As regular Undercover Lingerista readers might have guessed, I am a huge fan of Figleaves and I have been a loyal customer ever since discovering their expansive range of fuller bust lingerie and swimwear delights. Not so long ago, I was incredibly lucky to receive an (edible!) invitation to a very special Figleaves blogger dinner to showcase their new Spring/Summer 2014 lingerie and swimwear collections.
The event was held at the luxurious South Place Hotel, where we enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails in the exclusive 'Secret Garden' bar, followed by a decadent three course meal at the 'Chef's View' in the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant, situated on the top floor of the hotel.
The chef's table boasted amazing views; floor-to-ceiling glass windows which overlooked a skyline of iconic London landmarks (including the Gherkin and Tower 42), as well as a window into the bustling kitchen, where we could see our food being prepared!
(Picture credit: Figleaves.com)
The food was absolutely impeccable and given the restaurant's seafood specialism, I opted for ceviche scallops to start, followed by confit duck...
Whilst we dined, Figleaves' head buyer gave us food for thought with an insight into the making of the SS14 lingerie and swimwear campaigns, in addition to talking us through some of the stunning new products and ranges. Figleaves' exclusive new line, 'Lulu Tout', rendered every blogger dreamy-eyed.. and quite rightly so! The collection adopts the quintessential elegance of classic French lingerie, with stylish and sophisticated separates that deliver the luxurious aesthetics associated with designer underwear..without the accompanying price tag!
The 'Lulu Tout' collection offers an impressive sizing range (back sizes 30-38 and cup sizes A-H), alongside affordable price points (£24 for a bra and £15-£16 for a matching coordinate). The range features 3 debut designs; the 'Amelie', 'Coco Lace' and 'Fleur Rose', which come in different colourways.
Interestingly, Figleaves have tailored the design and construction of the bras to different bust sizes; a balcony bra for A-DD cups and a fuller coverage bra for DD-H cups. Fortunately, Figleaves understand that lingerie should be supportive and pretty in every size and it is refreshing to see that Lulu Tout's DD+ bras retain the sensuality and elegance of their A-DD cup counterparts:
LULU TOUT LOOKBOOK
If you were fond of Figleaves' first own brand, 'Midnight Grace', you will love the stylish and whimsical French-style designs of Lulu Tout. The feminine cuts, beautiful fabrics, attention to detail and value for money are ideal for fashion-conscious women who love luxurious lingerie on a budget..
AMELIE:
'Amelie' epitomises sophistication in classic black or electric blue. The bra features a plunging neckline and sheer mesh base, giving this bra undeniable sex-appeal. The cups boast a beautiful scalloped overlay, embroidered with an intricate, beaded spot pattern that evokes something of the Art-Deco movement. The black version exudes a timeless wearability, whilst the electric blue scores serious style points with its almost mermaid-like sensuality.
The Lulu Tout 'Coco Lace' is the ideal bra for those in search of a bra that merges practicality and elegance. 'Coco Lace' boasts a feminine cut with a supportive sling design, helping to bring the bust inwards and upwards for a stunning silhouette. The sheer mesh cups are scalloped and finished with an exquisite pinstripe embroidery. The charcoal colourway provides a perfect alternative to black, whilst the deep emerald delivers a touch of luxury.
FLEUR ROSE:
The 'Fleur Rose' embodies the perfect synergy of classic, feminine styling with modern day 'edge'. Taking inspiration from the 'tattoo effect' lingerie trend, Figleaves have embroidered a sketched-style rose pattern on to the mesh cups - a particularly eye-catching combination in the nude/ black colourway! The bra's glamorous appeal is enhanced by the scalloped edging, central bow motif and pleated straps. Definitely a bra to make you go ooh-la-la!
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FIGLEAVES SWIMWEAR LOOKBOOK
This brings me to talk about the final collection that was presented to us at the blogger dinner - the Figleaves SS14 Swimwear range! Figleaves is a real 'one-stop-shop' when it comes to swimwear, stocking a fabulous selection of over 40 swimwear brands. Amongst these brands, are Figleaves' own-labels (Figleaves Swimwear, Figleaves Active, Midnight Grace, Just Peachy and Sophina), which really appear to be coming into their own in the style stakes. True to form, Figleaves' own brands offer up trend-led, affordable swimwear designs in sizes 8-20, back sizes 30-38 and cup sizes up to a GG.
Figleaves presents key Spring/Summer 2014 trends across its collections, with an abundance of nautical spots and stripes, tropical, aztec and floral prints, retro-inspired swimsuits, high-waisted bikini briefs and longlines in eye-catching summer hues and maritime colour palettes. Here are some of my top picks:
NAUTICAL BUT NICE
Ahoy sailor! Channel the nautical trend with this unique longline anchor bikini from Midnight Grace. A fun twist on classic nautical stripes, this navy blue longline boasts a quirky anchor pattern, set off by flashes of bright red, for a contemporary finish.
TOTALLY TROPICAL
Sizzle under the sun in the eye-catching 'Congo' bikini! Featuring a vivid coral and black leafy palm print with glamorous gold bead motifs, this cleavage-flattering plunge bikini is sure to command attention on the beach!
Be bold this Summer in graphic florals with the Midnight Grace 'Daisy' swimsuit. Feminine, flirty and just a bit retro, this padded halterneck swimsuit features tummy control and cup sizes up to a G, to support and flatter your curves to perfection!
SO RETRO
Bring out your inner pin-up girl in the gorgeous Midnight Grace 'Pin Up Dotty' bikini. The all-over polka dot and stripe print is given a punchy, modern update with its vivid green hue, whilst the bandeau bikini top and flattering high-waisted bikini bottoms deliver a classic and beautifully feminine silhouette.
VIVA LA FIESTA
Turn up the heat with the colourful 'Santana' halterneck bikini from Midnight Grace. This flattering halterneck bikini features a feminine floral print with a contrasting 'aztec' frill, which adds a quirky edge. The popping colour palette will ensure that you make waves whether you're at a festival, pool party or relaxing on the beach!
BOND GIRL CHIC
For the ultimate in pool-side glamour, the Sophina 'Icon Mesh' bikini will have you looking and feeling as fabulous as a Bond girl. This chic, black, sweetheart bikini is complemented by a seductive spot mesh overlay, which adorns the bikini neck ties and sexy cut-out briefs. This bikini certainly has a licence to thrill!
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Figleaves has some very exciting lingerie and swimwear designs for Spring/ Summer 2014 and I continue to be impressed with the diverse selection of designs on offer to a wide range of sizes. I was delighted by the Figleaves blogger event as a whole; an edible invitation, cocktails, fine dining and gorgeous lingerie could only ever be recipe for success! Most importantly, the event was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for lingerie with other like-minded individuals and it was fantastic to be able to speak directly to a company that I have championed for such a long time.
What do you think of Figleaves' own brands? Have you tried them yet?
Love,
