Ahhh, I just received this bra from a fellow Bratabase member and I'm pretty much in love. It's just right.
The only real problem I'm having so far is that the gore is poking into my sternum a bit, possibly because it's too low. I haven't tried bending the wires yet, but I imagine that'll fix the problem.
As for everything else- I'm getting great support, the straps adjust as much as I need, the band is a true 28, the cups fit almost perfectly (quadding a tiny bit when I breathe in deeply, but not enough to notice under a shirt. And the point where the cups are the ...deepest is actually the point at which my boobs are the deepest, which is rare!) The embroidery at the tops of the cups is elegant and discreet and super soft- not scratchy like on some bras. I would almost qualify this as a T-shirt bra.
I'm very happy to have found a deep plunge bra that is so supportive and also unpadded- the only other plunge I've had that worked this well was the PL Lilia, which I got recently, but it has molded cups. I'm a bit more comfortable without the padding.
Update as of 2/12/2013: I'm loving this bra; it's becoming one of my favourites. The gore still pokes a bit, but I think it's only because I slouch too often. It looks FANTASTIC under shirts, and I can wear all the low-cut tops that most bras peek out of (which is most of my tops...) The shape is great, too! Read more 151 more words
The Moulin Rose (in Cream) is a beautiful bra. The base color is cream with printed rose pattern in a dusty rose color. The fashion fabric of the cups floats over the inner padded cup. The straps and top of cups also have a velvet ribbon in the same color. The cups are a three part half-cup with integrated sling on the side. The cup fabric continues for a short side wing and then the band is mesh. The straps are half-way adjustable up to the velvet ribbon, but I'm pretty sure you could force it past that to adjust if needed.
For fit. The bra works wonderfully ...for me as I have a very wide root and it fully encompasses it. The bra is fairly shallow from the sling seam to the cup edge which works to move breast tissue to the center without underwires sitting on it. The bra gives a more compact look as the breasts are moved closer and up (more Marie Antoinette).
The bra runs about 1/2 - 1 cup small. In the Parisian Plume (the unpadded version) I needed a 28FF. Read more 79 more words
I ordered Bravissimo's Tanzania Stripe in 28FF and 28G because the 28Fs I bought last year started to look, from the side, like those quarter cup bras that apparently are for boudoir use only. I didn't mind the extreme mounding above the cups in my 28Fs. That kind of cleavage is what I enjoy about half cups. I did think more of the volume should be in the cups, though.
It took a while to decide between the 28FF and 28G. The tops and bottoms of the cups were smoothly filled. As you would expect, the mounding above the 28FF was more pronounced than in the 28G, but in ...the latter, there was still an attractive fullness. Where the straps attach to the 28G cups at first seemed too wide, poking me, but after a few minutes the feeling eased.
What decided me was the slight wrinkling of the cups on the sides in the 28G. I couldn't figure out what this was. Finally I realized the wires were wider than I needed. This never happens. Whenever I've encountered other bras whose cups were the wrong size or shape, I've gotten wrinkling and gaping everywhere but the sides. So many brands and models have underwires too narrow for me.
A note about measuring: I took the wire width and other measurements from the inside edges of the underwire. This is a change from other bras I've measured. Something I read recently makes me think I had been doing it wrong. If I find out otherwise from Jj, I'll go back and remeasure. Read more 152 more words
This bra is so adorable! Love the heart-shaped leopard spots—so clever. It gives a wonderfully round and perky shape. The band is EXTREMELY stretchy, but feels tight enough for a 28. The fabric is very soft and comfy.
Unfortunately, the cups are woefully too small. They're at least one, maybe even two, sizes too small compared to all the other 28G's I own (mostly Freya). Would be great for someone who normally wears a 28F or FF.
Really really impressed with this! Expected it to not hold up at all, but it sure did! Why have people not thought of boned cups before? I want to put bones in all my unlifting bras (=all of them) now! It amazing https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" /> And the firm, wide band was also excellent for holding up the weight. A nice detail is that for the straps, there are 2 places you can hook it on at the front - so both those that prefer wider or closer set straps can be comfy https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Annd, the non-slip rubber is ...at both the top and bottom of the band, and all along the bottom of the cups.
Now, to the bads: I wish the wires were a lot higher, so it could keep in my tissue: Usually tightening straps can make the wire sit firmer in the side, holding in tissue, so when wearing this as a strapless, tissue escaped - especially because it was too small in the cup. The top section closes in, and gives the most 'elf-shoed' boob I've ever seen. Overall, very minimizing! My boobs looked tiny!
If I needed it, I would proably reorder it in 36J to get a bigger cup, and then I could just wear it on the 2nd hook. But for now, it has satisfied my curiosity. Read more 126 more words
I exchanged the 28F I ordered originally for this 30DD because I thought the band was too tight -- not because of my ribcage, but because of the way the tension distorted the very flexible wires and flattened the cups -- and the cups, when relaxed, slightly roomy. On the day I received the bra and fitted it my breasts were slightly on the fuller side though. I will revisit this review in case the fit changes over the next few days.
General comments:
(copied from my original review of the 28F version) I am finding that horizontal cut half cups are best for my shape, so I couldn't resist ...ordering the Mademoiselle. It's a bit too ornamental for my taste, but the subtle colour scheme appealed to me anyway. Also, the idea of possibly getting a complete lingerie set is tickling https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Bra description:
(copied from my original review of the 28F version) I must say, this bra is even prettier in person that it appeared from the online photos: the 'blush' colour is the palest of pinks, which works really beautifully underneath the black lace overlay. On pale complexions it actually appears close to nude. The black lace itself consists of a delicate all-over floral pattern on tulle with a wide, detailed, yet flat embroidery border along the cup edges. Bold, embroidered parallel lines finish off the design. The pattern is perfectly mirrored on both cups, a detail that pleases me greatly (CK Entice, I'm looking at you!). The wings are made of a single layer of black powernet and the edges are finished with decorative elastic. The centre gore is embellished with a fairly large black organza bow, a delicate piece of 'blush' ribon and a small black rose. The strap connections are adorned with a simple 'blush' ribbon bow and small black rose. The straps are fairly wide, fully adjustable and feel lovely and soft. Instead of rings, sliders are used to connect the straps to the wings in the back. All findings are black coated metal. The bra is unlined, unpadded, completely synthetic, and very light weight.
(copied from my original review of the 28F version) One thing one doesn't see mentioned often in a bra description is smell -- this is the first time I myself find it necessary to mention and unfortunately not for positive reasons: the moment I opened the (beautifully wrapped) package a strong 'plasticky' whiff caught my nostrils. Really, this bra smells so strongly of plastic that's it's quite off-putting for me -- I'm terribly sensitive to smells and this one is giving me slight headache. I can only hope it lessens with time.
Bra fit:
Where the 28F seemed to fit when I put in on for the first time, this one obviously doesn't. The centre gore doesn't stay flat -- it hovers about a centimetre away from my sternum. The wires are still too wide though: even though they are decidedly less distorted from the band tension, there's a significant amount of space between my breast root and the wire. I'm suspecting that with narrower wires the cup volume would probably have been just right, but as it is, the whole construction is simply too wide and shallow for my shape.
The band feels very comfortable. It doesn't seem to be riding up at all, which surprises me as stretched it measures about 7 cm more than what I've come to consider ideal. The straps are wide and soft. Despite the ill fit, I must say the whole bra is extremely comfortable. My only gripe comfort-wise is the connection between the straps and the wings: for some reason this point interferes with the movement of my shoulder blades.
Conclusion:
This is an odd bra. It's so comfortable that I'm tempted to exchange it (again) for a 30E, although there are many things I don't like about it:
- it doesn't give the same uplift as I get from Ewa Michalak HM or Masquerade Rhea (but it is still a nice shape and could be considered just a bit more subtle) - the wires are ridiculously flexible and too wide for my shape (but they are hardly noticeable whilst wearing the bra) - the band is looser than what I have become accustomed to (but it doesn't ride up and feels very comfortable) - it's completely synthetic (but to me the materials seem much nicer than the materials used by Curvy Kate and they don't seem to irritate my sensitive skin) - it smells horribly of plastic.
In addition to the fact this bra is crazy comfortable, though, there's also the fact it actually looks really nice AND it comes with a choice of knickers and suspenders ... to exchange, or not to exchange? Read more 679 more words
The Boudoir Beau is one of my favourite everyday bras. It gives a very nice rounded and up-front shape, and it's very comfortable. My older bras are in size 32H, which fits (barely) in the cups but has become too loose in the band for me. I have them in the last hook and I still feel the wires aren't resting against my ribcage completely. So I took a smaller band and upped the cupsize with one to get a better fit. Now, be warned. The band in 30J is _really_ sturdy, there's practically no stretch at all. I wonder if it's got something to do with the ...colour as my older bras are wine/graphite and this new one is white. Anyway, the difference is considerable. The cups are indeed that tiny bit bigger so now I have no fear of quadraboob, but in J cup the tightness of the cup's lace border is more decisive than in H cup, so if you have top-full boobs and wear bigger cups than J in Bravissimo bras, it might be better to go straight for JJ. The cups feel overall a bit small in general. Read more 86 more words
Dotty Spot 30JJ: I have ignored all the reviews that were ranting about how pointy the shape of the Dotty Spot is and though to myself: it won’t be that pointy on me. LOL I was so wrong! That bra is made to poke someones eyes out with it! No, really I would have loved this, if it gave me a Cleo-like round shape! I have to say that it is a very supportive bra and very comfy material. The wires are strong, shoulder straps wide just like I like it and the print is just soo cute. But I have no occaison to wear it. It is not suitable ...for everyday wear (at least on me, I heard it is less pointy in smaller sizes) therefore it’s going back. I wont buy a bra even on sale which I know I will hardly wear. It is really that pointy. So keep that in mind before you buy it. Do you like a 50s retro pointy shape? Then get this bra. It is cute as hell, comfy and supportive. If you prefer the round shape of Cleo Balconettes / Panache Jasmine then avoid it.
Comfort: 5 Very comfy material. Good support & uplift.
Apperance: 2 The print: I love it!!! Soo pretty. I don’t know If I like the black or the blue one better https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" /> But the shape is just odd.
Quality: 4.5 looks good to me (I won’t keep it so I can’t say how it will wear out in time)
Overall: 3.5 / 5 hearts Give it a try if you don’t mind a pointy retro lookhttps://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I am finding that horizontal cut half cups are best for my shape, so I couldn't resist ordering the Mademoiselle. It's a bit too ornamental for my taste, but the subtle colour scheme appealed to me anyway. Also, the idea of possibly getting a complete lingerie set is tickling https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Bra description:
I must say, this bra is even prettier in person that it appeared from the online photos: the 'blush' colour is the palest of pinks, which works really beautifully underneath the black lace overlay. On pale complexions it actually appears close to nude. The black lace itself consists of a delicate all-over ...floral pattern on tulle with a wide, detailed, yet flat embroidery border along the cup edges. Bold, embroidered parallel lines finish off the design. The pattern is perfectly mirrored on both cups, a detail that pleases me greatly (CK Entice, I'm looking at you!). The wings are made of a single layer of black powernet and the edges are finished with decorative elastic. The centre gore is embellished with a fairly large black organza bow, a delicate piece of 'blush' ribon and a small black rose. The strap connections are adorned with a simple 'blush' ribbon bow and small black rose. The straps are fairly wide, fully adjustable and feel lovely and soft. Instead of rings, sliders are used to connect the straps to the wings in the back. All findings are black coated metal. The bra is unlined, unpadded, completely synthetic, and very light weight.
One thing one doesn't see mentioned often in a bra description is smell -- this is the first time I myself find it necessary to mention and unfortunately not for positive reasons: the moment I opened the (beautifully wrapped) package a strong 'plasticky' whiff caught my nostrils. Really, this bra smells so strongly of plastic that's it's quite off-putting for me -- I'm terribly sensitive to smells and this one is giving me slight headache. I can only hope it lessens with time.
Bra fit:
In a previous life, I would have said this bra fits me well enough. Now, however, I'm quit sure it doesn't. The main reason is the wires. Oh, these wires ... ! They are some of the most flexible, least stable wires I've ever encountered. They are so flexible that they distort to the point where the centre gore barely stays put on my sternum. They also stretch way too far back under my arms and the bottoms of the cups are visibly flattened. One could argue that this happens because this 28 band is too tight for my 69cm/27" underbust (!) -- I'm obviously using part of the cups as 'band' -- but these wires really ARE extremely flexible. As to tightness: the band actually FEELS perfectly perfect, although I can SEE it obviously isn't. I don't know how a band size up would work with wires this flexible ... wouldn't the whole thing simply feel too loose?
Having said that, I think the shape is otherwise reasonably nice. As it is, the cups are quite shallow and flattened this much they give little projection, but they do indeed suit my shape and with sturdier wires they would almost certainly look *really* good. I AM tempted to exchange this bra for a band size up and a cup size down just to see what happens. I'm thinking I could always replace the wires ... the thing that makes me pause, though, is the high level of 'syntheticness' of this bra. Do I really want to wear a 'plastic' bra?
Conclusion:
What to do, what to do? Exchange and perhaps fiddle around with replacement wires or just return and give up on the thing? I'm impressed with the looks of this bra, but not with the quality of the materials used -- at £32 this is NOT a cheap bra, and I'm really not convinced it's worth the money ...
Edited To Add:
I tried this bra with and extender and with the worst of the strain off the band and wires the cups definitely look better. It also shows they are actually too roomy. With an extender the band definitely feels looser, but it may be worth a shot after all as I DO need unpadded bras more than anything ... Read more 605 more words
The shaping of my waist is much better in this size, as expected. However, as you can also see, the tighter back distorts the wire a bit, making the cup quadro-boob a bit + be even more east/west than it already is (and it's not exactly a cleavage bra as it is), so I will go back to the 34 backed one, and then maybe just hook it tighter at the waist.
Alana in black 30K: See my review for the Alana in nude.
The black one does run a tiny bit smaller than the nude on. But I don't recommend sizing up in this color. I just have to loose the shoulder straps a bit more on this than on the nude one.
So I would recommend to get this bra a cup size bigger than you usual Cleo/Panache size. It offers more coverage than for example Cleo balconettes but feels also much more supportive. The lace on top of the cups is NOT stretchy. So keep this into account. In a too small size it might cut in. Band runs remotely tight, so get your usual band size. Shoulder straps are not fully adjustable.
What I like about it: -Stable construction -Good coverage (fabric comes higher than average Cleo Balconette) -Makes you feel supported and secure (boobs of steel) -Wires do not come too high under the arms -It comes in different pretty colours up to K-Cup
What I dislike ...about it: -Shoulder straps roll themselves inward and cut in badly https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> -The upper section of the cup is quite big so in the “J-Cup and Up size range” it might look different than on the bravissimo models - the wires are quite stiff (which is good for support, but bad when you have to bend them to fit your shape) - is a bit uncomfy at first, needs some time to break in
Comfort: 3 (-2 for shoulder straps – they are from hell!) Appearance: 4 (-1 because it looks actually better on the pictures) Quality: 4.5 (maybe I have to add something here after owning it for a while…)
Overall I give it a 4 https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I'm going mad over this bra. I think I'll just drop it. This is the 3rd one I've tried, in the same size, but different color, as the first one which fit, but this is too small! Black lace is tighter than the pink lace, I guess https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> Maybe I will get it in 34JJ, but that's a lot of attempts for a bra that doesn't even give me my prefered shape... Sucks to have to keep giving certain bras just because they "aren't bad". I want GREAT bras!
Oh, this bra is gorgeous! I really hoped this would work, as I love the look of it, alas it was not meant to be. Apparently this style is now discontinued, but some sizes are left (and my 32K and 32KK will presumably be available to someone else once they get my return package!) and maybe someone will be looking at one on ebay or something in the future, so I will go ahead and put a review anyhow. There's a lot of compare/contrast with the Alana in this review, it's just the way it made the most sense to me, and since the Alana is Bravissimo's staple large-cup ...bra, hopefully this will make sense to others as well.
Really beautiful bra! The cups are navy blue mesh with two-tone pink embroidered flowers. There is a pretty bow with a little crystal on the center gore and small ribbon bows at the straps. The straps are, if possible, even nicer than the Alana's: nice, thick/soft, silky material, good balance among support/comfort/stretch/looks. I love how the embroidery continues out the top of the cups, and how it makes the top edge look against my boobs.
Like the Alana, the cups are three-section, with a small inner section, and large outer section and an upper lighter mesh section. (I wish these cup shapes had names I could use to refer to them! There's more than one way to do 3-section, so I'm trying to be specific here.) The straps attach to the outer section. The band is a single layer of mesh with a strip of the same material as the straps along the inner edge (continuing down from the strap attachment to the hooks). The band could be a little stronger, it seems a touch light for the work it needs to do.
The cups are relatively wide, shallow at the bottom and they are more open on the top than the Alana, which gives a distinct "enclosed" feeling to the top of the breast. This one doesn't do that so much. The center gore on this bra is one of the narrowest I've seen. (Great for close-set breasts!) The straps were definitely too far apart for me, digging into my armpits, although not quite as badly as the Alana.
I had similar fit issues as with the Alana as far as the cup width, the shallowness at the bottom of the cup, and the strap attachment angle, although these problems were slightly less on this bra. Still not right for me. Note, by the way, that the size that fit the best was the same for these two bras, unlike some who seem to find they need a cup bigger in the Alana due to the tightness of the top of the cup.
(Note: I tried this bra on with an extender, as I intentionally ordered it on the tight side and I didn't want to damage the band or hooks trying it on. My report of "how it fits" as far as the tightness of the band is based on how it would be if I didn't have the extender.) Read more 410 more words
The Fleur Bra is based on the same body (Melrose) as the Linear Rose Bra, but it fits a little differently. Also the materials used are somewhat different.
I, personally, like the look of this one much better than the Linear Rose, but it's definitely still fairly loud! The main parts of the bra are thick, satiny material which is teal with pink squiggly lines (abstract flowers, I think) printed on. The upper section of the cup is two layer mesh, teal with magenta embroidery, which is very pretty, but fairly complex, and may show under some clothes. There are satin bows at the decoration points.
The overall shape ...is the same as the Linear Rose. Four section cup, including side support panel. Straps attached more inward (not center pull, exactly, but certainly not outer-edge-pull), banded (not much actual band under the cup, but it does go down and around). High quality materials, definitely a well made bra. The underwires are narrower than the Linear Rose.
The upper section of the cup is a little deeper than Linear Rose, I think. And maybe the shape is a little different? I don't get as bad quad boob-ing with this one, but it's still there. And the wires definitely are not wide enough to fully encircle my breasts. (I need extremely wide wires, so if you don't this shouldn't be a problem.) The wires are not exactly narrow, just not wide enough for me.
This bra makes a lot of use of the two-tone design. The body and band are teal or teal-based, the straps are magenta. Looking at the inside of the cup, the lower sections are the back-side of the patterned material, which look sort of white with faint pattern, and the seams are teal. The wire casings are magenta, as are the hook and eye panels. It is certainly a very bold-colored bra!
The band is snug and firm on this one as well, although maybe a little more stretchy than Linear Rose? I really wanted this bra to fit, because I actually do like it a lot. If it were cheaper I might settle for not perfect, but, maybe I'm spoiled by Panache Jasmine, I just expect more from a bra, particularly one at this price point.
I was really glad to see Bravissimo add another "full-coverage" model to their line, but I really, really don't understand why they don't go to KK or L in these, as they have a lot of support for larger breasts. It's hard to tell if a bigger cup would make this bra fit properly, but I wish I at least had a chance to find out. Read more 333 more words
This bra is not as pretty as the Alana or Oriental Bloom, going more for bold and bright! I don't care for the looks of it as much, but it fit me much, much better, shape-wise, though I clearly need a different size. (I have a 34K reserved that I am exchanging for.)
The bra is bright reddish-pink. The cups are a smooth, satiny material (supplex?) with an upper sheer mesh portion with embroidered magenta, well, linear roses (gives more of a squiggly line impression than floral). There are little bows of weird-patterned sating ribbon at center and strap attachments. (I'll probably cut them off if I keep the ...34K.) [I had said this was a "bandless bra". It's not. I don't know why I said that.]
This bra has a four-section cup, including an outer "side-support" type section, which goes from the base of the bra to where the straps attach. This means that there are two seams that meet the bottom of the cup close together, which yields a cup that reaches full depth much more quickly than a 3-section bra (certainly it is deeper sooner than the Oriental Bloom and Alana). The wings are a thick, supportive slightly meshy fabric with an edging of strap material. The straps are very nice (same type of material as the other two Bravissimo bras I keep mentioning https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> ) good amount of stretch, good balance of support/comfort/looks/etc. and are attached further in and at a different angle than on a balconnette, as this is a "full coverage" bra. Much better, from my perspective. The center gore is fairly narrow
It is a very supportive bra, definitely not as light-feeling as the Alana or Oriental Bloom, but for my heavy/soft breasts, strong is good. The band is very tight! It is much tighter than the other two styles I tried, even with an extender I could barely fasten it. I'm actually glad about that, because it means I can get the 34K and it will likely fit me, since this one was too small in the cup. I don't really know why this style stops at a K, but it does. It would be really nice if Bravissimo would extend it to KK and L, since this style seems very useful for very large breasts.
I think the 34K will fit well, and I will put something up about that once I get it and see how it fits.
I measured the gore height from the bottom of the cups. Measureing from gore to bottom is 33cm/13" Measuring from the bottom of the cups to the garter-straps is 23cm/9" The same for the wing, I measured from bottom of cups. For top to bottom is 26.5cm/10.5"
As you can see per measurements, it is very loose in the band! I was worried it would fit over my very large bottom half, I even considered getting it in 36 (I am between 32 and 34) but a) it is so big enough to accomodate even large body, and b) it is so short! It doesn't even reach my belly button, so forget ...about the hips. I am 5'8", with long-ish torso and high-set boobs, so I guess there is further from my boobs to my belly button than for most people, but still, definitely not a long piece!
Cups are true to size though. It was a pinch small on my larger boob, but that is likely due to my cycle, so I think it will be a perfect fit any other day.
Straps are actually fully adjustable, as they easily slide over the decorated bit.
The garter-straps can be taken off.
Will exchange to 32JJ. Though the price is steep, this is just too lovely to pass up. I would have kept it just for the bra part, but when it doubles to shape wear / sexy bedroom wear? Yes please! Read more 127 more words
Not good for full-on-bottom boobs. You can even see it, when you look at the bra when not wearing it, that it is significantly flatter near the bottom - it was even difficult to push out with my hand. Thus, my full-on-bottom boobs can in no way get near the bottom of the bra, so though everywhere else it was pretty nice, it was sitting too low, and would certainly keep being pushed down. So this may be good for those who are full on top!
God, I want this bra so badly!
Your review just proves to me that I'm really missing out.