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!

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   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,

Cleo by Panache 'Maddie': Bra review

  Panache is a huge name in the fuller bust lingerie sphere and quite rightly so. It has been Panache's mission for over 30 years to provide women the world-over, with quality lingerie that marries form, fashion, function and affordability. The company prides itself on its desire to innovate; at product level, Panache seeks to provide lingerie for different bodies and fit needs, and on a wider scale, Panache strive to lead in a competitive market through campaigns that hinge upon promoting good bra fit and healthy body image.  

   I have been very fond of Panache for years and its sub-brands (Panache Sport and Swimwear, Masquerade, Cleo and (most recently) Cleo Swimwear and Sculptresse). Each sub-brand boasts a distinct identity, with collections that continuously deliver well-fitting and fashionable lingerie to a variety of tastes. 

   Of all of Panache's sub-brands, I predominantly wax lyrical about Masquerade (I am a sucker for luxurious and elegant lingerie like the 'Capella' bra, 'Anise' and 'Amor') but Cleo is definitely an unsung hero of the Panache family on my blog (aside from my review of the Cleo 'Lucy'!)

   What I particularly enjoy about Cleo lingerie is the trendy and fresh vibe that permeates the collections. The designs are fashion-led, with popping colours, quirky prints and pretty detailing; all of which serve as a reminder that fuller bust lingerie can be fun, young and playful!

   When Panache got in touch with me and asked whether I would like to review some of their lingerie, I jumped at the chance. I was incredibly excited to receive a parcel with not one, but two gorgeous Cleo sets inside! One of the sets that I received was the Cleo 'Maddie' bra and matching briefs in aqua..

   The Cleo 'Maddie' comes in sizes 28-38, D-H and is available in various colourways: continuity shades include black and 'nude', fashion variations consist of animal print and aqua, with 'strawberry' and 'floral' as exclusives to Bravissimo. 

   The set that I received was the 'Aqua' colourway; a zingy electric blue/ turquoise shade with a contrasting pink button detail at the centre gore. The bra is a moulded balconette, featuring subtly textured, striped, seamless cups, which are edged by a picot trim. As a regular wearer of moulded plunge bras (such as the Freya Deco), I was especially interested to try a balconette style moulded bra. 

   Neon brights are big news for Spring/ Summer 14 and the electric blue of the 'Maddie' is even more vibrant in the flesh. I instantly fell in love with the highly-saturated aqua shade and the subtle sheen of the fabric, which makes the set look rather luxurious. The pink button detail adds a pop of clashing colour, lending to the set's playful aesthetic.

   Panache have taken the humble seamless bra and have updated it with a stylish stripe pattern, giving the bra subtle textural and visual interest, without compromising on practicality. Generally, the 'Maddie' gives a smooth look under clothing, however, I do find that the lace trim edging shows through slightly under tighter tops and dresses.

   I originally asked for a 30FF in the 'Maddie', but due to recent weight loss, I found myself needing a 28FF instead. Compared to other Cleo styles that I have tried (e.g. 'Lucy', 'Eleanor' and 'Marcie'), I would say that the 'Maddie' comes up looser in the band and more 'true to size'.

   The band does feel quite stretchy and after a few wears, I have already found the need to move on to a tighter hook. (The back band is also quite thin compared to that of some of my other bras - an feature that may not be to everyone's taste.)

   I am pleased to report that the straps are fully adjustable, allowing for increased longevity of wear and a tailored fit (which is ideal for women of different heights and builds). The straps are also quite thin, at just 1.3cm thick, making them well-suited to a Summer wardrobe. It is worth mentioning that the straps are quite widely spaced and this design feature is equally reflected by the wider underwires.

 

   This brings me to talk about the fit of the 'Maddie', which seems slightly better suited to wider-set breasts. The 28FF is my best fit, although the wider wires and wide strap placement are not the best match for me. As a result, I experience a little bit of 'gapping' at the top of the cups near the armpit, with the straps cutting in slightly at the armpit also (a result of the design being too wide for me). I also find that the 28 back does not completely tack to my sternum, which suggests that this bra is more compatible with shallow breasts.

   Aside from a few fit issues (which are predominantly due to shape incompatibility), the 'Maddie' does feel comfortable to wear. The fabric is soft against the skin and the bra gives a lovely rounded and uplifted shape, resulting in a natural-looking 'Marie Antoinette' cleavage that is ideal for everyday! I also really like the balconette cut, which lends itself well to square necklines.

   I received the matching 'Maddie' briefs in a size 12 (my usual Panache brief size) and they fit perfectly. The shorts feature an all-over seamless stripe pattern, complemented by two diagonal stripes of picot trim and a central pink button detail. The briefs are made of a polyamide, elastane and cotton blend and the material feels buttery soft and smooth against the skin.

   The cut is also very flattering and the briefs have a good amount of stretch, meaning that there is no uncomfortable digging in. My only criticism is that the button prevents the briefs from being 100% seamless, but on the whole, these briefs really deliver on practicality, flattering fit and fashionable design! (Plus, hooray that they are machine washable!)

   The Cleo 'Maddie' set is a great 'fashion staple' and an excellent option for fuller busted ladies who are in search of an eye-catching and trendy moulded balconette bra that serves up comfort, support and style in equal abundance! This set would definitely have appealed to my teenage self too and I am glad that Cleo by Panache is catering fun and practical lingerie solutions to a younger market. The 'Maddie' looks set to remain a continuity style in the Cleo range for seasons to come, with a scrumptious raspberry version coming out this A/W14. 

Cleo 'Maddie' in Raspberry (Coming this A/W14)

   Cleo lingerie is very reasonably priced and the 'Maddie' set comes in at £25 for the bra and £12 for the briefs, available at a range of retailers, such as Figleaves, Bravissimo and Brastop.

   Keep your eyes peeled for another Cleo by Panache review coming soon and in the meantime, check out the rest of Cleo's gorgeous new Lingerie and Swimwear collections.

What are your favourite pieces from Cleo's latest range?

Love,

Claudette 'Neon Dessous' bra review & Operation Claudette 28!

   Since its launch in 2011, Claudette lingerie has whipped fashion-conscious lingerie lovers into a frenzy worldwide. Claudette describe their lingerie as "modern, contemporary and effortlessly wearable" and their daring colour combinations, quirky prints and fuller-bust-friendly designs have been featured in magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan and have been championed by a host of lingerie bloggers (including The Lingerie Addict). Based in Los Angeles and designed and developed in London, Claudette is primarily owned and operated by women - all of whom understand the need for lingerie that is engineered to fit beautifully and look amazing! 

   Claudette first captured my heart when I discovered them at the Lingerie Collective trade show a few years ago and I fell head-over-heels in love with their range (30-38, A-G cups). I was particularly smitten with the bold, colour clash 'Neon Dessous' bras, which come in a plethora of highly saturated and vibrant colour options..

   I was lucky enough to meet the brand's designer and product developer, Bok Goodall, who has a strong fashion background and a wealth of experience working in D+ lingerie product development. I was delighted to find out that Claudette would be introducing 28 backs to their collections in the future and Bok kindly offered to send me my very own Claudette 'Neon Dessous' set to try for size. I received a 28G and size Medium briefs in 'Sandstone/Navy':

   The 'Neon Dessous' is a gorgeous, unpadded, 'full coverage' bra, fashioned from peachy-beige mesh, complemented by a navy trim and ribbon motifs. The bra has an understated, vintage feel to it, yet the sheer cups deliver undeniable sex appeal!

   Although the 'Sandstone/Navy' set that I received moves away from the aesthetically arresting neons that I tend to associate with Claudette, the 'sandstone' and navy contrast plays deftly with 'traditional' notions of what beige underwear should look like. The beige mesh has peachy undertones, making this set a perfect 'nude' lingerie set for my fair skin - and it certainly knocks spots off my other nude bras in the style stakes!

  Claudette have carefully considered the construction for fuller busts and this bra is underwired with a 3-part cup construction that reminds me nostalgically of my first unlined bra, the Freya 'Arabella'. The top panel of the cups is single lined mesh (which stretches to accomodate for your breast shape), whereas the lower part of the cups is double lined. The reinforced cups and angled seams act a little bit like a 'sling', keeping the breast tissue fully encased in the cups, whilst providing additional comfort and evenly distributed support.

   The cups are almost 'tear drop' shaped and although they are are fairly 'tall', the elastic at the side of the cups curves away from the armpit, meaning that there is no uncomfortable digging in.

   The straps are around 1.5cm thick, which is slightly thinner than those on my other bras and they are (conveniently) fully adjustable, for a more 'tailored-to-you' fit. The strap placement is closer-set and the underwires are 'U'-shaped and quite narrow - features which make this bra ideal for any ladies with close-set breasts or more narrow shoulders.

   I find the 'Neon Dessous' very comfortable to wear, although I have to wear the 28G on the tightest hook, as the band comes up larger than other 28 backed bras that I own. This is most likely due to the very stretchy mesh that is used in the bra wings (although the fabric feels beautifully soft!) 

   This bra has definitely revived my love for unpadded bras - the cups feel as if they are cradling the breasts, giving a subtle but natural lift. The shape is also surprisingly rounded, which is largely due to the clever placement of the diagonal seam, which sits across the nipple. A by-product of this, however, is that after prolonged wear, the diagonal seam cuts in very slightly and leaves a slight mark (despite not causing any discomfort).

   With regard to the 'Neon Dessous' briefs, I have to say that I am very impressed indeed! The briefs feature soft, stretch mesh at the sides and back, whereas the central panel and gusset are double-lined with 'regular' mesh. The knickers are fairly risqué due to the sheer mesh, but the navy picot trim and ribbon detail add a flirty but sophisticated edge, making these knickers very feminine and wearable. 

     The cut of the knickers is very flattering - they sit at perfect hip height at the front and are generously cut at the back - a combination that is often hard to come by! Additionally, the stretch mesh is incredibly soft against the skin and the elastic does not dig in. These briefs are a winner in every respect! 

   I am really excited by my first taster of Claudette lingerie and the 'Neon Dessous' in Sandstone/Navy definitely reinvents the wheel with regard to neutral tone lingerie! The set demonstrates an excellent balance of style and substance, thanks to Claudette's consideration of fit and cup construction, coupled with a modern (and fearless!) approach to colour contrasting. 

   Having enjoyed the fit of my first Claudette 'Neon Dessous' set, I am hoping to add some of Claudette's distinctive colour clash bras to my collection in future. The Claudette A/W14 'Neon Dessous' shades are absolutely knock-out and the purple/yellow and mint/yellow colourways are at the very top of my wishlist:

   Now, here comes the sad news..

   Despite Claudette introducing 28 backs last year, retailers have been slow on the uptake in stocking them. After doing some research into where I could buy another Claudette bra in a 28 back, I came across a few US retailers (e.g. Faire Frou Frou and Amanda May), but was left frustrated by a lack of 28 backs available in the UK. 

   Claudette is currently stocked at Selfridges, ASOS and Beautifully Undressed but none of these retailers stock 28 backs. Not one to take no for an answer, I decided to contact some of Claudette's past and present retailers and was interested by some of the feedback. One ex-stockist stated that they stopped stocking Claudette largely due to costly US import rates and higher price points than other brands. Other retailers expressed interest in stocking Claudette in the future (Large Cup Lingerie) and excitingly, Beautifully Undressed said that they are aiming to stock 28 backs in the Claudette A/W14 collection! Although my research yielded some positive feedback, there is still a way to go in getting 28 backs stocked at more retailers...

   A little while ago, Marielle at Petite & Plentiful started up the 'Operation Claudette 28' campaign, as she ran across the same lack of 28 backs in Claudette available at UK retailers. If you are a 28 back or think that a company should stock Claudette in a 28 back, please get in touch with them to express your interest! One tweet or email could well have an effect on a retailer's buying decisions!

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Let me know what you think of Claudette's lingerie and please leave a comment if you'd be interested in UK (and other worldwide) retailers stocking 28 backs in Claudette!

Love,

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See more of Claudette's collections on their official website