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!

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   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!

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   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

A toast to the Masquerade 'Capella' bra

   Last November, I was delighted to get the opportunity to attend the Panache Spring/Summer 2012 press day held at the Sanctum Hotel. As a lover of sumptuous lingerie and beautiful patterns, it comes as no surprise that 'Masquerade' by Panache had me head over heels at first sight and the press day only served to confirm this!

  I viewed the Spring/Summer 2012 collections of Panache Superbra, Cleo, Panache Swimwear and Masquerade and although all of the ranges had pieces that I loved, it was Masquerade that stood out by a mile!

   Discovering the Masquerade range was akin to entering an Aladdin's cave of lingerie and the pieces had strong influences from Arabian antiquities and Persian exoticism - something reflected both in the patterns used and the rich fabric choices.

  

   With my taste for luxury, it was only to be expected that the Masquerade 'Capella' caught my eye, with its soft champagne satin sheen and exquisite contrasting black lace print! Since the Press day, I knew that the 'Capella' had to be mine, so when New Year came around and I saw this beauty discounted at Debenhams, I snapped this bra up quicker than you could say "2012"! 

(The 'Capella' bra comes in sizes 28-38 back and cup sizes D-G, whilst the short and thong come in sizes 8-18.) 

   The 'Capella' is a stunning underwired and moulded bra that is crossed between a balconette and plunge bra, with a 'sweetheart' shaped neckline. It is an extremely stylish and sophisticated bra and its champagne colour would suit a range of complexions, whilst appealing to a diverse age range. The rich satin and lace combination makes this bra very luxurious and opulent looking, without the extortionate designer price tag. 

   The 'Capella' features all over satin in a breathtaking champagne gold colour. The rich satin cups are set off by a delicately embossed intricate black floral lace pattern, which adds to the decadent vintage feel of this bra. To top it off, the 'Capella' boasts quite narrow satin wrapped straps and a pretty little black lace bow which adorns the centre of the bra.

(Close up showing the lace print detail, with the champagne satin peeking through from underneath)

   The 'Capella' is very cleverly designed, with its soft satin fabric and unusual printed lace cups, which give the bra a smooth finish. As a result, the 'Capella' remains fairly seamless under tight clothing, which is quite rare for such a pretty and ornate bra! 

   I was very impressed with the fit of the 'Capella' and my usual 28FF size was spot on. The back band felt snug and supportive (characteristic of Masquerade by Panache bras) and the shape it gave me was uplifted, rounded and with a nice cleavage to boot! My one criticism of the 'Capella' is that the straps are only partially adjustable, meaning that the strap 'lifespan' of this bra is greatly reduced.

   I was amazed at just how comfortable the 'Capella' was and I could happily wear it as an everyday bra, without feeling any digging in or discomfort at the end of a day at work. When it comes to comfortable everyday bras, I am usually a Freya 'Deco' girl, but the 'Capella' and its moulded cups, supportive fit and beautiful design would definitely encourage me to wear this bra everyday, as well as for 'special occasions'.

   At £39, the 'Capella' is not cheap, but it is very good value for money given its rich, quality fabrics and fantastic support. What's more, if you're tight for cash, you can snap up the 'Capella' for £27.30 on Figleaves at the moment. The 'Capella' also comes with the choice of an elegant satin and lace print short or thong (depending on your preference!) 

   The 'Capella' has quickly become one of my 'go to' bras of the moment and I love how silky soft the satin of this bra feels against my skin. This bra definitely makes me want to crack out the champagne and propose a toast..

"To Masquerade's 'Capella', for delivering comfort, support and style in equal measure!"

Love,

Kitty xo