Totally addicted to lace: Pour Moi Addicted bra review

   Ever since the '50 Shades of Grey' phenomenon, bondage-inspired lingerie has become my kryptonite. Although harnesses and bondage-inspired accessories are a great option for fuller busted ladies who do not want to compromise on bra fit (cue my review of the Esty Lingerie choker strap), I have been hoping that fuller bust brands will take the plunge and dare to incorporate the more risqué design elements of the bondage trend into their lingerie offerings...

   Whilst highstreet lingerie brands such as Ann Summers, La Senza, H&M, Topshop (and others) have been quick to integrate strapping, cut-outs, mesh and sexy tie detailing into their collections, fuller-bust-friendly brands have been slightly slower on the uptake of the trend - with the exception of Marlies Dekkers (whose strapping bras precede the '50 shades' trend) and the Figleaves Boudoir range (which seems to have sprouted as a reaction to the bondage trend).

        Marlies Dekkers triangle push-up bra                             Figleaves boudoir Carmen B-G Underwired bra    

                      (Pic credit: brasnthings.com)                   

   Imagine my delight when a press release appeared in my inbox from Pour Moi? Lingerie, introducing their new bondage-inspired lingerie range. Pour Moi? is a brand that has been on my radar for several years and it is definitely a lesser blogged about fuller bust brand in the blogosphere. This is surprising, given that they were established in 2005, are stocked by some of the most prevalent fuller bust retailers (e.g. ASOS, Figleaves and Bravissimo), have very reasonable price points and their sizing range goes from 28DD-44J!

   Pour Moi? are probably most well-known for their Swimwear, but their lingerie is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Whilst Pour Moi?'s earlier bra designs erred on the safe side, with highly commercial colours and 'staple'/'classic' designs, the 'Addicted' collection is a total game changer!

   The 6-piece 'Addicted' collection was inspired by the hotly anticipated '50 shades of Grey' film (due to launch in February 2015) and the range certainly delivers sexy, strappy, bondage-inspired, boudoir gorgeousness in abundance! The collection comprises a chemise, camisole, suspender, g-string, strappy brief (sizes 8-18 and S-XL) and a stunning half cup bra, which had me hook, line and sinker ever since compiling my fuller bust Christmas lingerie gift guide!

   Available in sizes 30D-40G, the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' bra is ideal for trend-led, fuller busted ladies who are looking to add something ineffably sexy and directional to their underwear collection. Aesthetically, the 'Addicted' bra is eye-catching and racy, both in the original black and even more so in the recent lipstick red shade! Having lusted after this bra for several months, I was over the moon to be offered the chance to try the bra and g-string out for myself...

   I was even more impressed with the 'Addicted' set in the flesh and the design is very visually arresting. I particularly love the intricate red floral lace pattern, which overlays a thin layer of nude mesh. I find this to be a clever design feature, as the layered soft cups give the illusion of delicacy. The mesh is semi-sheer, allowing for a subtle peek of skin to show through, yet the mesh adds to the bra's structural reinforcement.

   Given the half-cup design of the bra, the straps become a particularly prominent feature of the bra. With their cut-out/ upside down 'V' shaped design, the straps almost 'frame' the breasts, delivering a saucy, bondage-inspired sex appeal.

   Interestingly, the straps are made partly in a satin-finish elastic and partly in an almost 'felt'-finish fabric, giving them unusual textural contrast. A twisted rope bow adorns the centre of the bra and its little hanging tassels add to the bra's exoticism.

   Whilst the 'Addicted' bra is a visual treat, I found that the fit was a different kettle of fish. I received the 'Addicted' in a 30FF and I am pleased to report that as a 28 back, the 'Addicted' bra came up slightly tighter than other 30 backs that I have tried. When I first tried the 30FF on, I noticed that the central gore was very tall, which seemed to reduce the amount of lift that could be provided by the (very stretchy) straps. If you have high-set breasts, this bra will probably just encase your breasts, rather than provide a lot of uplift.

   It is also worth mentioning that the underwires are very wide; a feature that was incompatible with my breast shape, as they wrapped too far around my body. The picture below demonstrates the wideness of the 'Addicted' bra's wires compared to my Cleo 'Lucy' (which is also a bra with wider underwires). This leads me to think that wider-set breasts may be better-suited to the shape of the 'Addicted'.

   I also found that the mesh cups did not have much 'give' and were quite shallow, meaning that more 'full on top' or 'even' breasts can get a slightly flattened look from the vertical-seamed cups. I decided to order a 32F and 30G in the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' from Amazon for size comparison, finding that the original 30FF was the best fit for me as it encased the whole of my breast tissue and sat more flush to my chest (despite its slightly flattening effect).

   Pour Moi? continue the theme of mesh, lace and cut-outs in their risqué 'Addicted' G-string. The G-string is predominantly made from stretch elastic and the design is almost completely cut-out, save for a diamond of pale mesh overlaid with scalloped red lace. 

   The strappy thong looks gorgeous on, although it is definitely not for the faint of heart, as not much is left to the imagination! With regard to fit, I found that a size 12 fit nicely and the elastic straps felt soft against my skin and did not dig in. One of the features that I particularly liked about it was the attention to detail - I love the little circular slider where the elastic straps meet and the gorgeous rope bow with fringed tassels!

   To conclude, although this bra was not a huge success for my shape, it may work well for women with wider-set, shallower breasts. The 'Addicted' bra does, however, score serious style points, really hitting the mark with its fabulous cut-outs, lace overlay, rope bow detailing and interesting use of textures. Equally, the 'Addicted' is a great bra to incorporate into an 'underwear as outerwear' look - it is particularly striking under mesh tops, sheer blouses or peeking out from under a vest or evening top.

(Here, I am wearing the 'Addicted' under an old Morgan top - the pop of colour really jazzes the top up for the evening)

   Pour Moi? is definitely a brand to watch, as they seem to be taking note of trends, understanding that fuller busted women want edgier, boudoir lingerie that really packs a punch. At £28 for the half cup bra and £12 for the matching thong, this set is very reasonably priced and you can snap this set up for a reduced price of £22.40 and £9.60 in the Figleaves sale! 

What are your thoughts on the 'Addicted' set and would you try it?

What do you think that the fuller bust market is missing at the moment?

Love,

***

Take a look at the rest of Pour Moi?'s lingerie and swimwear ranges on the official website or shop the Pour Moi? 'Addicted' range at Figleaves.

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

Debenhams AW12 Lingerie Press Day

   As a blogger who is always on the look-out for great places to buy fuller bust lingerie, I am glad to say that my lingerie shopping needs are not solely limited to the internet. Whilst there are so many websites that I buy lingerie from, I have always championed the importance of going into a store and 'trying before buying'. This is where my love for Debenhams comes in! 

   Debenhams is well-known for their huge clothing and beauty departments, but their lingerie department is also brilliant. It stocks an impressive array of lingerie brands for A-DD and DD+, with designer ranges such as Janet Reger, J by Jasper Conran, Floozie by Frost French and Debenhams' own-brand lingerie. Debenhams sell some of my favourite fuller bust brands (e.g. Freya, Panache, Curvy Kate etc.) but also sell a 'Gorgeous' range which goes from 28-40 DD-J at very reasonable price points! (Great news for my lingerie addiction and 28FF bust!)

   I recently got the opportunity to attend a Debenhams press event to view the Autumn/ Winter 2012 collections. The event took place in one of the private apartments at 'The Soho Hotel' in central London and it was a very chic occasion indeed, with champagne, canapés and little lingerie-inspired cupcakes to enjoy whilst viewing the collections.. 

   Debenhams have some great treats in store for Autumn/Winter this year; from playful printed bras to vintage inspired shapewear to seductive 'special occasion' pieces such as basques and babydolls..there's a little something for everyone!

   Colourful patterns and quirky prints played strongly throughout the collections, with everything from floral print to butterfly print to polka dots and leopard print.. 

Reger by Janet Reger floral bra (£18.50) and knickers (£10.50) 

B by Ted Baker floral bra (£22.50) and briefs (£12.50) - This is a lovely quirky set from Ted Baker that looks very high end, thanks to its watercolour floral print and contrasting black lace.

B by Ted Baker grey butterfly printed balcony bra (£22.50) and knickers (£12.50) - Another beauty from Ted Baker, this balcony bra features a multi-coloured butterfly print with pretty grey piping and turquoise grosgrain bow and 'B' logo detail at the centre. (If only it went past a DD cup..!)

'Gorgeous' by debenhams floral polka dot bra (£24) and briefs (£9) - This set features a very unusual print combination of florals over red polka dots..but it works! 

'Ultimate' Debenhams pink polka dot bra (£20) - Just because Winter is coming, it doesn't mean that your underwear should fade into the background. This plunge bra looks set to add some colour to your bra-drobe and some great cleavage whilst it's at it!

'Gorgeous' Debenhams dark blue animal bra (£22) - Leopard print is set to stay and this blue mix bra is a fuller bust fashion must-have!

   Another theme was bright colours..red underwear in particular, with beautiful embroidery, lace and polka dots! It's the colour associated with passion and a colour synonymous with the Christmas season..what's not to like?

J by Jasper Conran red bra (£22.50) and knickers (£10.50) - this scarlet lingerie set oozes glamour and sophistication, plus the delicate embroidery and little centre charm give this set a luxe finish.

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams red and black lace trim bra - You can't go wrong with lipstick red and black piping, a bow and eyelash lace!

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams polka dot spot bra (£21) - Polka dots are back and how cute are the contrasting bows? A great fashion bra for the fuller bust!

Debenhams red polka dot maternity soft cup bra - Downsized polka dots, a lace trim and floral bows.. Debenhams keep things functional and pretty.

   Autumn/ Winter would not be complete without some sumptuous jewel tones. Take a look at these beauties...

Reger by Janet Reger green plunge bra (£22.50) and briefs (£10.50) - I love this emerald green tone - the lace overlay and bow really make this a special set.

Reger by Janet Reger purple plunge bra - Reger takes a luxurious purple hue and balances it with a subtle jacquard floral print and lace overlay.

'Ultimate' Debenhams bronze lace trimmed padded push-up bra (£20) - This satin push-up features a rose-bronze base and contrasting embroidered piping and lace for a girly but grown-up feel.

   There was one style of bra that I was particularly excited to see amongst the Debenhams A/W12 ranges and that was the longline! I have been a fan of longline bras for quite some time and it is great to see such a pretty array from Debenhams..

'Floozie' by Frost French longline bra (£20) and briefs (£8.50) - This bra features a quirky, graphic print of flowers, vines, swans and hearts. The black ruffles and satin buttons offset this design to keep it flirty and fun.

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams lace longline bra (£26) and thong (£8) - If you're fuller busted and love longlines, this bra ticks all the boxes..how pretty is the lace overlay and bow motifs?

'Ultimate' Debenhams dark pink mesh long line plunge bra - This dark pink longline will have anyone who sees it weak at the knees - the black polka dot overlay and bright pink trim give it added 'wow' factor!

   Debenhams' head buyer, Sharon Webb, mentioned that shapewear plays a key role in Debenhams' own  brand range for A/W12. Design and aestheticism are married to create pieces that sculpt the body and look good at the same time!

Debenhams shapewear body (£36) and high waisted knickers - I love the rich blue tone against the black panels - the lace trim makes it look very sophisticated too! 

Debenhams black invisible body shaping slip dress (£34) - this will be a secret weapon for your winter wardrobe! With its seamless design that smooths and shapes your body, it can be worn with your own bra underneath so it fits a range of sizes.

Debenhams black shapewear dress and high waisted low leg shapewear pants (£24) - The design is seamless and the fabric soft to the touch. The power mesh side panels have gorgeous floral embroidery for a touch of vintage elegance - great for streamlining curves in style.

   Last but not least, this brings me to talk about Debenhams' 'special occasion' lingerie pieces for AW12, which includes luxurious lace bras, basques and babydolls in rich but muted tones...

Reger by Janet Reger lace bra (£22.50) and briefs (£10.50) - This gorgeous vintage inspired balconette exudes 'Mad Men' appeal - the lace and piping make this bra very elegant and the little bow and rose motif at the centre is gorgeous too!

'Presence' white and black lace basque (£28.50) and thong (£5.50) -This lovely lace and mesh basque is both seductive and sophisticated - the mesh panels look really flattering too.

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams black bra - Never underestimate a black bra! This satin fuller bust option is classically gorgeous with its nude embroidery and ruffle trim.

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams blue and black lace bra - This midnight blue bra with black eyelash lace detailing is a real boudoir beauty!

'Gorgeous' by Debenhams fuller bust babydoll (£36) - If you're looking for a special lingerie piece this Autumn/ Winter and have a larger bust, this babydoll is perfect! The cups are underwired for support, whilst the body is made from soft satin and mesh. The ruffles, piping and bows are lovely finishing touches too!

'Floozie' by Frost French pink and black babydoll (£25) - This flirty pink and black number will certainly get hearts a-fluttering. Gathers, floral embroidery and a polka dot bow make this a girly but glamorous piece.

Reger by Janet Reger black lace babydoll - If you want something timeless that will take you through the seasons, then this babydoll is ideal. The satin and lace add to its decadent but understated appeal!

   As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about this Autumn/Winter at Debenhams, with many different prints and designs to tantalise lingerie fans of a range of cup sizes! Debenhams also recently scooped Lingerie Insight's award for "UK's Favourite Lingerie Retailer" and it is easy to see why they deserve this accolade. I am looking forward to viewing many of their new lingerie ranges in store very soon, but if you can't wait that long, keep your eyes peeled on their website for new additions!

Love,
Kitty xo

***

Notes: Size ranges talked about in this blog post:

Floozie by Frost French: 30B-38DD

B by Ted Baker: 32A-38DD

Gorgeous by Debenhams: 28DD-40J

Presence: 32A-38DD

Reger by Janet Reger: 32A-38E

Ultimate: 30A-38DD

J by Jasper Conran: 32A-38DD