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
 

***

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,

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,

All I want for Christmas: A fuller bust Xmas lingerie gift guide

   With Christmas fast-approaching, now is definitely the time to finalise your Xmas wishlist! For lingerie addicts like me, Christmas is a great excuse for new lingerie and luckily for us lingeristas, there are some truly scrumptious pickings this festive season..

    If you happen to be buying underwear for a special lady this Christmas, make sure that you take a look at some of my helpful tips too:

• Check the lucky recipient's bra size by peeking in her underwear drawer (don't get caught!)
• Try to make sure that you're buying something that will suit HER taste not just yours and try to pick something that fits in with her style/ personality etc. There is nothing worse than receiving the great gift of underwear for it to be left unworn in a drawer!
• Check the returns policy (make sure that you know the return date for your purchase(s) as you don't want for your recipient to be left with lingerie that doesn't quite fit right!)
• Look out for gift wrapping options at checkout and maybe a personalised message (Some companies do this for free e.g. Boux Avenue (complete with scented petals and lacey tissue paper!) and others charge a small fee e.g. Figleaves (£3.50) - it can be a really special touch!)
• Look up last Christmas shipping dates to make sure that your gift arrives in time!
• If you want to give the gift of lingerie but aren't sure what the recipient wants, give her a gift card - that way she can get exactly what she wants and you won't need to agonise about what to buy her (win, win!)
• Keep your eyes peeled for lingerie deals - it may not strictly be 'sale season', but that doesn't mean that you can't snap up a bargainous gift - more for your money..what's not to like?! (Check out Brastop for bargainous larger bust bras from just £10.95!)

(Picture via olgathetravelingbra.blogspot.co.uk)

   Whatever bra size you are, you will certainly be spoilt for choice this Xmas - there are some really gorgeous lingerie styles out there that will make you look and feel fabulous. If you are a fuller busted girl like me, here are 12 great lingerie pieces out at the moment to tickle your fancy! 

There's no denying that any of these beauties would look great under my Christmas tree..

1. Freya Ivy Underwired Padded Longline Bra, £32 (Available at Figleaves)

   Longlines are big news in the style stakes at the moment and who could resist this fuller bust beauty from Freya? The delightful ivy print is perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit and the delicate red lace trims and little bow detail keep this set looking flirty and fun. The cups are lightly padded to offer great shape and support. 

Available in sizes 30-38 D-G.

Also comes as an underwired balcony bra (£30) (28-38 D-J) at Bravissimo.

2. Bettie Mae bra by Bravissimo, £32

   Say hello to seduction in this gorgeous plunge bra from Bravissimo! With its deep neckline and lightly padded cups, you can count on it to deliver a lovely cleavage all the way up to a J cup. The purple/pink base is accented by irresistibly cute purple polka dots and purple ruffle and bow trimmings - the perfect Xmas treat for a special lady!

Available in sizes 28-38 DD-J.

How beautiful are the mesh bow back briefs (£18) too?

3. 'Tease Me' Balconette Bra by Curvy Kate in Cherry/Blush, £29 at Brastop

   Proving that fuller cup lingerie can be both supportive and sexy, the 'Tease Me' in this gorgeous cherry red colourway is guaranteed to make anyone's heart skip a beat! With its balcony style cups, intricate lace mesh overlay and striking cream ribbon details, this bra oozes boudoir glamour! 

Available in sizes 28-38 D-HH.

4. Freya Deco Honey Purple Moulded Bra, £32 at Leia Lingerie

   As Undercover Lingerista readers will know, I'm a sucker for Freya's popular 'Deco' bras and I cannot wait to add the new Deco 'Honey' in purple to my collection! The 'Honey' delivers comfort, support and style without being overly fussy..and who could deny the allure of its knock-out cleavage and vibrant colour? 

Available in sizes 28-38 D-GG.

Also comes in firecracker red.

5. Claudette Neon Turquoise 'Dessous' bra, £38 reduced to £28.50 at ASOS

   Claudette has been on my radar for a while and I love this quirky neon 'Dessous' bra. This soft cup bra is crafted from turquoise semi sheer mesh and the contrasting black picot trim and appliqué grosgrain bows add to this bra's flirty and fashionable appeal. This bra is ideal for trendy girls that love to be playful with their underwear choices! 

Available in Sizes 30-38 A-G.

6. Satine bra by Bravissimo, £29

   For simple and classic sophistication, Bravissimo's 'Satine' hits the nail on the head. The ivory colourway makes me think 'Christmas snow' and 'a touch of bridal beauty' all in one and its smooth satin will make you feel both comfortable and elegant. It is a customer favourite and it is easy to see why - who doesn't love practical but luxurious lingerie that can be worn everyday?

Available in sizes 28-38 DD-J.

Also comes in an eye-catching cobalt blue or classic black.

7. Gossard Colour Clash Padded Bra in Red/Pink, £29 at Figleaves

 

   As soon as I spotted it, I fell in love with the punchy colour clash of this red satin and pink mesh number! This bra offers something quirky and original thanks to its thick straps and gold hardware, plus it features a quirky cut out strap back. This is certainly a sexy bra that refuses to go unnoticed! 

Available in sizes 30-38 A-G.

8. Miss Mandalay 'Amelie' Mink/Black balconette bra, £46

   If you're looking for sophisticated lingerie that oozes refined glamour, get ready to fall for the 'Amelie' balconette bra. This sumptuous mink satin and black lace bra has 'classy and fabulous' written all over it! There is no surprise that this is one of Miss Mandalay's most popular bras and it's selling out fast! 

Available in sizes 28-38 C-GG (limited stock)

A few more sizes available at Large Cup Lingerie and Red Box Lingerie.


9. Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris padded balcony bra, £59 at Red Box Lingerie

   Stylish, edgy and worn to be seen, this Marlies Dekkers bra makes a statement and has been famously worn by Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham, no less! This is the ideal bra for those that want to channel the 'underwear as outerwear' trend and this bra has unlimited possibilities. One to wear and be seen in! 

Available in sizes 32-36 D-F.

10. Mimi Holliday by Damaris Cheeky Minx Lace Long Shoulder Bra, £55 at Figleaves

   After my first run in with Mimi Holliday, I'm hooked on the brand's flirty cuts and luxurious fabric combinations. This 'Cheeky Minx' bra is sure to impress with its pretty leopard print pattern and vibrant pink lace panels. Its unique shoulder bra design is a great twist on traditional bra styles - who could resist such a cute and fashionable lingerie set? 

Available in sizes 30-36 D-FF (limited sizes)

11. Masquerade by Panache 'Delphi' Basque, £61 at Figleaves

   Why limit yourself to a bra when there are such gorgeous alternatives on the market too? This sexy satin basque from Masquerade is a dream come true for fuller busted ladies and will not only look stunning and flatter curves, but will support them too! Featuring delicate mesh and embroidered details with integral boning for a great fit, this vintage style basque is a real showstopper!

Available in sizes 28-38 D-GG.

12. Tatu Couture 'Giselle' bustle back brief, £95

   If you want to buy lingerie that wows, don't forget a dramatic and sexy pair of knickers. This Tatu Couture lace bustle brief is just gorgeous with its edgy 'cut out' effect mesh panels that reveal a peek of skin underneath. Featuring a fabulous padlock tattoo print, lashings of enchanting black lace ruffles and a quirky zip opening, these knickers are truly irresistable!

Available in sizes S, M, L

---

   I hope you like my Christmas lingerie wishlist - it is certainly not exhaustive, but if I had to pick my 12 Christmas 'must-haves', it would be these!

Dear Santa, 

I've been a very good girl this year..

Love,

Kitty xo

Stepping into sophistication: Masquerade by Panache 'Amor' lingerie review

   Undercover Lingerista readers will likely be aware of my love for fuller busted lingerie brand, Panache and their Masquerade line. Masquerade lingerie is commonly characterised by sophisticated and elegant designs, sumptuous fabrics and ornate detailing, which combine to offer the wearer great fitting luxury lingerie at affordable price points. Masquerade tends to be slightly more expensive than Panache's other sub-brands ('Superbra' and 'Cleo'), but the Masquerade line is such a decadent approach to D-H cup lingerie, that it is hard not to fall in love with the collections! 

   When it comes to bras, I tend to favour moulded bras due to the great rounded shape and cleavage that they offer. One of my favourite bras from Masquerade is definitely the 'Capella' bra which I reviewed a while ago..so much so that this beautiful bra became one of my 'go-to' bras for both special occasions and under my everyday work wear (as it was so comfortable)! Unfortunately my 'Capella' is slightly too small for me at the moment, so when I spotted the new Masquerade 'Amor' sweetheart moulded bra at the Panache A/W12 press day, I couldn't help but lust after it!

   

   The Masquerade 'Amor' set consists of a stunning moulded underwired bra and brazilian briefs in a rich sapphire jewel tone. The bra comes in back sizes 28-38 with cup sizes D-G and the matching knickers come in sizes 8-18. In line with my current Panache size, I went for a 28G in the bra and a 10 in the briefs, courtesy of the lovely people at Panache..

   The Masquerade 'Amor' bra looks even more exquisite in the flesh and the play on detail actually resides in the contrast of the sapphire satin with the matte blue fabric sections. As you can see from the pictures, the satin has an opulent sheen to it when it catches the light, making this bra look very chic and high-end. The matte blue sections run across the cups and down the centre gore of the bra in a 'V' shape, drawing the eye down to a central cleavage point. The 'Amor' is similar to the 'Capella' in that it is a balconette-plunge style with a 'sweetheart' neckline, which gives a more subtle and 'natural' cleavage than a deep plunge bra.

   The straps are also fairly thin (compared to Freya bras for example) and measure about 1.5cm thick (the same as the straps on the other Masquerade bras that I own). Unlike the 'Capella', however, the 'Amor' bra's straps are fully adjustable, which is always a bonus in my book as it lends to a longer 'strap life' and is useful for those that need to tighten their straps considerably.

   The bra fastens with two hook and eyes and the back band is double lined with a matte blue stretch fabric and bordered by satin wrapped elastic. Initially the 28G 'Amor' band felt similar to the Masquerade 'Anise' and because it felt a bit too tight when I first tried it on, I exchanged it for a 30FF. I now wish that I had stuck with the 28G and worn it with an extender until it loosened up - the 30FF band loosened up very quickly and I need to go on to the middle hook after wearing it just once! 

   That said, the 'Amor' is a lovely bra and the satin is silky smooth. When worn, the bra gives a very rounded shape and a natural looking cleavage that is perfect for all occasions. Thanks to the smooth lines of the 'Amor' bra, it would work well under most clothing. I often reach for plain moulded bras for work (e.g. my Freya 'Deco' bras), so the 'Amor' makes for a more luxurious substitute. There is nothing nicer than going to work knowing that you're wearing comfortable and equally stylish lingerie!

   As for the matching brazilian briefs, I am glad that I exchanged the 10 for a 12 as they look more flattering in the bigger size. 

   The 'Amor' brazilian briefs are interestingly not a direct match to the 'Amor' bra and are instead made from a soft matte stretch mesh with satin-wrapped elastic edging. I actually quite like that the bra and briefs are not 'matchy matchy' as it makes the set a bit more unusual. The fabric is also very slightly sheer, meaning that they steer away from looking like 'standard' plain blue knickers:

   The briefs are very smooth feeling and practical as they are seam-free. Although they are comfortable, they are not my favourite knickers. The elastic borders dig into your flesh a little bit, which although not uncomfortable, is not hugely flattering or conducive to creating a sleek silhouette under clothing. 

   The 'Amor' is a lovely lingerie set and I can see the bra particularly being worn a great deal in the upcoming festive season - whether it is under a dress to a Christmas party or as an everyday set under work clothes or casual wear. It has an understated appeal that makes it a timeless set and the luxe satin and sheer matte fabric combination elevates it beyond being 'just a blue lingerie set'. 

   With Christmas approaching, the 'Amor' would also make for a luxurious gift. If you can't afford real diamonds and sapphires, the 'Amor''s jewel tone satin will be enough to seduce any lady and make her feel spoiled! There is nothing more indulgent than gorgeous new lingerie and the 'Amor' set delivers everyday luxury aplenty. 

   One thing that I have learnt in my bra journey is that beautiful lingerie makes me feel good, so why save it solely for special occasions? Whether you're at the office or just lounging at home, wearing that pretty lingerie set will make you feel like you really 'have it together'!

The Masquerade 'Amor' is available to buy from My Curves and Me and other retailers. (Now there is even more reason to treat yourself or someone else as the 'Amor' bra is currently reduced from £42 to £24.50 and the briefs are reduced from £18.50 to £10.79!)

(I have also heard that the 'Amor' is coming out in 'Berry' for 2013, so keep your eyes peeled!)

Click here to see more of Panache's Masquerade collections.

Love,

Kitty xo