Posts in category "dd"

Plus Size Lingerie And Swimwear for Your Inner Ballerina: Meet Lulu West

Image via Lulu West

Items for this review were provided by Lulu West. All opinions are my own.

My personal lingerie tastes tend to tilt towards the vintage or classically pretty side of things, so I was intrigued when Lulu West offered to send some samples. It’s not often that I find myself reviewing a brand that is previously totally unknown to me, but the extra feminine look and feel of Lulu West’s offerings had instant appeal. I loved both their vintage inspired pieces and their girly ballerina inspired swimwear, and consequently will be reviewing one piece from each category today. I was sent both the Jessica V-Neck Slip and the Sweet Bandeau Halter Top and Bikini for this review.

Let’s start with one of my common lingerie shopping difficulties: I’m one of the many women who is stuck in the lingerie and clothing size gap. As a size 12/14 woman, I’m frequently included in both regular size lines and plus size lines. This means I should have more choices, right? Ha, no. I frequently find myself fitting into the cut of “standard” size lines without being flattered by them or being flattered by the cut of plus size lines while swimming in their smallest size. Tons of women have similar issues, which is one of the reasons that I’m extra excited about Lulu West. If you’re right in that size gap, this brand may be cut perfectly for you.

Image via Lulu West

The Jessica V-Neck Slip:

This girly pink silk slip immediately stood out to me, but I fell in love with it even more in person. It’s hard to capture the gorgeous details with a camera – it’s honestly one of those pieces that is better in person than in a photo. The body of the slip is made out of pale pink silk and falls in a tremendously flattering way. The lace at the neck and shoulders is intricately detailed with art deco style motifs, but also provides lots of stretch for comfort. I had originally thought that I would use this as sleepwear, but the v-neck and the short length work perfectly under several sheer dresses that I have. I tried a size 14/16 and it draped flatteringly over me rather than drowning me, which is rare for a plus size brand. I suspect that I’ll get lots of wear out of this slip and would buy more colors in a heartbeat if Lulu West made them.

The Sweet Bandeau Halter Top and Bikini:

I was extremely nervous about the whole wireless swimsuit idea, as I tend to stick to bra size swimwear with serious underwires. I loved the cut of this suit though, and it was surprisingly good in terms of lift and shape! While I definitely wouldn’t go and play in the waves while wearing it, I’d definitely take it on vacation to ensure that I looked cute while hanging out in the pool and/or hot tub. I love the giant bows on the suit as well as the cut of the bottoms. I carry most of my weight in my stomach, so this helps cover it nicely while still feeling like I’m wearing a two piece swimsuit. This swimsuit feels thoughtfully designed – it’s clear that Lulu West has thought lots about what plus size women really want in a swimsuit as well as how to balance that with a delicate look that isn’t found often in plus size brands.

The Verdict:

Lulu West is a great brand for plus size women as well as those who fall into the gap between standard sizes and plus sizes. Their pieces are flattering, well made and priced well in relation to their quality. I’m thrilled to have discovered them and will definitely be back to purchase more from them!

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?

5 Pieces of Party Ready Shapewear For Full Busted Women

Image via What Katie Did

Now that the party season is upon us, many women are opening up their lingerie drawers and dealing with a subject they dread: shapewear. I’m a actually a huge fan of shapewear as long as it follows several rules. It has to fit and give you a smooth line under whatever you’re wearing. I like my shapewear to be effective but forgiving enough to eat in, and above all it has to be pretty. Life is way too short to spend it in ugly lingerie, even when no one else will see it. In a perfect world, your shapewear should make you feel confident and glamourous instead of sending you scurrying to the bathroom to remove it in private.

If you’re full busted, it’s easy to feel like people aren’t making pretty shapewear for you. Lots of places only feature corsetlettes that depend on cup size, or overbust corsets that can be hit or miss. Those of us with larger cup sizes really want pretty shapewear that we can wear with our own bras while still feeling gorgeous and coordinated when our dress comes off at the end of the night.  Today, I’m imploring you to get rid of all the awful nude stuff in your drawer that you hate and instead try one of these pieces. They are all perfect for the holidays, can be worn with any bra you want and have tons of personality.

Image via GirdleBound Boutique

I love everything that Kiss Me Deadly puts out, but this Vargas Longline Girdle is extra special. Plum is a hot color this season, so this piece of shapewear is also right on trend. The double layers of powermesh will give you a smooth line without making you feel squished, and the giant bows on the garters are like icing on the cake. It’s sold out on the Kiss Me Deadly site right now, but Girdlebound still has stock in all sizes.

Image via Dottie’s Delights

I’m always fascinated by the way Dottie’s Delights fuses the old and the new into gorgeous lingerie pieces. This girdle skirt is made from tough as nails shapewear material and Chantilly lace that is combined with vintage deadstock satin for a functional homage to the past. The garter clips are vintage as well, so you don’t have to worry about your stockings slipping around awkwardly during your big night out. Each one is made to order, and sizing goes up to 2x.

Image via Orchard Corset

This high waisted open bottom girdle practically has a cult following. I know women who swear by this piece and won’t wear anything else under their dresses and skirts. If you’d like an inch or two of extra room in your dress, this is the piece to pick up. In the spirit of feeling confident and expressing yourself, check out Orchard Corset’s options to custom dye your shapewear. They offer a wide variety of colors, and it’s only $10 extra to have a quality piece of shapewear in your favorite color. Go ahead — you know you’ve always wanted a lime green girdle!

Image via What Katie Did

Sometimes the basics really are the best, which is why corsets still have such a strong following. A well made corset can be comfortable and incredibly effective in giving you a whole new shape underneath your outfit. What Katie Did has a fantastic range and offers a great entry point into the world of corsets. My favorite is this silk Mae corset in Aubergine. It’s simple but stunning, and can be worn under or over your favorite dress.

Image via Bubbles Bodywear

If you’re not sure about the whole steel boned corset thing, this piece by Squeem is a nice middle option. It has serious compression to it, but the rubber and flexible boning give it extra comfort. It also boosts a gorgeous brocade pattern that’s unusual to find in a shapewear piece.

Do you love or hate shapewear? Which pieces are your favorite?

Holly

Holly

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

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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.

Lingerie as Outerwear for Curvy Women: 6 of My Fave Picks

By: Holly

I’m not exactly a fashion plate kind of woman. I spend lots of time in jeans and t-shirts, or sometimes even less when I’m at home working. I have a pretty great lingerie collection, but my wardrobe is kind of lacking.

I made a resolution a few months ago to try and develop a stronger personal sense of style, which had some ups and downs. One of the high points was my discovery of teddies and bodysuits, which I previously believed only looked good on girls with very few curves. It turns out there are a lot of great lingerie companies making bodysuits that make your curves look phenomenal.

I’ll admit that I still wear lots of jeans, but I’m more likely to toss on a cute teddy or bodysuit than a t-shirt these days. Teddies and bodysuits also look amazing with high waisted skirts or pants if you want to be more formal about that look. There aren’t a lot of people talking about how the underwear as outerwear trend applies to us curvy women, but I promise you it can be done with the right pieces.

Here are a few of my recent favorites to get you started:

 

The Basic Tank Teddy from Hips and Curves:

Okay, to be fair, I haven’t entirely given up tank tops. This teddy represents a step up from my normal jeans and t-shirt routine. It’s a great lingerie and wardrobe basic, and it is guaranteed to make your curves look great. I’m hoping to give up my boxy t-shirts forever and replace them with pieces like this.

 

Ribbon Lace Long Sleeve Bodysuit by Hanky Panky:

I tend to wear lots of tank tops under my sheer bodysuits, so this Hanky Panky bodysuit is right up my alley. I already love Hanky Panky’s thongs and lace underwear, so I’m really excited that they’re expanding into other sorts of lingerie. This bodysuit would go perfectly with jeans or something more formal.

 

Lace Trim Satin Teddy by Hips and Curves:

This teddy is a perfect example of how sometimes less is more. It comes in two great colors, has amazingly sexy lace details, and feels silky soft. I’m planning to pick one up to laze around home in, but I’m sure you could wear it in place of a tank top with a cardigan just as easily.

 

Shimmer Teddy by Lola Haze:

Lola Haze is an amazing brand designed by my fellow TLA columnist Laura, and she’s been picking up a ton of press lately. This teddy is luxurious, stylish, and bust friendly. The large has a 41” inch chest, which would allow my 34GG self to fit into it. I love the gold stretch mesh, and it’s just begging to be accessorized with some big gold jewelry.

 

Blossom Lace Bodysuit by Sonata Lingerie:

My last two picks are from made to measure designers. Made to measure isn’t talked about much in conjunction with the full-busted lingerie world, which is really a shame. There are lots of great designers out there making things that look great on curvy women! Sonata Lingerie is one such company. I own the navy blue and hot pink version of this teddy, but I love the soft peach color as we look forward to spring. The lace on this bodysuit is soft, and the look goes with everything. I wear mine at least once a week.

 

Anouk Starlight Blue Silk Chiffon Playsuit by La Lilouche:

I adore any sort of blue lingerie, and I’ve fallen in love with this playsuit by La Lilouche. The 30’s look has been a great trend this season, and this playsuit embodies it perfectly. The crystal details on the straps are exquisite, and the ruffles on the back are adorable. This would make a great outerwear piece with the right accessories.

What are some of your favorite lingerie as outerwear pieces? Let’s talk about them in the comments!

The Lingerie Addict Awards: Our Favorite Lingerie Brands of 2011

Welcome back for our second of our two annual “Best of 2011″ articles. A few days ago, we listed the Top 20 Lingerie Addict Blog Posts of 2011, and now it’s time to talk our Top 20 Lingerie Brands of 2011. I’m especially excited about this year’s awards because they include both nominations and commentary from Lingerie Addict readers and columnists. Want to see which of last year’s winners made it onto this year’s list? Take a look at our best lingerie of 2010!

Best Overall: Kiss Me Deadly (Reader’s Choice!)
When I asked my Facebook fans to tell me their fave lingerie brand of 2011,  so many of them said Kiss Me Deadly, I literally lost count. Kiss Me Deadly has been one of my personal favorites since the very beginning, and ever since they created the “little black dress of lingerie” (pictured above, phrasing courtesy of reader Amaryllis), their popularity has skyrocketed. Kiss Me Deadly is one of a handful of brands I recommend all the time, and I think 2012 is going to be their year to shine.

Best Overall (luxury): Made by Niki (Reader’s Choice!)
Nominated by both our columnists and readers alike, Made by Niki created one of the most innovative lingerie collections of 2011…the Made by Niki String Collection. Completely original and intensely sensual, Made by Niki raised for the bar for what consumers should expect from luxury lingerie. Not very much takes my breath away anymore, but this did…and it still does.

Best Vintage-Inspired: What Katie Did (Reader’s Choice!)
Pin-up and retro lingerie is a major fashion trend right now, but while there are lots of labels inspired by the past, very few actually use patterns from the past. What Katie Did is one of a handful of lingerie designers that does. Her work was featured in this year’s critically acclaimed biopic My Week with Marilyn, and she also offers one of the most extensive size ranges in the vintage-inspired lingerie niche, with her bras fitting women from 32A to 40G.

Best Everyday Brand: Huit (Reader’s Choice!)
Though I only recently discovered Huit, I’m already a tremendous fan of them. As Lingerie Addict reader Dee put it, Huit offers “classic lines that aren’t too frilly for everyday wear, yet still sexy enough for playtime.” In my opinion, Huit exemplifies wearable but still sophisticated glamour.

Best Luxury Brand: Agent Provocateur (Reader’s Choice!)
For the last 17 years, the name Agent Provocateur has been synonymous with luxury lingerie around the world. Not for the faint of heart (or thin of wallet), Agent Provocateur treats the world of intimates as just another aspect of the fashion industry, releasing on-trend prints, patterns, and colorways every season. This year, they also expanded into the world of jewelry and bed linens, transitioning from “just” a lingerie brand to a comprehensive lifestyle brand.

Best Luxury (Made to Order): Toad Lillie
Toad Lillie is the sort of lingerie designer fashion magazines like to write stories about. Every piece is made to order and hand sewn by the designer herself, Laurie Shapiro, and she works with only the finest silks using only the most couture construction techniques. I’ve always thought Toad Lillie’s pieces were pretty, but then I had the opportunity to view them in person for the first time this year, and I’ve been smitten ever since. The fashion industry feels the same way; legendary photographer Ellen von Unwerth chose to shoot with Toad Lillie’s pieces twice this year.

Best Budget Brand: Ultimo
Another new brand on the list for 2011, Ultimo first caught my attention when I was searching for reasonably priced full bust bras for my readers. I know from personal experience how hard it is to be a lingerie addict on a budget. You still want gorgeous lingerie, but the simple reality is that you can’t drop a hundred dollar bill (or three) every time you need a new bra. Ultimo manages to bridge the gap between beautiful and affordable with bras for A-D cups starting just under $50 and bras for DD-G starting just over $50.

Best New Brand: Marika Vera
One of the great privileges of writing a lingerie blog is that I often get to see new designers before anyone else does, and after the recession of the last few years, it is incredibly exciting to see new talent emerging and thriving within the lingerie industry again. Marika Vera is one such talent. Her debut collection, Venus in Furs, was picked up by the world-famous luxury lingerie boutique Faire Frou Frou, and has received nothing but rave reviews. Marika Vera’s lingerie is earthy, sensual, luxurious, and unique all at once, and I can’t wait to see what she brings in 2012.

Best Hosiery: Commando
Commando is on this year’s list because they solved a problem I didn’t even know I had before…the problem of a hosiery waistband that digs, binds, squeezes, and is otherwise thoroughly uncomfortable. Commando’s ingenious microfiber lasercut waistband gets rid of all that, and stays perfectly in place (and perfectly comfortable!) all day long. Trust me…I was skeptical too until I tried these. Now, I’m a convert.

Best Ethical Line: Purrfect Pineapples (Reader’s Choice!)
I love lingerie designers with a unique point of view and Purrfect Pineapples has it in spades. A little bit pin-up, a little bit alternative, and a little bit Lolita, Purrfect Pineapple’s owner Erika Shuhendler prides herself on fair wages, quality craftsmanship, and original designs. Or, as our reader Audra puts it, “gorgeous design, incredible fabric patterning, and of course cruelty-free and vegan!”

Best Full Bust Brand: Curvy Kate (Reader’s Choice!)
Curvy Kate blew onto the lingerie scene in 2009 and they haven’t slowed down since. Curvy Kate is committed to making sure D-K cup women have just as many gorgeous lingerie options as their smaller busted counterparts, and their passion for finding the perfect fit is evident in the rave reviews of their customers. Their Star in a Bra competition is one of the best and most innovative pieces of marketing ever, and I can’t wait to see them take the U.S. by storm. Expect great things from Curvy Kate in 2012.

Best Full Bust (budget): Parfait by Affinitas
Our full bust specialist Holly nominated this brand, and she calls it “the best brand in terms of quality for price, hands down.” The average woman’s bra size today is 36DD, and I get so many e-mails from readers asking me where they can find a full busted bra that 1) supportive, 2) pretty, and 3) affordable. Well Parfait by Affinitas is all three of those and then some. Congratulations…now  you’re in on one of the best kept secrets of this year.

Best Small Bust Brand: The Little Bra Company
While there’s been a lot of attention given lately to DD cup and higher bras, small busted women are being very vocal (and rightly so!) in making sure the lingerie industry doesn’t forget about them either. I love The Little Bra Company because their bras are pretty, give believable lift and cleavage, and are available down to a 28A. My personal fave is the Lucia in peony/tangerine (pictured above).

Best Lingerie Boutique (Brick and Mortar): Dollhouse Bettie
The sign of a good lingerie boutique is when it lives up to your expectations. The sign of a great lingerie boutique is when it surpasses them. With many of the same brands available online nowadays, lingerie boutiques stand out by offering a curated selection, personable staff, and expert advice…three things Dollhouse Bettie has in spades. Combining modern brands with vintage pieces and an in-house designed range, Dollhouse Bettie offers a shopping experience like no other.

Best Lingerie Boutique (Online): HerRoom (Reader’s Choice!)
Free Shipping. Easy Returns. Authentic Customer Reviews. 200 brands under one digital roof. HerRoom makes shopping online for lingerie easy. I particularly love how each product is photographed from several angles, and the super detailed product descriptions. HerRoom takes all the guesswork out of lingerie shopping online…which is probably why they were nominated for the list. (Mary Green robe pictured above.)

Best Shapewear: Cass Luxury Shapewear
As my style matures from jeans and t-shirts to pencil skirts and lacy blouses, I find myself relying on shapewear a lot more. And though I’ve tried a ton of brands, the honest truth is that most of them are unremarkable…if not downright uncomfortable. But the shapewear brand I keep coming to again and again is Cass. They’re comfortable. They’re stylish. And they really do slim and refine your curves. They also offer a ton of options, so you’re covered no matter what you’re wearing.

Best Full Bust Shapewear: Charnos
One of the complaints I’ve heard time and again from my readers is that it’s very hard to find shapewear to accomodate all their curves, especially if they’re full-busted. Our columnist Holly nominated Charnos for this year’s list, and had this to say about the line, “Their cups are really generous and the pieces are great. It’s almost impossible to find one piece shapewear for the full bust market.” As an added bonus, this is shapewear you won’t mind showing off; the lace overlay and garter straps make Charnos’ line both pretty and practical.

Best Corsetry (budget): Timeless Trends (Reader’s Choice!)
Make no mistake about it, corsetry is an investment. But a custom made corset will set you back a few hundred dollars (and rightly so!). If you’re new to the world of corsetry and just want to test the waters, or if you’re on a budget and a custom corset is out of reach, then Timeless Trends is for you. Unlike many so-called corsets, Timeless Trends uses authentic steel-boning, and every corset comes with a lifetime guarantee. Best of all, their corsets are available in plus sizes and start at $99. It may not be custom, but it’s the next best thing.

Best Corsetry (made to order): Dark Garden (Reader’s Choice!)
If you do have the money to invest in custom, handmade corsetry however, then you can’t go wrong with the corsetiere to burlesque legends like Dita von Teese and Catherine D’Lish. Founded 20 years ago and based in San Francisco, Dark Garden’s founder, Autumn Adamme uses couture stitching and historical costume techniques to craft her world famous corsets. I keep a running list of corsetieres I’d like to buy from in the future and believe me when I say Dark Garden is on it.

Best of 2012 (projected): Love Claudette
Their tagline is “Your new favorite bra has arrived,” and I believe it. Though Love Claudette is new to the lingerie world, they’re already getting rave reviews and rightly so. I tried two of their ranges, the mesh and the cotton, this last year, and they’re already in my regular rotation of everyday bras. Holly calls them the most-innovative range for full-busted women, especially since they offer a sheer mesh bra that super sexy and super supportive all at once. Love Claudette proves that there’s still room for new players in the lingerie industry, and I expect this brand to explode in 2012.

I hope you enjoyed reading this year’s round-up of the very best of what 2011 had to offer. Did we leave your favorite brand off the list? Tell us what you love in the comments!

66 Bras for Curvy, Full Bust, and DD+ Cup Women

One of the questions that pops up in my inbox at least once per day is “Where can I, as a D, DD, E, F, G (and so on) cup woman find pretty bras that fit my bust but won’t break the bank?” Though I’m a smaller size at 34B, I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to love lingerie and never be able to find it in your size…or your budget. I hope this guide of DD+ bras priced from $30 to $220 helps with your search. Please feel free to make recommendations of your own or leave reviews of the bras you love in the comments.

Pour Moi? Underwire Nonpadded Bra$30

Felina Harlow Full Busted Demi Bra$32

Legendary Lace Full Figure Bra$34

The Hollywood Corset Full Figure Bra$36

Lana Embroidered Full Figure Bra$36

Pour Moi? Opulence Plunge Bra$36

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Parfait by Affinitas Charlotte Padded Bra – $38

Charnos Trellis Underwired Balconette Bra$40.50

Lace Long Line Bra$41.95

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iconParfait by Affinitas Kelly Bra - $42 

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iconFelina Helen Full Busted Bra - $42

Long Line Lace Underwire Bra$43.95

Ruffle Demi Bra$44.95

Ruffle Shelf Bra$44.95

What Katie Did Maitresse Bullet Bra$45

Secrets in Lace Intrigue Shelf Bra$45

Freya Lyla Underwire Plunge Bra$45

Panache Sophie Support Bra$46.20

What Katie Did Harlow Bullet Bra$47

Freya Lyla Underwired Balconette GG-J Bra$47

Fantasie Florence Underwired Balconette Bra$47

Midnight Grace by Figleaves Lily Lace Lurex Padded Plunge Bra$48

Figleaves Boudoir Glamour Full Cup Bra$48

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Parfait by iconAffinitas Fiona Bra - $50

Ultimo DD-G Seductress Multiway Bra - $52.11

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iconPanache Cleo Lucy Balconette Bra - $53

Ultimo DD-G Orient Pin Dot Plunge Bra$53.91

Ultimo DD-G Balcony Bra$53.91

Wacoal Retro Chic Seamless Wire Bra$58

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Grenier Bouquet Deep Cleavage Underwire Bra$58

Gossard Sassy Plunge Bra$59

Masquerade by Panache D-H Rhea Bandeau Bra - $59.30


Freya Arabella Plunge Bra - $60

Freya Eloise Underwire Plunge Bra - $60

Elle Macpherson Intimates Artistry D-G Bra$64.69

Elle Macpherson Intimates Artistry Contour Bra$65 (other colorways on sale)

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Panache Sienna Lace Balconnet Bra$66icon 

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Elomi Maggie Underwire Side Support Bra$68icon

Kiss Me Deadly Blue DeVille Bra~$66.87

What Katie Did Lulu Underwire Bra$66

Freya Cindy Underwire Plunge Bra$66

Curvy Kate Portia Balconette G-K Bra$67

Curvy Kate Emily Balcony G-K Bra$67

Curvy Kate Princess Balconette G-K Bra$68

Fantasie Georgie Side Support Underwire Bra$68

Elle Macpherson Intimates D-G Gentle Jade Lace Underwire Bra$68.29

Freya Crystal Plunge Underwire Bra$69

 Dirty Dolls Curvaceous Cleavage Corselette$70

 Dirty Dolls Pinstripe Pin-up Bra - $70

Figleaves Boudoir Grace DD+ Padded Bra$74.25

Mimi Holliday Nonnettes Super Plunge Bra for Larger Cups$76.50

Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou Non Padded Bra for Larger Cups$76.50

Fauve Lucia Underwired Balconette Bra$78

Masquerade Rosa Padded Plunge Bra$82

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Le Mystere Isabella All Over Lace Bra - $82icon

Masquerade Delphi Balconette Bra$82

Fraulein Annie Falling in Love Non Padded DD+ Bra$85

Agent Provocateur Shazam Bra$110

Agent Provocateur Mariett Bra$130

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iconPrima Donna Kolyma 3 Part Cup Bra$135 (F thru H cups $143) 

Agent Provocateur Lorna Bra - $170

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iconEmpreinte Lola Underwired Low Neck Bra - $172 (E thru G cups $185)

Agent Provocateur Love Strapless Bra$190

 Agent Provocateur Sidonie Bra$190

Agent Provocateur Juno Bra$220

 Agent Provocateur Maddy Bra - $220