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Monday 30 July 2012

Flirty in 'Fiona': Parfait by Affinitas 'Fiona' camisole review


   If you have read my blog about the Affinitas Intimates A/W12 press event a little while ago, you may have noticed that I took quite a shine to the Affinitas fuller bust range, 'Parfait', which encompasses sizes 30D-40G.

   Although I feel lucky that the larger bust lingerie market is expanding and I can now get a range of beautiful and supportive bras for all occasions in my size, it is not always quite as easy to find a bustier, camisole or babydoll for larger cup sizes. Highstreet stores often sell them in standardised clothing sizes with no cup sizes, so finding a boudoir beauty to fit a 28FF is about as unsuccessful as trying to squeeze my bust into those very same standardised undergarments! 

   As you can imagine, I was thrilled to come across 'Parfait' as the current collection offers some really glamorous and sexy boudoir pieces in addition to flirty everyday bras and comfy basics. One of the designs that particularly caught my eye was Parfait's padded wired 'Fiona' camisole in peacock blue, which Affinitas Intimates kindly sent me to try out...


      As 'Parfait' starts at a 30 back (and I'd heard reports that the 30 backs come up tighter than other brands), I decided to go for a 30F (sister size to my usual 28FF) and a size M (10/12) in the matching boyshorts.



   The Parfait 'Fiona' is a beautiful camisole made from silky stretch satin in a jewel tone blue (also comes in wine purple, black or white), complete with black lace trim along the underwired cups. The peacock blue tone was even more glamorous in the flesh and the satin has a slight shimmer to it when it catches the light. I really love the attention to detail on the 'Fiona' too - it features subtle pleats on the straps, embroidered panelling down the torso of the chemise and stylish contrasting black lace on the cups and a little bow and sequin motif at the centre of the cups.


    Additionally, the 'Fiona' boasts an absolutely knock-out detail at the back - a decorative lace-up corset design with ribbon ties and double layered mesh back panels, giving this camisole added sex appeal.  

   Aside from this camisole's obvious aesthetic appeal, it is also very easy to take on and off. There is no fiddly lacing up to do as the 'Fiona' has a half zipper and clasp closure at the side.


   I was pleased that the 'Fiona' in a 30 back was a good fit - not too snug or too loose. The stretch satin and mesh fabric makes the 'Fiona' very comfortable to wear and the material follows the natural contours of the body without feeling restrictive like some shapewear can. The only downside to the fabric is that it rucks up a little bit when worn, but it does not distract from this garment's beauty. 

  I felt very glamorous in this striking camisole and the peacock blue colour really pops against your skin tone whatever complexion you have. The black contrast lace also gives a hint of old Hollywood elegance to the 'Fiona', which I absolutely loved.




   I also really like that this camisole has moulded underwired cups - it is nice to have a little bit of lift and the 'Fiona' gives a great rounded shape to your cleavage. It is worth mentioning that the straps are only part adjustable and I had to tighten them as much as they would go. Luckily, as the 'Fiona' is not an 'everyday' item, I should still get plenty of wear out of this camisole without the straps becoming too loose too quickly. My only real regret with the 'Fiona' is that I ordered a 30F not 30FF and I feel that the cups ran a bit small (although not very obvious from the above pictures). 


   I am glad that I went for the Medium boyshort knickers (roughly a UK 10-12) as they fit me beautifully. They remind me a little bit in style of the Curvy Kate 'Thrill Me' shorts, but refined with less ruffles. Again, made from stretch satin, the 'Fiona' boyshorts are really comfortable to wear and look great on. The black lace, grosgrain sequin bow at the centre and ruffle trim make these boyshorts exude seductive sophistication and are sure to make you feel a million dollars.


   It's worth adding that these boyshorts give quite full coverage to your derriรจre but are still very flirty thanks to the mesh panel at the back - a great example of how less (fabric) is not always more (sexy)! Additionally, I love that they come with detachable suspenders - they look fabulous with black stockings to mirror the black lace contrast on the 'Fiona' camisole and knickers!




   I am really excited to have found 'Parfait' by Affinitas and the 'Fiona' is a truly glamorous 'boudoir' set. I also have my eye on some of the babydolls from the upcoming A/W collection which are absolutely gorgeous!

'Parfait' is certainly 'one to watch' and I will definitely be exploring more of this exciting brand in future... 


Find out more about stockists of 'Parfait' by Affinitas here.

Love,
Kitty xo

    Thursday 26 July 2012

    A winner has been chosen: Jonathan Aston 2012 Blogger 'Style Off' Competition!




    The results are in! It is with great excitement that I announce the results of the Jonathan Aston blogger style off competition to create an outfit around a pair of their Union Jack tights. Thanks to all of you Undercover Lingerista followers, my outfit received the most Facebook 'likes' and I was crowned the winner!!


    Firstly, I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that voted for me - your support means so much to me! As you know, I predominantly blog about lingerie and swimwear, but I am also a big fashion fan. This competition has inspired me to start posting more style blogs in future to give food for thought on how to dress curves. (Keep your eyes peeled..!)

    Secondly, I mentioned in my previous post that if I won, I would give the hamper of Jonathan Aston goodies to someone who 'liked' my competition photo! As promised, a winner was selected completely at random from all of the people that 'liked' my photo using the site, 'Text Mechanic'  (which picks a line at random - the winner).

    CONGRATULATIONS TO...LIZ DIVALL! 


    Your prize will be winging its way to you shortly! 

    Love,
    Kitty xo

    Tuesday 17 July 2012

    Best of British: Jonathan Aston blogger 'style off' competition!


       Jonathan Aston was founded in Leicester in 1965 and since then has quickly become an iconic fashion hosiery brand, counting celebrity fans in the form of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Jessie J. Jonathan Aston's collections include everything from trendy tights with graphic patterns and bold colours to vintage-style stockings, cute anklets, lace knee-high socks and 60's-esque leggings and skeggings (skirt and leggings all in one!)



       As a fan of fashion and style blogs, I was excited to hear about Jonathan Aston's 'Blogger Style Off Competition' and I couldn't wait to put my fashion styling to the test. With all of the 'Best of British' buzz surrounding the Jubilee and with the Olympics fast-approaching, it seemed very fitting for the competition to involve creating an outfit around a pair of Jonathan Aston's Union Jack print tights...



        The Union Jack flag print on these tights is quite loud and eye-catching, so I really wanted the tights to do the talking. However, where the temptation is to reach for a black, red, blue or white dress, I wanted to make this look wearable and not look too much like fancy dress or a Spice Girls reunion outfit! With this in mind, I put together an outfit that channels my personal style, but at the same time challenges it. 

       I am a big fan of blouses, so this red-orange ruffle shirt from Peekaboo vintage was a great starting point. Leather is a great way of toughening up a girlie look, so my faux leather flared mini skirt from H&M updates the look really well and gives the outfit shape by drawing emphasis to my waist. I then added gold stud earrings, a vintage gold chain waist belt and a TOPSHOP black gem statement necklace under the collar of my blouse for added impact. Contrasting gold stud heeled boots (from Love Label) lend to a glamorous finish. Finally, a slick of dramatic red lipstick and black cat-eye flicks complete my 'Best of British' look.


       The exciting news is that the winning blogger of the Jonathan Aston style competition wins a 'Best of British' Hamper filled with goodies and I would love to give his hamper to a lucky Undercover Lingerista reader!

    All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is:

    1. VOTE for my picture (same as above) by LIKING it on the Jonathan Aston Facebook page
    2. For an extra entry, LIKE my Facebook comment about the competition!
       
    If I get the most 'likes' and win, I will select a winner at random using a random number generator..

    Thanks for your support! :) (Voting ends Monday 23rd July at 10am)



    Love,
    Kitty xo