Basking in beauty: Tutti Rouge 'Betty' bra and knicker review

   Over the last few months, waves of excitement have coursed through the Lingerie blogging community, heralding the arrival of a new fuller bust lingerie brand! Think cup cakes and pillow fights, add a dash of eye-catching colour and adorable prints, then top it off with a sprinkling of flirty satin and lace.. and voila! Say hello to the new brand on the block that is creating a buzz...Tutti Rouge!

Baking cakes, pillow fights.. and that's just the advert! 

   Tutti Rouge is the brain child of Jessica Prebble, a lady who is certainly no stranger to the Lingerie scene! With 17 years of experience in the Intimates sector (including a degree in Contour Fashion from De Montfort University, a Masters in Textiles from Birmingham UCE and work with lingerie giants such as Bravissimo and Debenhams), it seemed apt that Jessica began her own label. Her wealth of knowledge has led her to develop a brand that answers the prayers of many younger, larger busted girls who struggle to find fashion-conscious (and affordable!) lingerie in both padded and unpadded bra styles. 

   Jessica understands that design, fit, quality and affordability go hand in hand: "Tutti rouge will break a few hearts but she won't break the bank" and it is precisely this philosophy that Tutti Rouge delivers. Tutti Rouge injects a new lease of life into the lingerie market with fashionable designs that are guaranteed to turn heads. Tutti Rouge offers fresh, fun and flirty underwear styles in back sizes 28-38 and cup sizes DD-HH/J, meaning that a large range of fuller busted women can enjoy the Tutti effect! 

   If you have been keeping a-breast (see what I did there!?) of the Tutti updates via Facebook, you will have noticed that Tutti Rouge have staggered the release of their debut collection. The fuchsia pink unpadded 'Liliana' set was first to launch, followed by the most recent: 'Betty'. As Undercover Lingerista readers may know, I tend to favour moulded bra styles, so 'Betty' really caught my eye with her scrumptious icing-coloured satin, her feminine poppy print and her flirty ruffle trim.. and who can resist those adorable matching shorties? 

   Thanks to the Tutti Team, I was lucky enough to be able to try this set out for myself. The 'Betty' set arrived in a chic black box with the pink 'Tutti Rouge' logo emblazoned on the front. Inside the box, wrapped in light pink tissue paper (along with a yummy stick of rock!), was my beautiful new set of lingerie...

   As you can see, the 'Betty' set really is a sight to behold and the colour palette is ideal for Spring/Summer! The 'Betty' bra and shortie knickers feature an unusual floral/ poppy print design in pink and mint tones, which sits atop a yellowy-cream base of satin. The poppy print has an almost oriental feel to it - something that makes it stand apart from the plethora of 'traditional' floral patterns that dominate the current lingerie market. The warm yellow/gold undertone of the satin also compliments my pale skin perfectly and its luxurious sheen makes this set look more expensive than it actually is! 

  

   Additionally, the 'Betty' set boasts some really special embellishments that demonstrate Tutti Rouge's desire to be different! A delightful frilled hem line sits along the edge (and on the underside) of the cups, whilst vivid pink bows adorn the centre of the bra cups - a detail that also features on the adorable matching knickers!

   It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into the embellishments and finer details. The poppy print is extended to the satin-wrapped bra straps (a concept that many other brands overlook!) The straps are also purposefully quite thin (1.5cm) and with their pretty pattern, I would definitely have no qualms about showing them off! The only downside to them is that they are not fully adjustable! 

   The bra straps also boast decorative heart-shaped strap adjusters - another gorgeous and very well-thought out design feature of the 'Betty'! 

   As you can see from the picture (below), the 'Betty' fastens with 2 hooks (DD-G cups, 3 hooks for GG-HH cups) and once again, Tutti Rouge adds a playful twist with the Tutti Rouge logo embossed on the closure.

   With regard to construction, the 'Betty' bra is an underwired and lightly padded/ moulded balconette style bra, featuring a two-part cup construction with a soft foam lining that makes this bra very comfortable to wear.. 

   When it comes to fit, however, I was not completely satisfied. I tried both a 28G and 30FF in the 'Betty' and neither band was quite right for me and the centre gore did not quite tack to my chest in either size. I put the 30FF 'Betty' straight on to the tightest hook, so imagine my surprise when I could only just fasten the 28G on the loosest setting! When I measured the two bands, the 30FF measured 63cm and the 28G measured 55cm, which gives around a 3 inch difference between the band lengths. The mesh band is quite stretchy, so I probably could have bought a bra back extender for the 28G bra, but I chose to keep the 30FF for ease. 

   Band size aside, I feel that the cup volume was spot on in the (30)FF and the 'Betty' gives a lovely, uplifted shape to a fuller bust without being OTT. The 'Betty' lifts the bust to give a subtle cleavage, making it ideal for a variety of necklines. In fact, the shape of 'Betty' reminds me slightly of the 'Thrill Me' (one of my favourite Curvy Kate bras to date), but with slightly wider underwires.

***

   

   Let us not forget the gorgeous satin and poppy print 'Betty' retro shorties (Size S-XL). Once again, Tutti Rouge have hit the nail on the head when it comes to attention to detail! The knickers are panelled and edged by Tutti's playful ivory frill, but the real 'wow' feature is found on the back of the knickers..

 
   The sassy triangular key hole detail at the top of the knickers is a really knock-out feature and the little pink bow adds a touch of colour to the plain ivory mesh. The mesh is semi-sheer, giving a cheeky peek of flesh underneath (if you'll forgive the pun!)

   I really enjoyed the fit of the 'Betty' shorties and the size M was generous but well-fitting (no one likes knickers that dig in!) They are extremely comfortable to wear on an everyday basis and the gathered ruching on the back panel contours beautifully to the curves of your derrière!

   Overall, 'Betty' really hits the mark when it comes to aesthetics - the design is unique and refreshing, the fabrics are great quality and the attention to detail is impressive! 'Betty' epitomises the carefree spirit of Tutti Rouge and this set brings back the fun and frivolity to lingerie (something that occasionally gets lost in translation with all the bondage-inspired/ Fifty Shades-inspired lingerie on the scene at present). The 'Betty' is a set that will make girls feel truly special, confident, trendy and girly and I wish that Tutti Rouge had been around when I was a teenager! 

   The Tutti Rouge 'Betty' bra is available to buy at £32 for the bra and £16 for the knickers at Bravissimo.

***

   I am really excited to try more from Tutti Rouge and I already have my eye on the sassy, purple spotted 'Frankie' bra and suspender skirt set (below):

   With Tutti's bright and colourful styles, fabulous attention to detail, impressive size range, and attractive price points, the brand is certainly putting the fun back into fuller busted lingerie with frillies that make you feel fabulous!

Take a look at Tutti Rouge's A/W13 video to get a glimpse of the lingerie delights that Tutti have in the pipeline...can you spot the new 'Betty' colourway? 

(A sneak peek from Tutti Rouge's 'French Bliss' shoot for S/S14!)

What do you think of the brand? Have you got Tutti fever?

Love, 

Kitty xo

Wolford's new Regent Street boutique and S/S13 collections reviewed

   Founded in 1949, Austrian premium brand, Wolford, boasts a rich history alongside an impressive range of products; from Legwear to Ready-to-wear to Lingerie, Swimwear and Accessories. Wolford's first products were tights, followed by an expansion into bodywear in 1992. Thanks to the high quality, stylish designs of Wolford garments, both legwear and bodywear (particularly tights and seamless bodies) remain extremely popular to this day and are integral to Wolford's collections.

   Wolford has grown to become an iconic and internationally recognised label with highly sought after luxury products that are loved by celebrities such as Kate Moss, Rihanna, Jessie J, Keira Knightley and Cheryl Cole, amongst others. Wolford is special in its balance of creativity and innovation with a timeless classicism that withstands seasonal trend shifts. That said, Wolford is conscious of the latest trends, choosing to give a subtle nod to them, whilst keeping its classic shapes (which flatter and enhance the female silhouette.)

   I was lucky enough to be invited to Wolford's Westfield boutique a little while ago to hear the lovely  Muireann Carey-Campbell of Bangs and a Bun give a talk about Wolford's A/W12 collections; 1950's meets rock chick with a splash of surrealist 'trompe l'oeil'! 

(Check out the the use of mesh panels, stud detailing, rose print, dogtooth and eyecatching colours set against nude and black.)

   After an evening of serious lusting over the 'bondage trompe l'oeil' 'legcessories' and bodysuits in particular, I developed a real crush on Wolford's sophisticated but edgy collections!

   Not long after, Wolford held a launch party for its new Regent Street Boutique, so I was able to get a preview of the boutique as well as view some of the S/S13 styles a day before the shop opened to customers.. 

(Left: Mannequins in the window..but only one is real!) (Right: Inside the boutique)

   The Wolford Spring/Summer 2013 ranges are all about glamorous, contemporary layering. The collection takes its inspiration from the 1980's and a 'couture' silhouette, featuring three main themes: 'Holiday Resort', 'Spring' and 'Summer'. 

   The 'Holiday Resort' collection takes its inspiration from Greta Garbo and Rene Gruau's fashion illustrations to create garments with 'look-at-me' prints and spangly ornamental embellishments, such as crystals and metal stud sequins. A touch of couture is added through the use of puffed sleeves, ruching and jewellery-inspired motifs..

How fabulous do the Wolford girls look in these brightly coloured bodycon cheetah print dresses? 

I loved this pewter colour bodycon dress with cross-over 'strap' design. The embellished metal cuffs are not part of the dress, so can be added to any outfit for an edgy finishing touch!

   Wolford's 'Spring' collection gives off an air of romanticism thanks to its evocative colour palette of soft pinks, white and turquoise, woven through a beautiful selection of lingerie, shapewear, ready-to-wear, legwear and bodywear styles. The focus of the collection lies in floral patterning and lace (both real and printed). Many garments are accented by ornamental button and pearl detailing, miniature floral patterning and ruffles, which add charm and femininity in equal measure..

(Left: Wolford Fleur bra & string, Tulle forming dress) (Right: Fatal bolero, Fleur dress, Mini fleur tights Lucent belt, Bloom gaiter)

(I am absolutely loving this lace print bra (boohoo that it does not come in my size!) and shaping lace forming high waist skirt!)

   Last but not least, the 'Summer' collection conjures up a sleek yet casual silhouette with sheer and net fabrics that allow for an alluring peek of bare skin. Graphic patterning, black and white contrasts, 'trompe l'oeil' paint splash effects and striking colours such as hot red, cobalt blue and canary yellow are the order of the day, along with eye-catching printed legwear styles. Wolford's key look is layering a flared mini over a pencil skirt for a new take on the peplum..

(Left: Amour skirt, Fatal sheer dress, Net stripes pullover, Net belt) (Right: Louise dress, Collier tights, Lucent belt, Heavy metal gaiter, Garbo gaiter, Fatal sleeves)

(I love this black outfit - it is full of elegant drama and the play on textures is stunning!)

   Wolford's Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a real corker, deftly fusing a mixture of styles from 'retro' to 'modern edgy' to 'boudoir appeal' to 'classic couture'. The focus, as always, is placed on quality garments that deliver equally in style and substance. Having seen the garments up close, I am very impressed with how soft and shaping the garments look - ideal for creating a sophisticated but sexy, feminine silhouette.

   I am particularly enamoured by the way that layering has been used in Wolford's Lookbook images to create some seriously fashion-forward outfits that challenge how we traditionally put clothes together. (I wouldn't have thought of creating my own peplum effect by layering a flared skirt over a pencil skirt..and how fabulous is this 'underwear-as-outerwear' inspired look below?)

What do you think of the new collections?

Click here to see the just launched Wolford Spring/Summer 2013 collections or check out Wolford's new flagship boutique at 56 Regent Street, London.

Love,

Kitty xo