Twelve days of Bra-mas: A Lingerie gift guide for A to J cups!

 

(Credit: Victoria's Secret, lastangryfan.com)

   Dear readers, it has been a while since I have last posted but never fear, I am back at the most festive time of the year and have some surprises in store for you (stay tuned)!

   With the Christmas lights going up, thoughts of roast turkey, mince pies and mulled wine all a tantalising 11 days away, it is time to turn our attention to the excitement of wishlist creating and gift buying! Whether it's a gift for someone else or a treat for yours truly, lingerie always makes for a very special and luxurious gift to unwrap at Christmas time. Whatever your bust size and taste, Christmas time yields a most spectacular array of new lingerie collections to tickle your fancy.. and this year is no exception!

   Demonstrating exactly why lingerie is the present to give this Christmas, I bring you my 'Twelve days of Bra-mas' lingerie picks! Delve into these festive delights... 

On the 1st day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Pour Moi? Addicted Half Cup Bra, £28 (available at Figleaves)

Available in sizes 30-40, C-G

Sexy, strappy, directional! Classic black lace gets a saucy update with cut-outs and on-trend strap detailing - ideal for lingeristas with a penchant for bondage-inspired lingerie. It's not often that you find edgy, boudoir lingerie that starts at a 30 back, goes up to a G cup and comes in at under £30, so this Pour Moi? bra hits the nail on the head!

Finish the look off with the matching strappy brief (£14), g-string (£12) and suspender belt (£16).

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On the 2nd day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Gossard Egoboost Sequin Strapless Bra, £48 Currently reduced to £33.50! 

(Red colour available exclusively to Asos)

Available in sizes 30-38, B-G cup

What could be more festive than the colour red and sequins? This exclusive colourway features moulded cups with graduated push-up padding for an enviable cleavage! Thanks to its adjustable and removable straps, this versatile bra will be an underwear staple for any outfit and ensure that you sparkle your way through the season!

 Matching high waist sequin knickers (£22 reduced to £15) available.

Also comes in black sequin.

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On the 3rd day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

'Flaunt' bra by Curvy Kate, £29 (exclusive to Bravissimo)

Available in sizes 28-38, D-J

Nothing oozes luxury like a jewel coloured bra and this rich cobalt blue set by Curvy Kate is guaranteed to seduce. For fans of the Curvy Kate 'Wild' bra, 'Flaunt' delivers the exact same knockout cleavage, all the way up to a J cup! Who can resist the beautiful peacock feather inspired embroidery either? You'll be sure to ruffle some feathers in this!

Coordinate with the matching short with detachable suspenders (£15.50) or thong (£14).

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On the 4th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Marcie babydoll by Cleo, £35 (available at Bravissimo)

Available in sizes 28-38, D-J

Fuller busts, rejoice! After much anticipation, the 'Marcie' babydoll (based on the hugely popular 'Marcie' bra) has arrived! The semi-sheer, polka dotted mesh skims and flatters curves, whilst the underwired bra section ensures that you feel supported and comfortable! Going up to a J cup, this babydoll delivers both style and substance to make any fuller busted lady look and feel a million bucks! 

Matching brief available, £14.50

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On the 5th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Figleaves Boudoir Tease silk and lace B-G demi bra, £48

Available in sizes 30-36, B-G

This emerald green silk and delicate eyelash lace bra epitomises sophistication and grown-up glamour. The emerald and black make a particularly striking combination and this set would be sure to suit a variety of complexions. The attention to detail and use of quality fabrics add to its boudoir opulence!

Complete the look with the matching brief (£32), thong (£30) or suspender belt (£34).

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On the 6th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Tamara satin balconette bra, £30, Boux Avenue

Available in sizes 30-36, B-F

Stand out this Christmas in this seductive and striking red number from Boux Avenue. The satin is beautifully complemented by black retro piping and feminine guipure embroidery. Guaranteed to set hearts racing, you will feel like a true glamour puss in this! 

(P.S. Please extend your sizing range, Boux, so that I can own it too!)

Matching thong (£12) and shorts (£16) available. (Suspender sold out online)

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On the 7th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Starlet moulded bra in petrol by Curvy Kate, £29 (available at Brastop)

Available in sizes 28-38, D-J

Who says that seam-free has to be boring? If you're looking for a smooth finish and an uplifted cleavage to boot, the Curvy Kate 'Starlet' will be ideal for under your Christmas party frocks! With its chic petrol blue shade, subtle diamond pattern, purple accents and little star charm, this bra delivers both support and style in abundance. You will certainly feel like starlet!

Team with the matching Starlet thong (£14) or high brief (£14.50)

Also available in festive scarlet red.

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On the 8th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Tutti Rouge Sophia underwired half padded balcony bra in mint, £28 reduced to £16.80

(available at Large Cup Lingerie)

Available in sizes 28-36, E-HH

Flirt your way through Winter with the elegant 'Sophia' balconette bra by Tutti Rouge! Minty green satin iced with cream lace and topped with mesh and a pink accented bow, this bra will be hard for lingeristas to resist! 

Finish the look with the matching thong (reduced from £11.50 to £6.90) or mini brief (reduced from £12.50 to £7.50

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On the 9th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Anastasia Russian Floral Bra by Playful Promises, £45

Available in sizes 32-36, A-DD

Channel the 'Winter Florals' trend in this stunning and vibrant floral longline bra by Playful promises. The 'Anastasia' is the longline to be reckoned with - the unique marriage of dramatic black mesh, satin and 'cage' bra straps with vivid vintage rose print on satin is guaranteed to 'wow' anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse! 

(If only this came in my size!)

Matching highwaist brief (£30), standard brief (£25) and suspender belt (£35) available.

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On the 10th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Lola bra by All Undone, £79

Available in sizes 28-34, DD-GG

If you're looking for exquisite luxury this Christmas and have a fuller bust, new brand on the block, 'All Undone Lingerie', will impress you with their show-stopping 'Lola' bra! Underwired, lightly padded and panelled in sumptuous coral silk with Chantilly leaver's lace and gold detailing, 'Lola' is a gift that any lingerie lover would be delighted to receive!

Complete the set with the Lola brief (£42), thong (£38) and suspender (£46).

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On the 11th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Lascivious Kitty Ivory cupless bra, £89 reduced to £84 

(available at Red Box Lingerie)

Available in sizes 32-36, B-D

Playful, feminine, sexy, directional; this ivory Lascivious bra is the ultimate in racy, boudoir glamour! With sheer tulle frills subtly positioned over open cups and finished with a decorative champagne-coloured central bow, 'Kitty' is a bra that 'wows'. This is certainly a bra that I am happy to share my name with!

Coordinate with the 'Kitty' ouvert brief (£59) and suspender belt £69 

For something more mysterious, check out the 'Kitty' cupless bra in black.

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 On the 12th day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...

Freya Ooh La La underwired body, £50 (available at Figleaves)

Available in sizes 30-36, D-G

No, your eyes do not deceive you - this is indeed a fuller bust friendly bodysuit! This sleek, mesh panelled body features sexy sheer cups, glitter accents and ribbon motifs for added glamour. The 'Ooh la la' body mixes the great support of Freya's unpadded plunge bras with a new design that boasts a seamless finish - perfect for a smoothing look under clothes or worn as a 'boudoir piece' in its own right!

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(Credit: debretts.com)

I hope you enjoyed my 12 lingerie gift picks for this season - will you be putting any of them on your Christmas list?

HAPPY BRA-MAS, LINGERISTAS!

May Santa bring you lots of festive frillies!

Love,

Kitty xo

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

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   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

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