Review - Leia Lingerie Store, York & Freya

I finally went down to check out Leia Lingerie's only store in the North, right in the heart of York.  Having reviewed bras sent to me courtesy of Leia head office, I was really keen to look into the Leia experience from the consumer point of view.  After all, buying online is all very well but how does it compare to proper instore interaction where you look for professional advice, was a question I wanted to know.  Knowing here in the UK we have a serious lacking of good, reliable bra fitters in our high street shops, I was hopeful Leia would stand apart from the retailing competition.

Me going to Leia, York

Walking into the small but perfectly formed store was like stepping into a perfectly organised ladies room.  The walls boasted lit viewing displays of bras whilst on racks hung the prettiest of bras in various sizes.  There was much to take in with the eye; the shop was modern with good lighting, clean and presentable.  The atmosphere felt cheerful and yet calm.

It was easy to approach the ladies and I spoke to Angela who immediately offered me her time for a fitting session.  I was taken to a good sized fitting room where Angela asked me if I would like her to leave the room while I undress my top half and I expressed I was happy with her staying with me.  With a swift measure of my chest and no hint of the foisty Plus Four technique, my 28 back was confirmed.  As I was originally wearing a 28GG bra Angela nipped out and brought back a bra in a 28GG and 28H to compare the fit between the two.  I was encouraged to 'lift and scoop' myself into the cups throughout the fitting session which was sound advice, whilst Angela adjusted the back straps for me.  Preferring the fit and the way the centre gore sat between my boobs on the latter size, Angela drew to the conclusion that the H encased me much better.

Asking if there were any particular brands I like to wear and any colour preferences, Angela selected a small range of Freya bras with 28 backs, bringing some GGs just in case.

The first bra, which was actually the bra Angela fitted me in, was the newly released Freya Gem.  Having only seen Gem in the catalogue, at which point I'd decided I liked the design, I'd also assumed the form of the fabric and the design.  How mistaken I was, as when Angela brought the bra in, I said "ooh which is that one?", thinking it was a totally new bra I didn't know about.  I loved Gem instantly! The fabric is so beautiful and light; what is actually intricate lace I thought was a print.  I'd also previously believed there was a light pink colour beneath the cups but I was wrong again.  The only pink on black Gem is the three little bows.

I would liken the style and fit of Gem very closely to Jolie, one of Freya's best selling lines.  It's extremely similar in the construction of the cups, centre gore and wings.  This likeness isn't a bad thing.  It was really comfy and I felt the difference between the GG and H as the H was much closer to my chest at the centre gore.  I had slight unfilled area in one cup which is only due to my boob.  My larger side was much happier in the roomier cup.  (I did try the Gem in the blue colourway too but I totally forgot to take a photo, so sorry!)

Wearing the 28H Gem

I tried a black Freya Jolie for fit next.  I do have the Jolie myself in white and in a 28GG.  I always thought it fit really well, that was until I tried it in the 28H!  The difference again was noticeable when I put it on.  The extra room for my larger side was appreciated and it just felt perfect.  The base design is almost identical to the Gem but the fabric, although thin and unpadded again, is made from a different lace.  It's also not sheer in the way Gem is, so the ideal lace bra if you prefer the more opaque look.

Wearing the 28H Jolie

 Eyeing up the lovely bras hanging, waiting to be tried on, I realised there would not be much point trying the GGs out.  Oh how gutted I am, butterfly print Martha :-(

There was also tattoo floral print Ada but it must have been a GG and not in stock in the H as I didn't get to try that one on.  Oh, and biscotti colour Carys, which, well, I didn't like enough to try on...

But, I did try on the brand, spanking new to AW12 Ivy in the very festively vibrant design of fern like leaves and spots which resemble berries in hot 'firecracker' red and teal green.  I love colour and Ivy really does deliver in that respect.  It felt very much like summer's Ellie, the same slinky fabric and the way the lace panel edges the tops of the cups.  Ivy in 28H felt a lot better than the 30GG Ellie I tried, so at least I know it's not that the shape and style didn't suit me.  Ivy felt and looked fabulous so I'd recommend you try her out!

Wearing the 28H Ivy

After much deliberation I decided to go with Gem!  As much as I liked Ivy too I knew I had to follow my heart as Gem did something for me the minute I laid eyes on her.  I wouldn't normally go for a thong, usually a brief or short, but Gem brazilian thong is a beauty; honestly, the back is so detailed and intricate I couldn't not take her home too.  So I got the matching thong in a medium, which is basically a 12.

I just want to thank the ladies in the York Leia store for being so brilliant and on the ball, especially my very friendly and efficient fitter, Angela.  If you've not gone for a fitting yet or even had a nosey around the store, I fully recommend their service!

What do you think of Gem?  Would you have gone with another style?

Becky x

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Cath Kidston - York Store

I adore Cath Kidston; the pretty florals, country comforts and vintage inspirations.  When I think I have the brand pinned, a new design breathes a new fresh take on the shabby chic, vintage look, proving it's not about chintz and granny decor.

As much as I've loved Cath Kidston, I've never been into one of the stores.  Buying online and through the catalogues is simple as, but I've often wondered the physical experience, seeing the product ranges for real and being able to touch the pieces.  So, I decided to call into the York store on Stonegate to get a proper feel of this quintessential British brand...

The store looked tiny but like many of York's city centre shopfronts, was deceptively roomy and full of inspiring visuals.  Farmhouse style kitchen chairs and wellington boots lined the way in, with display boxes full of bags in all shapes and sizes.  From there, an archway led you into the main shop floor; the points of sale to the left with trinkets and small goods in every available crevice to tantalise your curiosity.

A large, centrally placed table boasted festively designed kitchen and dining paraphernalia; tea towels, cake tins and paper napkins in holly print and and an adorable frolicking deer design.  I was in actual awe of this pint sized rudolph because it reminded me instantly of old fashioned cards and Christmas ornaments my Grandparents used to decorate their home with.

Copyright Cath Kidston

I found a beautifully soft and chunky jumper with the very same little deer design knitted into it's thick yarn.  It was so cute and looked like the kind of jumper you could snuggle into when it's pinching cold outside and you're all enveloped warm and cosy within this comfy jumper.  Sadly it was the only jumper left in the store and it was a small.  :-(  A large would be the perfect size to throw on and chill out in.

Everything in the shop was there to be adored, picked up and to take inspiration from.  In one corner, a faux set up of a laundry room caught my attention.  An apron adorned mannequin ironed Cath Kidston fabrics on a board of complimenting floral bouquets.

Even the changing rooms were clearly Cath Kidston!

The 'bedroom' was my favourite set up in the store.  A beautiful white glossed wooden bed with Cath Kidston fabric panels was dressed in a swathe of country chic patterns.  Floral and striped pillows lay upon eiderdowns and blankets; blues, pinks and crisp whites offering a clean, feminine country boudoir.  This is everything my own bedroom aspires to be.

I could have jumped right into that bed, there and then, it was so beautifully inviting!  To the left was an open shelved area where I discovered what must be the best blanket ever to have been knitted.  This super snuggly Fair Isle lambswool blanket.  I was in love!

So, there'll be a certain deer jumper and Fair Isle blanket on my wish list this coming Christmas...

Do you like the Cath Kidston style?  What would be your favourite piece from the shop this season?  Or do you prefer a different theme for your house?

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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