Posts in category "team"

Why I Broke Up With Victoria’s Secret

I still cringe and scrunch up my face at the name. (Ask my friends!) And while I don’t have the exact date in mind of our official break up, I do know it was somewhere around 2004. Having been loyal through my late high school and college years, I couldn’t imagine any another life. After all, what I’d seen in newspapers (yes those old things!), magazines, and catalogs for years had influenced my thinking. This was where it was at for the young, hip, and trendy. And since I thought I was all three, I had to be a part of it. Then, as life and my body would have it, I outgrew my Victoria’s Secret 34DDs!!!

What’s a girl to do?! Well, what a girl shouldn’t do is go back to her old flame. In this case, return to said store and believe any hype about having to fit in such a narrow range of what “average” is. Neither should a girl settle. There’s no need for a full busted girl to resign to wearing “grandma” bras (i.e. beige and boring) unless, of course, she chooses to. What a girl should do, is move on and find a more worthy partner. So, instead find her nearest boutique or department store that will accommodate all of her beautiful curves in a well-fitting, confidence-boosting bra!

I can’t solely place the blame on Victoria’s Secret though. They just happen to have the name recognition that other offenders don’t have. However, this idea of “average” that permeates the American intimate apparel industry is troubling. I mean, I can count on my hands the number of American brands that acknowledge and attend to the fact that there are women (and plenty of them!) just like me with larger breasts on smaller frames. Women who navigate the terrain of “average” sizes being too small in the cup and plus sizes being too small in the band. All we are looking for is one that is just right. Well, call us Goldibras! It’s why I eventually decided to travel, proverbially, over to the other side of the pond where band sizes abound and cup sizes runneth over. It was so great to discover that when I expanded my pool, I found ample (pun intended!) options in a variety of styles, colors, and even patterns for my more accurately sized 32Fs!

And all was well in the world. Almost. I had moved on past my old love and found something new that met my needs, but that only spawned my desire to share my experience with others, ultimately leading me to my role as a lingerie blogger where sharing the whole wide world of amazing lingerie for each and every one of your interests, styles, and body types has become one of my greatest joys. As I discovered, a well fitting bra, in a style of your choosing, can make you feel invincible and everyone deserves that in a bra – and a relationship!

However, I must be honest and tell you the real secret behind the break up. While my issue with my former love is about size and also about quality (ask me about that another day!), it’s a deeper issue that burns my britches. What really bothers me about my ex, Victoria’s Secret, is that it even though it was about me, it was never really about me. From the fashion show to the ad campaigns, the purpose of displaying lingerie was not about me delighting in my own pleasures and feeling confident and empowered by the very articles I placed closest to my skin. Nor was it about me luxuriating in my femininity and choosing to own my sensuality as a woman without having to be overtly sexy or swing the other way to being puritanical and prudish. Nope! It was, as it has been, about the male perspective. What does he want to see in lingerie? Who does he want to see it on? This limited perspective can be dangerous. I’m more than an object to be viewed and inspected, but a being of depth and dimension. A woman who dwells in the fullness of herself and deserves to be treated as such! Which is why I took my love, attention, and business to small boutiques, online retailers, and other stores that appreciated me for all that I was.

Break ups are hard and the best you can hope for is that you make peace. I eventually forgave Victoria’s Secret. We still have our differences, but I understand it serves a place in the larger industry. If nothing else, it has drawn attention to intimate apparel as more than just something to throw on and skimp on. At the end of the day, just like in relationships, it’s about finding that right fit and I’m glad that I’ve found brands and stores that are “just right” for me.

Let’s keep the dialogue going! What has been your experience with Victoria’s Secret versus other stores? Do you agree that Victoria’s Secret contributes to objectification rather than empowerment? Can’t wait to hear your responses! Leave comments on this page.

Krista

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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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Does This Pearl Front Thong Shock You? My Encounter with Bracli Pearl Thongs

Fantasy Pearl Thong $74.99

Disclosure: I received this item free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

“Those pearls go WHERE?!” I thought.  I had come face to face with an eight foot poster of a panty-clad woman’s torso.  At first glance, the panty seemed like a pretty standard stretch lace affair, but at the same time I was struck with one of those vague what’s-wrong-with-this-picture senses that something was not exactly what it seemed.  Second glance.  Aaah, it is a pearl thong, a pearl FRONT thong.

I immediately dissolved in an inward shocked schoolgirlish giggle.  It was like seeing a car driving backward down the freeway or an executive wearing her bra outside her blouse.  Thongs, which not too long ago were considered scandalous, have become commonplace–even desexualized to the point of being classified as an outfit “solution” to prevent VPL.  But this image of a string dividing a lady’s front?  It seemed TOO sexy, and so unexpected I couldn’t look away.

It takes a lot to shock and intrigue a lingerie trade show regular.  But Bracli did it.

After some time sidling up to the poster and then examining the actual garment pictured, my surprise turned to awe.  I became enamored of this lacy, pearly panty.  I spent a long time considering it and asking myself how something so overtly sexual, with foreign, rigid components in THAT area could still seem elegant.  As a lingerie designer, I think a lot about what good taste is; how do you define something that is context-based, inchoate, emotional, and personal?  And how come classic looking components can sometimes coalesce into something tacky when misconstructed or misused (think red lipstick and decolletage at a funeral), while on the other hand a pearl front thong like this one from Bracli can flirt with scandal but ultimately land on the side of elegant good taste?

In this case it has to do with the fine quality of the materials as well as the whole brand concept, which together elevate each product to a higher realm of sensuality, mystery and luxury.  According to its US representative, Bracli exclusively uses pearls from Mallorca, Spain and Spanish-made lace (launching in 2014, lace from Calais, France, and limited edition fresh water pearls–ooh, bumpy!)

And what about the name?  It’s a creative word compounded of two Spanish ones: BRAga and CLItoris (underwear and clitoris).  According to its website, “Bracli is the result of combining intimate clothing with the subtle stimulation of the most sensitive parts of a woman’s body.”  Luis Alvarez, Bracli’s inventor who patented the design in 1996, writes, “However, there is a stimulus that is more important than just the physical, more intense than the soft rubbing of the pearls, which is that Bracli stimulates the imagination and invites you to imagine. It is an invitation that is extended not only to the woman who wears Bracli, but also to whoever wants to share this experience as an accomplice, as a confidant… The excitement is contagious to all who participate in this pleasureful experience.”

My own participation in this pleasureful experience began when a Bracli Body Pearl Thong ($84) arrived in the mail.  The glossy scented black box hinted at sensual delights contained inside, and beckoned irresistibly for me to open it and try it on immediately.  I can’t remember the last time I was so excited to try on lingerie.  I felt like I was entering mini-outer space, thrilled to be experimenting in a new realm and maybe a little nervous about the physical sensation that might accompany it.  Even in my fugly home glasses and linty socks, I felt totally transformed.

I think the most important job of lingerie is to make its wearer FEEL sexy, followed secondarily by helping her look sexy.  Bracli is incredible because not only does the novelty of it delight its wearer into imagining herself differently in it, but also, physically, Bracli thongs do not let her forget she’s wearing it.  Some thongs are sexy; Bracli is sex.

Bracli Body Pearl Thong $84.99

Okay, so we know I’m a fan, but I would be remiss in this review if I didn’t mention a few things about Bracli that I think have great potential for improvement.  My bodysuit fit perfectly from the hips down, but the placement of the stretch lace straps caused gapping at the waist on me as it does on the model in the photo.  It might be a more flattering garment if the points of connection between the straps and panty portion were adjusted–though I’ll also add that “flattery” is not the main concern of this garment, and any eyes on a woman wearing it would probably not be bothered by this fit issue.

If one were wearing a thong instead of the Bodysuit, this fit problem would be a nonissue.  Bracli’s strength, I think, is in its mastery of the pearl thong, which can be bought individually in several styles and colors or with a matching bra.  I did not try any bras on, but the cuts and fits of these appear in photos not necessarily the strength of the collection.   In the future, I would love to see a broader range of silhouettes from this brand, since it has so much power and appeal.

Classic Bra and Thong Set $134.99

There’s also a menswear section!  I would love to hear your thoughts on Bracli’s pearl thong — are you as excited as I am about this innovation?  Would you wear it?  What do you think of it on a man?  For more information, visit www.bracli.us

Perlseo Pearl Thong for Men $69.99

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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Spring Has Sprung! 8 Lingerie Styles Resembling Symbolic Flowers

At last! It’s been slow-going but spring has finally reared its gorgeous head in New York energizing its weary inhabitants with abundant sunshine & vibrant greenery. Windows are being propped opened, birds are chirping & colorful flowers are sprouting up after a long winters nap through out the city.

Flowers have an ability to lift the spirits & lend beauty to their surroundings. They are a feminine symbol of life, hope & love, exchanged as a significant gesture or to mark a special occasion. There are few things more inspiring then a vibrantly colored flower with its pristine petals & sculptural delicacy. Just look at the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet & Vincent Van Gogh to name a few. However the reach of their beauty doesn’t stop there. It extends into poetry, architecture & fashion as well. Fashion designers have long used flowers as a source of inspiration for their clothing due to their rich natural colors, elegant shapes & feelings they invoke which can be both personal and profound. And what better place to lend inspiration than to the sensual world of lingerie where femininity is most celebrated and supported?

As I studied this season’s collections from some of my favorite lingerie labels & designers I was struck by how many beautifully crafted styles seem to parallel some of my favorite species of flower whether in color, shape or texture. Below are 8 styles where I felt the correlation was most pronounced. Whether flowers actually served as the inspirations for these designers or not, I appreciate their resemblance and the special feelings these styles conjure up for me.

Made by Niki

Carnations are known to be one of the top selling flowers in the US today with the pink variations vying for first place. This popular flower signifies eternal & unforgettable love and is most widely given for Mother’s Day. The elaborate rippling petals and sweet smell lend this gift-giving flower feminine & nurturing characteristics. Similarly the Peplum set from Made By Niki emulates this lush foliage with fluttering ruffles accented in satin ribbon. I find the layered sheer silk gives the illusion of carnation petals while the Barbie pink color is spot on.

Mimi Holliday

The Black Dahlia is a rare & mysterious species of flower symbolizing mystery & elegance. Though not fully black in color, the dark burgundy versions are as close as a flower can naturally get to true black. Characterized by its rings of petals this flower is most famed as being a nickname to the infamous unsolved murder mystery of Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Short. However this Bisou Bisou Kiss set from Mimi Holliday is much less gruesome with its rich burgundy satin complimented by delicate black eyelash lace. Both the color & layering effect together make this set as sensual & mysterious as the illusive flower.

Claudette

Colorful pansies are known as flowers of togetherness & remembrance. Derived from the French word “pensée” meaning “thought”, the markings on these flowers resemble human faces deep in thought as they tilt downwards in the later months of the season. The color combinations of the pansy tend to be vibrant & contrasting similar to the Dessous set by Claudette in navy & limeade. As with the pansy, Claudette’s Dessous collection comes in an array of cheery colors & prints with contrasting details & delicate, thoughtful curves.

Lascivious

One of the most exotic flowers today is the bird of paradise found in tropical climates around the world. Native to South Africa this unique flower is characterized by its fan-like horizontal foliage and vibrant color ranging from deep red to yellow & orange. The bird of paradise is also known as the crane flower and has long been considered a symbol of liberty and magnificence. Coincidentally this Nenah set by Lascivious not only utilizes similar coloring but also is reminiscent of the bird of paradise flower with its origami-like folds & triangular layering.

Fleur of England

One of the more notable signs of spring each year is the bloom of the vigilant daffodil. This annual flower is a symbol of hope, faith & forgiveness appropriate for it’s following of the harshest signs of winter year after year. The most common color of golden yellow is reminiscent of the sun’s brilliant rays and the trumped-shaped center and leafless stem make this flower a cheerful favorite for gardeners. While the color yellow has been a slow growing trend in lingerie, Fleur Of England has managed to take it to a higher level with their elegant & sunshiny Lemon Cello collection. This rare shade looks fresh & new in these luxurious fabrics & is guaranteed to brighten your day.

La Perla

A persevering symbol of endurance and durability is the faithful dogwood flower reliably blooming in clusters of white or pale pinks & yellows. Not too showy these woody flowers have also been used to symbolize love undivided by adversity. La Perla has utilized similar shaped floral embroidery on their Donna Lucia collection featuring delicate white blossoms strategically placed on delicate flesh colored tulle. These embellishments offer a soft dainty feeling with contrasting characteristics of strength & durability – similar to this proud dogwood flower.

Absolutely Pom

The lily is a flower full of meaningful symbolism often signifying birth or new motherhood. It is the perfect flower to send new mothers as well as new brides as it can also be seen as a symbol of union and partnership. Their intoxicating fragrance helps lend them an heir of beauty, poise & symbolism making this flower a favorite for social gatherings. The Eva set by Absolutely Pom is reminiscent of a stargazer lily with its pure white ground and delicate red ruffles. The organic print is dotted with little red flowers lending it a feminine yet bold look, a perfect compliment to the majestic lily.

Ari Dein

The elegant lotus flower is revered for its purity and expression of cosmic renewal. An auspicious symbol in many Asian cultures the lotus is a symbol of eternal beauty springing up from the mud it grows from. As the lotus blooms its many petals expand outward, suggesting an expansion of the soul & making this flower one of the most sacred in the culture. Likewise the Cabana set from Ari Dein resembles the lotus in its pale bluish hue, silky smooth fabric and hand scalloped hemline trimmed in ivory. The set’s fine quality makes it as beautiful, light and pure as the delicate lotus itself.

Which flower do you find most inspiring and what does it mean to you?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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In Defense of Ready-to-Wear Corsets

Victoria Dagger in a RTW “Vamp” corset by Pop Antique. Photo by Karolina Marek.

Let me start this post with two disclaimers:
1) I love corsets.
2) A good fit is absolutely key in a corset.

But I don’t think that fully custom is the only way to achieve a good fit in a corset.

Victoria Dagger in a Pop Antique “Flirt” RTW corset, which has a fit comparable to the Valentine shown below.  Victoria is 5’3″.  Photo by Andres Razo.

(Bonus disclaimer: I’m not talking about the kind of ready-to-wear corset that is sweatshop mass-produced with no shape and/or flimsy plastic bones, etc.  As far as I’m concerned, those aren’t even really corsets.)

I touched upon this a bit in a previous post, What (You Didn’t Know) to Look for in a Corset, but I’d like to go into it in more detail.  Unusual for an independent, handmade corsetiere, I actually love to specialize in a ready-to-wear fit rather than bespoke.  My line is called Pop Antique, and to me, there’s a really exciting challenge in creating a single corset pattern that fits an assortment of bodies.  It really pushes me to think about the body, what works, what doesn’t, what has the most wiggle room, etc.

Ulorin Vex in a Pop Antique RTW “Valentine” corset, paired with latex leggings and bolero.  Ulorin is 5’9″ tall.

Now, don’t get me wrong: this is not an article about how custom corsets are redundant and a waste of money, by any stretch.  The going theory is that because RTW corsets try to fit everyone, they actually fit no one, because the percentage of people with truly standard proportions are so small.

Victoria Dagger in a Dollymop for Dark Garden RTW bridal corset. Photo by Chris Gaede.

And maybe that last part is true.  Maybe no one is the ancient Greek ideal of proportion in every single limb.  But most corsets fit only from mid-hip to just above or below the bust, so it doesn’t matter as much if you have short legs or a long pelvis or long arms or broad shoulders or a short neck or a big forehead or any number of other minor differences in proportion.  And in my experience, even if you do have a proportion difference in your torso that affects corset fit, it is often something that can be addressed with one or two simple pattern changes, if it’s not corrected by a slight variation in the lacing gap.  Most commonly, the top or bottom edge will need to be raised or lowered to accommodate torso length, or there will be a circumference change to the rib or hip.

Model and client Elisa Berlin wears her 17″ Ingenue corset by Pop Antique – this shape was achieved with only two pattern changes from the ready-to-wear shape. Photo by Jon Bean Hastings.

The fact of the matter is, ready-to-wear, when designed well, is designed to fit as much of that corsetiere’s target market as possible.  Key to that train of thought are the words “target market” and “designed well.”  Just as each corsetiere has their own aesthetic in terms of color, embellishment, and fabrication, each corsetiere has a different silhouette ideal in their mind, is particularly sensitive to certain fit or comfort issues, and has a different demographic forming their local client base.  If a ready-to-wear fit isn’t right for you, it may just be that the corsetiere’s ready-to-wear line is designed for a different body type or standing posture.  It doesn’t mean their patterns are bad or that your body is shaped weirdly.  And if you are tied to working with that particular corsetmaker (we appreciate your interest and loyalty!), then that’s a great time to talk about pattern adjustments or bespoke fit.

Victoria Dagger in a custom Dark Garden “Grable” corset. Though Dark Garden typically uses flat steels throughout, this fashion show piece was made with spiral steels in deference to Victoria’s preference: having worn many ready-to-wear corsets, it didn’t take long to find out that flat steels bruise her rib cage. © Mask Photo.

You may be wondering if the bespoke corset wouldn’t be a better choice anyway – why not just go for full custom for the first time, and every time?  I want to play devil’s advocate with you for a minute (although RTW corsets are far from the devil).  By wearing corsets, we learn about corsets and our own body and how the two interact.  You learn things from wearing a fully-constructed corset for hours or days that you wouldn’t know from having your measurements taken or a mockup fitting.  You learn that your ribs are really squishy – or really not.  You learn if the compressible part of your waist is very short or long.  You learn about the shape of a back curve that puts pressure on your spine, or your favorite hip spring silhouette.  The more experienced corsetieres will know what to look for and how to balance a lot of those things out, but ultimately we are not psychic, especially if you are ordering online and doing a remote fitting and we can’t even touch you.  And that’s why I think wearing ready-to-wear corsets before you launch into the investment of a fully custom corset is not only valid, but valuable.

Model Raven Le Faye in a Pop Antique RTW size “Demoiselle” sweater corset. Photo by Andres Razo.

Ultimately, ready to wear and custom corsets both come in different grades of quality.  No matter which route you choose, do your research.  A handmade RTW corset is very different from one produced in a Chinese sweatshop, of course, but consider this scenario: some bespoke corsetieres may have a RTW line that they rarely sell and therefore haven’t fully developed or prototyped in an adequate range of styles and sizes.  When designing my ready-to-wear line, I did extensive market research into sizing, then used three fit models of the same size with very different body types to test my samples.  I’m still making tweaks here and there (and that ability is one of the great things about being a small designer and doing everything in-house).  Dark Garden built its ready-to-wear line based its exhaustive archive of custom corset patterns.  And a custom corset from a corsetiere with 5 or 10 or 20 years of experience is very different from one made by someone who is just launching their corset business after making a few corsets for his or herself and a few friends.  When you are corset shopping, that is not the time to bargain hunt.

Model Whitney McCabe backstage at a Pop Antique fashion show, in a RTW Vixen. Whitney, who has only occasionally corseted in the past, wore this ribbon corset all evening – it was so comfortable that she didn’t take it off until after our round of post-show drinks, when she had to leave her ensemble with me.

Do you own any ready-to-wear corsets, or only bespoke?  Who makes your favorite ready-to-wear fit?

Marianne

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Cotton Candy Indulgence: The Lilliana Set by Tutti Rouge!

This lingerie set was provided by Tutti Rouge. All opinions are my own. 

Image via the Tutti Rouge Facebook page

Several months ago, the internet bra blogger grapevine started buzzing about a new brand that was going to change everything. Tutti Rouge had it all: adorable commercials featuring cute lingerie and models baking treats, reasonable prices, as well as 28 bands and a DD to HH cup range. There wasn’t a ton of information out there when the brand was first announced, so figuring out the details became sort of a mass blogger obsession. People took screenshots of the commercials and deconstructed which bra was which and hovered around the Facebook page waiting for more information to appear. Some people even wondered whether the idea of the brand could live up to all of the hype that it had generated.

Image via Bravissimo

Part of the buzz has been generated by the gradual launch of Tutti Rouge’s first collection. The Lilliana Bra, Shorts and Thong have recently been released through Bravissimo and Esty Lingerie but the rest of the pieces will be released gradually throughout the rest of the summer. It’s a cautious approach from a new company  as well as a novel one.

I was lucky enough to get a sample from the first round of Lilliana sets and I suppose I can go ahead and start with my conclusion: despite some finicky fit issues, this brand is all that the hype has said it would be and more. I’m in love and I suspect lots of other people will be as well. It’s a worthy competitor to Cleo and in my opinion blows Curvy Kate out of the water. The fabrics,  the colors and the detail work is just perfect.

I asked for the Lilliana Bra in my standard Panache size of 34HH and a size L  in the Lilliana Short. When the sample package came, I was shocked by how pink everything was. Tutti Rouge is cleared aimed at a younger audience, but this was the brightest bubblegum pink I had ever seen.  I completely fell in love with the color as soon as I put it on. This color looks great on lots of people and really pops on my pale skin tone. The bra is sort of a half cup plunge, but has a lots of support built in so you feel secure. I’ve noticed that Tutti Rouge seems to favor half cup bras, which gives me high hopes that the rest of the line will be just as great in terms of looks and support.

The details on this bra are amazing: From the tiny polka dot ribbons to the heart shaped strap extenders, everything just works. The polka ribbon detail is carried through to the shorts, which have nice coverage but are sheer enough to feel extremely sexy. I’m usually the first to complain about the overused woven ribbon detail on the top of bra cups, but this element breaks up the pink nicely and works with the sheer section on the top of the bra. The materials used are firm enough to be supportive but also breathable and fun. I love the slightly sheer section at the top of the cups.

As others have reported, this bra does run small in both the band and the cups. This is the only bra in the line that comes in a J cup, so if you’re usually an HH I’d suggest sizing up. I’d also suggest sizing up in the band if you’re on the firmer end of a band size. For my next Tutti Rouge set I intend to try a 36HH, which I think might be perfect. As you can tell from the pictures, even a slightly too small size looks amazing in terms of shape and lift! I’ve worn this a lot with very few issues beyond some readjusting throughout the day, so the set still gets an A+ from me.

Image via the Tutti Rouge Facebook page

I’m scheduled to get a sample of the Betty set when it is released, so there will definitely be a second part to this review along with a size comparison. In the meantime, pick up the Lilliana while you can! Other bloggers have said this as well, but I think it bears repeating – this set thrills me as a 27 year old, but a brand like this would have changed my life when I was a 17 year old. I love the idea that younger generations full busted women won’t spend their time crying as they are stuffed into ill-fitting minimizer bras like I did. I think these sets are great for adult women, but would also be a great choice for someone’s daughter or niece as well. Tutti Rouge doesn’t have a website yet, but you can stay up to date on their gradual release through their Facebook page. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

Holly

Holly

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

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Lingerie Review: The Deco Camisole by Honey Cooler Handmade

I purchased this lingerie myself. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I’ve made a rule to buy only quality lingerie pieces this year, so I’ve spent lots of time looking at custom items over the past few months. I’ve been a social media fan of Honey Cooler Handmade for awhile, but when I realized that I somehow didn’t own any decent camisoles I decided to take the custom order plunge! Part of what appealed to me about Stephanie’s Deco Camisoles was the level of customization that seemed to be possible – after all, if you’re going to pay for a custom piece you want it to be something that speaks to you.

When I emailed Stephanie, we initially talked about a musical note based lace design. I don’t talk about my non-lingerie life much, but in my spare time I’m a fairly serious amateur musician. I own almost as much sheet music as I do lingerie, as well as a 1939 Baldwin piano that is the best thing I’ve ever bought. I’ve also always loved artwork that incorporates music notation, especially early manuscripts from the early days of musical notation. Music wasn’t written down until around 900 and when it was it only showed pitch. All of the surviving examples are religious in nature because churches were the only ones who could afford the paper!

Image via Brebru.com

I sent Stephanie some examples of this type of music as well as a list of colors I liked.  I also sent my measurements. At this point, she sent me several sketches and I picked the one that really spoke to me. She also went out and grabbed several different fabric swatches for me in a variety of colors and patterns. Several days later I got a cute envelope in the mail that contained the swatches with the price for the completed camisole next to each swatch. I love the way she does this, as it makes it really easy to see the price ranges and make a real judgement about which fabric is right for you instead of having to guess. Once I picked one, I put down a $50 deposit to start the process. She also sent me an email asking if I had any final requests in terms of fit, which was lovely since it reminded me to ask her if she could make sure the armholes wouldn’t show my bra!

Image via the Honey Cooler Handmade Instagram

Stephanie put up photos of each step of the process on her social media, which was fun to see. Before my camisole was complete she even emailed to double check the armhole measurement (her guess was spot on, by the way)! By this time I was extra excited to see my camisole show up in the mail to see how it worked.

Image via the Honey Cooler Handmade Facebook

Stephanie put up a really amazing photo once the camisole was done which I was grateful for, because as you can see my photos tend to be a little less uh…professional.

All of the Deco Camisoles are bias cut, which basically means they look good on everyone. They drape beautifully! I’ve been layering a white camisole under mine for the contrast with the sheer lace, but you wouldn’t have to do that. I also love how the silk appears to be different colors under different light levels.

I tried to make sure that the camisole was long enough to wear with leggings or skinny jeans, but not so long that it would look weird under a jacket. And behold, my new semi-coordinating jacket from Target:

I haven’t tried it with a skirt yet, but I suspect that would work well too. It has finally gotten hot here, so it will be great to have a silk sleeveless camisole for the summer. I’m eager to find lots of different ways to wear this, as it’s really flattering and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it.

I’ll definitely be back for another camisole at some point from Honey Cooler Handmade! Stephanie’s work is top notch and she made the custom process extremely easy and fun. If you’re looking to pick up something truly unique and special, these camisoles should be at the top of your list.

Holly

Holly

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

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