10 New Year Lingerie Resolutions that are easy to keep!

   With the start of every new year, the question "have you made any new year's resolutions?" is an inescapable topic of conversation. By mid-January, those of us that have made resolutions are either gloating with pride about the success of a new health kick or conversely feeling guilty about demolishing those Xmas choccies that were going to be given away..! 

   Whilst not everyone makes new year resolutions, this year (aside from setting myself some achievable personal goals), I have devised some resolutions that are much more fun to keep! No fad diets, no over-the-top life overhauls and (almost) no guilt...

   Yes, I can only be talking about lingerie resolutions and here are my top 10 for 2013...

1. Reorganise my intimates collection and donate to charity/ sell any pieces that do not fit  - I confess that I am quite the lingerie hoarder, so a Spring clean will definitely do me good.. besides, there is no point holding on to bras that do not fit just because they are pretty and I can't bear to part with them! With so many new lingerie collections coming out in 2013 (get a sneak peek here), there is no way that I will be short of pretty lingerie to fall in love with!

(Why not clear out your underwear drawers and donate to charity whilst you're at it? Find out about 'Bra Banks' and help to raise money for research into Breast Cancer)

2. Stop saving my favourite underwear for 'special occasions' - I think it's easy to fall into the rut of just wearing a small selection of your lingerie for everyday wear (everyone has 'go-to' bras for comfort and great shape..in my case, my Freya 'Deco' bras). If you find yourself 'saving' your lingerie luxuries for 'special occasions' like me, then remember the great feeling that you get when you wear gorgeous lingerie and start wearing it more often - it could be just the confidence boost that you need! There is certainly something wonderful about knowing that you're wearing beautiful lingerie underneath your work clothes..

(Some of my hoarded favourites that don't get enough wear!)

3. Be even more picky about the lingerie that I buy - I adore lingerie and love nothing more than a new set of lingerie as a 'pick-me-up', but when choosing whether or not to keep something, I vow to ask myself:  Does it give me the right support? Is it comfortable? Does it give a great shape? Is it the right fit and style for my body and needs? Do I have something like it? Am I really in love with it or is it a lingerie infatuation?

Figleaves Boudoir 'Entice' bralet - very enticing indeed, but not designed for my bust size!

4. Experiment with new brands and styles - It is easy to overlook new names and places, especially when you know that certain brands work well for you and you are accustomed to buying from particular retailers. I want to continue to look out for exciting new emerging brands that have so much to offer. I also want to keep an open mind towards different bra styles - I may be a plunge bra aficionado, but who knows, maybe that soft cup/ unpadded bra will be my new BBF (bra best friend)!

(Could the Spring/Summer13 Cleo by Panache 'Marcie' unpadded bra be my new BBF?)

5. Buy more from Independents - I think it's really important to support independent designers and non-'mainstream' brands - the benefits include finding some really original and quirky pieces that aren't found on the highstreet and the money that you pay is reflected by the craftmanship that goes into the design and production of the garment.

6. Become slightly more lax about handwashing - Yes, you heard right! Whilst many people are guilty of putting their lingerie in the washing machine, I actually handwash EVERYTHING that has a handwash label..or just if something looks a bit dainty! Sorting through my underwear drawers, I have overlooked that there are quite a few undergarments that are actually machine washable! It is easy to assume that anything lacey and delicate looking means handwash only, but this is not always the case, so check your labels! 

(Picture via: http://aprivateroom-blog.blogspot.co.uk/)

7. Buy what fits regardless of the size on the label - Vanity sizing is all around us, but do you know what? A little label doesn't dictate anything about your body or you as a person. If you try on a pretty pair of knickers but they are too small in your usual size, try the size up or the size after that. Look at how the garment fits you and only buy what looks flattering. Besides, if you buy something and feel funny about the size on the label, just cut it out! Problem solved.

9. Wear your curves with pride - When you have a larger bust size, the tendency (certainly for me, sometimes) is to cover up and be slightly conservative with regard to showing cleavage. Whilst I'm not saying that it is a good idea to go to work in a low cut boob-baring dress (that's just not appropriate!), I'd love to start showing off a bit more cleavage. Be proud of your boobs and be confident in your curves - body confidence is sexy in every shape and size!

(Being a bit more daring with my outfit choice on my birthday..!)

10. Keep on preaching great bra fit to anyone who will listen - Most of my regular blog readers will be aware of the importance of a well-fitting bra, but I'd love to push my blog message out to even more people this year (sharing is caring!). I am also keen to get more friends and family in to the right bra! The bra revolution shall continue at full throttle..

What do you make of my new year resolutions? Will you be following any of them?

Love,
Kitty xo

Simply beach and the Freya 'Revolution'...

   With an increasing array of swimwear available to girls with curves, gone are the days of badly fitting, mix-matched bikini tops and bottoms in different sizes. Although I am a convert to cup sized swimwear, a part of me does pine for the gorgeous strapless and bandeau bikinis found on the high street. I initially resigned myself to the idea that the strapless bikini was just not engineered for the larger bust, but I soon realised that I was mistaken. On browsing Simply Beach, I was overjoyed to come across a certain Freya bikini, whose name suggested that it was the end of my strapless bikini envy...  

   Introducing..the Freya 'Revolution' bikini! The 'Revolution' bikini top is a versatile and chic black bandeau, which not only can be worn strapless, but also comes with adjustable and detachable straps, so that you can wear it as a halterneck too! Available in sizes 30-38 back and from cup sizes D-G, the 'Revolution' is the stylish, sexy and supportive multiway bikini that every curvy girl craves. 

   Although I am a 28FF and no 28 back is available in the 'Revolution' bandeau bikini (Freya please take note!), I was keen to try the 30F for size.. because, well, a gorgeous strapless multiway bikini for the larger bust is hard to come by and the 'Revolution' is a beauty! Thanks to the fantastic Simply Beach, the Freya 'Revolution' arrived quickly on my doorstep, bringing with it, thoughts of my next holiday get-away... 

   The Freya 'Revolution' is every bit the glamorous classic in real life, coming in 'flatter all' black, with ivory stitch detailing. Freya add a touch of girly charm with flirty frills at the centre of the cups, whilst the three black buttons give the bikini a sophisticated feel. The fabric is also slightly ruched at the centre and sides, to give the bandeau a bit more shape.

   Freya know that support is key for the busty girl and the concealed underwire in the cups and side boning ensure that you feel comfortable and supported on the beach or by the pool. The 'Revolution' bikini top features a wide back clasp, to give extra security and support. 

   Having the option of removable shoulder straps makes this bikini a real winner. Not only does it give this bikini two 'looks', but it is also great for tanning. Whilst not everyone will feel daring enough to go strapless on the beach, the detachable straps are ideal for avoiding annoying strap marks left after sunbathing! 

   As someone who has never owned a strapless bikini before, I was very impressed with the shape of the 'Revolution'. Whilst some strapless bandeau bikinis can be unflattering styles that simply drape over your chest, the 'sweet heart' neckline and general cut of the 'Revolution' really compliment a larger bust, whilst not revealing too much cleavage or being low cut.

   In terms of support, the 30 back did unfortunately feel a bit too loose for me, but not so loose that it was unwearable. I feel that I could happily laze by the pool in this bikini and have a splash about, but beach games and vigorous swimming would probably be off the cards. For this reason, I would really love for Freya to make their bandeau bikinis in 28 backs, as especially for a strapless, a firm under band is vital to give good support.  

   I was very impressed, however, with Freya's attention to detail in the 'Revolution's design. Aside from the underwire and boning, there is a plastic strip that runs along the inside cups and back band, which helps the bikini to stick to you and stay in place.

   To compliment the 'Revolution' bikini top, I also received the matching bikini shorts, which boast a similar little frill and button detail along the top. The size small fit me perfectly and I like the fact that the shorts give good coverage at the back. Although they come up a bit higher than my usual 'hipster' bikini bottoms, they are very comfortable to wear - perfect for those that prefer a less skimpy look for the beach or pool. 

   The 'Revolution' is a great take on the strapless bandeau bikini and as always, Freya add a signature twist with their attention to detail, flattering shapes and great curve-supporting engineering! The 'Revolution' is available at a reduced price of £25.50 for the top and £16.50 for the short on Simply Beach, making it a bikini well worth snapping up for your next holiday. 

   In the same way that every underwear drawer needs a multiway/strapless bra, I think that every girl needs to own a multiway/strapless bikini. Versatile, stylish, comfortable and curve-friendly, the 'Revolution' seems to be a revolution by nature as well as name!

   To see more of Simply Beach's great swimwear selection (including Freya, Panache, Pour moi, Fantasie and Seafolly to name a few), click here. (Postage is £1.99 with free returns and exchanges!)

Love,
Kitty xo