Bustsofgotham

I was excited for a true plunge, pieced-cup Cleo since trying on the popular "Tango II" (3251). Although I liked the fit I just wasn't into the available colors enough.

After wearing a full day I can say the comfort level is great, it's a medium-high level supportive bra. Yet, I'm sad to say the shape here is very disappointing! Pointy and more Pointy! ..just like my pieced Freyas. Now with cleavage-quad-boob! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> The design is what really reeled me in. Sunshine Yellow with firey Red & Orange floral embroidery. Even wearing it for the first time in the middle of Winter ... I smile because it's so *cheerful*. The allover mesh material seems appropriate for hot weather since it came out SS10. It almost seems a lesser quality because, although the band is really nice and smaller than usual for a 30, I estimate it will wear out really quick. I hope the bra holds up in shape before the embroidery gives out! Kind of weird and I'm unsure if it's visible in the photos but the double-layer mesh design makes all this puckering/wrinkling on the top layer of the solid-mesh yellow of the lower portion of the cup. Strange, but it does NOT affect the fit, which is really nice and TTS, at least for Panache--can't compare to any pieced Cleo's as I've yet to try one on. Again, the design was just too pretty to pass up. For a "sale"** price bra I think the value was worth it. Overall, the set cost me less than a regular price Freya would at full price.

**A style exclusive to Bravissimo and there were plenty of available sizes when I purchased it on sale for a "mere" £14 (£22 for the Set w/Panty plus worldwide shipping equates to $50 US)

Purchased from Bravissimo, received mid-February 2011.

From Bravissimo.com: "Pop a ray of sunshine into your lingerie drawer with this zesty plunging style. Embroidered with pansies and finished with candy striped bows, this is undoubtedly a bra that brings plenty of feel good factor!"
Read more
241 more words

Updated on Jul 11, 2011 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Updated on April 30, 2012

6 months after purchase I am wearing on the final hook. After an inventory of favorite/most worn bras I realized this bra is far too loose and should have been purchased in 28H. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />

Updated on Mar 16, 2012

I have been happily wearing this bra since I bought it and the itchy part was really the bow gore and it still occurs but after several wears/washings it has subsided. Just have to make sure it's not sitting on my skin and it's good to go. One of my absolute favorite sets.

Reviewed on Nov 03, 2011

Purchased 30G + 30GG for ... comparison. My first few Panache/Cleo bras were in 30G but most felt too small in the cup in different ways based on the styles (see my reviews for Cleo-Alex unlined-cup plunge, Cleo-Jude moulded-cup plunge, Masquerade-Maia balconette). It's mostly difficult to find any stores in my area which actually choose to carry above a G-cup even though Panache makes them in some styles.

I took a chance ordering because the design is just so beautiful: the entire construction in purple feather-print is mesh but not see through like most soft cup wired bras.

This balconette style "fit" in both sizes however it became an issue of comfort in deciding which size to keep. The 30GG seems to envelope my breasts better especially when I lean over and it feels more supportive as there's just a touch more fabric in every area. As so, the straps are thicker and more on par as the width of a typical FF-G cup Freya at about 1.8cm. Gives me a pretty good shape which is more rounded than any Freya I've ever tried.

My only complaint is the gore stitching is much too itchy on the inside and so it needs a solution before I wear it again.

Measured unstretched before wearing.
Purchased early-October from Figleaves.
Read more
206 more words

Updated on Apr 30, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Red version:

Band length: 61.0 cm
Cup width: 15.0 cm
Cup depth: 26.7 cm
Wire length: 25.5 cm
Cup separation: 0.5 cm
Strap width: 1.7 cm


Updated: March 27, 2012

Purchased an inexpensive "red" bra extender from ebay and although the hooks are spaced a bit different than the bra they still work together and hold up comfortably with all day wear. I just needed about an inch or so and this bra is just as comfy as my original Ava in Black. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

Reviewed: October 21, 2011

This is the exact same style as the black Ava just in a beautiful Red color. (See full review above) It fits significantly tighter ... and was uncomfortable the first time wearing it. The band is 2cm smaller at 61cm where the Black version is perfect for me at 63cm: so much so that I want to wait to wear it again until I can get a 2-hook extender. The quality of material, cup size and everything else is wonderful.

Measured unstretched immediately before wearing.
Purchased in Red, Mid-October '11 from Brastop.
Read more
65 more words

Updated on Mar 27, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Band length: 63.2cm
Cup width: 15.5cm
Cup depth: 27.2cm
Wire length: 28.8cm
Cup separation: 2.8cm
Strap width: 2.0cm

Quality: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5 (minus one for when I have to tuck my boobs back into the cups)
Appearance: 4/5 (kinda jumping out/quadraboob-ish.. will update after full day's wear)

Patsy is a stunning little green bra with white polka dots. Color is very light almost minty but still crisp where the green overlays a white layer underneath like the cups and straps. The fit is identical to my first and second Freya Padded Half Cups: Monet (http://bra.pe/RIR/) and Lauren (http://bra.pe/RSL/). Keisha's cups (http://bra.pe/RN1/) fells shorter and were much less successful. Typically, the band ... is "Freya-long" and so I have to start it on the 2nd hook although I could do it on the final one but I'd like to have it a bit longer so I'll make due.

It seems that these half cup styles are a bit difficult for me and there's a bit of a learning curve (pun intended!) atop the cup. If I adjust and stand still I can fit well into the cup and there's a natural curve continuation from the top cup edge. It's super comfy and although the gore sits just about 1cm away from my chest and I have to pop my nips back in every now and then I have to say this is a worthwhile purchase. Isn't that really the cost of wanting Freya's stretchy 30-band and only up to G-cup Half Cup bras? Seriously though, it wears the same as my Monets and Lauren. I am very happy to see so many patterns available in this style although ideally I'd love to see the range rise above a G+.

This was my most anticipated bra of the season and I hope it will last at least throughout the summer.

Measured immediately before wearing.
Purchased late-June 2012 from ASOS.
Read more
201 more words

Updated on Jun 26, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Updated August 14, 2012. Originally Reviewed Jun 26, 2012.

SS12 Bravissimo Exclusive in "Aqua" polka dots. (Bra tag labelled Alexa "Samba Spot" print)

Ordered 28GG, 28H (http://bra.pe/RlL/), 30G (http://bra.pe/Rdy/) for comparison. Other bras mentioned in this review: Sasha 30GG (http://bra.pe/RSU/), Sasha 28H (http://bra.pe/RlM/).

Band length: 59.3cm
Cup width: 14.4cm
Cup depth: 28.6cm
Wire length: 29.5cm
Cup separation: 2.2cm
Strap width: 1.9cm

Quality: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5 (a firm material, snug and needs some "breaking-in")
Appearance: 4/5 (has some outer material wrinkling)

Having fallen in love with Sasha and Alexa I knew I had to have Olivia the second I spotted her on Bravissimo. My only question was a matter of "in what size?" ... I knew the current SS12 Alexa ran a bit bigger in the cup than her predecessor AW11's Sasha. When I contacted Bravissimo the response was she fit exactly the same as Alexa. However after trying on the 28GG several times I found the same hesitance I remembered with Sasha last Autumn. It was a dilemma between cup sizes. I finally received a 28H and although the 28GG and 28H both fit I am much more comfortable in the H-cup because I'm more confident I'm safely covered from any potential spillage which may lead to readjusting throughout a day's wear.

I wish I'd originally took Alexa in a 28GG because her band is not as tight but at the time I would never have thought I could be a 28-band so I never considered ordering.

30G fit well while 28GG is much more snug. These fit me exactly the same in the cup the only difference is in the band. 30G also fits nice although I would anticipate it to stretch out like my original 30G Alexa which has pretty quickly and only snaps back from washing (after one or two wears in a row). The 28H is the best for me as it fits just like my original 30GG Sasha and now a 28H as well.

Also, I'd be happy to have a drawer full of non-pink bras. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Measured immediately before wearing.
Purchased mid-June 2012 from Bravissimo.
Read more
239 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 14, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

November 3rd, 2011:

Purchased 30G + 30GG for comparison. My first few Panache/Cleo bras were in 30G but most felt too small in the cup in different ways based on the styles (see my reviews for Cleo-Alex unlined-cup plunge, Cleo-Jude moulded-cup plunge, Masquerade-Maia balconette). It's mostly difficult to find any stores in my area which actually choose to carry above a G-cup even though Panache makes them in some styles.

I took a chance ordering because the design is just so beautiful: the entire construction in purple feather-print is mesh but not see through like most soft cup wired bras.

This balconette style "fit" in both sizes however it became an ... issue of comfort in deciding which size to keep. The 30GG seems to envelope my breasts better especially when I lean over and it feels more supportive as there's just a touch more fabric in every area. As so, the straps are thicker and more on par as the width of a typical FF-G cup Freya at about 1.8cm. Gives me a pretty good shape which is more rounded than any Freya I've ever tried.

My only complaint is the gore stitching is much too itchy on the inside and so it needs a solution before I wear it again.

Measured unstretched before wearing.
Purchased & Returned early-October from Figleaves.
Read more
107 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 28, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Ordered 30GG & 30H anticipating the possible need for a cup larger for a couple reasons.

Ok, so the design is absolutely beautiful. I chose to order it because it was made available in a range of sizes and I believed one would suit me! Purple/Orange/Red Zebra print sits on a bed of bed of mostly tan and some white. These colors are bright and I love it!

Material feels a bit strange maybe it is from the printing or is the type of polyamide swim fabric chosen. Perhaps I just need some time to adjust to quality swimwear designs and the corresponding fabrics! Inner cups are soft white mesh ... and very comfortable against the skin. Straps seem thin from a glance but they are the same width (a smidge over 1.8cm) as just about every other G-range cup bra or bikini top I've had the pleasure of owning or trying on. It is actually kind of a nice illusion the straps seem so "thin"--it must be thanks to the halter style because you see much more strap. Supportive yet looks delicate.

Pleased it gives a nice round cup shape even if the wires are slightly too low set for my shape (the dropped part of the 'U' shape). There is a bit of under-cup wrinkling on both GG and H but I suspect it is from the overall design and therefore how the wire frames each cup. It isn't so noticeable and I think it's worth it to overlook one minor detail for an otherwise supportive and outrageously cute bikini. Both band sizes measure identical which is a plus when comparing.

Size Comparison:
First, I believed the GG was the right size one reason I thought "Oh, I couldn't possibly be an H" and the sides of each cup lay smooth. However, the GG gore does not sit as flat as the H. We all know when the gore sits at your sternum the cup is a better fit. If it is too small you should try a larger cup. Although the sides of the H cups wrinkles some, the wire does not poke and also I feel more comfortably covered on the top part of my breasts by the tiny extra bit of fabric. And thankfully due to the pattern the wrinkles are less noticeable. In the end, I settled on the H because I am more satisfied and comfortable with most aspects of this bikini. It will be my 1st under-wired halter ever and hopefully I'll be able to wear it besides just to the beach.

Purchased & Returned from Bravissimo late-July 2011. Measured unstretched immediately before wearing for Bratabase.
Read more
330 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Nov 09, 2011 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

I had a hunch a softcup G might be small so I ordered G and GG for comparison. The reason? I have a Shock Absorber Max Sports bra in a 30GG which fit completely perfectly by surprise, a full cup or two larger than I ever would have imagined. It just goes to show it's not about the "size" on the tag but how the actual garment fits your body.

Read the G review here: http://bra.pe/SN1

The quality feels quite nice. Very soft lining, beautiful yet simple design. I especially like the low balconette-style slight v-neck as opposed to some other soft support bras out there that ... look very granny!! There are 6 adjustments rows of hooks instead of an underwire's usual 3. This means you can adjust the bra either over time or as weight fluctuates. I suppose its marketed for 'maternity' according to the Superbra website but I know many women seek wireless comfort bras to their much more common wired sisters.

Overall, extremely supportive and looks fantabulous! It could be a manufacturer's defect in the smaller version because strange enough merely going 1-cup larger (band size the same) this band is noticeably tighter and therefore more supportive. Check the measurements of both bras.

**Update: I wear this bra not for everyday but in 2 situations: 1. For several hours each night lounging or 2. On long days working at home. The straps start digging in after a while. Maybe it's not the perfect softcup but for now it does its job mostly well.

Measured unstretched before wearing.
Purchased late-February '11 from figleaves.
Read more
154 more words

Updated on Apr 30, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Ordered 30GG & 30H anticipating the possible need for a cup larger for a couple reasons.

Ok, so the design is absolutely beautiful. I chose to order it because it was made available in a range of sizes and I believed one would suit me! Purple/Orange/Red Zebra print sits on a bed of bed of mostly tan and some white. These colors are bright and I love it!

Material feels a bit strange maybe it is from the printing or is the type of polyamide swim fabric chosen. Perhaps I just need some time to adjust to quality swimwear designs and the corresponding fabrics! Inner cups are soft white mesh ... and very comfortable against the skin. Straps seem thin from a glance but they are the same width (a smidge over 1.8cm) as just about every other G-range cup bra or bikini top I've had the pleasure of owning or trying on. It is actually kind of a nice illusion the straps seem so "thin"--it must be thanks to the halter style because you see much more strap. Supportive yet looks delicate.

Pleased it gives a nice round cup shape even if the wires are slightly too low set for my shape (the dropped part of the 'U' shape). There is a bit of under-cup wrinkling on both GG and H but I suspect it is from the overall design and therefore how the wire frames each cup. It isn't so noticeable and I think it's worth it to overlook one minor detail for an otherwise supportive and outrageously cute bikini. Both band sizes measure identical which is a plus when comparing.

Size Comparison:
First, I believed the GG was the right size one reason I thought "Oh, I couldn't possibly be an H" and the sides of each cup lay smooth. However, the GG gore does not sit as flat as the H. We all know when the gore sits at your sternum the cup is a better fit. If it is too small you should try a larger cup. Although the sides of the H cups wrinkles some, the wire does not poke and also I feel more comfortably covered on the top part of my breasts by the tiny extra bit of fabric. And thankfully due to the pattern the wrinkles are less noticeable. In the end, I settled on the H because I am more satisfied and comfortable with most aspects of this bikini. It will be my 1st under-wired halter ever and hopefully I'll be able to wear it besides just to the beach.

Purchased from Bravissimo late-July 2011.
Read more
321 more words

Updated on Jul 29, 2011 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Please see 30GG review in comparison, here: http://bra.pe/MxC/.

Initially anticipated this style to fit exactly as the Cleo Sasha: http://bra.pe/MqA/ because the style is exactly the same from the printed mesh balcony construction down to the bow and lace detail. The one major difference is sizing! I first ordered 30GG expecting it to be perfect but it is actually made too big. In comparison, I wore the Sasha about a day before Alexa arrived so I know the cups are made larger. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> So, I also ordered this 30G.

Although there is a bit of a material issue in the ... cup, the 30G fits slightly better. Overall, the 30-band fits well, the material is excellent, comfortable, and most importantly there is no gaping or wrinkling. The only funny thing is how the 3-part seam is sewn together. It's not exactly "wrinkling" but there is an obvious pucker from the seam. I hope this will dissipate with a few washings. The center gore almost sits flat on my sternum but floats about .5cm away and I am forced to allow it because I really want to like this bra. Again, although I'm pretty disappointed there is a big fit difference between what could have been identical fitting season-to-season styles I am aware this is somewhat commonly occurring. Sure, disappointing for a non-UK customer who has to wait weeks for delivery let alone CANNOT try this style on in ANY mortar store. The 30G is the best fitting size between these two.

Stay tuned for photos for comparison.

Measured unstretched before wearing.
Purchased late-March from Figleaves.
Read more
161 more words

Updated on Mar 30, 2012 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras