeling entirely knackered and ripped apart' sensation comes back to take me into it's lair. Marvelous. But, after a good long sleep and rest I'll be back!

Nighty night!

Becky x

Read More

Pin Up Mermaid

What did I tell you about the weather? It's hard to believe it was only last Saturday that I was on the beach in my smalls (and less than smalls) when the hot spell came for one last belter. The day after it was like the heat and sunshine hadn't existed. I was assisting Sean J Connolly on his fashion editorial shoot on the Newcastle Quayside and it was raining and windy like Autumn felt it needed to remind us what month we were in now. Yes, October, and don't I know it.

To help us remember the gorgeous weather we had not so long ago I now have the pictures of the shoot I did, which was a mermaid beach themed shoot with Sean J Connolly. We couldn't have wished for a better forecast and the images show it. I've never modelled less than a bikini on a shoot before so it was actually quite fun and challenging working with nipple tassels and pasties. The ones I used this time, again provided for by Intimate Jewellery Designs, were some aqua colour cockleshell pasties embellished with glittering sequins, and some shimmering blue sequins circular tassels. I wore with them a pair of lacy green shortie knickers and brought a blue sheer voile to play around with. We were lucky the beach we found we had quite free reign of, and I was able to do quite a bit without having to clammer for my top every five minutes. I'm not a prude but I am conscious of people who don't exactly want to see a half naked lady on their day out, and especially not to expose myself where families are concerned. The only person I didn't prepare for was a gentleman walking along the sea shore when I was posing against a large rock formation. I quickly and untimelessly put my hands to my boobs and said 'hi' which was a comical moment. Luckily I hadn't offended him and he continued on his jaunt, not without taking a second appreciating glance. That was funny!

Anyway, I'm very pleased with how the images turned out. We tried a variety of poses with different backdrops; crawling out of the sea, perched upon pricking barnacled rocks. I was even adorned with drapes of salty sandy seaweed. Mmmm, the glamorous world of modelling!

A few of the pictures are still going through editing, but I do have some of my favourites to show you now. Do let me know what you think!

x

Read More

Indian Summer

It's the 1st of October today and quite unseasonably we're enjoying a bout of gorgeous warm weather - the summer we never got has descended with a vengeance despite the trees shedding their leaves and acorns. What wonderful stuff! I'm sure I'll be wearing a winter coat come a week's time so I'm making the most of it. I hope you are too!

Tomorrow (technically today; it's gone 1am) I am having a shoot I never got round to doing in the past few months. As soon as this heat arrived I knew this was my last chance until next spring or summer. The convenient and handy photographer fiance of mine, Sean J Connolly and I were out location scouting and we found the most amazing beach with lots of interesting cliff and rock formations and pretty pebbles. It was surprisingly quiet too which was great; we only met two ladies walking their dogs and a young couple in a world of their own. The theme commands some level of intimacy and privacy so the stretch of beach we found will be the perfect setting and backdrop. I will be modelling nipple pasties provided by Intimate Jewellery Designs for a mermaid inspired theme. Think sea greens and aqua blues; it'll be simply gorgeous and I'm super excited!

x

Read More