Stepping into sophistication: Masquerade by Panache 'Amor' lingerie review

   Undercover Lingerista readers will likely be aware of my love for fuller busted lingerie brand, Panache and their Masquerade line. Masquerade lingerie is commonly characterised by sophisticated and elegant designs, sumptuous fabrics and ornate detailing, which combine to offer the wearer great fitting luxury lingerie at affordable price points. Masquerade tends to be slightly more expensive than Panache's other sub-brands ('Superbra' and 'Cleo'), but the Masquerade line is such a decadent approach to D-H cup lingerie, that it is hard not to fall in love with the collections! 

   When it comes to bras, I tend to favour moulded bras due to the great rounded shape and cleavage that they offer. One of my favourite bras from Masquerade is definitely the 'Capella' bra which I reviewed a while ago..so much so that this beautiful bra became one of my 'go-to' bras for both special occasions and under my everyday work wear (as it was so comfortable)! Unfortunately my 'Capella' is slightly too small for me at the moment, so when I spotted the new Masquerade 'Amor' sweetheart moulded bra at the Panache A/W12 press day, I couldn't help but lust after it!

   

   The Masquerade 'Amor' set consists of a stunning moulded underwired bra and brazilian briefs in a rich sapphire jewel tone. The bra comes in back sizes 28-38 with cup sizes D-G and the matching knickers come in sizes 8-18. In line with my current Panache size, I went for a 28G in the bra and a 10 in the briefs, courtesy of the lovely people at Panache..

   The Masquerade 'Amor' bra looks even more exquisite in the flesh and the play on detail actually resides in the contrast of the sapphire satin with the matte blue fabric sections. As you can see from the pictures, the satin has an opulent sheen to it when it catches the light, making this bra look very chic and high-end. The matte blue sections run across the cups and down the centre gore of the bra in a 'V' shape, drawing the eye down to a central cleavage point. The 'Amor' is similar to the 'Capella' in that it is a balconette-plunge style with a 'sweetheart' neckline, which gives a more subtle and 'natural' cleavage than a deep plunge bra.

   The straps are also fairly thin (compared to Freya bras for example) and measure about 1.5cm thick (the same as the straps on the other Masquerade bras that I own). Unlike the 'Capella', however, the 'Amor' bra's straps are fully adjustable, which is always a bonus in my book as it lends to a longer 'strap life' and is useful for those that need to tighten their straps considerably.

   The bra fastens with two hook and eyes and the back band is double lined with a matte blue stretch fabric and bordered by satin wrapped elastic. Initially the 28G 'Amor' band felt similar to the Masquerade 'Anise' and because it felt a bit too tight when I first tried it on, I exchanged it for a 30FF. I now wish that I had stuck with the 28G and worn it with an extender until it loosened up - the 30FF band loosened up very quickly and I need to go on to the middle hook after wearing it just once! 

   That said, the 'Amor' is a lovely bra and the satin is silky smooth. When worn, the bra gives a very rounded shape and a natural looking cleavage that is perfect for all occasions. Thanks to the smooth lines of the 'Amor' bra, it would work well under most clothing. I often reach for plain moulded bras for work (e.g. my Freya 'Deco' bras), so the 'Amor' makes for a more luxurious substitute. There is nothing nicer than going to work knowing that you're wearing comfortable and equally stylish lingerie!

   As for the matching brazilian briefs, I am glad that I exchanged the 10 for a 12 as they look more flattering in the bigger size. 

   The 'Amor' brazilian briefs are interestingly not a direct match to the 'Amor' bra and are instead made from a soft matte stretch mesh with satin-wrapped elastic edging. I actually quite like that the bra and briefs are not 'matchy matchy' as it makes the set a bit more unusual. The fabric is also very slightly sheer, meaning that they steer away from looking like 'standard' plain blue knickers:

   The briefs are very smooth feeling and practical as they are seam-free. Although they are comfortable, they are not my favourite knickers. The elastic borders dig into your flesh a little bit, which although not uncomfortable, is not hugely flattering or conducive to creating a sleek silhouette under clothing. 

   The 'Amor' is a lovely lingerie set and I can see the bra particularly being worn a great deal in the upcoming festive season - whether it is under a dress to a Christmas party or as an everyday set under work clothes or casual wear. It has an understated appeal that makes it a timeless set and the luxe satin and sheer matte fabric combination elevates it beyond being 'just a blue lingerie set'. 

   With Christmas approaching, the 'Amor' would also make for a luxurious gift. If you can't afford real diamonds and sapphires, the 'Amor''s jewel tone satin will be enough to seduce any lady and make her feel spoiled! There is nothing more indulgent than gorgeous new lingerie and the 'Amor' set delivers everyday luxury aplenty. 

   One thing that I have learnt in my bra journey is that beautiful lingerie makes me feel good, so why save it solely for special occasions? Whether you're at the office or just lounging at home, wearing that pretty lingerie set will make you feel like you really 'have it together'!

The Masquerade 'Amor' is available to buy from My Curves and Me and other retailers. (Now there is even more reason to treat yourself or someone else as the 'Amor' bra is currently reduced from £42 to £24.50 and the briefs are reduced from £18.50 to £10.79!)

(I have also heard that the 'Amor' is coming out in 'Berry' for 2013, so keep your eyes peeled!)

Click here to see more of Panache's Masquerade collections.

Love,

Kitty xo

Flirty in 'Fiona': Parfait by Affinitas 'Fiona' camisole review

   If you have read my blog about the Affinitas Intimates A/W12 press event a little while ago, you may have noticed that I took quite a shine to the Affinitas fuller bust range, 'Parfait', which encompasses sizes 30D-40G.

   Although I feel lucky that the larger bust lingerie market is expanding and I can now get a range of beautiful and supportive bras for all occasions in my size, it is not always quite as easy to find a bustier, camisole or babydoll for larger cup sizes. Highstreet stores often sell them in standardised clothing sizes with no cup sizes, so finding a boudoir beauty to fit a 28FF is about as unsuccessful as trying to squeeze my bust into those very same standardised undergarments! 

   As you can imagine, I was thrilled to come across 'Parfait' as the current collection offers some really glamorous and sexy boudoir pieces in addition to flirty everyday bras and comfy basics. One of the designs that particularly caught my eye was Parfait's padded wired 'Fiona' camisole in peacock blue, which Affinitas Intimates kindly sent me to try out...

      As 'Parfait' starts at a 30 back (and I'd heard reports that the 30 backs come up tighter than other brands), I decided to go for a 30F (sister size to my usual 28FF) and a size M (10/12) in the matching boyshorts.

   The Parfait 'Fiona' is a beautiful camisole made from silky stretch satin in a jewel tone blue (also comes in wine purple, black or white), complete with black lace trim along the underwired cups. The peacock blue tone was even more glamorous in the flesh and the satin has a slight shimmer to it when it catches the light. I really love the attention to detail on the 'Fiona' too - it features subtle pleats on the straps, embroidered panelling down the torso of the chemise and stylish contrasting black lace on the cups and a little bow and sequin motif at the centre of the cups.

    Additionally, the 'Fiona' boasts an absolutely knock-out detail at the back - a decorative lace-up corset design with ribbon ties and double layered mesh back panels, giving this camisole added sex appeal.  

   Aside from this camisole's obvious aesthetic appeal, it is also very easy to take on and off. There is no fiddly lacing up to do as the 'Fiona' has a half zipper and clasp closure at the side.

   I was pleased that the 'Fiona' in a 30 back was a good fit - not too snug or too loose. The stretch satin and mesh fabric makes the 'Fiona' very comfortable to wear and the material follows the natural contours of the body without feeling restrictive like some shapewear can. The only downside to the fabric is that it rucks up a little bit when worn, but it does not distract from this garment's beauty. 

  I felt very glamorous in this striking camisole and the peacock blue colour really pops against your skin tone whatever complexion you have. The black contrast lace also gives a hint of old Hollywood elegance to the 'Fiona', which I absolutely loved.

   I also really like that this camisole has moulded underwired cups - it is nice to have a little bit of lift and the 'Fiona' gives a great rounded shape to your cleavage. It is worth mentioning that the straps are only part adjustable and I had to tighten them as much as they would go. Luckily, as the 'Fiona' is not an 'everyday' item, I should still get plenty of wear out of this camisole without the straps becoming too loose too quickly. My only real regret with the 'Fiona' is that I ordered a 30F not 30FF and I feel that the cups ran a bit small (although not very obvious from the above pictures). 


   I am glad that I went for the Medium boyshort knickers (roughly a UK 10-12) as they fit me beautifully. They remind me a little bit in style of the Curvy Kate 'Thrill Me' shorts, but refined with less ruffles. Again, made from stretch satin, the 'Fiona' boyshorts are really comfortable to wear and look great on. The black lace, grosgrain sequin bow at the centre and ruffle trim make these boyshorts exude seductive sophistication and are sure to make you feel a million dollars.


   It's worth adding that these boyshorts give quite full coverage to your derrière but are still very flirty thanks to the mesh panel at the back - a great example of how less (fabric) is not always more (sexy)! Additionally, I love that they come with detachable suspenders - they look fabulous with black stockings to mirror the black lace contrast on the 'Fiona' camisole and knickers!

   I am really excited to have found 'Parfait' by Affinitas and the 'Fiona' is a truly glamorous 'boudoir' set. I also have my eye on some of the babydolls from the upcoming A/W collection which are absolutely gorgeous!

'Parfait' is certainly 'one to watch' and I will definitely be exploring more of this exciting brand in future... 

Find out more about stockists of 'Parfait' by Affinitas here.

Love,

Kitty xo

A toast to the Masquerade 'Capella' bra

   Last November, I was delighted to get the opportunity to attend the Panache Spring/Summer 2012 press day held at the Sanctum Hotel. As a lover of sumptuous lingerie and beautiful patterns, it comes as no surprise that 'Masquerade' by Panache had me head over heels at first sight and the press day only served to confirm this!

  I viewed the Spring/Summer 2012 collections of Panache Superbra, Cleo, Panache Swimwear and Masquerade and although all of the ranges had pieces that I loved, it was Masquerade that stood out by a mile!

   Discovering the Masquerade range was akin to entering an Aladdin's cave of lingerie and the pieces had strong influences from Arabian antiquities and Persian exoticism - something reflected both in the patterns used and the rich fabric choices.

  

   With my taste for luxury, it was only to be expected that the Masquerade 'Capella' caught my eye, with its soft champagne satin sheen and exquisite contrasting black lace print! Since the Press day, I knew that the 'Capella' had to be mine, so when New Year came around and I saw this beauty discounted at Debenhams, I snapped this bra up quicker than you could say "2012"! 

(The 'Capella' bra comes in sizes 28-38 back and cup sizes D-G, whilst the short and thong come in sizes 8-18.) 

   The 'Capella' is a stunning underwired and moulded bra that is crossed between a balconette and plunge bra, with a 'sweetheart' shaped neckline. It is an extremely stylish and sophisticated bra and its champagne colour would suit a range of complexions, whilst appealing to a diverse age range. The rich satin and lace combination makes this bra very luxurious and opulent looking, without the extortionate designer price tag. 

   The 'Capella' features all over satin in a breathtaking champagne gold colour. The rich satin cups are set off by a delicately embossed intricate black floral lace pattern, which adds to the decadent vintage feel of this bra. To top it off, the 'Capella' boasts quite narrow satin wrapped straps and a pretty little black lace bow which adorns the centre of the bra.

(Close up showing the lace print detail, with the champagne satin peeking through from underneath)

   The 'Capella' is very cleverly designed, with its soft satin fabric and unusual printed lace cups, which give the bra a smooth finish. As a result, the 'Capella' remains fairly seamless under tight clothing, which is quite rare for such a pretty and ornate bra! 

   I was very impressed with the fit of the 'Capella' and my usual 28FF size was spot on. The back band felt snug and supportive (characteristic of Masquerade by Panache bras) and the shape it gave me was uplifted, rounded and with a nice cleavage to boot! My one criticism of the 'Capella' is that the straps are only partially adjustable, meaning that the strap 'lifespan' of this bra is greatly reduced.

   I was amazed at just how comfortable the 'Capella' was and I could happily wear it as an everyday bra, without feeling any digging in or discomfort at the end of a day at work. When it comes to comfortable everyday bras, I am usually a Freya 'Deco' girl, but the 'Capella' and its moulded cups, supportive fit and beautiful design would definitely encourage me to wear this bra everyday, as well as for 'special occasions'.

   At £39, the 'Capella' is not cheap, but it is very good value for money given its rich, quality fabrics and fantastic support. What's more, if you're tight for cash, you can snap up the 'Capella' for £27.30 on Figleaves at the moment. The 'Capella' also comes with the choice of an elegant satin and lace print short or thong (depending on your preference!) 

   The 'Capella' has quickly become one of my 'go to' bras of the moment and I love how silky soft the satin of this bra feels against my skin. This bra definitely makes me want to crack out the champagne and propose a toast..

"To Masquerade's 'Capella', for delivering comfort, support and style in equal measure!"

Love,

Kitty xo