Summer Skincare: It's All About Green

The sun is shining, the air's humid and we're all feeling a little... warm.  I adore the summer months, especially when the weather's as beautiful as it is right now, but looking after my skin through tropical temperatures proves more of a challenge.

Every skin type has its own problems but we all have to contend with the effects of hot, sweating skin.  I have combination skin, which means my face feels tight and dry in areas if I don't moisturise, and it gets oily in the t-zone: forehead, nose and chin.  Summertime cleansing and moisturising is tricky and so I find myself reaching for products that will effectively clean my skin with the benefits of leaving me feeling refreshed and clean.

Some of my favourite products that I'm currently using coincidentally have one commonality: they're all green!  The colour green is synonymous with freshness; the great outdoors and soothing botanicals.  I love green because of it's clean connotations so it's a perfect shade to perch upon your bathroom shelves.

My top 5 fresh and clean green products:

Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner - this feels gorgeously cooling applied with cotton wool after I've cleansed my face and is perfect as a refresh any time during the day.

Tesco Cucumber Face Scrub - a yummy scented gel containing tiny beads that really wakes me up in the morning and leaves me skin feeling smooth.

Original Source Mint & Teatree Shower Gel - smells super minty fresh and feels tingly cool.  Amazing in a cool shower.

Nivea Daily Essentials Oil-Free Moisturising Day Cream - a light lotion that absorbs quickly, mattifies my problem areas and leaves my skin comfortable and fresh.

Sure Aloe Vera Sensitive - A leafy scented roll on anti-perspirant with calming properties that soothes my skin and keeps me dry.  

Do you find yourself using more refreshing products through the summer?  What's your summer skincare regime like?  Any must have products?

Becky x

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Brastop Review: Curvy Kate Portia & Discount Code!

I love bargain hunting but it can be difficult finding what's considered specialist bra sizes anywhere, let alone be able to buy them cheap.  We don't always have the cash to pay full retail price but when you want to update your lingerie, what's a girl to do?

If you're a bargain hunting busty girl like me you may be familiar with Brastop - the online destination for big bra bargains!  

What's really great about Brastop is that there's always so much choice in a wide range of sizes (including 28 backs!) and the prices are incredibly low.  The reason the prices are lower than elsewhere is probably because the styles are predominantly last season but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  When you're looking for a specific collection that's no longer produced or simply looking for an affordable new bra set, you really can't fault them.  But, if you just want the current looks, you can get them here too.

Check out Brastop's huge D+ range and get an exclusive 10% off!  Simply use code: 'Becky10' when requested at the checkout.  

Offer expires 2nd Aug 2013.

Brastop are pretty unashamedly cheeky and proud of their assets, so much so they offer their beautiful customers the chance to be Brastop models with their Model of the Month competition.  I bet when Freya Pibworth entered last January's competition she never thought she'd end up in a video flaunting her best bits!

This is Brastop's nod to 'Russell Howard's Good News' title sequence only with a bra and pants clad paper model instead of Russell.  I think Freya has much more fun in this video...


Brastop kindly sent me the beautiful Curvy Kate Portia in the latest season's colour, Seafoam.  The dreamy aqua green is a stunning shade for summer and the raspberry pink ribbon trim just gives it a juicy edge.  Such a gorgeous colour combo.

I wanted to try a Curvy Kate because I've not yet fully checked out the brand.  There's usually speculation about sizing and knowing just what to order, so it was helpful to review the latest design.  I ordered a 28H in the bra and size 12 bottom.  
Portia is a light weight, unpadded balcony bra with a soft handle mesh fabric embroidered with a fancy diamond pattern.  The lower two sections of the cups are double layered with the upper section a sheer panel trimmed with laced ribbon and broderie anglais.  

The set fits really well and is super comfy.  The knickers are a short and, although lower than I usually would wear, they are fantastic on the butt!  I am really quite happy wearing them.

The band is a firm fit and spot on for size.  The cups fitted beautifully with all fabric laying flat and with no gaping but I was disappointed by the strap separation.  The bra seems widely set with the straps hanging on the edge of my shoulders, which isn't desirable.
I'd tried seafoam Portia earlier in the year but didn't get to sample the 28H, instead a 30GG.  I remember actually liking the fit and feel of the 30GG but wanted to compare with the 28H, thinking the latter would be the better fit, but I'm not so sure.  It appears the cups and straps here are broader on my body, possibly an effect of the band stretching.  The bra also seems unsupporting with a flattening effect rather than lifting, like the weight of my bust is pulling the bra down (although it doesn't feel like that.)  

I've commented about the strap separation of Curvy Kates before, and I'm not convinced designs have changed to remedy the problem.  

Is it possible to find a Curvy Kate that sits further onto your shoulders?  What do you think?

Becky x

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Heatwave Surviving Lingerie

If you're in the UK right now you'll be fully aware that we're currently in a meltdown.  Literally.  If we didn't complain enough that the snow had gone on for too long, and begged for our wet Augusts to be gone, summer decided to kick us in the shins and delivered us the heatwave we've not experienced since 2006.  I guess we had it coming.

Me modelling my bag carrying boobs!

For the past few weeks I've been sweltering in the 30 degree Celsius heat much like the next person, and raiding my hoards of holiday clothes for the thinnest tops and smallest skirts I ever bought.  Through my quest to find the least overbearing clothing, I realised that this need for thin layers went almost skin deep to the very foundation of my outfit.  My lingerie.  

So, I guess this is a little self help guide for surviving the heatwave.  Think about the following suggestions for cooler boobs this summer:

• Avoid padding.  Padded bras, including those in moulded styles, can have a thermal effect making you feel warm.
• Choose unpadded soft bras.  Bras made from sheer fabrics are cooler because there's less material for a 'barely there' feel.
• Plunge styles have less fabric which may feel more comfortable, but avoid if you suffer boob roll-together as cleavage can get sweaty!
• Natural fabrics such as cotton are cooler than synthetic and can wick away sweat.
• Some brands have wider straps than others.  Slimmer straps mean less close fabric.
• Lace can sometimes feel itchy and encourage irritation.  Not nice when you're hot.
• Bras constructed with front bands underneath the cups can often feel more restrictive and warm compared to those without.
• A bra and clothing may be just too uncomfortable when you're feeling really hot and sticky, so a supportive, bra integrated strappy top may be the answer.

My Favourite Bras for Summer

• Miss Mandalay Paris: Cool and breezy semi sheer mesh fabric that's incredibly breathable with narrow straps for a comfortable and barely there feeling.

• Panache Tango Plunge: Simple and unobtrusive design with low plunging cups and no under cup band, this is a supportive and easy to wear alternative to padded plunges.

• Cleo Lucy: Pretty yet uncomplicated structure.  Lucy has a thin mesh fabric with no padding in a balcony style, bridging the gap between a full covering bra and low plunge.

These are my tips for staying cool in this summer heat, what are your own?  What do you do to stay cool with boobs?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and revelations!

Becky x

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Parade to the Pool with Speedo Sculpture

Few of us can argue that we're not that great with this body confidence thing.  The lifestyle most western women lead today compared to some decades ago are worlds apart; we work hard, play hard and birth the babies.  So why is it we're still worrying about our bodies, comparing ourselves with the next woman and making us feel pretty crap about ourselves? 

The fact is you can't escape the human nature that we base a lot of our assumptions and decisions on looks, and if we're guilty of body snarking another woman we're obviously a sinner toward ourselves.  Does this attitude get us anywhere, any further forward in our plans?  Do we actually feel all warm and fuzzy inside following a good old dig at someone else's looks?  When we stand and look at ourselves in the mirror and disappointingly pinch at our squidgy bits, does it pay it's dividends?  Not in the slightest.

The UK's swimwear favourite, Speedo, have enrolled TV and radio personality, Gabby Logan, as ambassador of their Sculpture brand to tackle the issue of negative self confidence in women by heading the 'Parade To The Pool' campaign.  In a bid to encourage more women to get that skimpy suit on and hit the pool Gabby's challenge is to shirk the 'fat talk'.  According to a recent survey, 84% of women admit they have a negative relationship with their own body, with over half (55%) of all women avoiding activities such as swimming, just because they worry about revealing their body.  Pushing self demonizing thoughts aside and stepping into a swimsuit is a liberating experience, and if you want to do it, then why not?




Top psychologist Anjula Mutanda suggests confidence building tips such as:

• Seeing your body as part of you, not separate or your enemy
• Focus on what bits you like rather than what you hate
• Fake it until you make it - walk 'confidently' - stand and walk tall with shoulders back and keep eye contact
• Don't over think - just act - throw the towel away and stride to the pool!

Some members of the public were invited to don a swimsuit and literally parade to the pool, which saw them pounding the pavement through central London with a marching band, ticker tape and full fanfare until they reached their destination: the pool.  Sadly I couldn't make it down south for the parade which I would have loved - and equally feared - to do!  So thankfully I have some photos of the lovely, brave Speedo clad women who did triumph the parade!









How do you deal with your own self confidence issues and body confidence amongst your friends and family?

Check back again soon as I'll be reviewing a new style swimsuit from the 2013 collection by Speedo Sculpture.


Becky x

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My Savvy Spring Summer Style

Spring seriously dragged it's heels.  According to the Met Office it's been the UK's coldest Spring in 50 years (!), so it's been a challenge knowing what seasonal clothes to put away and which to begin wearing.  Now we've stepped into June (okay, which means it's technically now Summer...) we can but hope for some sunnier weather.  With this spirit in mind, I've been gearing up my lighter wardrobe and embracing the new season trends, particularly the soft pastel hues that have us reminiscing melted ice creams and sugar dusted sweets.  From baby blue to primrose yellow, it's all about the pastel.

I'm not just about the trend, though.  Savvy buying is in my DNA and I've been stalking the web and high street for on trend bargains that'll see me through the next few seasons and satisfy my thrifty conscience.  I know I'm not alone with my bargain hunting way of life, but even if you're not, I hope I can offer some food for thought with what you can achieve from a bit of leg work and clever shopping.

This look sums up my perfect summery style: casual, cute and feminine.

Me with a couple of guinea pigs.  Ain't that a surprise!

This entire outfit (along with additional accessories) was purchased using discounts, loyalty card bonuses and good old shop offers.  Nothing was paid full price for, which, if like me, you'll very much like the sound of.  This is how I did it:

ASOS Lilac Satchel Bag with scallop trim and buckles

20% off code & 500 bonus points for Advantage Card from Boots Treat Street

Full Price £22.00.  I paid £17.60

Saving: £4.40 + £5 earning

H&M Conscious Collection Floral Canvas Shoes

10% off code, FREE delivery & £5 off

Full Price £7.99.  I paid £2.19

Saving: £5.80

H&M 'Hello Darling' Slogan Tee

Ebay purchase

Full Price £7.99  I paid £1.70  (£3.20 inc. delivery)

Saving: £6.29





Primark Pleated Maxi Skirt
Ebay purchase
Full Price £12  I Paid £3.50  (£5.50 inc. delivery)
Saving: £8.50

Maybelline Forever Strong Pro Nail Polish - 'Lilac Charm'

Poundland

RRP £4.09  I paid £1

Saving £3.09

Rimmel Lycra Pro Nail Polish - 'Peppermint' & 'Aqua Cool'

Half Price at Morrisons.

Full Price £4.59 each.  I paid £2.29 each

Saving: £2.39 each

Have you made any serious savings on your Spring/Summer Style wardrobe?  Have any tips for budget fashion buying?

Becky x

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Swimwear Special!

We're in the middle of summer and if you've not yet noticed, it's holiday time!  Whether you're going away overseas for your annual break or enjoying a stay-cation, chances are you'll be hitting a beach or pool for the ultimate in relaxation.  If your trusty bathing suit is looking a little worse for wear it's high time to invest in new swimwear that not only looks fashionable but flattering for your curves.

Shopping for bigger boobs is never a simple task, and buying adequately fitting bikini tops and costumes that cater for a fuller bust is no exception.  However, there's much more choice on the fuller cup market these days and I wanted to take a look at the beach offerings from some of our favourite brands.

Freya has long been a favourite for fashion forward lingerie but did you know they do fabulously sexy swimwear too?  Knowing that their bras are consistently well fitting, I just had to try one of their bikinis!

This month Freya released the hotly anticipated cute Kansas collection.  With it's retro bluebell blue and white gingham and delightful frills, Kansas exudes vintage glamour, channeling the sophisticated 50s style whilst looking fresh and modern.  Freya sent me a Halter Bikini Top in a 28GG,  Rio Bikini Brief and Classic Brief, both in Small.

Freya Kansas Halter Top and Rio Brief

Freya Kansas Classic Brief

Me wearing Freya Kansas

How cute are the frills?!

Plunging necklines suit a closer bust like mine very well, but they're great for anyone wanting sexy uplift and cleavage.  I notice that my bikini top looks more like a half plunge, possibly with it being a larger cup.  My 28GG at first felt a good fit, the back for sure was spot on and comfortable.  I was actually surprised the 28 did fit, as I expected it to be tight like some 28 back Freya bras can be for me.   As I wore the top I felt I could possibly have done with an H cup.  The top wanted to open up and push apart (I realised at one point one nipple was trying to escape!), as if it couldn't contain my boobs so I wasn't greatly supported.  An H cup could rectify the fact the cups weren't cut as high as I'd prefer.

A good plunge but the fabric's pulling down with my boobs

The briefs were on the small size as I'd usually go for a medium, but they did still fit and look good.  The frilly Rio brief is adorable; perfect for a flirty, sexy look on the beach.  They're a really flattering cut too, which sits low on the hip.  For slightly more coverage the Classic brief comes up a little higher on the tummy, but both bottoms are comfortable on the bum!

Seaspray is a brand I've only recently been acquainted with and I've been taken by their feminine swim range.  Sizes are broadly accessible with cup choices in some suits up to an F.

My favourite piece is definitely the turquoise Polka Dots Skirted Suit, another 50s retro classic with a sleek modern look.  It's a brilliantly versatile cross over swimsuit with an adjustable ruching skirt.

My size 12 suit is a really comfy fit and the fabric is so silky and easy to wear.  The cups are generic sizing so wasn't a proper fit in the boob department.  Unfortunately I had to move the bust line up a little to make sure I was covered.  So, it's not the best suit if you've got bigger boobs but I do think it's fab for a beautifully cut suit that accentuates and loves curves!

The Skirted Suit... as a swim suit...

The Skirted Suit... as a beach dress!

Do you have a favourite style of bikini or swimsuit that you find particularly flattering for a curvy figure?  What are your thoughts on this year's trends and the revival of retro cuts?

I'll be reviewing some more bikinis and swimsuits, so watch this space!

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Glamorous Countryside Fashion - New Photos!

I was so pleased to wake up to the sun shining today because it meant brilliant weather for an outdoor summery shoot.  Yes, you heard right, after all the heavy rain and Autumnal like weather here in the UK, the sun finally realised it should be shining in July.  Blink and you'll miss it though, which is why when the weather's great you seize it with both hands.  My marvellously photographically talented - and very convenient - Other Half, Sean J Connolly Photography, agreed a shoot was a great idea so that's exactly what we did today.

Living in the heart of the countryside there are ample interesting locations to strike a pose and shoot and so we headed literally a mile up the road from our house to a wheat field and got right into it.

I wanted to wear my peacock feather inspired maxi dress because it's vibrancy was a colourful splash set against the cool tones of the crops.  There was a frisky breeze in the air which created a swath of movement through my dress and played with my tousled hair.

I love shoots out in the open and the feeling of being so close with nature.  The sun was warm and dazzling while the light wind felt refreshing with every twisting blow.  It felt amazing against my skin.

We jumped in the car and headed back past our house up to the next hamlet where the sister church to the church opposite our house resides.  It's such a pretty and unspoiled beauty spot, with a little bridge over a trickling, glistening brook that winds its way through a field of grazing cows.  We spend a little time down by the river where two riders on horses came along and trotted down into the sparkling waters.  I was wishing they'd ask if I wanted a photo with one of the gorgeous horses, or better still, sit on one!  Needless to say the horses were taken back up into the field and away and Sean and I decided to move on.

Having a wander through the graveyard (I have my clothes on again, by the way!  lol) we came across some wonderful old doorways round the back of the church.  They were both aging wooden doors, painted white with cobwebs and blown leaves tucked into its corners.  I loved the larger door with it's imposing black wrought iron hinges and details and thought how pretty the shabby, humble doorways looked.

I love my peacock dress, it's such a light and airy fabric and gorgeous to wear in the warm weather.  I wish it was bigger in the bust though and I find I wish that a lot with clothing these days.  Fashionable dresses on the high street don't really cater for the larger bust.  Does anyone know of a trendy brand that sells fashionable clothing like this dress?

For those who are interested in the make up side, my brilliant, highly pigmented pearlescent green eye shadow is from the amazing MUA range at Superdrug and is a bargain price of only £1!  As much as I live for a bargain, I'm a stickler for quality too, and I adore and totally recommend MUA's eye shadows.

Becky x

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Review - Leia Lingerie and Freya Ellie

Lingerie retailers are ten a penny but there's not many that stand out from the crowd.  Now in the midst of the UK's recession it takes a lot more to attract customers and keep them coming back.  Expert advice and excellent fitting is one way to stay ahead of the game and selling a good range of lingerie by well respected brands and at prices to suit all pockets will always get shoppers interested.  As I've recently discovered, Leia Lingerie is a lingerie store that ticks all the right boxes.

When I came across Leia online I was pretty impressed.  The website was visually clean and enticing and I found it really easy to navigate to where I wanted to be.  When I saw the wide range of bra sizes including backs from a 28 and cups up to a K cup, I knew I was in a good place.

www.Leialingerie.com

I hadn't realised that Leia is actually a high street name too, so if you're daunted by the idea of buying bras online, which can be a tricky thing to buy, you do have the option to pop by your local branch and try the bras out (and benefit from Leia's expert fitting service!)  The stores are dotted around the UK including a branch in York which is fab news for anyone living in the North of England like I do!  I will be calling into the store next time I'm in the area.

Leia sent me a gorgeous Freya Ellie set in the post which I was delighted to receive.  It's one of Freya's new season ranges that recently made it into Glamour magazine, and if it's good for Glamour it speaks volumes for Freya's trendy bras for bigger boobed girls.

Freya's official promo image

Glamour Mag Snippet (Ellie on the left)

The design and colourway is both vibrant and fresh.  The zingy lime green lace trim and bows make this bra stand out with pink accents against the white base colour.  The floral pattern looks like a mix of tropical flowers such as hibiscus while the tiny flowers remind me of elderflowers (which has inspired my thinking of making yummy elderflower cordial which is in season right now!)

Having a funny experience with Freya's 28 backs being on the tight side, I decided to go with a 30H.  Sadly it didn't fit so well but Leia were very friendly and accommodating and sent me a replacement 30GG.  I got the knickers in a size medium short which to me are a 12, fit well and super comfy.

Me wearing the Ellie Balcony Bra and Short

I'm glad I opted to go up in the back to a 30 because it's a really good fit and I know the 28 would have been very tight.  I wore it for a day and decided to try hooking onto the middle hook because I didn't want the back to feel loose.  I know this means losing one of the adjustments over time but it's not too bad.  It's comfortable and supportive so I'm happy!

The GG cups fit really well.  I was concerned at first about some puckering to the cups but after a good shuffle of the boobage I fit into the cups perfectly.  There's no gaping or empty spaces, and no bulging over the cups at all which I'm really pleased with.  I've found with my Panache bras I need a 28 with an H cup but it's looking like for Freya I'm best in a 30GG (apart from my 28H Freya Jolie for some reason.)

The vibrant Ellie

I was expecting Ellie to feel the same as Loretta from a few seasons ago but it feels different, not so silky but still a smooth fabric.  What do I love about it is its wider hook and eye fastener like my Jolie, with a 3 hook set.  It makes it feel reassuringly supportive which is essential with big boobies.

I've enjoyed wearing Ellie so far; it's comfortable and doesn't dig in anywhere and it's a fun design, allowing a cheeky zesty flash to peek out of low summer tops.

The only disadvantage would be more to do with me than the bra, as the centre gore shifts a little up onto one of my boobs but that's only because I suit plunge styles better.  (Close set boobs often don't agree with balconettes.)  Having said that, Ellie is one of the best balconettes I own.

I really, really want Freya to change some of their bras ever so slightly to fit more like a plunge.  The only true plunge bra that Freya does is the Deco (and its Ashlee and Taylor offspring) but the smallest back of a 30 doesn't fit me so great and I would actually require a 28 (just my luck!).  If Ellie was cut a little lower on the bust the fit would be spot on.

I'm really pleased I found Leia Lingerie because I now have a reliable lingerie shop that not only sells my favourite brands but is personable, helpful and accessible, whether I want to make a swift online purchase or fancy an enjoyable browse in my nearest store.  Oh and if you're a magpie for bargains like me, the outlet department is the must have destination!  Happy bra buying.  :-)

Becky x

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Shoot - Summer Ethereal

Over the past week we've been treated to some gloriously tropical weather.  With temperatures soaring high in the mid twenties celcius, it's been an early Summer tease and I've been enthusiastically enjoying the sun and it's heat.  After the very cold spell we'd been braving earlier, it seemed an appropriate time to seize the opportunity of a photoshoot.  With Sean J Connolly geared up and raring to go, out we drove into the beating sun.

I'd been planning this shoot for quite a while, in many respects for well over a year.  I had all these ideas, clothing and accessories set aside ready but on the day the ideas developed and we ended up creating some beautiful imagery beyond my initial imagination.  That's the exciting part when you collide creatives together!

We drove to a beauty spot which we'd found by chance only days before; a shrubby overgrown area which was bursting with freshly bloomed blossom.  It was such a pretty unadulterated area secluded away from the busy road just yards away and it smelled divine.

We went through the motions of me wearing a few different corsets with various bits and pieces and ended up with a really striking image of me amongst the floral bushes.  I'm wearing a brilliant white underbust corset with a delicate pair of nipple pasties.  They are adorable little things in pastel hues, intricately adorned with trimmings and bows.  They are designed by a very talented pasty designer at Intimate Jewellery Designs.  I've found their pasties and tassels to be amongst the best for the expert craftsmanship.

Following Sean's wizardly touch, the image just looked even better!

Another look which turned out particularly well was the angel inspired theme.  I'd brought my giant feathery angel wings and, when paired with a simple little white dress, and a blossom halo made on the spot by Sean (he's clever like that), we produced some wowser pictures that I just adore!

We ventured onto another destination, an ancient wood in the depths of Yorkshire that required us to walk down (and back up!) the most astonishing amount of steps I've ever seen!  But it was worth it.  :-)  Beneath the tree canopy wild garlic flowers carpeted the wood floor to such a vast expanse.  The sunlight snuck through the leaves, spying in at every given opportunity, and there was an immense serene ambiance.  It felt perfectly magical, as if the most natural experience was to stumble upon an angel befallen from the heavens.

I love it when ideas and inspiration just implode and result in amazing pictures you'd be hard pressed to repeat.  :-)

Becky x

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