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Showing posts with label boux avenue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boux avenue. Show all posts

Sunday, 8 February 2015

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Lingerie Gift Guide



   For me, Valentine's day is all about the lingerie! Sexy lingerie sets, showstopping basques, decadent corsets, flirty babydolls, luxurious negligées, saucy hosiery.. anything goes! The holiday of love is the perfect opportunity to treat a partner or significant other to a special gift and a beautiful new set of underwear is guaranteed to get pulses racing. Even if you're not feeling loved up this Valentine's, what better excuse to treat yourself to a sexy something that you've had your eye on for a while?

   With the 14th February just a heartbeat away, I have scoured the internet for the very best Valentine's day lingerie styles to suit a variety of tastes, sizes and budgets. Take a look at these swoonworthy beauties - from romantic to flirty, sexy to stylish, luxurious to bargainous, there's something for everyone this Valentine's...

ROMANTIC



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/GO-8517/Gossard-Retrolution-Padded-Staylo-Slip/?size=&colour=Nude)

Sizes 32-36, B-E 

Exuding vintage charm with its antique-style lace and bow detail, this Gossard slip creates a stunning hourglass silhouette thanks to its cleavage-enhancing deep plunge cut and smoothing side panels. If you're looking for heart-stoppingly beautiful lingerie this Valentine's, this powder pink slip is guaranteed to make anyone dreamy-eyed! 

(Also available in black)



http://tidd.ly/f7bd542d
  
30-36, B-E

Fashioned from satin and finished with champagne coloured spice corded lace, bows and charm motifs, Boux Avenue's 'Henrietta' epitomises vintage elegance and luxury! Its flattering balconette cups lend to beautiful 'cakes on a plate' style cleavage whilst the unusual sage blue satin and champagne gold detailing give this bra a romantic, premium feel without the designer price!

(Also available in pink & grey mix.)



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/FRA-000810/Freya-Deco-Darling-Underwired-Moulded-Plunge-Bra/?size=&colour=Black)

Sizes 28-38, D-GG

What better way to celebrate Valentine's than with roses? Freya has given the best-selling Deco bra a romantic twist, adorning the cups with a feminine yet contemporary rose-embroidered mesh overlay. The Deco Darling marries function with aesthetics and if you desire great support, unbeatable cleavage and a gorgeous design to boot, this bra will undoubtedly conquer your heart!


(Also available in ivory.)


FLIRTY

 
Boux Avenue 'Jesse' Plisse Mesh Babydoll, £40

http://tidd.ly/ce7630ca

 8-16: B/C, D+, E/F

If you're undressing to impress this Valentine's, the Boux Avenue 'Jesse' babydoll hits the nail on the head with its seductive red and black colour scheme. Featuring a beautiful balconette neckline with ruched cups, this flirty number supports busts up to an E/F cup and its lightweight pleated mesh 'skirt' skims curves effortlessly. Finished with eyelash lace and a central ribbon bow, this flouncy babydoll is the ideal companion for any self-professed glamour-puss!



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/MH-002298/Mimi-Holliday-by-Damaris-Kittiwake-Fully-Padded-Super-Plunge-with-Raised-Lace-Bra/?size=&colour=Pinks)

Sizes 28-36, D-F

Mimi Holliday are reknowned for their decadent, fun and eye-catching designs and the 'Kittiwake' is nothing short of a showstopper with its vibrant colour palette of fuchsia and electric orange! The satin and lace cups give this bra a luxe feel, whilst the quirky embroidered lipstick kisses inject a flirty edge that is hard to ignore. There is no doubt that this is the set for daring lingeristas who want to wow this Valentine's!



http://tuttirouge.bigcartel.com/product/eliza-bra

 Sizes 28-38, D-J

Fuller busts rejoice because Tutti Rouge is ready to steal your heart with the gorgeous 'Eliza' bra! This gorgeous non-padded bra will win you over with its sophisticated styling and support up to a J cup! Its midnight blue and magenta colour scheme is a perfect side-step from 'stereotypical' Valentine's day reds and pinks, yet its semi-sheer cups, frilly trim and bow and corsage motifs keep it fun, playful and enchanting!


SEXY 



http://tinyurl.com/qgb696c

Sizes 8-20

If you want to turn up the heat this Valentine's day, Bluebella are the 'go-to' for sizzling bedroom wear! Inspired by 'Fifty Shades of Grey', this red hot bra and brief set boasts a red satin and black lace button-up peep hole bra and raunchy satin tie-side briefs. This provocative set is certain to add some spice to your Valentine's day!



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/PM-001615/Pour-Moi%3F-Forbidden-Basque/?size=&colour=Black)

Sizes 32-40, B-G

Pour Moi really has its finger on the pulse when it comes to trend-led, sexy lingerie for fuller busts. The Pour Moi 'Forbidden' basque features smoothing panels which contour to your curves, creating the perfect hourglass silhouette. Adorned with feminine lace and racy strapping details and cut-outs at the bust, this seductive basque will ramp up the sex appeal this V-day!



http://tinyurl.com/nlv2l2z

Sizes 8-16

Indulge yourself this Valentine's with this directional and unashamedly sexy cut-out bra from Bluebella Black Label! Architectural black strapping merges with sensual yet risqué sheer chiffon panels to create a provocative look that will get anyone hot under the collar. If you're looking to take your boudoir wear to new heights, team this erotic statement piece with the matching brief/ thong and suspender belt to ensure that all eyes are on you!


STYLISH



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/GO-001076/Gossard-Superboost-Strapless-Lace-Slip-Dress/?size=&colour=Black)

Sizes 32-36, B-E

Up the glamour this Valentine's day and dress to impress with this sultry, lace slip dress from Gossard! Styled with corded vintage floral lace and decorated with a bow and charm detail, this slip delivers femininity, elegance and sensuality in equal measure. Removable straps give versatility of wear, underwired cups enhance the bust, whilst its bodycon fit and layered mesh smoothing panels deliver a streamlined silhouette - it really is too good to cover up!
 


http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/MQ-7151/Masquerade-Antoinette-Bandeau-Bra/?product_id=MQ-7151)

28-38, D-G

Masquerade is synonymous with sophistication and luxury and the 'Antoinette' delivers exactly this! As its name would suggest, the 'Antoinette' bandeau bra delivers beautiful 'cakes on a plate'/ 'Marie Antoinette' cleavage, coupled with great support up to a G cup. This bra is classy and stylish with its black floral lace and opulent burgundy satin base, accented by a bow and jewel motif, for a touch of added sparkle!

(Also available in blue/charcoal and champagne/black and as a basque.)



http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(170)a(2093455)g(19353)url(http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product/FIG-133519/Lulu-Tout-Amelie-Underwired-Bra-DDH/?size=&colour=Blues )

Size 30-38, DD-H

Just because it's Valentine's, that doesn't mean that your lingerie has to be predictable! The Lulu Tout 'Amelie' delivers all of the beauty of classic French lingerie, whilst keeping things flirty and current with its contemporary mesh panel overlays and eye-catching electric blue colour palette! The unusual scalloped details and art-deco style embroidery make this bra perfect for seducing in style!

(Also available in black and in sizes A-DD.)


LUXURIOUS



http://tinyurl.com/lzox42h

Sizes 32-36, B-D

If luxury and decadence is what you are after, Agent Provocateur lingerie is the embodiment of showstopping opulence and magnificent design! The 'Gloria' basque is the ultimate in seduction with its barely-there racy quarter cups and enticing sheer nude tulle, offset by glamorous scarlet red silk accents and ornate floral embroidery. This basque is beautifully crafted with curve-defining boning for a superior fit, resulting in a sculpted silhouette that will render anyone speechless!



http://www.asos.com/dita-von-teese/dita-von-teese-lamarr-robe/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4719706&clr=Blackspotmesh&SearchQuery=dita&pgesize=36&pge=1&totalstyles=67&gridsize=3&gridrow=6&gridcolumn=3

Sizes S-XL

Channel your inner 50s pin-up girl with this exquisite limited edition Dita Von Teese robe! Fashioned from sensual polka dotted sheer mesh and finished with silky trims and an adjustable ribbon waist-tie, this robe exudes iconic vintage glamour in its purest form. This classic black number is a stunning piece that will make you feel like an Old Hollywood starlet - enough to make anyone put down their martini and stare in admiration!



http://tinyurl.com/plzkfxj

Sizes 32-36, A-DD

   Racy, cheeky and captivatingly sexy, the theatrical lipstick red 'Tammi' bra by Agent Provocateur will transform its wearer into the very embodiment of femme fatale! Featuring a barely-there scalloped silk bra with bow-embellished straps across the bust and finished with French lace trims, 'Tammi' creates knock-out cleavage for a look that is utterly tantalising, dramatic and indulgent.. get ready to unleash your inner temptress!


BARGAINOUS



http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-sienna-lace-slip/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4932131&clr=Black&SearchQuery=sienna+slip&SearchRedirect=true

 Sizes XS-L

If you're on a budget this Valentine's, feast your eyes on the delectable 'Sienna' slip from ASOS. Sheer lace unpadded cups are attached to a floaty chiffon skirt with strapping details, making this classic black number a winning combination of sexy, directional and playful. This piece definitely looks more luxe than its price tag and at its reduced price of £12, it's an unmissable bargain - grab it whilst you can!




http://tidd.ly/8340fc4b

Sizes 6-16

Flirty, sexy and totally bargainous, this rich burgundy bralet has Valentine's Day written all over! This pretty triangle longline bralet merges vintage-feel sheer lace cups with contemporary strapping for a look that combines the old with the new. At £9.99, this bra is a real style steal, meaning that you could easily treat yourself to one in every colour!

(Also available in black, khaki or blue.)



http://www.asos.com/Lepel/Lepel-Victoria-Cami-With-Contrast-Lace/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4087094&cid=1940&Rf989=5093,5044,5045,4944&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=3&clr=Powderpink&totalstyles=284&gridsize=3

Sizes S-L

Romantic in powder pink with an elegant black contrast trim, the Lepel 'Victoria' cami is perfect for ladylike lounging and stylish snoozing! With its classic cut and luxurious satin feel fabric, you will definitely fall in love with this £14 bargain!


***


What do you think of my Valentine's Day Lingerie picks? 

What are you be hoping to receive or are you treating yourself this Valentine's?


Love,




Saturday, 14 December 2013

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...



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!


---

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



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!


Also comes in black sequin.

---

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



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!


---

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



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! 


---

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



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).

---

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



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)

---

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

http://tinyurl.com/oswps74

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.

---

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


http://www.largecuplingerie.com/tutti-rouge-sophia-uw-half-padded-balcony-bra-b0741-mint.html

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...



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!)


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



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).

---

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



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...



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!

---

(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

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Sizing up Boux Avenue: An undie-cover 'fitting test'



   Since attending Boux Avenue's Autumn/ Winter 2012 collection showcase and seeing the array of boux-tiful new lingerie for the upcoming months, I have been itching to make a trip down to Boux Avenue's flagship store in Westfield. Back in September of last year, I made my first foray into Boux Avenue by way of an online order, without much success on the fit front. With any new lingerie brand, it is always a good idea to visit a 'brick and mortar' store to familiarise yourself with the fit of the products, so I decided to make a trip to Westfield shopping centre to get the complete Boux Avenue shopping experience.


   One of the things that I particularly wanted to try out at the shop was their fitting service. After reading quite a few varying accounts of this service and seeing the dreaded '+4 fitting technique' in action on their website, I really wanted to experience their in-store fitting for myself. I needed to make the experience as authentic as possible, so I dug out an old 34D La Senza bra which was much too loose in the band and too small in the cups for me. I packed my bag with a trusty camera and notebook and prepared myself for an undie-cover investigation... 



   The Boux Avenue store front was very inviting, with the 'Boux' logo in lights and a girly window display of pretty '3 for 2' knickers, a screen showing their 'Wiggle It' campaign video and their accessories showcased under a 'B Academy' logo.




   Walking into the store, I was greeted by a friendly sales assistant who welcomed me to the store. The interior was really gorgeous, well-lit and the products were beautifully arranged, giving the shop a boutique feel. Framed campaign imagery lined the walls, the beauty products were showcased on a 'cake stand' central table and some of the lingerie was even set out in a vintage style suitcase! 



   I also really liked that the shop made use of little lingerie cabinets, so that if your size was not available on the display rails, you could pick out your size from the drawers below. Boux Avenue is definitely all about the details.. 


   After a few minutes of looking around, I was approached by a sales assistant, who asked me if I needed any help, to which I responded that I would like to get fitted. She whisked me off to the changing rooms, which boast a 'Concierge' area with a few chairs at the entrance, giving it a very luxurious and high-end feel. The changing rooms had different names and I was directed to the 'Chiffon' room, which was spacious and chic with a large mirror and an adjustable lighting fixture. Boux Avenue does away with notoriously unflattering changing room lights with their three light settings (Day, Dusk and Night) which can be changed according to your preference!



   So, I hear you ask..how was my fitting? 

   My fitter was friendly and asked me to take my top off so that she could assess the fit of my current bra. She had a look at the 34D bra that I was wearing and stated that it wasn't right for me and that I would probably need a 32E. She then got her tape measure out and measured me three times underneath my bust at varying degrees of tightness and asked at each stage how it felt. I told her that I preferred the tightness of the tightest measurement that she did of my underbust, to which she responded "wow, you like your bands tight!"

   She didn't tell me what measurements she had ascertained from the tape measure but did say that she would bring me a few basic bras to try on. It was interesting that she didn't overtly do any +4 calculations in front of me as I had expected that she would do, instead relying more on what I thought of the 'tape measure band tightness test' that she did. She brought me a 32E and 30F pink microfibre t-shirt bra to try on, which I thought was actually quite a good start seeing as I had walked in in a 34D!


   When I tried on the 32E, I immediately fastened it on the tightest hook, which the fitter didn't actually pick up on. She asked me to "scoop myself into the cups" to see if the breast tissue was properly contained in the cups and told me that the gore should sit flush against my chest (which it didn't completely in the 32E as the cups were too small and band too loose). She then asked me how the bra felt, to which I responded "Ok I think..what do you think?" She then proceeded to tell me that "the customer's opinion is the most important". This is all very good and well, but if the customer has no idea what to look for in a bra and doesn't know how tight a bra should feel, how can a good fit be assessed? 

   After I seemed a little unsure on the fit of the 32E, the fitter suggested that I tried a 32F and she again came back to help me. She looked at the 32F bra on me and pressed at the top of the cups and said that I wasn't completely filling out the top. She suggested that maybe the 32E was better, but asked my opinion and said that it was up to me. The 32F actually did fit me better as the central wires were no longer sitting on my breast tissue, but the shape wasn't right for me. 

   When I suggested that the shape was maybe wrong for me, the fitter agreed and consequently gave me a 30F and 30FF to try on to assess for fit. One thing that I was slightly worried about was that after putting the 30FF on the loosest hook, the fitter then proceeded to fasten it on the middle hook and asked me how it felt! I was really confused as to why she did this as it doesn't really matter how a new bra feels on the middle hook as it loosens with wear! After she had fitted me, she said that I was a 30FF/32F depending on the bra and asked if I was "ok being an F cup?". I was a little taken aback by this question and murmured "yeah sure" before feeling slightly uncomfortable. 

   I imagine that it is a shock for a lot of women to be put in a much larger cup size than they go into a shop wearing and I too experienced this a few years ago going from a 34D to 28FF in Bravissimo. I remember that in Bravissimo, the girl who refitted me was not at all phased by such a cup size jump and didn't bat an eyelid at my new size even though I did. This actually made me feel totally normal and more comfortable to change size fairly drastically. I definitely think that fitters should be encouraged not to put too much emphasis on cup size in fittings. If I hadn't been a bra blogger, the response to "are you ok being an F cup?" may have been despair, confusion or embarrassment!

   Never-the-less, my fitter asked me what style of bras I preferred and if there were any that I would like to try. I said that I liked plunge bras and sheer unpadded bras and she consequently came back with a really nice selection in 32F's and 30FF's, all of which I liked! 



(Top 2 bras: Tori lace moulded plunge bra in black 30A-38F - I found that the back band was very loose in both the 30 and 32 backs!
Bottom bra: Loretta full support satin plunge bra in red 30DD-38G - Probably one of the bras that I liked the most of those that I tried. The 30FF was an ok fit, but I probably needed to go up a cup as I was getting some cutting in.)


(Tried in a 30FF and 32F. The 32F was much too large in the back and I didn't much like the shape in the 30FF unfortunately.)

   The fitter offered her advice on the fit of all of these bras, but I felt that most of the input came from me as the Boux fitters seem to be there more to 'guide' the customer. At this point, I decided to go solo as I wanted to see what other bras were on the shop floor. I ended up picking out a range of bras in a 30FF and a few in a 32F - the shop assistants were very happy to aid me in finding my size from the drawers and from the back room. I even tried out the fitting room 'Concierge' and found the assistant friendly, eager to help and very efficient.


(My hand-picked selection of Boux beauties..)


(Sadly only the 32F was available to try and it was much too large in the back for me)


(I tried this in the white colourway in a 30FF and the shape just didn't work for me and it gapped strangely..perhaps I need to try a 30F..?)


Nancie satin and lace balconette bra 32A-38F (includes 30 backs up to an F cup) 
(I tried this in a 30F, which was too small in the cup for me. Such a shame as it is a really beautiful bra!)

After a long time of wanting to try Boux Avenue's swimwear, I finally got to try some:


(Tried in a 32F - too large in the back but I love the print!)


(Tried in a 30FF and I wasn't mad on the shape of it on me)


(Tried in a 32F - back too loose)


Almeria halter bikini top 32A-38FF (includes 30 back: C-FF)
(I tried this bikini in a 30FF expecting it to be spot on, but the band seemed a fair bit tighter than the other 30 backed bikinis that I tried and the FF was too small in the cups. Sadly this bikini doesn't come in a 30G and it is sold out online in a 32F and FF. I'd love to try it in 32F/FF though as I really fell in love with this bikini!)

   After trying everything on, I realised that I hadn't got a fitting card that is normally given to people after a bra fitting, so I asked the Concierge assistant if I could have one for future reference. She apologised and said that I should have got one and that she would tell my fitter off (oops!) On the plus side, it is clear that Boux Avenue strives for high standards, so it is good that feedback is being passed on within the team..


   All in all, my fitting at Boux Avenue, Westfield was quite successful and I was very pleasantly surprised that the fitter could see that my badly fitting 34D bra was wrong for me straight away. It was reassuring to see a highstreet store measure me as a 32F/30FF as this is a lot better than many other highstreet fittings that I have had in the past! 

   There are a few things that I would offer up as feedback though. Firstly, I would suggest that fitters are trained thoroughly and regularly to make sure that they become confident in their roles as fitters rather than just fitting 'guides'. Although it is important for a fitter to listen to the customer first and foremost, I would imagine that most women going into a bra fitting would want to have a large amount of imput from a fitter - customers need to know what to look for, how a bra should feel and also if a bra fits them correctly.

   Often asking a customer "what do you think?" instead of offering an opinion will result in a blank face because the customer has no clue as to how a properly fitting bra should look and feel. I really think that this assertive but empathetic standpoint from fitters will go a long way in helping refit women correctly. As mentioned earlier, I also believe that fitters should refrain from making or inferring any judgement such as "are you ok being an F cup?" or "wow, you like your bands tight!" - although these may just have been 'off the cuff' remarks, I think it'd be best to leave them out.

   Another point to mention is that I felt that the sizing of Boux Avenue's products was a little inconsistent from bra to bra - in some styles, a 30 back was way too big for me, and in others, it fit ok. This may be due to the use of different materials which have varying amounts of stretch, but it is important to factor this in in the production process. Just some food for thought and something to keep in mind...

    Aside from the points that I have just mentioned, I would definitely go back to Boux Avenue, Westfield (or any of their other shops for that matter) as it is absolutely gorgeous! It is superbly set out, well-organised and nicely lit. The décor is also original, chic and well-executed. The shop feels like a boutique and details such as the 'Concierge service', lingerie cabinets and fitting rooms with adjustable lighting fixtures make for great touches that elevate the highstreet shopping experience. It is a plus that the underwear and swimwear is really pretty and accessible to the masses, whilst also being very reasonably priced. I am also delighted to see 30 backs quite readily available in a highstreet store and really hope that other stores will recognise the need for them and follow suit. The Boux Avenue staff were very friendly and eager to help, which is great to see from a customer point of view too. 

    I am really looking forward to seeing what comes next for Boux Avenue as it sets up for global expansion. Boux seems to be quickly filling the La Senza shaped gap in the highstreet, particularly with regard to catering to DD+ sizes (which the new La Senza stores and Victoria's Secret seem to be neglecting) Next time I am in Westfield, I will definitely pop into the store to try on some more lingerie and swimwear..plus I might have to stock up on their delicious bath and beauty products too!)

Love,
Kitty xo