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.

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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?

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Homewares - Budget Vintage Florals

The country floral patterns that at one time were reserved for the older generations have recently made us go all granny chic, thanks to the likes of designers such as Cath Kidston.  Vintage loving fashionistas have long been rocking the trend with the regeneration of bygone era floral fashion, with the shabby chic style extending from clothing to homewares.  One reason why retro florals are now so popular is because it taps into the romantic ideals of the 40s and 50s, incorporating the wartime fascination of the make do and mend rule, when everything was simple, attractive and less commercial.

I was never one for floral anything, whether socks or cushions, so it's surprised even myself how appealed, or rather obsessed, about the trend I've become.  I just love the pretty colours and delicate detailing and it's got to be realistic looking, which is how we'll see the trend developing this year; it's all about botanicals: fine art depictions of plants and flowers.  You heard it here first.  (Well, after Vogue.)

Something I always have been and always will be is cost conscious, or 'thrifty' as is the age old term.  Cath Kidston prints as beautiful as they are can be pretty pricey but to embrace these gorgeous florals doesn't have to cost the earth.  I've been buying some bargain bits and pieces here and there and I'm going to share them with you.  You see, everyone can afford the vintage inspired look!


This is my Rosali Duvet Set from Ikea.  This was an exciting find for me as it's been hugely popular and sells out quickly.  The print was allegedly designed by Cath Kidston for Ikea some time ago but as her name isn't on the packaging you're not paying the Cath Kidston price tag.  The set comes in white or blue and I adore the blue colourway so much.  This is a bargain at £24.99 king size!

This is my Minky ironing board which I bought about three years ago.  I thought it was pretty cute with it's pink feet and detailing, and the cover was cool too but I recently found a much nicer one which suits the board really well.  The floral ironing board cover is from B & M Stores which is a haven for good quality bargains.  The pattern reminds me of Cath Kidston's 'Provence Rose' and the colour is so fresh and vibrant.  It cost only £2.99.

This was another great purchase from B & M Stores.  I wanted a sturdy box to store my surplus make up products in, and because it was to be kept in the bedroom I wanted it to look pretty.  This box is perfect and does the job well.   The sky blue is a lovely contrast against the pink flowers.  A fantastic buy at £1.99.

Now, this is a really attractive oven mitt; the colours are vibrant and it's so pretty.  It's not great for your hands, though!  I think it's not that well made in respect of the padding and fabric used, I feel heat coming through the glove pretty quickly when I'm removing a hot tray out of the oven.  I dread to think how it passed safety tests.  :-/  It cost £1 from Pound World.  You could say you get what you pay for but because I love looking at it (and it's partner as I bought two), these will be staying in the kitchen.

This is the Ditsy Paper Tray from Matalan which I thought would be great for storage.  I decided to use it as my sock box and keep all my socks and tights in it.  It's so big and spacious you could use it as so many different things such as store magazines, toiletries or some logs by the fire.  For only £5, this doesn't set you back much.

This is still one of my favourites; a white and lilac button padded floral seat cushion which has tie backs so I can secure it to my bedroom chair.  It looks so shabby chic and a perfect match.  The fabric is cotton and washes well in the washing machine, which is great news if you spill foundation on your cushion like I did!  I only paid £1.99 for it from B & M Stores (you should by now have guessed they're a good shop to try out!).

If you missed my Christmas present post last month, here's a reminder in case you can still buy this.  It's actually an iPhone case for your mobile but I bought it with the intention to fit my iPod Touch in it, which it does perfectly.  I found it in Poundland of all places for, well, a £1!  There was a choice of pink or blue and naturally I went for the blue one because I think I have a thing for blue florals.  This is a really good buy as it looks and feels much more than just £1's worth. 

Do you like the vintage floral theme?  Seen any similar items for bargain prices?  Please share if you've spotted anything!

Becky x

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My Curves and Me & Cleo Meg

There's one rule I fastidiously live by and it's always be a bargain hunter.  I'm thankful for growing up in a household which meant our family had to watch the pennies because it taught me to be thrifty and wise with my cash.  I hate to pay the RRP on anything and always hunt high and low for the best price on the smallest of things.  This explains why it makes me so happy when I find out about a new bargain bra shop on the block!

When My Curves and Me got in touch to tell me about their launch I was so excited.  The brand new web store is a much needed addition to the small pool of large bust bra retailers we have to choose from.  We're often bombarded with sales offers but it's refreshing when a shop's ethos is already with the mind of low pricing.  Browsing through My Curves and Me using the simple navigations, it's quick to see both old and new collections of popular brands are available in many, often difficult to source, sizes.

I hadn't had a Cleo for quite a while so when the autumn winter style, Meg, appeared on the screen in a 28H I was tempted into ordering it.  Listed for £20.25 there was an already huge saving on the RRP of £27.  You can save so much more than this though, with the vibrant red Cleo Marcie selling for an amazing £15!

Meg is a really pretty bra but not overly girly so perfect for anyone who dislikes pink and frills.  The swallow print is on trend and contemporary, set against a navy blue base colour, highlighted with bursts of red.  It's a perfect look for a dark winter wardrobe and quite festive looking too.

The fabric is an all over fine mesh with fully adjustable straps that are the just the right width preventing the bra from being anything close to frumpy.  The back fastens with just a double hook and eye but the wings aren't particularly narrow so you still get ample enough support from the band.

Sadly the cups were very disproportionate to my figure and didn't fit me in the cups.  The under wire and centre gore were not a problem but there was so much bagginess to the tops of the cups.  I feel this style would suit a fuller up top bust better, so to fill the entire cups which are very rounded all over.  I was so disappointed Meg didn't fit because I was so hopeful and I love Cleo bras so much for their modern styles.  Thankfully I know Lucy is a good fit so all is not lost with this young at heart brand.

Over at My Curves and Me there's a free delivery promotion going on so now is probably a good time to get ahead with your Christmas lingerie list.  ;-)

Becky x

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