Thrill Me, Tease Me.....

Apologies for the numerous blogs today, I have lots of photos from various trying on occasions I wanted to share!

This time, it's the turn of Curvy Kate, yet again! Following my stint in this years' Star In A Bra competition, I've become quite fond of the brand and their ruffly, luxurious, sexy designs, although I must admit, I've not ventured beyond the Showgirl range. I always buy from Brastop, as they offer a good range for good prices, and almost always have different offers on.

A quick point to add is that the sizes of the Thrill Me and Tease me bras are slightly off. I usually wear a 30G, but in both these styles I need a 28H. So it's down a back size, up one or even two cup sizes. My tip is to buy from a retailer with a no quibble returns policy, such as Brastop.

This, my darlings, is the Tease Me in Purple/Black. Size 28H, size 16 shorts. I LOVE it! I also have this in Emerald/Black. I've still not worn it during the day yet, but I've heard they are really comfortable. I love the fact it has bows, ruffles and suspender clips and goes right up to a J cup! Other women get an epic cleavage from this, sadly, I don't, but that's simply due to my breasts being bottom heavy. If you're a DD cup or above, then BUY THIS!

The next set featured is the Thrill Me in Ivory/Black. 28H/16. Again, ruffles and bows sold this for me, although I'm not entirely convinced the ruffles on the edge of the cups will sit well beneath clothes. I'm exchanging the shorts for a size 18 as they seem pretty snug and give me a bit of a muffin top, but the thong in a 16 is perfect and oh-so cute!

 The third set I ordered was the Ella in black/multi, in 30G, size 16 shorts. I ordered this as I wanted to try an unpadded bra for a change, but I've since returned it, as I know I won't wear it! The fit was ok, perhaps a little smaller than comfortable in the cups, and the shorts were HUGE as you can probably tell! I'd recommend going down by one or two sizes in these. If you like unpadded bras, then the Ella offers excellent support and is very pretty, reminding me of bright fireworks exploding against a dark sky. Just lovely!

So there we have it, another Curvy Kate review done! Before I go, Take a look at the newly released brochure for Curvy Kate's Spring Summer 2012 range. You may see a familiar face on page 27 ;)

Fitting Faux Pas and Bikini Bloopers!

There is a rather infamous battle of bra fitting that has constantly been raging for quite a few years now, so I thought I'd give it a quick mention, as it is linked to the bikini half of my blog. The old school method is to add 4-5 inches to the actualy underbust measurement, which I'm sure is where all this 'blah blah % of all women are wearing the wrong bra size' thing comes from. I've only recently (in the past 3 months maybe) discovered that instead of the 32G I was wearing, my 'real' size is 30G. 

For my fitting I went to Bravissimo, who fit you by eye based on the bra you're wearing. To be honest, even I don't practise what I preach entirely, as my underbust measurement is pretty much 28", so I should really be trying 28 backs. The 30 backs I have seem nice and snug, so I'll stick with them for now. I'm aware that this may just be a manufacturer issue... 

It was clear from my Star In A Bra entry photos (32G) that I was wearing the wrong size, even a MAN commented on this! Surely this is proof enough that the old method is wrong?! Here's a photo of me wearing a 32 back size.Not the best picture to demonstrate this, but you just about see that the bra sits away from my chest at the gore (the centre of the bra, between the cups). This means that all the support comes from the straps, causing pain, red marks and cutting in on the shoulder muscles.

So, according to some online calculators I come up as anything from a 32E to a 34E, and many sizes besides. With this in mind, I decided to try on  a few bikinis from New Look's range by Kelly Brook.

Firstly, a very cute black and white gingham number in a 32E. I don't really need to say much about this, I think the photos say it all...The only plus side is that the cups are big enough. Stringy straps=ouch!

Next I tried a 34E swimsuit. Unflattering, badly fitting. I am NOT a 34! Maybe if I tied the 'bra strap' back instead of using the fastener....?

Lastly, I adore the fabric and ruffles on this last one, again a 34E. Cups on the large side, same with the back.

My biggest point to make with these bikinis is WHY do they have shoestring straps??? Fine for smaller cup sizes but I'm thinking cheesewire for heavier boobs....

Thanks for reading, as always x

Debenhams Disasters and Delights!

As always, I ended up in Debenhams lingerie department last week. I noticed they have a few nice new bras in, so I gave them a whirl, leaving my boyfriend, yet again, aimlessly andering around the reast of the store. Bless.

Bra numero uno: Gorgeous Black Spot Balcony Bra, Currently in the 30% off offer at £17.60, usual price £22.

As always, I tried this in a 30G, and had no problems with the typically snug Debenhams band. The problem was in the straps, that are stretchy and too long. I know this can be rectified in a few minutes with a needle and thread, but it's still annoying, nonetheless. See how, in the second photo, the uplift of the breast is acheived by simply shortening the straps? his is something I have always had issues with sadly.

Second up, we have the Gorgeous (VERY fitting in this case) Ivory Ribbon Detail Balcony Bra £16 currently, usually £20. 

Oh my....I LOVE the styling of this bra, contrasting colours and ribbons are my favourite! The fit is fine, again in a 30G. I'm quite tempted to buy this one, but yet again, the straps are too long! I want uplift, damnit!

Thirdly, I found this on the sale rack at just £7.20. It's a Wonderbra, and I think it's model name is 'Dream'. It's not on the Debenhams website, so check Ebay if you like it, or here.

This one is a typical balcony bra, with excellent uplift, a snug fitting band, and giving a pretty good forward projection which sits well under clothes. It gives a very flattering shape and makes you look slimmer too, whic is always a bonus! I'm sure if you have more top heavy boobs, you will get an epic cleavage too!

I purchased this one (manily due to the price) and it's nice as an everyday bra, although the underwires do sit quite far into the armpits. Ideal id you tend to get a lot of sideboob, but does tend to rub a little. Not enough to stop me seeking it out in white though!

Last up for this blog, The Gorgeous Black Sports Bra £17.60 at the moment, usually £22.

I wasn't expecting much from this, with it being an 'own brand' sports bra, but I must admit, it was pretty supportive! The ONLY issue I had was that the 'cups' (can I call the front area that??) were a bit small. They could have done with being a tad bigger, offering a bit more coverage under the arms to encase any sideboob. I tried this in my usual size of 30G.

If you're looking for a sports bra, certainly at least try this one on!

I know a lot of you busty girls out there avoid places like M&S and Debenhams, but I strongly suggest you don't entirely rule them out. Don't forget Debenhams also stock other big boob brands such as Freya, Fantasie and Panache!

Thanks for reading Gorgeous ;) x

Curvy Kate Tease Me

I just wanted to post this one very quickly before I go to bed. Curvy Kate's Tease Me set in Black/Emerald. It's GORGEOUS!

Any girls thinking of buying this need to bear a few points in mind; Always size down with the band (I'm a 30G and had to buy a 28H in this and the Thrill Me), size up in the pants for a more flattering fit (I'm wearing a size 16 here, and I wear 10-12 jeans/trousers), and lastly try to resist the urge to leave the house wearing nothing but this set as you may be arrested for crimes of pure hotness!!

The only problem I found was it dug in my armpits a little, but I didn't wear it for long enough to establish whether or not it was just how I was sitting/standing to take the photos. I'm interested to see what it looks like underneath clothes too.

Anyway, enjoy the montage!

Mwah and goodnight! xxx

Bra hunting in Manchester!

Right then beauts...Today I went to Manchester all on me tod so I could spend ages trying bras on. Firstly I need to point out/moan about the red marks I was experiencing with my Freya Carly (30G). I wasn't uncomfortable at all, maybe I was just dehydrated (classic me). Either way, I had red marks on my shoulders, at the gore, and rather amusingly, a perfect imprint around my side/back! Have a look...

On to the shops! First off, I tried Debenhams, who offer a good range of sizes from a 28 back, right up to a HH cup!

I love the ivory chiffon bow balcony bra from the Gorgeous range! 30G £24 I think it was...Great uplift, gives a nice, rounded shape. The back isn't very generous at all. If anything it's a little tight, but I'd still buy it in this size.

The navy satin and mesh balcony bra is again a 30G, £16.50 and this time, the back was a bit better, although the straps were WAY too long. I'd have to take a good few inches off them to make this one work. Nice everyday bra though...

And last up from Debenhams, the bright pink mesh and lace trim balcony bra, £16.50. I had this in navy a few years ago but it no longer fits, which is a shame, because I prefered that colour...Anyway, fits well, perhaps a little small on the back. Great thing about this one is that you get the briefs/thong free when you buy them in store, although I'm not sure the offer applies online.

Next up, Marks & Spencer. Frequently inconsistent in sizing, sometimes the backs run very small, but not when you want them to (see second bra!).

First up, the Limited Collection gingham check padded balcony bra, priced at £10 in the sale. It's not the best fit, could do with a bit more cup, but maybe that's just my boobs. I tried this in three sizes: 28G, 30F and 30G. True to size, I purchased the 30G (I sooo need my roots doing...). The only issue is, once again the straps are slightly too long. You can tell I love this one!

Next up, Spot Print Push-Up DD-G Plunge Bra, £16. Back sizes start in a 32, so I tried a 32G. The back was too big (admittedly I would have wrongly worn this size a few months back), but the cleavage was rather impressive!

Finally from M&S, the Limited Collection Vintage Style Spot Mesh Padded Bra (DD+ sizes not shown on the link), £12 in the sale. Fail! I tried a 30G and there was enough room to swing a cat in there!! M&S don't make a FF for some strange reason, so I guess I'd need a 30E, as this was so roomy! I wouldn't ordinarily try an unpadded bra but this caught my eye. It's very pretty and maybe I should have tried another size.

Last but not least (by a long shot!), every busty girls' Mecca; Bravissimo! The Manchester store is very small, located in the Quadrangle shopping mall, close to Selfridges and the Printworks. It has a very limited range of bra sets, swimwear and sleepwear, but doesn't stock any Pepperberry clothing.

First up, the Dotty Spot bra by Bravissimo, £29. I tried a 30G in this one, which was slightly too small in the cup, as you can see by the creasing. I found the structuring of this bra made my boobs kind of lumpy between the seams. I think this is just because my boobs aren't the firmest!

Next I was doing an experiment with the wonderful Freya Deco, £30. I have one of these in a 30G in nude, but I wanted to try a 28 back. The only 28 they had was a FF so I tried it anyway. What a disaster! How many boobs??! Having said that, the back was nice and snug, and I'm going to try and seek out a 28G to try.

The next photo is a Strapless Deco in a 28G. The back is a little too snug for my liking, but I expect that of a strapless. I'm thinking the 28G in the regular Deco *should* fit ok...



Since it's almost holiday time I decided to try the Pureda Panama plunge bikini, a Bravissimo exclusive. £32 for the top, £20 for the bikini brief. The back was a little too stretchy for my liking and when I bent over to put the briefs on, it pinged open! Dangerous! Always make sure the fastener is 'locked'! It's nice, but for the price, I think I could find something a bit more...sturdy? I know this wouldn't fare too well with a run on the beach without some serious bounce. It looks gorgeous though, so I'm a little torn...

Next, we have the Rita bra by Cleo, £25. Fits great, looks great, true to size. The only reason I didn't buy this is because I wasn't that taken by the pattern. Had it been leopard print with red lace, or polka dot, I would have been all over it!!

The following one I had every intention of buying today! The funky Karina by Cleo. At £31, it's a little steep compared to the previous Cleo bra I tried on. The one pictured is a 30G, which was a little bit too big on the cup, so I tried a 30FF, and this seemed better. The main reason I didn't buy it (apart from the price), was the shape it gave me udner my t-shirt. It gave me a kind of teardrop shape side-on, which I don't quite fancy. I prefer more uplifted, rounded boobs, like the Deco gives. I was also worried about falling out of the middle of this bra, as it is a plunge, and I don't usually have much success with these.



Lastly I spied a rack of Pepperberry clothing with a "What's your Pepperberry size?" above it, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I 'measure up' as a 8SC, according to the Pepperberry size guide, but I thought I'd be better suited to a 8C. The assistant recommended I try the 8RC, which worked a treat. My criticisms with the Pintuck Shirt I tried are that the sleeves are too baggy, not to mention too long (probably to be expected as I'm only 5'2"), and the shoulders are a little too broad for my frame. I'd also say it's quite generous in the waist for an 8, especially given the models Pepperberry use are somewhat thinner than myself, but that's a whole different ball game....Otherwise, I might consider buying from the Pepperberry range.

So, that's all folks! I hope you've enjoyed my first review-type blog. I actually enjoyed writing it!

Muchos Luvos xxx

Boobalicious!

So...The professional photoshoot....

Pictures speak louder than words, so they say...whoever 'they' are....

All in all, it was a great day, strange getting made up by someone else other than myself, getting my hair done how I wouldn't normally do it and standing in a room of at least 5 people eaing nothing but lingerie, being the centre of attention, but it's all in a days' work I guess ;)

Please vote for me, I'd really love to win this contract, it would literally change my life :)

I'll leave you with this little extra from the vaults! Me and T'other half before I went red :)

Love to Mr H xxx

And thanks for the votes ;)

Star In A Bra-dom!

Okay, so I got lazy with blogging....

Two weeks ago I found out I was in the top 10 of Curvy Kate's Star In A Bra. Insane. Completely insane.

It was Tuesday 5th April and I was on my lunch break. I checked Facebook on my phone (I'd been checking that and my emails ALL MORNING!) and had finally come to the conclusion that I hadn't made it into the top 10 as I hadn't heard anything from Curvy Kate. I saw on their page that the top 10 had been announced and somebody (Liz Divall!) had written a congratulatory post on a group wall to a few other the other girls and ME....yes me!! I was in a state of disbelief, half not believing it. My boyfriend went and checked and it was true! Eek! My head was swimming, thinking about the impending photoshoot and what would be asked of us top 10 girlies, the new round of voting, trying to convince everyone who voted first time round to vote again....

It was also the same day as my story in the local paper, the Sentinel, was printed. I was rather aprehensive about having an interview and photoshoot to be perfectly honest. I'm not the most interesting person, I don't fit in well, don't drink, would rather stay at home and crochet, and I like dolls and Japanese animated movies! Still, the reporter and I chatted for a while and then I went over to the 'Roundhouse' for my shoot, which was made 100000x easier by the fantastic photographer, Clare Lewis, who I also went to college with incidentally! Here's the link anyway...

I will blog in a few days about the photoshoot experience as it will just make this blog far too lengthy, and we don't want that, do we?! I'll leave you with the newspaper article in paper form....

TTFN!