Figleaves 'Lulu Tout' blogger dinner & SS14 lingerie & swimwear lookbooks

   

   As regular Undercover Lingerista readers might have guessed, I am a huge fan of Figleaves and I have been a loyal customer ever since discovering their expansive range of fuller bust lingerie and swimwear delights. Not so long ago, I was incredibly lucky to receive an (edible!) invitation to a very special Figleaves blogger dinner to showcase their new Spring/Summer 2014 lingerie and swimwear collections. 

   The event was held at the luxurious South Place Hotel, where we enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails in the exclusive 'Secret Garden' bar, followed by a decadent three course meal at the 'Chef's View' in the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant, situated on the top floor of the hotel. 

   The chef's table boasted amazing views; floor-to-ceiling glass windows which overlooked a skyline of iconic London landmarks (including the Gherkin and Tower 42), as well as a window into the bustling kitchen, where we could see our food being prepared!

(Picture credit: Figleaves.com)

   The food was absolutely impeccable and given the restaurant's seafood specialism, I opted for ceviche scallops to start, followed by confit duck... 

  

   Whilst we dined, Figleaves' head buyer gave us food for thought with an insight into the making of the SS14 lingerie and swimwear campaigns, in addition to talking us through some of the stunning new products and ranges. Figleaves' exclusive new line, 'Lulu Tout', rendered every blogger dreamy-eyed.. and quite rightly so! The collection adopts the quintessential elegance of classic French lingerie, with stylish and sophisticated separates that deliver the luxurious aesthetics associated with designer underwear..without the accompanying price tag! 

   The 'Lulu Tout' collection offers an impressive sizing range (back sizes 30-38 and cup sizes A-H), alongside affordable price points (£24 for a bra and £15-£16 for a matching coordinate). The range features 3 debut designs; the 'Amelie', 'Coco Lace' and 'Fleur Rose', which come in different colourways.

   Interestingly, Figleaves have tailored the design and construction of the bras to different bust sizes; a balcony bra for A-DD cups and a fuller coverage bra for DD-H cups. Fortunately, Figleaves understand that lingerie should be supportive and pretty in every size and it is refreshing to see that Lulu Tout's DD+ bras retain the sensuality and elegance of their A-DD cup counterparts:

LULU TOUT LOOKBOOK

   If you were fond of Figleaves' first own brand, 'Midnight Grace', you will love the stylish and whimsical French-style designs of Lulu Tout. The feminine cuts, beautiful fabrics, attention to detail and value for money are ideal for fashion-conscious women who love luxurious lingerie on a budget..

AMELIE:

   'Amelie' epitomises sophistication in classic black or electric blue. The bra features a plunging neckline and sheer mesh base, giving this bra undeniable sex-appeal. The cups boast a beautiful scalloped overlay, embroidered with an intricate, beaded spot pattern that evokes something of the Art-Deco movement. The black version exudes a timeless wearability, whilst the electric blue scores serious style points with its almost mermaid-like sensuality.

Lulu Tout 'Amelie' underwired bra, DD-H, £24

Lulu Tout 'Amelie underwired bra in electric blue, DD-H, £24

COCO LACE:

   The Lulu Tout 'Coco Lace' is the ideal bra for those in search of a bra that merges practicality and elegance. 'Coco Lace' boasts a feminine cut with a supportive sling design, helping to bring the bust inwards and upwards for a stunning silhouette. The sheer mesh cups are scalloped and finished with an exquisite pinstripe embroidery. The charcoal colourway provides a perfect alternative to black, whilst the deep emerald delivers a touch of luxury.

Lulu Tout 'Coco lace' underwired bra in emerald, DD-H, £24

Lulu Tout 'Coco lace' underwired bra in grey, DD-H, £24

FLEUR ROSE:

   The 'Fleur Rose' embodies the perfect synergy of classic, feminine styling with modern day 'edge'. Taking inspiration from the 'tattoo effect' lingerie trend, Figleaves have embroidered a sketched-style rose pattern on to the mesh cups - a particularly eye-catching combination in the nude/ black colourway! The bra's glamorous appeal is enhanced by the scalloped edging, central bow motif and pleated straps. Definitely a bra to make you go ooh-la-la!

Lulu Tout 'Fleur Rose' underwired bra in nude/black, DD-H, £24

Lulu Tout 'Fleur Rose' underwired bra in purple, DD-H, £24

***

FIGLEAVES SWIMWEAR LOOKBOOK

   This brings me to talk about the final collection that was presented to us at the blogger dinner - the Figleaves SS14 Swimwear range! Figleaves is a real 'one-stop-shop' when it comes to swimwear, stocking a fabulous selection of over 40 swimwear brands. Amongst these brands, are Figleaves' own-labels (Figleaves Swimwear, Figleaves Active, Midnight Grace, Just Peachy and Sophina), which really appear to be coming into their own in the style stakes. True to form, Figleaves' own brands offer up trend-led, affordable swimwear designs in sizes 8-20, back sizes 30-38 and cup sizes up to a GG. 

   Figleaves presents key Spring/Summer 2014 trends across its collections, with an abundance of nautical spots and stripes, tropical, aztec and floral prints, retro-inspired swimsuits, high-waisted bikini briefs and longlines in eye-catching summer hues and maritime colour palettes. Here are some of my top picks:

NAUTICAL BUT NICE

Midnight Grace by Figleaves Anchor Longline Bikini, £30

   Ahoy sailor! Channel the nautical trend with this unique longline anchor bikini from Midnight Grace. A fun twist on classic nautical stripes, this navy blue longline boasts a quirky anchor pattern, set off by flashes of bright red, for a contemporary finish.

TOTALLY TROPICAL

Figleaves Swimwear Congo Underwired Padded Plunge Bikini, £28

   Sizzle under the sun in the eye-catching 'Congo' bikini! Featuring a vivid coral and black leafy palm print with glamorous gold bead motifs, this cleavage-flattering plunge bikini is sure to command attention on the beach!

FLORAL BLOOM

Midnight Grace by Figleaves Daisy Underwired Tummy Control Swimsuit, £40

   Be bold this Summer in graphic florals with the Midnight Grace 'Daisy' swimsuit. Feminine, flirty and just a bit retro, this padded halterneck swimsuit features tummy control and cup sizes up to a G, to support and flatter your curves to perfection!

SO RETRO

Midnight Grace by Figleaves Pin-Up Bandeau Bikini, £28 (high waist briefs: £18)

   Bring out your inner pin-up girl in the gorgeous Midnight Grace 'Pin Up Dotty' bikini. The all-over polka dot and stripe print is given a punchy, modern update with its vivid green hue, whilst the bandeau bikini top and flattering high-waisted bikini bottoms deliver a classic and beautifully feminine silhouette.

VIVA LA FIESTA

Midnight Grace by Figleaves Santana Frill Halter Bikini, £28

  Turn up the heat with the colourful 'Santana' halterneck bikini from Midnight Grace. This flattering halterneck bikini features a feminine floral print with a contrasting 'aztec' frill, which adds a quirky edge. The popping colour palette will ensure that you make waves whether you're at a festival, pool party or relaxing on the beach!

BOND GIRL CHIC

Sophina by Figleaves Icon Mesh Bikini, £32

   For the ultimate in pool-side glamour, the Sophina 'Icon Mesh' bikini will have you looking and feeling as fabulous as a Bond girl. This chic, black, sweetheart bikini is complemented by a seductive spot mesh overlay, which adorns the bikini neck ties and sexy cut-out briefs. This bikini certainly has a licence to thrill!

***

   Figleaves has some very exciting lingerie and swimwear designs for Spring/ Summer 2014 and I continue to be impressed with the diverse selection of designs on offer to a wide range of sizes. I was delighted by the Figleaves blogger event as a whole; an edible invitation, cocktails, fine dining and gorgeous lingerie could only ever be recipe for success! Most importantly, the event was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for lingerie with other like-minded individuals and it was fantastic to be able to speak directly to a company that I have championed for such a long time.

   Although it doesn't take much for me to wax lyrical about Figleaves and the amazing range of lingerie and swimwear brands on their site, their own-brands are definitely something to watch out for. Take a peek at the Figleaves website to see all of their latest products and keep an eye on my blog, as I will be reviewing a gorgeous set from Figleaves' own brand very soon...

What do you think of Figleaves' own brands? Have you tried them yet?

Love,

Swimwear365 launch with Sam Faiers from TOWIE

A few weeks ago, I was lucky to be invited to the launch of Swimwear365, a new online company that stocks an ever-growing range of fashionable swimwear (sizes 8-28 and cup sizes A-E) and beach accessories. Swimwear365 chose to have their launch event on their very own branded bus, which set off on a 3-stop Press tour around London! 

At each stop, the Swimwear 365 bus welcomed eager press and fashion journos on board to view the swimwear collections and have a chat to their bubbly, blonde celebrity ambassador...The Only Way is Essex's Sam Faiers!

Being a fan of beach holidays and soaking up the sun in a bikini, Sam Faiers is an ideal choice of ambassador for the brand. In fact, on the Press day, Sam had only just got back from a holiday in Dubai and was looking very tanned and smiley!

I got on the Swimwear365 bus at Great Malborough Street and was welcomed by a topless male model serving drinks and tasty Swimwear365 cupcakes! 

With my trusty camera in one hand and a drink in the other, I ascended the steps inside the bus up to the top deck, where there were rails of multi-coloured swimwear to discover. I could feel myself beginning to mentally pack a holiday suitcase...!

There was a great variety of brands on show, including French Connection, Jette, Lascana, S. Oliver, Playful Promises, Buffalo, Marie Claire, KangaROOS and more, meaning that there was something for many different tastes. I noticed distinct trends that threaded the brands into cohesive collections for Spring/Summer 2012...

FLORAL NOTES

Florals are a huge trend this S/S12, from girly and feminine ditsy florals to bold and colourful tropical flower digital prints...

(Ditsy florals - Marie Claire, Playful Promises, S. Oliver..)

(French Connection multi-coloured bandeau bikini and cutaway swimsuit)

(Sam modelling the Lascana tropical print white floral bikini)

NAUTICALS

Take inspiration from the French Riviera and channel classic nautical chic with stripes, marine motifs and colour combinations of white, navy blue and red...

(Ahoy sailor! Nautical swimwear including the glamorous Lascana marine blue bandeau bikini - I love the contrasting white buttons!)

(Go dotty for this retro red 50s style Lascana polka dot swimsuit - the ruching along the torso is ideal for flattering your curves!)

EYE-CATCHING COLOURS & PRINTS

This Spring/Summer is all about making a statement, so a kaleidoscope of bright colours and bold prints are key. Try colour-blocking, mix and match, colour clashes and unusual prints...or just wear an unusual single-coloured piece...

(This raspberry-purple Lascana gathered swimsuit is perfect for injecting some pool-side glamour) 

(This digital print Playful Promises white hummingbird bandeau bikini is very eye-catching with its vivid colour palette and pretty bird print)

(A unique take on snake print - the Lascana purple print triangle bikini)

AZTEC AND TRIBAL TOUCHES

Aztec and tribal prints are big news this S/S12, with a focus on bold contrasting ikat prints, geometric and ethnic-inspired patterns, often complimented by beads and other embellishments... 

(The Playful Promises black gathered tribal bandeau bikini was one of my favourite pieces and I love the multi-coloured bead-style embroidery!)

(The Jette aztec print triangle bikini is really eye-catching with its tie-dye colour palette and stylish hoop rings)

(This S. Oliver aztec print underwired bikini is a quirky take on the Aztec trend. It really packs a punch with its vibrant colour scheme of zesty limes, yellows and pinks and blue and purple neons.)

I was able to have a little chat with Sam about the Swimwear365 collections and her excitement to be the face of the brand was clear. She loved the selection of different styles and cited the Jette white sparkling triangle bikini as one of her favourite pieces as it would look "amazing with a tan"! The gold studs definitely give this bikini a TOWIE glam finish!

Take a look at the video below to find out more about the Swimwear365 launch. (Can you spot me?)

View the full swimwear collections at www.swimwear365.co.uk

Love,
Kitty xo

Storming the catwalk for LFW: Paolita, Playful Promises, Kiss Me Deadly and Lucile

   A little while ago, I was invited to attend an exciting independent lingerie and swimwear show which kicked off at the very beginning of London Fashion Week 2012. The event took place at the fabulous Cirque du Soir club in Soho and the brands on showcase included some of my favourite 'indie' brands: Paolita, Playful Promises, Kiss Me Deadly and Lucile...

The venue was a real feast for the eyes, with its a quirky backdrop of striped and geometric optical illusion walls, antique-style mirrors, bright lights, chairs hanging from the ceiling, plush four poster beds and a 'freak show' themed toilet (check out the kitsch leg and bottom sinks!) 

The show began with a fabulous burlesque performance from Aurora Galore, who ramped up the heat with  her mesmerising fire breathing and dance act.

Afterwards, DJ Alexia got the crowd pumping for the highly anticipated catwalk show! 

Paolita was first to hit the runway and boy was it an entrance! The models strutted confidently down the runway in Anna Paola's stunning S/S12 collection and never seen before 'Resort' collection, which featured paintbox brights, muted feminine shades and monochrome gingham checks. Inspired by European post-war fashion with an emphasis on structured and curve flattering designs, Paolita really commanded the catwalk.

(Mam'zelle Maz in the colourful paisley 'Belladonna' swimsuit)

(The popular Paolita 'Lace' bikini is updated in purple for S/S12 - the ultimate in feminine chic.)

Credit: Iliana Nunn

(Going for gold in the Paolita 'Luxor' cut-out swimsuit. This metallic number will definitely turn heads on the beach!)

Credit: Iliana Nunn

(A model rocks the Paolita Lace dress - a simple way to add a touch of luxe to your beach look)

(This patterned swimsuit from Paolita's 2012 Resort Collection really stood out on the catwalk. I love the combination of the paisley with striking red panels, which contour to the curves of the body!)

(Models before the show flaunt Paolita's Resort collection for the cameras) 

   Playful promises showcased their stunning new collection entitled 'Anatomy of a heart', which was every bit as seductive and lustful as the name suggests. Cue Playful Promises' knock-out corsets and lingerie with an even racier twist with bondage inspired straps, ribbons and lashings of vintage glamour!

(The knock-out 'Dominique' corset drew many admiring looks)

(The gorgeous new version of the much-loved 'Etti' longline in seductive noir satin)

Credit: Iliana Nunn

Much to my delight, Playful Promises also showcased some of their new swimwear collection, which was awash with bright colours, bold digital prints and embroidery.

(Exotic paradise: the Digital hummingbird print frill bandeau bikini)

(On-trend Aztec print - the Future tribal embroidery bandeau bikini)

(Having a look through the new Playful Promises range backstage...)

Next up was Kiss Me Deadly, a collection inspired by the dark and seductive forces of the super-villainess. The range played on the notion of dark and light; angelic ivories and nude peach contrasted with jet black. The collection was also offset by sumptuous jewel tones of blue and emerald green. Models sashayed down the catwalk in a range of sexy corselettes, bralets, high waisted knickers and longline briefs...

(Feminine charm: the peach 'Amelie' bra set - complete with ivory eyelash lace and satin bows)

(Blushing bride: this stunning shaping ivory girdle is the ultimate in bridal beauty!) 

(Definitely one for my wedding wishlist!)

(A model shows off the seductive multiway 'Vargas' corselette dress)

(A touch of opulence in the jewel blue bralet with sheer polka dot longline knickers)

(The eye-catching peacock green 'Fifi' bralet and high waisted knickers decorated with deco-style stitching)

(Kiss Me Deadly corsets and lingerie drawings on display after the show)

Last but certainly not least, Lucile hit the runway. If you haven't heard of Lucile, you're in for a treat. Camilla Blois, the great-great granddaughter of revolutionary 19th century couture designer, Lady Duff Gordon, has breathed new life in to her ancestor's legacy with the new luxury lingerie label: 'Lucile'. Lucile's debut A/W12 range comprises two collections - "The Duchess of Warwick" and "The Queen of Spain", which both had the Cirque du Soir audience enthralled...

(Sophistication and elegance: the 'Duchess of Warwick' silk and lace plunge bra set in champagne gold)

(One of my personal favourites - the exquisite Lucile Long Indiscretions gown in nude blush)

(Seductive señorita: the 'Queen of Spain' ruby red silk balcony bra with floral embroidered high waisted briefs)

(All eyes were on this stunning red 'Queen of Spain' halterneck gown - sumptuously luxurious and regal!) 

(A rapturous applause for all of the designers involved in the Cirque du Soir London Fashion Week show!)

Credit: Iliana Nunn

(I couldn't resist getting a snap of Anna Paola from Paolita in her stylish outfit..she's wearing her black 'Carmen Miranda' swimsuit as a body!)

A fantastic evening was definitely had by all and a huge congratulations goes to all of the brands for a brilliant catwalk collection showcase! As if my evening couldn't get any better, the goody bag that I received was the icing on the cake! I got my very own satin-y Kiss Me Deadly suspender belt complete with eyelash lace and the beyond gorgeous Playful Promises peach detail waspie in dusky pink with contrasting black eyelash lace (it is SO flattering on!)

To find out more about each individual designer, click below to discover their new collections:

Paolita

Playful Promises

Kiss Me Deadly

Lucile

Love,

Kitty xo