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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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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Blog Birthday Giveaway! #4 Alexis Smith

This competition is now CLOSED - winners announced soon!

I can't believe it's Day 4 of the giveaways already!  I'm really enjoying hosting these gorgeous prize draws and I hope you're having as much fun entering.  It's not only amazing to see how many lingerie brands value the blogger circuit but it's so cool to see all of your support for my own blog.  It means so much and I wish I could give you all a huge hug to say thanks.

Today's giveaway comes from a brand I only reviewed earlier this year, and that is the very beautiful, very British - very Essex - Alexis Smith.  Fans of The Only Way Is Essex reality tv show will already be familiar with this brand as the representing face is the show's very own Jessica Wright, who opened her own lingerie boutique, choosing to sell Alexis Smith in her store.

Alexis Smith have kindly lined up a stunning lingerie set for those with D-G cups - the sexy plunging White Satin Bra and Brief set.  To enter, simply complete the quick 'n' easy tasks in the Rafflecopter below.  

Jessica Wright for Alexis Smith

This draw ends one week from today on the 28th February 2013 - so be quick!

Terms and conditions apply, provided upon request.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Freya Deco 365 - One Year Bra Celebration

Since Freya launched their moulded seam free bra back in 2009, Deco has become possibly the most prevalent collection available to the fuller bust market.  It's success has led the introduction of a variety of styles and colour ways over the years, providing wearers with unbeatable support and fit, and resolving solutions to common clothing dilemmas.  Plunge or half cup, strapless or multiway - even the recent addition of the moulded soft cup - along with matching briefs, shorts and thongs, Deco has the answer whatever you choose to wear and however busty you are.  From 28-38 for B-GG cups.

Staple colours black and nude are the fail safe options every woman should own and Deco's continuity shades, including charcoal grey, are available across the main Deco family.  If vibrancy is more your thing, Deco Honey provides bold fashion colours which follow suit with the trends.  This season sees the beautiful purple iris taking centre stage over last season's hot firecracker red.  The Deco Flamingo is a playful feminine version of the Honey styling, featuring a cute flamingo design print.

Freya Deco Honey 'Iris'

Freya Deco 'Flamingo'

A step up from the perfectly wearable moulded bra is the new Deco Shape collection.  Boasting more advanced styling solutions including a multiway bra, strapless slip and strapless longline bra this collection is problem solving as much as it is pretty.  The delicate floral pastel detailing makes Deco Shape ideal bridal lingerie.

Freya Deco 'Shape'

So you can see, Freya's Deco really is something different and worth celebrating.  Freya have just launched Deco 365 - a brand new mini website dedicated to Deco which will stay online for a whole year, showcasing Freya's full Deco range.  Not only is it there to help select the right bra for you, there's also an exciting style competition where by uploading your own best fashion look you could win some fabulous prizes, including Freya lingerie and a £1000 shopping spree!

I uploaded my own outfit to the website which will be added to the style gallery.  You can enter and add your own photo here.

I was sent the 'nude' Deco plunge bra in 28GG which is an excellent all rounder, invisible beneath most clothing whatever the colour or fabric.   Personally I adore wearing colourful lingerie and I'm particularly keen to get my hands on the gorgeous 'iris' Honey.  The flamingo print will also be a really fun bra to take me through summer.  I would love to check these out as soon as I can!

My chosen outfit wearing my Freya Deco Plunge Bra in Nude 

Have fun snapping and good luck!

Becky x

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New Brand Bra Review - Alexis Smith

A new year often means a new start for many of us.  Beginning a new chapter a year on from last with another list of high hopes and resolutions.  January is the ideal time for freshening up after a gluttoness and overdone festive period, to dust away the cobwebs and detox your life.  It's also the perfect time to be acquainted with new brands, which brings me to the introduction of large cup bra brand Alexis Smith!

Lingerie brands that cater for the fuller bust can be few and far between so it's always exciting to hear about a new DD+ on the block.  Established in 2010, to be fronted by Jessica Wright of The Only Way is Essex fame in 2011, Alexis Smith has quickly earned a reputation for sexy lingerie for the big boobed amongst us.  A reputation I was keen to test myself!

Busty girls from a DD to a G cup will be interested to know that Alexis Smith is not your usual large cup bra brand.  If you're tired of broad straps and full covering cups, take a look at the cute capsule collection which features both staple and fashion designs including my favourite, the Candy Stripe -

Alexis Smith sent me the White Satin bra which is a classic, fail safe style that most of us like to have in our lingerie drawer.  Think push up 'hello boys' and you're on the right track!

The similarities with Wonderbra and other plunging bras ends there though, because there's a few reasons why Alexis Smith is different.  The first I will mention is the sizing.  Where I can normally wear a 30G quite happily I found the 30G in the satin bra to be extremely tight.  I couldn't manage to fasten the back at all, whether this was solely because of the little give in the elastication of the band, I'm not sure.  So I exchanged the 30G for a 32G - a back size I order from Ewa Michalak, or in UK terms, a size I've not worn since I thought I was a 32F!  So this was very strange for me.  The 32 fit much better but I'd probably say a size in between what the 30 and 32 fit like would have been perfect. The 32 felt a little too loose.  Catch 22!

The cups were fairly okay, I would have preferred bigger but a G cup is the largest available.  The low cut style was something very alien feeling but quite nice to experience again.  This is exactly what I consider a 'normal' bra, the bras I remember wearing when I was smaller in the boob department.  What I don't like about larger cup bras generally is the armour feeling structure and this bra is as far away from that principle as it could be.  Why can't all large cup bras show this amount of fantastic cleavage?!

I can appreciate the benefit of slimmer straps - after all, wide straps can be pretty granny looking - although I'm not sure they're right being so thin.  I would probably change my mind about this if I was more confident with the band firmness, as the straps should never provide the main support system for boobs anyway.

What is refreshing to feel is the lightness, this is one very weightless bra!  The cups are lightly padded but not heavy and cumbersome and everything about the fabrication is just like a feather.  No other plunge bra feels this light, I can assure you.

In my overall opinion Alexis Smith is a brand to watch, I can see some stunning designs coming out of this label yet.  It may not provide you with everything you want or indeed need in a large cup bra: the smallest back is a 30, styles are currently limited to plunge only and support isn't strong to withstand your household chores.  What this is good for is an awesomely sexy bra for the days when you want to feel more feminine and show off your natural curves.  Going out with the girls and painting the town red - The Only Way is Essex style in a nutshell.

Alexis Smith is available from selected retailers including Large Cup Lingerie and New Look.

Becky x

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Wonderbra Haul of Fame Campaign - Part 3

Wonderbra's new Decoder app is set to solve all your potential bra fails.  By showcasing outfit examples, the app allows anyone to figure out what style of bra is best to wear under what.  Dodgy straps flashing out of your bandeau top can be a fashion faux-pas of the past!

Wonderbra asked me to put together some outfits of my own to demonstrate my own way of selecting the right bra for the job.  In Part 1 and Part 2 of my four post special this week I dressed up two of Wonderbra's fantastic bras; the T-Shirt Bra and the Ultimate Strapless Bra which are both available right up to a G cup.  Sadly the other two bras I was supposed to create looks for don't cater for my size so I've not been able to try them out.  I have, however, still put together an outfit I would wear with the bra, should it become available to me to wear.

 So, this is my translation of wearing the next bra -

I feel most comfortable wearing outfits that show off my curvy figure to it's best.  Another casual look, this is my bubble hem light denim dress by Next.  I've worn it here with a skinny floral print belt and I'd wear a chunky pair of wedge heels with this.  The button fastening gives me the option to flash a bit of cleavage, perfect for wearing beneath...

...The Ultimate Plunge Bra!  This bra (available up to a DD cup) is the most advanced plunge bra I've ever seen, so much so, the centre gore is barely visible!

Ultimate Plunge Bra
Image Wonderbra

This would be the perfect option for the most dropped neckline you dare to wear.  You know those deep plunging dresses seen on the red carpet?  This is the bra they wish they'd worn on the night!  I, on the other hand, don't get to strut my stuff down a scarlet carpet so I chose my outfit to reflect a more typical look of my mine.

Don't forget the Haul of Fame competition is still running, for your chance to win the prize of a lifetime - £1000 shopping spree with style advice from Sophie Stevens!

In Part 4 I'll show you the biggest cleavage enhancing bra yet...

Becky x

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Panache Tango - The Enigma Solved!

Last month I wrote about my recent misfortune getting Panache's best selling bra, the Tango, to fit me.  I'd tried a few different sizes and styles in the Tango and the Tango Classic, yet not managed to settle on the right size.  (Read about it here.)  I thought Tango had beaten me, but the friendly folk over at Panache came to my aid to help me finally get to the bottom of the sizing saga.

Having tried a variety of 28GG, 28H, 30GG and 30Hs in the different Tango ranges, I figured there could be one extra size to try, or rather two sizes, in two different styles.  It sounds complicated, but I can assure you I've solved it and you CAN wear the Tango like me!

Tango Plunge Bra 

Tango in the original leaf embroidery pattern is a very rigid mesh like fabric with no give in the cups.  No 28 back which I tried was happy.  The 28GG was too tight and small, the 28H wouldn't fasten but was good in the cups.  Heeding this I decided to go for the 30GG.  It's a perfect fit!!  

Wearing 30GG

Perfect fit of the 30G

You wouldn't believe how ecstatic I was when I realised it fastened and fit perfectly in the cups.  This is groundbreaking stuff for me.  I've been wanting this bra for absolutely ages and I can breathe a sigh of relief in telling you that if you usually go for 28 backs, then a 30 just may be the answer for you.  Remember to go down in the cup if you increase the back.

Tango Classic Plunge Bra

Now the Tango Classic is in essence the same bra as the leaf designed Tango but its fabric is more substantial with a glossy sheen and picot edging to the cups.  It doesn't have the almost sheer material with leaf stitching so is a smoother bra to wear under clothing.  The fabric isn't what I'd call stretchy but is very much more pliable and fluid in texture, which basically means there's a whole lot more give in how it's going to fit.

I'd previously tried 30 backs in this bra solely based on my experience with the leaf Tango in 28, so this time I thought I'd bite the bullet and go with the 28.  As this is going down to the smaller back I increased to an H cup.  The fit?  Spot on, again!

Wearing the Tango Classic 28H

Perfect fit of the Tango Classic 28H

I'm amazed that this size fit despite me thinking it should do because I'd been so dubious of the 28s full stop but I'm pleased I went with my gut.  The 28H in the Classic is my perfect fit.

So, if you're wanting to find your best size for the Tango, it's simple.  Go with your regular size for the Classic, and for the leaf Tango, increase your normal back to the next size and go down in the cup.

I'm so thankful for Panache helping me solve my Tango dilemma and now I've figured the differences out, I hope this helps you find your perfect size too (because I know how badly you've wanted it to fit too).  Happy Tangoing!

Becky x

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Lingerie Heaven & Freya Deco 28GG!

There's two things that can't excite me more - fabulous well fitting lingerie and bargain hunting.  Put them together and I'm one pretty happy bunny!  Allow me to introduce you to the web's best kept secret; Lingerie Heaven.

I first came across Lingerie Heaven back when I was hunting down a specific bra which was discontinued and so hard to get hold of: the pretty Panache Tango Spirit bra with it's quintessential floral print.  My heart literally skipped when I saw the bargain £10 price tag.  I've found all the prices are significantly lower than the RRP and as if that wasn't good enough, you can also earn loyalty points on your purchases in return for free lingerie!  I suddenly felt like I'd discovered by destiny this hub of lingerie lust worthiness.  If there was ever a recession beating tip, this is one.

Lingerie Heaven website

Lingerie Heaven is a neat little shop tucked away in a corner of the web with its roots firmly planted in fitting excellence.  Should you be lucky enough to live near the Hertfordshire base you have the beneficial option of a proper fitting consultation, but even if you don't, there's always help and advice on hand via email from an experienced fitter.  For anyone who struggles to source small backs such as 28s or need a cup right up to a KK, you're sure to find what you need right here.

I was really interested to find out that Lingerie Heaven was founded out of the same frustration experienced by many of us.  Proprietor, Clare, started the business after realising the very same problem with finding well fitting, supportive and attractive underwear in larger cup sizes.  In a day when the archaic +4 is still being rung out, it's refreshing to know that this is one retailer which shuns the old ways.

Clare told me "As someone with a smaller back size and a large cup I understand just how frustrating it is to find a good fitting bra and so I wanted to provide a ‘to order’ service so as many sizes as possible are available for my customers rather than selling just the items I had in stock."  Adding, "As a fitter I find a lot of women are a smaller back size than they realise as they are all using the +4 or +5 method to measure themselves when this does not give an accurate fit."

I have to be honest, I've never had such a thorough and helpful consultation before.  Clare was keen to help me find the best bra to suit me and following some wonderful options decided to go for the Freya Deco.  I explained my recurring problem with sizing differences across brands and ranges, which was when the Deco in 28GG was recommended.  Freya Deco in a 28GG?  You heard right. They've only gone and introduced a GG to the 28 back options!  Time for celebration, me thinks!

I've been envious of other Deco loyalists because I couldn't join the club.  I'd heard much about the amazing fit and got a taste of it via Deco's pretty sister, Ashlee, but I'd found the 30GG a little too big.  It was like a dream come true to be told of the arrival of 28GG this month.

The bra arrived speedily and I was ridiculously excited to get the package opened.  I felt like I was eight years old again, opening the goodies in my Christmas stocking at the foot of my bed.  Deco was lust at first sight and loved followed once I slipped into it...

Me wearing Deco Plunge Bra

I was sent the Deco plunge bra in charcoal which is a dark smokey grey colour.  I actually love wearing grey so it's a very pleasant, wearable shade.  This Deco features two little pearlescent buttons and a grey bow to the centre gore.

The fit is spot on, I'm so pleased with it.  I've been finding lately that 30 bands fit me best with Freya bras but as the band on the Deco is quite stretchy the 28 is perfect.  The moulded seam-free cups are well supporting and yet gives a remarkable cleavage with a natural rounded shape.  What I love about the Deco over Ashlee or Taylor is that the cups are totally smooth without additional frills or lace which means it's excellent to wear under close fitting tops.  Through my t shirt, I have no bulging, no unsightly boob spillage and I, for once, have a perfectly unadulterated silhouette.  How refreshing to finally find a supportive and comfortable bra that doesn't advertise through my clothes!

No spillage or quadra-boob!

And comfort would be the defining sensation I've experienced through wearing Deco for several days now.  I've been able to wear it through entire days of activities and not once felt like I wanted to take it off.  I think this is what makes a really great bra, something I'm sure my fellow fuller bosom friends would agree on.  :-)

Great news -  you can buy the brand spanking new Deco in 28GG now and exclusive to Becky's Boudoir readers you can claim a generous 20% off all orders - that's everything in the shop, including sale items - from Lingerie Heaven.  Offer ends 6th July 2012.  Add code: blogger20 at the checkout.

Becky x

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How Panache Tango-ed Without Me

Tango.  It's been Panache Superbra's most successful collection having enjoyed a recent 10 year celebration with the launch of the Tango Luxe.  I've read countless reviews raving about the Tango's super fit yet I can not speak of such an unequivocal opinion.  Panache Tango danced the last dance without me.

My Tango journey began with the balconette style in a 28GG.  I bought it in hot pink.  The colour was gorgeous and I was excited with the anticipated liberation.  It didn't happen.

Tango 28GG

Tango 28GG

The 28 back was uncomfortably tight with side boning which came up so high it dug in and hurt beneath my armpit.  The cups were too small and restrictive; my boobs were pressed in and squashed and bulged over the cups.  It wasn't a pretty sight and about as comfortable as cramming size 6 feet into a size 4 shoe.  It hurt.

I decided the balconette wasn't the best style for me so opted for the Tango Plunge next.  This time I bought the 28H.  Would it fasten up?  Like heck would it.

Tango 28H

Now the cups were spot on.  I fitted in it like a dream.  If only the back fastened!  I've never in my life attempted to put on such a small band, I was sure it was defective.  I emailed both Panache and the retailer I bought it from yet neither helped.  I was able to return the bra for a refund but I never did find out if it was a dodgy product or not.

So the Tango 28H was almost there but not quite...

Tango Plunge 28H

Recently I bought the Tango Classic 30GG, taking the stance that the 28 just wasn't going to fit me, and that judging by the fact I'd gone up in the band since the original 28GG I'd tried, this one may do the trick.  Yet again it didn't happen.  Also stupidly I totally forgot to take any pictures of it on me.  D'oh!  This time the 30 band felt right but the cups were again too small.  At first I thought it was the right fit but found as I wore it a little the cups couldn't contain me and I was falling out all over the place.  So annoying.

Tango Classic 30H

Finally I went for the Tango Classic in 30H.  I actually give up.  The band, yes, comfortable, the cups - ridiculously too big!  Where the 30GG faltered in the too small cups I expected the 30H to be the one (after all, the 28H was too small).  The cups seem to have been made to circle wider back under the armpit, so I could feel huge unfilled areas beneath and around each boob.  It looks silly and I feel swamped in it.

Tango Classic 30H

Tango Classic 30H

I just don't think I'll find a happy medium with Panache Tango and I'm gutted.  Sometimes I really do crave just a simple, non invasive, light bra that doesn't feel like I'm lugging around the kitchen sink.  When the hot summer spells descend, that's when I crave it most.

The only thing I would say is I've switched and played around with a few different ranges of the Tango, including the balconette and plunge with the original leaf embroidery and then the two plunge Classics.  The original fabric is taut with no stretch whatsoever, whilst the Classic is much more pliable.  Maybe I shouldn't give up on Tango quite so soon, after all I could always go back to the 28H and try it in the Classic...

What's your experience with and opinion of the Tango collection?  Any suggestions and advice for finding the perfect fit?

Becky x

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