Happy New Year, £100 in designer lingerie prize winner & updates!

 

   2013 has officially been and gone and I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year and to thank every one of you who has read my blog and supported my bra journey since the beginning in 2011!

   The past year has certainly been a formative year for me personally and there have been huge decisions to make and adapt to (primarily with regard to work and moving house). Regular readers may have noticed a dip in the amount that I have been able to blog in 2013 due to these commitments, but 2014 fills me with excitement as I am starting a new chapter of my life and I am looking to blog more regularly. Without revealing too much, I am also going to be introducing new and more varied content to the blog and I am also looking to revamp it aesthetically, as my layout is in need of a makeover!

   Thank you to everyone who entered my £100 luxury lingerie giveaway competition in collaboration with Honeys Lingerie Boutique - the response has been fantastic and it has definitely encouraged me to run more giveaways for you all in 2014!

   The winner was picked by random.org (which, as the name suggests, generates a winner at random!) The lucky person who has bagged a £100 voucher to use at Honeys Lingerie Boutique on any lingerie of their choice is...

Claire Wilkinson

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

   If you did not win this time, be sure to keep an eye on my blog, Facebook and Twitter, as I hope to run more competitions this year!

   May your 2014 be filled with lots of happiness, success, love and gorgeous lingerie!

Love,

  

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

Affinitas Intimates A/W12 Press Day: Affinitas and Parfait

   If you haven't yet heard of Affinitas Intimates, you're in for a treat! Affinitas Intimates is an exciting (and relatively new) brand that boasts two ranges; one to suit a 'mainstream' market - 'Affinitas' (cup sizes 30-38 A-DD) and a 'fuller bust' market - 'Parfait' (cup sizes 30D-40G). 

   I originally came across the 'Affinitas' range and loved the flirty, feminine designs - from the pretty everyday bras to the glamorous babydolls, bustiers and chemises with embroidered lace, bows and ruffles. I was, of course, thrilled to find a fuller bust counterpart in the brand. It was such a great feeling to know that I could enjoy the stylish offerings of the Affinitas Intimates brand through the 'Parfait range.' 

   What differentiates 'Parfait' from some of the other fuller bust brands out there at the moment, is the desire to provide support as well as really fashion-forward and glamorous designs. The current collection has a wide range of styles to cover many different tastes; practical microfibre and cotton basics (e.g. Jeanie, Kelly, Casey), bras that make the cross-over between 'everyday' and 'special' occasion (e.g. Isabella, Anna) and boudoir beauties made from stretch satin (e.g. Charlotte, Fiona). The 'Parfait' range also includes bustiers, camisoles and babydolls. The brand clearly pay special attention to detail through their use of luxurious materials and pretty embellishments, so it was no wonder that 'Parfait' found a fan in me! (Product reviews coming soon!)

   To fuel my excitement about this new brand, I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend the Affinitas Intimates Autumn/Winter 2012 Press event, which took place at the Covent Garden Hotel, London.

   The Affinitas collections were showcased in the warmly lit 'Red room' and the plush red sofas and vintage-esque wallpaper gave the venue a sumptuous feel. After a bite of breakfast (fresh fruit slices and mini eggs benedict - yum!), I explored the 'Affinitas' and 'Parfait' ranges to see what they had in store for us for Autumn/Winter 2012...

AFFINITAS

   For those of you who fit into the 'Affinitas' size range, there are some gorgeous designs for A/W12. The collection is based around the concept of southern belles versus boudoir belles, country life meets the glamorous lights of the city..

   This charming gingham 'Taylor' bra set is updated in black and indigo colourways for A/W12. Gingham has made its way back into the style stakes again, so this is the perfect way to channel the rustic trend in style. The 'Taylor' also comes as a cute little chemise with a cream broderie anglaise style trim and black bow motif.

   The 'Victoria' is a contemporary interpretation of the popular animal trend. The vivid purple and white zebra print, delicate lace and pretty bows make this a very flirty and quirky set. The 'Victoria' also comes in a darker alternative of black/purple, which is equally seductive.

   For A/W12, Affinitas also have some very 'boudoir glam' offerings:

   The 'Sydney' takes on city chic, giving a feminine twist to the tuxedo. This bra set features soft satin panels in black and rich maroon with pretty detailing; a white lace trim and 'coquettish dual buttons'. This contour push up bra is the ideal cleavage enhancer and the high waist garter belt really adds to the glamour of this set.

   The 'Jennifer' provides the very best in boudoir elegance. The black mesh and lace overlay set against the sumptuous emerald green makes this a really sexy set. Aside from a cleavage flattering lingerie set, the 'Jennifer' is also available as a seductive bustier!

   As you may well know, I absolutely adore longline bras, so I did get a pang of envy when I saw these beauties! Aptly named, 'Marilyn', these vintage style longline bras and high waisted (thong back) knickers are incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. (Also comes as a chemise - below)

   Last but not least, I couldn't resist fawning over the cute Affinitas bridal lingerie set and basque - definitely one to check out if you're a bride to be and lucky enough to fit the sizing..

PARFAIT BY AFFINITAS 

   And now, to the eagerly anticipated fuller bust range: 'Parfait' by Affinitas! The Parfait Autumn/Winter12 range is every bit the decadent counterpart to the Affinitas range. The collection is like looking inside a pin-up girl's wardrobe! The range is replete with stunning satin balconettes, underwired lace babydolls, retro high-waisted knickers and more..

   I loved the gorgeous 'Angelina' set - the black polka dot mesh overlay on a metallic base gives it a very seductive, burlesque feel. The 'key hole' cut-out and bow at the centre of the bra cups is really original too. For added boudoir appeal, the underwired 'Angelina' babydoll looks like a great curve-flatterer!

   The 'Angelina' also comes in this interesting berry pink colour with mink brown lace overlay. This colour combination is proving to be a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it. I personally keep swaying back and forth - the colour combination looks slightly odd unworn, but it looks great worn in this press picture...what do you think?

   Take a walk on the wild side in the 'Leslie', which offers both a plunge and balconette bra. The 'Leslie' is based on this season's popular 'Charlotte' bra (review to come!) The on-trend animal print, black piping, pin-up style red bows and stretch mesh look set to make the 'Leslie' another big hit for A/W!

   Say hello to all-over lace with 'Madeline'! The vivid blue scalloped lace trim and dainty bows give this padded plunge and high waisted knicker set a vintage edge - simple but effortlessly elegant!

   The unpadded 'Madeline' in grey lace with baby pink lace trim and bows - this would make for a lovely, girly everyday set.

   The 'Stella' comes in a chocolate/mink shade, featuring a decadent satin and lace combo. The central lace-up corset detail and crystal droplets make for beautiful finishing touches!

   The 'Stella' is also available as an underwired and unpadded babydoll - I love the teal gem tone!

   Channel your inner glamourpuss with the 'Alexis' in this stunning gem tone pink/purple. Luxurious satin, floral lace and a beautiful bow and teardrop crystal bead hanging charm add to this set's feminine elegance. A beautiful set both in the moulded bra form and unpadded babydoll.

   This season's 'Donna' bra is updated in mink (and black) for A/W..this unpadded set is a great 'not-so-basic' set, with its pretty bow detailing.

   The popular 'Fiona' bra comes back in vibrant scarlet red, which is spot on for A/W (being the festive season and all!) The black contrast lace trim and bow motif make this a very glamorous set indeed! This would look amazing paired with red lippie and black stockings too..

The 'Fiona' is also available in this gorgeous champagne satin and coffee lace colourway, which I slighty prefer to the red - it is a little bit more unusual, understatedly chic and incredibly sophisticated!

***

   I had a great time at the Affinitas Intimates press day and want to say a big thank you to the delightful Lynsey for taking me through the collections. I am really excited by the A/W12 'Parfait' range and can't wait to try some of these beautiful sets when they launch! Definitely a brand to watch..

To find out more about your nearest Affinitas and Parfait stockist or online retailer, visit their website here.

Love,

Kitty xo

New fuller bust brand spotlight: Alegro Lingerie (C-J cup)

   As a lingerie blogger and the owner of a 28FF bust, I am always on the look out for brands that cater to the larger bust. Sure, we have all heard of the major team players in the ‘larger cup’ market, but what about the new and emerging brands..the diamonds in the rough waiting to be snapped up by media attention and heralded as the ‘brand to watch’?

  I am excited to say that there is indeed a new brand on the block for the fuller busted amongst us. This brand boasts a core collection that starts at a 30 back and goes up to a 46 back and offers cup sizes from a C to a J cup!

Excited? Of course you are!

 The brand in question is Alegro Lingerie, which was founded in 2008 and began by targeting a North American market. Luckily for those of us living in Europe, Alegro is now spreading its wings to share the lingerie love with more of us!

   Alegro prides itself on providing “superior foundation support for [the] curvy and difficult to fit woman”, whilst equally combining this with affordable prices and a “sense of elegance and seduction” in design. With the emphasis firmly placed on fit, comfort, support and contemporary yet timeless designs, Alegro definitely captured my attention!

  I was over the moon when I was offered the chance to try one of Alegro’s bras; the ‘Dreamweaver’ in black. The ‘Dreamweaver’ forms part of Alegro’s ‘continuity collection’ and aside from the black colourway, it will also come in seasonal fashion colours (e.g. for A/W12, a teal and ‘ocean’ turquoise blue is available).

(Dreamweaver bra (£44) and short (£14))

   Although I generally wear a 28FF-G, I will always give a 30 back a try, as every brand’s sizing is slightly different. I went for a 30FF in the Alegro 'Dreamweaver' to be on the safe side..

   As you can see from the picture, the ‘Dreamweaver’ is an underwired, unpadded and softly lined bra with a 3-piece cup construction. The design is very simple, yet timeless and feminine, with its delicate floral-swirl embroidered pattern and slightly scalloped mesh cup panels. To add to the bra’s elegant feel, the straps also feature intricate embroidery and a rose motif, whilst at the centre of the cups is a pretty little ribbon bow and rose.

   The ‘Dreamweaver’ design actually reminded me quite a lot of Curvy Kate’s unpadded bras, such as the ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’ and ‘Portia’, so imagine my surprise when I was informed that Alegro’s head of design, Karen Ellis, is also the creative brain behind these popular Curvy Kate styles!

   Fit-wise, I felt that I should have gone with my ‘sister size’ of 30F, meaning that the bra felt quite ‘true to size’ in the cups. When ordering an Alegro bra, it is probably helpful to keep in mind your size in Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles. I wear a 28 back in all Curvy Kate bras, so it wasn’t all too surprising that the ‘Dreamweaver’ felt too loose in the back on me. (Fingers crossed that Alegro have 28 backs in the pipeline for the future!)

   I liked the thick band of the ‘Dreamweaver’ and the 3 hook and eye fastenings at the back - ideal for providing comfort, security and support to busty girls. The band also feels beautifully soft to the touch yet firm feeling, thanks to its polyamide and elastane content.

   I wasn’t 100% sold on the shape that the ‘Dreamweaver’ gave me, as I felt that the cups were quite wide and I got a bit of a pointy shape. I am ‘closer set’ and get on better with moulded styles as a rule, but I feel that if you already get on well with Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles (e.g. ‘Portia’, ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’), you will love this bra.

   The actual design of the bra when worn is really classic and pretty. Despite its fuller cup design, the delicate sheer mesh panels on the cups make this bra understatedly sexy, whilst the intricate embroidery gives an elegant and feminine finish. I also love the fact that close attention has been made to detail - from the tiny rose motifs to the embroidered straps. This bra is definitely one that serves as an everyday beauty and impresses on a special occasion!

   I am very excited about Alegro's contribution to the UK larger bust market and am really looking forward to seeing more from them in future. The 2012 collection has some really fashionable pieces for the larger bust.. 

Here are two of my favourites:

Floral Waltz in purple/beeswax: I love the unique combination of its nude/brown backing colour and stunning rich purple lace overlay..check out the cute bow detailing too!

I'm a sucker for a gorgeous and comfortable moulded bra, so I can't wait to try the Innocent Lily padded bra! 

Alegro lingerie will be available to purchase on Amazon in June and from several independent shops and online retailers (e.g. Bosom Buddy).

To find out more about Alegro, visit their website for their current collection and keep up to date with their news (and exclusive previews) via Facebook!

Love,

Kitty xo

Undercover Lingerista's big bloggiversary competition!

   It is with great excitement that I write this blog post because it was exactly one year ago today that I began my foray into the world of lingerie blogging - a journey that has ultimately given me the chance to share my love for lingerie with people from different countries, ages and walks of life.

   I started my blog last year in March, coinciding with the run up to my university finals and it was a bit of a therapeutic sideline activity, but over time it has evolved into something that I am truly proud of and dedicate a lot of time to.

   I owe thanks to a lot of people for helping me get to where I am today and I am so appreciative of the love and support that family, friends, fellow bloggers and lingerie brands have given me over the past year. A special thanks goes out to Bravissimo who re-fitted me and got me out of my badly fitting 34D's into 28FF's, which are so much more comfortable and supportive. This refitting opened the door to the discovery that a larger bust doesn't mean that you have to compromise on style. Consequently, I have found some amazing lingerie brands and retailers that cater to my size AND offer gorgeous designs!

   Most importantly, I want to extend my gratitude to all of my readers and Facebook and Twitter followers. It has given me a lot of confidence and joy to know that people are interested to read my reviews and share in my passion for lingerie, swimwear and fashion.

   As a thank you to everyone, I have decided to launch a big bloggiversary competition! There are some amazing prizes on offer, thanks to the lovely, supportive companies that have kindly sponsored me!

You can see what is up for grabs below...

I regularly write about Freya to share my love for their unbelievably comfortable and pretty bras and swimwear pieces that are ideal for the larger bust. Freya are kindly offering the winner:

 1 lingerie set and 1 swimwear set of their choice!

Curvy Kate are another brand that I love for their supportive and stylish lingerie, as well as for their great ethos of celebrating womanly curves. They will be offering the winner:

 1 lingerie set of their choice!

Playful Promises stock some seriously gorgeous boudoir lingerie, quirky swimwear and pin-up pieces that are sure to make you feel like an old Hollywood starlet. They will be offering a generous:

 £75 voucher to use online or in store in their boutique!

Affinitas Intimates is a new and exciting find for me, catering to a wide range of sizes, occasions and tastes. Their stunning designs would make any woman feel a million dollars! They are generously giving away:

THREE Affinitas Intimates lingerie sets - from either the 'Affinitas' or 'Parfait' collections!

Charnos is every bit the stylish lingerie brand, bringing its customers elegance, exquisite design and a great fit. After falling in love with the Hourglass corselette, I am delighted to say that Charnos will be offering the winner:

The 'Cherub' lingerie set (in the colourway of their choice)!

Frauke's lingerie brand Fraulein Annie is already kicking up a storm with its feminine and glamorous lingerie pieces. The lucky winner will receive the much lusted after:


 'Falling in Love' bra and brief set in Chestnut/Black!

Miss Mandalay are well-known for stocking stylish, flirty and feminine designs all the way up to a GG cup and  are establishing quite a following of fashion conscious lingerie lovers. They are giving the winner:

 1 lingerie set of their choice!

Lepel is a fashionable brand that prides itself on its comfortable and stylish lingerie, swimwear and nightwear. From eye-catching prints to everyday essentials with a twist, they have some lovely, trendy pieces. The winner will receive one of their most popular styles, the:

Lepel 'Fiore' in the colour of their choice!

Simply Beach are one of my new favourite lingerie and swimwear shopping hotspots! Thanks to their recent site makeover, they stock an amazing array of well-known brands and DD+ styles to suit your every need. They are generously offering:

£50 to spend on anything from their swimwear section

and

1 Wonderbra of the winner's choice!

Large Cup Lingerie is a fantastic lingerie retailer, stocking a variety of curve-flattering lingerie and swimwear pieces (often with great discounts), that are ideal for the fuller bust. They are kindly offering a fabulous:


£50 gift card to use online!

Leia Lingerie is another of my long-standing favourite lingerie retailers. Leia stocks fabulous new season collections from top brands and the outlet section is a favourite of mine too! The lucky winner will receive a:

£50 voucher to spend online! 

If You Please is a chic online lingerie boutique that specialises in unique, stylish and quality designer underwear that is beautifully wrapped for the receiver. They will be offering the lucky winner a stunning:

'What Katie Did Cabaret Torsolette' and a pair of retro seamed stockings! 

notnaked is a new site that stocks fabulous lingerie, swimwear, nightwear and more, from a growing list of popular brands. I am a fan of this site because it offers some of my favourite brands and products, but at a snip of the retail price! The lucky winner will receive:

1 lingerie set of their choice from the website!

My Smarty Pants is a lovely underwear website that offers the latest in top quality designer lingerie to suit every occasion, as well as swimwear, corsetry and much more. They are generously giving the winner a:

 £50 gift voucher to use on their site!

Lazeme is a great online shop that offers luxurious sleepwear, exclusive beachwear and designs that are ideal for lazy living. If you've read my blog about the Freya 'Gracie' Chemise, you will be excited to know that they are offering the winner:

 1 'Gracie' chemise in either black, lupin or teal!

Violet's Knickers  provides cutting edge lingerie labels to customers that are looking for something a bit special. The brands are carefully picked to offer luxury, romance and style in abundance. Violet's Knickers are giving the winner a pair of:

Ell & Cee high waisted 'Panther' knickers!

Lingerie Please is a great resource for lingerie lovers who want to find hand-picked branded lingerie names in a range of sizes and at great prices. Lingerie Please is giving each winner:

 1 pair of Jonathan Aston suspenders (from a choice of colours) 

So, the question that you have all been waiting for...

HOW DO I ENTER?

As I have mentioned before, being refitted into a bra that was actually the right size for me and supported me was a big turning point. This competition hinges on the importance of lingerie in making you feel comfortable, sexy and supported...

All you have to do is write a short piece under the title: 

"The bra that changed my life" 

You can be as creative as you want with the post and, of course, feel free to use pictures if you like. It doesn't have to be a piece of prose either - it could be a poem for example.. 

I am, above all, looking for someone who writes engaging content and conveys their thoughts with passion. 

*NOTE: There will be several winners!*

Terms and conditions

* Competition is open to the UK and internationally.

*Please email me your entries at undercoverlingerista@gmail.com

*Please state: your name, what country you are from, and ideally what your size is (so that I can check that the sponsor brands cater to you)

*Entrants must be willing for content to be published online on my blog or related sites.

*The deadline for this competition is: 30th April 2012.

*When you have entered, please 'like' me on Facebook, by clicking here.

If you have any queries, don't hesitate to get in touch - I check my Facebook and Twitter regularly!

GOOD LUCK!

Love,

Kitty xo