My shape: even-to-slightly FOB, mid-height front-facing teardrop-profile (ski jump with no "jump") with tall shallow roots, low apex, lots of immediate projection underneath but moderate overall projection, wide roots with lots of side fullness and shallow tails that wrap all the way to the shoulder blade, extremely close-set center tissue (possibly a trace of natural symmastia), and very firm self-supporting tissue that when pushed out of shape will push right back.

I purchased this bra (and my 32FF - Masquerade » Florence (6151) ) about 6 months ago and tried it on for photos, but hadn't gotten around to reviewing it because it REEKED of cigarette smoke right through my clothes. I've had it sitting on a shelf airing out since then, and I think it's finally safe for my allergies and I am so happy because it is just too lovely and it's been taunting me for so many weeks! The combination of dark navy blue and orange embroidery is a little strange, but not unattractive. It has a single red-and-white striped ribbon bow (odd choice with the orange, I'll agree to that) at the center gore with a little gold heart pendant.

This is one of the Cleo/Panache Masquerade 2-panel half cup models. I adore my 30F - Masquerade » Maia (5221) , and this fits pretty similarly: same shape and support, although the neckline is a bit higher and there isn't quite so much Cakes-on-a-Plate, but a girl doesn't need that every single day.

The cups are comfortably lined and give a rounded profile. There's some gapping on top right now, but I suspect it's a combination of the point of my hormonal cycle today and the stretchy band, because it's better on the tightest hook, and in the photos it was not noticeable at all. Plus, the straps are pretty far apart and join the cups quite high up, right at the point of my armpit, so every motion exaggerates the buckling along the top edge - if I slouch, I can fudge enough room for all four fingers in the cup! There appears to be a slight range of apex, instead of just one real point, which should accommodate more ladies with higher apexes than mine, and obviously the bra can handle a bit more upper fullness than I have.

The band is a little flimsy, sadly, but so are the Maia's and all the other clones'. I wish they came with 3 hooks. I have a vague notion of either shortening the band or adding more elastic inside at the back of the band to give it some more life, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It's comfortable and doesn't seem to be moving on the loosest hook, although it feels a bit firmer and more supportive on the second (snug 72.4/BTT 67.3 cm today). I do like my bands a bit snug, though.

The wires are nice and wide, and with the tall wings and high cup sides, they keep my root tails in check. They are a pronounced U shape, though, which means that the outside curve doesn't follow my IMF there (a much flatter curve shaped like the Nike swoosh, as mentioned above) so there's some slightly empty cup there. The wires are on the firm side but not terribly so, and not too flexy or flimsy.

I think there must be a magic spot on my sternum where some gores can hit that don't bother me, but 2mm up or down and it's agony all day. I have extremely close tissue, and there really aren't any gores I simply forget about, except for the Victoria Secret plunges I used to wear, but this one is right in the sweet spot and I like it.

The straps are thin, and too far apart, like I mentioned. Since the corner of the cup where they're attached is rounded to blend with the other scallops on the edge, I think I can cheat them in a bit without it throwing the whole fit off, and hopefully get them out of my armpits.

Updated on Mar 19, 2018 Flag this

• Glad you got one that worked, at least!

• 2

  Gorgeous color combination. So glad the cigarette odor has dissipated!

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