I've tried the Curvy Kate Princess Balcony Bra now four times, in sizes 28DD and 30D when I was a 28DD size, and now in 30D and 30DD at a 28E/30DD size. I couldn't figure out before why this bra never fit me in the past, but now I realize that the cups run one size deep, while the band can run a little snug. In the 30D size, it fits me very similarly to a 28E or 30DD Cleo Marcie, giving a nice and lifted rounded shape, but with shorter wings and shorter wires at the outer cup. The 30DD is far too big ... for me. Thus, if Marcie works for you, I would recommend this bra but going one size down, and potentially sizing up in band if you are between two band sizes.
Like Marcie, the cups are made from very soft mesh with polka dots, although the dots on the CK bra are flocked instead of embroidered. The lining of the cup is lightweight soft tricot that feels similar to mesh but is a bit more supportive. The upper cup shape is slightly more projected and closed off than Marcie, and the floral lace upper edge is rather thick and much less forgiving than Marcie's embroidered mesh upper cups. Due to the more projected, slightly shelf-like shape of the upper cup, the CK Princess requires a little more upper fullness than Marcie. When worn unlined, this is most apparent on me as the difference between the two fits, as Marcie sits on me perfectly.
The band on this style measures pretty TTS, but since it is so narrow, the powermesh wings don't feel quite as firm as I'd like. The elastic at the cradle is also a bit thinner and less sturdy than on Marcie. The wires, though short on the sides, are quite firm. I found originally that in the 28DD, the wires dug painfully into my ribcage, but it's possible that the band on that bra ran exceptionally small, as the band on the 30D and 30DD measured about 1"/2.5 cm different. Since the wires don't have much flexibility, I'd recommend going with the larger band size if you are between sizes.
The only concern I have about this bra is that the upper cup trim is quite ornate and thick, and it may be visible under clothing. The upper cup lace is a daisy chain lace design with a ribbon insert, which also doesn't always lay perfectly flat. The same lace extends to the front of the strap, while the rest of the strap is plain satin scalloped elastic. Simple skinny ribbon bows decorate the gore and strap attachments. I really didn't like the appearance of the bra in the Flamingo Pink, but I think it looks quite nice in both basic Black and White. Despite its shortfalls, it makes a lovely lightweight summer bra, and I found this looks nice alone or with foam lining pads.
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Updated on May 30, 2020 Flag this
