My Review of Lulu West Is Up On The Lingerie Addict!

Posted on May 19, 2013 by hollyj

Image via Lulu West

There’s a long list of things I love about my writing gig over at The Lingerie Addict, but this week I’m adding discovering new brands to the list. I’d never heard of Lulu West before they contacted me for a review and now I’m a superfan! I run into lots of plus size brands that are cute but are just making bigger versions of stuff for plus size women, so I’m happy to see a brand being so thoughtful about their lingerie and swimwear. This brand is also great for women who are in that 12/14 size gap area. Check out the review here.

Five Favorite Pieces from Esty Lingerie

Posted on May 15, 2013 by hollyj

If you haven’t yet discovered Esty Lingerie now is the time! This small UK based boutiques carries a little bit of everything, from independent full bust bra designers to to completely decadent brands like Harlette. My favorite thing about Esty is that they stock lots of indie designers that I haven’t seen other places, like Arabel Lingerie and Salon Chaton. They’re going to be one of the few Tutti Rouge stockists as well, so check them out if you’re in the market for a Lilliana bra!

Check out my five favorite pieces out of the current Esty selection below:

1. Blueberry and Jam Shortcake Knickers by Salon Chaton

2. Marguerite Nautical Lemon Yellow Striped Eye Mask by Love Me Sugar

3. Sugarplum 6-Strap Suspender Belt by Arabel Lingerie

4. Parma Violet Knickers by Arabel Lingerie

5. Britannia Bra and Knickers Set by Louise Ferdinand

Inspiration Post: An Ode to Georges Méliès “A Trip To The Moon” And The Birth Of Science Fiction

Posted on May 15, 2013 by hollyj

Since fashion and self-expression go hand in hand, I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite influences in popular culture: Georges Méliès and his brilliant early science fiction films. If you’re not familiar with Méliès, the new recolored version of “A Trip To The Moon” is a great place to start. The newest version also comes with an amazing soundtrack by Air. This film was made in 1902 and basically invented the science fiction film as we know it. If you haven’t seen it before, grab a cup of coffee and take a look at when you have 15 minutes free. For another interesting look at Méliès later in life check out the movie Hugo.

While Méliès was a pioneer in terms of film making and science fiction, “A Trip To the Moon” also stands up as an extremely fun and fashionable piece of history. I saw this newer recolored version recently and it really grabbed my imagination in terms of fashion and personal style. Steampunk stuff is really popular these days, but Méliès isn’t really steampunk the way we think of it despite the fact that he was heavily influenced by Jules Verne. I actually think there’s a lot of Méliès style stuff that is easily worked into every day life, so today I’ve put together a list of some of my favorites.

1. Summer Cloak by She and Reverie
I love the ethereal feel that She and Reverie has and this summer cloak is the perfect Méliès style look. It’s practically the female version of the cloaks that the astronomers use as blankets while they sleep. It’s also one of those pieces that works over everything, from dresses to jeans.

2. “In the Distance” Necklace at Modcloth
The only thing that makes this necklace better is that it’s actually a miniature working telescope! It’s a great way to add a nod to this kind of style without building a whole outfit around it.

3. Garter Shorts in fragonard blue by She and Reverie
Every Méliès film has a chorus of adorable girls dressed in stylish stuff. These lingerie/loungewear shorts are the perfect modern interpretation of their nautical style outfits.

4. Collected Works of Jules Verne at Modcloth
Jules Verne and Méliès go hand in hand – in fact, this film was directly inspired by Verne’s “From the Earth to the Moon”. While I’m a huge fan of books in electronic form these days, I love this look of this collection of Verne’s work.

5. “Having A Blast Off” Necklace at Modcloth
While it won’t take you to the moon and back, it’s definitely a cute way to inject some early science fiction fun into your wardrobe.

Full Busted Dress Review: The Dixie Dress by Trashy Diva

Posted on May 8, 2013 by hollyj

Click on the photo for the hi res version!

Now that the weather has finally gotten lovely, I’m trying to catch up on my back log of dress reviews. Predictably this means you’re going to be seeing lots of Trashy Diva dresses around here for the next few weeks. While this Dixie Dress pattern is discontinued, it’s really a warmup for my quest to acquire this dress which is part of the current offerings:

Image via Trashy Diva

I love this print and I will have this print. In the meantime, I’m throughly pleased with my slightly more subdued take on the Dixie. It’s the perfect summertime work dresses and it fits my figure perfectly, although it highlights different parts of my figure than the Sadie dresses do. Here’s some comparison shots:

I haven’t changed size since the Sadie picture was taken, but as you can see they produce different (although equally nice) silhouettes. The Sadie focuses on my relatively tiny underbust, while this dress is nearly an empire waist on me so focuses more on my stomach and upper chest. Oddly enough I’m a big fan of the Dixie as a work dress over the Sadie, as it focuses less on my boobs and more on the rest of my body. I love that it’s high cut and has a nice long skirt, so I don’t have to worry about managing my cleavage or about how much leg I’m showing when I sit down (have I mentioned that I’m an eternally awkward person in real life yet?).

This is a 14, which seems to be my standa

Want of the Week: The Liquorice Allsorts Dress by Wheels and Dollbaby

Posted on May 6, 2013 by hollyj

Image via Wheels and Dollbaby

The weather has been all up and down this last week, so I’ve found myself reaching for dresses with sleeves several times. Although Australian company Wheels and Dollbaby are currently featuring their Autumn/Winter offerings, this dress feels exactly the kind of thing I’ve been wishing for over the last week. I love the light knit and the smart pink stripes that break up the black. It’s a nice ode to vintage fashion as well as the current colorblocking trends. I also love the details on the skirt – the pleats are the perfect flirty way to sex up a basic black dress.

I know not everyone is into clingy knit dresses, but I suspect this would work well on full busted women of all shapes and sizes. It comes in size 8 to 16 and has lots of stretch. The bow detail at the collar helps focus attention away from your breasts and it’s full coverage without being frumpy. This would be a great fashion forward office basic.

What dresses have you turned to in this bizarre spring weather? What do you think of this one?

The Long Awaited Tutti Rouge Lilliana Review Is Up!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by hollyj

Image via Bravissimo

There’s been a ton of buzz about Tutti Rouge for the last few months, so I’m really happy to be publishing what I hope will be the first of many reviews of their bras today! Check out what I have to say here at The Lingerie Addict, as well as what it looks like in the HH+ cup sizes.

Have you tried the Lilliana Bra yet? What do you think of it?

Parfait by Affinitas was…parfait!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Kelsey

HOW CUTE?!

One of the things I love the most about writing, and learning more about the lingerie industry is the opportunity to review! Parfait by Affinitas sent over the Charlotte Padded Bra and Brief set. First of all, I loved the peach color because it was a feminine neutral, and when accented with the black I was left with a perfectly vintage look.

I ordered the size 30D which was the best fit for me. The band fit snugly on the first set of hooks, already giving it a long life span if it starts to stretch out over the years. I’d also like to mention that the straps were thicker, so if you have a larger chest, that’s also great for extra support. The overall fit of the cups and the bra could not have been more perfect. You can see in the profile shot that the combination of the wide band and full coverage cups are just what you need for the best support system. As a small busted girl, I definitely don’t struggle with the support issue but as I’ve mentioned, I still like to have that feeling of having structure around your chest.

The bottoms, I have to admit I was a little skeptical of at first. I love the high waisted look on other women, but since I was tragically born without any curves, I never though I’d be able to pull off the look. I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped back and saw the whole look together–the bottoms definitely helped give at least the illusion of a little more curve. These are a size small, which was very true to fit. Especially with this style of bottoms you wouldn’t want too big–no one likes a saggy butt! Everything was snug right where it was supposed to be with no weird bagginess in your rear or front. Also, the fabric was stretchy and really soft so I could definitely lounge around comfortably in these.

I really couldn’t stop smiling

Final verdict? Couldn’t be happier, both pieces were true to size, had a timeless color palette, and even turned me on to a new style I never thought I could wear. You know that feeling when someone gives you a really good hug and you just feel so happy and satisfied? That’s exactly how I felt when putting this set on for the first time. The Cinderella Glass Slipper equivalent of a lingerie set

What about you guys? Have you ever had a change of heart on a specific style once you gave it a shot? Anyone else love Parfait by Affinitas as much as I do?

Lingerie Lust of the Week: Lace Trim Satin Teddy by Hips and Curves

Posted on April 25, 2013 by hollyj

Image via Hips and Curves

I saw this teddy ages ago (and even featured it in one of my TLA columns) but it was sold out in the colors I loved. Well, it’s back in teal and I’m even more in love with it. Hips and Curves is one of those retailers that I really love but haven’t tried yet, so this may be my first purchase. As a bonus, it’s totally affordable and I’ve heard great things about their quality.

This teddy is one of those pieces that would work for everything. I’d probably use it to sleep in, but you could also easily tuck it under a skirt for an outerwear look. I love the vintage style lace trim and the classic cut as well. If you’re not into teal (but really, why wouldn’t you be?) this teddy also comes in Mocha.

Image via Hips and Curves

I also really love this set that Hips and Curves is offering, so maybe I’m just in a silky basics mood lately? Both of these seem like great summer pajama alternatives to me.

Have you tried Hips and Curves? What was your experience like?

Pretty Spring/Summer Sleepwear for Full Busted Women

Posted on April 25, 2013 by hollyj

The weather has been pretty up and down here, but for a few days last week it finally got really hot. I’m one of those people who generally sleeps in a t-shirt and yoga pants, but I’ve vowed to make an effort to step it up this year. Last week I started by actually pulling out and sleeping in all of my pretty and high quality things, which really seemed to improve my state of mind as I dealt with an incredibly busy and stressful week. This list includes pieces I have and love, as well as pieces that I’d like to add to my collection. And while the title says these are for full busted women, they would all work well on pretty much anyone. Several of the pieces on this list are on sale right now, so pick them up at a cheaper price while you can!

1. Blondes/Brunettes Rock Silk Night Shirt by La Lilouche
This nightshirt comes in multiple colors, custom sizes and with either “Brunettes Rock” or “Blondes Rock” in handbeaded lettering. The one I own is lilac and is made of whisper soft silk crepe, which is lovely to sleep in when it’s truly hot and humid. It also handwashes easily and dries quickly, which is important if you’re lazy about handwashing like I am. Mine is a staple when summer hits and I don’t want to feel like a wrung out washcloth in the heat.

2. BARBARA Pink Silk P.J Top and Shorts by La Lilouche
This set is outrageously girly and cute and I totally want it. It’s the kind of cute that is comfortable and wearable as well, while still channeling the 70′s ruffle thing. I suspect it would also be heavenly to sleep in! All of La Lilouche’s pieces can be made to suit your exact measurements, which is great for those who have a dramatic different between their top and bottom sizes.

3. Sapphire Nights Babydoll at MyKarnation.com
This is not the kind of thing that ever shows up here, but it was sent to me by a super knowledgeable client and I’ve fallen in love with it. Part of what I love about it is that it’s the kind of thing that other people always got to wear and I never did, but it really works for me! While the babydoll isn’t underwire, it has depth built in that both covers your breasts and creates extra support. It’s not a push up bra, but it looks great and feels wonderful. It’s also super sexy and my favorite color, which never hurts.

4. Well Played Halter Babydoll and Thong by Between The Sheets
This halter top babydoll and thong are the stylish version of the ratty sleepshirt and underwear set. They’re also both on sale right now, which makes them a steal. I love this light blue color and the soft bamboo material. If you’re not wedded to the idea of wearing a bra when you sleep, this set is perfect.

5. Satin Boxer Pajama Set by Victoria’s Secret
I have pretty mixed feelings about Victoria’s Secret, but I unequivocally love their pajama sets. They’re affordable, cute and stand up to ridiculous amounts of washing. This one comes in a whole range of patterns and colors to suit lots of different personalities.

What are your summer sleepwear staples?

My review of Honey Cooler Handmade is up on The Lingerie Addict Today!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by hollyj

Today I’m reviewing my first Honey Cooler Handmade purchase for The Lingerie Addict! I love this custom camisole and the design is incredibly flattering for full busted women. Check it out here.