FASHION | @BouxAvenue Brodie Embroidered Bra

Brodie embroidered full support plunge bra*

Ever since I got my bra fitted at the Curvy Kate Blogger Event I have been desperate to re populate my bra collection, so when Boux Avenue offered me a bra set of my choice from their website I was not going to say no! 

I previously reviewed a Boux Avenue bra I bought from them which I found so supportive compared to the 38Fs I'd been wearing, but in reality the bra was too small in the cup and too big in the brand ( I have since bought the correct size as I loved the fit.)

As I'd been fitted as a 34GG in the Curvy Kate Entice, which I know comes up small, so browsed the 34G bras on the website. Even though I knew that Boux Avenue did DD+ bras, I was surprised at how many of there bras come in a 34G, but I was disappointed to see that none of their swimwear went past a FF. 

I eventually chose the Brodie, one reason I chose it was because I needed a white bra, and, I'm not a big padded bra wearer. I also like the embroidery detail.

It arrived very quickly and as before came in the lovely Boux Avenue box covered in rose petals ( which smell soo good). I tried the bra on but the cup was slightly too big so I sent it back for the 34FF ( the exchange was simple and very quick). The 34FF was a perfect fit. I also like the shape it gives my chest, it's very natural and the support is great.

The additional plus is that now that I know that I am a 34FF, I now fit into their DD plus Swimwear range. Every time I have used Boux Avenue the customer service has been really good, the delivery quick and the quality of the bras is really good, especially for the prices, I will definitely continue to buy bras from them and probably a load of swimwear for my holiday in October.

Love Lilla xx

BLOGGING | An Interview with Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

Georgina Horne - Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

I read a lot of blogs and have decided to ask some of my favorite bloggers if they would mind answering some questions for me. Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust was my first choice, I love her blog, which gives great bra advice as well as looking into fashion for curvy women and her Facebook page, where she often shares pictures of stunning models and tries to end body snark.

1. What made you enter Star in a Bra and then go on to start Fuller Figure Fuller Bust?
I decided to enter Star In A Bra to fill what I deemed to be one of many gaps in the modelling industry. I wanted to be that plus sized large breasted representation that so many women would love to see modelling clothes and underwear. And because I knew Curvy Kate didn't really airbrush models into non existence I thought it would be the truest way to represent myself and how underwear looks on my frame.

In the end I was pretty happy to come third. Initially I was gutted to have missed out on appearing in the catalogue, who wouldn't be? But losing total control over the photos that appeared online scared me and I don't think I would have been strong enough to see myself in the catalogue in a pose that I wasn't totally at ease with.
It took a matter of weeks for me to start my blog. What could be more perfect - photos I could take a zillion times in a row (choosing only the best) wearing items of my choice with my thoughts and reviews! 
I must say I started the blog with very little knowledge of...anything. I mean I had friends with blogs, I could write ok and that was it. If a few people read it and got something from it then that was excellent, if not well, it would be fun to do, right?
Right.
And so Fuller Figure Fuller Bust was born. 

2. Have you always been comfortable with your curvaceous figure?

Definitely not! In fact right now I'm the largest I've ever been and comparatively the most content, but I have a long way to go.
At school I was the freak with the big bum, the huge thighs, then next the large boobs appeared. I always wanted to be "fashionable", but my shape and size didn't allow for such foolishness. Nothing would fit, I resented dresses, jeans, shirts... I felt disgusting. And the fact is I was in the best shape of my life! I used the gym a lot at college and although I was chubby I had a figure I would kill for now! And yet I was so focused on the slim women around me - my sister, my colleagues, my classmates... I just didn't appreciate my differences.

3. If you could give teenage you any advice what would it be?

Ha! Wow! Erm, go for a bra fitting at Bravissimo, you are NOT a 40FF, more like a 32H. 
Stop cutting your own hair!
Stop trying to fit in and start learning how to stand out.
Emphasise that waist girl! Just because you hate that you can't wear a mini skirt because your legs are bigger, doesn't mean you don't have other amazing features!
Smile more.

4. To date what has been your best experience as a consequence of writing your blog? 

Wow... I don't think there has been just one! I've met some amazing women, inspiring fellow bloggers and writers, lingerie designers, models, Gok Wan! I've been in magazines which is of course an ego massage.
I guess the "fan mail" I get is what keeps me going. One negative comment can have me reaching for the trash button in a matter of seconds, I don't deal well with those! And then I'll get some amazing testimonial or photo or letter and I'll remember why I do it and why I love it. I do it for others, and they do so much for me in turn.

5. Who is your blogspiration?

Cheryl from Invest In Your Chest is the one who convinced me that I should start the blog. She helped me with so many things, telling me how frequently I should blog, suggesting bras and outfits I should try and get on my blog quickly. I used to read her blog, Thin And Curvy, Sophia Jenner, Ooh La La Curves, Diamonds And Pearls and Pocket Rocket. But Cheryl is my Fairy Blog Mother <3 nbsp="nbsp">

6. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

Bra size ignorance! If you mean something in my blog's world that is! Women are so quick to feel pride at their size ten jeans and slimming to a 12, but when it comes to bras I feel like they are clueless!

7. What are your wardrobe staples?

Belts!!!!! A million gazillion belts! I need to prove that I have a waist (by default)
Boleros to hide my shy arms.
Turquoise and leopard print items. Items that are both are a must buy.

8. Your style is very pin up/ rockabilly, who are your fashion icons?

Yeah, it has gone that way?! That sort of started because I found that PUG (Pinup Girl Clothing) dresses actually fit me and my tits, arse and waist. And they usually go to the knee. And then I realised I want to be a pin up! And I started to stalk every model and customer on the PUG FB page for inspiration! I love Gia Genevieve (PUG Model, she is mind blowingly curvy) I love Teer Wayde. I dunno, I don't really have an "icon", I just admire many aspects of many women's outfits.

9. If you ever have 'ugly' days - i.e. you feel like you look horrible, what do you do to make yourself better? 

Oh yeah! Ugly days are frequent! If I'm going to work I tend not to care as I look hideous in my uniform anyway and I'm not there to be glamorous. If I'm going out I'll probably throw a tantrum! Haha! I have a few dresses and outfits that are my "go to" and I know that I can put them on and feel better. Recently I joined the gym and that has made me feel amazing a lot of the time. I feel energised, stronger, slightly trimmer. I guess exercise helps! And then some chocolate!

10.Do you reckon you will still be blogging in 10 years time? 

I hope so! I have visions of FFFB turning into a Mummy blog as I hope that in ten years I'll have popped a few mini me's out and my breasts will be bloody enormous! I love blogging. It has rewarded me in more way than I can ever have imagined.

FASHION | Curvy Kate Entice Bra Review

When I was at the Curvy Kate Blogger event I fell in love with this Entice set*. I never wear a padded bra because I usually want to minimize the size of my chest, but every now and then a girl needs something that makes here feel sexy.

At the moment with my weight loss I've got a limited amount of bras and clothes that fit me and to constantly replace my wardrobe is just not financially possible. This has left me feeling a bit down about my appearance, firstly the clothes I have are limited, because some have just got too big to wear and those that are wearable aren't necessarily the most flattering things.

Getting this Entice set, even though Joe is the only person who is going to see it, is going to give me some hidden confidence. I decided to get it with the matching thong, to make me feel even sexier, i'm usually a brief or shorts girl. Having tried the set on the bra fits perfectly, I instantly felt amazing! I got the 34 GG ( the same as I got for the replacement princess) because I think this one comes up a bit smaller than the others.

Also I just saw that you get £7 off a £30 spend at Brastop http://useth.at/bx7a  today (9/08/2012) with the code GAMES

Love Lilla xx

FASHION | Curvy Kate Third Birthday Blogger Event

I was lucky enough to be invited to Curvy Kate's Third Birthday and I had a fantastic time. When we got there we heard some great stuff about the brand, including how it came about and also how they work with De Monteforte University, who have a design a Curvy Kate module! It was really interesting to hear how Curvy Kate has evolved but has kept very much a family business. It's great to hear that everyone has input into designing the bras and the relationship between the models and the girls at Curvy Kate is amazing.

The second I walked in to the room I felt comfortable with everyone and as if I already knew a lot of them (even the bloggers). We got to meet a few of the Curvy Kate models who gave us a sneak peek of some of the Autumn Winter range which I might add is lovely, there are some really lovely pieces that I can't wait to buy!

After having a look at the range (and a few glasses of bubbles) we started playing pass the parcel so that we could all get to know each other! It was hilarious! We then got fitted! I went there wearing the 36E I got from Boux Avenue, that I blogged about a here. Although I loved the bra and said it fitted at the time, having worn it for a bit longer I realised that the cup was too small and I was bulging round my armpits, the bra did however support me better around the band than my old ones. Curvy Kate fitted me at a 34G and even replaced the Princess Bra that I reviewed here. The new fit is amazing. 

I get to choose one of the bras from the collection to review, it's a tough decision but I'll let you know once I get it!

Love Lilla x

FASHION | Curvy Kate to Celebrate Third Birthday in Style

Fashionable full bust lingerie company Curvy Kate will be marking their third birthday this month, and to celebrate they are planning anexciting viral giveaway on their Facebook page. From the 16^th July for 12 days, a prize from various retailers and sponsors will be given away daily.

Fans have the chance to win a plethora of fantastic prizes, with some top brands contributing from the hair, beauty, fashion and pamper product worlds.

Contributors include some of Curvy Kate’s key retailers: Littlewoods, Figleaves and Debenhams, as well as Dove Hair, Soap & Glory and cult beauty favourites GlossyBox. The final prize – a luxury photo shoot and pictures from London Boudoir Photography – will allow fans to get a taste of what it’s like to be a ‘Star in a Bra’ for the day.

Since the brand was launched in 2009, they’ve gone from strength to strength. Making their mark on an already very competitive market, they’ve gained loyal customers, had rave reviews in the media and blogosphere and manufactured products that simply can’t be bought elsewhere.

PR and Marketing Assistant Cheryl Warner commented: ‘Every member of the Curvy Kate team is so proud and thrilled by what we’ve achieved in three short years. With so many great brands on board supporting the competition and celebrating with us, we're really excited to see how this competition will be even bigger and more lucrative than the last. It’s also a chance for us to give away some birthday gift to thank our loyal fans for all their support over the past three years.’

See www.facebook.com/curvykate for daily prize updates from the 16^th July. Curvy Kate will promote the campaign online through social media, email newsletters, their retailers, forum seeding, blogging, social ads, and website banners. The promotion will also contain a unique viral feature allowing fans to click through a shared link. Also for every 10 shares the ‘sharer’ will receive an additional entry encouraging fans to participate to increase their chances.

FASHION | Curvy Kate Pink 'Princess' balcony bra - Review

Pink 'Princess' Balcony Bra*

After my post where I complained about how difficult it was to buy DD+ bras I got in contact with Curvy Kate about getting a sample, so that I could see how well there bras fitted and they very kindly said I could choose a set and they would send it out.

Literally the next day it arrived! I choose the Pink 'Princess' Balcony Bra* and matching undies. I decided to get the 36E and the bra fitted perfectly. What I love about this bra is that it is so comfortable and it also separates my boobs so they don't feel so big and bulky, who know it might even mean that I can wear a shirt without it gaping.

I decided to go for this set because I usually buy very 'sensible' bras and wanted to feel a bit sexy. When I was bigger as I felt  really unattractive in my underwear so wanted to draw as little attention to my body - that is however not to say that I don't think larger women can't be sexy Georgia Horne and Mia Tyler are two very sexual curvy ladies. I just personally felt unhappy at my old side despite my O/H loving me regardless.

Anyway thank you so much Curvy Kate for sending me this set to try and making me feel sexy :) I will definitely be buying Curvy Kate in the future.

                                                                   Love Lilla xx

FASHION | @BouxAvenue Bra - Fit Review

As I mentioned in my previous bra post I ordered some bras in the Boux Avenue sale. I ordered two Bridgette embroidered unpadded balconette bras as I had to finally admit that none of my bras fitted me anymore. All my other bras were a 40E and they just offered no support and basically made me look larger than I am and were awful. This need is what provoked me to go into town and resulted in my first ever bra post. 

First things first, I decided that I would work out my bra size myself. I originally used the stupid +4/5 method, which I will tell you now is NOT ACCURATE. I then tried the more accurate way that I got from one of my favorite bra blogs and came back with a 36E.

I was still skeptical about this size - partly because I couldn't believe my band had gone down so much in such a small time. But when I got my sports bra at She Active the amazing sales assistant, Robyn, confirmed I was indeed a 36E. So my bra search started and again the really helpful lady at La Senza measured me as a 36E before confirming nothing in the shop would fit me. So I decided to order some from Boux Avenue. 

I ordered the bras in a 36E ready to have to send them back and get another size, but they were true to size! We missed the delivery in the morning as we were both at work, my O/H called to rearrange and the courier dropped them round an hour later! The bras were packed beautifully in a lovely box (shown above) and scattered with petals, which I loved!

The bra itself is really comfortable and the fit is perfect, the band is firm around my chest/back, the wires at the front are flat against my chest, I have no quadraboob and the cups aren't too big! I would definitely buy more from them again. With a bit of luck they will open a store in Brighton too!

The only problem I had with my order is one of the bras was damaged when I received it, so I've had to send it back. This was very easy to do and Boux Avenue offer free returns, lets hope they have it in stock.

Love Lilla xx

LIFESTLYE | Discrimination Of The Breast Kind

Despite having a relatively large chest since my early teens, it was only a year or so ago that I started wearing properly fitting bras. After spending years squeezing my E/F cups into ill-fitting Marks and Spencer's bras, and listening to their awful fitting advice (I was once told I had an A cup), I finally learnt how bras should support me and will never turn back.

Not only does a well fitting bra support your breast better, but it also can change your shape, make you look slimmer and be more comfortable.

My problem however is the amount of places that actually stock DD+ bras. Yes there are loads of retailers online but do I really need to go to each suppliers website individually to buy Bras (Freya, Curvy Kate etc)? Also I'd like to know for sure that the bras are going to fit me when they arrive.

1. Yes Marks and Spencers stock them, but I feel reluctant to purchase bras from a company who can't even fit their models properly for their marketing and advertising campaigns let alone advise women on what bra size they should wear. This is actually a real sore point for me as Marks and Spencer's are a British institution know for their quality service, yet they are consistently failing to fit women correctly.

2. My lovely O/H bought me some bras in LaSenza for Christmas (40E), I went there this weekend to get refitted (as I've lost weight) only to find out that since they went into administration and reopened, they have changes suppliers and now only go up to DD. I'm very disappointed with La Senza, stocking larger bras at affordable prices made them my go to shop, but alas no more.

3. Bravissimo, are fantastic, they have a great range of DD+ bras and swimwear. The only issue for me is the price, even in the sale a bra will cost over £20. Obviously it is important to invest in decent bras, but I don't have the money to buy a good collection at £30-£40 each, especially while I'm losing weight.

4. Debenhams is a safe place to shop for Bras, they have a large range of brands, the problem is that my local store does not generally hold a large amount of DD+ bras.

5. It was pointed out to me that I had forgotten Ann Summers. My personal opinion of Ann Summers is that it's bras are cheap and nasty looking. In my experience, their bras are quite ill fitting, even when fitted correctly I find that the underwiring digs in. Thats not to say that everybody will have the same problem.

I have ordered some bras in the sale from Boux Avenue who are reasonably priced and do a large range of DD+ sizes. Fingers crossed they fit well.

If you would like to get some good advice on bra fittings and DD+ ranges or clothes for a fuller figure, I definitely recommend reading Georgia Horne's Blog.