Shaken but not stirred - The Freya Supernova 'Voodoo' bikini

On holiday, every girl dreams of emerging from the sea in true bond girl style, so when I spotted the glamorous Freya Supernova 'Voodoo' bikini on sale on Brastop, I had to snap it up! Freya's 'Supernova' collection builds on their previous 'Vodkatini' collection, which features the same bikini styles of an underwired cup bikini top and soft triangle non-wired top. Although only the underwired bikini top came in my 28FF size, I was intrigued to try the triangle bikini top in a 30F, as it was very different from the other bikini styles that I owned...

The Freya Supernova 'Voodoo' bikini is a striking raspberry pink colour, offset by sleek contrasting white and charcoal trimming. This eye-catching combination gives the bikini a feel of glamour and sophistication, whilst remaining quite classic looking. Both the bikini top and briefs are adorned with silvery charcoal buckles, which each feature the 'Freya' logo.

The buckle detailing on the Freya 'Supernova' immediately made me recall the gorgeous 'Bond girls': Ursula Andress and Halle Berry, who have set the big screens alight with hollywood glamour in their seductive buckle swimwear...

Not only is the Freya 'Supernova' bikini a feast for the eyes, but it is also ideal for bigger busts. The shape of the bikini is very curve-friendly and it gives great uplift and shape to your cleavage. The bikini briefs are also extremely flattering, giving good coverage and a smooth fit. The bikini is very comfortable to wear, due to its ultra-soft Riviera fabric and lightly padded non-underwire cups. Although I normally prefer underwired bikinis due to their firm support, the non-underwire 'Supernova' bikini top felt surprisingly secure. With its snap-clasp back, the 'Supernova' keeps your curves in place, so that although they may be shaken, they are definitely not stirred (if you will pardon the pun!)

My one plea to Freya would be that they extend the range of back sizes down to a 28 in the triangle style of the 'Supernova' bikini and in their other triangle styles, as the smallest back size available remains a 30. Although the 30F in the 'Supernova' is not a bad fit, it is a little bit big in the back and I feel that if there was a 28 back available, I would get the perfect fit. This would also mean that there would be less pressure on my neck from the halterneck ties at the top of the bikini, which are put under more strain if the back band is not quite tight enough.

Overall, I am delighted with the Freya Supernova 'Voodoo' bikini and it is clear that a lot of effort has been put into the style and fit. I am also impressed with the continued high quality of Freya's swimwear - the XtraLife lycra extends your bikini's lifespan through high chlorine resistance, meaning that you can 'wow' in your Freya bikinis time and time again! Although the 'Voodoo' model of the 'Supernova' bikini is running quite low in stock on Brastop, if you can't find your size, check out Bravissimo, Leia lingerie and Figleaves for some great alternative patterns, whilst keeping the same figure-flattering style and support of the Freya 'Supernova'!

Love,

Kitty xo

It's time to make a splash! Leia Lingerie and the Freya "Pier" bikini..

   With the weather hotting up and the flip-flops coming out more regularly, it's hard not to think about planning a relaxing summer holiday in the sun. On a recent shopping expedition, I couldn't help but admire the colourful swimwear collections on the highstreet, but as a 28FF, I sadly resigned myself to the fact that finding the perfect fitting swimwear was going to be a challenge. For years, I've had problems finding swimwear in my size - buying bikini separates in a size 14 for my top half and size 10 for my bottom half just doesn't cut it and gives little support. I decided that the only option was to buy swimwear that fits like underwear and comes in cup sizes. The only problem with this, is that most highstreet brands start at a 32 back, so I still couldn't find the perfect bikini..that was until I discovered the gorgeous Freya swimwear stocked at Leia Lingerie.

As a loyal customer to Leia Lingerie, they kindly offered me the opportunity to wear-test the Freya "Pier" halterneck bikini and ruffle bikini briefs in red - a set that I have been lusting after for some time!

                (Bikini top: £33 & Briefs: £19.50)

As always, I am impressed with Leia Lingerie's quick postage and well-packaged products:

As you can see from the picture, the "Pier" bikini is a striking bright red with little white polka dots - a colour and design guaranteed to turn heads on the beach. The style of the bikini top is extremely flattering for bigger busts, showing off your cleavage without revealing too much flesh. I chose the ruffle briefs, as a higher cut at the sides gives the impression of lengthened legs. The ruffle detailing and polka dots on this bikini give a real pin-up/ retro feel, making it a classic style that will suit every curvy girl, regardless of shape or size. 

In terms of support, I have never tried a bikini that I have felt comfortable running around the beach in, until the "Pier" came along! After giving it an extensive "jump test", I can confirm that the back remains firm and supportive and there is no worry at all about slippage or falling out! This has always been a worry for me, but in this bikini, I'd feel totally happy going on the most exhilirating of water rides, playing games on the beach and swimming in the sea! The bikini is also made from 'XtraLife' lycra, so you can rely on this bikini to deliver in both quality and comfort, whilst getting the support you'd otherwise only find in a bra.

The best thing about this range, is that Freya build on a classic polka dot pattern, producing alternative styles to suit different shapes and sizes. In addition to the halterneck bikini, the "Pier" range also boasts a bandeau top and tankini, for those who want to cover up a little more on the beach. You can choose from a variety of bikini bottoms, from the standard bikini brief to ruffle brief, skirt and skirt-brief, depending on your desired level of coverage! (Click here to see available styles)

All in all, I am very impressed with this bikini from Freya. It is stocked in a wide range of sizes (briefs from XS-XL) in cup sizes C-GG and back sizes 28-40. I would definitely recommend it to any curvy girl looking for great support on the beach! The "Pier" bikini is currently available in red and green on leialingerie.com, but don't fret if you can't find your size, because Leia are launching a variety of "Pier" styles in pink and classic black in June and July of this year respectively!

What style will you choose? One thing that's for certain, is that the "Pier" swimwear by Freya is guaranteed to melt a few ice-creams on the beach, so prepare yourself for showing off those sizzling curves in style...

Let the 2011 summer holiday count-down begin!

Love,

Kitty xo

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