Amoralle Review

Hello again! Sorry that I haven't blogged in a little while, things can get pretty hectic in Mama-life. Especially when your little one is learning how to get around and very quickly at that. I've had this set for a month or so now, after buying it in the Amoralle flash summer sale. In a way I'm actually glad that it's taken me a while to write up this review however. Initially I was a quite disappointed in my purchase, more on that in a minute, but I've grown to love these items. The bodysuit in particular has become one of my favourites for summer evening lounging.

The bodysuit is called the Lace Panelling Bodysuit which I picked up for €36, as opposed to the €90 it would cost normally. The stockings, or "leg warmers" as Amoralle have called them, are called Night Secret on the site and I got them for half price at €16 euros reduced from €32. All in all, some excellent reductions! However, this was dampened slightly by the €20 shipping charge. I've ordered a pair of stockings from them before and had free shipping. On checking their site right now it's still advertising free worldwide shipping with no qualifier. So I don't know what went wrong with my order. I would maybe have queried this further at the time but the flash sale was coming to an end and I felt that I had to act quickly.

As I mentioned before, I was a little disappointed when the parcel first arrived. I don't feel like the products quite live up to the imagery used on the Amoralle site. I was expecting a more matte appearance to the stretch-jersey of the bodysuit. I feel like the sheen on it makes it look cheaper than I would ideally like, especially for something that should have cost €90. The lace panel is also a different colour from what I was expecting. The pictures used online make it look like it has a blue tinge (but maybe this is just my eyes playing up?). On top of this it has a stiffer texture than a lot of the laces that I'm used to from luxury lingerie.

However, even with all these negatives, I have really grown to love this piece. The stretch-jersey is silky soft and flexible enough to accommodate my bountiful bust in a size medium. All of the edges are hemmed with a strip of velvet which does add a touch of luxury to a rather basic design. The gusset actually features a row of hook and eye closures similar to the back of a bra. I was initially a bit nervous about the placement of tiny hooks near delicate areas but there have been no accidents thus far, and I promise to amend this review if there is. The inclusion of an adjustable gusset is actually really useful for me because I often find that bodysuits can gape around this area due to me having to size up for my breasts.

As for the stockings, I haven't got quite so much wear out of them yet. It's actually quite hot here (for England anyway) and I found myself getting really sweaty while wearing these. I guess Amoralle call them leg warmers with good reason! I do feel like a dancer while wearing them as well, I think it's something about the cut-out toe design. I suspect these will be a bit more suitable in winter when I want a some more coverage. Ideally, I would love to be able to incorporate them into outerwear but unfortunately they don't do a good job of staying up. I have this problem with my other pair of stockings from them which have lace ruffles all along the top, preventing me from using suspenders with them.

Sadly I have the same issue with the bodysuit in that it requires rather a lot of pulling up while wearing it for any length of time. But perhaps this is just to be expected with my bust stretching it outwards. If I am to ever incorporate this into outerwear I think some lingerie tape would be necessary. An easy adjustment to make for such a versatile piece.

The verdict's still out for me on Amoralle. Now that I know better what to expect I think I will be a bit happier with any future purchases. I'll certainly have to try a couple more basic or sale designs before I'm willing to make a commitment to their pricier designs. But I can definitely see myself investing in some of their velvet pieces in the future, a fabric I've always had a soft spot for.

For any British readers whose interest has been piqued, Kiss Me Deadly are stocking some of their designs for a short time. So if you want to avoid the hassle of converting prices and waiting for international postage then that's always an option.

Thanks for reading. x 

Dottie's Delights, The Bow Bodysuit Review

Something I will always dream of being is a burlesque dancer. I love the whole art of teasing, the glamour, those confident women loving their bodies. And of course, the outfits. This little number by Dottie's Delights makes me feel like I'm one step closer to that dream.

From the second Esty Lingerie announced they would be stocking it I knew exactly what was going to happen. The Bow bodysuit is part of the Sheer Show collection designed in collaboration with the beautiful Miss Mosh and is primarily made from black mesh with a cute bow appliqué across the bust.

The bodysuit is held up by a detachable halter neck ribbon which is long enough to give you a lot of play with what length you need to tie it at. Unfortunately for me, with my bountiful bust, the ribbon gets pulled down a lot and can get a bit uncomfortable on the back of my neck after some time. But this isn't really an item that I would be wearing all day (unfortunately) anyway. The ribbon has not once slipped out of the bow that I tie it in so that is a definite upside. Technically, you have the option of going without the ribbon and therefore strapless, but this isn't really something that will work for me as I need it tied tightly in order to get a good coverage as well as so the full impact of the bow can be seen.

It was a bit difficult for me to decide on a size. According to the guide my bust would put me in a large but my hips remain in the small category, so I went down the middle and hoped that a medium would work. And boy am I glad I did! The fit is perfect, in fact a small would probably have been too snug even on my hips. The mesh is described as a stretch mesh but there isn't too much movement to it. This means that it feels comfortable but I still feel smoothed out a bit. Being a bit on the short size I get a few folds while wearing it but that's only to be expected.

The microfiber bow is a flawless example of appliqué and feels so soft to the touch. Its size and placement mean that is offers you a bit of modesty by covering up your nipples (so these photos will be instagram safe, #freethenipple) which acts as a bit of playful teasing in contrast with the sheerness of the rest of the bodysuit.

Around the legs of the bodysuit are some sweet little ruffles, again adding a playful edge to a rather sexy item. And I love this balance that they've struck up in this design. It definitely feels very true to the art of burlesque; so much so that I find myself shimmying around the flat whenever I have it on.

I can safely say that I'm in love and would definitely purchase some other Dottie's Delights designs in the future. In particular the amazing black mesh jumpsuit which is also from the sheer show collection. If you're a fellow UK dweller then, as I said before, Esty Lingerie stock a few of the designs. Lingerie lovers in the USA can find a couple of designs in Bluestockings Boutique. Otherwise they are available from the Dottie's Delights online store. 

Thanks for reading. x

Joan Babydoll Review

A few months ago, before I had started blogging, I was lucky enough to win a lingerie giveaway with The Lingeristas. One of the prizes was a £25 gift card for My Retro Closet and I knew straight away what that was going towards. So here you have it, my beautiful Joan Babydoll in lilac! Isn't it just gorgeous?

This babydoll has been designed and handmade by Abi, the one woman powerhouse behind My Retro Closet, and you can really see her attention to detail in it. There isn't a stitch out of place and the fabric choice means that it hangs beautifully while also being perfect for floating and swirling around in. Which is all I ever do while wearing it, as evidenced below.

I love the combination of the lilac main and pale pink hem. This, combined with those satin shoulder ties and a sweet little centre bow, probably makes this babydoll my most feminine piece of lingerie. I just feel so wonderfully girly and pretty when I wear it. Not to mention it's obvious 1960's inspiration giving it that fabulous vintage feel.

'Joan' only comes in one size which is something that I'm usually apprehensive about because my body  type does not fit into averages. I am a short, busty girl with a postpartum tummy and oddly slim hips and legs. Problematic, but I'm still learning to love it. I had no need to worry with this particular piece though as its swing style leaves plenty of room and is very flattering. As well as this, the adjustable shoulder ties give you complete control over how much of your torso you're going to have on show so these would contribute to a number of different sizes and shapes being able to wear this.

I've slept in my Joan Babydoll a couple of times now and have found it really comfortable to sleep in. Also, the shoulder ties haven't once slipped out of the bows I have put them in, either while sleeping or lounging around. So you don't have to worry about opening the door to the postman and exposing yourself to a nip-slip!

This has fast become one of my favourite nightwear options and a go to when I want to feel comfortable but pretty. If you want to get your hands on your own 'Joan', My Retro Closet has just opened an area on their site which lets you customise the original nightwear designs, so you can order it in a number of different colourways and combinations. There is also a matching bed jacket along with a few other styles. I, for one, have my sights set on the new 'Bettie' style in all red. But until then, I'll be happy lounging around as a 60's Siren in my 'Joan'.

Thanks for reading. x

Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra Review

Last summer I was heavily pregnant and spent a lot of my time in a strapless maxi dress with only a simple bandeau underneath. This was fine when my comfort level was way more important than the amount of support I was getting, but this year I decided to invest in something a bit more structured. I've had my eye on the Curvy Kate Luxe bra as a potential candidate for a while now, so when Figleaves offered 20% off their solution bras I decided to give it a go.

The Luxe is a pretty extreme contour bra; thanks to its full cups alongside some pretty dense padding, your natural shape is not going to have much of an impact on it. Inside are side slings for added support alongside rubbery piping to make sure it stays in place without straps. And it does a pretty good job of staying up for that matter! I've managed a couple of days of wearing this, while leading the very active lifestyle of chasing after a now crawling 10 month old, with only minimal adjustments throughout the day.

Aesthetically, I really love the almost androgynous look of the bra with its pin stripe details and centre bow and buttons. I appreciate the avoidance of the overt femininity that comes with that ever present skinny bow on almost every DD+ bra. Instead, this one seems almost like a tiny bow-tie, rendering the Luxe with an almost tuxedo like look, while still succeeding in being pretty.

As for the fit, I was initially quite apprehensive when the bra arrived. The cups are a very different shape to what I am used to and I don't think I've every worn a contour bra before. Having very full-on-bottom breasts I really didn't think that I would succeed in filling the tops of the cups. However, they are surprisingly shallow which results in a lot of my tissue being pulled in and up. This means that I would perhaps be cautious about trying this bra if you're very full on top because it may result in the bra cutting in to you.

The '30' band felt pretty true to size and went comfortably around my 28" underbust. My only complaint is that I really hate that rubber piping and always find it digs in and causes uncomfortable friction against my skin as the day wears on. But in my experience this is just something that you have to put up with for a decent strapless bra when you have a big bust. Also, I've spent the past year and a half in nursing bras which have super flexible underwire or none at all. This means that I'm just not used to the level of rigidity that this bra presents and for this reason I'm probably going to have to keep it down to a half day of wear at a time.

Also, I know this isn't the purpose of this bra, but if any other Mamas are wondering if they could breastfeed while wearing a strapless bra then my answer is yes to this one! It was surprisingly easy to pull down the cup, considering the padded lining, and nurse my baby with it on.

The Luxe is definitely filling a gap in the market in that there aren't many GG+ strapless bras and I am very grateful for that because I will now be able to wear my strapless summer dresses. I'm not the biggest fan of the shape it creates under my clothes but again, I think that's just because I've become so used to wearing soft cup bras. All in all I'm really happy with my purchase and hope to get a lot of wear out it in the upcoming months.

If anyone has any suggestions of other strapless bras then I'd love to hear because I'm probably going to be needing one in a 30FF after I've weaned. But who knows, I may just end up re-purchasing the Luxe because it certainly does the job. Once again, thanks for reading!

Dressing Up Your Nursing Bras

If you follow me over on instagram then you'll become aware, by looking at my pictures, that I basically just wear the same black Anita nursing bra non-stop. I have the exact same bra in white as well, and another in black with a floral pattern on it. These three bras get worn on rotation, being washed every second wear and rarely making it back into my underwear drawer before I'm in need of one again.

But this is not the way I have always been when it comes to lingerie! I didn't even own a plain t-shirt bra before pregnancy, much preferring daring designs and colours concealed beneath my clothing. But alas, there's not too much on the market in that way for nursing bras in my size. Alongside that, us Mama's often find ourselves unwilling to splash out on excess bras that we may only be wearing for a short time, so a few basics are always necessary. However that doesn't mean that the rest of our lingerie look has to be simplistic!

So here's where this post comes in. In it I've compiled a few ideas of ways you could dress up your nursing bras if you're like me and are more Dita Von Teese than Calvin Klein. And this would work for any plain bras, if you're looking for a way to get a bit more mileage out of them without investing in a whole new set.

Fancy Pants

First things first, the most easy way to jazz up your nursing bra look is to get yourself some lovely pants. Silk, lace, patterned, frilly... The choices are endless! Go cheeky in something ouvert or ultra femme with a big bow. Even something simple but fun like my Starwars pants. Just whatever makes you feel good!

Accessorize

There are numerous little add-ons which you can buy to give that extra something to a lingerie outfit. Maybe a collar, like this one from Gigi Noir? They also do some fab ears and cuffs. I personally have a weakness for garters- they're not just for your wedding day! I always feel like a 20s flapper when I've got one on, especially this one, pictured above, which is an Esty Lingerie design. Estelle also does a number of accessories which you can attach to your bras. Below is an example of one which she designed for her 100 Days Project. These are great if you're really into that strappy lingerie trend that's so popular right now. 

Harnesses

So I've already mentioned how obsessed I am with harnesses. These are again perfect if you're into the strappy look but can't find anything in your size. This one on the left is again from Esty Lingerie and is currently at a reduced price! But if you do have a bit more cash to splash I would highly recommend Karolina Laskowska's designs like this agate harness on the right which is currently in her outlet along with a few other designs. Other companies which do beautiful pieces which would be great for layering are ones like Battie Clothing, or Hopeless Lingerie which I would own so much of if it weren't for customs charges.

Make an outfit out of it!

Wearing stockings and a suspender belt makes me feel more put together than anything else ever will and its pretty simple to find a suspender belt which will match a plain black bra. However, my favourite oufit always incorporates my Kiss Me Deadly cupless vargas dress. Because there is no integrated bra you can wear it with your own so it doesn't matter what size you are! Plus it has a double layer of power mesh around the stomach area which smooths out any postnatal wobbly bits.

These are just a few of the ways I've found make it easy to jazz up my nursing bras and help me feel pretty through those few difficult months immediate to giving birth when you have to get used to your new body. Please comment with any of your own ideas and tricks and remember to give me a follow on social media in order to keep up with my posts! Thanks for reading.

Lorna Drew 'Alexa' Review

For some reason I had this idea throughout my pregnancy that once I'd given birth my bra size would decrease from my then 30GG back to my prenatal size of a 30FF. I was dreaming of those beautiful Mimi Holliday nursing bras, Elle Macpherson's collection, and absolutely any with underwire that I could get my hands on. So when one week in to breastfeeding I found myself spilling out of my nursing bras I was pretty annoyed. I got measured (something which I'm going to recommend pregnant ladies get done every few months!) and sure enough I had gone up another two cup sizes and reached a 30HH. This size is difficult enough to find in regular bras, never mind nursing bras. Thankfully, I discovered Lorna Drew shortly after, and in particular, the Alexa.

I first bought the leopard print version, something which is very unlike me, but I was instantly in love. So much so that I recently decided that living with only four bras on rotation was proving too difficult and seeing as it was in the ASOS sale, I needed to expand my collection to include this gorgeous Ice Blue colourway.

I love the almost vintage style of this bra with it's contrast cups and the thick white seam running down the centre and around the bottom edge. The shape it gives me is also quite reminiscent of vintage style cone bras with the construction and lack of underwire resulting in an almost pointed shape. This is probably partially due to my bottom heavy breasts and something to take in to consideration if you prefer a more rounded shape. Because of the lack of underwire don't expect the gore to tack on this bra either. Sometimes this can give your chest that not so flattering uni-boob shape in maternity and comfort bras, but the three part cups here act to separate and accentuate.

 I will say this as well, the Alexa styles give me the best uplift that I have ever found in a non-wire soft cup bra. I tried so many of these while I was pregnant and they all gave me a really droopy look, especially under clothing, but this bra is the closest to the level of perkiness that you normally expect from underwires. So if you're sticking with the suggestion that you shouldn't wear underwired bras while pregnant and breastfeeding then this is the one for you.

Fit-wise I'm pretty happy with the Alexa. The band is super snug so if you don't like that feeling then maybe consider sister sizing up a band size. However I personally like that because it makes me feel really supported. I also don't quite fill out the bottoms of the cups but the fabric at the top would definitely cut in to my breast tissue if I were to try a cup size down. This is probably just due to the lack of underwires again and it's not really a big deal anyway.

As for the briefs, they're super comfortable and the wide stretchy band along the front would definitely ensure that they would also be suitable for pregnant ladies too. Just watch the sizing on these because Lorna Drew is one of those companies which describes a UK 8-10 as an XS, which is the size I'm wearing here.

Overall I'm super happy with my Alexa set, it's a really original design compared to a lot of other nursing bras and comes in an amazing expanse of sizes: all the way from a 30B up to a 38J. The colours are great for summer if you wear tons of white like me, and it's really easy to nurse in too. It's still available in the ASOS sale here in a few sizes as well as the leopard print colourway.

Current Top 5 Lingerie Picks

Hi there, and welcome to my lingerie blog! I'm E and I thought for my first post I could do a short introduction and then show you my current favourite pieces. I am a 21 year old history of art student, married to the long suffering C and mama to my gorgeous baby RoRo. I gave birth not too long ago and I'm still breastfeeding him so expect a lot of stretch marks and nursing bras! I've been slowly building up my collection of lingerie for the past few years and it's finally gotten to the point where I feel I need to share it with someone, so here's where this blog comes in. It was really hard to whittle my choices down to just five but here you have them... 

Mimi Hollliday Mr Whippy Silk Crepe Teddy

This was gifted to me by a very generous friend and fellow lingerie blogger, The Lamb. She decided to spoil me for my 21st and she certainly succeeded! This is probably the prettiest thing I own and I feel so good when I wear it. The silk is so soft against my skin and the cut is really flattering. Not many nightwear pieces can accommodate my current 30HH bust and still look this good, so props to Mimi Holliday.

Karolina Laskowska Kaoru Upcycle Kimono Silk Bow Harness

I. Love. Harnesses. They are the best way to really take an outfit to the next level, in my opinion, whether that be underwear or outerwear. And this is by far my favourite harness that I own. I absolutely adore everything that Karolina does with her designs, they're like nothing else in the lingerie world and I can't wait to invest in a full set once my bust (hopefully) goes down to it's pre-pregnancy/pre-breastfeeding size.

Kiss Me Deadly Elle Robe

Kiss Me Deadly are another of my favourite lingerie designers, I love their vintage yet modern styles which never fail to make me feel glamorous. Case in point, this robe which my husband gave me last year for our first anniversary together. I was busy feeling down about the fact that everything about my body was changing and I couldn't fit into any of my pretty bras any more when this arrived. Thanks to its empire waist I could wear it while I had my big bump and slink around the flat feeling like a superstar. I still do this now, just while avoiding stepping on baby toys and getting puked on.

Vollers Cerise Chinese Passion Waspie

I'm all for embracing my post-pregnancy body (this thing made a baby and carried him for 9 months!) but sometimes I want a little bit of cinching in. While this corset is far from tight-lacing and waist-training, it does the job for me in creating a nice smooth line under clothes and emphasising my waist. I picked it up in the Coco de Mer sale for a fraction of the original price and it's still available here if anyone wants to join me in looking and feeling this fabulous.

Topshop Star Wars Pants

Yeah, these are actually my all time favourite pants. I'm a geek at heart and like representing that with my underwear sometimes. Plus, every girl needs some period panties that she still feels cool wearing while surfing the crimson wave. The joys.

So there you have it! Please comment if you've read this with some of your favourite pieces and give me a follow on twitter and instagram so you can keep up with my posts. Thanks for reading!