365 days of Freya 'Deco' - A tribute to a best seller!

   It is coming up to two years since I had my bra fitting epiphany and bought my first correctly fitting bra (a bra which remains one of my all time favourites to this day!) The bra in question is a staple in my underwear collection and I own it in several different colours and designs. I reach for it time and time again because I know that I can rely on it to be comfortable, supportive and flattering whatever I am wearing. 

   The bra that I am talking about is the fabulous Freya 'Deco'...

   The 'Deco' occupies a very special place in my heart not solely because of the superior support, comfort and shape that it offers, but also because it gives an uplifted and rounded cleavage that is just knock-out!

  The joy of the 'Deco' resides in its supreme versatility; the plunging neck line and seamless design works perfectly with pretty much everything in my wardrobe and it is one of my bras of choice to wear under my 'going out' outfits (both the moulded plunge and strapless versions)! 

   To top it off, Freya continuously updates its 'Deco' collections with new colours, designs and bra styles (e.g. soft cup, multiway, longline, padded half cup bras, shaping slip dresses!) The 'Deco' currently comes in a large range of shades and prints; from your basic 'nude' and black colours to eye-catching shades of red, blue and pink to flirty prints that include everything from sleek stripes to flamboyant flamingos!

  There is certainly something for a variety of tastes! Freya's 'Deco' range includes back sizes 28-38 and cup sizes up to a GG, meaning that the 'Deco' is a particularly good option for fuller busted ladies who want a moulded and seamless bra that delivers on support, gives a smooth silhouette and offers a cracking cleavage to boot!

   Whilst I often wax lyrical about the 'Deco', I am not alone in my love for this bra.. since its launch in 2009, Freya has sold over a whopping 300,000 'Deco' bras and its popularity doesn't seem to be wavering! To celebrate this iconic and versatile bra, Freya have launched an exciting, new global marketing campaign over on their dedicated microsite: 

www.freyadeco365.com

   Not only can you view the current 'Deco' collections, but even more exciting is the fact that there are some amazing prizes up for grabs! Upload a photo of one of your favourite outfits to Freya's 'Style Wall' and select a 'Deco' style that you can wear under it! (You can also enter through Instagram by tagging your photos with #FreyaDeco365)

PRIZES INCLUDE...

-10 sets of Deco lingerie to give away EVERY month!

-Get your style wall photo featured in one of Freya's magazine adverts!

-Win the WHOLE 'Deco' range!

-The grand prize is a £1000 shopping spree with your very own stylist!

   Don't forget to get all of your friends and family to comment on your photo when the style wall launches on 31st January 2013!

   Also, check out Freya's campaign video which shows just how many ways that you can incorporate the 'Deco' into your own wardrobe:

   I am also happy to report that Freya have some really fabulous new designs for 2013, some of which I saw at the Freya SS13 press day:

(L-R: Freya 'Honey' in purple 'Iris', Freya 'Ashlee' in 'Candy', Freya Deco 'Flamingo)

 New for this year is the introduction of shapewear to the 'Deco' range, including a multiway bra, longline bra and longline slip dress!

Have you spotted any other new 'Deco' designs in the Freya 365 video? Here is a peek at some of the styles that may well be coming this AW13..

I think I have gone into 'Deco' lust overload..!

What do you think of the new 2013 Deco styles and previews? Will you be entering the Deco 365 competition?

Love,
Kitty xo

Breakfast with Gok: "Wall of Fame" S/S12 press launch

   Whilst most mornings, breakfast for me usually involves a quick bite of toast and swig of orange juice before rushing off to work, I was delighted to receive a breakfast invitation recently, which promised to take me away from my daily routine! This was not just any breakfast invite, however, but the opportunity to grab a coffee and croissant with none other than the star of TV's "How to Look Good Naked"..the amazing, Gok Wan!  

   The event marked the launch of Gok Wan's Spring/Summer 2012 Shapewear collection (exclusive to Simply Yours and Simply Be), titled the "Wall of Fame"... 

The launch took place at the "W Hotel" in Leicester Square, in the fabulous "E WOW suite", which was every bit as 'wow' as the name suggests... 

The "E WOW suite" was a beautifully designed and spacious room, with slightly 'retro' feeling decor. The lounge area featured an amazing circular couch, which revolved (!) and the 'eating area' was partitioned off by a fibre optic curtain... 

 (www.wlondon.co.uk)

The breakfast area:

After a cup of tea and a natter with some of the other lovely bloggers there, I noticed a familiar face emerging from behind the fibre optic curtain...

A smiley Auntie Gok walked in and welcomed everyone warmly to the launch, offering tea and coffee to all, as any good party host would! The best part, of course, was seeing Gok's "Wall of Fame" collection in the flesh, which was set up neatly on a rail in the lounge area...

   Gok's "Wall of Fame" Shapewear collection builds on Gok's most popular shapes and designs, which have consequently been revamped and updated for SS12. Gok adds a twist to his classic shapewear styles with exciting new colours and improved fit and shape, which becomes all important to Gok's desire to make women feel empowered, feminine and confident in their own bodies. The range has also been expanded to a G cup.

   The collection is made up of six key pieces: the multi-way "Banger Booster" bra, "Pull Me In" Pants, "Curve Controller" body, "Slicker Knicker", "Sassy Slip" and "Divine Outline" multiway slip, which are all available in 'Crush' (vibrant coral), 'Sweet Slate' (slate grey) and 'Blush' (pale pink). The collection uses seamless panelling, boning and Powermesh technology to make each piece comfortable, supportive and figure-flattering.

First up is the "Curve controller" in 'Sweet slate' and 'Blush'; a style that mixes the support of an underwire bra with a curve-smoothing body:

The "Divine Outline" in 'Sweet slate' and 'Crush' coral: a body-smoothing dress slip that will enhance your cleavage ( and can be worn with a bra underneath):

The "Pull Me In" pants in 'Sweet Slate', 'Crush' and 'Blush' - a great design that makes full use of power mesh panelling to keep your curves in place:

The "Slicker Knicker" in 'Blush' - tummy controlling and curve smoothing, with mesh panels to reduce VPL. The back ruching will also flatter your bum!

The "Sassy Slip" in 'Blush':

 and 'Crush':

   The "Sassy Slip" was my favourite piece (being almost like a 'corselette' body shaper). It features detachable multi-way straps for versatility, fully underwired bra cups, hook and eye closures at the back for added support and security, streamlining vertical panels, zig-zag stitching and a cute hanging charm at the centre of the cups. To top it off, the "Sassy Slip" also boasts sexy suspender straps and an in-built body with a hook and eye closure at the crotch. This piece has it all and is so pretty that I would almost be tempted to wear it as outerwear!

 

   Gok Wan's "Wall of Fame" is a great capsule collection of shapewear pieces that are both practical and fashionable. Gok proves that shapewear shouldn't have to stay "hidden" with his original colour choices. The 'Sweet Slate' grey makes a great change from traditional black and gives the pieces a sophisticated feel. Even the 'Blush' pink colour makes a lovely alternative to 'nude' (which is a slightly contentious word in itself due to skin colour variations). The 'Blush' is versatile in that it can act as a 'nude' to lighter skin tones and flatter darker complexions beautifully. My favourite colour is the coral 'Crush', which despite being the least practical of the colours, gives every piece a unique and modern edge - perfect for Spring/Summer, whilst showing that shapewear can be fun, sexy and stylish! 

Thanks once again to Simply Yours, Chase PR and Gok Wan for a fabulous day!

Gok's "Wall of Fame" collection is available in sizes 30A-49G and launches on the 1st March at www.simplyyours.co.uk

Love,

Kitty xo

Simply beach and the Freya 'Revolution'...

   With an increasing array of swimwear available to girls with curves, gone are the days of badly fitting, mix-matched bikini tops and bottoms in different sizes. Although I am a convert to cup sized swimwear, a part of me does pine for the gorgeous strapless and bandeau bikinis found on the high street. I initially resigned myself to the idea that the strapless bikini was just not engineered for the larger bust, but I soon realised that I was mistaken. On browsing Simply Beach, I was overjoyed to come across a certain Freya bikini, whose name suggested that it was the end of my strapless bikini envy...  

   Introducing..the Freya 'Revolution' bikini! The 'Revolution' bikini top is a versatile and chic black bandeau, which not only can be worn strapless, but also comes with adjustable and detachable straps, so that you can wear it as a halterneck too! Available in sizes 30-38 back and from cup sizes D-G, the 'Revolution' is the stylish, sexy and supportive multiway bikini that every curvy girl craves. 

   Although I am a 28FF and no 28 back is available in the 'Revolution' bandeau bikini (Freya please take note!), I was keen to try the 30F for size.. because, well, a gorgeous strapless multiway bikini for the larger bust is hard to come by and the 'Revolution' is a beauty! Thanks to the fantastic Simply Beach, the Freya 'Revolution' arrived quickly on my doorstep, bringing with it, thoughts of my next holiday get-away... 

   The Freya 'Revolution' is every bit the glamorous classic in real life, coming in 'flatter all' black, with ivory stitch detailing. Freya add a touch of girly charm with flirty frills at the centre of the cups, whilst the three black buttons give the bikini a sophisticated feel. The fabric is also slightly ruched at the centre and sides, to give the bandeau a bit more shape.

   Freya know that support is key for the busty girl and the concealed underwire in the cups and side boning ensure that you feel comfortable and supported on the beach or by the pool. The 'Revolution' bikini top features a wide back clasp, to give extra security and support. 

   Having the option of removable shoulder straps makes this bikini a real winner. Not only does it give this bikini two 'looks', but it is also great for tanning. Whilst not everyone will feel daring enough to go strapless on the beach, the detachable straps are ideal for avoiding annoying strap marks left after sunbathing! 

   As someone who has never owned a strapless bikini before, I was very impressed with the shape of the 'Revolution'. Whilst some strapless bandeau bikinis can be unflattering styles that simply drape over your chest, the 'sweet heart' neckline and general cut of the 'Revolution' really compliment a larger bust, whilst not revealing too much cleavage or being low cut.

   In terms of support, the 30 back did unfortunately feel a bit too loose for me, but not so loose that it was unwearable. I feel that I could happily laze by the pool in this bikini and have a splash about, but beach games and vigorous swimming would probably be off the cards. For this reason, I would really love for Freya to make their bandeau bikinis in 28 backs, as especially for a strapless, a firm under band is vital to give good support.  

   I was very impressed, however, with Freya's attention to detail in the 'Revolution's design. Aside from the underwire and boning, there is a plastic strip that runs along the inside cups and back band, which helps the bikini to stick to you and stay in place.

   To compliment the 'Revolution' bikini top, I also received the matching bikini shorts, which boast a similar little frill and button detail along the top. The size small fit me perfectly and I like the fact that the shorts give good coverage at the back. Although they come up a bit higher than my usual 'hipster' bikini bottoms, they are very comfortable to wear - perfect for those that prefer a less skimpy look for the beach or pool. 

   The 'Revolution' is a great take on the strapless bandeau bikini and as always, Freya add a signature twist with their attention to detail, flattering shapes and great curve-supporting engineering! The 'Revolution' is available at a reduced price of £25.50 for the top and £16.50 for the short on Simply Beach, making it a bikini well worth snapping up for your next holiday. 

   In the same way that every underwear drawer needs a multiway/strapless bra, I think that every girl needs to own a multiway/strapless bikini. Versatile, stylish, comfortable and curve-friendly, the 'Revolution' seems to be a revolution by nature as well as name!

   To see more of Simply Beach's great swimwear selection (including Freya, Panache, Pour moi, Fantasie and Seafolly to name a few), click here. (Postage is £1.99 with free returns and exchanges!)

Love,
Kitty xo