Stress-free online shopping: Perfect Christmas gifts for lingerie lovers!

(Pic credit: Nordstrom)

   It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Xmas lights are twinkling, you're permanently humming Christmas jingles and you can almost smell the mulled wine... the festive season is most definitely upon us! In the run up to Christmas day, shopping for the perfect gifts for family, friends and loved ones can be as exciting as it is stressful, particularly when the highstreet is buzzing with frantic shoppers! 

   With the days getting darker and the frost setting in, my favourite way to avoid present shopping mania is to shop online! What could be better than browsing all of your favourite stores and brands in the warmth and comfort of your own home?

   One of the reasons why I buy online is because I can shop around for the best products, find great offers and I can have a parcel on its way to me with a click of a button... no queuing necessary! I love to shop for lingerie online and given that so many companies offer free delivery and returns, it has become one of my preferred ways to shop! (Note: always remember to check a company's Xmas shipping dates and the returns policy!)

   This Christmas, there is an amazing range of gorgeous lingerie products on the market to tickle your fancy. Whoever you are treating this season and whatever your budget, you are sure to find some lingerie gems online!

   Here is my online lingerie wishlist for this season - hopefully you're reading, Santa...!

BRAS

Fauve Bronte longline bra (green), £72 reduced to £36

   Fauve lingerie is synonymous with luxury and sophistication and this stunning longline bra is no exception. Inspired by oriental lacquerwork, 'Bronte' exudes decadence and exoticism with its exquisite oriental blossom pattern, satin-feel fabric and ornate black embroidery. At £36, this bra is just a snip of its RRP but it would undoubtedly make its wearer feel a million dollars!

Sizes 30-38 B-G 

Also available in silver and light green.

Parfait by Affinitas Charlotte bra in purple wine, £30

   The popular pin-up inspired 'Charlotte' bra from Parfait by Affinitas is back in purple for A/W14! This gem-tone matte and high shine satin bra is embellished with contrasting black piping for a retro twist. Its lightly padded, moulded shape makes this glamorous bra the perfect combination of style and substance!

Sizes 28-40 D-K

Charlotte is also available in peach, red, dusty rose and wild pink.

Pour Moi? Forbidden half padded bra, £28

   The Pour Moi? 'Forbidden' is the ideal bra for adding sex-appeal to your underwear collection. This racy boudoir half padded bra cleverly merges feminine lace and bow detailing with edgy, bondage-inspired strapping cut-outs and black piping, for a look that is undeniably directional and sexy!

Sizes 30-40 A-G

Freya Pansy longline bra, £36

   If you're looking for a bra that fits like a dream and is effortlessly stylish, this new longline from Freya is a must-have! The photo-realistic pansy print is eye-catching in a palette of vivid blue and purple hues, offset by elegant black lace. Its lightly padded shape and 6 hook and eye fastening ensures firm support and a gorgeous cleavage to boot!

Sizes 28-38 C-G

Cleo by Panache Neve strapless bra, £28.50

   Cleo by Panache understands that a strapless bra should be supportive, functional and fashionable...  and the 'Neve' delivers just that! This smooth, seamless plunge bra boasts a magenta base with a black mesh overlay, accented by a flirty bow and heart charm motif. Removable multi-way straps make this bra incredibly versatile - a 'must' in every lady's underwear drawer, particularly during party season! 

Sizes 28-38 D-G
 

BODYWEAR/ BOUDOIR WEAR

Curvy Kate Ritzy babydoll, £40

   Flirty, sexy and utterly glamorous, say hello to the festive scarlet 'Ritzy' babydoll from Curvy Kate! Based on Curvy Kate's popular 'Ritzy' balconette bra, this babydoll delivers sophisticated styling alongside uplifted 'cakes on a plate' cleavage. The lipstick red colour and chic pin-stripe pattern coupled with feminine embroidery and a diamanté drop pendant give this babydoll serious boudoir appeal!

Sizes 28-38 D-HH

Also available in black/poppy and black/almond.

Gossard Rochelle slip, £59

   With its opulent teal base, subtle scalloped edging, delicate swirl embroidery and a scattering of sequins, the 'Rochelle' slip by Gossard is luxuriously elegant and guaranteed to impress! This slip boasts a deep 'v' plunge, drawing attention to the cleavage, whilst mesh panels sculpt your curves to create a beautiful, feminine silhouette - perfect for wearing as a boudoir piece or under a party dress!

Sizes 32-36 B-E

Freya Icon underwired padded plunge babydoll, £52

   Freya fans, rejoice, because the 'Icon' has arrived and is now available as a babydoll! Based on Freya's best-selling 'Deco', the 'Icon' delivers the same bust-boosting shape and support with its smooth, moulded cups and plunging neckline. Freya has given a 'classic' a glamorous makeover, adding dove grey lace overlay to the cups and a double layered skirt of pink and grey mesh. Every lady needs a piece of boudoir wear that also delivers great support!

Sizes 28-38 D-G

Reckless Wolf Raw black strap body, £120

   If you haven't discovered Reckless Wolf yet, prepare to be bowled over by the ultra edgy and directional lingerie and bodywear collections. The 'Raw' strap body exudes sex appeal with its cage effect strapping, sheer panels and raunchy cut-outs. This bodysuit is certain to drop jaws and get pulses racing - a showstopper through and through!

XS - 30B - 32B
S - 32B - 34B
M - 32D - 34C
L - 32DD - 34D

(N.B. Reckless Wolf can custom make any piece at no extra charge - ideal if you have a larger bust!)

STOCKING FILLERS

Playful Promises frilly knickers, £10

   If you're stuck for sexy stocking fillers, these gorgeous vintage-style frilly knickers from Playful Promises are the perfect solution! Fashioned from sheer mesh with a cheeky ruffle design and flirty satin bows, these knickers are an inexpensive Xmas treat!

Sizes S-L
 

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What do you think of my Christmas lingerie wishlist?

I'd love to know what you are hoping to receive under your Xmas tree!

Love,

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

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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,

Totally addicted to lace: Pour Moi Addicted bra review

   Ever since the '50 Shades of Grey' phenomenon, bondage-inspired lingerie has become my kryptonite. Although harnesses and bondage-inspired accessories are a great option for fuller busted ladies who do not want to compromise on bra fit (cue my review of the Esty Lingerie choker strap), I have been hoping that fuller bust brands will take the plunge and dare to incorporate the more risqué design elements of the bondage trend into their lingerie offerings...

   Whilst highstreet lingerie brands such as Ann Summers, La Senza, H&M, Topshop (and others) have been quick to integrate strapping, cut-outs, mesh and sexy tie detailing into their collections, fuller-bust-friendly brands have been slightly slower on the uptake of the trend - with the exception of Marlies Dekkers (whose strapping bras precede the '50 shades' trend) and the Figleaves Boudoir range (which seems to have sprouted as a reaction to the bondage trend).

        Marlies Dekkers triangle push-up bra                             Figleaves boudoir Carmen B-G Underwired bra    

                      (Pic credit: brasnthings.com)                   

   Imagine my delight when a press release appeared in my inbox from Pour Moi? Lingerie, introducing their new bondage-inspired lingerie range. Pour Moi? is a brand that has been on my radar for several years and it is definitely a lesser blogged about fuller bust brand in the blogosphere. This is surprising, given that they were established in 2005, are stocked by some of the most prevalent fuller bust retailers (e.g. ASOS, Figleaves and Bravissimo), have very reasonable price points and their sizing range goes from 28DD-44J!

   Pour Moi? are probably most well-known for their Swimwear, but their lingerie is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Whilst Pour Moi?'s earlier bra designs erred on the safe side, with highly commercial colours and 'staple'/'classic' designs, the 'Addicted' collection is a total game changer!

   The 6-piece 'Addicted' collection was inspired by the hotly anticipated '50 shades of Grey' film (due to launch in February 2015) and the range certainly delivers sexy, strappy, bondage-inspired, boudoir gorgeousness in abundance! The collection comprises a chemise, camisole, suspender, g-string, strappy brief (sizes 8-18 and S-XL) and a stunning half cup bra, which had me hook, line and sinker ever since compiling my fuller bust Christmas lingerie gift guide!

   Available in sizes 30D-40G, the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' bra is ideal for trend-led, fuller busted ladies who are looking to add something ineffably sexy and directional to their underwear collection. Aesthetically, the 'Addicted' bra is eye-catching and racy, both in the original black and even more so in the recent lipstick red shade! Having lusted after this bra for several months, I was over the moon to be offered the chance to try the bra and g-string out for myself...

   I was even more impressed with the 'Addicted' set in the flesh and the design is very visually arresting. I particularly love the intricate red floral lace pattern, which overlays a thin layer of nude mesh. I find this to be a clever design feature, as the layered soft cups give the illusion of delicacy. The mesh is semi-sheer, allowing for a subtle peek of skin to show through, yet the mesh adds to the bra's structural reinforcement.

   Given the half-cup design of the bra, the straps become a particularly prominent feature of the bra. With their cut-out/ upside down 'V' shaped design, the straps almost 'frame' the breasts, delivering a saucy, bondage-inspired sex appeal.

   Interestingly, the straps are made partly in a satin-finish elastic and partly in an almost 'felt'-finish fabric, giving them unusual textural contrast. A twisted rope bow adorns the centre of the bra and its little hanging tassels add to the bra's exoticism.

   Whilst the 'Addicted' bra is a visual treat, I found that the fit was a different kettle of fish. I received the 'Addicted' in a 30FF and I am pleased to report that as a 28 back, the 'Addicted' bra came up slightly tighter than other 30 backs that I have tried. When I first tried the 30FF on, I noticed that the central gore was very tall, which seemed to reduce the amount of lift that could be provided by the (very stretchy) straps. If you have high-set breasts, this bra will probably just encase your breasts, rather than provide a lot of uplift.

   It is also worth mentioning that the underwires are very wide; a feature that was incompatible with my breast shape, as they wrapped too far around my body. The picture below demonstrates the wideness of the 'Addicted' bra's wires compared to my Cleo 'Lucy' (which is also a bra with wider underwires). This leads me to think that wider-set breasts may be better-suited to the shape of the 'Addicted'.

   I also found that the mesh cups did not have much 'give' and were quite shallow, meaning that more 'full on top' or 'even' breasts can get a slightly flattened look from the vertical-seamed cups. I decided to order a 32F and 30G in the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' from Amazon for size comparison, finding that the original 30FF was the best fit for me as it encased the whole of my breast tissue and sat more flush to my chest (despite its slightly flattening effect).

   Pour Moi? continue the theme of mesh, lace and cut-outs in their risqué 'Addicted' G-string. The G-string is predominantly made from stretch elastic and the design is almost completely cut-out, save for a diamond of pale mesh overlaid with scalloped red lace. 

   The strappy thong looks gorgeous on, although it is definitely not for the faint of heart, as not much is left to the imagination! With regard to fit, I found that a size 12 fit nicely and the elastic straps felt soft against my skin and did not dig in. One of the features that I particularly liked about it was the attention to detail - I love the little circular slider where the elastic straps meet and the gorgeous rope bow with fringed tassels!

   To conclude, although this bra was not a huge success for my shape, it may work well for women with wider-set, shallower breasts. The 'Addicted' bra does, however, score serious style points, really hitting the mark with its fabulous cut-outs, lace overlay, rope bow detailing and interesting use of textures. Equally, the 'Addicted' is a great bra to incorporate into an 'underwear as outerwear' look - it is particularly striking under mesh tops, sheer blouses or peeking out from under a vest or evening top.

(Here, I am wearing the 'Addicted' under an old Morgan top - the pop of colour really jazzes the top up for the evening)

   Pour Moi? is definitely a brand to watch, as they seem to be taking note of trends, understanding that fuller busted women want edgier, boudoir lingerie that really packs a punch. At £28 for the half cup bra and £12 for the matching thong, this set is very reasonably priced and you can snap this set up for a reduced price of £22.40 and £9.60 in the Figleaves sale! 

What are your thoughts on the 'Addicted' set and would you try it?

What do you think that the fuller bust market is missing at the moment?

Love,

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Take a look at the rest of Pour Moi?'s lingerie and swimwear ranges on the official website or shop the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' range at Figleaves.