Bras I Wish I Owned - But Can't

Don't you just hate it when you come across an image of a really gorgeous got-to-buy-it-now bra only to find out it's from a past season and you can no longer buy it anywhere?  Or when you find an amazing bra in a lingerie shop only to find it doesn't come in your size?  How annoying!  I feel like this just keeps happening to me and I have to admit it's one of the most frustrating feelings!

I was browsing online recently and discovered such a gorgeous bra I never even knew existed.  I've been trying out the infamous Panache Tango bra for size (and still trying) in fuchsia pink and cornflower blue when I happened upon an exquisite floral pattern; the Tango Spirit.  How gorgeous is this?!  I'm determined to find this one somewhere.

Panache 'Tango Spirit'

Then I found the Freya Loretta.  To.  Die.  For.  It's something just so different yet completely current with its pretty pastel palette.  The lace trim gives it a vintage feel while the paisley print gives it a modern twist.  I love it.  Why on earth does this have to be discontinued now?!

Freya 'Loretta'

Boux Avenue's branding totally engaged me when they came onto the scene.  Their image epitomises my love of lingerie and is like Becky's Boudoir long lost sister.  Receiving their newsletter one day I think I missed a heartbeat when I witnessed the delightful ditsy Georgia bra.  It got me all excited when it was marked as the DD+ category but then huge disappointment descended when the size indicator said it started from a 32 back and only up to an F.  Gutted was an understatement.

Boux Avenue 'Georgia'

Being a fan of Playful Promises - I love and own some of their divine corsets and pretty briefs - I am always interested to see what boudoir goodies they're producing next.  Sadly, despite catering from an A cup to a DD, they don't produce a vast range in sizes so little old me who needs a 28 or even 30 back with a GG or H cup is left out in the cold looking in through the Playful Promises window.  I loved the quirky longline Etti bra the moment I first saw it.  Damn you, you fine piece of sexiness!

Playful Promises 'Etti'

So it appears that having a tidy pair of boobs isn't what it's all cracked up to be.  It's days like these when I wish I was oh so smaller to fit into such bras of loveliness.  A woman is never happy.  :-)

Becky x

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Bravissimo Fitting & Freya Review

Following a bad relationship with my 32F/FF bras and a brief encounter with some 30Gs I found myself pounding the high street of my local big-ish town of Darlington in an attempt to find a good retailer with sound fitting advice.  I soon realised this was a far bigger and more complex problem I had on my hands when I kept coming up against shops that were shocked at my question: if they stocked 28 back bras.  I knew I had only one reasonable option left.  Bravissimo.

Bravissimo has fast become a leader in the large cup market and is rapidly gaining a huge following of dedicated customers who return time and again because of their expert knowledge.  Unfortunately there aren't too many of their high street shops yet and with my nearest branch being all the way up in Newcastle, it was a pretty hike.  I knew I really had to go and get fitted properly once and for all and despite the distance made the special trip to Bravissimo situated in the indoor Eldon Garden Shopping Centre.

It was quite late on in the morning by the time I'd arrived and I was surprised by how quiet the store was.  I expected there to be queues of desperate women eager to get fitted but there were only a handful customers; a lady was purchasing a new bra while someone's partner sat waiting in the seated area. It wasn't long before I was greeted by a friendly looking assistant who welcomed me to sit down and swiftly took my name.  I merely had to wait a few minutes before the fitting consultant was available to see me.

My fitting consultant was a lady called Susan and she really was an easy person to talk to despite what could have been an embarrassing situation.  Not everyone is comfortable getting their boobs out, especially in front of complete strangers, so it's nice when in these situations you have someone who is both professional yet personable, and treats you with respect.  Susan asked me if I was okay having her present in the room with me or if I would be happier if she stood outside the room while I undressed, and I said I was completely okay with her staying.  See what I mean about treating you like a real person, unlike some certain places I've recently encountered.  Asking the customer, because it's your decision, is such an important part of this process and I'm pleased I was offered the question.

Looking at me wearing my own bra Susan had a quick look over and feel of my band and without doubt said I looked like I needed a 28GG, even an H.  I said that it's probably because I have a boob bigger than the other which she simply assured me is normal with most women.  She asked me if there were any bras in particular I was interested in so I told her I wanted to see how I fitted for Freya especially, and possibly Curvy Kate.  I couldn't try on any Curvy Kates at all because there were none in stock.  I had a feeling the store wasn't going to be getting much of them in again, if at all.

Susan left me briefly to source some bras and quickly returned bringing back a few different sizes, and then stayed with me to help me try them out.  Each bra I tried Susan was very efficient in making sure the straps were adjusted right and checked that the bra overall fitted properly.

Some of the bras I seemed to have more luck with than others.  I was surprised by the size and fit inconsistency across different styles of bra.

I first tried on the Freya Faye in both 28GG and 28H in the white and black colour ways.  I was disappointed by the fit and even though it was decided the 28GG felt more comfortable (I felt drowned in the 28H) I didn't feel either of the sizes were great on me.  Whichever size I tried I couldn't get the centre gore to sit flush against me, and instead sat away.  The 28H didn't improve it, just overwhelmed my whole chest and felt too deep under my arms.  Looking at the two images below of both a properly fitting Faye and then the Faye on me, you can see the difference.  It almost looks like the Faye I'm wearing is higher cut where the centre gore sits, like there's a good inch of depth further up on me which in turn creates a lesser rounded look of the lace edging.  Perhaps if the centre gore panel was lower down between my boobs it would sit better on me.

Freya 'Faye' how it should look

How it looks on me

Then I tried Freya Lauren and we didn't get on at all!  I was really surprised because I liked it from seeing it online and thought it would be a good all rounder; something that gave a really good fit.  It looked awful on me.  The 28H was the best fit but again it just didn't fully encapsulate my boobs.  The centre gore just didn't want to play ball.  I disliked how it felt and looked - the cups puckered as if to say they were too big for what they contained, but nothing would make that centre gore shift.  I decided my boobs mustn't like some shapes of bra because they are quite full fronted.

I did however find the Freya Edina bra was quite a good fit.  I was fitted in the balcony style which is my bra shape of choice.  This one had a really unique look about it; chic monochrome with a fancy print trimmed with black straps, lace and detailing.  I usually prefer colour but I saw the appeal in the Edina.  The band felt snug but it was a moderate tension and didn't feel restrictive.  As the fabric isn't as stretchy as some other Freya bras I needed to go up in the cup for a more flattering fit.

For this design Susan decided the 28H was the best size for me.  Unfortunately I didn't get to take a photo of me in this one, I think I was too carried away in the moment, but at least it was a joyful moment!

I was also fitted for some sports bras by Freya, which I will continue in my next post.    :-)

Becky x

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Bra Review - Boux Avenue 'Brodie'

Boux Avenue are a relatively new lingerie brand to the UK market having just celebrated their first birthday.  We have very few high street lingerie retailers who sell only their own brand, and with the loss of many La Senza stores a new chain has been much needed.  Having not purchased from Boux Avenue before I've been intrigued to find out just what makes them so different.

I received a beautiful package from Boux Avenue a week ago which contained a bra and brief set called 'Brodie'.  I reviewed it first by video.  If you've not yet checked it out and fancy seeing how it looks on, please do!

The parcel itself was a branded cardboard box and contained within that one, a lovely glossy box embossed with Boux Avenue branding in corporate colours of hot pink, black and white.

I opened the box to find a stunning wrapped package of pink lace effect tissue paper with a sticker seal.  It was like a russian doll but with a gorgeous lingerie set at the end instead of a tiny russian doll baby!

Opening the tissue paper (carefully so as not to tear the exquisite paper!) I found the bra and brief enveloped between scented faux rose petals.  The packaging was luxurious and smelled divine; a treat to the eyes and nose.

I chose the Brodie from the DD+ range because it looked pretty and different to what I usually see.  The Pillar Box shade of red looked stunning and the colour is true to how you see it on the website.  It's a balconette style with three section unpadded mesh cups embroidered with a modern floral and swirly pattern.  A little gold metal trinket and bow trims the centre gore which lends to a luxury feel.

The straps are wide and fully adjustable, which I particularly like, with double hook and eye fastening.  All the rings and trims are gold and match well with the red fabric.

The brief is a full mesh coverage with a front mesh and embroidery panel in the same design as the bra. It also features the same metal trinket and bow too, so just as cute.

Boux Avenue only start from a 30" back so instead of my usual 28" back I was fitted for a 30".  I went down a cup size to compensate to a G as opposed to my usual GG.  I do however feel I would have preferred the 30GG because the centre gore did not sit flush against my chest but otherwise it was pretty comfortable to wear.  Sometimes under wires can dig in under the armpit but I didn't experience it with this one which was a relief.

I'm usually quite sensitive to itchy fabrics and I expected this material, feeling fairly rigid, to bug me but I had no problems.  The cups felt adequately encapsulating and despite the lack of padding did feel surprisingly supportive.

I wasn't too fussy about the shape it gave me though.  It didn't look very flattering looking down at myself but I thought that was just my odd perspective but it did become noticeable to me throughout the day when I'd see my reflection in shop windows.  My other half's opinion was in agreement that my silhouette did look odd and the shape had a pointy look about it.  So I wasn't too impressed with the look this bra gave me under clothing.

Looking at it as it is the bra is pretty and attractive and I do like what it looks like straight on in the mirror.  I would like to compare its appearance with the 30GG.  The briefs were cute, maybe a little lower on the tummy than I usually like to wear my knickers but they make a sexy little duo worn together with the bra.

I am eager to explore the rest of the DD+ range that Boux Avenue have to offer us bigger boobed girls so watch this space for more from this promising and gorgeous brand.

Becky x

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Weekend Lingerie Shoot - An Alternative Twist

So over the weekend I had a really good shoot with fashion photographer Sean J Connolly.  I may be biased because he's my fiance of 13 years this spring but he does produce fantastic work and I'm always harassing him for another shoot.  Just as well Sean likes working with me too!

For this shoot I wanted to do some lingerie but with a twist.  I love beautiful lingerie shoots but recently I've been craving something wackier and not so mainstream, so I've kinda encompassed a few different styles in the shots we did.

Last year I bought some really cute Gaga-esque lace bunny ears from Accessorize and I've been wanting to shoot with them again since the last time I used them as a prop.  With Easter literally around the corner it's quite relative.  I bought a Calvin Klein bra and short set which I have to admit are a small size set which was intentional for the look I wanted to achieve.  The cage suspender belt was actually a good find on eBay.  I'd been looking for something in that style for ages so I was over the moon to find this one.  I bought some very unusual nipple tassels for this shoot too.  They're actually silver colour metal encrusted with crystals.  They're gorgeous and so luxurious.

Another reason why I like to work with Sean is because he's super quick with his processing which means I get my images within a matter of hours.  Nothing like instant gratification.

Here's a few of my favourites:

This was a playful set, something quirky and a little dark.

I love this image, it's very sensual and erotic feeling at the same time.  It has a warmth about it which conflicts with the fetish theme.

This is a simple but beautiful vintage feeling portrait.  I love the lace bunny ears and lace bra.  

You can see more from this shoot on my Facebook page.  Which of the images do you prefer?  What of kind of style shoot would you like to see me try?

Becky x

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Happy National Cleavage Day!

Today is the 10th anniversary of National Cleavage Day so be sure to celebrate womanhood in style and push up those boobies!  With the unbelievably gorgeous weather we've had all week it's been hard not to wear something pretty revealing so a fabulous bra that gives you a great rack is what's needed.

National Cleavage Day is the birth child of Wonderbra which was dreamt up in 2002.  Wonderbra are renowned for their fantastic boob boosting lingerie but not so known for their wide range of sizes.  Sadly Wonderbras only reach a 30G in some styles so there's not much choice for women with bigger boobs, and/or require a slightly smaller back, like me.  In an ideal world a 28GG or 28H would be my perfect fit but I do appreciate sizing across brands and even styles are far from consistent.  The last Wonderbra I wore was the one in the picture above and that I believe was an E or an F cup.   So I am intrigued to see how their 30G would fit.


National Cleavage Day is just a bit of fun and I herald the concept behind it which means we celebrate whatever size boobs we have.


My favourite celebrity and girl crush is Katy Perry (and anyone who follows my personal blog, Diary of a Cavygirl knows that already.)  I love her punchy music as much as her image; she's playful with her girly and womanly sides and isn't afraid to say what she thinks and dresses however she pleases.  Katy Perry is definitely a great advocate for the National Cleavage Day philosophy, don't you agree?

Becky x

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Bra Review - Freya Ashlee

At the beginning of the month I spoke about some of my favourite new bras of the season.  Spring arrives and it makes you want to overhaul your dank winter wardrobe with some really fresh and pretty clothing, and your lingerie is no exception.

I love my lingerie to be colourful at the best of times anyway.  Beyond the need for white and black bras, and maybe a nude one for conspicuous clothing, I don't see much of a point for it.  That doesn't mean any coloured bra makes me weak at the knees though.  But one certain bra recently did exactly that to me.  And that was the Ashlee by Freya.

I was giddy like a child overdosed on Swizzles when a little package arrived containing the Ashlee bra.  I cooed over it just via the internet so to see and feel the real thing was a dream.  To say Ashlee's a gorgeous bra doesn't half describe it!

The funky hot pink Freya bag and inner Freya tissue paper

Freya Ashlee Bra 30GG

The Ashlee is actually conceived by the same concept that is the best selling Deco bra, which is renowned for giving a fantastic cleavage.  This time round the beauty that is Ashlee has been given a truly prettifying makeover, in every way possible.

The fabric of the Ashlee is a polyester mix that gives the touch similar to microfibre; it feels soft and silky, a pleasurable feel on the skin.  The cups are fully moulded (meaning they are lightly padded) for a smoothing t-shirt effect making it a really good option for a seam-free finish under clothing.  I love the fact that it doesn't show ugly pattern imprint from beneath my t shirts, because that is one way to spoil the look of what you're wearing.

The cups are edged with a silky cream ribbon with a dainty embroidered picot trim and cute bows to the centre gore and the front of the straps, which aren't ridiculously wide and frumpy.

The bow at the centre gore

The cream satin and embroidery trim

The back of the bra

The colour is called Sorbet and reminds me of bonbons, or strawberry milkshake topped with cream.  It looks mouth wateringly delectable, reminiscent of childhood ice creams in summer.  This is one yummy looking bra!

Being a bigger cupped girl I do struggle to find bras that match up to my taste.  Many people tell me of particular brands that apparently produce in my size.  But I often feel like what I'd really love in a bra rarely gets made, or even to my knowledge.  Freya is a consistently easy to source bra brand and I don't think I've coveted after a bra in such a way for quite a while.

Bras for larger busts are quite often unpadded and predictable lacy numbers so it's refreshing to see a bra like this one that breaks all the boundaries.  It's padded, gorgeous and girly and gives a fab cleavage.  I love that it's so modern and young looking.  I turned 30 this year and thought it was time for me to 'grow up and act my age' whatever that meant.  Wearing this bra reminds me of when I used to wear push up bras in my smaller boobed days, and it's a fun feeling.

This bra in particular is the plunge style, which basically gives a good cleavage like the old 'hello boys' effect.  You can get this also in a half cup but it only goes up to an F.  My bra here is a 30GG.  If I had the choice and it was made in a bigger cup I probably would have gone for the half cup, but now I have the plunge I am happy.  The only issue I would say is that the 28" back only goes up to the G cup, with the smallest back for a GG starting at a 30".  The 30GG was the best size available to me and did feel big enough though I felt I would have been more confident had it been 28".  After a good day's wear I did have a couple of sore marks which were beneath my armpit.  I don't know if it's because the 30" is making the cups move further out than they need to be?

You can also buy matching briefs in a choice of short, thong or high waisted brief, and I have the brief. It's not usually a style I'd wear but it's a fantastic fit!  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it being such a high waisted fashion.  The material is the same soft and slinky feel as the bra so is super comfy.

The high waisted brief (mine's small)

The complete matching set

Overall I love the Ashlee.  It's modern and pretty, gives a great shape and blends beautifully under tops.  I just need Freya to make the 28" back available for the next cup up and I'll be a very happy spring bunny indeed!

This is the video review I made earlier:

Are you a fan of Freya's new Ashlee?  A loyal Deco wearer wondering what the Ashlee's like?  Let me know what you think about it.

Becky x

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Madame Boudoir Gorgeousness

It was great to see a recent update to the website of Madame Boudoir who I had a fantastic shoot with late last year.  It's a privilege to see that some of the images produced from that day have been used within the site, including the main home page.

Madame Boudoir who are based between Leeds and Bradford are a photography company I can honestly highly recommend.  Principle photographer Kim Nicholls is a dab hand with the old camera and is such a down to earth, easy to get along with woman.  I couldn't pick a more fitting person to do the job of producing beautiful images working with women.  If you're thinking about having some gorgeous pictures to commemorate a special birthday or celebrate with the girls in style this is a really worthwhile activity.  Treat your boyfriend or just yourself.  The results are amazing and you'll cherish them, I promise.

Becky x

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