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Wednesday 22 February 2012

Hello, 'Kitty'! A By Caprice lingerie review..


   I first came across Caprice Bourret's lingerie brand, 'By Caprice', last year and consequently reviewed the 'Audrey' set (click to read here). I was impressed with By Caprice's offerings and decided to keep an eye on the brand's development in the following months.

   Sure enough, the Spring/Summer 2012 collection went to press with a bang, boasting a whole host of sultry new styles; such as the 'Morticia', 'Dianthus' and 'Greta'. The S/S12 collection exudes 'femme fatale', with its feminine embroidery and sexy cuts, but at the same time it retains its playfulness with floral motifs and dashes of colour.

   The range, however, encompasses far more than basic bra sets. The collection includes the 'Greta' babydoll (a seductive red and black mesh number with an incorporated moulded bra) and the effortlessly glamorous 'Morticia' ruched thong back body, which comes in black/nude and ivory.  


The set that caught my eye was the aptly named, 'Kitty' (which interestingly enough, is a bit of a side-step from the general feel of the collection)... 


   The 'Kitty' set features a moulded underwired padded bra with a chiffon overlay. The bra is covered in a leopard print pattern in blue tones, with contrasting cornflower blue straps and bow motifs. Matching leopard print chiffon ruffle briefs are also available to compliment the bra. Thanks to By Caprice, I was lucky enough to be sent my namesake 'Kitty' set to try for size...


   As you can see, in real life, the 'Kitty' set differs noticeably from the promotional shot of Caprice wearing it. Firstly, the blue tones are more muted in real life and grey actually features quite dominantly in the colour palette. This was actually a pleasant surprise, as I was worried that the pattern would look a bit garish from the promotional picture! Additionally, the chiffon has a slight glittery sheen to it, which catches the light and gives the set a subtle sparkle...


   By Caprice have managed to merge a leopard print pattern with a fashion-forward injection of colour, to keep the 'Kitty' looking edgy. The blue ruffled straps, dainty bow motifs and blue edging along the bottom of the band make the 'Kitty' an original take on a classic print, whilst keeping the look sophisticated! 


   As with the 'Audrey' set, I opted for the 30FF in the 'Kitty', rather than my "sister size" of 30F (the same volume as my usual 28FF bra size). Unfortunately, 28 backs are not available in By Caprice underwear, so the 30 back was the best option for me. The band was a little loose, but not by any means unwearable. 

   I am very glad that I went up a cup size, as I feel that the By Caprice bras that I have tried tended to run a bit small in the cups. This could also be partly due to the bra cups having inbuilt graduated padding...


   Although padding is somewhat of a rarity in larger cup sizes, By Caprice recognise that some girls like a bit of a boost every now and again, regardless of their cup size! Luckily, the padding is foamy and quite light-weight, meaning that unlike many of the super-padded gel bras that are on the market at the moment, it does not feel uncomfortable or strange when worn. The boost is quite subtle, so you won't feel self-conscious or as if you have had an overnight boob job!

   The shape that the 'Kitty' bra gives is nice and rounded and the plunge cut makes it flattering to your bust - ideal for wearing under 'V' cut tops. After prolonged wear, I found that the straps put a bit of pressure on my shoulders, but this could be easily rectified by wearing a 28 back (hint, hint!)..

   I received the 'Kitty' chiffon briefs in a size medium (10-12), which match the bra with its blue leopard print design. 



  As you can see from the pictures, the 'Kitty' briefs are a more conventional 'knicker brief' cut. In comparison to the 'Audrey' shorties that I own, their cut makes them comfier for everyday wear. (It is worth mentioning that you may need to size up in By Caprice briefs, as they have a skimpier cut and seem a little smaller than other brands that I have tried.)

Overall, I really liked the 'Kitty' knickers, which juxtapose the sexiness of semi-sheer chiffon with delicate and flirty ruffles and bow motifs...


   It certainly isn't every day that you come across your 'bra namesake', so it can only be fate that I tried the 'Kitty'! Despite any initial hesitations that I had about owning a blue leopard print bra, the 'Kitty' surprised me and it looks so much more stylish in real life. 

   By Caprice have revolutionised leopard print for me, with their edgy mixture of print with an eye-catching blue and grey colour scheme. Even my other half (who isn't usually an animal print fan) said how much he liked the design! 

   The 'Kitty' set is available from 30-38 backs and from cup sizes A-G, meaning that a range of sizes can take a walk on the wild side with this leopard print number! What's more, the By Caprice 'Kitty' is very affordable at £26 for the bra and £14 for the briefs. 

   The 'Kitty' is definitely a set to make you feel like a fully fledged glamour puss, so get ready to take a walk on the wild side...



(To find out more, take a look at the By Caprice official website or buy online at ASOS, FigleavesLittlewoods or New Look)   

Love,
Kitty xo

Sunday 5 February 2012

Breakfast with Gok: "Wall of Fame" S/S12 press launch

   Whilst most mornings, breakfast for me usually involves a quick bite of toast and swig of orange juice before rushing off to work, I was delighted to receive a breakfast invitation recently, which promised to take me away from my daily routine! This was not just any breakfast invite, however, but the opportunity to grab a coffee and croissant with none other than the star of TV's "How to Look Good Naked"..the amazing, Gok Wan!  

   The event marked the launch of Gok Wan's Spring/Summer 2012 Shapewear collection (exclusive to Simply Yours and Simply Be), titled the "Wall of Fame"... 


The launch took place at the "W Hotel" in Leicester Square, in the fabulous "E WOW suite", which was every bit as 'wow' as the name suggests... 


The "E WOW suite" was a beautifully designed and spacious room, with slightly 'retro' feeling decor. The lounge area featured an amazing circular couch, which revolved (!) and the 'eating area' was partitioned off by a fibre optic curtain... 

 (www.wlondon.co.uk)


The breakfast area:


After a cup of tea and a natter with some of the other lovely bloggers there, I noticed a familiar face emerging from behind the fibre optic curtain...


A smiley Auntie Gok walked in and welcomed everyone warmly to the launch, offering tea and coffee to all, as any good party host would! The best part, of course, was seeing Gok's "Wall of Fame" collection in the flesh, which was set up neatly on a rail in the lounge area...



   Gok's "Wall of Fame" Shapewear collection builds on Gok's most popular shapes and designs, which have consequently been revamped and updated for SS12. Gok adds a twist to his classic shapewear styles with exciting new colours and improved fit and shape, which becomes all important to Gok's desire to make women feel empowered, feminine and confident in their own bodies. The range has also been expanded to a G cup.


   The collection is made up of six key pieces: the multi-way "Banger Booster" bra, "Pull Me In" Pants, "Curve Controller" body, "Slicker Knicker", "Sassy Slip" and "Divine Outline" multiway slip, which are all available in 'Crush' (vibrant coral), 'Sweet Slate' (slate grey) and 'Blush' (pale pink). The collection uses seamless panelling, boning and Powermesh technology to make each piece comfortable, supportive and figure-flattering.


First up is the "Curve controller" in 'Sweet slate' and 'Blush'; a style that mixes the support of an underwire bra with a curve-smoothing body:



The "Divine Outline" in 'Sweet slate' and 'Crush' coral: a body-smoothing dress slip that will enhance your cleavage ( and can be worn with a bra underneath):



The "Pull Me In" pants in 'Sweet Slate', 'Crush' and 'Blush' - a great design that makes full use of power mesh panelling to keep your curves in place:



The "Slicker Knicker" in 'Blush' - tummy controlling and curve smoothing, with mesh panels to reduce VPL. The back ruching will also flatter your bum!


The "Sassy Slip" in 'Blush':


 and 'Crush':


   The "Sassy Slip" was my favourite piece (being almost like a 'corselette' body shaper). It features detachable multi-way straps for versatility, fully underwired bra cups, hook and eye closures at the back for added support and security, streamlining vertical panels, zig-zag stitching and a cute hanging charm at the centre of the cups. To top it off, the "Sassy Slip" also boasts sexy suspender straps and an in-built body with a hook and eye closure at the crotch. This piece has it all and is so pretty that I would almost be tempted to wear it as outerwear!
 

   Gok Wan's "Wall of Fame" is a great capsule collection of shapewear pieces that are both practical and fashionable. Gok proves that shapewear shouldn't have to stay "hidden" with his original colour choices. The 'Sweet Slate' grey makes a great change from traditional black and gives the pieces a sophisticated feel. Even the 'Blush' pink colour makes a lovely alternative to 'nude' (which is a slightly contentious word in itself due to skin colour variations). The 'Blush' is versatile in that it can act as a 'nude' to lighter skin tones and flatter darker complexions beautifully. My favourite colour is the coral 'Crush', which despite being the least practical of the colours, gives every piece a unique and modern edge - perfect for Spring/Summer, whilst showing that shapewear can be fun, sexy and stylish! 

Thanks once again to Simply Yours, Chase PR and Gok Wan for a fabulous day!


Gok's "Wall of Fame" collection is available in sizes 30A-49G and launches on the 1st March at www.simplyyours.co.uk


Love,
Kitty xo