Boux Avenue A/W12 press day & Robyn Lawley..Embrace your curves!

   A little while back I was lucky enough to be invited to Fluorescent PR's Autumn/Winter 2012 showcase, which included Boux Avenue. Boux has been all over the media recently after revealing Robyn Lawley as the new face (and curves) of the brand's new collection, 'Embrace your curves'. 

   Robyn is a stunning 6ft 2", size 14/16 (AUS) plus size model who hails from Austalia. Having graced the covers of Italian Vogue, French Elle and Marie claire, Robyn seems to be a great choice for the brand not just for her looks, but for her great outlook on body image. Robyn has mentioned that in the past she has struggled with eating disorders, but she has grown to love her body and her curves:

 "My body looks better as it is because that's the size I'm supposed to be, with curves. It's my natural body shape." (Australian Madison Magazine)

   It is refreshing to see her as the new brand figure head and it sends out a really positive message to women to be proud of their body, whatever shape or size.. 

   The Boux Avenue Autumn/Winter 2012 showcase was also nothing short of gorgeous, with an array of exciting new prints, colours and fabrics to make you feel fabulously flirty and feminine in true boudoir style. The 'Embrace your curves' collection is very size inclusive for a 'high street' name, offering sizes 30A-40H and sizes 8-20 in coordinates and nightwear. There was even a fabulous boudoir dressing table set up to display Boux's fashion and beauty accessories!

***

   Looking at Boux Avenue A/W12, three themes pervade the collection. The first is animal print, with everything from leopard print bras to bodies, chemises, loungewear, fluffy marabou mules and cat slippers!

(I love the black contrast piping on this body and bra set)

'Georgia' animal balconette bra, £26 (32A-36G)

Ruffle animal print camisole and pants set, £32

   Another key trend is luxurious jewel tones - purple, turquoise, raspberry pink and yellow chartreuse are married with opulent satin and lace fabric combinations...

'Lyla' satin balconette bra, £26 (30C-40G) - This raspberry coloured set makes fir a great update to traditional festive red and the delicate black contrasting lace gives a glamorous and seductive feel. This bra also comes with the option of 'fifties sex kitten' style high waisted shorts (£16)!

The unusual 'Carina' plunge bra in chartreuse, £26 (30E-38G) - I'm a sucker for a pretty plunge, so I'm keen to try this as I love the shape of it on the model (pictured above).

Lacey plunge bra in violet lace, £24 (30A-38F) (another rich purple tone bra)

   The third main theme of the collection was a vintage revival in the form of elegant balconettes in satin with sophisticated patterns of polka dots and vintage floral lace overlays, coupled with mesh, tulle, frills, bows and charms that hark back to bygone eras. These sets feel very 'old Hollywood'...

'Penelope' spot balconette bra, £28 (32A-38F) 

'Carmen' bandeau bra, £26 (32A-30E)

(Lace rosette bra)

Cutesy flock spot balconette plunge bra, £26 (32A-38E) (also comes as a babydoll)

'Nancie' satin and lace balconette bra, £26 (32A-38F) - One of my collection favourites, the 'Nancie' is a stunning peach tone satin and lace balconette bra that oozes vintage chic with its floral lace pattern, little frills and bow and cameo charm at the centre of the cups. This would make a great bridal bra alternative - if only it came in my size!

***

   The Boux Avenue A/W12 collection has some really gorgeous styles to suit a variety of tastes. I was a particular fan of the decadent jewel tones, satin and lace combinations and soft blush tones and vintage detailing. My only niggle is that not all of the lingerie starts at a 30 back and only select styles go up to an H. That aside, it's great to see more larger cup sizes readily available from a big name commercial brand! 

   Whilst I didn't have a great amount of luck with my first Boux Avenue try out, I am keen to try some newer styles in a 30 back as a few people have mentioned that some of them may work for a 28 back too.

Perhaps this A/W will see me 'embracing my curves' in some new Boux Avenue lingerie...

Shop the new Boux Avenue collection here.

Love,

Kitty xo

Lazy living with 'Lazeme' and Freya loungewear!

  It goes without saying that having a bit of ‘down’ time is a welcome respite in today’s constantly ‘on the go’ society. There is nothing better than finishing work for the week; having a lie-in, a late breakfast and a hot chocolate in your pj’s, whilst catching up on your favourite TV programme…

  Although you may own a gorgeous selection of lingerie and swimwear, what does your nightwear and loungewear say about you? How many of you can admit to keeping that old nightie that should have been binned years ago or that shapeless top and shorts that you bought in the sale..or maybe your boyfriend just wants his t-shirt back?

  When going through my wardrobe before I moved house, I was shocked to discover the quantity of badly fitting nightwear that I had kept in storage! As many girls with curves will admit, it is so difficult to find well-fitting and pretty nightwear that accommodates for a bust. It is annoying to have to buy a top a size or two bigger than your bottom half, as it leaves excess material, which swallows up any semblance of a figure.

  If you, like me, have felt nauseous at the thought of a sleepover or staying over at a guy’s house and showing off your badly fitting 'Hello Kitty' nightie, it is definitely time for you to join the loungewear revolution!

  The answer to my loungewear prayers came in the form of Lazeme (who stock an amazing array of swimwear, beachwear, and most importantly, sleep and lounge wear!) As a big Freya lingerie fan, I was thrilled to see that Lazeme stocked a number of Freya loungewear products.

  I absolutely loved the Freya Lounge ‘Gracie’ chemise, which is £29 and comes in three colours; black, lupin pink and teal. The best thing, is that Freya's knowledge of catering for bigger busts does not stop at their lingerie and swimwear. Freya have employed dual sizing in the 'Gracie', merging your clothing size (XS-XL) with your cup size (medium bust: B-DD and fuller bust: E-G), providing a superior fit.  

 

  With a 28FF bust and a clothing size of  8-10, I was not sure whether to order the 'Gracie' in a small (E-G) or extra small (E-G), so Lazeme kindly sent me both to assess the fit. I chose the teal colour 'Gracie', which arrived very quickly and was beautifully packaged, complete with a glossy brochure:

  As you can see from the picture, the 'Gracie' chemise is a little bit darker in colour than the product photo, but the rich teal colour will suit a variety of complexions. The actual design is fairly classic, offset by intricate, scalloped lace, which borders the bust. The bow at the centre of the 'V' cut neck line adds a touch of romance, making the chemise very girly, whilst also being quite sexy.

  My favourite feature, above all, was the 'secret support panel', which, although hidden from the outside, is integral to the support of  your bust. The feel of the inner panel's band is very different from that of a bra - it feels supportive under your bust, without being in any way constrictive.

  Most importantly, due to the viscose lycra fabric content, the 'Gracie' not only skims your curves, but is also extremely soft against your skin. I found the chemise very comfortable to sleep in and the inner panel kept my bust supported, no matter how much I tossed and turned in my sleep!

  With regards to sizing, I found that Freya's sizing in both the body and cup was quite generous in the 'Gracie' and I ended up keeping the XS (E-G). It is worth noting that if you are a size or two above a G cup, you may even be able to get away with the E-G bust sizing!

  The 'Gracie' is certainly a breath of fresh air for any curvy girl who needs a nightwear revamp. Freya shows that even when you are lounging around the house, that there is now all the more reason to feel comfortable, supported and fashionable. Next on my wishlist is definitely the 'Gracie' black long sleeved top and pj bottoms (£28 and £28) - ideal for the upcoming winter months!

To see Lazeme's full range of sleep and loungewear products, click here.

Love,

Kitty xo