Review samples were kindly provided by The Editeur and Beautiful Bottoms. All opinions are my own.
Ilda Driving bra by Stella McCartney, images from The Editeur
Summer’s here and there’s no better time to bring out some fabulous florals. This month I’ve sampled the graphic ‘Ilda Driving’ set by Stella McCartney and Beautiful Bottom’s flirty ‘Bloom’ playsuit.
For this review I sampled the bra and briefs in the ‘Ilda Driving’ range, £65 and £35 respectively. The bra comes in sizes 32A-36D and the briefs in sizes Small, Medium and Large. Also available in this print are a thong, shorts, camisole and robe. The bra is underwired, with light padding and a subtle plunge shape. It has an outer layer of silk satin and ruffled ribbon detailing on the underband and straps, finished with quirky buckle-style details at the strap apex. The matching brief is in the same silk satin, with subtle panelling and stitching details, ruffled ribbon sides and a low rise.
My first thoughts upon trying this set on were that they were incredibly flattering – the bra in particular gave a fantastic shape to my bust and made me feel incredibly sexy. The fabric and print appear a lot more striking in person than photos seem to capture. Nevertheless, as stunning as it looked on the body, it’s not something I could personally recommend for everyday wear as the centre front of the bra would not tack. What this means is that the central part of the bra would not sit flat against the chest, resulting in the fit of the bra being thrown completely off balance. If the bra cradle won’t sit flat against your body, there’s nothing to ‘anchor’ it, so to speak. Whilst testing the bra I found that it moved around almost constantly, resulting in me constantly readjusting it. Nevertheless, the briefs were very comfortable throughout the day.
For the sake of comfort, the ‘Ilda Driving’ bra set is not my first choice for my everyday underwear. I do, however, thoroughly recommend it for boudoir or special occasion wear – the bold print makes it fun and flirty and the bra shape does wonders!
Bloom Drop-Back Playsuit by Beautiful Bottoms, images by Beautiful Bottoms
Next on the review list is Beautiful Bottoms’ ‘Bloom Drop Back Playsuit’, retailing at £82. Beautiful Bottoms is a London based label, specialising in printed silk lingerie and loungewear. There’s something flattering for most figure-types, whilst their pieces are much more affordable compared to some of the other luxury silk brands on the market.
A much softer look than the Stella McCartney set, this playsuit is made of Beautiful Bottom’s signature floaty silk chiffon, covered in a delicate floral print. It features an elasticated waist, low front with adjustable ties and adjustable shoulder straps. It comes in sizes Small, Medium and Large, though due to the loose fit, sizing is fairly free. This playsuit is incredibly light, comfortable and versatile – it’s the perfect piece for the Summer and can be worn in so many ways! Great for lounging, sleeping, beach cover up – I even wore it with a skirt as outerwear when I was feeling particularly daring. My only concern is that the delicate nature of the fabric means it needs extra care – delicate handwashes only as I can see washing machines reducing the seams to a frayed mess. Regardless, it’s incredibly cute and flattering, it most certainly has my seal of approval.
Readers – have you tried any of these garments? What’s your favourite floral piece for the Summer?
Hi Karolina !
I LOVE your bra ! The straps are really really pretty !
For the center front and for confort, maybe you can go up a cup size?
Do you think this bra (or this brand if you have tried other bras) cup size or band size are smaller than in other brands ? I question it because I like a lot Stella McCartney lingerie, but I have read it size small, and I’m a little afraid to buy online…
Bye !
Hi Manon – it is a gorgeous bra! :) Perhaps that might work, I asked for the size I normally wear though so I am judging it on that – it does come up slightly small so it might be worth going up a size – I’d either order it from a retailer with a good returns policy so that you can make sure the fit is exactly right or try it on in a physical shop.
The Ilda Driving by Stella McCartney design flaw is unfortunate. Such a beautiful set anyway.
It is, isn’t it? I’m intending to wear mine regardless of the fit issue, it looks great under sheer shirts and a little discomfort won’t be the end of the world!
Both of those are gorgeous! I can definitely see how the bra in the bra and panty set would add nice shape to anyone’s bust. And I’m not normally a floral print kind of person, but I do really enjoy that set!
Hmm, I must say the bras themselves are pretty fleshed out and the floral designs are looking pretty fabulous. Also the additional padding and the outline structure coupled with the satin silk finishwould definitely compliment the overall look. I am guessing many would be infatuated over this design. Thanks for sharing this insightful post with us!
It sounds like the bra may be too small in the cup and loose in the back