Bra Review - Cleo Melissa

We may still be in Winter (yak!) but thankfully March is around the corner and if you look closely you'll see glimmers of spring suggestion; buds are awakening on the old season's tired trees and shoots are sprouting from beneath fading smatterings of snow.  It's so exciting to see the world blooming into life and colour once again.

You don't have to wait so long for a burst of colour though because this month Cleo released their beautiful Melissa collection.  An invigorating azure sea blue is trimmed with pillar box red mesh panelling in a pattern that looks akin to fluffy clouds, while a contemporary fruity berry print electrifies the cups and front banding.  Melissa is a set that will blow away any cobwebs!

Cleo Melissa in 28H

Cleo Melissa's 'clouds'

Cleo Melissa brief in size 12

Melissa's fabric is strong and sturdy with a slinky touch.  The comfortable fully adjustable straps are ribbed (like Cleo Marcie) which follow round to double layered wings and two way hook and eye fastening.  The band continues right round underneath the cups for extra bust support.

I was sent the Melissa set in a 28H and found it to be extremely supportive; the band is the right firmness and the cups keep my boobs separated and well encased.  Unlike my experience with Cleo Meg, the 28H Melissa balcony was a pretty good fit.  The only fit faux pas I found was a slight puckering in the mesh along the top of the cups at the point where the mesh meets the cup fabric and the upper point of the mesh was a tiny bit tight on my left boob.

The briefs are a size 12 and in a bikini style.  They're quite low fitting which isn't to my particular preference.  The back of the briefs which covers your bum is stretchy however the front is the same woven fabric as the bra cups which I found a little restrictive.  They are very cute knickers though and feature the same mesh and bow detailing.

I think Melissa is a really striking design and definitely a breath of fresh air that reminds me what there is to look forward to about spring and summer.  The fit is perky and looks fab - you should really give this one a go!

Becky x

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Valentine's Day - Last Minute Advice

Okay, tomorrow is the 14th of February which means I've left it pretty late for a Valentine's Day post.  That's true, although my excuse is I've been unwell for a little while and seeing as you're here too probably means you've left the all important love date to the last minute as well.  Touche.  Yes, you have less than 24 hours to grab a dubious looking monkey clutching a heart or a cheque book containing 'vacuuming the house in your smalls' IOUs.  It's times like these that give you cause to wonder.

This is not a 'how to guess your partner's bra size' post.

Like a lot of our holidays now, it's easy to be swept under by the commercialisation of Valentine's Day and its annual barrage of ready made love tokens.  Manufacturers like to think they know what we want and sell what's cheap and quick to churn out.  Sometimes they're cute enough for a purchase on a whim but we would never go out and buy ourselves these things.  It's the thought that counts.

Valentine's Day is the biggest event on the calendar for the lingerie industry, if we're not buying it for the bedroom our partners are secretly buying it as a gift, and at Valentines, sex sells.  Or so we're convinced.  From adverts to store windows, magazines and the special 14th Feb shop displays, we're told the sexier the better: lingerie should be red, lacy and flesh revealing.  Every year we're told what to buy and what the other sex wants, and just as dependable is the number of us who'll fail with probably the worst gifts ever.  But it doesn't need to be like this.  It's the thought that counts.

Miss Mandalay's red Amelie collection
- red and lacy in a good way

So, what is Valentine's Day all about?  What are we supposed to buy for our significant other?  Teddies and flowers, heart shaped boxes of chocolates and naughty knickers are great to receive but not in the same way as a book is for an avid novel reader, a mug for a coffee lover, the latest shooter game for a computer gamer or even a pair of welly boots for someone who loves to walk their dogs.

And if you really want to buy your special lady some lingerie this Valentine's,  how about buying what she loves?   If your other half loves lacy lingerie, great!  Equally, if she likes to wear big knickers, high waisted it is.  If your better half's underwear drawer is full of quirky cartoon pants, what's wrong with buying a cute set of boy shorts?  This kind of gift means so much more because it's personal and when you acknowledge something so individual about a person, it's touching and that's how thought - and love - is shown at it's most real when gifting.

Valentine's Day is tomorrow and you have less than 24 hours to buy a gift.  Don't stress and get taken in with a generic gift, your inspiration is right in front of you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Becky x

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Curvy Kate Portia - Bravissimo Visit

My recent experience with Curvy Kate's Princess bra wasn't the success I'd hoped for.  I'd found the fit very broad with straps that teetered on the edge of my shoulders.  I absolutely loved the style and the berry colour was just delicious so I was immensely disappointed that I couldn't wear Princess.  I was soon to see a glimmer of hope, however, since my post last week prompted Curvy Kate to inform me that corrections had been made to the design of Princess.  Armed with this knowledge, I was encouraged to seek out a new Curvy Kate release to judge for myself whether the fit indeed had been improved on.  My visit to Bravissimo earlier this week gave me the perfect chance to again try on Curvy Kate for size.

On Bravissimo's website I noticed they sold both the Princess and Portia collections, so I was frustrated to find only the Portia in store.  It wasn't much use being told I could order it online as the chance to try on garments at Bravissimo is the reason why I opt to go into the store.  Never mind, I thought, there's still Portia.  Wrong!  For some reason, Bravissimo don't stock Portia in a 28 back, yet I'm led to believe Curvy Kate do produce Portia in a 28.  I'm slightly confused why Bravissimo would choose to size from a 30 back when they are usually the first stockist you'd think of when looking for small back bras.

I would have tried the 28H but since that wasn't available the assistant suggested I tried the 30H instead.  I'm sure I grimaced when she said this, having a huge inkling that it would be quite a bit too big, but I agreed hesitantly and asked for 28H sister size 30GG to try on too.

Now, I'd never tried on Portia before and hadn't seen it for real, either.  In reality, Portia is a really pretty, intricate design and this season's new colour, Seafoam, is a really appealing looker.  I was relieved to find that when I put (30GG) Portia on, the straps sat in a good position on my shoulders.  The band was also firm but not uncomfortable and the cups fully encasing.  I loved the look and the feeling.

I tried the 30H on just to compare and surprisingly struggled at first to see the difference.  With several photos taken at varying angles it soon became apparent - the shape of the cups gave it all away.  The 30H was too loose to support my bust properly, creating a dropped shape.  Comparing to the 30GG, you see the lift and firmness; a much better fit.

There's also slight wrinkling along the mesh of the cups of the 30H and also space just beneath where the straps begin, showing the 30H is marginally too big.

I was so impressed with the fit of the 30GG I seriously considering buying it but I didn't, purely because I didn't have a 28H, or 28HH to compare it to.  When I generally wear a 28 back I like to be sure a 28 is beyond wearability before I consider looking at a 30.  This refers me back to my earlier point, why Bravissimo don't stock 28 back Portia?  It's a mystery to me, and as such I continue with my quest: to find the best fitting Curvy Kate I can.

Becky x

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Bra Review - Bravissimo Paradiso Plume

Earlier this week saw the introduction of some gorgeous new bras for the early spring season at Bravissimo.  New on the block, own brand bra Paradiso Plume had me smitten the moment I saw it online.  I was tempted to place an order from the website but I decided I couldn't wait and made the trek up to Newcastle today; Eldon Garden bound to Bravissimo.

If you've not yet seen Paradiso Plume, get ready for a juicy feast for the eyes!  It's tropical jambalaya is a vibrant and intoxicating explosion of feathers in heady blooms of fuchsia and peacock blues.  This beauty looked stunning on the Bravissimo model and the lofty half cup balcony shape sold it to me.  Sadly - and I'm truly dispirited to say this - it didn't work for me in the slightest, teensiest bit.  Gutted.

I'm pretty!  Oh so pretty!

I tried on the 28H which is my most worn size.  The band fastened up fine and felt snug.  Beyond that, I just don't think this style was made for me.  Firstly, the cups were not sufficient in size; the central gore sat away from my chest bone, in fact, the whole front of the bra seemed to sit away from me.  I also had bulging over the top of my left (larger) side.  I felt as if I needed at least a HH.

Looks kinda okay... except the wide straps and cups!

See the bulging on the left cup?

The bra shape was just far too broad for me; the straps were not only ridiculously far off my shoulders but they were disappearing into my armpits!  If I increased anything this fit would be made even worse, if it could be worse.

The straps are disappearing into my armpits

I look like I'm wearing a backpack on my shoulders!

 I'm quite relieved I did come to try this bra on as opposed to ordering it on a whim as it's not a great design at all.  Now, my boobs are close set and bottom heavy, I'm thinking this bra may better suit wide set and full up top boobs.  If this is you, Paradiso Plume could look fantastic on you.  I'm just miffed it's a no-go for me.

What do you think of the style and pattern of the Paradiso Plume?  Do you think it would suit you better?  I would love to hear how you got on if you've tried it too.

Becky x

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Review - Curvy Kate: Fit For A Princess?

I hadn't tried a Curvy Kate bra for a while, with the last design I bought being the Criss-cross, which didn't work out for me.  I've always had my eye on the brand though because there's always something new to catch your eye, whether a fresh new collection or just another yummy range of colours.

I've long wanted to give another style a go so when I saw recently that Brastop was having a January sale I decided it would be the perfect time to try Curvy Kate out again.  With quite a few collections and colour ways to choose from it took me a while to decide which bra to go for.  The only bit that had me stumped was the sizing which I'd heard was a case of trial and error.  I loved the look of Princess thanks to it's girly velvet polka dot design but having heard funny stories about the cups I decided to jump right in and order a 28HH, a cup larger than I usually wear.  This is a past season colour in wine which is just a gorgeous, deep fruity shade.

I was so excited for the delivery of my bra and thankfully it didn't take long at all: only a matter of a few days!  When I opened up the parcel I knew Princess was a beauty.  It's light and unpadded with delicate detailing and sheer mesh panels.  I couldn't wait to try it on.

The fit is both good and better than expected in certain areas, but also truly disappointing.  The 28 band was a perfect fit, tight but not silly tight.  The back fastener was a 3 way hook and eye with a deep band so really well designed for support.  I adjusted the straps to a comfortable length and didn't find the half adjustable straps a problem; the length was plenty sufficient for me.  Once my fit was sorted I was able to figure out what the bra both looked and felt like and this was where it all went to pot for me.

Curvy Kate Princess in 28HH

The first negative I recognised immediately was the breadth of the straps; they were way too far apart, so much so they were slipping right off my shoulders.  This in turn meant the cups cut too deep around my underarm allowing me no room for movement.  It was really uncomfortable.  It seemed this bra wasn't designed with slight frames or sloping shoulders in mind.

The too far apart straps and cutting in

The cups were also not agreeable.  My left boob is the bigger of the two and felt perfectly okay within the cup, but my other side was swamped with visible unfilled fabric beneath my boob and to the side.
Considering this, I would be tempted to try the 28H although I'd worry the back would be made too tight, or be inadequate for my larger boob.

The under filled right cup

I'm so gutted that Princess wasn't 'fit for a princess' in my case.  I have heard it's a tricky style to fit, so I guess I may have to live with the fact that this Curvy Kate wasn't made for me.

Have you have similar experiences with Curvy Kate and Princess in particular?  Is there a better, fail safe style from Curvy Kate?

Becky x

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About This Blog

Thanks so much for popping by Becky's Boudoir; my creative outlet on the web where you will find my opinions on lingerie, particularly for the larger bust, and gorgeous products for the boudoir.

Becky's Boudoir was conceived in February 2011 as a place to share my modelling work; showcase my evolving portfolio and experience in the photographic lingerie and pin up industry.  What you see is both behind the scenes images and final edits, and what you read is a personal insight into my photoshoots.

The more I worked with gorgeous lingerie as a model, the more I developed a love for beautiful pieces that flatter the hour glass figure.  Boudoir themes of decadent bedroom suites, feminine fabrics and sensual womanly shapes have appealed to me more than any other style and become my lifestyle.  Becky's Boudoir is everything innocent and not so about reveling in being a woman.

Writing is an indulgent interest of mine as much as lingerie and beautiful trinkets themselves, and I take immense pleasure in sharing my personal reviews of things that I love.  I hope you enjoy and take home from each of my blog entries as much as I do from writing them.

I'm always keen to hear from each and every reader who takes the time to read my blog.  If you've not yet said 'hi', please do!

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The Liebster Blog Award

Even though I've been blogging for two years this month, I'd never heard of the Liebster Blog Award before.  It turns out it's a casual blogger nominated award for blogs with no more than 200 readers (I'm guessing GFC followed).  It's a way of acknowledging and appreciating blogs you follow and is a fun way of getting more involved in the whole blogger community.

What does it involve?  Don't worry, there's nothing daunting or scary about it, it's all just for fun!  

First, compose a post on your blog in the same way as I've done, and start by giving 11 facts about yourself.  Then you answer the set of 11 questions that were given to you by your nominator.  Finally you 'send' the award on to 11 of your favourite blogs, again under 200 readers, by posting on their blog and letting them know.  Don't forget to thank and link to your nominating blog!

I was notified today that clever gal Laura from The Scrimpy Student nominated me!  I'm really touched that Laura thought of my blog and I enjoyed reading her own facts and answers.  So, here are some facts about me.

1. I have an obsession with lipbalm.
2. I ran an online guinea pig website and shop for 10 years.
3. I'm fanatic about Christmas.
4. I love listening to music, from Katy Perry (pop) to Hayley Westenra (classical).
5. I've been engaged from the age of 17.
6. I have little toes.
7. I'm a huge animal lover - from rabbits to frogs.
8. I was on a tv series in 2010.
9. I'm left handed.
10. I'm a born again Christian.
11. I write far too many lists.  And rewrite them.

And now for my questions from Laura >

1-What's your favourite TV series and which character do you think you're most like?

I can't really think of any character I'm like, but I do love watching Downton Abbey.

2-If you had to buy clothes from one shop forever more, what would it be?

Probably New Look.  They're not as cheap as Primark but better quality and I do love their stuff, particularly their sweaters, footwear and bags.

3-What's the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

Nothing adventurous I'm afraid, maybe a scallop?!  lol

4-Sex or chocolate?

It depends what mood I'm in!  I'm not a big chocoholic though ;-)

5-What is your favourite item of clothing?

Right now, my cream chunky jumper with knotty bobbles on that I got for Christmas.  It feels the best.

6-Any plans for a holiday this year?

Fat chance!  It's all work in this house.  But I do love spur of the moment weekends away.

7-What is your favourite season?

Spring, because it starts warming up and everything feels alive, optimistic and exciting.

8-How's life going?

The super looper.  I'm happy to say lots to look forward to this year.

9-What is your biggest achievement so far?

Overcoming an assault when I just left school.  It took years to get to where I am now; a freedom and peace of mind I never thought I'd feel again.

10-If you could have a dinner party with 5 people of your choice (dead, alive or fictional) who would you choose?

Katy Perry, Michael Buble, Barry Weiss, Peter Kay and Jesus.

11-If you could have a magical power for one day only, what would it be?

Be able to control peoples minds so they go along with what I want!

Thanks Laura for those questions!

I'm nominating the following people for their fantastic blogs, helpful content and amazing personalities (Only 6 I'm afraid, but they're good ones!) >

Danielle at daniellesecretdiary.blogspot.com

Fiona at maid-in-scotland.blogspot.com

Louise at nekomentsu.blogspot.com

Sean at paintbylight.blogspot.com

Kitty at undercoverlingerista.blogspot.com

Tania at sewalittlelove.blogspot.com

My 11 questions to you are >

1. Your house is on fire and you can save only one thing - what is it?
2. What is your favourite drink (alcoholic or non alcoholic)?
3. Who is your favourite celebrity and why?
4. What is your favourite song?
5. If you could send someone into space for good, who would it be?
6. If you had no milk or bread, what would you have for breakfast?
7. Where is your dream holiday destination and what would you do?
8. Which food most repulses you?
9. Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
10. What would you never leave the house without?
11. What is your favourite beauty product?

I would love to know when you've completed your turn, and remember to pass the Liebster award on!

Becky x

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