Peggy Sue Pinup Perfection with PhotoStoke

*All photography in this post is used with permission of Photo Stoke. Please do not share without permission. Thank you.*

I was recently taken aback by a message I received via Instagram (@lecurvykitten) when I was contacted by a local professional photographer, Louise, of Photo Stoke Studios, who was looking for a fan of the pinup look to shoot as practise for her newly launched Peggy Sue Pin Up makeover shoots.

I was primarily flattered to receive such an offer but then my insecurities and introverted thoughts crept in and told me not to answer, that I'm not a model and don't deserve such opportunities. Thankfully I squashed those little demons under my leopard print heels and replied.

Louise informed me that everything would be taken care of, including hair, make up, outfits and accessories and all I needed to do was turn up! She said I could bring my own outfits if I wanted to, and since I have a lot of vintage reproduction attire, I chose to do that.

With a huge bagful of clothes, petticoats, shoes and accessories I was greeted by Louise, who introduced me to her my hair and make up artist for the day, who soon got to work curling and pinning my hair up. We then moved on to make up and my look was ready.

With the help of Louise, I picked out what I'd be wearing for each set, and after slipping into my first outfit, I was shown into the studio.

Photo Stoke Studios has 4 vintage backdrops; a lounge room, Las Vegas, a retro American car and a classic 50's diner. There are also a plethora of genuine and reproduction vintage props to shoot with, such as a hairdryer, telephone, radio and the obligatory milkshake!

It didn't take me long to get into the swing of things as Louise has a great personality and knows what she's looking for in her shots. We both worked together to come up with poses and expressions and I hope I helped her as much as she helped me.

Based in the heart of Stoke On Trent, there's excellent access from Shropshire, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Chester, Derby and Nottingham to name but a few places. Photo Stoke is a short taxi ride from Stoke On Trent train station which has a taxi rank right outside.

I'm sure Photo Stoke's Peggy Sue Pin Up makeover shoots will be a roaring success. If you're a vintage aficionado, new to the vintage scene or just love the pinup style, then get in touch with Louise at Photo Stoke and book a shoot! 

With Christmas fast approaching, you can even buy vouchers online to treat the pinup in your life, or for yourself of course!

Photo Stoke offers a number of shoot packages and if pinup isn't your thing, they also do makeovers and mini makeovers (6-16 years), boudoir, bump to baby, newborn, family shoots, fairy and elf toddler shoots and my personal favourite, pet shoots! Check out their website for more information and contact details.

Thanks for reading!

xxx

What's the (Corset) Story, Morning Glory?

So, Slightly confusing title. I thought it would be a good idea but then I couldn't get it to work, ok?? Don't judge!

After looking back at last year's review of the black underbust corset with hip panels and realising how well it fitted I decided I wanted to try the overbust version, and when the folks from Corset Story (AKA Corsets UK) offered I willingly accepted!

I originally wanted the plain satin version but it was out of stock in my size (22" for Corset Story corsets, usually 20" elsewhere) so I chose the black brocade overbust with hip panels (£69 at the time of publishing) instead. I'd intended to use it as a base for my Columbia costume when I see The Rocky Horror Show in May, but on arrival I realised it was too pretty for that, so I might have to rethink my plans!

As always, Corset Story provide a swing tag with a bit of blurb on their corset construction along with a sample of their spiral steel boning, which I think is a nice touch. The outer fabric is a decadent black brocade which doesn't photograph especially well but in person is divine!

With my awkward measurements I was concerned about the corset not fitting well enough in the bust but for a relatively inexpensive off the rack (OTR) I'm happy to report its pretty damn good! Its not bang on as you'd expect but it's close enough! .The hip panels, as I found with the underbust last year, help make this corset an excellent fit on me and give a nice gentle curve whilst still being shaped enough to give that Jessica Rabbit style nipped in waist I'm always looking for in corsets. 

Since I'm short in the torso this corset is a touch on the longer side for me, but that's not to say it won't work on you. The modesty panel is a pesky little thing to straighten when you're lacing alone, so bear that in mind when you're thinking "WTF?" while looking at my pics! It laces up quite easily and the cords slide smoothly, but also have a bit of 'bite', meaning they don't slip much when you're lacing, which as some of you corset wearers may know, is a huge bonus, particularly when lacing alone.

Before this next picture I'll mention that yes, I'm aware that corsets should be laced evenly, meaning the back should be parallel but I have shoulder problems and was struggling to fully lace up on my own! Also, since I wouldn't be wearing an overbust for waist training I don't feel this is as important as it would be for an underbust.

This corset is well constructed and I'm surprised to find something OTR that fits so well. Given their low price point I'd recommend Corset Story to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the decadent pond of corsetry. Avoid cheap cylindrical corsets on eBay and start here! Keep your eyes peeled for offers over at Corset Story as they often have good deals and sales on!

As always, thanks for reading

Le Curvy Kitten

xxx

Make your cleavage illegal with Tutti Rouge's Jessica

As always, apologise for the radio silence. You know how life gets in the way? Yeah, that. Coupled with the fact that it's January and that means we're all recovering after having had a few months run up to Christmas.

In early December Tutti Rouge so kindly offered me their new Jessica set to review. I'd been hotly anticipating it's release and subsequent #illegalcleavage social media campaign featuring curvy redhead Lucy V. I was delighted when I received the set through my door! I initially requested the bra in a 28GG and thong in a medium but on arrival I realised that I'd underestimated myself and needed a size up in both, so a 28H and large thong, which I'm happy to say, fit beautifully. The matching suspender belt is a small. So if you're between sizes in both bras and pants, you'd do better to size up as I did.

What sets the Jessica bra aside from anything else I've ever seen on the market (particularly in plus bust brands) is that the bra has pockets on the inside of the cups for its padding. Now, this may not seem that unusual but the bra is unpadded and the padding is made in a way to give you multiple options. The band is accurately sized and the cups, Although not particularly supportive on myself, as my boobs aren't all that perky, are made from a stretch mesh are accommodating for asymmetrical boobs. If you're a fan of unpadded AND padded bras, then Jessica is worth a try.

The pads, or 'cookies' as Tutti Rouge like to call them, are a rectangular-ish shaped pocket (so a double layer of padding) containing another smaller pad. The idea behind this is that you control how much cleavage you want with the added benefit of being able to even out asymmetrical boobs should you struggle with that. The cookie system gives you, if you're not taking into account any asymmetry, 4 different levels of padding; unpadded, small cookies, cookie pocket and cookie pocket with smaller cookies inside. Are you feeling the urge to eat a cookie yet...no, me neither... ;)

I love the idea of effectively customising an OTR bra yourself, and as I touched on before, if you have noticeable asymmetry then this bra if definitely worth trying out. I estimate I have a difference of half a cup maybe, so it's not all that noticeable once I'm wearing a bra.

The thong in a large is perfect on me, as long time readers know, I'm well blessed in the hip/butt department and I like to make sure I don't get any bulges so I usually size up on what's recommended on your average size chart. The suspender belt is a small and is a little on the large side if I'm being picky, but works out fine. I just wish I could buy suspender belts and pants in the same size! Damn curves! That said, I don't ever wear suspender belts for anything other than photoshoots anyway, so ignore my whinging!

As always with Tutti Rouge, it's the details that make the sets that bit different from other brands, such as the heart strap adjusters, which I bloody LOVE! The fabrics, trims and colours have all been chosen with great care and tie in beautifully with one another.

Since I always have to have something to moan about it would have to be the bulk and particularly the shape of the cookies. Once you have all of them fitted inside your bra you will be able to feel your arms rub against them once you start moving around. The other issue is the shape. provided you're not wearing something *too* tight fitting, you'll be okay, but when you wear this bra with a slinky bodycon dress there's a very real risk of the chunky non boob shaped cookies being visible. Personally I'd have made the cookies in the traditional 'chicken fillet' shape.

Anyway, Overall I love how this set looks and how versatile it is with its multiple looks. Have you tried the Jessica set yet? Is the concept of customising the level of padding something that makes you want to try it?

As always, thanks for reading x

Through the Looking Glass with Parfait & Affinitas with Charlotte fromLazeme

Ever since Parfait & Affinitas released the Icy Blue version of their Charlotte set I've wanted to try it in an Alice in Wonderland themed shoot. I put the idea to the back of my mind until  the lovely ladies at Lazeme contacted me offering me the set to review!

I already own Charlotte in both red and peach and I have to say, they're by far the highest quality sets I have. Other bloggers have referred to Charlotte as 'scaffolding for the boobs' and they're not wrong! Not only is the bra very well constructed  but it also looks stunning too with a vintage pin-up feel.

Charlotte in red

The bra (£30) is a padded balcony shape with matte finish cups and satin side panels and wings, cut quite high under the arms so if you have problems with high wings then this might not be the bra for you. The back is wide and made from a black powermesh. The band is true to size, nice and snug, as is the cup. If you're between sizes then my advice is to size up. I wear a 28H in Charlotte, the same as my Curvy Kate size but a cup bigger than my Freya size of 28GG. 

Front (with high waisted brief)

Back (with high waisted brief) 

Side (with high waisted brief)

Back (with bikini brief)

The briefs come in a gorgeous high waisted style (£14) and a bikini brief style (£12). I'm wearing a large in both, but think I could wear a medium in the high waisted brief as they're a touch on the baggy side.

Charlotte bra (£30) with high waisted brief £14

Charlotte bra (£30) with bikini brief (£12)

Charlotte bra (£30) with high waisted brief (£14)

Charlotte bra (£30) with bikini brief (£12)

My only criticisms of the Charlotte bra are that it can become uncomfortable under the arms as its cut quite high and the black trim and edging can be quite difficult to hide under clothes both due to the contrasting colours and because they're slightly raised. 

One of the things that sets Charlotte aside from a lot of other fuller bust style is its size range in 28-40 D-K cups, all inclusive, which is 'praise the lingerie gods' lovely if you fall within those size ranges. Both styles of briefs are available from a XS (UK 6-8) to a 2XL (UK 18). The Charlotte range is currently available from Lazeme in Purple Wine, Dusty Pink, Wild Pink, Red and Icy Blue.

All in all I LOVE the vintage look of Charlotte and would recommend it as a staple in your lingerie drawer. Gets yours from Lazeme today! 

Taming your waist with Corset Story

When the folks at Corset Story offered me the chance to review a corset for them I must admit I was reluctant to try, as from past experience their corsets haven't been quite curvy enough for me ad as gorgeous as some of the corsets are, I resigned them to the 'just won't fit me' category of websites I no longer visit.

It turns out they've been working on their range since I last browsed their site, now offering 'waist taming' corsets including gored hips and hip panels in a variety of shapes and patterns. Take a look here, some of them are really beautiful!

I chose the Black Satin Underbust with Hip Panels, priced currently at £59. My waist measures 25.5" currently and I usually wear a 20" in my other corsets from What Katie Did and Orchard Corset but I know Corset Story aren't as generous so I went for the 22". I think the 24" would have fitted quite well too, so please bear this in mine when you buy. It is also worth noting that this corset has waist tape, something not usually found in low-end of off the rack (OTR) corsets.

The awesome hip panels!

Waist tape, hip panels and suspender loops

Modesty panel

I wasn't expecting much for a relatively low cost OTR corset but when it arrived I was pleasantly surprised! Although it doesn't quite create the extreme level of 'hip shelf' I get in my What Katie Did Vamp underbust corset (£159.50), the hip panels mean that it actually fits my shape comfortably! 

As you can see from the back, the corset has a wide modesty panel which I failed to neatly line up and also featured suspender loops should you wish to add suspenders (also sold by Corset Story here). Fully laced, the edges are pretty much parallel, apparently the safest way to lace as it means the pressure is even throughout the corset. All the Waist Taming corsets are fully steel boned and come with tags that contain a sample of the spiral steel boning, which is one of those little touches I love!

For the above photos I teamed up my new Corset Story Waist Taming corset with some old high waisted black swim shorts and the Egoboost Multiway Bra by Gossard. I also had a bit of fun, creating a couple of Halloween looks with various items I found in my bedroom as you will see below!

If you're new to corseting and don't want to blow the bank or if you're a seasoned corset wearer looking for something new, check out the new range of Waist Taming and Instant Shape corsets by Corset Story.