Trompe l'oeil tattoos: Tatu Couture 'Carine' bodysuit review from Honeys Lingerie Boutique

   As a lingerista, it only goes with the territory to love the 'underwear as outerwear' trend and I make no secret of my obsession with luxury British lingerie and bodywear brand, 'Tatu Couture', whose striking tattoo-inspired pieces transition seamlessly from boudoir to outerwear.

   Since its launch in 2012, Tatu Couture has carved out a veritable name for itself as both a lingerie and ready-to-wear brand, thanks to the versatility of its trend-led pieces and high quality craftmanship. Tatu Couture is best-known for its 'trompe l'oeil' tattoo designs printed on to sheer mesh panels, giving the illusion of inked skin. The brand's signature collections are the perfect blend of style and innovation, thanks to the use of sculptural, bodycon silhouettes and edgy, graphic tattoo prints.

   After meeting Tatu Couture's designer, Luisa Sidoli, at the Lingerie Collective in 2011, I was lent two pieces from the debut collection for review and, of course, I fell head over heels in love with them! Ever since, I have been lusting after the new collections year in, year out, hoping to eventually own a piece of Tatu Couture luxury! 

   Luckily for me, the amazing people at Honeys Lingerie Boutique recently got in touch and offered me the chance to review a piece for them! My choice was a no-brainer and before too long, a luxurious Honey's gift box arrived on my doorstep.

   The packaging definitely added to the excitement and I couldn't wait to unwrap the tissue paper to reveal my new Tatu Couture 'Carine' bodysuit!

   The 'Carine' bodysuit forms part of Tatu Couture's new Fall/Winter 2014 collection, which focuses its attention on chic tailoring details and 'alluring silhouettes' with a contemporary edge. The collection is sophisticated and feminine with sculpting shapes and lace panelling, whilst retaining strong attitude and drama through strap detailing and racy mesh inserts.

   'Carine' is every bit as exquisite in real life as I hoped that she would be - fashioned from a sleek,  sculpting polyamide and elastic fabric, this bodysuit feels ultra soft against the skin, skimming the body's curves for a smooth silhouette. To contrast with the matte black body panelling, luxurious woven satin adorns the neckline and arms, adding a glamorous sheen to the bodysuit.

   One of the key design features of the 'Carine' resides in the use of sheer mesh inserts to mimic the illusion of exposed flesh. The black mesh chest panel boasts a sweetheart plunge neckline, revealing a seductive flash of cleavage. By contrast, the front panels are made from 'nude' mesh, giving the impression of 'cut outs' on light-medium skin tones.

    The back of the bodysuit features 'nude' stretch mesh panelling, separated by a chic statement black and gold zip which runs down the spine, giving the bodysuit a couture finish.

     The undisputed 'pièce de résistance' is the breath-takingly intricate angel wing tattoo printed on the back panel. Luisa Sidoli has worked extensively with real tattoo artists to produce authentic and beautiful tattoo prints for her collections and the wing design on the 'Carine' showcases tattoo artistry at its finest.

   The tattoo print has been executed to a truly exceptional standard and the black and blue inks have been shaded to add depth to the tattoo design. When worn, it is incredibly difficult to believe that the printed mesh is not a real tattoo on somebody's back and I have already fooled several people into thinking that I have an impressive new back tattoo!

   I am extremely impressed with the attention to fine details on this bodysuit and I love that 'Tatu Couture' has been calligraphed on to one of the side panels! Additionally, thought has been given to the wearability/ functionality of the 'Carine' bodysuit and a popper opening makes it easier to take on and off.

   With regard to the fit, I was recommended a size small, which equates to an 8-10 according to the Tatu Couture size chart. Although the bodysuit does fit me, it is slightly too big at the waist for my size 8 frame and my longer-than-average torso makes it a bit too short in the body for me. 

   This means that the bodysuit does not 'sculpt' my body in quite the way that I had expected. You can see in the picture below how the excess fabric stands away from the curve of my back at waist level...

   Although the 'Carine' is not the perfect fit for my body, this is easily hidden when I incorporate it into my outerwear looks. This bodysuit looks fantastic with high waisted skirts, leggings and skinny jeans and it is ideal for transforming both day and evening outfits into something strikingly dramatic, unique and glamorous!

   In the pictures below, I have gone for an edgy, sculptural look, keeping the colour scheme to black, gold and 'nude'. I have paired the 'Carine' bodysuit with some shiny, high waisted American Apparel  leggings, ASOS gladiator heels, a gold detail Topshop belt, gold 'spike' earrings and a gold cuff to match. This look would be perfect for a night out and it makes me think of an inked Sandy from Grease!

  

   Although the 'Carine' is quite a graphic, edgy piece, I find that wearing a lace bodycon skirt with it injects femininity in to the look. Below, I have again kept the colour scheme simple ('nude' and black), adding elegant touches of gold and pops of scarlet red to 'up the glamour'.

   I recently wore this outfit to the UK Lingerie Awards and I certainly felt very glamorous and edgy in it - ideal for such a stylish, star-studded event!

   The Tatu Couture 'Carine' bodysuit is a stunning statement piece of couture bodywear, exuding high octane glamour worn on its own as a boudoir piece or equally as lingerie-inspired outerwear. The 'Carine' retails at £240 and also comes in a black and pink colourway, which would be well-suited to darker complexions.

   Whilst this bodysuit is an investment piece, it is a truly unique designer garment that has the versatility to be worn and styled in a multitude of ways. Every Tatu Couture piece is crafted using the highest quality fabrics, sewn by a team of highly skilled Ateliers based in the UK and every printed design is placement cut by hand, meaning that you are paying for outstanding craftmanship right down to the smallest detail.  

    I am absolutely thrilled with my beautiful Tatu Couture bodysuit and cannot wait to style it up again next time I go out. The angel wing tattoo print on the 'Carine' is like a piece of art in its own right and as somebody who has always toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo (but cannot quite commit), this bodysuit is my perfect solution!

You can buy the 'Carine' here or shop more of Tatu Couture's stunning collections at Honey's Lingerie Boutique!

As Christmas is on its way, Honey's are kindly offering Undercover Lingeristas 10% off any purchase with the code: 

KL10

What better way to treat a special someone (or yourself!) than with gorgeous luxury lingerie?

Love, 

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Special thanks goes to the amazing Brian Harris, who took all of the professional studio shots in this blog post!

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Ann Summers Extreme Boost bra review, bra fitting and A/W14 collections!

   As one of the UK's leading 'pleasure retailers', Ann Summers is well known for being the purveyor of all things sexy! Rampant rabbits and jelly boobs aside, Ann Summers boasts an ever-expanding range of lingerie in sizes 32A – 42H (with select styles from a 30 back up to a DD cup) and clothing sizes from 8 – 24.  

   This season's lingerie collections at the Westfield store certainly did not disappoint. True to the Ann Summers brand 'identity', there was an abundance of satin and lace 'boudoir' bras in deep reds, blacks and purples, alongside chiffon and satin babydolls, camis and suspender belts.

   There was also an array of  'trademark' Ann Summers 'bedroom wear'; namely sheer lace bodysuits, dresses and bodystockings in red and black. Amongst these, however, I was glad to find some edgier pieces; a strapless lace body with 'hook and eye' detailing running down the middle and the eyecatching 'Arabella' quarter cup bra, which features an ornate red guipure lace design (below left).

   In the same vein, Ann Summers has brought out some exceedingly racy knicker designs lately, including the very 'Damaris'-esque bow back strapping knickers - cheeky, indeed!

   Ann Summers is adept at bringing out collections that boast a variety of mix and match pieces. This enables customers to choose between different bra and knicker styles in order to flatter their shape and personal tastes. Customers can also embellish their lingerie 'outfit' with a matching suspender belt or waist cincher - ideal for kicking a bra and knicker set up a notch!

   I was also impressed with the level of aesthetic detail in the current Ann Summers collections. Fashion-forward motifs such as pleated chiffon overlays, ornate embroidered trims and unusual scalloped cup constructions (e.g. the 'Marlena' balconette - top right) demonstrate that Ann Summers has its finger on the pulse of lingerie trends and that the company is keen to keep reinventing and improving its products.

    Whilst Ann Summers is well-known for its 'bedroom'/'boudoir' lingerie, lesser known is the range of 'everyday' fashion bras, which sit well in the commercial lingerie market.

   The 'everyday' collection boasts slightly more 'toned-down' Ann Summers designs, in order to be more functional and appropriate for daily wear. The 'sexy lace' bras (above) have a seamless, t-shirt bra design so as to work under a range of clothing, whilst retaining their sex appeal!

   For those who prefer their everyday lingerie to be a little more girly and playful, Ann Summers has brought out a selection of fashion bras in candy pink, pastel purple and cool mint. Satins and mesh overlays accompanied by polka dots, ivory contrast lace and bow motifs give the bras a flirty vibe without being too fussy or OTT.

  Not only are the designs very 'everyday appropriate', but they are also very reasonably priced (at around £16-£22 a bra). Ann Summers has also been promoting some bargainous offers recently, with 2 bras for £30!

   The last range of particular mention is the 'Ultimate Cleavage' collection; a collection of boob-boosting padded bras (and cami basques) with graduated padding AND removable air pads.

   Ever since Ann Summers launched the 'kissing cleavage boob job bra' in 2011, their padded bras have attracted considerable press attention - possibly due to the claim that they can boost the bust up by two or three cup sizes!

   At the Ann Summers and Coppafeel press event a little while ago back, I had the opportunity to try on some of the most recent offerings from the 'Solutions'/'Ultimate Cleavage' collection, as well as receive a personal bra fitting.

   It is worth mentioning that Ann Summers do not stock 28 backs and that there is a limited range of 30 backs available in Ann Summers lingerie (and only up to a DD cup). With this in mind, I was very interested to see how things fared in the fitting room..

   I was greeted by a lovely, bubbly fitting girl who took me to the Ann Summers changing rooms. My fitter proceeded to ask me if I knew what size I was and having been in size fluctuation over the past few months (more on that at a later date), I said that I was not sure but that I knew that I needed a 28 back. 

   My fitter reiterated that unfortunately Ann Summers did not make 28 backs and that 30 backs were in limited supply, so she would bring me a selection of bras to try in a 32 back, guessing that a 32D or 32DD in Ann Summers bras would work best for me.

  

   I tried on a selection of padded balconette and plunge bras from the Ann Summers 'Solutions' range. All of the bras feature varied levels of padding; from integrated foam padding ('Extreme Boost' bra) to removable padding ('Touch Boost' bra) to a mixture of integrated padding and foam filled removable pads in the 'Triple Boost' bra. 

   The bra that gave the most 'oomph' was, without doubt, the 'Triple Boost' bra, which really did do what it said on the tin - I looked 3 cup sizes larger and the cleavage was certainly enough to rival Jordan's!

   The 'Touch Boost' plunge and 'Extreme Boost' were definitely my preferred bras from the collection because the removable padding and graduated padding gave a fantastic boost, without being quite as OTT as the 'Triple Boost'!

    After trying on a selection of different bras, I noticed that the 32 backs were very much too large for me and I immediately put the bras on their tightest hooks. The centre gore did not sit flush to my chest in any of the bras, but the cleavage was pretty impressive! My fitter did not offer much by way of fitting advice and unfortunately overlooked the fitting issues that I pointed out above, highlighting instead which bra flattered my complexion and gave the best cleavage (more of a stylist approach than a fitter approach I felt!)

   Although my Ann Summers fit experience did not yield much by the way of a perfectly fitting bra, I did come away with a gorgeous bra that gives unrivalled cleavage! Ann Summers kindly gifted me the 'Extreme boost multiway plunge bra' in teal/black. 

   
   The 'Extreme Boost' bra epitomises boudoir glamour, with its luxe-looking turquoise satin cups and ornate black floral lace overlay.

   Attention has clearly been paid to finer design details; from the pretty ribbon bow that adorns the centre of the cups to the continuation of the lace overlay on the bra wings. For me, the 'pièce de résistance' is undoubtedly the gold embroidery on the bra cups, which offsets the black lace beautifully, whilst adding a touch of opulence!

    What I love about this bra is that it embodies a sexy spin on the humble seamless plunge bra. I found that this bra (although not totally 100% seamless) works well under a variety of tight-fitting tops and dresses, with fairly minimal show-through from the lace.

    Of course, it would be impossible to review the 'Extreme Boost' bra without mentioning the integrated padded cup design. The built-in graduated padding is made from a soft foam, which tends to be (from my experience) more comfortable and cushioning than air or gel padding (which can sometimes feel slightly hard or stiff in comparison).

      This bra claims to boost the bust by 'up to two sizes' and I would say that this is accurate - the padding and deep plunge cups lend to a very enhanced and uplifted cleavage, making this bra perfect for those looking for an impressive push-up effect!

    To best demonstrate the cleavage-enhancing properties of the 'Extreme Boost', I have taken some comparison photos, showing the difference between my staple Freya 'Deco' plunge bra and the Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost'..

   As you can see, the Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost' really does deliver what it promises and the cleavage it creates is definitely not for the faint hearted! Although I love how much 'epic cleavage' I get in this bra, it would not be my first choice for everyday wear as I tend to prefer a more natural look.

   The 'Extreme Boost' unfortunately does not fit or support me like my properly fitted everyday bras do - as a 28 back, the 32 back is too large for me and the centre gore does not tack to my sternum. That said, this bra makes for an ideal 'boudoir bra' and it would be great fun for a night out - it is hard not to feel rather glamorous and sexy in it!

   Additionally, this bra can be worn halterneck or racerback due to the multiway strap design, meaning that an extreme boost is possible whatever the outfit you wear!

 The Ann Summers 'Extreme Boost' is available in sizes 32-38, A - DD and costs £30


What do you think of the 'Extreme Boost' bra? Would you wear it?
 

Love,

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Shop the rest of the Ann Summers A/W14 collections here!