I wasn't really sure which of Freya's padded half cup silhouettes the Gypsy Rose would be, but size 30D was super cheap on Amazon, so I gave it a try. This turns out to be a 4 piece cup (3 vertical panels, one diagonal upper panel) like the Fearne Padded Half Cup, which I had tried in 28E and fit OK, but couldn't tolerate the firm, narrow wires. This is a size down from the Fearne I originally tried, and despite the cups being a bit small, the wires are far more comfortable, being much more flexible. However, this cup shape doesn't really suit me, ... as the straps cause severe pulling at the outer cup.
30D in this fit actually measures pretty close to a 28E in some of Freya's other styles, but the wire width, wire length, and cup height were all noticeably a bit small. The depth was OK, but I ended up getting a small amount of spillage at the top, which I think it mostly because the wires were too small to hold all my tissue in the cups. The depth would probably be fine if the wires were longer and wider. However, the 4 piece cup construction is just a bit weird on my shape, I think it is due to the balance of the 3 vertical panels. Sometimes Fantasie/Freya 3HC styles also have this problem for me, where the cup's volume distribution isn't right for me, and as a result, the cup pulls badly at the strap attachment. Interestingly, I don't recall that Fearne in 28E had this problem, so I'm not sure if it is specific to each bra, or if it's a result of the size.
Now that I am used to wearing 28E/30DD, one other thing I've noticed is that 28DD/30D bands are a bit too narrow for my taste. This one actually measures pretty close to some of Freya's other 28E bands that are on the large side, so this style seems to run pretty TTS. The band fit me similar to some larger 28Es, it is not snug, but it stays in place and doesn't ride up. The band is made from printed powermesh similar to Fearne, Summer Haze and Patsy, and feels decently firm, though now my preference would be for a taller wing height.
Overall construction of this bra is pretty much identical to the Fearne Padded Half Cup. The bra is made from the same silky printed fabric that Freya typically uses on their printed bras, and the upper cup is mesh with diamond embroidery and a scalloped lace upper edge. The cups are lined with soft foam batting as are Freya and Fantasie's other padded bras. The foam on this bra seems a bit firmer than what I've seen on some other similar bras, as the cups hold their shape a little better on their own. However, it is still soft enough that drag lines and wrinkles can form, unlike in thicker foam cups. The print extends to the cradle and band, which is made from firm printed powermesh. The straps are decorated with printed fabric, and the straps here are fairly ornate, with crosses, squares, and a scalloped edge. This bra is decorated with simple folded pink bows, and the balance of trims are all white
My only criticism for the appearance of the bra is that the print doesn't appeal to me at all. It is busy and a confusing mix of soft colors (pink, lilac), bright colors (yellow, coral, turquoise), muddy colors (muddy chartreuse), and dark colors (navy, deep burgundy, deep purple). The motifs are also a baffling mix of photorealistic, hand-drawn, woodblock, stylized, and carved flowers and leaves. It's got so much going on, and the designs and color scheme are not cohesive.
If Fearne Padded Half Cup works for you, Gypsy Rose is a very similar style. However, I would not say that this is a very universal fit, as I think the 3HC fits are a bit more forgiving, and come in more open-top and closed-top versions.
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Updated on Aug 08, 2020 Flag this
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I see what you mean - in the advertising for this model it looks much more summery. Still a lovely print, but darker, as you said. I'm glad it fits well though :) !