Entice by Curvy Kate

Again, a bra from Curvy Kate's A/W12 season, but I thought I'd out this review up in case anyone is thinking of getting one now it's at a lower price on Brastop, currently £14.50 for the bra, £9.95 for the thong and £10.95 for the short.

When I first saw the initial shots of the Entice set, I loved it. It ticked all the boxes of what I look for in lingerie. It's sexy, padded and comes in a great size range; 28-30 D-J, 32 D-HH, 34 D-H, 36 D-GG, 38 D-G.  

While I was more than happy with the fit, it pains me to say that I was more than disappointed with the fabric. I was expecting a printed stretch satin, like that of the Thrill Me. Instead I got a kind of cheap polyester mix with the 'stripes' being a slightly bulky stitched-on trim. The shorts were mainly made up of a black stretch satin type fabric and weren't so bad. 

I'd read that the Entice is based on the same shape as the Fleurty, so I ordered it in a 28HH, and the shorts in a 16 as normal. As with the Fleurty, the fit was spot on, so bear in mind you should go up one or two cup sizes but stick with your usual band size. Order the shorts in your usual Curvy Kate size and you should have a set that fits. Hopefully! I was particularly fond of the straps on the Entice. They're not your usual boring bra straps but they are much wider at the point they're attached to the bra, tapering off to a wide strap for greater support. This is only a small difference but one that sets the design apart from all the other bras in my drawer. 

As much as I love how this set looks on, I found the fabric far too much of a reason not to keep it, so I've returned it. I'd love Curvy Kate to make this set in a stretch satin. Not only would it justify the (not discounted) price tag, hich in my opinion doesn't match the quality, it would also be much more wearable and less bulky under clothes.

The Entice is also available in Ivory/Gold which would make a beautiful bridal set. if you can live with the fabric. Here's the gorgeous Sophie Morgan modelling the set. Photo courtesy of Curvy Kate.

Ladies, would you rule out an otherwise perfect lingerie set due to fabric issues?

Get Fleurty with me!

When I first laid eyes on Curvy Kate's Fleurty from their 2012 Spring/Summer collection, I knew I had to have it. Its pretty but unusual combination of a coral base with blue overlay and circular cut-out pattern really hit a chord with me but with me being a bargain hunter, I knew that this set would eventually surface in a sale or on Brastop, stockists of big bras from past seasons for low prices. So I waited, and eventually there it was! It's currently on offer for £18.95 for the bra and £9,95 for the shorts.

The strikingly pretty colours of Fleurty

As always, I consulted my trusty team of busty friends to find out how the Fleurty fitted in size compared to Curvy Kate's Tempt Me, which I wear in a 28H, and it was agreed that I try a 28HH. wo cup sizes larger than my 'usual' size of 28GG. 

The Fleurty is a balcony bra and unusually for the Showgirl range the band seems true to size! Since there is quite a lot of detail on the cups, the lumpiness of the pattern and pleating at the bottom of the cups can be seen quite easily under tight fitting clothes. This can be remedied by wearing a seamless cami over the top. The back of the bra is plain.

A close-up of the detailing on the bra

As for the shorts, after a spot of trial and error, I ended up with a size 18. To be honest I was somewhere between the 16 and 18, but the 18 offered less muffin top, so I went for those. I don't mind what the label says as long as it fits, but I am concerned that this kind of sizing may rule out a genuine size 18 lady from getting comfortable pants to match the bra. The front of the shorts echoes the design of the front of the bra and the back is a double layer of blue mesh.

The amazing detail on the shorts

So, here's the set, aint it gorgeous?! I couldn't be happier with the fit, it's spot on!

Tah-dahhhh!!

In my opinion, this is the best fitting Curvy Kate bra I've tried yet, and sadly, it's the first and last of the Fleurtys! Apparently it didn't sell too well. Perhaps it was the unusual colour combination or the bulk of the detailing. Either way, I'm gutted. Please, Curvy Kate, consider reintroducing Fleurty, even if it meant a few tweaks in the details. It's a stunning bra!

Do you like the colour combination?