A luxurious gift on the highstreet: Rosie for Autograph M&S nightwear review

   If you're looking for the perfect gift this Christmas, lingerie and nightwear can be a wonderful treat to receive! Whilst lingerie is a thoughtful and personal gift, there are many pitfalls to avoid when purchasing it for someone else - factoring in both her size and taste can be a difficult task! A fantastic alternative gift idea is to buy your special lady some luxurious nightwear or sleepwear; think silks, satins, lace, demure detailing and beautiful trims. The big question is..where can you find luxury without the huge price tag? Surely you can't find it on the high street, right? Wrong!

   When I say 'M&S' to you, images of decadent, vintage-inspired silk lingerie and nightwear probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind, but prepare to be impressed (and seduced in equal measure) by the debut collection from supermodel, Rosie Huntington Whitely: 'Rosie for Autograph'. Lingerie has played a huge part in Rosie's modelling career and she is said to hold a real passion for it, making the English rose a perfect ambassador for the M&S 'Autograph' brand. Rosie states:

   "I was particularly drawn to the opulent elegance of the Twenties era which really shows in my designs from the sumptuous silks I chose to the intricate deco-inspired embroidery detailing on the garments. The palette [...] was largely influenced by the rich colours of different types of roses. From the muted tones of dusky pink and green through to dramatic scarlet blooms." (via Daily Mail)

   Rosie's collection certainly channels Great Gatsby elegance and the pieces reflect a softness and femininity that is classic, sophisticated and timeless. As the lingerie from the collection does not come in my bra size, my attention was drawn to the luxurious nightwear styles..cue delightful pure silk and cashmere pieces with lace and ribbon trims.

   The piece that caught my eye above all was the Rosie for Autograph pure silk lace wrap dressing gown in taupe (£59):

   It was an interesting choice for me as I have never really worn anything in this unusual taupe/mink shade, but I really loved the wrap-over design, lace detailing, floaty 'butterfly' sleeves, ribbon waist tie and key hole detail at the back - vintage romanticism at its best! 

   As you can see, the colour of this night gown is slightly darker than the promotional pictures, which was a welcome surprise for me as I am very pale. The quality was also very high and the 100% silk content makes this piece beautifully soft against the skin when worn.

   The design of this wrap dressing gown is gorgeous - it features an inner tie which keeps the cross-over sections in place better and the ties can be tied as tight or loose as the wearer wishes. The night gown is finished off by a silky waist ribbon tie:

   I really love the way that this dressing gown looks and feels when worn. The silk feels lightweight and it is hard not to glide around in this floaty number without feeling like an old Hollywood screen siren! The size 10 fit me nicely and it sweeps over curves and drapes beautifully to just above my ankles. (I'm 5ft10, so it would probably fall to ankle/near floor length on someone shorter) The wrap style is also very flattering to ladies with a bust and I actually found the chest area (which is made from lace with a slight stretch) to be generous - great news for those with larger busts that need extra chest room!

   I was also very impressed with the attention to detail. The main body of the gown is silk, but the bust section and sleeves are predominantly semi-sheer lace. You could either wear this gown over a night dress or alone for a more risqué (but still classy) look.. 

(Close up of a lace sleeve with slightly scalloped edging..)

   The silky waist ribbon tie helps to cinch in the waist and emphasise your feminine curves, whilst its soft sheen compliments the matte silk of the rest of the garment. The key-hole slit detail adds interest at the back of this dressing gown, revealing a peek of skin - a lovely touch indeed!

   Better still, when I checked the washing label, I was thrilled to find out that it is machine washable! (Surprising for something that has such delicate looking details, but it seems very well made.)

   I was really bowled over by how pretty this Rosie for Autograph gown was in the flesh and would really recommend it as a gift to someone else or as a treat to yourself this Christmas! It is a very versatile and flattering piece and even accomodates for a larger bust - a big 'tick' in my books. This piece would be perfect for injecting some grown up, sophisticated vintage glamour into any lady's nightwear collection. It is the kind of piece that I would love for my husband to buy me for Christmas and it looks so much more expensive than its £59 price tag - anyone would think that it was a luxury boutique piece!

   If you're looking for affordable luxury this Christmas, the Rosie for Autograph M&S nightgown is a present-perfect romantic treat that will make the recipient feel well and truly spoiled. It comes in sizes 8-22 and is selling out fast, so be quick if you want a slice of supermodel decadence under your tree this Xmas...

Click here to buy or see more of the Rosie for Autograph collection here.

Love,
Kitty xo

Loungewear for the fuller bust: Freya 'Marina' Pyjamas Review

   As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it really feels as though we have hit the cold Winter months...which also means that the Christmas season is drawing ever nearer! Before I get prematurely carried away with festive images of mince pies, mulled wine and Xmas turkey, Winter is also a great time to snuggle up in the warmth and recharge your batteries in good company. 

   One of my Winter weather (and lazy weekend) luxuries is relaxing at home in my PJ's, but it is not always easy to find pyjamas that are comfy, stylish AND support a larger bust. A little while ago I discovered Freya's loungewear collections thanks to Lazeme. Freya's lounge collections feature dual sized garments that come in clothing sizes (XS-XL) as well as bust sizes (B-DD or E-G). The support takes the form of an integral chest panel which provides support to a range of bust sizes.

   I first set eye on the Freya 'Marina' lounge sets (the pyjamas and chemise) at the Eveden A/W 2012 press day and the print and colours really stood out to me. Whilst I loved the 'Marina' chemise (which is the same in style as the 'Gracie' chemise that I reviewed), I feel that nighties are best suited to the warmer months of the year. Thanks to Lazeme, I was excited to be able to try out the 'Marina' pyjama set, which is sure to keep me feeling warm, comfy and stylish this Winter:

   True to form, my Lazeme loungewear arrived beautifully packaged and presented like a gift. It is always fantastic when companies pay attention to detail like this and it makes the customer feel very special!

   The Freya Lounge 'Marina' pyjamas consist of a long sleeve top and ribbon tie pyjama trousers, both of which boast a unique brushstroke print in a vibrant colour palette of purple, teal, blue, grey and black. As you can see from the picture below, the pattern resembles a leafy floral print, giving this set an Autumnal vibe!

   What is lovely about this set is that the trouser bottoms have an all-over brushstroke pattern, whereas the long sleeve top is predominantly black but features a printed hem, neckline and cuffs. The black top adds great contrast to the set and breaks up what could otherwise be quite a 'busy' pattern. I also love the rich purple satin bow on the adjustable gathered trouser band, which adds a stylish finish to the set!

   One of the key features of the 'Marina' lounge set is the top, which has a built-in secret cotton support panel. I got this top in a size XS E-G, which roughly equates to a size 8 with an E-G bust. I often wear a size 10 in tops, so I feel that the sizing is towards the generous side in Freya's lounge tops.

   The bottom edging of the support panel is elastic and whilst the panel detail is not as 'heavy duty' as a built-in bra, it does give light support to the wearer. As around a 28FF-G cup (28FF in most Freya lingerie), I really enjoyed having that bit of extra support from my nightwear and it is certainly nice to lounge around in pyjamas and feel comfortable without a bra on.

   My one criticism of the support panel is that it is verging on being too small for me in the bust. It provides good support when I lounge around the house in it, but after wearing it to bed for the night, I do find that the band rides up and sits slightly on the bottom of my breast tissue by morning. I feel that this is something to bear in mind if you are on the upper end of the E-G bust range.

   Never-the-less, the 'Marina' lounge set looks lovely on and is incredibly soft against the skin and comfortable to wear. The cut of the scoop neck top is flattering and the top is additionally a decent length to ensure that it does not ride up with movement. The arms and bust are more fitted and the fabric falls nicely over the stomach.

   I was also really impressed with the trousers as I often have problems with the length, being 5ft10! I got a size Small (roughly a UK10) which I wear on my hips and they drape beautifully to my ankles. The trousers are extremely soft and comfortable and I would quite happily live in them if I could! The gathered adjustable waist-band and ribbon tie is also an elegant and practical touch.

   I really like the 'Marina' loungewear set - the pattern is unusual and effortlessly chic, whilst the fabric is very soft with a good amount of stretch. What is also great about this pyjama set is that you could mix and match the top or bottoms with a different lounge set, like the Freya 'Gracie' in black:

   As I mentioned earlier, the only thing that this set could benefit from is slightly more room in the bust -perhaps Freya could experiment with a GG+ support panel option for the future too?

   There is nothing better than cosying up this Winter in comfy loungewear that packs a fashion punch. At £30 for the 'Marina' top and £30 for the 'Marina' trousers, this is a great quality set from Freya that will see you through the cold Winter months. Nightwear makes for a great Christmas present too and coupled with Lazeme's gift wrapping presentation, the recipient will certainly be in for a luxurious treat!

To see Lazeme's full range of sleep and loungewear products, click here.

Love,

Kitty xo

Boux Avenue A/W12 press day & Robyn Lawley..Embrace your curves!

   A little while back I was lucky enough to be invited to Fluorescent PR's Autumn/Winter 2012 showcase, which included Boux Avenue. Boux has been all over the media recently after revealing Robyn Lawley as the new face (and curves) of the brand's new collection, 'Embrace your curves'. 

   Robyn is a stunning 6ft 2", size 14/16 (AUS) plus size model who hails from Austalia. Having graced the covers of Italian Vogue, French Elle and Marie claire, Robyn seems to be a great choice for the brand not just for her looks, but for her great outlook on body image. Robyn has mentioned that in the past she has struggled with eating disorders, but she has grown to love her body and her curves:

 "My body looks better as it is because that's the size I'm supposed to be, with curves. It's my natural body shape." (Australian Madison Magazine)

   It is refreshing to see her as the new brand figure head and it sends out a really positive message to women to be proud of their body, whatever shape or size.. 

   The Boux Avenue Autumn/Winter 2012 showcase was also nothing short of gorgeous, with an array of exciting new prints, colours and fabrics to make you feel fabulously flirty and feminine in true boudoir style. The 'Embrace your curves' collection is very size inclusive for a 'high street' name, offering sizes 30A-40H and sizes 8-20 in coordinates and nightwear. There was even a fabulous boudoir dressing table set up to display Boux's fashion and beauty accessories!

***

   Looking at Boux Avenue A/W12, three themes pervade the collection. The first is animal print, with everything from leopard print bras to bodies, chemises, loungewear, fluffy marabou mules and cat slippers!

(I love the black contrast piping on this body and bra set)

'Georgia' animal balconette bra, £26 (32A-36G)

Ruffle animal print camisole and pants set, £32

   Another key trend is luxurious jewel tones - purple, turquoise, raspberry pink and yellow chartreuse are married with opulent satin and lace fabric combinations...

'Lyla' satin balconette bra, £26 (30C-40G) - This raspberry coloured set makes fir a great update to traditional festive red and the delicate black contrasting lace gives a glamorous and seductive feel. This bra also comes with the option of 'fifties sex kitten' style high waisted shorts (£16)!

The unusual 'Carina' plunge bra in chartreuse, £26 (30E-38G) - I'm a sucker for a pretty plunge, so I'm keen to try this as I love the shape of it on the model (pictured above).

Lacey plunge bra in violet lace, £24 (30A-38F) (another rich purple tone bra)

   The third main theme of the collection was a vintage revival in the form of elegant balconettes in satin with sophisticated patterns of polka dots and vintage floral lace overlays, coupled with mesh, tulle, frills, bows and charms that hark back to bygone eras. These sets feel very 'old Hollywood'...

'Penelope' spot balconette bra, £28 (32A-38F) 

'Carmen' bandeau bra, £26 (32A-30E)

(Lace rosette bra)

Cutesy flock spot balconette plunge bra, £26 (32A-38E) (also comes as a babydoll)

'Nancie' satin and lace balconette bra, £26 (32A-38F) - One of my collection favourites, the 'Nancie' is a stunning peach tone satin and lace balconette bra that oozes vintage chic with its floral lace pattern, little frills and bow and cameo charm at the centre of the cups. This would make a great bridal bra alternative - if only it came in my size!

***

   The Boux Avenue A/W12 collection has some really gorgeous styles to suit a variety of tastes. I was a particular fan of the decadent jewel tones, satin and lace combinations and soft blush tones and vintage detailing. My only niggle is that not all of the lingerie starts at a 30 back and only select styles go up to an H. That aside, it's great to see more larger cup sizes readily available from a big name commercial brand! 

   Whilst I didn't have a great amount of luck with my first Boux Avenue try out, I am keen to try some newer styles in a 30 back as a few people have mentioned that some of them may work for a 28 back too.

Perhaps this A/W will see me 'embracing my curves' in some new Boux Avenue lingerie...

Shop the new Boux Avenue collection here.

Love,

Kitty xo

Lazy living with 'Lazeme' and Freya loungewear!

  It goes without saying that having a bit of ‘down’ time is a welcome respite in today’s constantly ‘on the go’ society. There is nothing better than finishing work for the week; having a lie-in, a late breakfast and a hot chocolate in your pj’s, whilst catching up on your favourite TV programme…

  Although you may own a gorgeous selection of lingerie and swimwear, what does your nightwear and loungewear say about you? How many of you can admit to keeping that old nightie that should have been binned years ago or that shapeless top and shorts that you bought in the sale..or maybe your boyfriend just wants his t-shirt back?

  When going through my wardrobe before I moved house, I was shocked to discover the quantity of badly fitting nightwear that I had kept in storage! As many girls with curves will admit, it is so difficult to find well-fitting and pretty nightwear that accommodates for a bust. It is annoying to have to buy a top a size or two bigger than your bottom half, as it leaves excess material, which swallows up any semblance of a figure.

  If you, like me, have felt nauseous at the thought of a sleepover or staying over at a guy’s house and showing off your badly fitting 'Hello Kitty' nightie, it is definitely time for you to join the loungewear revolution!

  The answer to my loungewear prayers came in the form of Lazeme (who stock an amazing array of swimwear, beachwear, and most importantly, sleep and lounge wear!) As a big Freya lingerie fan, I was thrilled to see that Lazeme stocked a number of Freya loungewear products.

  I absolutely loved the Freya Lounge ‘Gracie’ chemise, which is £29 and comes in three colours; black, lupin pink and teal. The best thing, is that Freya's knowledge of catering for bigger busts does not stop at their lingerie and swimwear. Freya have employed dual sizing in the 'Gracie', merging your clothing size (XS-XL) with your cup size (medium bust: B-DD and fuller bust: E-G), providing a superior fit.  

 

  With a 28FF bust and a clothing size of  8-10, I was not sure whether to order the 'Gracie' in a small (E-G) or extra small (E-G), so Lazeme kindly sent me both to assess the fit. I chose the teal colour 'Gracie', which arrived very quickly and was beautifully packaged, complete with a glossy brochure:

  As you can see from the picture, the 'Gracie' chemise is a little bit darker in colour than the product photo, but the rich teal colour will suit a variety of complexions. The actual design is fairly classic, offset by intricate, scalloped lace, which borders the bust. The bow at the centre of the 'V' cut neck line adds a touch of romance, making the chemise very girly, whilst also being quite sexy.

  My favourite feature, above all, was the 'secret support panel', which, although hidden from the outside, is integral to the support of  your bust. The feel of the inner panel's band is very different from that of a bra - it feels supportive under your bust, without being in any way constrictive.

  Most importantly, due to the viscose lycra fabric content, the 'Gracie' not only skims your curves, but is also extremely soft against your skin. I found the chemise very comfortable to sleep in and the inner panel kept my bust supported, no matter how much I tossed and turned in my sleep!

  With regards to sizing, I found that Freya's sizing in the body was quite generous in the 'Gracie' and I ended up keeping the XS (E-G). 

  The 'Gracie' is certainly a breath of fresh air for any curvy girl who needs a nightwear revamp. Freya shows that even when you are lounging around the house, that there is now all the more reason to feel comfortable, supported and fashionable. Next on my wishlist is definitely the 'Gracie' black long sleeved top and pj bottoms (£28 and £28) - ideal for the upcoming winter months!

To see Lazeme's full range of sleep and loungewear products, click here.

Love,

Kitty xo