Copping a feel with Ann Summers and Coppafeel! for Breast Cancer Awareness

   As many of you know, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month; an international campaign fronted by charities to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for research into prevention and treatment. According to statistics, nearly 50,000 people every year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK (source). Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, around 400 men are diagnosed annually, meaning that it is vitally important for everyone to check themselves regularly and understand what normal feels like for their body.

   Coppafeel! is an amazing charity that has been particularly busy in their crusade for cancer awareness since 2009. Coppafeel! was founded by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at just 23, and since then, she has made it her mission to bring breast health to the forefront of young people's attention. Coppafeel! integrates their message into 'everyday life' by taking to festivals,  universities, schools and workplaces, organising events, social media campaigns, fundraisers and celebrity collaborations to encourage people to 'cop a feel' and, ultimately, save lives! 

   This October, Ann Summers has become the latest brand to collaborate with Coppafeel! through the launch of their #showthemsomelove campaign. As a brand by women, for women, Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) states: "We are incredibly proud to support Coppafeel! and their vital message. Breast cancer devastates the lives of too many women and it is our hope that this partnership will help remind all our customers to check themselves often, be aware of the symptoms and give generously to Coppafeel!, who work tirelessly in the fight against breast cancer".

   Ann Summers has been flying the flag for breast health and cancer awareness through the distribution of in-store awareness leaflets and a free text reminder service has been created to encourage customers to check themselves regularly (text ANN SUMMERS to 70300). Additionally, Ann Summers has organised in-store (and head office) fundraisers to support the cause, including a special press event to celebrate Ann Summers' partnership with Coppafeel!

   The event took place at the Westfield Stratford City Ann Summers store and there was a real buzz outside the store as guests (and celebrity VIP's) started to rock up. The event saw appearances from TOWIE's Sam Faiers and Carol Wright, singer Lydia Lucy and MIC's Ashley James (who I had a little natter to about fuller bust bras!)

   Never ones to shy away from the 'sex factor', Ann Summers caused a stir both inside and outside of the store by enlisting some topless 'Adonis' hunks to support the fundraising initiative!

 Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO, Ann Summers) (Credit: Ann Summers)

   On arrival, guests were treated to a complimentary glass of champagne (or a smoothie!) and were free to peruse the current collections of sexy lingerie and accessories on sale.. (as well as marvel at the giant bunny display piece!)

   Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) both spoke passionately about their collaboration and the breast cancer awareness cause, with Kris affirming that the partnership with Ann Summers "throughout October and beyond gives Coppafeel! an amazing platform to reach our core target audience."

    (L-R: Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Ann Summers & Kris Hallenga, Coppafeel!)

   

     Afterwards, I headed off to the Ann Summers changing rooms for a bra fit and I was delighted to see a continuation of the Ann Summers/ Coppafeel! partnership there too! On the mirror was one of Coppafeel!'s latest adverts, shot by reknowned fashion and portrait photographer, Rankin. The image serves as a great reminder to customers to 'cop a feel' whilst they're trying on their lingerie in the changing room, but also to check themselves regularly!

  At the end of the evening, Ann Summers kindly gave guests a fabulous booby goody bag to take home, including a bra of our choice, Coppafeel! information leaflets and a brilliant "I love boobs" mug and 'stress boobs' - the perfect gift for any lingerie blogger!

   A huge thank you again to Ann Summers for inviting me along to this wonderful event - it was a brilliant evening and a great opportunity to show support for such an important cause!

***

   Don't forget to keep 'copping a feel' so that you know what normal feels like for you. You can find out more about Coppafeel!'s amazing work here and if you want to receive those all-important free reminders to check yourself monthly, text 'ANN SUMMERS' or 'BOOBS' to 70300.

Stay tuned for another Ann Summers blog post coming very soon..!

Love,

Cosmopolitan #fashfest Lingerie Show 2014

    Following the successful launch of Cosmopolitan FASHION (Cosmo's new stand-alone fashion magazine), Cosmo have launched the UK's first fashion festival, #FashFest! Running from the 15th-19th September, Fash Fest delivers a spectacular line-up of events, kicking off with a live lingerie catwalk show, followed by a celebrity fashion masterclass, online shopping evening, Cosmo fashion awards night, culminating in the Cosmo wrap party on Friday 19th. 

   In the throes of London Fashion Week, #fashfest presents the very best in high street fashion and with sponsors such as ASOS, Very and Brand Alley, Cosmo seeks to give its readers the "ultimate fashion experience", showcasing key A/W14 trends and translating them into wearable styles that can then be purchased post-event. Unlike many LFW shows (which are limited to industry insiders), #FashFest is special in that it puts the fashion-loving consumer firmly in the front row and tickets are available to the public from just £30! 

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

    Having already heard great things about the Cosmopolitan lingerie show last year, I was delighted to be invited as one of Cosmo's VIP bloggers to the sell-out lingerie show this year, which took place at the grand-looking One Marylebone.

   After meeting Cheryl from Invest in Your Chest in the queue, we were greeted by Taylor, the editor of Cosmo BODY, who gave us a tour of the stylish venue. With a glass of bubbly in hand, we ascended the spiral staircase to the galleries to explore the many delights that were on offer; from hair styling by Paul Mitchell to 'face-mapping' by Dermalogica, makeovers by Urban Decay and manicures by Barry M! 

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

 (Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   Aside from the array of complimentary pampering delights on offer, there were (of course) rails upon rails of a lingerista's dream-come-true; beautiful lingerie from names such as Wonderbra, Triumph and B.Tempt'd!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

I loved B.Tempt'd's flirty lingerie offerings! Paintbox brights, playful sheer lace bralets and contour bras with cute polkadots, lace and bow motifs!

Wonderbra (Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

I spent quite a lot of time nattering to the Triumph team - their 'Magic wire' bra really caught my eye with its buttery soft fabric and lightweight silicone underwires!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   I was also happy to see that the Freya booth had made an appearance, giving Cosmo readers the opportunity to get a personal bra fitting to ensure that they were wearing the right size!

(Pic credit: Coppafeel)

   I also stopped by the Coppafeel 'boob booth' and met the team behind the amazing breast health and cancer awareness charity. Coppafeel's #brahijack campaign involves lingerie brands placing a 'breast care' label in their bras as an all-important daily reminder for women to check their breasts.

***

   Next, Cheryl and I were lucky enough to be invited backstage to experience the pre-show set-up and take a peek at the looks that the models would be sporting on the catwalk! There was a sense of excited anticipation as the event organisers and stylists added the finishing touches and the models prepared to hit the runway...

   

   After seeing exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes, we headed into the main hall; a breath-taking 27 foot high room with beautiful mosaics, stained glass windows and majestic columns and arches - the perfect backdrop for the Cosmo lingerie show!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   We took our seats on the front row and before we knew it, the hall had filled with hundreds of people! The show kicked off with an introduction from Cosmopolitan's editor, Louise Court, followed by a talk by Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel - the overarching message being that lingerie is a stylish and essential foundation that has the ability to support and empower the wearer (hear, hear!)

(L-R: Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel and Louise Court, Editor of Cosmopolitan)

   Before the catwalk show started, canapés arrived and guests were treated to a special performance by 'The Voice' runner up, Leah McFall (Will.i.am's protegée). As a fan of Leah's from the TV show, I was delighted by her live performance and impressive vocal runs!

***

THE CATWALK

   After a quick trip to the bar to grab a delicious 'Cosmopolitan' cocktail, the lights dimmed and the hotly-anticipated Cosmopolitan #fashfest Lingerie Catwalk Show began! Models strutted their stuff on the runway in a show-stopping array of lingerie from highstreet favourites such as ASOS, Pour Moi, Triumph, Brand Alley, Very, Wonderbra, B.Tempt'd, Gossard, and Accessorize.

   Autumn/Winter 2014 trends were grouped into 8 categories, making for a cohesive and fluid catwalk show that really made sense to the viewer. From cleavage-enhancing push-ups to bright lace triangle bras, embellished basques and kimonos, feminine floral nightwear and cut-out detail strappy bras and bodysuits, there was indeed something for everyone...

COLOURFUL BRIGHTS

   Although neons seem to have faded along with Summer, lingerie is staying bright for A/W14 - cue rich jewel tones in purple, blue and raspberry alongside dusky pinks. Both padded and unpadded styles featured strongly, with lace overlays, trims and bow motifs being the order of the day.

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

WICKED WHITES

   Classic, crisp white lingerie never dates and brands gave white a modern update through the use of layered lace, edgy strapping and cut-out detailing (Pour Moi) and sexy sheer fabrics contrasted with delicate embroidery (ASOS). Whoever said that white lingerie was boring!?

ANIMAL PRINTS

   Lingerie goes into the wild this A/W14, with models appearing in a range of soft cup bras, padded plunges, sexy basques and floaty kimonos.. all in leopard print! ASOS and Pour Moi set off their bold leopard prints with contrasting black trims, whereas B.Tempt'd and Brand Alley took a slightly softer approach to animal print, with a palette of muted browns and greys.

EDGY BOUDOIR

   Definitely one of my favourite A/W14 trends from the catwalk show, these designs embody the ultimate in sexy, fashion-forward boudoir lingerie! Models sashayed down the catwalk in heart-stopping shapes made from chiffon, lace and sumptuous satin; cinched-in strappy bodysuits, simple-but-sexy padded and unpadded bras, floaty babydolls and retro high-waisted knickers.
 

SMOKY TONES

   Models smouldered in smoky hues, with chic black and and slate grey dominating the catwalk. Wonderbra, Triumph, ASOS and Brand Alley proved that shapewear can be sexy, showcasing a range of lingerie designs; from slip skirts to bodies, strapless bras to high waisted knickers. Mesh inserts, lace trims, strapping and sequins were added to classic shapewear pieces to give them the 'wow factor'..and wow us they did!

FLIRTY FLORALS

   Although I normally associate florals with Summer, Monsoon & Accessorize presented some gorgeous transitional nightwear pieces to take us into Autumn. Fabrics were light-weight (predominantly satin, chiffon and lace) and colours were muted and feminine, with an abundance of dusky pinks, greys and purples. Prints ranged from floral blooms to birds, butterflies and even bicycles!

FLATTERING FLESH TONES

   'Flesh tone'/ beige lingerie is often seen as 'practical' rather than sexy, but brands really pushed the boat out with a gorgeous selection of satin, lace and chiffon pieces in rose, beige and creamy hues. Longline bras, boleros, bras and nightgowns were embellished with lace, embroidery, beads and diamantés, for a touch of luxe sophistication!

RED HOT

   Sizzling, racy and undeniably glamorous, red lingerie is here to stay for A/W14. Brand Alley, Triumph and Gossard at Brand Alley showcased sophisticated shapes that exuded retro appeal, whilst B.Tempt'd took a playful approach with their unpadded red lace longline. Very and Pour Moi ramped up the sex appeal with strappy, cut-out lace bras and bodysuits, whilst ASOS made the audience go weak at the knees with their plunging scarlet bodysuit and raunchy embroidered mesh triangle bra.

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

***

   The evening concluded with a live DJ set, more cocktails and an unbelievable goody bag, packed full of lingerie, fashion and beauty goodies from the show's sponsors!

   The Cosmopolitan #fashfest lingerie show was a truly fabulous event from start to finish and I feel incredibly lucky to have been invited to attend. #Fashfest is definitely a celebration of fashion and femininity and I love that Cosmo are consumer-centric. Cosmo gave guests a unique 'VIP experience', whilst making the catwalk fashion accessible and wearable. All of the looks from the catwalk are available to purchase online from:

ASOS

Accessorize

Pour Moi

Wonderbra

Very

Triumph

Brand Alley

B.Tempt'd

To find out more about #fashfest, check out the official website and keep your eyes peeled for tickets for the next show - it really is an unmissable event for fashionistas and lingeristas alike!

What were your favourite catwalk looks? Are there any pieces that you have your eye on?

Love,

Panache Autumn/Winter 2012 Press Event

   A while back I attended the Panache Autumn/Winter 2012 press launch, where the new collections from Panache Superbra, Panache Swimwear, Panache Sport, Cleo and Masquerade were put on display for lucky press attendees. Press days normally come about a few months before the launch of new collections in stores, so I am actually very excited to be reviewing the collections now as some of the products are just coming out in shops and online and will continue to do so in the upcoming months! Now there's no need to feel pangs of bra-lust and not be able to buy for months on end...

   The actual press day was held at The House of St Barnabas, a stunning Georgian building situated in Soho.

  After ascending an intricate staircase of wrought-iron balustrades, I reached 'The Drawing Room' which was a spacious room boasting impressive plasterwork, an ornate fireplace, hanging chandelier..and bed! The room was decked out with beautiful lingerie from Panache, which was hung from display rails and draped across the bed. The lingerie was also displayed on the lovely Panache models and was even mounted in picture frames..!

   After a delicious cupcake, I took a look at the Panache Superbra A/W12 collection...

   Panache Superbra A/W12 takes its inspiration from Art Deco and Art Decoratif patterns and prints. The collection is suffused with rich Oriental-inspired tones of ruby, orchid pink, opulent teal, purple and gold. Panache Superbra is all about functional sophistication and the A/W12 collection serves up nothing less...

A new introduction for this season, the Panache 'Jasmine' presents a delicate oriental-inspired bird and branch print. Its black base colour is complimented by flashes of colour in the bird print whilst the stretch lace and bow detail at the centre give this set a feminine finish.

The Panache 'Eden' comes in a lovely midnight blue tone and features mesh panels on the cups, which are decorated with blue, white and aqua floral embroidery.

The 'Andorra' is one of Panache's bestsellers, going up to a J cup in its full cup style and an H cup in its plunge. The new season 'lagoon' blue colour is a great fashion colour that will suit a variety of skin tones.

The Panache 'Fern' is a real stand-out piece from this collection, oozing Art Deco appeal with its midnight blue base and exquisite 'arabesque inspired' floral pattern. 

The 'Ariza' is made over for A/W12 with an eye-catching palette of black, pink and purple. It features beautiful Swiss embroidery in a floral pattern along the cups, for a look that is both elegant and bold.  

If you're looking for glamour, the 'Sienna' in 'lagoon' is perfect with its rich blue colour and ornate black lace overlay. (This bra is one of my collection favourites!)

The Panache 'Melody' comes in a lovely ruby tone and boasts a slightly scalloped edge to the cups with leaf-style embroidery.

Panache's 'Porcelain Viva' in Ruby - a basic that packs a colour punch!

Panache 'Tango' has reached its 10 year anniversary and to celebrate, the 'Tango Luxe' returns in this stunning orchid hue for the new season. I love the contrasting satin, which adds decadence to an everyday 'basic'.

 (Panache 'Tango' available in purple)

Next up, was Panache Swimwear:

   Panache's A/W12 Swimwear collection takes a dive into the popular nautical trend with red, white and blue striped prints and braided rope-style detailing. The collection also includes bold floral patterns and subtle animal prints with tribal inspired motifs in edgy colours. A great feature of this collection is the wide variety of swimwear styles; from swimsuits to bikinis to tankinis, alongside standard coordinates to retro style high waisted briefs with flattering panel details..ideal for stylish mixing and matching!

Panache 'Stella' range:

Panache's underwired bandeau bikinis have proved popular from season to season and the 'Stella' bandeau is equally chic with its red, white and blue colour block stripes. The navy blue rope detail motif at the centre adds a great nautical finish!

For those of you that like a little extra coverage on the beach, the 'Stella' plunge tankini is ideal for showing off your best assets in style. If you prefer a bikini on the beach, this balconette bikini is a great alternative. The matching 'fold down' briefs mean that you can vary your coverage depending on your mood!

How gorgeous does Charlotte look in this navy and white nautical plunge bikini? The plunge top lends to an amazing cleavage and the bottoms are perfect for lengthening legs!

Panache 'Lola' range:

If you want to wear animal print in an unconventional way, the 'Lola' is the epitome of edgy glamour. This new style comes in vivid pink with a faint animal stripe print and contrasting gold embellishments.

The 'Lola' also comes in utterly sophisticated black with stunning silver and turquoise stone embellishments. This is definitely one for my lust list!

Panache 'Veronica':

Best-seller 'Veronica' is updated for A/W12 in this rich 'lagoon' blue tone. The soft sheen fabric makes this set very luxurious and feminine and the ruching on the swimsuit looks ideal for hiding any lumps and bumps.

Panache 'Tallulah' range:

If you like a touch of retro styling, you will love the new 'Tallulah' range. Choose from a tankini, swimsuit or bikini in this stylish painterly floral print. 'Tallulah' also boasts a high waisted bikini pant with panels to flatter your curves, drawing attention up to your waist to give you an hourglass look!

(Heather models the high waisted briefs to perfection here!)

Panache Sport:

   As many of you know from my recent glowing review of this Panache sports bra, Panache are champions of great fit and superior support whilst exercising! Panache's sports bra (available from B-H cup) 'banishes the bounce' with cups that encapsulate the breasts, rather than compressing them. Panache have brought out a 'British coloured' version of their classic sports bra in blue, white and red and have also announced a collaboration with CoppaFeel! in aid of promoting breast care. Panache will be launching a pink colourway of their sports bra this October and will donate a percentage of the sales to the CoppaFeel! charity...

Cleo by Panache:

The Cleo by Panache A/W12 collection is certainly sugar and spice and everything nice! With its 'sweet treats' theme and gorgeous campaign imagery, the collection presents quirky abstract prints, bold colours and bows galore. Cleo has definitely cooked up some lingerie delights for Cleo fans.. 

One of my favourite pieces was the trendy and girly 'Leila' bra, which comes in a pinky/purple tone, complete with black mesh overlay, ribbon embroidery and pink bow motifs. The high waisted briefs are a great 'high fashion' alternative to classic briefs and look very curve-flattering thanks to the mesh panels down the sides.

Cleo's popular 'Lucy' bra gets a makeover in navy and pink for A/W12 - you can see my review of the pink version here.

The 'Marcie' balconette is a new addition for A/W12 and its vivid red hue makes it a great bra for flirting your way through the Christmas months. The delicate trellis embroidery, polkadots and bow and button motifs give this set a quirky and fun edge.

The new Cleo 'Meg' bra is a real stand-out piece with its striking blue and silver swallow print on a navy base. The scalloped edging and red ribbon and bow trims add to this set's trendy appeal.

Another new design to the collection, 'Natasha' mixes an animal/camouflage-esque print in a quirky purple colour palette with graphic style embroidery.

Upscaled polka dots are married with floral rose embroidery in the 'Zia' bra - the unusual grey, white and yellow colour scheme keeps this bra looking fresh.

 With its quirky charcoal coloured animal print and delicate floral embroidery, the Cleo 'Hazel' is perfect for making an statement. 

Based on the best-selling 'Juna' design, the 'Darcy' adds a fashion twist with its graphic heart print design and bold contrasting red trimmings.

The Cleo 'Jude' launches in feminine purple with fashionable navy lace trim and bows for A/W12.

(Also available in black)

Last but not least, this brings me to talk about Masquerade, whose collections were set up in the adjacent 'Silk Room' (which had a lovely vintage print wallpaper and Chanel illustrations on the walls!)

Masquerade A/W12 is nothing short of sumptuous and indulgent, taking its inspiration from 'unearthed treasures'. The collection is replete with glamorous and seductive lingerie styles made from Italian satins, complemented by lace, embroidery and rich jewel colours and earthy hues.. 

The Masquerade 'Harem' is an alluring vintage-inspired plunge available in black, nude and fig, featuring elegant satin coupled with panels of lace.

New style 'Amor' is a beautiful sapphire blue set that exudes opulence and glamour. Its sweetheart plunge bra looks ideal for creating a lovely cleavage!

The highly anticipated 'Deity' bridal range looks set to impress with its luxurious soft Italian satin and Art Deco style stitching.

The 'Rosetti' bra is sure to set hearts a-flutter with its racy scarlet hue, ornate lace detailing and beautiful satin cuff edges..perfect for the Christmas season and all year round seduction!

Popular style, 'Delphi' comes back this A/W12 in this gorgeous boudoir black and ivory colourway. This bra also comes with the option of stylish high waisted briefs for a flattering feminine silhouette. 

(Also comes as a stunning basque!)

 If you remember 'Persia' from last season, you will be delighted to see that it has been brought back for this A/W in a beautiful sapphire blue hue, complete with Italian satin and tassle trims. With its nude base and jewel blue lace overlay, this sumptuous set is sure to be a hit!

***

   Panache's Autumn/Winter 2012 collections are very strong and boast a really diverse array of lingerie and swimwear to suit different age ranges and tastes. It is always difficult to pick out collection favourites, but I really love Panache's swimwear range (which is particularly stunning this season), Cleo (for its fun prints) and Masquerade (because I can't get enough of these glamorous and luxurious lingerie sets!). 

   

   I am also already excited to see Panache's Spring/Summer 2013 collections as there are some new lines being added, including 'Sculptresse', Panache's new fuller figure range (sizes: 36-46 back, D-J cups and sizes 14-26 in co-ordinates):

(Sculptresse by Panache S/S13)

   Most of all, however, I am excited about the launch of Cleo Swimwear for Spring/Summer 2013! One of my long-standing wishes is that Panache Swimwear started at a 28 rather than 30 back, so I can't wait to try Cleo swimwear, which all starts at a 28 back!

(Cleo Swimwear S/S13)

Love,

Kitty xo