Author Archives: Kelsey

Parfait by Affinitas was…parfait!

Posted on by
4
HOW CUTE?!

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.

Fits like a glove :)

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.

Such a happy camper :)

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?

 

Target Saves the Day (For Now)!

Posted on by
Reply
Not too shabby for under $20!

Not too shabby for under $20!

This guest post is by Kelsey, who is not only a fellow lingerie lover but is also my lovely assistant around here. Today she talks about a subject we don’t tackle much – the options in the big box stores!

Recently, my roommate’s puppy thought she would push her luck and see just how much she could really get away with by chewing through the strap of my favorite bra. I was still feeling a little bitter and upset when something gorgeous caught my eye. Which is weird because I was at Target buying cleaning supplies.  But as I was passing by the women’s sleepwear/underwear section, the newest Spring garments made me stop and take a closer look.

I knew the $14.99 bra would pale in comparison to what I had spent on my now deceased bra (what do I do with it? Throw it out? Bury it with a ceremony? I mean it was really cute), but the bright floral print made me happy, even sitting in that bright, plastic, red shopping cart. The only problem was that seeing how Target is Target, and generally values mass production over personalized attention, I wasn’t too surprised to find that they didn’t carry my size (28D).

I grabbed a few sizes and actually tried them all on. Because if I’ve learned at least one thing, it’s that not all bras are created equally.  Usually if you go down in a cup size, you should go up in the band size, but they didn’t carry any band size smaller than a 34 for a C cup. Needless to say, the 34C was a little roomy for me.

After a little trial and error, I ended up buying the 32B which is so far off from my normal size, I almost felt like I was breaking some lingerie law.  But it was important that the band fit as snugly as it did because I cannot stand the feeling of a bra that is anything less than borderline tight. That may be just my personal opinion, but having a band that won’t shift around my torso like a hula hoop means having cups that stay in place and keep the ideal shape on my chest that the bra is meant to create.

For any small busted women who are looking for an inexpensive  way to add something adorable to your collection, don’t be too quick to pass up places like Target.  You aren’t going to get superior fit and production quality like you’d find with higher end brands that hold fit as their main value. But in all honesty not having to focus on support and other issues that larger busted women face gives me a much wider variety of purchasing options, some of the perks of having a small chest I guess.

Regardless, I still prefer the quality of higher end brands, but when looking for a quick way to satisfy my lingerie fix, Target did the job.  Just remember to try things on, especially with limited sizing.  When all else fails just make sure the print or color makes you smile :)

Branching Outside the Push-Up Bra

Posted on by
2

Normally when shopping for bras, I immediately go for the push-up section.  As someone who doesn’t have too much to work with and envies those with natural curves and fuller chests, I’m always looking for ways to enhance what I have.  Admittedly, besides my sports bras, I’d say about 98% of what I own has some amount of push-up padding in it. However, on my most recent trip to Bare Essentials, I was reminded that sometimes all you need is a good fitting bra to show off what you have. Normally, I avoid trying things on whenever possible, but on this day I pulled about fifteen different bras and tried every single one on. Ladies, finding the perfect bra is no joke, but it’s totally worth it when you start growing your collection of well-fitting garments, and feel confident in your shape.

Normally, I wear a 28D, but I’ve found with different brands that there are slight differences in the fit.  I tried a couple from b.tempt’d, they didn’t carry a 28D, so I tried both the 30C and the 30D.  The C cup was definitely too small, from the front it didn’t look too bad, but if you saw the side view there was some really awkward looking spillage.  Not a cute look. Luckily, all the ones I tried in the 30D fit perfectly.

This nude option, Celebration Push Up Bra (I know, I know, I couldn’t not try on a push-up…But read on, I eventually came around) I really loved, because of the wide band.  Even though finding a ton of support isn’t always my main concern, I still prefer the feeling of being all strapped in as opposed to a flimsier band with only one clasp in the back.  I also loved that it was firm enough without digging into my skin, instead I was left with a seamless line that wouldn’t be noticeable even under the tightest t-shirts.

The equally adorable and supportive band.

If you’re looking for something with a little less structure, the Ciao Bella Balconette Bra was really cute, and super comfortable.  It wouldn’t be my first pick for creating the ideal shape for my chest, but the soft cup design didn’t feel restricting at all.

Although I loved the Celebration Push-Up, I knew I had to branch outside my wonderfully padded comfort zone, and I ended up purchasing a Freya piece.  The company goes up to a K cup, but they cater beautifully to small busted women as well.  With the Deco Honey Iris Molded Plunge Bra, I loved that I still got full coverage, but the deep plunge neck line also worked well with low cut tops.   At first I thought the 28 band was bordering on being too tight, but the woman who worked at the boutique advised me to stick with it since Freya bands tend to stretch easier than others.  What I loved the most about this bra was that even though it wasn’t a push-up, it still lifted my chest up, but not necessarily pushing them together. Really, it did a better job of creating shape and lift than my older bras that were basically all padding. Overall the added perkiness looked natural and most importantly it felt comfortable, like everything was right where it was supposed to be.

And the winner is....Freya!

One of the biggest differences between a well-fitting bra and those that aren’t: The first full day I wore it, I wasn’t constantly adjusting, shifting, and moving things around.  After all, there’s a big difference between how a bra feels in the fitting room, and how it feels when you’re being active all day.  Although smaller busted women don’t always struggle with finding proper support, I’ve always had issues with the bra either fitting right in the cups but shifting around my body, or fitting firmly around my body but the cups were too small.  Finally starting to shop at the right places, and discovering brands that value a good fit instead of a good sale has been the most important change I’ve made in shopping.

After I got home, I tried it on under some different types of tops, and from t-shirts to bustiers, it seems to work with it all! I especially loved the result when paired with my previous Bare Essential purchase–I mean the fact that I could get this lift without a push-up? And I was comfortable? I was sold.

What’s your favorite confidence-boosting purchase? Have you struggled with any of the same issues as me? Comment away!

Turn to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for Simultaneous Depression and “Empowerment”

Posted on by
4

Today we have a guest post from Kelsey, who watched the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and had lots to say about it as a result. When you’re done reading, you should also go sign up for the giveaway that we’re running with Knickerocker!

In case you live under a rock, I should inform you that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show invaded CBS network Tuesday night.  When it comes to the company, I’ll admit that I’m completely torn.  I love the style of all of their products, I’m a sucker for lace, bows, things that sparkle, and basically anything that screams, “Look at me!”  So, Victoria’s Secret sucked me in that way.  Unfortunately the fit of their bras is atrocious, and the “expertise” of their employees is even worse.  That being said, I continue my unhealthy relationship with the company because their branding simply won’t let me move on. And the annual fashion show is the perfect example why.

For those of you who don’t know, the fashion show started out many years ago as a way to show off the way the company has transformed underwear into, basically, works of art.  Over the years, I’ve seen it develop into more of a spectacle, with performances from chart-topping artists, the angel wings growing bigger and bigger (while the models seem to shrink), and different themes developing for each part of the show–this year they included: Circus, Calendar Girls, Silverscreen Angels, and In Full Bloom.  Regardless of your views on the company, its hard to deny that it’s one of the sexiest forms of entertainment.

The Daily Beast

However, there was one component they added this year that really just irked me.  The behind the scenes footage and commentary had the models explaining their favorite parts of being a coveted Angel. Traveling, shooting with famous photographers, and the holiday commercials were amongst the frequented responses, followed by one model’s statement that she loved being part of something that was so “empowering to women.”

Really??

I love the garments and I think the models are gorgeous, albeit a little too thin, but who are they kidding here?  Myself and about 60% of the girls on my campus tweeting about “time to stop eating,” or “let me just grow two feet and lose 45 pounds,”  followed by the hashtag, #VSFS2012, would argue that the last thing Victoria’s Secret does is empower women.  After that commentary was aired, I noticed the Victoria’s Secret Twitter and Instagram accounts coincidentally started making a couple posts about either the new workout videos that are integrated into the sport clothing line, and pictures of the supermodels working with a chef to prepare healthy meals.  This all gave the immediate illusion that the models maintain healthy lifestyles and that towering at 5’11” and 120 pounds is all part of being a “normal woman.”

The Daily Beast

To be clear, I have nothing against the models themselves, but at least own up to how you got to where you are.  The reality is that being a model means maintaining your body and your image is your full-time job.  An unrealistic possibility for pretty much every other woman on the planet.  Then, they replay video footage and images with the Angels strutting around in lacy thongs and claiming these models don’t need a man to feel beautiful.  They can feel confident, sexy, and beautiful all on their own as long as they have their Victoria’s Secret lingerie sets on. Right. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that they’re all tall, thin, bronzed, waxed, toned, and buffed to perfection.  But if they want to call that “women’s empowerment,” then so be it.

I guess I’m just wondering who they’re thinking they’re able to fool with this new marketing initiative.  Like, which one of their employees spoke up at a brainstorming session and said, “Hey, after the incredibly select group of Angels are done prancing around in their underwear without a jiggle in sight, let’s have one of the models say that it’s about women’s empowerment.  Yea, I think that’s a home-run idea.”

The Daily Beast

To me, Victoria’s Secret has always been more about the sex appeal than the function.  Which is fine, it works for them, and occasionally I buy into it because bows make me feel pretty.  BUT, don’t you dare take over social media for a night and shove your perfect bodies in my face as I switch to eating a bag of celery for dinner, and tell me you’re empowering me.  Just be upfront about what the brand is about, and don’t try to tell me it’s normal or in anyway healthy for women to look up to.

The Daily Beast

That being said, I’ll sign off with with this lovely excerpt quoted in a Daily Beast article from one of the most notable Angels, Candice Swanepoel.

Must be nice….Not that I’m bitter or anything.

What do you think? Am I overreacting? Do you agree/disagree/even care?

Guest Boutique Review: New Vision Lingerie Boutique

Posted on by
Reply

Kelsey is back! This time she’s guest posting about her lingerie boutique discovery in Lake Placid. I’m really fascinated by boutique reviews, since I don’t get to do many and I have to buy off the internet so heavily. Although, New Vision would have had me at water and chocolates too!

Ever since I started learning more about the lingerie industry, I’m fascinated with what’s actually out there on the market and not just conveniently located at my nearest Victoria’s Secret.  Turns out, there are more, and way better options.  Unfortunately, living in Poughkeepsie, New York, there aren’t tons of options of lingerie stores besides the regular big chains, and department stores.  I’ve found that department stores generally carry a pretty good selection of brands, but there’s obviously still a difference from a boutique with associates that are specialized, and actually interested in the garments.  Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that although the beauty of the internet gives me access to pretty much any brand of lingerie I want, it’s not the same as visiting the store, chatting with the workers, and yes, actually trying something on.

It’s funny I should talk about the value of trying things on since I’m normally a shopper who prefers to “wing it” instead going through the process of actually taking off my clothes, putting on something that probably won’t fit right, just to have to change back into my original clothes.  It’s exhausting!  However, after I blogged about my first real bra fitting (yes, I’m a real girl now!), learning my actual size, and feeling how a bra should actually fit, I accepted that it would be helpful to try a couple bras on if I have the benefit of being in an actual store.

Which brings me to my main point–I was recently in Lake Placid, New York for our annual family vacation.  I’m a “black sheep” of sorts in my family, they all enjoy being outdoorsy and hiking 10 miles a day, where I’m more of a lay-by-the-pool-with-a-drink kind of vacationer.  Alas, in a town like Lake Placid, filled with quirky gift shops and hiking stores, I did manage to find a lingerie boutique, New Vision Lingerie.  The name is fitting to one of the many reasons I love lingerie, it gives you a new way to see yourself.

 Inside, it was filled with walls and walls full of bras. Pretty much every wall looked like this from floor to ceiling, so there certainly wasn’t a lack of options.

Even things I didn’t know I wanted somehow manifested themselves in this small shop in an even smaller town.  Like this piece from the bridal wall.  I’m nowhere close wanting to settle down, but after staring drooling at the bridal pieces, I started warming up to the idea…

It was a great opportunity to actually try on brands that I’ve seen online, but haven’t gotten around to seeing in a store.  The fitting rooms were roomy and had great lighting (which really helps when you’re trying on a bra after eating a big meal…), and a measuring tape was in there too.  Just out of curiosity, I measured myself again to see if I really was a 28D that another store had told me.  Turns out I was, and Victoria’s intriguing little secret is really just hiding your true bra size from you.  I guess I’m a little miffed that I went five-ish years being told I was a 34B.  New Vision Lingerie also offered free water and chocolate by the dressings rooms too, talk about customer service!

I love anything with "free" and "chocolate" :)

Just like the other boutique I had been in, I was given about a million different options in a couple different sizes to see what was the most comfortable.  While they didn’t carry the 28D in the white push-up bra I had my heart set on, the 28C fit just as well.  I walked out with the white bra from Affinitas, matching lace panties, and of course I couldn’t pass up the wonderful Jezebel bustier with garter straps.  

Although I put up with a lot of things that were out of my element on this adventurous vacation, I stumbled up New Vision Lingerie on the last night in town and took it as a sign that it was my reward for making it through another family vacation.  But it also reminded me that until you’re comfortable knowing how you fit into certain brands and styles, really the only way to figure it out is through the trial and error of dressing rooms.  And there’s no better place to do it than a boutique, where the associates are happy to help, and the quality of the shopping experience is almost as good as that of the products.

Happy shopping!

Making Underwear Outerwear

Posted on by
Reply

Looking at, and trying on lingerie all day can definitely start to affect what I wear.  Sometimes I come across a bra and panty set, or a bustier that is just so adorable I want to wear it out of the house.  Unfortunately, those types of decisions are generally frowned upon in society.  The good news is that there are increasingly more ways to work your underwear into becoming part of your outerwear, in an acceptable fashion.

But what I’ve found, for myself at least, is that I tend to wear garments strictly as they’re modeled.  I spot a lace camisole and the model is braless and lounging with a feather boa? I’ll be doing the same.  Or that floral kimono robe that’s being shown with sky-high heels and the belt loosely undone?  You can bet I’ll be parading around my room as if I’m the actual model.  It isn’t until I fall so in love with a garment that I just have to let it leave the house and be a main character in my outfit, that I have my eureka! moment and everything falls into place–appropriately.

Real quick, lets just do a little review of what it is I’m talking about…

If you do this in your lace bed dress, stay inside:

Image from Lingerie Talk

Or try this street friendly version!

Image from A Glamorous Little Side Project

One of the easiest ways to start incorporating your items in your everyday outerwear is using a body suit and a skirt.  Just your body and sheer lace is totally sexy in the bedroom, but even the most liberal of cities might blush at this as outerwear.  Throw on a bra, and layer a white camisole underneath, then top it off with a high waisted pencil skirt, or even high waisted shorts.  And I think that a nicely fitted blazer never hurts any outfit.  Love love love this piece from Lola Haze.

Camisoles are another great piece to transition from night to day.  Often modeled without a bra and with matching panties, this is an easy fix.  Just grab a bra and throw pants or a skirt on top of those matching panties and you’re street approved. Couldn’t decide which I liked better from Amuse Bouche–the floral lace, floral appliqués, or the hair.

Amuse Bouche

Amuse Bouche

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is another camisole from Sonata Lingerie which seems more like a blouse to me, but it would be adorable wherever and however you choose to wear it–with jeans, tucked into a skirt, under a blazer, or just with the matching panties in your own home!

Bella Bella Boutique

Kimonos and bed jackets are current trends that you can show off in multiple fashions.  If you need a little refresher on the trend click here.  I use them the same way I would use a sweater or a tunic–throw together to make leggings/jeans and a tank top look super fancy when you really didn’t have to try that hard at all :)  These are two of my favorites, a bed jacket from Brown Belly (found at Etsy), and a wrap that can double as a dress from Between the Sheets.

Etsy

Between the Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I’m mastering the transition from boudoir to public areas, I’ll have just another excuse to expand my lingerie wardrobe! What’s your favorite way to incorporate your lingerie pieces into everyday outfits?

Staying Sexy in Sportswear

Posted on by
Reply

In light of the upcoming olympics, as well as my renewed love of the gym (we’ll see how long that lasts…) I decided that it was an appropriate time to take a look at sportswear.  Although it doesn’t always offer the same opportunities for delicate details, frills, luxurious silk fabrics, and matching panties–sportswear is no excuse to be boring!

I’ll admit that I’ve fallen victim to sticking with typical nude, black, and grey sports bras, after all I’m just throwing a big t-shirt over it anyway, right?  It’s not like I’m trying to seduce somebody as I look like I’m taking my last step for life on the StairMaster.  Although it’s fun to show off new lingerie and undergarments, I am reminded that I love these sexy items because of the sense of empowerment they give me all on my own.  And why not feel strong and sexy while you’re getting strong and sexy?

Sportswear is something that is frequently overlooked as being “sexy” or part of high end fashion, but there are plenty of items out there that will get you excited to start being active, even if it’s just to get dressed for the gym!

Red Daisy offers two different options catering to both fuller cup sizes with underwire, and a soft-cup option.  Whichever you choose also depends on how high or low impact your activities are.  Luckily you’ll look adorable either way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Body Rock also has some great options, I especially love the Zip ‘Em Up collection.  I definitely could kick some major butt in this studded design.

Swimwear often goes hand in hand with lingerie, both in fit and design.  And while those itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikinis are cute, just like lingerie they’re not always appropriate or functional for active swimwear.  For those of you who use a bathing suit for more than catching a few rays, Figleaves makes sure you can still swim in style.  This color-blocked performance swimsuit is a great option for fuller chests.

Don’t forget that in order to get the best sportswear, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting the right size.  After all, what good is a sports bra if it doesn’t fulfill it’s purpose of keeping you comfortable and in control (no matter how cute it is)?  Since most of these products are offered in sizes XS-XL, Red Daisy shows a guide to make sure you can keep the same great fit from your lingerie to your sportswear.

No matter how you decide to be active–yoga, dance, running, sports, or for those of us who are feeling ambitious, marathon and triathalon participants– a couple drops of sweat is no excuse to not feel sexy and confident!  So make sure that your sportswear wardrobe is just as fabulous as you are ;)

Sizing Me Up

Posted on by
5

I get lots of questions about how one gets started buying lingerie and my answer is pretty much always the same thing: find a good boutique and go get measured. If you don’t live near a boutique, The Sophisticated Pair has an amazingly accurate bra calculator and is a good place to start. Our newest contributor, Kelsey, went to a boutique and tried the process out for herself.

One of the most important aspects of shopping for lingerie or just an every day bra is knowing which size to get.  A year or so ago I sloppily threw a measuring tape around myself and came up with the size 34B.  I never questioned it.  That is until I decided to take my first adventure to a lingerie store other than Victoria’s Secret.  Bare Essentials, in Wilmington, Delaware is a local boutique which specializes in professional bra fitting.  I always have considered myself to have a small chest, so trying anything above a B cup was simply out of the question.  I was a little scared of what my actual size was, in addition to some recent weight loss I knew that I had to be smaller. Upon entering the boutique, I spoke to the owner, Liz who took me right to a fitting room to get all sized up.

And now, the moment of truth….28D??

No…

Before I could come to terms with that, Liz was already rushing off to retrieve a number of different bras for me to try.  Padded, push-ups, lightly lined, sheer, corsets…Bare Essentials made me feel like a kid in a candy shop.  Even better, after I tried on the first bra, I realized I had been doing it all wrong before–if there was a bra equivalent of Cinderella’s glass slipper, this was it.  I’ll share with you two of my favorites, and one more that I walked out being the proud owner of.

First, to give you an idea of what I was dealing with before, this is me in my 34B nude, plain, ugly bra (which I now hate).

Not exactly a perfect fit...

Not exactly a perfect fit...

The first bra Liz brought me was from Harlequin by Panache, a lightly padded white silk, plunge bra with some bow detailing (fun fact: if there’s one thing I love more than lace, it’s bows).

Already, from the fit I could tell that this bra loved me just as much as I loved it.  There was no weird spillage out the sides, the band wasn’t too loose around my torso, everything was tucked in nice and neatly, and the adorable look didn’t hurt either.

Another one I loved was a push up from Pizzo Leavers with lace and bows and rhinestone details.  Too good to be true.

Finally, I tried on a lace bustier in red from b.tempt’d.  After help from Liz fastening all the hooks in the back (no, you cannot put it on over your head like a t-shirt), it was love at first sight.

It fit like a glove and besides supporting my chest, it accomplished the second most important task of lingerie, it gave me confidence, which was all I needed to tell me that this was a purchase I needed to make.

If I were a superhero, this would be my uniform, wearing it under my clothes everyday, prepared to bare all when I need to rescue another helpless woman from wearing the wrong bra size. Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away here, but my point is that something as simple as knowing your size can do wonders for your figure and your confidence.

Being somebody who had only browsed online, and read the blogs of high end lingerie fashion, I look back on my first in-person endeavor and measurement as something that should have happened much earlier.  But better late than never right?


While you’re here, why don’t you sign up to win some gorgeous made to measure lingerie?