Freya 'Arabella' bra - reviewed!

  After hearing several rave reviews about the Freya 'Arabella' bra, I was very keen to try it out for myself. As a new convert to the world of small bra back sizes and big cup sizes, the 'Arabella' seemed a perfect option to go for. As a 28 back size, I was pleased that Freya stocked my size and offered band sizes up to a 38 and cup sizes from C to J. The choice of colours for the 'Arabella' bra is particularly impressive; black, pink, navy, red, noir, cassis - to name a few! I went for the navy 'midnight' colour as it was on sale down from the usual RRP of £30 at Leia Lingerie.

  The 'Arabella' bra is a full cup plunge bra and features sheer mesh cups with finely embroidered scallop edging, fairly thick straps for support and bow details on the straps and in the centre of the bra. Freya have been particularly clever to think about the way that the bra should be manufactured for GG-J cups, who may need a little extra support in the cups. For these cup sizes, an extra layer of mesh has been added to the cups at the bottom for reinforcement, but the cups still remain semi-sheer.

I purchased the 'Arabella' bra in both a 28F and 28FF. Due to sometimes varying between brands and different styles, buying both the F and FF enabled me to assess the fit. I ended up going for the FF, as it didn't cut into any breast tissue and gave a more rounded shape.

A picture of the 28FF:

  I had never tried a full cup bra before, but I found the 'Arabella' to be surprisingly comfy and gave a good, rounded shape - something I initially thought impossible due to the mesh material of the cups. The mesh is actually quite thick and is more of a 'power mesh' that supports the breast in the cup, rather than stretching (N.B. Most of the support should come from the band anyway!) My only criticism of the 28 band size, was that it felt a little looser than some other Freya bras I own, but the overall fit and comfort of the bra is so good that this can be overlooked. The straps are also very comfortable and I feel very supported!

Detail of the mesh and embroidery: 

  I love the fact that this bra is both a 'bedroom' and everyday bra! It is the perfect synthesis between aesthetics and support - sexy and supportive is a winning combination for any fuller busted lady! The colour combination of the dark navy mesh set off with light blue embroidery and bright green bows at first had me undecided, but when I tried it on, it looked really chic and classy!

  All in all, I am very impressed with the Freya 'Arabella' bra and would highly recommend it to any C+ cupped lady. I now have my eye on the 'Cassis' version, which I may well have to purchase in the near future..

Love,

Kitty xo

A trip around our online world

New York, USA

The proliferation of mega cities around the planet is perhaps the most visible manifestation of the march of civilised mankind. Equally visible to us here at Black Magazine is the proliferation of
fans' we are experiencing on our Facebook page. Today, we crossed the 30,000 mark and outside our home fanbase in New Zealand now have 12 cities that are home to over 500 Black Magazine Facebook fans, some have several thousand. Other cities of note include; Melbourne, Brisbane, Santiago, Quezon City, New Delhi, Madrid, Milan, Mexico City, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. We are, of course, deeply excited about this and welcome all new and existing fans to Black Magazine and our online sites. Whilst we hope to travel to some of these cities over the next year or so, some of our key contributors already live in them, and their contributions since the first issue continue to be essential to the Black ethos. In the meantime, here is a selection of images of these great (500 plus) cities, a trip around our online world. To our new online friends....

Nau mai, haere mai...(welcome).

Sydney, Australia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

London, United Kingdom

Mumbai, India

Jakarta, Indonesia

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Makati City, Philippines

Paris, France

My story

Although I'm a self-professed lingerie-a-holic, I haven't always been ecstatic at the thought of buying new underwear...

 My story starts as a young girl being fitted into my first bra (a 34A). Throughout my teenage years, I'd never been particularly busty and the trip to buy new bras at M&S never really excited me. I'd never really thought much about my size and the way bras were fitted until I was feeling a bit uncomfortable in my 34C one day and I decided to go for a fitting - So off I trundled to M&S...

 In the fitting, the lady said that I was a 34C. On explaining that I was currently wearing a 34C, which felt loose in the back and too small in the cup, I suggested that perhaps I needed a smaller back size, to which she replied "Try the 32D" and walked off! I bought a couple of 32D's which still weren't quite right for me, but I didn't think much of it until I heard about Bravissimo.

 The next time I needed a fitting, I went to Bravissimo in London, wearing a 34D (which I assumed was my size). The lady who fitted me was absolutely lovely and made me feel very at ease, and surprise, surprise, I was wearing the wrong size! She refitted me as a 28F/FF (depending on the brand) and she recommended lots of different styles to suit my shape. I ended up buying the Freya 'Deco' bra in black, which to this day is my absolute favourite staple bra:

(Freya 'Deco' bra in black - £30, Bravissimo)

 Ever since my revolutionary bra fitting at Bravissimo, I've found that buying 28 backed bras have made so much difference to the way bras fit and support me. I really can't recommend Bravissimo enough to the larger busted lady!

 I think the problem is that most highstreet stores aren't aware of the need to stock smaller back sizes, making it even harder to fit women into the correct bra. There certainly needs to be a fitting revolution, because if the figures are anything to go by, too many women are wearing the wrong bra size. If around 80% of women are wearing the wrong size, there needs to be more done to ensure women are fitted corrected. From what I can see, the reason for this figure is due to the way fittings are conducted on the highstreet - 'add on' (+1,  +2, +3) inches to under and over bust measurements ultimately lead to inaccuracies. There should be more emphasis placed on retraining fitters and expanding the stock of smaller back sizes.

So what can you and I do? To help ensure you're not one of those fitted in the wrong size, be aware of how a bra SHOULD fit you. Take Bravissimo's bra fit guide, for a few preliminary tips:

http://www.bravissimo.com/perfectfit/

The important thing is to find a bra that fits you comfortably - with the underband of the bra giving the most support through a snug and firm fit and the bra cups fully encasing the breast tissue. Don't be part of the 80% who are wearing the wrong size, be part of the bra fitting revolution!

Love,
Kitty xo

Welcome to Undercover Lingerista!

Hello and welcome to Undercover Lingerista, a blog dedicated to all things pretty and lingerie-related. Previously I have owned a few fashion blogs and after reading some great lingerie blogs, I decided to venture into the realm of lingerie blogging! There's nothing like new lingerie to make any girl feel a million dollars, so this slice of the net is dedicated to just that..all things lingerie - new underwear trends, bargain buys, dressing for your shape, bra reviews, bra buying tips and lots more!

I want to focus above all on bras and lingerie buying for bigger busts, due to recently discovering that I am a 28FF. Finding out my new size has meant that I have been investigating bras to suit more 'unusual' bra sizes that aren't easily found on the highstreet!

Any comments and suggestions about what you'd like to see me cover in this blog are very welcome.

As I always say, feeling beautiful starts with the basics...and for me, that means gorgeous lingerie!

Love,
Undercover Lingerista - Kitty xo

Black #14: Derek Kettela to shoot Ashley Smith

Image: Ronald Dick for Lurve Magazine

This Tuesday, one of our New York teams comprising photographer Derek Kettela, fashion editor Michelle Cameron and hair and make-up artist Valery Gherman are heading upstate New York to the legendary town of Woodstock to shoot Ashley Smith. Smith, who has appeared in both Rushh and our own 1AM in recent times is one of the world's favourite gap toothed models and recently appeared on the cover of Beauty Inc with the mother of gap, Lauren Hutton. Our suggestion to the crew? Do NOT take the brown acid...

Image: Armin Morbach for Tush Magazine

Elizabeth...

..Taylor, a giant of the screen, the prettiest star, has left this mortal coil. There are few words...here's a few of our favourite images of the great lady...rest in peace Liz...legend. gnrxox

Love.

Super cute Bally bucket bag

i love me some flared wide leg jeans

Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman

you can buy for me, yes???


http://www.dwr.com/product/designers/r-t/eero-saarinen/womb-chair-classic-boucle.do

A long hot summer just passed us by...

Muriwai Beach, 2-to-3 foot and glassy from our deck

...while Mother Earth ravaged places close to us and dear to our hearts: Christchurch, Queensland and of course, Japan, have had to endure unfathomable difficulties recently. Here at Muriwai, on Auckland's West Coast, La Nina has delivered a pristine summer of gorgeous days, good surf and much loved family and friends. It has been surreal to watch, read and assimilate the images and information that has accompanied the devastation whilst we were experiencing a classic New Zealand summer, in Auckland. It has also been humbling. Every New Zealander has been affected by the earthquake in Christchurch and deeply moved to try and help. We have all been inspired by the strength of the people of Canterbury and their response and resilience. A great New Zealand trait.

Support, and more exactly, money is going to be required for some time yet to get the new Christchurch up and running. On Tuesday 5th of April Black Magazine is presenting an event featuring the combined talents of Salasai and Nick Von K Jewellery, a component of which will raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Red Cross fund. It will be a night of films, performance and an exhibition of photographs by Russ Flatt that will be silent-auctioned on the night, with the proceeds going to Christchurch. It is invite only but we will cover it here on Blacklog and our Facebook page. Here is a Muriwai sunset at the end of the golden summer...we feel very grateful...

Black #14: Adam Custins shoots portraits

Gregor McGregor, his wife Pura and their son George, 1910
Photo: Frank. J. Denton, Whanganui

We are shooting portraits this issue with photographer Adam Custins, based upon the legacy of Rachael's great-great grandmother Te Pura McGregor and Rachael's ancestry, or whakapapa. We have realised the story in a modern-retro style with Maori, European and Chinese models.  Rachael is also Samoan, German, Irish and Scottish in her bloodline so this shoot is all about representing the multi-cultural bloodlines that abound in Aotearoa. Adam has been shooting on large format Polaroid film and to date the models have been; Yasmine @ Clyne, Danielle @ 62, Eve @ August, Seon @ Clyne, and Henry and Grace.


Te Pura Manihera was a chieftainess of Ngā Poutama at Matahiwi pa, forty miles north of Whanganui and the daughter of  Te Manihera who married Scotsman Gregor McGregor. She was the first Maori woman to receive an O.B.E (Order of the British Empire) and often led the haka for her tribe, sometimes in battle, in the late 19th Century. Later that night she would be comfortable integrating with the new settlers in a stylish Victorian ensemble and was capable of eloquent conversation. In one of numerous historical passages about Te Pura she is described as follows; "Pura was always beautifully dressed and never lost her grace and charm. She always walked slowly. At the same time she retained her skill in leading the haka, especially when it was one of welcome, and immediately afterwards, with all the dignity of true Maori aristocracy, she could adorn any (European) drawing-room, knowing instinctively what to do." Below is a photo of Te Pura (centre, with mere) and group at Tesla Studios, Whanganui, circa 1900...look out for the modern interpretation featuring Kiri and Jason Nathan, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme Des Garcons, Therese Rawsthorne, Wunderkammer Jewellery and more....Te Manihera, Te Pura, Maata, Te Huiakama, Hori, Rachael...arohanui..x

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #10: Kiri Nathan AW 2011 by David K. Shields

Above and below: Lili, upstairs at Alberton House

This editorial featuring Kiri Nathan's AW 2011 range 'Hiamo' was shot by David K. Shields at Alberton House in Mt Albert on the day of Kiri's launch and show in the grand old building. It was a great night and Nathan used the building itself and its entire grounds to welcome us with a piece by the Atimira Dance Company prior to a show on the steps and walkways in front of the house. Inspired by dancer Jack Gray's Te Rarawa whakapapa from Mitimiti on the west coast of the Far North, it was a haunting and beautiful piece that set the tone for Kiri's creations perfectly, and those of her partner Jason Nathan, who created the beautiful pounamu pieces worn by the models. Hair by Matthew Benns @ Stephen Marr. Make-up by Phoenix Cosmetics. Models for both the show and shoot: Lili Sumner, Cheryl Waterbridge and Sharni Ripohau @ Red 11, Yasmine Bidois and Seon @ Clyne, Nicola Harris @ Nova and Genevieve Mora @ Vanity Walk. All clothing by Kiri Nathan, shoes by Kathryn Wilson.

Models in order below: Shani, Yasmin, Genevieve, Nicola, Seon, Rhianon, Cheryl, Shani, Cheryl.

The Department Store rolls up its sleeves for Christchurch

Image: Michigirl.com

This Sunday, in a collectively philanthropic effort, the founders of The Department Store are putting everything they have into raising funds for the people of Christchurch who have been so adversely affected by the Feb 22 earthquake. Karen Walker, Dan Gosling (BlackBox and Stolen Girlfriends Club), Stephen and Lucy Marr and Simon James will not only be donating every cent that crosses the counter to the Red Cross appeal but will also be spending the day there themselves to interact with supportive customers. Karen will be on hand to help style customers in store (has there been a better opportunity to have Karen as a personal stylist for a moment?), Stephen and Lucy (two of this country's best) will be cutting hair on the salon floor, Dan Gosling will be there with his team to help you pull together the slickest outfit you can and Simon James and staff will also be on hand, giving advice on design objects, books and interiors.

Add celebrities flipping sausages on the grill, top line DJs and the fabulous environment of The Department Store itself and you have a one-off, inclusive shopping experience that may never happen again. Be advised though, that Stephen Marr customers especially are urged to book early so call them on 09 488 0585 to do so...

Black #14: David Shields, Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce shoot neo-grunge

Lili & David

Kia ora koutou, we are right in the middle of our shooting schedule for Black #14, our 5th birthday issue, hence the low volume of posts lately. Yesterday, we crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge to shoot amongst the sandy cliff faces and reedy wetlands of the inner Waitemata Harbour. David Shields lensed the shoot, fashion editors Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce revisited the best of early grunge (circa 1988 - 1992) with a modern twist, Greg Murrell fashioned some suitable hair and Natalie Dent applied the make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics. Assistant fashion editor was the redoubtable Jessica Grubisa. Extra hair and flash shoes by Tom @ Ryder. Models were: Lili Sumner and Cory van Malland @ Red 11, Elena and David Lawson @ 62 Models. Without giving too much away here are some over-the-shoulder snaps of the day...

Rachael with Cory

Lili, hair by Greg

Elena, hair by Greg

Greg standing by with Elena (standing on rock)