Panache Tango - The Enigma Solved!

Last month I wrote about my recent misfortune getting Panache's best selling bra, the Tango, to fit me.  I'd tried a few different sizes and styles in the Tango and the Tango Classic, yet not managed to settle on the right size.  (Read about it here.)  I thought Tango had beaten me, but the friendly folk over at Panache came to my aid to help me finally get to the bottom of the sizing saga.

Having tried a variety of 28GG, 28H, 30GG and 30Hs in the different Tango ranges, I figured there could be one extra size to try, or rather two sizes, in two different styles.  It sounds complicated, but I can assure you I've solved it and you CAN wear the Tango like me!

Tango Plunge Bra 

Tango in the original leaf embroidery pattern is a very rigid mesh like fabric with no give in the cups.  No 28 back which I tried was happy.  The 28GG was too tight and small, the 28H wouldn't fasten but was good in the cups.  Heeding this I decided to go for the 30GG.  It's a perfect fit!!  

Wearing 30GG

Perfect fit of the 30G

You wouldn't believe how ecstatic I was when I realised it fastened and fit perfectly in the cups.  This is groundbreaking stuff for me.  I've been wanting this bra for absolutely ages and I can breathe a sigh of relief in telling you that if you usually go for 28 backs, then a 30 just may be the answer for you.  Remember to go down in the cup if you increase the back.

Tango Classic Plunge Bra

Now the Tango Classic is in essence the same bra as the leaf designed Tango but its fabric is more substantial with a glossy sheen and picot edging to the cups.  It doesn't have the almost sheer material with leaf stitching so is a smoother bra to wear under clothing.  The fabric isn't what I'd call stretchy but is very much more pliable and fluid in texture, which basically means there's a whole lot more give in how it's going to fit.

I'd previously tried 30 backs in this bra solely based on my experience with the leaf Tango in 28, so this time I thought I'd bite the bullet and go with the 28.  As this is going down to the smaller back I increased to an H cup.  The fit?  Spot on, again!

Wearing the Tango Classic 28H

Perfect fit of the Tango Classic 28H

I'm amazed that this size fit despite me thinking it should do because I'd been so dubious of the 28s full stop but I'm pleased I went with my gut.  The 28H in the Classic is my perfect fit.

So, if you're wanting to find your best size for the Tango, it's simple.  Go with your regular size for the Classic, and for the leaf Tango, increase your normal back to the next size and go down in the cup.

I'm so thankful for Panache helping me solve my Tango dilemma and now I've figured the differences out, I hope this helps you find your perfect size too (because I know how badly you've wanted it to fit too).  Happy Tangoing!

Becky x

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My DIY Boudoir Chair Project

I love the shabby chic vintage look with its soft whites and pastel colours, it can look very cosy and welcoming when partnered with pretty accessories and floral patterns.  I'm updating our bedroom to eventually be the theme I'm aspiring to which in turn will provide the perfect feminine boudoir for any home based shoots that I do.

Earlier this week I won an auction on ebay for a rickety old wooden chair which I ended up winning for a bargain 99p!  Some people may have overlooked the chair because of it's sad and abused state but I saw the potential in that it's a fabulous solid wood piece of furniture and I was keen to set about refurbishing it.  I've never done anything like this before (I'm more of a cross stitcher or card maker) so I was also keen to prove to myself I can be DIY handy too!

The chair in its original state

The chair's initial condition was heavily used and dated with it's varnished appearance.  To get the chair back down to a blank canvas, safety specs in position, I sanded down every inch to remove the varnish and give a good surface to paint.  It took a little effort doing this but was imperative to do the job effectively.

The first coat of paint

I decided I wanted to paint the chair white and opted for a satin finish which would have a glossy sheen to a degree without being too shiny.  The paint was a one coat gloss but I found I needed to paint the chair fully with three separate coats, allowing to dry in between each coat.  I made a point of painting in the afternoon so I could fully open the window for circulation of fresh air.  Whilst I was painting I had Wimbledon on the tv.  My other half pointed out that Katherine Jenkins was watching the tennis match and me being a fan of hers, quickly moved on my floor protection of newspapers and sent my mug of coffee flying all over the carpet.  I never was much of a multi tasker.  :-P

Today my chair is finally finished!  For a finishing touch I added a floral button padded cushion which I secured to the back section of the chair.  I love the end result and it sits with pride of place in the bedroom.

My finished chair

Have you taken on any home projects of your own?  Or have you been inspired having seen something on tv or in magazines?  If I can do it, I bet you can too!

Becky x

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Lingerie Heaven & Freya Deco 28GG!

There's two things that can't excite me more - fabulous well fitting lingerie and bargain hunting.  Put them together and I'm one pretty happy bunny!  Allow me to introduce you to the web's best kept secret; Lingerie Heaven.

I first came across Lingerie Heaven back when I was hunting down a specific bra which was discontinued and so hard to get hold of: the pretty Panache Tango Spirit bra with it's quintessential floral print.  My heart literally skipped when I saw the bargain £10 price tag.  I've found all the prices are significantly lower than the RRP and as if that wasn't good enough, you can also earn loyalty points on your purchases in return for free lingerie!  I suddenly felt like I'd discovered by destiny this hub of lingerie lust worthiness.  If there was ever a recession beating tip, this is one.

Lingerie Heaven website

Lingerie Heaven is a neat little shop tucked away in a corner of the web with its roots firmly planted in fitting excellence.  Should you be lucky enough to live near the Hertfordshire base you have the beneficial option of a proper fitting consultation, but even if you don't, there's always help and advice on hand via email from an experienced fitter.  For anyone who struggles to source small backs such as 28s or need a cup right up to a KK, you're sure to find what you need right here.

I was really interested to find out that Lingerie Heaven was founded out of the same frustration experienced by many of us.  Proprietor, Clare, started the business after realising the very same problem with finding well fitting, supportive and attractive underwear in larger cup sizes.  In a day when the archaic +4 is still being rung out, it's refreshing to know that this is one retailer which shuns the old ways.

Clare told me "As someone with a smaller back size and a large cup I understand just how frustrating it is to find a good fitting bra and so I wanted to provide a ‘to order’ service so as many sizes as possible are available for my customers rather than selling just the items I had in stock."  Adding, "As a fitter I find a lot of women are a smaller back size than they realise as they are all using the +4 or +5 method to measure themselves when this does not give an accurate fit."

I have to be honest, I've never had such a thorough and helpful consultation before.  Clare was keen to help me find the best bra to suit me and following some wonderful options decided to go for the Freya Deco.  I explained my recurring problem with sizing differences across brands and ranges, which was when the Deco in 28GG was recommended.  Freya Deco in a 28GG?  You heard right. They've only gone and introduced a GG to the 28 back options!  Time for celebration, me thinks!

I've been envious of other Deco loyalists because I couldn't join the club.  I'd heard much about the amazing fit and got a taste of it via Deco's pretty sister, Ashlee, but I'd found the 30GG a little too big.  It was like a dream come true to be told of the arrival of 28GG this month.

The bra arrived speedily and I was ridiculously excited to get the package opened.  I felt like I was eight years old again, opening the goodies in my Christmas stocking at the foot of my bed.  Deco was lust at first sight and loved followed once I slipped into it...

Me wearing Deco Plunge Bra

I was sent the Deco plunge bra in charcoal which is a dark smokey grey colour.  I actually love wearing grey so it's a very pleasant, wearable shade.  This Deco features two little pearlescent buttons and a grey bow to the centre gore.

The fit is spot on, I'm so pleased with it.  I've been finding lately that 30 bands fit me best with Freya bras but as the band on the Deco is quite stretchy the 28 is perfect.  The moulded seam-free cups are well supporting and yet gives a remarkable cleavage with a natural rounded shape.  What I love about the Deco over Ashlee or Taylor is that the cups are totally smooth without additional frills or lace which means it's excellent to wear under close fitting tops.  Through my t shirt, I have no bulging, no unsightly boob spillage and I, for once, have a perfectly unadulterated silhouette.  How refreshing to finally find a supportive and comfortable bra that doesn't advertise through my clothes!

No spillage or quadra-boob!

And comfort would be the defining sensation I've experienced through wearing Deco for several days now.  I've been able to wear it through entire days of activities and not once felt like I wanted to take it off.  I think this is what makes a really great bra, something I'm sure my fellow fuller bosom friends would agree on.  :-)

Great news -  you can buy the brand spanking new Deco in 28GG now and exclusive to Becky's Boudoir readers you can claim a generous 20% off all orders - that's everything in the shop, including sale items - from Lingerie Heaven.  Offer ends 6th July 2012.  Add code: blogger20 at the checkout.

Becky x

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How Panache Tango-ed Without Me

Tango.  It's been Panache Superbra's most successful collection having enjoyed a recent 10 year celebration with the launch of the Tango Luxe.  I've read countless reviews raving about the Tango's super fit yet I can not speak of such an unequivocal opinion.  Panache Tango danced the last dance without me.

My Tango journey began with the balconette style in a 28GG.  I bought it in hot pink.  The colour was gorgeous and I was excited with the anticipated liberation.  It didn't happen.

Tango 28GG

Tango 28GG

The 28 back was uncomfortably tight with side boning which came up so high it dug in and hurt beneath my armpit.  The cups were too small and restrictive; my boobs were pressed in and squashed and bulged over the cups.  It wasn't a pretty sight and about as comfortable as cramming size 6 feet into a size 4 shoe.  It hurt.

I decided the balconette wasn't the best style for me so opted for the Tango Plunge next.  This time I bought the 28H.  Would it fasten up?  Like heck would it.

Tango 28H

Now the cups were spot on.  I fitted in it like a dream.  If only the back fastened!  I've never in my life attempted to put on such a small band, I was sure it was defective.  I emailed both Panache and the retailer I bought it from yet neither helped.  I was able to return the bra for a refund but I never did find out if it was a dodgy product or not.

So the Tango 28H was almost there but not quite...

Tango Plunge 28H

Recently I bought the Tango Classic 30GG, taking the stance that the 28 just wasn't going to fit me, and that judging by the fact I'd gone up in the band since the original 28GG I'd tried, this one may do the trick.  Yet again it didn't happen.  Also stupidly I totally forgot to take any pictures of it on me.  D'oh!  This time the 30 band felt right but the cups were again too small.  At first I thought it was the right fit but found as I wore it a little the cups couldn't contain me and I was falling out all over the place.  So annoying.

Tango Classic 30H

Finally I went for the Tango Classic in 30H.  I actually give up.  The band, yes, comfortable, the cups - ridiculously too big!  Where the 30GG faltered in the too small cups I expected the 30H to be the one (after all, the 28H was too small).  The cups seem to have been made to circle wider back under the armpit, so I could feel huge unfilled areas beneath and around each boob.  It looks silly and I feel swamped in it.

Tango Classic 30H

Tango Classic 30H

I just don't think I'll find a happy medium with Panache Tango and I'm gutted.  Sometimes I really do crave just a simple, non invasive, light bra that doesn't feel like I'm lugging around the kitchen sink.  When the hot summer spells descend, that's when I crave it most.

The only thing I would say is I've switched and played around with a few different ranges of the Tango, including the balconette and plunge with the original leaf embroidery and then the two plunge Classics.  The original fabric is taut with no stretch whatsoever, whilst the Classic is much more pliable.  Maybe I shouldn't give up on Tango quite so soon, after all I could always go back to the 28H and try it in the Classic...

What's your experience with and opinion of the Tango collection?  Any suggestions and advice for finding the perfect fit?

Becky x

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I'm in The Sunday Sun!

A week ago I was reading the Sunday Sun newspaper online and happened across a competition they'd just launched; the Miss Sunday Sun contest.  I enter the odd modelling competition, not all the time though because these competitions are usually for younger girls.  There was no age limit stated so I decided I had nothing to lose and entered myself.

A few days ago I received a call and email from a journalist at the Sunday Sun wanting to speak to me with regards to my application.  They were keen to hear more about my background and why I entered, and they wanted to know who took the photo which I sent them as they were keen to publish it in the paper.  

It's always a difficult one, being asked why you entered a competition.  I find it's along the same lines as those tie breakers you get with certain competitions where the most unique and clever answer wins.  I  feel like I have plenty influences why I entered so I probably kept them on the phone for longer than they intended!

CavyCapers.com played a huge part of my life, almost my entire twenties, devoted to all things guinea pig.  I loved every minute of it and was often in papers and magazines because of it.  Sharing my knowledge and helping people was my drive force.  I still do love my guinea pigs (and now rabbits!) but I grew disheartened and somewhat bored with the direction I was going in.  At the beginning of 2009 I was on the radio and in the papers talking about the new Disney G Force movie and chatting about CavyCapers.com. Yet by the end of the year I'd come runner up in a Face Of campaign for leading pharmaceuticals brand, Pharma Nord and I'd been on national tv (in a bid to win a wedding!) declaring myself as a model.  I'd begun my modelling journey and discovered my next passion.

So that's pretty much my story - with the addition that I was also by this time suffering with fibromyalgia - and even though I've now hit thirty, I've got passion and dedication and don't want to stop.

Today the paper came out and I discovered myself beaming right back at me on page 2.  I love the picture and so proud of my fiance, Sean who was the photographer.

Me!

I'm not sure how the contest will pan out and how the applicants will be ultimately picked but I really value your support.  I would love to get to the next stage.  I just may need your help with my quest.  :-)

Becky x

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Fibromyalgia, Modelling and Me

I wanted to touch on something that I wouldn't usually discuss on this blog but felt compelled to write about.  I have a condition called fibromyalgia.

I've been suffering with fibromyalgia for several years now and have met along the way some lovely people who also live with the illness including other bloggers and even models.  It is a common health condition yet still is a relatively little understood illness which I am often asked about of its effects.  New acquaintances and quite often photographers are timidly putting the question to me, curious but at the same time not wanting to offend.  It's become apparent to me that some people are in a way afraid.  Afraid what it is, what it means and ultimately how it affects them.  So I've decided to lift the lid and bare all.

Fibromyalgia, or FM or FMS for short, literally translates as muscle pain ('fibro' means the fibrous tissues, 'my' is muscles and 'algia' is pain).  It's a chronic condition meaning long standing, and very much widespread of the whole body, specifically in certain areas.  In a nutshell it means it's generally a lifelong condition that involves pain in its many forms body wide.  It's also a syndrome which means the pain is simply the beginning, before delving into the nitty gritty, some of which include fatigue, tiredness, stiffness, migraines, short term memory loss (commonly referred to as 'fibro fog'), irritable bowel syndrome and depression.  Over days, weeks and months, severity of symptoms vary, whilst peak painful and disturbing periods are known as flare ups.  Medication coupled with careful planning can help with the daily management.  'Pacing yourself' is the mantra you live by.

By Chris Rout

I don't want to get in too deep with all the medical speak, it's not all that interesting if it doesn't affect you and even for a fibro sufferer myself, it can get really tedious!  It is important however if it's something you've heard about and maybe if you've found yourself asking the question yourself.  I understand that it can sound big and scary especially if you've read it as a health notice on one of my modelling profiles.  I want to clarify how it affects me and what it means you can expect.

I do have to live with daily fatigue and pains in various parts of my body.  Days are better than others and vice versa.  I take medication and generally I can cope pretty well with the symptoms.  I may feel it, but I try not to show it, and I've never heard anything negative about it affecting me on a shoot.  I have my fiance with me going to, on and from my shoots because I do need the assistance.  Driving is very draining for me and most distances cause me agony, so it's best not to drive myself.  During the shoot, it can be difficult for me to put on some clothing and need the second pair of hands.  Some poses can be stressful for me, I may require help getting into a position, but I will always try.  The fact is a shoot is never that long and as soon as I'm finished I begin winding down.  Well, the winding down is actually more like dying, or at least dropping off to sleep as soon as I land in the car.  Sometimes I realise I have overdone myself and the effects will come upon me like flu.  It's not uncommon for me to go to bed for several hours immediately following a shoot, sometimes for up to a week.  I don't model full time purely for the reason that I need to allow repair time and will never model on the consecutive day.  When shoot day arrives I'm well prepared, fresh and ready to go.  A lot of the time aches and pains can be mentally manipulated.  I may well be feeling like crap and you will never know.

By Chris Rout

It's important to me that those I work with can understand a little where I am coming from but I also don't expect special treatment.  I'm a hard worker, passionate and dedicated to anything I sign up to.  I'm not perfect and live with a disabling illness but I don't allow it to run my life and ruin it.

Generally people are understanding and sympathetic which I really do appreciate.  The industries in which I work can be cut throat, yet I've had the pleasure to work with the most friendly and down to earth, creative people.  Those who avoid me thinking I am more trouble than it's worth possibly need a little more education, but their negativity isn't worth me the pain.

By Sean J Connolly

I hope I have enlightened those of you who have wondered about fibromyalgia and what it is.  I decided being completely open and transparent is the best medicine and I'll sleep a little more soundly tonight.

I was a guest blogger for health and beauty website Talk Perfection last month when I discussed fibromyalgia.  To read the feature please follow this link to Talk Perfection.

Thank you for listening.

Becky x

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Early Summer Sales - My Picks

We're still only in June and yet the summer sales have already started.  My inbox has become flooded with retailers online sale notices and there's some amazing deals to be had in the large cup lingerie stakes.  Lots have caught my eye so here's some of my favourite must haves!

Over at Leia Lingerie there's the sophisticated Fantasie Shannon for only £15!

Also from Leia there's this season's funky Freya Roxanne for a mere £15.50.

On Figleaves there's paintbox delight Cleo Ellie down to £17.50.

You can get the polka dot pretty Bestform Carlton from Brastop for £14.95.

Also from Brastop, the beautiful Kris Line Cesaria is available in limited sizes for £16.95.

And exclusive to Bravissimo is the gorgeous Flirty Frill bra, now £18.

So what are you waiting for?  Get filling those virtual baskets before they all go!

Becky x

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