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,

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.

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   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!

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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)

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   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,

Roses are red, violets are blue..Valentine's lingerie gifts that are perfect for you!

   The holiday of love is nearly upon us, which traditionally signals a flurry of chocolates, flowers, champagne and novelty card buying. One of my favourite aspects about Valentine's day is that it is the perfect excuse to treat a loved one (or yourself!) to a gift that can be appreciated for many occasions to come. 

   Buying lingerie for somebody else is no mean feat, so factoring in size and personal tastes is a 'must', along with considering the purpose of your gift - will the lingerie be wearable/practical/versatile or will the lingerie be confined solely to the bedroom? 

   Finding the perfect Valentine's lingerie gift for a fuller bust once seemed like an impossible task, but the D+ market is fast-expanding, bringing with it a wide range of fashionable and supportive bras, slips and babydolls to tickle your fancy! 

   If you're looking for inspiration this Valentine's day, these show-stopping pieces are sure to make anyone swoon!

   Curvy Kate 'Carmen' longline bra, £35 from Brastop

28-38, D-HH

The Curvy Kate 'Carmen' is everything your heart could desire this Valentine's day! This romantic and glamorous longline bra features half cups, for a knock-out, 'Marie-Antoinette' cleavage. The rose pink shade is offset by beautiful floral-embroidery and a pretty bow motif - you are sure to capture anyone's heart in this!

Lulu Tout Fleur Rose underwired bra (DD-H), £24 from Figleaves

30-38, DD-H

The 'Lulu Tout' Fleur Rose bra exudes seductive elegance and French charm. Exquisite rose embroidery adorns nude and black layered mesh cups, whilst the central gore is accented by a key hole detail and flirty bow. The Fleur Rose bra is sure to put romance on the cards this Valentine's! 

Pour Moi Addicted Half Cup in red, £28 from Figleaves

30-40, B-G

If you're looking to turn up the heat this Valentine's, then Pour Moi's strappy 'Addicted' bra is your perfect match! Its lipstick red shade, semi-sheer lace cups and racy strapping and tassel detailing will get anyone hot under the collar!

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Claudette Fishnet scoop neck bra, £57 from ASOS

30-36, A-G

Love is in the air! Be bold this Valentine's and 'wow' in bright pink! This gorgeous soft cup bra from Claudette features seductive, sheer mesh fishnet cups, accented by a retro trim of black velvet piping and finished with a velvet central bow. Prepare to be a knock-out in this..pink lingerie just got a whole lot sexier!

Figleaves Boudoir Carmen Babydoll, £55

30-36, C-E

Seductively suggestive and undeniably provocative, the 'Carmen' Babydoll from Figleaves is guaranteed to take your partner's breath away! Featuring sheer mesh underwired cups and unusual strapping detailing, support and sex-appeal are delivered in equal abundance! 

Hearts Amour Bra by Bravissimo, £34

28-38, DD-HH

Wear your heart(s) on your bra this Valentine's with this lightly padded half cup bra from Bravissimo. The fuchsia and black palette gives this bra a sophisticated appeal, whilst the black swirl and flirty heart embroidery are sure to make anyone fall in love in at first sight!

Gorgeous by Debenhams purple satin eyelash trimmed D-G cup balcony bra, £25.50

30-40, D-G

This purple, jewel-toned balcony bra from 'Gorgeous' by Debenhams is the ultimate in luxury for less this Valentine's. Its satin cups, black piping and pretty eyelash lace trim exude a glamorous vintage appeal that Dita Von Teese would be proud of! 

Playful Promises 'Lily' Open Cup Frilly Bra DD-F cups, £30

32-36, DD-F

Get pulses racing in this saucy open cup bra from Playful Promises, the brand's first bra to be extended to an F cup! This black satin number boasts sexy quarter cups and is completely open at the top - ideal for daring lingeristas who want to leave their loved one weak at the knees! Complete the look with decorative pasties or dare to bare!

Masquerade Athena plunge bra, £40 from Figleaves

28-38, D-H

Give in to seduction this Valentine's with the irresistibly enticing 'Athena' bra. Featuring eye-catching teal satin, mesh overlay and a sparkly bow and charm motif, this deep plunging bra delivers an enviable cleavage alongside opulent and sophisticated styling.

Gossard Retrolution Slip, £69

32-36, B-E

Ooze old Hollywood glamour in this retro-inspired Gossard slip! Featuring a deep plunge centre, cleavage-enhancing moulded cups and shaping side panels, this slip will flatter your figure whilst smoothing and contouring your silhouette. Its rich scarlet red lace, delicate bow detailing and detachable suspender clips will be impossible to resist!

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   What do you think of my lingerie picks? What lingerie will you be gifting or hoping to receive this Valentine's day?

Love,