Review - Masquerade Rosa

Okay, I'm a little behind the times with this one because Masquerade's Rosa is sadly now unavailable but I was lucky to lay my hands on this bra when it appeared in Figleaves' eBay store (never again, more about that later) and I wanted to share my experience with it.

Masquerade Rosa

I have to be honest, I've been struggling to find a bra I'm totally happy with and I was beginning to lose hope.  Then I realised I was possibly going for the same style of bra every time, so I decided to go for something I normally wouldn't have.  For a long time I considered having bigger boobs meant plunge style bras were out of the question but that's maybe because I was continuously going for the wrong size, as opposed to the wrong style.  When I came across the Rosa plunge bra I was instantly attracted and I barely hesitated to buy it, although I was worried I'd jumped into the purchase and thought I would regret it.  I'm so glad I followed my heart!

Rosa is my first experience of Masquerade and I feel a love affair coming on.

I had nothing to worry about regarding the daring plunge; it totally suits my close-set bust and really shows off my natural cleavage without ridiculous uplift.  It is padded but very lightly and it's not heavy and overbearing like I'd expect a large cup padded bra to feel.  I opted for the 28H and really happy I did as it's a perfect fit.

Me wearing Rosa

Side view of me in Rosa

The romantic rose print is simply gorgeous while the black base colour gives it a completely modern look to prevent it from looking mumsy.  The luxurious satin under band, straps and three section trim makes for a glamorous finish.

The Rosa

I've been wearing Rosa for a week now and I'm really enjoying how comfy and supportive it is.  The plunge is deep enough without causing spillage when I'm bending over (usually sorting out my laundry!)

The plunge

The band is quite narrow with a slim double hook and eye clasp.  This may disappoint those of you who prefer a deeper, more sturdy band.  For myself, it's perfectly adequate and doesn't bother me.

The back

The only negative?  I'm finding the cups are a little on the wide side and often cut in under my armpit.  It really annoys me and after a lot of movement it can leave me feeling sore.  Because of this, I'm thinking Rosa is possibly more suited to being an 'evening out' bra; it's glamorous and sophisticated and gives a fabulous cleavage but isn't so much a working woman's bra - so no more household duties wearing this one!

I was so pleased that I found this bra through Figleaves' ebay store but I will never again buy through it.  Not only were their postage fees double what everyone else charges to post out a bra but the delivery was unbelievably slow.  I emailed Figleaves about it to say that it really wasn't on and they weren't bothered.  I now wish I'd read their appalling feedback beforehand which proved I wasn't the only unhappy customer.  So never again!  I will say though, eBay is generally a fantastic place to snap up a bargain or source a past season bra so I will be continuing my bargain endeavours as always.

Becky x

Read More

Lingerie Love - Charlie Girl Lingerie and Cleo

Ever since my first foray into the online world in the year 2000 I've been transfixed by the allure of shopping online and even to this day, I, like many people, are still enjoying the buzz and convenience of buying over the internet.  With so many online stores at the tap of a key lingerie shopping can be a minefield and finding the right one - which for me means a shop that sells 28GGs - can be a mind numbing task.

So I was delighted when I came across Charlie Girl Lingerie store, not least because of its chic and modern site design.  I was thrilled to see that they provide free delivery to UK addresses for all orders - already a huge incentive when many other lingerie stores charge in the region of £3.50.  The banner on the home page welcomed me with Freya imagery and I knew I'd come to the right place.

Charlie Girl Lingerie website

Don't be discouraged by Charlie Girl's small independency, for they have a vast catalogue of available stocked lingerie to suit even the smallest frame and the largest of busts with choices to rival many of the big name stores, and the staff have ample enthusiasm and dedication when it comes down to their customer service.  After sending off a quick email I received my reply the same day.  I'm very particular about receiving a personable experience and with lingerie buying it's essential.   I've found so far that Charlie Girl Lingerie are spot on with both their attitude and offerings to the niche area my bra size falls into.  If you're hunting high and low for 28 back bras like myself you're onto a winner!

Cleo by Panache is a vibrant, trend conscious brand and it seemed fitting when equally modern Charlie Girl Lingerie sent me a Cleo Bonnie set to try out.  I've been a fan of similar Cleo bras so I was keen to see how the Bonnie faired.  Following advice that Panache styles can run smaller than my usual 28GG Freya fit, I was sent the Bonnie in a 30GG and the brief in my usual 12.

Cleo Bonnie Set

Bonnie is, very aptly, a bonny design.  It's a charismatic fuchsia pink with an explosion of embroidered flowers and intricate pattern trimmed with apple green stitching and centre bow.  The three section cups are totally unpadded with a beveled edging in balcony style.  It features well formed semi adjustable straps which are double strengthened with a soft layer on the reverse of the front strap which makes it super comfy.  The breathable wings are a substantial enough width with a double hook and eye fastener.  It really is a pretty yet functional bra without being overly gaudy and pretentious.

Close up of the Bonnie

Back of Bonnie

The knickers that complete the Bonnie set are lovely. They're bikini style so sit low on your tummy but provide excellent coverage on the bum. They make a cute combination when worn together with the bra.

Bonnie Brief

I found the 30GG slightly too wide in the band for my comfort, it definitely felt like the straps were just too wide set on my shoulders which caused the cups to pucker.  The 28 back would be a huge improvement that would easily solve the niggles I experienced, but the GG cups felt adequate and supportive.

You can just about see the puckering

I didn't really like the look Bonnie gave me and I'm not convinced that it's purely down to the wider band,  I think it's how the cups are designed.  I felt it gave me a look of 'two separate lumps stuck on my chest' as opposed to my natural cleavage line. I do own the similar styled Lucy which I ended up modifying to fit my bust (I stitched the ends of the underwires at the centre gore together to pull the cups in.) because I have close sitting boobs.  If you have wider set boobs then this bra should be absolutely fine.

Not so flattering shape

Me wearing the Bonnie Set

So I think I'll try modifying the Bonnie in an attempt to get the cups to sit more naturally against me.  Other than that, I'm actually quite in love with the design and the gorgeous colourway.  I love colourful lingerie and I love it even more when I can shop from the comfort of my own home and buy stunning bras and knickers from a shop that actually sells my size!  This makes me one happy bunny.  :-)

Becky x

Read More

Sports Bra Review - Freya Active 30GG

Anyone who plays a form of sport or likes to keep fit knows it's imperative to wear a good bra.  Whether you have a small bust or fuller boobs, a well fitting and supportive purpose made sports bra is necessary for the health of your boobs and ultimately, your comfort.  With the 2012 London Olympics just around the corner, we're all thinking more about sport this year!

In my lingerie stash I have a few sports bras; crop tops, soft cup bras, but I'd never tried an under wired sports bra.  I always thought an under wire would be the last thing I'd want to wear whilst working out, believing it would be painful and restrictive, so when offered the chance I was really keen to give the Freya Active Underwired Bra a go.

When I received the Active I was immediately attracted to its colour.  The striking purple magenta accented with grey gives this bra a fashion conscious edge against usually boring bland sports bra.  The bra was a 30GG and I assumed there would be no way it would fit, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The nature of a sports bra means it will be a snug fit but it wasn't uncomfortable like I'd dreaded.

Freya Active Underwired Bra in Magenta

The under wire is so rounded and wide it means it doesn't dig in anywhere at all and the firm band running along under the cups means it is actually comfy.  The fact that the fastening is a deep 4 hook wide band which is also well padded makes for a smooth, non irritating line around your back.  (I am a stickler for itchy tags and bands!)

Front

Reverse

The cups are a double layered silky fabric with a gentle sheen while the centre gore and side panels have a breathable mesh.  Its lined with Coolmax technology which is supposed to be good for keeping your skin cool whilst ridding you of sweat.  The front section of the straps are very well padded and formed with the back of the straps giving you some degree of adjustment; only around 3" worth but to be honest I didn't need it looser and it allowed more than enough room for me.

A sports bra is not just about aesthetics though so I needed to try the bra out in genuine situations I wear a sports bra for.  The most vigorous activities I engage in include using my air walker equipment and playing badminton.  Freya are actually partners with the England Netball team so I had high hopes of its superiority.

The England Netball Team

The Active Underwired bra is quite literally fantastic!  Throughout my various exercise tasks the bra stuck to my body like glue.  I experienced no rubbing or shifting and, together with the matching seamfree shorts that have antibacterial qualities, my routines were without sweaty displeasure.  I am always aware of my boob movement during any form of exercise and where I expected there to be ample boob bouncing there was none.  It was a liberating feeling that I could bounce and move without that heavy pulling.

See how I got on with the Active in my video - 

I honestly feel, hand on heart, that this is my now favourite sports bra set and I'm quite confident in getting rid of my sports bra stash.  I really believed that the under wires would be the bra's disadvantage but they actually make the style and shape that it is.

Thanks Freya for being my bosom buddy!

Becky x

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More