Emsiepie

This was my first Bratabase swap, and when I got the bra I thought it fit perfectly. However, after just one wear I realised it was too small in the cup. The band is great, nice and firm unlike a lot of other Freya bras (including the regular Deco - the lace on the Honey band makes it tighter and much less stretchy which is great). The straps are fairly thick but supportive, just how I like them. The cup is just quite small for a 30DD I think (my Freya Taylor in this size still fits) and as the wires are not particularly wide, I only wore this twice before it was relegated to my "not suitable for use" pile. On buying a 30E in Topaz, it just cements how much better a fit the larger size is - although I'm convinced this one (it's the Firecracker colourway) is particularly small. It's now on it's way to another user so hopefully it will be a better match for her!

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 13, 2014 Flag this

I've worn this bra twice now, both times for a full day at work. And well, I think it's a better fit than I initially thought it might be.
I bought it in the VS semi annual sale for approx 75% off the full price and figured I try it as research. I adore the Body by Victoria lines with the crochet on and am a sucker for a longline so whilst I do love this design the pink citrus colour wouldn't have been my first choice. Until this and my other VS sale purchase I've stuck solely to unlined VS bras which I love and fit ... me well in a 32DD. I'm not usually a big fan of padded/moulded etc bras but they serve a purpose which is to cover my nips at work!
I measure 30.5-31 inches underbust so when trying VS padded bras in the shop I just tend to focus on how loose the band is - noticeably looser than my usual 30 bands. But recently I've been wondering if I'm wearing too tight a band and if a 32 would be be more comfortable/just as comfy so given the cheap price I figure I'd get this, indulge in a pretty design and do some SERIOUS BRA RESEARCH re: sizing. I know otherwise I would be lusting after this bra at full price never knowing if it would work for me, when for a reasonably okay price I could be pleasantly surprised or put this badboy out of my mind and move onto new potential conquests.

So, shockingly this is the first longline I've ever had that doesn't roll up, even when sitting down at my desk for 8 hours people! It's seriously amazing. It's described as a bustier on the website so I wonder if the boning is firmer than what's usually used in a longline (??!), but hey, it does the trick! I love it, it's seriously like a little short yet supportive top! There are three hooks and eye sets so it's still very easy to do up compared to some other longlines I've tried. This is the demi cup shape so it's moderate coverage on the boobs with almost a sweetheart style necklace which is lovely. The cups are lightly lined akin to Freya half cups but with a little more structure to them but no padding as such. The gore is very low to the point where I don't really even notice it coming up between my boobs (although it tacks/sits against my chest as much as I would expect).

Another thing that has surprised me with this bra is that the straps are beautifully narrowly spaced, pretty much every bra I've ever tried had got technically too wide placed straps which results in the always being angled in to stay on my shoulders, but this feels like it's designed for someone with exactly my frame. It wasn't til I clocked this that I reflected how unusual and refreshing this is. The straps themselves are very slim (something I didn't think I was keen on but here it just works) and the same material as the bra itself.

There are clips at the back of each strap so they can be worn crossover which is a cool touch.
The bra is very soft and I wouldn't hesitate to get more if I ever find them at the same price. The band stays in place and although it's probably not as tight as some would encourage (I can pull it at least 2-3 inches out), it's supportive enough for me and does the trick. The very light marks it leaves when I've taken it off also suggest it sits perfectly in my IMF and follows my breast root exactly.
Who would have thought?! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":-D" /> Better than expected definitely.
Read more
535 more words

Neon Coral colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jul 12, 2016 Flag this

I bought this wired bralette in a much larger band as it was the only one in TK Maxx and I fell in love with it (especially for such a cheap price!). I hoped I could alter it down to fit like a 30F (my usual size) but decided that it'll be hard to take that much fabric out of the band and (more importantly) I actually think the cups are too narrow for my boobs, so that even if I adjust the band the outer wires will sit uncomfortably on my breast tissue. Bugger!

Going to list for sale else I'll return if no one fancies it? The style only goes up to a D and starts at a 32 band so I don't think I'll likely to be able to get a good fit. Shame but I figured I'm probably better off putting the money towards something I'll actually wear.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 21, 2015 Flag this

Really pretty bra but I'm realising tall gores and balconettes generally are just not my friend. This bra is too full on the top for me and I don't have enough upper tissue to fill it out completely. It's not an awful fit though and the slight looseness on top is not noticeable under clothing - in fact the bra does give a very round and uplifted profile indeed so actually looks great under a top. And I fill out the bottom perfectly so it's the right size. But the gore is not ideal as I'm just aware of it when I wear it and find it slightly irritating. Think a bradrobe overhaul to remove/stop buying tall gore bras is in order!

Aurora colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 12, 2016 Flag this

This and the other one I bought in purple are my new favourite bras! I wore this one for the first time today, and the maiden voyage played out like a dream! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> I was a tad worried that the high gore may rub/poke but so far so good. It was so comfortable, phew.

I love the fact that this bra is everything I hated in bras about 3 years ago (before I started finding my correct size and becoming really interested in lingerie). Its completely unpadded, lacy, pretty full coverage, somewhat sheer (I can see my nips through this colour) AND this ... one is also a fairly close skin-tone match for me.

I feel so much like a retro pin up in this it's amazing! It makes me think of Claudette who I love - I think the shape is very similar to Claudette Fishnet Scoop Neck Bra in that it's almost like a crop top style. I love the smooth clean lines of the straps and the neckline - it's a very basic utilitarian shape juxtaposed with a retro lacy layer over each cup. The design is really knock-out for me. I have never really liked a bra that's similar to my (fairly pale Caucasian) skin tone - but this one is somewhere between the Parfait By Affinitas Charlotte in Peach and Dusky Rose - think I'd call it blush. The actual name is Desert Flower - even this sounds sensuous and beguiling! Swoon.

I purchased it in a wonderful store in Chicago called G Boutique (I was there last week on holiday and did research before visiting so that I could try and snaffle some lingerie delights whilst there!) that I can't recommend highly enough. They don't have a huge selection of fuller bust items (a few Cleo , Panache , Parfait etc.) but what they do carry is very well chosen. The store is beautiful and has a large array of other lingerie/nightwear that is wholly drool-some, like Cosabella , Fleur't , Mimi Holliday , Maison Lejaby etc. I bought the purple bra and matching knickers (and a Parfait cupcake hipster knicker - soooo cute!) and had to go back on my last day to buy this colour way also as I couldn't stop thinking about it!
Now on the hunt for the matching knickers as the store didn't have any large ones in.

The shape is gives is beautifully rounded, very naturally so as there's a gentle but not huge amount of uplift. It still gives a more projected and rounded look under clothes than a lot of unpadded bras do on me (I'm looking at you Claudette Dessous ), a very satisfying side view I think.

Wires are gloriously wide. There is absolutely no cutting in or gaping on the top of the cups - not even on my smaller breast which often struggles to completely fill out some of my F cups and usually needs the strap adjusting quite a bit shorter than my other breast to compensate.

I think this is an excellent bra for full on bottom to even boobs. Unsure about how those with upper fullness would fair.

The purple seems to fit a bit more snuggly around band (although will see if that's reflected in measurements when I do them tomorrow) than this one but both are a good firm fit for me.
The band has two hooks but feels satisfyingly wide and supportive. There is nothing I don't like about this bra!

Read more
494 more words

Desert Flower colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 20, 2015 Flag this

I'm trying to decide whether to keep this bra or not - I bought the same bra in Parma Violet/Concrete colourway literally a couple of weeks ago, and it fits wonderfully. When I saw my size pop up on Asos in this Peacock/Concrete colourway I madly bought it before it could sell out again. I didn't even consider that it may fit differently as I was under the impression that both bras are from the same season. I'm still pretty sure they are - but the fit differences, whilst subtle, have quite a big impact (for me at least).

Differences: the lovely thick straps on the ... Parma Violet have gone - the Peacock has straps that measure just 2/3 of the width of the PV ones - a shame as I love thick straps but probably good for people who prefer a slimmer one.
Band length - Peacock measures just under an inch shorter unstretched than PV- I'd say Peacock is true to size and PV a tad looser.
Wire shape - although the measurements don't show a lot of difference, the Peacock has wires that are undoubtedly narrower/more of a pronounced U shape - PV's wires are far wider and that's one of the things I loved about it initially.

I have two more Dessous on order from BrandAlley (Navy/Limeade and Seafoam/Khaki from previous seasons) so am curious (read: somewhat scared!) as to how differently these ones may fit...hmm. I'm in two minds of whether to keep this one - I love the look but it doesn't fit me as perfectly as PV. If I didn't have two more on the way I'd prob keep this one...but we'll see.

Also: my disbelief regarding the sizing of the Claudette bottoms has turned to utter indignance: I ordered a large and XL thong (no briefs available in this colour unfort) and both are TINY!!!! I didn't even take the large out of its plactic-y confines as I could see it was minuscule - I tried the XL and knew it would still be muffin-top inducing. This is ridiculous! I'm a very normal sized UK12!
Read more
244 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 12, 2014 Flag this

Only stretches to 28 inches, I measure approx 31 so doesn't go anywhere near doing up https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":-(" /> I'm devastated, I sized up to 32 from my usual 30 as I knew this was supposed to run small, but I'd need a 34 minimum in this.
Can't comment further unfort, other than to say it's the unpadded lacy shoulder bra of dreams, sob.

Concrete colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 23, 2016 Flag this

Hmm, so this is my third best fitting Dessous (best: Parma Violet/Concrete, second best: Peacock/Concrete) - it is an older season than either of the afforementioned colourways, and if I'd known how differently they fit I may not have bothered with this one unfortunately (I cannot return as was from Brand Alley). The fit is a 6/10 for me - the wires are narrower and a lot shorter than the other two, for me neither of these is a good thing. The narrower wire I could probably handle if it was longer - as it is its very easy for my breast to escape out the size rather ... than being fully and comfortably encapsulated. The gore is great - a good width and height for me. The cups could do with being a tad deeper - although they fit and seem to smush my boobs a bit making them looking even more shallow than they already are. The straps are THIN! Too thin for my liking and thinner than either the PV/C or P/C. The band is tighter than recent seasons - would be fine if it wasn't for the wires issues described above.
Still a pretty bra but I'll see how often I actually wear it...
Read more
100 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 31, 2014 Flag this

So, I bought this bra via the recent Claudette Encore sale. I live in the UK but managed to find a wonderful lady in New York who was happy to place orders on my behalf, then receive the parcels and send them on to me.

I have wanted to try the other Claudette bras (eg not Dessous as I have already experimented pretty substantially with this range) for as long as I've known and loved the brand so was sooo excited when they had the Encore shop open. There were none of the other En Dentelle colourways in my size, so I opted for this Cameo ... Blue as I've been getting into lighter colours in both underwear and clothes of late, and thought it was gorgeous. I've read as many reviews as there are out there of this bra, and expected it to have a band that was tight (possibly too tight) and to be uncomfortable.

When it finally arrived from NY I was delighted that on first try on, it definitely wasn't too tight! Phew, there's that worry out of the way.Yayyyy, a three hook and eye band! The cups are a good fit depth wise and width wise - wires are perfect for me. The material isn't very soft and is slightly scratchy/harsh on my skin - I might wash this one sooner rather than later in the hope it might soften up a bit.

Where this bra isn't great is the width of the straps - they're set VERY wide (and actually, I did notice to Claudette's credit on their website they do say something like "extra wide placed straps" or something to this effect) so was concerned, as most normally set straps could be considered technically a little wide for me. These are v. wide, meaning the straps are almost halter style (eg / \) in a straight line from armpits to where they sit on my shoulders. On wearing the bra out today I realised that although the cup fits, it almost doesn't CUP - so it provides no lift, no support, no rounding and no shaping whatsoever. I don't know if this is because the straps are unable to provide a proper tension and this affects tension in the cup meaning it just kind of sits around my boobs rather than smushing them upwards/rounding them.... odd. Maybe this is considered east-west? Thing is, it's not seperating my boobs as such, just allowing them to rest where they normally would when not in a bra (both in terms of east/west and north/south positioning! HA!)

My boobs don't really need lots of support, but it was odd to recognise that they both looked and felt the same as my boobs do when I'm not wearing a bra....

I get a small bit of wrinkling at a certain point in the top of the cup, again I think due to the positioning of the straps on me. The bra is definitely not too FOT for me, if anything it's lacey cup edge is very restrictive and I think ideally I need a taller cup that doesn't cut me off in the way this one does.

So verdict: Still reasonably happy with this bra as technically fits quite well, just doesn't DO much! It's very attractive and has allowed me to continue my bra education and test out another model that I've been interested in for a long time. I can see myself wearing this bra in the summer when it's hot and I want something light and cool and easy to wear.
Read more
494 more words

Cameo blue colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on May 04, 2015 Flag this

I have been favouring moulded smooth t-shirt bras since finding my correct size, so the Liliana is not something that fits into the usual type of bra I buy. Tutti suggested I sized up in the cup from my normal 30DD size, and although I was a tad hesitant initially, I'm glad I did.

The band seems to run fairly true to size despite people saying they run small. If anything I'd say the Liliana is quite loose as I think it's very comparable to my Freya 30 bands which I've gathered are larger than average. However i'm starting on the loosest hook and no doubt will move onto ... the middle after a few wears like I have with my Freya ones.

Cups fit me very well, definitely nice and wide and shallow, perfect for the shape of my boobs! Straps are fully adjustable which is BRILLIANT - I was sad that a Birds of A Feather bra I tried earlier on in the year had to go back due to it's half adjustable straps being ridiculously long for me!

This new season purple and black colour is nice, still quite bright. The black isn't that visible from the front. The matching shorts and brazilian are both lovely - better than I was expecting. The fit is quite generous - given I am a size 10-12 and ordered medium which are fairly roomy and that there are many ladies with much slimmer bums and legs than me I'm surprised that they don't do an extra small as well as small. One of the nicest knickers (ie not shorts!) I've tried as they're not restrictive around legs or bum cheeks and don't cut in to muffin top area at all either!

As we're heading into winter now I've realised I really don't need a moulded seam free bra all the time - under jumpers and loose fitting clothes I can easily get away with this type of bra and have really enjoyed trying and wearing something that's a bit different (for me!).
Read more
230 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 01, 2015 Flag this