Ann Summers Extreme Boost bra review, bra fitting and A/W14 collections!

   As one of the UK's leading 'pleasure retailers', Ann Summers is well known for being the purveyor of all things sexy! Rampant rabbits and jelly boobs aside, Ann Summers boasts an ever-expanding range of lingerie in sizes 32A – 42H (with select styles from a 30 back up to a DD cup) and clothing sizes from 8 – 24.  

   This season's lingerie collections at the Westfield store certainly did not disappoint. True to the Ann Summers brand 'identity', there was an abundance of satin and lace 'boudoir' bras in deep reds, blacks and purples, alongside chiffon and satin babydolls, camis and suspender belts.

   There was also an array of  'trademark' Ann Summers 'bedroom wear'; namely sheer lace bodysuits, dresses and bodystockings in red and black. Amongst these, however, I was glad to find some edgier pieces; a strapless lace body with 'hook and eye' detailing running down the middle and the eyecatching 'Arabella' quarter cup bra, which features an ornate red guipure lace design (below left).

   In the same vein, Ann Summers has brought out some exceedingly racy knicker designs lately, including the very 'Damaris'-esque bow back strapping knickers - cheeky, indeed!

   Ann Summers is adept at bringing out collections that boast a variety of mix and match pieces. This enables customers to choose between different bra and knicker styles in order to flatter their shape and personal tastes. Customers can also embellish their lingerie 'outfit' with a matching suspender belt or waist cincher - ideal for kicking a bra and knicker set up a notch!

   I was also impressed with the level of aesthetic detail in the current Ann Summers collections. Fashion-forward motifs such as pleated chiffon overlays, ornate embroidered trims and unusual scalloped cup constructions (e.g. the 'Marlena' balconette - top right) demonstrate that Ann Summers has its finger on the pulse of lingerie trends and that the company is keen to keep reinventing and improving its products.

    Whilst Ann Summers is well-known for its 'bedroom'/'boudoir' lingerie, lesser known is the range of 'everyday' fashion bras, which sit well in the commercial lingerie market.

   The 'everyday' collection boasts slightly more 'toned-down' Ann Summers designs, in order to be more functional and appropriate for daily wear. The 'sexy lace' bras (above) have a seamless, t-shirt bra design so as to work under a range of clothing, whilst retaining their sex appeal!

   For those who prefer their everyday lingerie to be a little more girly and playful, Ann Summers has brought out a selection of fashion bras in candy pink, pastel purple and cool mint. Satins and mesh overlays accompanied by polka dots, ivory contrast lace and bow motifs give the bras a flirty vibe without being too fussy or OTT.

  Not only are the designs very 'everyday appropriate', but they are also very reasonably priced (at around £16-£22 a bra). Ann Summers has also been promoting some bargainous offers recently, with 2 bras for £30!

   The last range of particular mention is the 'Ultimate Cleavage' collection; a collection of boob-boosting padded bras (and cami basques) with graduated padding AND removable air pads.

   Ever since Ann Summers launched the 'kissing cleavage boob job bra' in 2011, their padded bras have attracted considerable press attention - possibly due to the claim that they can boost the bust up by two or three cup sizes!

   At the Ann Summers and Coppafeel press event a little while ago back, I had the opportunity to try on some of the most recent offerings from the 'Solutions'/'Ultimate Cleavage' collection, as well as receive a personal bra fitting.

   It is worth mentioning that Ann Summers do not stock 28 backs and that there is a limited range of 30 backs available in Ann Summers lingerie (and only up to a DD cup). With this in mind, I was very interested to see how things fared in the fitting room..

   I was greeted by a lovely, bubbly fitting girl who took me to the Ann Summers changing rooms. My fitter proceeded to ask me if I knew what size I was and having been in size fluctuation over the past few months (more on that at a later date), I said that I was not sure but that I knew that I needed a 28 back. 

   My fitter reiterated that unfortunately Ann Summers did not make 28 backs and that 30 backs were in limited supply, so she would bring me a selection of bras to try in a 32 back, guessing that a 32D or 32DD in Ann Summers bras would work best for me.

  

   I tried on a selection of padded balconette and plunge bras from the Ann Summers 'Solutions' range. All of the bras feature varied levels of padding; from integrated foam padding ('Extreme Boost' bra) to removable padding ('Touch Boost' bra) to a mixture of integrated padding and foam filled removable pads in the 'Triple Boost' bra. 

   The bra that gave the most 'oomph' was, without doubt, the 'Triple Boost' bra, which really did do what it said on the tin - I looked 3 cup sizes larger and the cleavage was certainly enough to rival Jordan's!

   The 'Touch Boost' plunge and 'Extreme Boost' were definitely my preferred bras from the collection because the removable padding and graduated padding gave a fantastic boost, without being quite as OTT as the 'Triple Boost'!

    After trying on a selection of different bras, I noticed that the 32 backs were very much too large for me and I immediately put the bras on their tightest hooks. The centre gore did not sit flush to my chest in any of the bras, but the cleavage was pretty impressive! My fitter did not offer much by way of fitting advice and unfortunately overlooked the fitting issues that I pointed out above, highlighting instead which bra flattered my complexion and gave the best cleavage (more of a stylist approach than a fitter approach I felt!)

   Although my Ann Summers fit experience did not yield much by the way of a perfectly fitting bra, I did come away with a gorgeous bra that gives unrivalled cleavage! Ann Summers kindly gifted me the 'Extreme boost multiway plunge bra' in teal/black. 

   
   The 'Extreme Boost' bra epitomises boudoir glamour, with its luxe-looking turquoise satin cups and ornate black floral lace overlay.

   Attention has clearly been paid to finer design details; from the pretty ribbon bow that adorns the centre of the cups to the continuation of the lace overlay on the bra wings. For me, the 'pièce de résistance' is undoubtedly the gold embroidery on the bra cups, which offsets the black lace beautifully, whilst adding a touch of opulence!

    What I love about this bra is that it embodies a sexy spin on the humble seamless plunge bra. I found that this bra (although not totally 100% seamless) works well under a variety of tight-fitting tops and dresses, with fairly minimal show-through from the lace.

    Of course, it would be impossible to review the 'Extreme Boost' bra without mentioning the integrated padded cup design. The built-in graduated padding is made from a soft foam, which tends to be (from my experience) more comfortable and cushioning than air or gel padding (which can sometimes feel slightly hard or stiff in comparison).

      This bra claims to boost the bust by 'up to two sizes' and I would say that this is accurate - the padding and deep plunge cups lend to a very enhanced and uplifted cleavage, making this bra perfect for those looking for an impressive push-up effect!

    To best demonstrate the cleavage-enhancing properties of the 'Extreme Boost', I have taken some comparison photos, showing the difference between my staple Freya 'Deco' plunge bra and the Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost'..

   As you can see, the Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost' really does deliver what it promises and the cleavage it creates is definitely not for the faint hearted! Although I love how much 'epic cleavage' I get in this bra, it would not be my first choice for everyday wear as I tend to prefer a more natural look.

   The 'Extreme Boost' unfortunately does not fit or support me like my properly fitted everyday bras do - as a 28 back, the 32 back is too large for me and the centre gore does not tack to my sternum. That said, this bra makes for an ideal 'boudoir bra' and it would be great fun for a night out - it is hard not to feel rather glamorous and sexy in it!

   Additionally, this bra can be worn halterneck or racerback due to the multiway strap design, meaning that an extreme boost is possible whatever the outfit you wear!

 The Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost' is available in sizes 32-38, A - DD and costs £30


What do you think of the 'Extreme Boost' bra? Would you wear it?
 

Love,

***

Shop the rest of the Ann Summers A/W14 collections here!

Hello, 'Kitty'! A By Caprice lingerie review..

   I first came across Caprice Bourret's lingerie brand, 'By Caprice', last year and consequently reviewed the 'Audrey' set (click to read here). I was impressed with By Caprice's offerings and decided to keep an eye on the brand's development in the following months.

   Sure enough, the Spring/Summer 2012 collection went to press with a bang, boasting a whole host of sultry new styles; such as the 'Morticia', 'Dianthus' and 'Greta'. The S/S12 collection exudes 'femme fatale', with its feminine embroidery and sexy cuts, but at the same time it retains its playfulness with floral motifs and dashes of colour.

   The range, however, encompasses far more than basic bra sets. The collection includes the 'Greta' babydoll (a seductive red and black mesh number with an incorporated moulded bra) and the effortlessly glamorous 'Morticia' ruched thong back body, which comes in black/nude and ivory.  

The set that caught my eye was the aptly named, 'Kitty' (which interestingly enough, is a bit of a side-step from the general feel of the collection)... 

   The 'Kitty' set features a moulded underwired padded bra with a chiffon overlay. The bra is covered in a leopard print pattern in blue tones, with contrasting cornflower blue straps and bow motifs. Matching leopard print chiffon ruffle briefs are also available to compliment the bra. Thanks to By Caprice, I was lucky enough to be sent my namesake 'Kitty' set to try for size...

   As you can see, in real life, the 'Kitty' set differs noticeably from the promotional shot of Caprice wearing it. Firstly, the blue tones are more muted in real life and grey actually features quite dominantly in the colour palette. This was actually a pleasant surprise, as I was worried that the pattern would look a bit garish from the promotional picture! Additionally, the chiffon has a slight glittery sheen to it, which catches the light and gives the set a subtle sparkle...

   By Caprice have managed to merge a leopard print pattern with a fashion-forward injection of colour, to keep the 'Kitty' looking edgy. The blue ruffled straps, dainty bow motifs and blue edging along the bottom of the band make the 'Kitty' an original take on a classic print, whilst keeping the look sophisticated! 

   As with the 'Audrey' set, I opted for the 30FF in the 'Kitty', rather than my "sister size" of 30F (the same volume as my usual 28FF bra size). Unfortunately, 28 backs are not available in By Caprice underwear, so the 30 back was the best option for me. The band was a little loose, but not by any means unwearable. 

   I am very glad that I went up a cup size, as I feel that the By Caprice bras that I have tried tended to run a bit small in the cups. This could also be partly due to the bra cups having inbuilt graduated padding...

   Although padding is somewhat of a rarity in larger cup sizes, By Caprice recognise that some girls like a bit of a boost every now and again, regardless of their cup size! Luckily, the padding is foamy and quite light-weight, meaning that unlike many of the super-padded gel bras that are on the market at the moment, it does not feel uncomfortable or strange when worn. The boost is quite subtle, so you won't feel self-conscious or as if you have had an overnight boob job!

   The shape that the 'Kitty' bra gives is nice and rounded and the plunge cut makes it flattering to your bust - ideal for wearing under 'V' cut tops. After prolonged wear, I found that the straps put a bit of pressure on my shoulders, but this could be easily rectified by wearing a 28 back (hint, hint!)..

   I received the 'Kitty' chiffon briefs in a size medium (10-12), which match the bra with its blue leopard print design. 

  As you can see from the pictures, the 'Kitty' briefs are a more conventional 'knicker brief' cut. In comparison to the 'Audrey' shorties that I own, their cut makes them comfier for everyday wear. (It is worth mentioning that you may need to size up in By Caprice briefs, as they have a skimpier cut and seem a little smaller than other brands that I have tried.)

Overall, I really liked the 'Kitty' knickers, which juxtapose the sexiness of semi-sheer chiffon with delicate and flirty ruffles and bow motifs...

   It certainly isn't every day that you come across your 'bra namesake', so it can only be fate that I tried the 'Kitty'! Despite any initial hesitations that I had about owning a blue leopard print bra, the 'Kitty' surprised me and it looks so much more stylish in real life. 

   By Caprice have revolutionised leopard print for me, with their edgy mixture of print with an eye-catching blue and grey colour scheme. Even my other half (who isn't usually an animal print fan) said how much he liked the design! 

   The 'Kitty' set is available from 30-38 backs and from cup sizes A-G, meaning that a range of sizes can take a walk on the wild side with this leopard print number! What's more, the By Caprice 'Kitty' is very affordable at £26 for the bra and £14 for the briefs. 

   The 'Kitty' is definitely a set to make you feel like a fully fledged glamour puss, so get ready to take a walk on the wild side...

(To find out more, take a look at the By Caprice official website or buy online at ASOS, Figleaves, Littlewoods or New Look)   

Love,

Kitty xo