Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 6/13/13

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Sweets

To any idiot who says, “You a feminist? Do you burn your bras, then, huh? HUH? You burn your bras, you feminist,” you must reply calmly, “Fool. FOOL. Bra is my friend. My bosomest buddy. My inti-mate. Except for that balcony-cup Janet Reger one that was an inch too small and cut off the circulation to my head. Yeah. That one, I covered in gas and torched it outside the American embassy.”

How to Be a Woman
Caitlin Moran

Bra, thanks for being a friend.

P.S. Do you like bras? Would you like to win a free one? The Parfait/Affinitas Giveaway closes tomorrow at midnight!

Sweet Nothings Du Jour: 5/22/13 Bravissimo’s Summer Collection

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Sweets

Well, well, well. Bravissimo just released some of their new summer styles, and I don’t want to say that they designed them JUST for me, or anything, but really, let’s look at the evidence:

“Boudoir Beau” in Ivory/Raspberry. 28 E-J, 30-38 DD-K

I’ve been asking for a new colorway of Boudoir Beau ever since I fell in love with the green version, and here’s a sweet Raspberry.

“Candy Bliss”. 28 DD-J, 30-38 DD-K.

A pretty new style with a delicate floral print and sheer/polka dot panels.

“Sweet Bon Bon”. 28-38 DD-J.

Notice a theme yet? Also, [insert customary approval of all things polka-dotted].

“Cherry Fling”. 28 E-J, 30-38 DD-K.

THIS IS BASICALLY MY FAVORITE EVER.

It seems like SOMEONE wants Sweets to buy all the dessert-themed bras ever and pair them with recipes. I see what you’re doing, Bravissimo. I’m onto you. I will not be seduced by your wily tricks.

Except I totally will. Cherry bra, you will be mine.

In all seriousness, I’m increasingly impressed with the quality and creativity of Bravissimo’s own lingerie designs. All of their new-season styles include G+ sizes, and several include J+. Alana is available up to an L cup in a pretty new Aqua shade, Sweet Bon Bon is ~~(I think) their first~~ (as Astrid reminds me below, their second) half-cup up to a J-cup, and the popular Rococo Charm bra has returned in a bright, summery coral. I am a little surprised to see how few options there are for 28 backs over a J cup: Bravissimo only carries two styles, and both are by Panache. I know that demand for 28JJs and 28Ks is probably significantly lower than other sizes, but it would be nice for women who wear those sizes to have options besides white, beige, and black, even if it’s just one option. That concern aside, the summer collection reflects a good balance of styles: half cups, balconettes, and plunges, bright, cheerful colors, and whimsical prints, as well as bra-sized camisole and halter tops in an array of colors, now up to H cups (although still no 28 backs).

Both Bravissimo and Pepperberry seem to really shine when their collections reflect a cohesive theme (as Pepperberry’s 2012 Autumn 1940s-influenced collection did). If the theme of Bravissimo’s Spring release was florals, the theme for Summer is most definitely sweetness. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but while I wouldn’t want my entire lingerie drawer crammed full of pink and frills, I’m already dreaming of raspberry ice creams, cherry pies, pink meringues, lemon cookies …

****

Bravissimo’s full summer collection, including styles from other full-bust brands like Panache, Cleo, and Freya, is available here.

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 5/2/2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Sweets

I JUST now realized that today is Sweet Nothings’ birthday! And now we are 1.

Hedwig! Aw, I used to have a cat who reminded me of Hedwig. Her name was Cookie Monster, and she had ‘tude.

Thank you so much for reading. I’ve loved meeting you, discussing Important Underwear Things with you, and learning with you. I truly never thought I’d write something and put it on the internet, much less keep up with it for a year, much less enjoy the hell out of it more and more each day. To everyone who reads, whether you comment or just stop by to read occasionally, you’ve made this something I’m enormously proud of. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I had no idea what was going to happen when I started writing about bras a year ago, and I have no idea what will happen this year, but I’m excited to see what’s coming our way. One thing’s for sure: there will be cake.

All my love and thanks,

Sweets

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m in the middle of a baking project for next week’s posts. A baking project to pair with a certain brand-new very Sweet Something . . .

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 4/5/13 with Angela Friedman

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Sweets

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Drama and English Literature of the Middle Ages/Renaissance, with a minor in French. Yeah. At 22, I was not what we would call “a totally useful person,” but I could throw a mean fake punch. I still marvel that I was hired at my current job in the first place. While I was not particularly good (yet) at being a professional assistant, I was very, very good at wearing big dresses. And swishing them.

In a confession that will astonish no one, I have a rich fantasty life. Much of it unevolved since I was a child. I mean, some of it has . . . matured, but a lot of my “it’s time to go to sleep– Sleep! Go to sleep! Now!” brain meanderings involve A) imprecisely “old-timey” settings and B) VERY precise renderings of EXACTLY the kind of garments I’d wear in my dramatic other lives. Big dresses, long gloves, and of course amazing, amazing corsets. I also spend time trying to figure out how I could bring my 21st century shower and curling iron with me.

You know, when I started the blog, I thought I was so clever starting the Sweet Nothing Du Jour series, because then I could just highlight the little things, which is fine when it’s my cats, but when it’s something totally jaw-dropping I sort of feel like a doofus. Speaking of jaw-dropping:

Clair de Lune Corset by Angela Friedman

I’ve mentioned her before, but in case you aren’t familiar with her amazing, crazy mad talent, Angela Friedman is a New York-based independent luxury lingerie and corset designer. These are not the “corsets” you’d buy for Halloween at Frederick’s of Hollywood or Ricky’s. These are the real deal: the ones you wear with the big dresses that go swish. The ones that are steel boned, impeccably crafted, gorgeously styled. The ones you wear with ruffly knickers and suspenders and stockings and big hair.

Like so.

I got to meet her during CurveNY/LingerieFW, and we bonded over a shared fascination with our cats, lingerie, and ballet. Last week I won one of her Instagram contests and went to visit her at her atelier to pick up my lovely new garter. I think she has in mind I will save it for a future wedding; I’m already planning a sweet yet sassy pole dancing outfit. To each her own

Thank you Angela!

If you are a performer, or you have a magnificent gown, or you just want a truly special lingerie ensemble, check out Angela’s Etsy shop. She offers ready-to-wear, semi-custom, and fully bespoke corsets and lingerie. I’ve seen some of her bespoke corsets for fuller-busted women, and they’re absolutely stunning. If corsets aren’t your style, her line of chemises, knickers, bralettes, robes, and other luxurious silk and lace lingerie pieces are ready for a lady of any era (be sure to go to her Instagram feed for sneak peeks of upcoming pieces). It doesn’t hurt that she’s lovely and kind as well.

Angela Friedman Official Site
Etsy shop
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

Sweet Nothing Du Jour plus Rapid-Fire Reviews 3/21/13

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Sweets

You know how sometimes you have lots of awesome things going on at once, like, say, TWO catnip mice and a nice long ribbon to play with? And you get kind of overwhelmed, but you’re still having a rad time? Ruby knows. Yikes, I will never say “rad” again. That was weird.

Hey friends. This isn’t a real post, except to share some good things going on in the world and keeping me busy, which, as The Worst March of Them All (weather-wise) drags on, is a good thing.

Big News: I’m currently enrolled in a bra-fit certification program led by Ali Cudby, author of Busted!, which I reviewed last year when I started this blog and absolutely adored. I had the privilege of meeting her at CurveNY, and I had every intention of asking her intelligent, pointed questions about her career, the lingerie industry, consumer empowerment, the importance of bras to a woman’s self-esteem and self-image, and that sort of thing. Instead we talked about Bravissimo and our favorite bras. Whoops. Anyway, she’s lovely, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable, and the course is a wonderful reminder that women come in all shapes, our bra sizes are not set in stone and do not define us as people, and that no matter how we feel about our bodies or what we might be led to believe by the media/our own inner demons, there ARE bras out there for each and every one of us that will make us feel good. I’m really enjoying the opportunity to hone my bra fitting technique and especially to learn how to fit women who aren’t, you know, me.

The FabFit Academy is a new venture designed to improve the fit skills and customer service of boutique owners and employees. As such, it assumes course members have access to actual customers, and the homework assignments require questioning and fitting multiple women each week. As I work a full-time emphatically-non-lingerie job, my free time is dedicated to convincing my poor friends to let me see their boobs.

Speaking of work, I know it’s boring when people are all “oh my gosh, so sorry, work has been CRAZY lately,” but seriously, work has been CRAZY lately. Late nights, weekends, sigh, etc. Anticipate having free time to do laundry/cook real food/blog in two months or so.

When I’m NOT at the office or looking at boobs, I’m in my kitchen. One of my neighbors, a gorgeous, insanely talented, immensely generous woman who’s been my friend pretty much since I moved to New York, is getting married in June and has asked me to make her cake. I am flattered and honored to have been asked, and I’m so excited for her and her fiance. So naturally I, being a fool, chirped “oh of course!”, forgetting that I have shaky hands and usually decorate cakes by swirling the frosting and calling it a day. I’m currently keeping dairy farmers in the New York area afloat while I make sample cakes, curds, and frostings, test my decorating skills, and seek out new recipes. So far my freezer is 2/3 full, I’m two cakes and two lemon curds in, and I have only messed up one of each. Yep, I’m professional. Also, can I borrow ten dozen eggs and eighty pounds of sugar?

You know how at least once a year you run out of everything at once, and you have to restock shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, that face wash you’re convinced is overpriced nonsense, deodorant, razor blades, Q-tips, mascara, foundation, chapstick, tampons, hairspray, toothpaste, and nail polish remover in one fell swoop, and it leaves you financially shell-shocked and horrified and you resolve to stop grooming forever, but then it’s SO NICE having real shampoo instead of a watered-down bottle and real mascara instead of ditto? I just replaced a bunch of bras that were super, incredibly tired, and while I still feel sort of “gah you just had to buy a new computer and you still have to buy 1,302 sticks of butter before June, slow your roll,” oh MAN are these new bras nice.

Rapid-Fire Reviews:

Starburst Bra by Bravissimo

Starburst Bra by Bravissimo. £29.00, available in sizes 28-38 DD-J (UK). Matching brief and thong, sizes XS-2XL.

Hot damn, I’ve been looking for a bra like this for a long time now. Bravissimo’s own brand bras seem to suit me really, really well. First Lola Luxe, then Boudoir Beau (pretty please more colors, Bravissimo?), and now this cutie, a star-spangled, unpadded plunge bra. The band closes with three sets of three hooks-and-eyes, and that extra depth gives nice, smooth support. The shape is lovely and rounded, the wires aren’t too wide-set, and there’s enough room in the top of the cup that the plunging neckline doesn’t cut into my full breasts. It’s not a super-push-up bra, but I’d say it’s a fair cross between Freya’s Deco and Panache’s Tango plunge in terms of cleavage– work appropriate so that it won’t show under a button-down or V-neck, but sassy enough for a fun night out. I wish the stars were slightly bigger, bolder, and starrier, but that’s me; others may appreciate the print’s smaller scale.

Marcie by Cleo

"Marci" by Cleo. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J (UK), briefs sizes 8-18 (UK). Prices vary.

“Marcie” by Cleo. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J (UK), briefs sizes 8-18 (UK). Prices vary.

I don’t have much to add except it’s just as awesome as the last one. Fabulous color, lovely round, uplifted shape, good for “perky” full boobs, comfy straps, dots, ruffles– what’s not to like? This shape works incredible well for me, and I love having a mesh bra that’s supportive yet lightweight and cute. I’m going to try to treat this one a little nicer than my last one and maybe not wear it pole dancing, just to see if I can make it last longer. I’m hesitating on getting the matching briefs, as freaking adorable as they are, just because they are SO dang low-cut they keep wanting to slip right off my hips. I may size up to see if it fixes the problem; but I do wish the rise were 2-3 inches higher.

Jasmine by Panache Superbra

“Jasmine” by Panache Superbra, available in sizes 30-38 D-K (UK). Matching brief sizes 8-18 (UK). Price varies.

I had heard very, very good things about this bra, and I loved the bird print for Fall/Winter 2012, so when it came time to choose a new “everyday” bra, I decided to try out the pretty new floral print. Jasmine is very similar to Panache’s classic “Andorra” bra, which I like . . . okay. Both the plunge and full-cup versions of Andorra sit a little strangely on me, but I really, REALLY like the Jasmine. The bottom of the cup is laminated for sturdy support, while the top of the cup features the same soft stretch lace as the Andorra, which is so user-friendly for monthly boob fluctuations. The band closes with three sets of three hooks and eyes, and it just doesn’t budge– I wore it all day Saturday to go wedding-dress shopping with my friend, and I felt comfortable, supported, and pretty (the matching briefs are lovely and comfy). A+, would buy again, etc. Panache and I didn’t use to get along, but all of a sudden they’ve become my go-to brands for a good fit and pretty designs.

How are YOU? What’s new in your world? What is UP with all this rain/snow nonsense? Anyone else super behind on TV?

It’s okay Ruby. You’ll catch up on Downton Abbey one day.

You Know Your Sister Gets You When She Gives You a Bra Pillow

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Sweets

From Julia Lambert, for Valentine’s Day.

Well, I think this is just the greatest freaking thing ever.

Welcome to my home, adorned with lingerie. You’re welcome, future guests. Nicely done indeed, Miss Lambert.

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 2/19/13

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Sweets

Freya’s sister Eveden brand Huit has been releasing unbelievably adorable tartan prints for small-to-average busts for a few seasons now, and I’ve been seething with jealousy, so I was thrilled when Erica previewed this Spring’s Totally Tartan bra from Freya, available in two different styles in two sets of sizes.

For average-to-full busts, there’s a sassy padded half-cup style:

Padded half-cup bra, available in sizes 30 D-G, 32-38 B-G (UK) (pictured with matching Short) (Image via Freya)

And for fuller busts, a lovely unlined balconette:

Unlined balconette bra, available in sizes 28 DD-J, 30-38 D-J (UK) (image via Bravissimo)

The range also includes a matching short, brief, and thong, each available in sizes XS-2XL.

I mean, HOW CUTE IS THIS? I knew it was cute right away, of course, but now that it’s becoming widely available in stores, it’s really starting to sway me with its charms. The colors are very sweet and cheery, but it’s nice to have a sleeker, less frilly option in the full-bust market. Sometimes I get cranky because I prefer the look of Freya’s half-cup styles (which don’t come in my size) to the balconette versions, but in this case I really like the solid-lime top part of the cup. It balances the print nicely, especially when paired with the accessories’ matching waistbands. I’ve been having some fit issues with Freya in my new size, but this set is one I really, really want to try!

Dezi reviewed the half-cup style for A Sophisticated Pair, and she shares my love.

Totally Tartan is available at Nordstrom, Figleaves, Bravissimo, and Bare Necessities, among others.

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 2/14/13

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Sweets

My favorite Valentine ever, courtesy of Julia Lambert. I hope everyone has a fun day today!

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 2/5/13

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Sweets

First of all, thank you so, so much for your kind words last week. I was incredibly touched and comforted, more than you’ll know. My new computer arrives tomorrow, so we’ll be up and running soon, but the absence of Internet and a full keyboard has meant that I’ve got quite a few new (to me) recipes ready to go! Behold, a preview of my first ever Julia Child recipe! Any guesses?

Avec l’assistance de M. L’Asperge Le Terrible

Sweet Nothing Du Jour: 1/16/13 Tutti Rouge Lingerie

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Sweets

Tutti Rouge isn’t even available for sale yet, so it’s still a sweet nothing, a dream, a wish, a desire, instead of a full-blown reality, but HOLY PANTS, Y’ALL.

My god, they’re even baking. IT’S LIKE THEY SEE INTO MY SOUL.

Tutti Rouge is a new full-bust line launching in 2013. Bras will be available in sizes 28-38 DD-HH (UK), and I believe accessories will be available in sizes XS-XL. I also believe that purple/polka dot/frilly suspender belt number has my name on it.

Adorable.

I mean, yes, okay, the first collection is a little, shall we say, sweet. It is VERY girly and VERY frilly and VERY pretty and obviously I LOVE IT ALL. I also really appreciate such a good size range for a brand-new collection. There are quite a few women who get left out when a new line launches in D-G cup sizes, and I hope such an ambitious launch bodes well for possible size expansions in future seasons. It’s also lovely that they’re launching with 28-backs, both because they’re sorely needed, and also because I can really see this line appealing to younger customers. How great would it be to be a full-bust teenager with cute, supportive lingerie with you from the very beginning?

I’ll take all of these. Also the cake.

There doesn’t seem to be an official site yet, but based on what I’ve gleaned from trade journals, Twitter, and youtube, there will be a solid mix of seamed and padded/molded bras, and Bravissimo will be stocking Tutti Rouge in April for their summer collection!

For more sneak peeks, check out these cute videos for the 2013 campaigns:

I can’t wait to see more of this fun new addition to the full-bust market! What do you think of the designs?

Sweet Nothings

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