Posts in category "curvy"

Taking the Custom Lingerie Plunge: My Review of Nearer the Moon

Image via Nearer the Moon

All items reviewed were purchased by me. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love having matching lingerie sets, but I also love buying from interesting indie designers. Since most indie designers don’t make bras in my size, these two desires can often come into conflict. I felt this way when I first saw the Hyper Floral Collection by Nearer the Moon – I knew I had to have a full set and none of the bras would come close to fitting me. Luckily Nearer the Moon also offers a custom lingerie service, so I decided to take the plunge and try out my first piece of custom lingerie. While I’ve had indie designers alter some patterns before for me, I’d never gone through the custom design process to create something truly unique. I was a little intimidated at the start: What if it didn’t work out? Would it be hard to fit my body type remotely?

When I initially contacted Nearer the Moon, I was very clear about what I wanted. I wanted a piece that would fit me that also had the look and detailing of some of the gorgeous Hyper Floral bras. Tilly, who is the designer behind Nearer the Moon, immediately suggested either a robe or a shorter camisole design. I’m addicted to pretty robes, so predictably I picked that option. Tilly asked lots of questions about my body type, what parts of my body I liked defined and what sorts of details I liked on my lingerie. After a few quick email exchanges, she sent over some sketches of the robe.

Image via the Nearer the Moon Facebook

Once I approved the sketch, all I had to do was pay through the Nearer the Moon Etsy shop and wait! I also went ahead and bought the Hyper Floral Spanking Shorts to make a complete set with the intention of pairing them with my white Satine bra to make a three piece set.

Image via Bravissimo

Image via the Nearer the Moon Facebook

It took about three weeks for my lingerie to be made and shipped to the US, which is incredibly reasonable considering the work and time it can take to ship from the UK. When it got here, I was blown away by how perfect everything was. The robe highlighted my bust and hips and not my stomach like I had asked and the eyelash lace on the spanking shorts was comfortable and gorgeous. It’s really the kind of lingerie that deserves to be seen as part of a boudoir photoshoot or something, but I haven’t gotten around to trying one of those yet. Instead, I’m having lots of fun lounging around the house and feeling totally glamorous in my matching stuff. I got the Spanking Shorts before I saw The Great Gatsby and now that I’ve seen the movie I’m even happier I got them – they’re right on trend for this season and I’ll treasure them for ages.

I completely recommend Nearer the Moon for all of your lingerie needs, including the stuff that’s just in your head! It can easy to feel like you’re missing out as a full busted woman, but between custom lingerie and all of the full bust bra options out there it’s easy to cobble together some gorgeous sets. I will definitely be buying more from Nearer the Moon in the future and doing something similar to create a whole new set.

Have you ever had custom lingerie made for you? Would you try it in the future?

Holly

Holly

The Full Figured Chest provides creative and elegant copywriting for the high end lingerie industry.

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Indie Lingerie Boutique Spotlight: Jenette Bras on Melrose

“Jenette bras” sign by night.

The lovely Jenette herself, behind the front counter.

Last night I had the privilege of doing a trunk show (with Dark Garden) over at Jenette Bras on Melrose Ave., and I have to say that I was instantly enamored of the boutique.  Jenette is a full bust specialty shop, carrying an impressive array of supportive frillies in cups D-K, and bands 30-44.

I fell slightly in love with this bra. Have I mentioned I wish I was part of Jenette’s demographic?

Now, to be honest – I am not Jenette’s target demographic – there were probably only a couple of European 30D bras that would’ve fit my American 30C bust.  But after spending the evening there, I certainly wished I was!

Beautiful display case of bras in the front room.

New arrivals for February, and fancy fancy stockings!

Jenette’s mascot, an antique dressform called “Viv” (for Vivienne, I believe it was).

The design of the space is super cute, chic, and inviting.  The layout is inspired by the antique corset factory look, and you know I love that!  There’s a spacious front room with some merchandising displays and a rack of non-bra negligee (teddies and the like), as well as the register.  Then you step back into the fitting room, which has three very spacious stalls and more bra stock displayed.  The very back room holds their tidily organized backstock; an impressive array.

The “boyfriend chair” in the front room, complete with vintage Playboys – turns out, you really CAN read them for the articles!

Client entrance to the fitting room. This Dollymop by Dark Garden underbust corset conveniently was a perfect match for the navy polka dot set already on the mannequin.

Staff entrance to fitting room.

Stylewise, I saw a lot of beautiful things, from familiar and respected brands, such as Simone Perele and Marlies Dekkers.  “I only buy the bright and pretty colors,” Jenette said.  “If they want a beige bra, they can shop somewhere else.”

Front room display and merchandising.

Front window merchandising – I love that red underbust shaper slip.

Merchandise display in the fitting room. And me in the mirror.

At the trunk show, I met several of Jenette’s clients, and I was impressed by – well, their assets, of course, but also their loyalty to Jenette Bras.  “All of my bras come from here, except for the three I bought in Jerusalem before I knew about Jenette,” said one client.  Jenette keeps handwritten client records of each woman’s baseline size and purchase history, as well as notes about bras they liked but didn’t pick up that day.  I love that kind of customer service. Some clients have five sheets of records stapled together because they’re such regular shoppers with Jenette.

I love customer service like this client purchase record sheet.

The shop staff were all extremely friendly, and they picked up on corset fitting very quickly, which demonstrated to me that their eye for fit is very keen.  Dressing rooms all state an “as long as it takes” fitting policy, suggesting that you stand, sit, or do jumping jacks – whatever it takes! – to make sure the fit of a bra is working for you.  Jenette (who, incidentally, was absolutely lovely) told me that each time a new style comes in, she and the shop girls all try it on so they can see how it fits compared to other styles from that brand and other brands in the same size.

Press clipping in the front window.

Front window – Quality bras and lingerie for well-endowed women. Bra fitting specialists.  No appointments necessary.

Comprehensive, “as long as it takes” fitting policy.

All in all, I was really impressed by the space and attitude.  Everything was done in a very thoughtful way, down to the retro-style illustrations on their branded pamphlets, and the team at Jenette’s was lovely to work with.

Pretty pretty pamphlets along the front counter.

Jenette Bras even designed us a cute little flyer for the Dark Garden trunk show! What friendly hosts!

Jenette Bras also has a new location in Pasadena, and you may recognize their name from their guest post, “What Should Busty Ladies Look for in a Bra?“

Marianne

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3 Up-and-Coming Corsetieres to Watch in 2013

While some old favorites never lose their charm (Dark Garden, Electra Designs, Sparklewren), there are some intriguing newer names that I’ve discovered in the past year.  The following three designers have impressed me with their distinctive, fresh aesthetics, innovative detailing, and technical craft.  Here are the corsetieres I’m looking forward to watching in the coming year.

Alicia Rose
United Kingdom

Following Alicia Rose, I get a sense of delicate femininity: girlishness, if you will (look at all the subtle sweetheart motifs in the images above).  Lots of sheer fabrications, intermixed with an unusual long-strand embroidery in stark, vibrant contrast.  There’s a definite sense of vintage inspiration and bridal styling, but paired with a chic sense of whimsy.

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Neon Duchess
England

Neon Duchess, aka corsetiere Hannah Light, plays a lot with texture and textured silhouette.  Fabrications are layered within panels or stacked in placements such as the hip fins, further dramatizing the already striking corseted silhouette.  In particular, the use of metallic leather seems to be something of a signature.

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Purdy Corsetry
New Zealand


Purdy Corsetry’s approach is a perhaps bit more classic than the above two designers, but I like the subtle twist she puts on traditional looks, and her craftmanship seems top notch, as evidenced by the clean finishing of the miniature heart shaped cutouts.  Purdy’s work also demonstrates intriguing diversity: the graceful, elegant fanned bone channels contrasting with the hard-edged corset spine lacing (I wish I’d thought of it!) or Gaultier-esque anatomically inspired pieces.

What do you think of these new corsetieres?  Whose work are you looking forward to following in the new year?

Marianne

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Naughty Bits: Lingerie News for 10/14/12

Victoria’s Secret Push-up Sports Bra

  • Victoria’s Secret push-up sports bra? For you ladies that workout, Victoria’s Secret would love for you to consider their new push-up bra. That’s right, Victoria’s Secret wants you to have maximum lift while you lift. Do you think that’s a good idea or big miss?
  • Bra sizes are up three sizes in just 2 years, according to one study.  In a survey conducted by the British high street store, Debenhams, 78% of women in the UK have been buying bras that are too small with typical bra sizes going up three sizes (from 34B to 34DD) in the last 2 years. Debenhams has also discovered that many of their customers are buying padded and pushup bras…70% more to be exact.
  • Breast sizes are booming but is it because women weigh more? Even MORE talk about bra sizes recently (there’s been a lot!)t. Last week there was news of lingerie firms possibly tampering with bra sizes in order to flatter their customers along with the study above. Some say that the jump is a result of women being more confident in letting themselves be curvaceous. However, statistics do show that obesity in England has been increasing over the last decade and the bigger busts may be a result of this trend. Generally speaking, the bustier a woman is, the larger she is. Why do you think the increase in bra sizes is happening?
  • An Indian lingerie campaign which doesn’t feature half naked women. Indian lingerie firm Amanté is urging its customers to get rid of ill fitting bras through an ad campaign reminiscent of campaigns against domestic abuse. Telling consumers to “break up with the wrong bra” and that “suffocation is the worst kind of abuse”, Amanté has raised eyebrows by not showing a single bra or breast; the ad simply shows a woman gazing into the camera. How do you feel about that?
  • Stunning photos of plus-sized swimwear model Robyn Lawley. Australian model Robyn Lawley, the first plus-sized model for Ralph Lauren, was pictured in a swimwear editorial in Australian Cosmopolitan. Being 6′ and a size 12, this may be the beginning of seeing a wider range of shapes and sizes in fashion magazines. Check out the photos and tell us what you think in the comments.
  • Touched up Victoria’s Secret photos from last week’s post Remember last week’s post where we showed what unretouched Victoria’s Secret photos may look like? Well, check out the published versions after a little “sprucing up.” There have been changes to swimsuit colors, changes to the background, along with wrinkles, birthmarks, and scars removed. Is this the kind of retouching you expected?
  • A bra that can detect breast cancer on the way? People have been attempting to create a bra that can detect breast cancer since the 1970′s. However, the world may actually be on the verge of having one. A device name the “First Warning System” is equipped with sensors, AI, and pattern recognition software that can detect temperature changes of cells associated with breast cancer. More sensitive, accurate and cost effective than a mammogram, it will have both applications for both OB/GYN and primary care office use along with over-the-counter potential.

Mike

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Corsetry on a Budget: 20 Corsets for $155 or Less

Hands down, one of the most popular questions I get asked is “Where can I buy an affordable corset?”

And I totally understand the sentiments behind that. Good corsets are expensive, and rightly so. From the materials to the labor, a well-crafted corset costs money…and it’s worth every penny.

But what if you’re new to corsets, and you don’t know if you want to spend upwards of $300 on a custom piece? What if you’re just looking for something nice for bedroom wear or costume wear, but you don’t want to go the Frederick’s of Hollywood route? What if you just want to splurge on a corset, but custom prices are, and always will be, out of reach?

Then this post is for you.

I remember what it was like when I first became interested in corsets. I deliberated for years before spending the money on my very first custom piece (Hi there, SugarKitty!). And in the meantime, while I was deliberating, I managed to buy a whole lot of crap.

A lot of the budget corsets out there are cheap knockoffs. And even the ones that aren’t can be a little disappointing when viewed up close – nothing more than glorified bustiers. And that’s not even getting into all the fly-by-night corset sellers who are really just scammers…the take your money and run kind.

The names listed here are of stores who actually sell what they say they’re selling. Your product will actually get delivered (and in a timely manner) and many of them offer flexible returns besides. I personally own corsets from 4 of the names on this list (True Corset, Scarlett’s Corset, Louise Black, and Timeless Trends) and I know people who’ve bought from (and been satisfied with) the other 5 (Playful Promises, Meschantes, Exquisite Restraint, Fairy GothMother, and Hips & Curves).

Now, I’m not making any claims that these are the best corsets around. They don’t replace having a custom made corset, nor would I recommend tightlacing in any of them. But what they are is a budget-friendly way to try out an real, decent quality, corset without having to worry about getting scammed or fleeced or otherwise taken advantage of.

All together, the corsets listed here can accomodate natural waist sizes of 22″ to 48″ (corset sizes of 18-44). And, as always, just click on the photo to be taken to the place where you can buy.

Timeless Trends Electric Purple Overbust – $149.00

Timeless Trends Black Floral Brocade Overbust – $149.00

Timeless Trends Burgundy Velvet Underbust – $109.00

Scarlett’s Corset Taupe Cotton Underbust Corset – $115.00

Scarlett’s Corset Black Cotton Underbust – $139.00

Meschantes Etoile Underbust – $125 to $140

Meschantes Victorian Overbust – $145 (18″ to 30″ only)

Meschantes Grey Pinstripe Underbust – $149.00

Exquisite Restraint Underbust (includes bra) – $153.50

Fairy GothMother Corset Belt – £85 (app. $137.00)

True Corset Black & White Dot Overbust – $120.00

True Corset Black Satin Overbust – $99.95

True Corset Floral Overbust – $150.00

Playful Promises Red Vintage Stitch Overbust – $149.00

Playful Promises Black Satin Waspie – £60.00 (app. $96.00)

Playful Promise Blush Vintage Stitch Overbust – £70.00 (app. $113.00)

Louise Black Grommet Underbust – $155.00

Hips and Curves Blue Overbust – $149.95

Hips and Curves Baronessa Overbust – $149.95

Hips and Curves La Sirena Overbust – $149.95

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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The 10 Best Lingerie Brands for Curvy Women – Fall/Winter 2012

I hear lots of people complaining about how restricted full bust and plus size lingerie options are, but as someone who has spent days sorting through great options for this article I really have to disagree. Things aren’t perfect, but curvy women have loads of gorgeous options to choose from these days. From handmade silk bras that go up to a KK cup to affordable Wonder Woman undies, there is something for everyone on this list. The designers and brands cover a range of price points and specialities, but they all create products that are designed to work with and enhance your curves.

1. Cleo by Panache

I’d put off trying this brand for a long time, simply because the regular Panache stuff doesn’t work for me at all. I’m so glad I saw the light, because my Cleo bras are now some of my favorites. They provide incredible uplift and a lovely rounded shape, and their designs are consistently youthful and cool. They’re so comfortable that I can accidentally fall asleep in them (and have) which I’ve never been able to do in any underwired bra. If you struggle with the wires in regular Panache, give Cleo a try.

2. Curveturiere Intimates

I feel a little guilty about putting Curveturiere Intimates on this list, as their new line is wonderful but won’t be available until the holiday season. If you’re coveting their stuff like I am, we can all form a support group or something. Curveturiere Intimates is a brand new line that will be making a wide range of bras, panties and loungewear in band sizes 32-50 and  cup sizes D-K. Their pieces will be affordable (in the same range as brands like Parfait by Affinitas), which is great news. The new line is both fashionable and functional, and will feature both wired and non-wired bra options. The bra shown above is actually a cami-bra rather than a regular bra, for instance. I predict that we’ll see this brand everywhere within the next few months.

3. La Lilouche

Image via La Lilouche

I’ve been a fan of La Lilouche for ages, but she’s finally started offering full busted and plus sizes this season. If you’re looking for a bridal or special occasion piece then she should be one of your first stops. I love this Goldie gown for so many reasons: the color, the flattering cut, and the gorgeous Grecian details. If you’re looking for everyday luxury, check out her Blondes/Brunettes Rock Night Shirt.

4. Alegro Lingerie

Image via Alegro Lingerie

Alegro isn’t a new brand, but they have recently expanded their sizing to include J cups! They’re a wonderful source for gorgeous every day bras. Their laces are incredibly soft and their bras hold up nicely. They aren’t as well known as they should be, so if you’re looking to give something new a try make sure to check them out.

5. Parfait by Affinitas

Image via Bare Necessities

Parfait by Affinitas is one of the best every day bra brands out there. Their pieces are stylish and affordable, and they hold up for ages. I’m especially pleased to see their new menswear influenced pieces alongside more traditional options like this Alexis babydoll. Whichever style you pick, you’ll find yourself feeling supported and sexy.

6. Knickerocker

Image via Knickerocker

It’s impossible not to fall in in love with Knickerocker’s affordable custom panties and bodysuits. These is my favorite choice for every day underwear, and they hold up incredibly well. If you want cute custom undies that don’t break the bank, this is your answer. Knickerocker also does custom sizing, so if you don’t see your size listed just drop her a note and ask.

7. Claudette

Image via Bare Necessities

Everyone has seen Claudette’s mesh Neon Dessous range in all of it’s electric colored glory, but the brand has released several new lines which are equally beautiful and unexpected. This blue version of the En Dentelle is sophisticated and sweet without becoming boring.

8. Louise Ferdinand Lingerie

Image via Louise Ferdinand Lingerie

The handmade luxury bra market hasn’t really started making bras in larger cup sizes yet, so I was extra excited to discover that Louise Ferdinand Lingerie is filling the gap. All of her exquisite bras are handmade out of luxury fabrics, and cup sizes go up to a KK. She offers both a bridal and a classic line based on 1930′s styles. If you’re looking for a special occasion set with fabulous support, this is where you should pick it up.

9. Naked Princess

Image via Naked Princess

Naked Princess is a company that works hard to make their pieces work for a wide range of sizes. They produce luxury pieces from French and Italian fabrics, and all of their production is done within the US. Their stuff is also incredibly comfortable. I’m currently in love with this Garter Camisole, but my favorite of all their pieces are their panties. They’re the most comfortable ones on the market and they last forever.

10. Ewa Michalak

Image via Ewa Michalak

Ewa Michalak hasn’t come out with their full Fall/Winter lineup yet, but they’re one of my favorite places to pick up gorgeous and affordable bras all year round. They carry a huge range of cup and band sizes, so there is literally something for everyone. Bras can sell out fast and tend to be offered in limited runs, so go pick up your favorites now and then check back in a few months.

Which brands are you looking forward to trying this season? Have I missed anything that you’re in love with?

Holly

Holly

The Full Figured Chest provides creative and elegant copywriting for the high end lingerie industry.

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8 Corsetieres to Follow on Instagram

Freshly laced ribbon corset by Pop Antique on Instagram.

It seems that 75% of what I do with my iPhone is check Instagram. Luckily, I can combine my idle habit with research by following my corsetmaking colleagues, thereby continually staying informed and inspired. What I love about Instagram is that it emphasizes a certain spontaneity and behind-the-scenes feel, and is also a bit more intimate.  Unfortunately, a couple of my favorite corsetieres aren’t on Instagram.  Conversely, this isn’t a directory of all the corsetieres on Instagram; I’m mostly emphasizing those who consistently post their work, but not by simply re-posting professional images thereof.   For a true backstage peek at handmade corsetry, these are the corsetieres I’ve been following.

If you don’t have Instagram, you can view any user’s public feed at http://web.stagram.com/n/username.

Sheer corset in progress by UK-based Alicia Rose on Instagram.

Alicia Rose
@iamaliciarose: Freelance lingerie designer and corsetiere. UK-based, with a great eye for composition of both her insta-shots and the designs she previews on the platform. As well as these works in progress and studio snapshots, expect to see florals and English pastoral views. I only recently started following Alicia, but am really loving what I’ve seen thus far.

Corset laid flat, by Alige Corsetry in Milan.

Alige Corsetry
@Alige: Italian corsetiere. Lots and lots of studio shots, from works-in-progress to samples on live models; also makes accessories and other lingerie.

Crikey Aphrodite
@crikeyaphrodite: Corsetiere, new to Instagram, but not to corsets. There’s a definite emphasis on cat pictures, but maybe if we all go show her some appreciation she’ll show us more workshop tidbits, along with the admittedly-adorable cat.

Metallic leather corset gown by Hannah Light of Neon Duchess.

Hannah Light
@hannahlight: Neon Duchess on Facebook. A comfy mix of workroom and personal shots populate her feed. Her corset aesthetic is an interesting, quirky and curvaceous blend.

Hand detailing in progress on this runway-ready custom corset by Autumn Adamme of Dark Garden.

Autumn Adamme
@missdarkgarden: Designer/proprietress of corset legend Dark Garden. Owned by a Russian Blue (corsetieres are typically a bunch of cat ladies, if you haven’t gathered). New styles, custom ensembles for fancy events, and the occasional bit of found inspiration accumulate here. For more Dark Garden goodness and then some, you may also want to follow @tulitulip, @hollybobisuthi, @kalicodelafey, and @kristin argue.

A stunningly embellished classic red and black ensemble by Sweet Carousel Corsetry.

Elise Scarytale
@sweetcarousel: Sweet Carousel Corsetry.  Inspiration, lifestyle, personal style, and a healthy proportion of workroom snapshots with the occasional professionally shot photo thrown in.  Stylistically, Sweet Carousel works the hard/soft dichotomy pretty comfortably, executing styles with lace and bows with the same ease as those with studded leather.

Custom patterns and corsetry supplies are offered by Sew Curvy. Here, Julia Bremble carefully places lace accents on a custom patterned underbust.

Julia Bremble
@marmaladekiss: Perhaps better known as Sew Curvy Corset Kits. Corsets in progress, new materials for the web shop, and personal snapshots mingle in her feed.

Me, in a Pop Antique knit corset and layered handkerchief hem skirt ensemble at the opening of the De Young museum’s Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit.

Pop Antique
@popantique: Lastly, if you are interested in BTS shots of Pop Antique, Dollhouse Bettie, and Dark Garden laced with doses of cat belly, tea porn, and San Francisco scenery, you can find me on Instagram as (what else?) @popantique.  I’ve already warned you that I’m pretty addicted to IG, but I at least try to maintain a certain level of aesthetic standard on my shots.

The Lingerie Addict herself on Instagram, preparing for a shoot with Viva Van Story.

Stay tuned for future installments! I’ve got plenty more designers, boutique owners, and classic addicts in my feed that I’d love to share with you…  If you’re not following her yet, “The” Addict is of course @thelingerieaddict.  Who do you love to follow? Please share your favorite lingerie-related Instagrammers in the comments; I’d love to scope out some new eye candy.

Marianne

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