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 …

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

A Full-Bust Wishlist

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Sweets

I know more often than not we make wishlists for things that actually exist (that we generally wind up impulse-purchasing in a moment of weakness– wait, just me?), but having just come from Lingerie World Extravaganza Expo All the Lingerie Ever February 2013, I’ve been looking at my wardrobe, my lingerie drawer, and my shopping options with an ever-more-critical eye. I’ve been ruthless about my wardrobe lately; pruning things that no longer fit or flatter, eliminating “fast fashion” pieces that last three wears or fall out of style quickly, and seeking out clothes that are cut to fit me, rather than forcing a sort-of-but-not-quite fit. Thanks to some re-migrated breast tissue my bust is fuller than it used to be, and thanks to pole dancing my shoulders are stronger and a bit broader than they were five years ago. The clothes I’ve worn for 5-10 years are tired and no longer fit. I’m sick of too-short skirts, tops that don’t fit my shape, cardigans that gape, and synthetics. I don’t necessarily follow fashion “rules” like no-short-skirts-past-20 or big-boobs-can’t-wear-high-necklines, but I do evaluate any new clothing item very, very carefully, thinking about how I’ll feel by the end of a work day. Will I still love it, or will I want to tear it off and reach for a t-shirt?

“Candy Box” longline bra by Kiss Me Deadly. I wants it.

My lingerie is the same. It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes we have to wear a new bra for a full day before we realize it’s not a match made in heaven. At that point, of course, you can’t return it, and you’ve sunk $40+. With time and practice you get better at recognizing a good fit from the get-go, but it can be supremely frustrating trying to build a supportive, complete lingerie wardrobe and figure out what brands fit you at the same time.

As winter is beginning to trickle away sloooowly, I’m evaluating the holes in my regular wardrobe and my lingerie wardrobe, and I’m beginning to think about some budgeting. The bad news is, there are lots of things I’d love to add to my wardrobe. My sense of style and fit is stronger than it’s ever been before. The good news is, none of the things I’d like to add to my wardrobe exist in the full-bust market! Woohoo! Wait.

Look, some of these things exist, or they’re starting to exist. In many cases, however, I’m still waiting for a perfect fit, rather than a this-almost-works fit.

Lingerie:

Oh my god, WHAT is the holdup with a G+ longline bra? Seriously, this trend has been happening for the last three years, it’s here to stay (I hope), and yet it’s still mostly trapped in the 30-38 A-G size range (Fussy Busty and Windie (picture below) provide reviews of Freya’s most recent iteration of their half-cup longline). Why is everyone married to a padded half-cup shape as the only cup shape available to slap a longline band on? It doesn’t support as many sizes, and frankly I don’t really LIKE padded half cups. Elomi is getting there with their Roxy style for Spring/Summer, but even that’s only planned to go up to HH. What about smaller-backed G-K customers? WANT.

Look at how amazing Windie looks in her Freya longline bra. I mean, for starters, the color is gorgeous on her. But the bra itself is feminine, cute, classic, and contemporary all at once.

Look at how amazing Windie looks in her Freya longline bra. I mean, for starters, the color is gorgeous on her. Furthermore, the bra itself is feminine, cute, classic, and contemporary all at once.

When I spoke with the Freya rep at CurveNY she confirmed that Freya is expanding their cup size range for their half-cups (to an H), but G+ longlines (especially non-padded) are still but a dream (also, Eveden brands don’t play well with my shape). Bravissimo, the ball’s in your court. Your basque is amazing, now just shorten it.

“Roxy” by Elomi, 34-40 E-HH. Still a fairly small size run, and the pattern is NOT MY CUP OF TEA. At all. I mean, I don’t think it’s repellant, and I think it’s going to appeal to a lot of women who might be sick of frills and flowers, but I had hoped for something else.

After talking with a few retailers, I can sort of see why the trend has been a little slow to reach the G+ market: you have to keep a bra’s hanger appeal in mind, and a 34HH or 30K longline bra is going to look like A LOT OF BRA. If you’re just opening a woman’s eyes to life past DD, she might take one look and balk (she might also be stuck in the mindset of “lingerie must be sexy for men and men won’t like this”. First of all, lingerie CAN be sexy, but sexiness is not its raison d’etre, and secondly, you are the one who wears it. If it makes YOU feel good, that’s the important thing). I think, though, that with the explosive growth of the lingerie markets in the last decade, increased public awareness of different styles, and more fashion-conscious women looking for lingerie that fits their personal style, G+longlines would be a good bet for a designer. At the end of the day, a good, firm, deep band with 6 or more hooks (and even some light side boning) would feel so, so glorious for women in the G+ size range. Our boobs are heavy. Support comes from the band. Help us hold them up, please.

Strapless basque: I suspect Bravissimo might be working towards this, as they’re selling their own strapless bra up for F-J cups now, but I would love a strapless/convertible bra with a longer line, or even a strapless basque. I very much want to wear halter dresses and strapless dresses and tops this summer, on account of pole-dancing arms, but so many halter dresses have elasticized backs that bunch up unattractively over a good firm strapless bra band (I confess to some middle-torso smoosh contributing to this). Bravissimo’s Lola Luxe basque is light and breathable, yet still smoothing, and a strapless/convertible basque or longline with that kind of figure flattery would be worth its weight in gold.

"Rosa" by Fantasie. When a lot of women think "wedding lingerie" they think of something like this. I forsee a few problems with a G+ version: contour cups just don't play well with certain sizes, and the boning might get stiff and uncomfortable. Bravissimo is experimenting with light boning in the cups of their strapless bra, which would allow you to get the good fit of a cut-and-sew and the stay-in-place power of a contour

“Rosa” by Fantasie. When a lot of women think “wedding lingerie” they think of something like this, and there is NOTHING like this for women who wear over a UK G-cup. I foresee a few problems with a G+ version, primarily that contour cups don’t play well with extended sizes, and the boning might get stiff and uncomfortable. Bravissimo is experimenting with light boning in the cups of their strapless bra, which would allow you to get the good fit of a cut-and-sew and the stay-in-place power of a contour, so maybe when they do me a solid and produce something like this for G+ cups they’ll have it all figured out.

More interesting matching knickers and accessories: I get it, I get it. Bikini + Thong. They are the classics, and I don’t want them to go away. HOWEVER! Look at what Claudette is doing. Look at Parfait. They still offer bikinis and thongs, but they are also offering SO MUCH MORE. High waist knickers, suspenders, ruffles, shorts, skirted thongs, tap pants, tangas. Some days (and some times of the month) you just want a comfy giant pair of underpants. I would adore it if they were also cute and matched my bras.

LOVE. THESE. KNICKERS. Moar pleez.

Prints: Oh my gosh, this topic came up recently in a discussion amongst some of my fellow bloggers, and their suggestions are AMAZING. Seriously, take a look at this list and tell me you don’t also want bras like this:

From Quest for the Perfect Bra: Old school botanical prints, cats, tiny whales, galaxy print

Space Print Big Knickers by Knickerocker. How cute would this be as a matching set!?? Actually, scratch that, how cute would ANY of her knickers be with a matching full-bust bra? Will someone out there in full-bust world collaborate with this talented woman, please?

From Bras I Hate and Love: Polka dots, tiny animals like whales, cats, and dogs, snowflakes, and Fair Isle

Fair Isle print bra and knickers by Pull-In, a French company with a HUGE range of fun, unusual prints (but not, alas, sizes)

From The Lingerie Lesbian: Hieronymous Bosch prints

Detail from “Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymous Bosch. For all your high-brow, faintly disturbing lingerie needs

From Sophia Jenner: Tiny boats, tiny tigers [zomg tiny tigers would be so cute! -Ed.], tiny ponies (sensing a theme? we were all pretty gung-ho on tiny animals)

“Bella” Sailboat Bra by Kensie, available at Nordstrom. 32-36 B-DD, featuring a J-hook to convert it to a racer back.

From Les Gros Bonnets: Tiki prints or deep green jungle foliage

Tiki print dress by Pin Up Couture

From Braless in Brasil: Space ships, race cars, superheroes

Guitar Knickers. From Knickerocker, again. I can see this working really well in a full-bust line aimed at supporting full-bust teenagers, but I also see women my age and older wearing them happily too.

Lingerie is able to be so much more than the beige/black/pink floral-lacey things we put on under our clothes. There are so many creative people working in this industry now, and some wonderfully fashion-forward offerings are available even at budget price points. It can really be an expression of personal style, the more so since you can hide it under your uniform or business clothes. Why NOT have a little fun with it? I definitely don’t want florals or lace to go away (never leave me, lace), and Freya and Cleo have made some headway in the full-bust print department, but I think we can do more.

Loungewear: The scene is getting better, I’m just crabby and want more.

Jenny Packham, via Journelle. Will never be mine, on account of kittens and their Fur of Great Tenacity (and also, you know, budget), but if I found something like this that fit my boobs and showed off my gams, I’d never take it off. (Plus, you know, marabou heels, gimlet, chaise lounge, etc.)

I want to see babydolls (Cleo and Curvy Kate are the first out of the gate with this one, with J-cup and K-cup babydolls, respectively, on the horizon for the end of the year), chemises, rompers, bodysuits, tank tops, pajama sets, the works, all designed to fit and/or support a larger bust. In particular, I’d love a high-quality jersey robe with enough room in the bust to wrap around me completely and STAY wrapped. I also wouldn’t say no to a fitted long silk kimono with dramatically enormous sleeves, and I believe my stance on floofy robes is well-known at this point.

Silk Chiffon Wrap by Jenny Packham. Add boob room and hand me a winning lottery ticket, and I’ll take it!

Baddassery: If you are a full-bust lady, especially in the G+ range, your style options are much more limited than your smaller-busted counterparts’. Don’t get me wrong, IT’S SO MUCH BETTER than it used to be. I still feel so sorry for Teenage Sweets. She had the worst underwear, bless her heart. However, if kitschy prints, florals, lace, dots, and other girly/womanly/super feminine styles aren’t your cup of tea, your options are pretty much non-existent unless you go for custom-made.

Lascivious, via Faire Frou Frou

I’d love to see full-bust versions of FYI by Dani Read, VPL, Marlies Dekkers, Lascivious and other high-end, edgy, sophisticated lingerie lines– something with a darker, fiercer bite, something a little sportier, or something a little more androgynous. I love the feminine frills, of course, but not every full-bust woman is born with an innate desire to look like a pin-up girl or a Gibson Girl. I’d like to see more options available.

Insertion Bra Fern by VPL

I was going to include clothes, but I’ve been living at the office this week and haven’t had time to blog, and anyway this post has gone on long enough, don’t you think? We’ll tackle clothes soon. What would YOU most like to see in the full-bust market? Is there anything you absolutely love that you think is missing, or that you think would find an eager customer base?

CurveNY Preview: Claudette

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Sweets

Claudette has absolutely exploded since their debut in 2011. From an incredibly stylish launch with a variety of retro-yet-modern styles and their signature mesh “Dessous” that went up to a G-cup, they’ve generated huge buzz and been picked up by stores large and small alike. The new season promises to be better than ever. ALL new styles are offered in the full size range: 28-38 A-G (UK), which is thrilling for customers who missed out on some styles the first few seasons.

As exciting as CurveNY was, after a while some designs started to feel . . . familiar. The issue of inspiration and borrowing when it comes to design has been a hot-button topic in the fashion community for a while now, yet Claudette feels particularly fresh for A/W 2013, especially for a full-bust line. Claudette has been smart about slowly building their collections, tweaking fit, and adapting existing styles even as major retailers like ASOS, BareNecessities, Figleaves, and Urban Outfitters started stocking their pieces.

Claudette Autumn/Winter 2013

Far from coating the cups in lace or embroidery or reverting to cutesy, lollipop prints, Claudette’s A/W 2013 is unexpectedly and unabashedly grown-up. With a focus on unique color pairings, contrast trim, and sophisticated accessories, and gambling on a single print, the collection is beautifully cohesive, elegant, and sexy.

Dessous Mesh

Dessous: Tomato Soup

Dessous put Claudette on the map with its bright neon mesh and contrasting bows. Despite the fact that this is, in my opinion, Claudette’s least groundbreaking design (Miss Mandalay and others have been doing neon mesh and contrast trim for several years), they frankly marketed the hell out of it and it remains enormously popular.

Dessous in Chinchilla/Lollipop

The new colors might be my favorite yet: Chinchilla/Lipgloss (a gorgeous grey with bright pink trim), True Blue/Lipgloss (bright navy), Oxblood/Lipgloss (Oxblood has been a major fashion color for the last few seasons), and Tomato Soup/Phlox (Bok, Claudette’s designer, said she literally matched color swatches to a bowl of tomato soup to hit the right shade).

New colors for “Dessous” by Claudette: Chinchilla, Tomato Soup, and Navy

If neon isn’t your bag, Dessous is also available in Black and Mauve, as well as American Tan and a new Sandstone color for Spring/Summer 2013, both trimmed in Navy. I really love these two neutral options as alternatives to the dreaded “nude”. The colors seem intentional and well-considered, instead of just defaults.

The print for the A/W 2013 collection is snakeskin, and if you’d told me that without showing it to me I would have wrinkled my nose. It’s tough to woo me to animal prints in general, and I’ve never lost my heart to snakeskin anything. I have to admit that it looks pretty fantastic in real life, especially in the richer purple shade. Both Dessous and the Satin Ouvert (more below) will be available in snakeskin in various colors: a classic silvery gray (Satin Ouvert), Dark Grape, and Lipgloss (Dessous).

Dessous in Lipgloss Snake (Dark Grape is just behind it). Photo courtesy of MissUnderpinnings.com

All Dessous sets include a gorgeous matching brief with a ruched back seam for a form-fitting look, as well as a thong, both trimmed with contrast bows. The Claudette team were generous enough to give me a Dessous Leopard thong to try after our discussion. Y’all know that I think thongs are evil instruments of torture, but WOW. This cut fits really beautifully (I found it to run a size smaller than Freya but with a slightly higher rise than Cleo, for what it’s worth). I might be a grudging thong (and leopard-print!) convert.

Dessous Convertible:

Black Grape Dessous Convertible

Claudette again shows off its knack for the unexpected by releasing its first convertible/strapless bra not in the typical black or beige but in a bold solid purple (Black Grape with Phlox trim) and deep purple snake print.

The detachable straps are a beautiful grosgrain.

Dessous Convertible in Snake (courtesy of MissUnderpinnings.com)

This is a really fun change of pace for a strapless bra, and apart from Freya I can’t really think of anyone who’s offered a colorful convertible bra in D-G sizes (certainly not as the debut colors). I adore the Black Grape, and I’m waiting with ever-decreasing patience for my size to appear.

Sophia

Black Grape Sophia Icon. The Claudette team reported that they’d had VERY mixed feedback on this, their first campaign shoot with a man in the frame. I found the pictures insanely hot, but I can understand why they wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Do you think they’re fun or off-putting?

Sophia Black Grape Suspender Brief

Sophia was the style that most caught my eye when Claudette debuted, and I was deeply disappointed that it was available in a limited size range. I’m thrilled that the style now goes up to a G, so that more women can bask in its loveliness. Claudette has dropped the color-blocking of earlier seasons (Bok told us she wasn’t satisfied when the color-blocking scaled up to the full cup size range, so they changed the pattern rather than exclude any sizes) and has instead gone for bursts of bold, saturated colors with black stretch velvet trim, flat black bows, and detailed accessories: a high-waisted knicker features detachable suspenders, and an otherwise classic brief is trimmed with cheeky back ruffles.

Sophia Icon Padded Bra with Ruffle Back Panty in Oxblood

I didn’t get to see the color below in person, but I love both the soft turquoise and the sassy boyshort– this is a fun change of pace for women who shy away from traditional lingerie colors or the girlier accessories.

Sophia Minx in Turquoise with Boy Short.

Fishnet

Fishnet is a brand new range for Claudette, and like the original Dessous line it makes a big visual impact. The weave is more open than Dessous (hence the “fishnet”), yet it still offers firm support, and bras are available in two different shapes: a two-part balconette cup with a curving, across-the-bust seam and a “double cup” bra made up of a demi bra with vertical center seam and an external side support. Available in Neon Turquoise, Neon Pink, and Neon Purple with wide black trim, the range winks at retro styling while still feeling absolutely fresh and new. Rather than a classic bikini brief or thong, Claudette offers two more unusual choices: a high-waist Retro Suspender Panty (which I obviously adore) or a Tanga.

Fishnet Pink Mesh with Two-Part Cup and High Waist Suspender Brief

Turquoise Fishnet Double Cup Bra with External Side Sling and Tanga

Ouvert Satin

Okay, seriously, now we’re getting to the big leagues. These are a bit of a gamble for the American market, as one thing I heard over and over again at Curve was that European and UK brands notice a distinct difference in American preferences versus the UK/Europe markets. American customers have historically wanted smooth, molded, “invisible” bras and seem to have an overall horror of seams and embellishment (although this seems to be changing). It looks like the gamble is going to pay off, as the Claudette team told us that the Ouvert range was one of their most popular products at Curve. “Ouvert” is French for “open”, and in the lingerie world it’s often associated with knickers that have a very open back with just a few straps or ribbons holding them up (Damaris is one of the greats for ouvert knickers). Claudette takes the ouvert concept and runs with it, presenting a stunningly luxe satin bra with a line of fully functional buttons running down each cup, as well as a matching satin bikini with a very discreet open crotch and more functional buttons running down the center back. Both the brief and the bra can be fully unbuttoned before being removed (for those who aren’t as interested in the button-back brief, there’s also a beautiful coordinating side tie brief).

Ouvert Satin bra in Oxblood. Yes please.

Again, I love that Claudette never defaults to black/beige/pink/classic red. There’s nothing wrong with those colors, but they’re EVERYWHERE. Oxblood, Snake, and Navy for the launch of a new style are far more unexpected and intriguing.

Satin Ouvert (photo courtesy MissUnderpinnings.com)

Satin Ouvert in Snake (photo courtesy MissUnderpinnings.com) YOU CAN UNBUTTON ALL THOSE TINY BUTTONS, you saucy tease you!

Claudette Ouvert Satin Side-Tie Knickers

Claudette Ouvert Satin Side-Tie in Navy

I’m used to seeing “sexytimes” revealing lingerie that is . . . well, smutty. Cheap and smutty. NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Cheap and smutty can also be fun and hot. Either that, or the revealing stuff is also the high-end luxury designer stuff, and as such is prohibitively expensive. But this? This feels fantastic. It’s sophisticated lingerie for a woman who knows herself and her fabulous body, with a price point that’s much more accessible than, say, Agent Provocatuer or La Perla. I can see the wearer performing a slow, lingering striptease or allowing her partner remove each piece ever-so-slowly, one button at a time. There’s nothing cutesy or precious or coy about it; it’s grown-up, gorgeous, and powerful.

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Claudette remains a brand to watch. They’ve been smart about their designs and size ranges, even as keeping up with production demands has surely been a challenge. They’ve added 28 backs and tweaked their fit and handle in response to feedback, and they’re working steadily towards expanding their cup sizes. Their social media presence is fun and engaged. Bok and Lindsey reported that we can expect to see GG and H cups within the next two years, with more cup sizes to follow and a goal of reaching a K-cup before too long. I for one will be very interested to try Claudette once my size is available. I have heard wildly varying fit reports, from women for whom this is indeed their “new favorite bra” (as Claudette’s slogan promises) to women who struggle to find a size that suits their shape and frame. I can’t wait to take these styles out for a spin. What do you think of the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection? Are you excited for the new styles, or do you prefer more classic looks?

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CurveNY New Find: Kitten Kouture

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Sweets

On Day 3 of CurveNY I arrived at the Javits Center to begin my appointments with brand representatives in earnest. I had made most of my appointments in advance, but several bloggers told me over the weekend to make time to speak with Franceska Luther, designer and creator of new line Kitten Kouture. I’d heard that the new line only went up to an F cup, so I hadn’t made it a priority (selfishly, I liked seeing the lines that carried my size for, um, personal budgeting purposes), but Caro and Lindsay both told me it would be a very, very good idea to make visiting Kitten Kouture a priority.

As the lingerie is delightful, this wasn’t exactly a hardship.

Kitten Kouture

Franceska has been a major design force in the lingerie world for years now. She’s designed for By Caprice and revolutionized and revitalized beloved luxury brand Myla, and her expertise shows through the first collection beautifully. Using luscious silks and lace, she plays with expected forms of design and construction, highlighting seams that other designs try to hide and interrupting classic beige and black bras with a hit of electric color.

Kitten Kouture

Franceska plans to offer a lovely variety of bra shapes. There’s an unlined mesh bra with colored external seams (above right), a molded silk-covered demi bra (above center), a two-part balconette bra with a molded bottom cup and a smooth mesh upper cup (above left), as well as a pretty, simple-yet-easily-adorned ivory mesh longline bra. Bras come in classic black lace and jaunty leopard silk, trimmed in dots, the above-mentioned highlighted seams, or even marabou puffs.

I have to say that leopard isn’t usually my bag, but how cute is this set? Orange is an unusual trim color for leopard (I’ve more often seen pink or red), and it lends a kicky contemporary hit to this otherwise classic pattern and shape.

Franceska told me that she’s been working towards launching Kitten Kouture for several years now. She’s passionate about responsible production methods, sourcing European silk and English lace, and manufacturing solely in the UK.

Another bra shape: an unlined lace demi bra

The set above would make stunning bridal lingerie– I love the high-waisted brief. It’s simply straight-up pretty.

It’s very rare for a brand-new brand to offer an enormously extensive size range, but Franceska is already working on her D+ size ranges. She and I talked quite a bit about the decision to use UK or US/European sizes. She wants to offer lingerie that will fit a very wide range of women, whether they be slim or curvy. Many of the styles are ready to launch up to a D cup, and the mesh fuller-cup style below is ready to launch up to a US F cup.

More playing with highlighted seams, this time in sexy fuchsia. A beautiful set, paired with suspenders for stockings.

I was busy railing the other day about how a lot of full-bust lines seem to offer only womanly, almost old-fashioned embroidery or ditsy, cutesy prints. Kitten Kouture hits a fun middle place– I can see the pieces appealing greatly to pin-up models and burlesque performers, but I don’t think you need to be a pin-curl aficionado to fall in love.

I saw a few bright yellow/black pairings at Curve, but this design seemed the edgiest: it’s almost sporty and athletic, but the silk and dotted mesh lend it a girly sophistication.

A choice of coordinating high-waisted brief or marabou side tie

I asked Franceska about her goals for Kitten Kouture. Along with hoping to be carried by well-known and reputable luxury boutiques, she envisions creating a line of beautiful, elegant shapewear for fuller busted women. No more band-aid colored spandex; she wants to create a line that is as pretty and delicate as it is functional.

Classic black and red, classic shape, pretty pretty pretty.

She also hopes that Kitten Kouture will be able to offer G and H cups (US sizes) in two years or so. It’s very difficult for brands to expand their size ranges, as it often requires an entirely new set of patterns and grading, as well as negotiations with suppliers, factories, and workshops. For an independent designer to have her sights set so high really speaks to her commitment to the full-bust customer and her hope that many, many women will be able to enjoy beautiful, luxury lingerie.

Molded cup with mesh upper cup

While the stunning promotional shots feature overtly feminine styling, hair, and makeup, I think Kitten Kouture’s debut line will appeal to women with varying personal styles. The collection is at once cohesive and creatively flexible, construction is immaculate, and the materials are truly exemplary. I’m so looking forward to the day when it’s available to even more full-bust women, and I can’t wait to see what future collections will bring.

What do you think of Kitten Kouture? Do you have a favorite style you’d like to see?

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Dispatches from CurveNY

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Sweets

New York City was the place to be last weekend for lingerie lovers. Between LingerieFW, the USA debut of the Lingerie Collective, and CurveNY, I’m still having trouble processing everything I saw and learned. I was absolutely stunned by the enthusiasm, creativity, kindness, and brilliance of all of the designers and brands I met and saw. From what I understand, bloggers attending Curve as Press is still a very new thing, yet most of the brand representatives I met with were at the very least polite and more usually were eager and interested in speaking to me. I got to preview the styles that will be available in stores beginning in the Fall of 2013 through Winter 2013, ask questions, handle samples, and view them on the models.

I met at least three of my readers, and they WERE NOT MY FAMILY MEMBERS. Repeat: they were new people. Oh, it was so wonderful. Laura came and found me at the Eveden fit event to show off her red Urkye dress, and she looked stunning. The ladies from Helen of Troy Bras joined me at the fit event and we dished about bras and shared reading recommendations. Lovely reader/new New Yorker “Ellie” emailed me Friday night and was able to join me for lunch on Saturday with Lindsay from That Je Ne Sais Quoi, Angela Friedman of, you know, Angela Friedman, Caro from The Lingerie Lesbian, Darlene from Hourglassy, and both Mister and Miss Underpinnings, where we screamed at each other about bras and brands and breast tissue and underwires, and I’m sure we were a delight to our fellow diners. Meeting other women (and men) who geek out about lingerie is seriously fun and frankly inspiring. I love the different points of view, the different backgrounds, and the different know-how each person brings to the party. We’re planning trips around the city to meet each other’s cats and bake together, and yes, we’re disgusting.

They made me get on Twitter! I didn’t want to, because it would be one more distraction at work, but I’m so glad I did. Through Twitter I met the designer of a brand-new, highly directional line (more below) and talked with her for over an hour about lingerie, the full-bust market, cup sizes, pole dancing, and self-esteem. Through Twitter I went to see Layla, creator and designer of Between the Sheets, and previewed her astoundingly gorgeous range of lingerie and loungewear. Through Twitter I visited Angela at her atelier, got fitted into a sample corset, and made her tell me about her time working in the shop at New York City Ballet.

Corsets, waspies, and lingerie by Angela Friedman.

She and I left and went to the Lingerie Collective to chat with luxury designers like the incredibly sweet and brilliant Stephanie of Dottie’s Delights (I GOT TO TRY ON THE FROOFY ROBE. Dreams do come true!), the amazing Dani of FYI by Dani Read, and Marika herself of Marika Vera, who shared that designing for the fuller-figured market is one of her goals for the near future. From there we went to a party for Maison Close that included tiny cupcakes and an adorable, sizzling burlesque dancer.

Burlesque, champagne, and mini cupcakes at Maison Close.

I pelted brand representatives with questions and received amazing, enthusiastic, and caring answers. There’s no way I could recap everything in detail, but I’m going to try to hit the major points in my next few posts, but for today, here are some teasers:

1. Things We Learned: I really love all the undies. I squealed over almost everything: all the pieces, all the styles, all the price points, all the colors. Not everything matched my personal style, but what was fun was seeing such an enormous range of styles to suit a great number of tastes. Miss Underpinnings has already done some great coverage of Freya, Fantasie, and Fauve, all Eveden brands, as well as Empreinte, and I really encourage you to check them out (also, she has a real camera, so her pictures might be an eeeensy bit better than mine). There have never been more sizes, styles, and new brands available than there are right now, and it’s incredibly inspiring. Women of all shapes and sizes who like to experiment with their sense of style have the opportunity to do so with abandon, and women who have found their fashion niche and want to stick to it have multiple designers to turn to.

New colors for “Dessous” by Claudette

3. Best new discovery: Kitten Kouture. More info to follow, but the line offers fun, sassy, 1960s-1970s-inspired silk, mesh and lace lingerie in popping colors, contrasting trims, and luscious silk. There are lovely retro designs like high-waisted knickers and longline bras, but other designs get a hit of modernity from unexpected colors, zingy prints, or flirty details like marabou-trimmed side-ties. Certain styles are ready to go up to an F cup, and Franceska, the designer, spoke to me extensively about her desire to launch into larger cup sizes.

Kitten Kouture

4. Best new style: Shut up, like I’d pick just one. Silver glitter polka dots on the “Twinkle Bomb” style from Mimi Holliday, the spirited zig-zag patterns from Dottie’s Delights, elegant blue with gray lace “Clara” from Panache Superbra, “Oh La La” from Freya, and the new Panache Sports Bra colors all thrilled me, but if you made me name the one set I was going to purchase for sure, it would be the black “Marcie” babydoll from Cleo, hands-down. I’m also very interested to try the Deco Shape, but the first colorway is about to hit stores in April, so it wasn’t a main focus of the Eveden preview.

Dotty L'Amour by Mimi Holliday. What, I liked polka dots?!?! What a crazy random happenstance.

“Twinkle Bomb” by Mimi Holliday. What, I liked a style with polka dots?!?! What a crazy random happenstance.

“Clara” by Panache Superbra, available in sizes 30-38 D-J

“Marcie” babydoll by Cleo, aka The Precious. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J

5. Best news: Mimi Holliday Does Maternity! In addition to launching a new completely adorable range of cotton swimwear, Mimi Holliday will release a lovely, LOVELY nursing bra in the new “Dotty L’Amour” range (sweet white dots backed with pale pink), “Dotty Noir” (deep midnight blue), and “Bon Bon Noir” (black lace), as well as their classic “Bisou Bisou” range in Rose.

“Bisou Bisou Rose” nursing bra, with the cup released.

The silk and lace are unbelievably luxurious yet also smooth, silky, and comfortable (I mean, seriously. I just sort of petted things before getting it together to take pictures. The sea of gorgeous, gorgeous lingerie was a bit overwhelming for a second).

“Dotty Noir” nursing bra, with the cup closed.

Sometimes nursing bras can veer from the dull and dour to excessively “sexified”. Like, yes, pregnant and nursing women are lovely and womanly and fierce, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re eager to hop on stage and perform a striptease. Mimi strikes a gorgeous balance between pretty and practical. The initial size release is a scaled down version of Mimi’s famously vast size range (32D-FF, 34D-FF, 36D-E), but one thing I learned over and over again was that brands have to introduce new styles slowly to get the word out. If Mimi Maternity is a hit, as it should be, hopefully the size range will expand in the future.

* * * * *

Love all the great colors for the Panache sports bra. I told the ladies at the Panache booth how great it was for pole dancing, because your boobs don't fall out when you go upside down. I got mixed reactions.

Love all the great new colors for the Panache sports bra. I told the ladies at the Panache booth how great it was for pole dancing, because your boobs don’t fall out when you go upside down. I got mixed reactions.

I feel so, so fortunate to have been able to attend CurveNY. The lingerie world is in a very exciting place right now; classic brands are expanding their size and style ranges to serve more and more customers, new brands are appearing with ever more innovative designs and artistic voices, and social media is empowering customers to keep brands and stores in the loop about their wants and needs. Having seen the astounding range of offerings for A/W 2013, I can’t wait to return to CurveNY in six months to see how these offerings change and evolve for Spring/Summer 2014. Thanks so much to all of the brand reps who took time out from meeting with buyers to speak with me, and thanks to my new blog buddies for showing me the ropes!

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?

Review: Boudoir Beau by Bravissimo

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Sweets

“Boudoir Beau” Bra by Bravissimo (exclusive) in Emerald (other colors available). Sizes 28-38 DD-K. £30.00. Shorts (£17.00), Thong (£15.00) available in sizes XS-2XL.

I included this in my Full-Bust Holiday picks, and about three days later realized I really, really, really wanted it. I “needed” a new black lace bra, I wanted a new balconette bra that gave a rounded shape and good support, and I adored the bright kelly/emerald green. So Christmas present to me!

Materials/Quality:

Close-up of the lace overlay. Once again, Sweets’ smartphone photography skills put everyone to SHAME.

This is only the second Bravissimo own-brand bra I’ve kept, but I’ve been pretty consistently impressed with the quality of the Bravissimo label, even while I’ve struggled to figure out the fit. The lace is already comfortable, and I imagine it will soften even further with wear. There is a lush, puffy bow (hence the “beau” in the name) between the cups, the straps are fully adjustable, and my size closes with three sets of three hooks and eyes, which I’m coming to realize is just so dang COMFORTABLE. The details continue on to the adorable briefs, which are topped with a matching bow at the back. I tried on a Boudoir Beau set when the style was first introduced a few years ago, and my recollection was that the material was a little stretchy and flimsy. That is not the case at all now: I feel comfortable and firmly supported, and the band has so far retained its support through a month of wears and washing. Note that in certain cup sizes the top of the cup is not sheer lace as pictured on the catalogue model; it’s lined with a black mesh panel for extra support.

Appearance:

That green, y’all. I used to have a shirtdress that color that made me feel like the prettiest girl in the world. I love, love, love that green. I want a ballgown with a bustle and train in that color green. When I win an Oscar/Nobel Prize for Boobular Goodness, I will wear said ballgown. I was a little disappointed to see that in my size the proportion of black-to-green is much larger than it appears on the model. The top part of the cup kind of takes over, especially taking into account the mesh panel, which gives wonderful support but severely cuts down on the delicacy and frilliness of the style. For some, that might be a good thing, but for me, it was a bit of a bummer.

Fit/Shape:

I am so, so, so glad to have this bra in my current rotation. The shape is rounded, but not as orb-like as the perfect spheres my beloved Cleo bras give me. It’s a bit more natural shape, but no less uplifted. Cheryl over at Invest in Your Chest had a great post up recently (“Getting to the Root of the Problem“) examining how differently-constructed fit, and she pointed out the difference between bras that really lift from the root of the breast versus encircling and cradling the breast without a ton of lift. To me, the Boudoir Beau lifts and supports as beautifully as the more dramatic root-lifting bras, yet offers the more natural look of a traditional balconette bra. And it is indeed a balconette: the center wire comes up quite a bit higher than a plunge bra would, so it’s not for every neckline. After my good luck with the fit of the Lola Luxe Basque, I ordered the same size here (same band as what I wear in Panache/Cleo/Fantasie, but one cup size larger). I was worried I might find the band a bit loose, but it runs very true-to-size, which is good news for women who prefer firm bands.

This view of the back shows off the brief’s cute bow and sheer back with horizontal seam, as well as the close-set wires at the bra’s center gore.

I ordered the matching briefs (thongs are stupid and I hate them for all-day wear), but, having learned my lesson with the Lola Luxe, I ordered the next size down (same size as Freya, one size down from Cleo), and they fit like a dream. I can’t be certain, but I think when I tried the Boudoir Beau set a few years ago the briefs lacked the top back panel they have now, and as such were ludicrously, ridiculously low-cut and uncomfortable. The problem is fixed now, and I think the horizontal seam standing out against the sheer fabric is rather sexy!

Verdict:

I haven’t had this set very long, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. It’s extremely comfortable for all-day wear, gives me a flattering shape under clothes, requires little-to-no adjusting throughout the day, and, despite the seams and lace on the cup, has a pretty low profile under knit tops. My breasts are fairly full on both top and bottom, and the cup shape, center gore width, and wire placement feel like they were made for me. I am crossing my fingers for a pretty new color in Bravissimo’s early Spring collection (launching next week!). While not an absolute bargain, the price is beyond reasonable, working out to around $46.00 for the bra and $20.00 for the briefs. Considering that many full-bust boutiques in NYC have told me that I should be spending $200/bra (LUDICROUS HIGHWAY ROBBERY), I am more than happy to pay full-price for such a great bra. Highly recommended, more like this please!

Nutcracker Sweets Act IV: 5 Holiday Picks for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Sweets

So look, if you’ve just hatched a person, YOU GET TO WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT. I understand the desire for comfort above anything. I do. You just made a human being and then got it out of your body. You deserve to wear whatever the hell you feel good in. Seriously. You made a person. However, I know there are some women out there who genuinely feel better when they’re wearing something they like the look of, and that goes for their wire-free bras and nursing bras as well. With that in mind, here are some lovely-yet-functional bras for your constantly-changing boobs (woo!).

First up, for the Dance of the Reed Flutes/Candy Canes, a cotton, peppermint-striped delight by Elle MacPherson:

Elle MacPherson “Momamia” Nursing Bra. Available in sizes 32-38 D-G (UK). $54. Matching bikini brief, S-XL, $34.50.

HotMilk is, I think, one of the more awkwardly-named brands ever, but I think their products are seriously lovely, and the philosophy that pregnant and nursing women deserve beautiful, sexy lingerie too? I’m totally on board. They’re also one of the few brands that uses actual, you know, pregnant models? What a thought. Check out their website for some pretty lounge and sleep options too!

“A Little Drama” nursing bra nad matching brief by HotMilk. 32-38 D-H (UK). Currently $40.55. Bikini brief sizes S-XXL, $17.15.

Freya released their lovely “Rosie” nursing bra and soft cup bra in a fabulous Black/Fuschia color this year:

“Rosie” nursing bra by Freya, also available in white. Sizes 30-40 E-HH (UK). Soft cup bra also available, sizes 30-40 DD-HH (UK). £34.00. Matching brief and thong available in sizes S-2XL, £15.50

Here’s another full-bust favorite, this time from Panache. This is the wire-free bra in soft mesh lace, which is great for moms-to-be, and there’s also a nursing bra (with several points of adjustment to accomodate changing shape and size) in the range, for new moms.

“Sophie” Soft Cup Bra by Panache. Available in sizes 28-40 D-J (UK). £29.00. Matching short and brief available, sizes 08-18 (UK). £12.50-14.50. Also available in Pink/White. Nursing Bra £29.00, sizes 28-40 D-J (UK).

Finally, I love this one. It’s cozy and pretty and comfy and lacy, somehow all at the same time (also, the brand is called Cake, so I had to love it):

“Shortbread” wireless nursing bra by Cake. Available in sizes 32-38 B-H (US). $64. Matching French knicker available in sizes S-XL. $29.

That wraps up my holiday picks for 2012! A very happy Hanukkah and a very Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate! I hope you give and receive gifts that make you feel wonderful this year.

Nutcracker Sweets Act III: 5 Holiday Picks for Fuller Figures

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Sweets

More festive lingerie, holiday-or-otherwise! Today’s picks are for customers shopping in the full-figure market. For purposes of this post, I’ve chosen items available in at least band sizes 36-42 and at least DD cups, although some of the options are available in additional sizes.

Oh. Yeah, actually, my first pick isn’t even bra-sized. Yikes. Sorry about that. But it’s so pretty! Blue-and-Black gets me every time.

Satin and Chopper Bar Lace Chemise in Blue and Black (also in Pink and Black). $55.90 from Hips and Curves. Sizes 1X-3X.

The rear view is super, super sassy, although we can all see that the bra part fits terribly, since the back is riding up, but we are also not judging, on account of sassiness.

HELLO, Lover.

This is next one is such a sweet, delicate bra in an unusual and pretty pale pink/mink colorway. I’ve arbitrarily been assigning one set per post a variation from the Nutcracker, and this one (a steal at just $30.00!) belongs to the Marzipan Shepherdesses, hands-down.

Amour Bra in Mink-Pink by Pour Moi? available in sizes 30-44 D-G (UK). Matching short available in sizes 08-20 (UK)

Amour Bra in Mink-Pink by Pour Moi? available in sizes 30-44 D-G (UK), $30.00. Matching short available in sizes 08-22 (UK), $15.00.

As I learned delightedly in my office building’s elevator the other day, Pantone’s color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Green is really having a moment in the lingerie world, and I love the deep, sophisticated hue Goddess brings to their smooth Keira style. Emerald is available as both a soft cup and a bandless wired bra, and other colors are available in a longline-soft-cup style (black) and a nursing bra (beige).

"Keira" Soft Cup Wire-Free Bra in Emerald by Goddess (Also available in other colors and as a wired bra). Sizes 34-46 DD-N (US Sizing).

“Keira” Soft Cup Wire-Free Bra in Emerald by Goddess (Also available in other colors and as a wired bra). Sizes 34-56 B-H (US Sizing), about $45-50; banded/wired bra sizes 34-46 DD-N. Why no matching knickers, Goddess? I direct interested parties to Knickerocker on Etsy instead.

I love this next bra’s embroidery! I think if someone said to me “oh yeah, a black bra with red and gold embroidery, no really, I swear it’s not frumpy”, I’d be all “psh, prove it.” And then Elomi would prove it, with an elegant, regal bra, thusly:

“Cleo” Bandless Bra by Elomi. Available in Beige, Black, and Charcoal. Sizes vary from color to color; generally 34-48 D-G (UK). $54.00. Matching brief sizes M-4XL, $28.00.

Finally, is your party dress strapless? Check out this beautiful basque with removable straps by Pour Moi?:

Pour Moi? “Amour” basque, with removable straps and suspenders in black/pink. 32-44 B-F. $52.50. Matching thong and shortie available to size 18 (UK), $12-15

Oh what the heck, a bonus round, since the first chemise isn’t bra sized:

“Maggie” Babydoll by Elomi. Available in black, sizes 36-42 F-GG (UK). $86.00. Matching brief, sizes M-4XL, $24.00

Will any of these find their way to your Christmas tree?

Nutcracker Sweets Act II: 5 Holiday Picks for Fuller Busts

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Sweets

Welcome, my sisters, to a list of the things that are currently taunting me. Me and my credit card.

Note: for purposes of this post, “full-bust” refers to bras in sizes 28-38, from a D-cup to at least a UK G-cup. Many of the bras below also come in additional sizes.

I love this I love this I love this I want this.

“Boudoir Beau” Bra by Bravissimo (exclusive) in Emerald (other colors available). Sizes 28-38 DD-K (UK). £30.00. Shorts (£17.00), Thong (£15.00) available in sizes XS-2XL.

Remember that sassy piece of lacy loveliness Julia Lambert reviewed? Try it in Scarlet.

“Ooh-La-La” Corselette by Gossard. Available in sizes 30-38 D-G (UK). $99.00. Thong available in sizes XS-XL. $25.00.

I LOVE the pairing of electric blue and black. Red would have been more expected here, and the blue is surprising and lovely.

“Tempt Me” Plunge Bra and Suspender Short by Curvy Kate. 28-30 D-J, 32 D-HH, 34 D-H, 36 D-GG, 38 D-G. Short, Thong, and High-Waist Brief available in sizes 08-20 (UK).

Mimi Holliday’s new arrivals include this lovely bra for fuller busts, which reminds me of the snow scene in the Nutcracker:

Bisous Bisous Frost Silk Satin Maxi Bra. Available in sizes 28G-28GG, 30G-30GG, 32FF-32GG, 34F-34GG, 36E, 38DD-38E, 40D-40E. Approximately $90.00

Bisous Bisous Frost Silk Satin Maxi Bra. Available in sizes 28G-28GG, 30G-30GG, 32FF-32GG, 34F-34GG, 36E, 38DD-38E, 40D-40E (don’t see your size? it’s probably available in one of the collection’s other styles). Approximately $90.00

In addition to the lovely bra, there are also a plunge bra, shoulder bra, comfort bra, high-waist knicker, classic knicker, classic lace knicker, smooth knicker, lace boy short, lace bow-back thong, suspender, teddy, cami, French knickers, body, and slip. Just, you know, if you’re starved for choices.

A few more of the items available in the Bisous Bisous Frost collection

Finally, for those full-bust ladies who are sick of lace and ruffles but still want a little glam in their wardrobe, check out the “Ali” range by Louise Ferdinand, made of luscious silk dupioni. Lovely and badass all at once.

"Ali" by Louise Ferdinand. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J (JJ-KK available; contact seller). Bra £77.00, Knicker £48.00 (8-22 (UK))

“Ali” by Louise Ferdinand. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J (UK) (JJ-KK available; contact seller). Bra £77.00, Knicker £48.00 (8-22 (UK))

Sweet Nothings

Tag Archives: sassy lingerie

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

A Full-Bust Wishlist

CurveNY Preview: Claudette

CurveNY New Find: Kitten Kouture

Dispatches from CurveNY

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

Review: Boudoir Beau by Bravissimo

Nutcracker Sweets Act IV: 5 Holiday Picks for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

Nutcracker Sweets Act III: 5 Holiday Picks for Fuller Figures

Nutcracker Sweets Act II: 5 Holiday Picks for Fuller Busts

Follow “Sweet Nothings”