Flirty in 'Fiona': Parfait by Affinitas 'Fiona' camisole review

   If you have read my blog about the Affinitas Intimates A/W12 press event a little while ago, you may have noticed that I took quite a shine to the Affinitas fuller bust range, 'Parfait', which encompasses sizes 30D-40G.

   Although I feel lucky that the larger bust lingerie market is expanding and I can now get a range of beautiful and supportive bras for all occasions in my size, it is not always quite as easy to find a bustier, camisole or babydoll for larger cup sizes. Highstreet stores often sell them in standardised clothing sizes with no cup sizes, so finding a boudoir beauty to fit a 28FF is about as unsuccessful as trying to squeeze my bust into those very same standardised undergarments! 

   As you can imagine, I was thrilled to come across 'Parfait' as the current collection offers some really glamorous and sexy boudoir pieces in addition to flirty everyday bras and comfy basics. One of the designs that particularly caught my eye was Parfait's padded wired 'Fiona' camisole in peacock blue, which Affinitas Intimates kindly sent me to try out...

      As 'Parfait' starts at a 30 back (and I'd heard reports that the 30 backs come up tighter than other brands), I decided to go for a 30F (sister size to my usual 28FF) and a size M (10/12) in the matching boyshorts.

   The Parfait 'Fiona' is a beautiful camisole made from silky stretch satin in a jewel tone blue (also comes in wine purple, black or white), complete with black lace trim along the underwired cups. The peacock blue tone was even more glamorous in the flesh and the satin has a slight shimmer to it when it catches the light. I really love the attention to detail on the 'Fiona' too - it features subtle pleats on the straps, embroidered panelling down the torso of the chemise and stylish contrasting black lace on the cups and a little bow and sequin motif at the centre of the cups.

    Additionally, the 'Fiona' boasts an absolutely knock-out detail at the back - a decorative lace-up corset design with ribbon ties and double layered mesh back panels, giving this camisole added sex appeal.  

   Aside from this camisole's obvious aesthetic appeal, it is also very easy to take on and off. There is no fiddly lacing up to do as the 'Fiona' has a half zipper and clasp closure at the side.

   I was pleased that the 'Fiona' in a 30 back was a good fit - not too snug or too loose. The stretch satin and mesh fabric makes the 'Fiona' very comfortable to wear and the material follows the natural contours of the body without feeling restrictive like some shapewear can. The only downside to the fabric is that it rucks up a little bit when worn, but it does not distract from this garment's beauty. 

  I felt very glamorous in this striking camisole and the peacock blue colour really pops against your skin tone whatever complexion you have. The black contrast lace also gives a hint of old Hollywood elegance to the 'Fiona', which I absolutely loved.

   I also really like that this camisole has moulded underwired cups - it is nice to have a little bit of lift and the 'Fiona' gives a great rounded shape to your cleavage. It is worth mentioning that the straps are only part adjustable and I had to tighten them as much as they would go. Luckily, as the 'Fiona' is not an 'everyday' item, I should still get plenty of wear out of this camisole without the straps becoming too loose too quickly. My only real regret with the 'Fiona' is that I ordered a 30F not 30FF and I feel that the cups ran a bit small (although not very obvious from the above pictures). 


   I am glad that I went for the Medium boyshort knickers (roughly a UK 10-12) as they fit me beautifully. They remind me a little bit in style of the Curvy Kate 'Thrill Me' shorts, but refined with less ruffles. Again, made from stretch satin, the 'Fiona' boyshorts are really comfortable to wear and look great on. The black lace, grosgrain sequin bow at the centre and ruffle trim make these boyshorts exude seductive sophistication and are sure to make you feel a million dollars.


   It's worth adding that these boyshorts give quite full coverage to your derrière but are still very flirty thanks to the mesh panel at the back - a great example of how less (fabric) is not always more (sexy)! Additionally, I love that they come with detachable suspenders - they look fabulous with black stockings to mirror the black lace contrast on the 'Fiona' camisole and knickers!

   I am really excited to have found 'Parfait' by Affinitas and the 'Fiona' is a truly glamorous 'boudoir' set. I also have my eye on some of the babydolls from the upcoming A/W collection which are absolutely gorgeous!

'Parfait' is certainly 'one to watch' and I will definitely be exploring more of this exciting brand in future... 

Find out more about stockists of 'Parfait' by Affinitas here.

Love,

Kitty xo

Affinitas Intimates A/W12 Press Day: Affinitas and Parfait

   If you haven't yet heard of Affinitas Intimates, you're in for a treat! Affinitas Intimates is an exciting (and relatively new) brand that boasts two ranges; one to suit a 'mainstream' market - 'Affinitas' (cup sizes 30-38 A-DD) and a 'fuller bust' market - 'Parfait' (cup sizes 30D-40G). 

   I originally came across the 'Affinitas' range and loved the flirty, feminine designs - from the pretty everyday bras to the glamorous babydolls, bustiers and chemises with embroidered lace, bows and ruffles. I was, of course, thrilled to find a fuller bust counterpart in the brand. It was such a great feeling to know that I could enjoy the stylish offerings of the Affinitas Intimates brand through the 'Parfait range.' 

   What differentiates 'Parfait' from some of the other fuller bust brands out there at the moment, is the desire to provide support as well as really fashion-forward and glamorous designs. The current collection has a wide range of styles to cover many different tastes; practical microfibre and cotton basics (e.g. Jeanie, Kelly, Casey), bras that make the cross-over between 'everyday' and 'special' occasion (e.g. Isabella, Anna) and boudoir beauties made from stretch satin (e.g. Charlotte, Fiona). The 'Parfait' range also includes bustiers, camisoles and babydolls. The brand clearly pay special attention to detail through their use of luxurious materials and pretty embellishments, so it was no wonder that 'Parfait' found a fan in me! (Product reviews coming soon!)

   To fuel my excitement about this new brand, I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend the Affinitas Intimates Autumn/Winter 2012 Press event, which took place at the Covent Garden Hotel, London.

   The Affinitas collections were showcased in the warmly lit 'Red room' and the plush red sofas and vintage-esque wallpaper gave the venue a sumptuous feel. After a bite of breakfast (fresh fruit slices and mini eggs benedict - yum!), I explored the 'Affinitas' and 'Parfait' ranges to see what they had in store for us for Autumn/Winter 2012...

AFFINITAS

   For those of you who fit into the 'Affinitas' size range, there are some gorgeous designs for A/W12. The collection is based around the concept of southern belles versus boudoir belles, country life meets the glamorous lights of the city..

   This charming gingham 'Taylor' bra set is updated in black and indigo colourways for A/W12. Gingham has made its way back into the style stakes again, so this is the perfect way to channel the rustic trend in style. The 'Taylor' also comes as a cute little chemise with a cream broderie anglaise style trim and black bow motif.

   The 'Victoria' is a contemporary interpretation of the popular animal trend. The vivid purple and white zebra print, delicate lace and pretty bows make this a very flirty and quirky set. The 'Victoria' also comes in a darker alternative of black/purple, which is equally seductive.

   For A/W12, Affinitas also have some very 'boudoir glam' offerings:

   The 'Sydney' takes on city chic, giving a feminine twist to the tuxedo. This bra set features soft satin panels in black and rich maroon with pretty detailing; a white lace trim and 'coquettish dual buttons'. This contour push up bra is the ideal cleavage enhancer and the high waist garter belt really adds to the glamour of this set.

   The 'Jennifer' provides the very best in boudoir elegance. The black mesh and lace overlay set against the sumptuous emerald green makes this a really sexy set. Aside from a cleavage flattering lingerie set, the 'Jennifer' is also available as a seductive bustier!

   As you may well know, I absolutely adore longline bras, so I did get a pang of envy when I saw these beauties! Aptly named, 'Marilyn', these vintage style longline bras and high waisted (thong back) knickers are incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. (Also comes as a chemise - below)

   Last but not least, I couldn't resist fawning over the cute Affinitas bridal lingerie set and basque - definitely one to check out if you're a bride to be and lucky enough to fit the sizing..

PARFAIT BY AFFINITAS 

   And now, to the eagerly anticipated fuller bust range: 'Parfait' by Affinitas! The Parfait Autumn/Winter12 range is every bit the decadent counterpart to the Affinitas range. The collection is like looking inside a pin-up girl's wardrobe! The range is replete with stunning satin balconettes, underwired lace babydolls, retro high-waisted knickers and more..

   I loved the gorgeous 'Angelina' set - the black polka dot mesh overlay on a metallic base gives it a very seductive, burlesque feel. The 'key hole' cut-out and bow at the centre of the bra cups is really original too. For added boudoir appeal, the underwired 'Angelina' babydoll looks like a great curve-flatterer!

   The 'Angelina' also comes in this interesting berry pink colour with mink brown lace overlay. This colour combination is proving to be a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it. I personally keep swaying back and forth - the colour combination looks slightly odd unworn, but it looks great worn in this press picture...what do you think?

   Take a walk on the wild side in the 'Leslie', which offers both a plunge and balconette bra. The 'Leslie' is based on this season's popular 'Charlotte' bra (review to come!) The on-trend animal print, black piping, pin-up style red bows and stretch mesh look set to make the 'Leslie' another big hit for A/W!

   Say hello to all-over lace with 'Madeline'! The vivid blue scalloped lace trim and dainty bows give this padded plunge and high waisted knicker set a vintage edge - simple but effortlessly elegant!

   The unpadded 'Madeline' in grey lace with baby pink lace trim and bows - this would make for a lovely, girly everyday set.

   The 'Stella' comes in a chocolate/mink shade, featuring a decadent satin and lace combo. The central lace-up corset detail and crystal droplets make for beautiful finishing touches!

   The 'Stella' is also available as an underwired and unpadded babydoll - I love the teal gem tone!

   Channel your inner glamourpuss with the 'Alexis' in this stunning gem tone pink/purple. Luxurious satin, floral lace and a beautiful bow and teardrop crystal bead hanging charm add to this set's feminine elegance. A beautiful set both in the moulded bra form and unpadded babydoll.

   This season's 'Donna' bra is updated in mink (and black) for A/W..this unpadded set is a great 'not-so-basic' set, with its pretty bow detailing.

   The popular 'Fiona' bra comes back in vibrant scarlet red, which is spot on for A/W (being the festive season and all!) The black contrast lace trim and bow motif make this a very glamorous set indeed! This would look amazing paired with red lippie and black stockings too..

The 'Fiona' is also available in this gorgeous champagne satin and coffee lace colourway, which I slighty prefer to the red - it is a little bit more unusual, understatedly chic and incredibly sophisticated!

***

   I had a great time at the Affinitas Intimates press day and want to say a big thank you to the delightful Lynsey for taking me through the collections. I am really excited by the A/W12 'Parfait' range and can't wait to try some of these beautiful sets when they launch! Definitely a brand to watch..

To find out more about your nearest Affinitas and Parfait stockist or online retailer, visit their website here.

Love,

Kitty xo

New fuller bust brand spotlight: Alegro Lingerie (C-J cup)

   As a lingerie blogger and the owner of a 28FF bust, I am always on the look out for brands that cater to the larger bust. Sure, we have all heard of the major team players in the ‘larger cup’ market, but what about the new and emerging brands..the diamonds in the rough waiting to be snapped up by media attention and heralded as the ‘brand to watch’?

  I am excited to say that there is indeed a new brand on the block for the fuller busted amongst us. This brand boasts a core collection that starts at a 30 back and goes up to a 46 back and offers cup sizes from a C to a J cup!

Excited? Of course you are!

 The brand in question is Alegro Lingerie, which was founded in 2008 and began by targeting a North American market. Luckily for those of us living in Europe, Alegro is now spreading its wings to share the lingerie love with more of us!

   Alegro prides itself on providing “superior foundation support for [the] curvy and difficult to fit woman”, whilst equally combining this with affordable prices and a “sense of elegance and seduction” in design. With the emphasis firmly placed on fit, comfort, support and contemporary yet timeless designs, Alegro definitely captured my attention!

  I was over the moon when I was offered the chance to try one of Alegro’s bras; the ‘Dreamweaver’ in black. The ‘Dreamweaver’ forms part of Alegro’s ‘continuity collection’ and aside from the black colourway, it will also come in seasonal fashion colours (e.g. for A/W12, a teal and ‘ocean’ turquoise blue is available).

(Dreamweaver bra (£44) and short (£14))

   Although I generally wear a 28FF-G, I will always give a 30 back a try, as every brand’s sizing is slightly different. I went for a 30FF in the Alegro 'Dreamweaver' to be on the safe side..

   As you can see from the picture, the ‘Dreamweaver’ is an underwired, unpadded and softly lined bra with a 3-piece cup construction. The design is very simple, yet timeless and feminine, with its delicate floral-swirl embroidered pattern and slightly scalloped mesh cup panels. To add to the bra’s elegant feel, the straps also feature intricate embroidery and a rose motif, whilst at the centre of the cups is a pretty little ribbon bow and rose.

   The ‘Dreamweaver’ design actually reminded me quite a lot of Curvy Kate’s unpadded bras, such as the ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’ and ‘Portia’, so imagine my surprise when I was informed that Alegro’s head of design, Karen Ellis, is also the creative brain behind these popular Curvy Kate styles!

   Fit-wise, I felt that I should have gone with my ‘sister size’ of 30F, meaning that the bra felt quite ‘true to size’ in the cups. When ordering an Alegro bra, it is probably helpful to keep in mind your size in Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles. I wear a 28 back in all Curvy Kate bras, so it wasn’t all too surprising that the ‘Dreamweaver’ felt too loose in the back on me. (Fingers crossed that Alegro have 28 backs in the pipeline for the future!)

   I liked the thick band of the ‘Dreamweaver’ and the 3 hook and eye fastenings at the back - ideal for providing comfort, security and support to busty girls. The band also feels beautifully soft to the touch yet firm feeling, thanks to its polyamide and elastane content.

   I wasn’t 100% sold on the shape that the ‘Dreamweaver’ gave me, as I felt that the cups were quite wide and I got a bit of a pointy shape. I am ‘closer set’ and get on better with moulded styles as a rule, but I feel that if you already get on well with Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles (e.g. ‘Portia’, ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’), you will love this bra.

   The actual design of the bra when worn is really classic and pretty. Despite its fuller cup design, the delicate sheer mesh panels on the cups make this bra understatedly sexy, whilst the intricate embroidery gives an elegant and feminine finish. I also love the fact that close attention has been made to detail - from the tiny rose motifs to the embroidered straps. This bra is definitely one that serves as an everyday beauty and impresses on a special occasion!

   I am very excited about Alegro's contribution to the UK larger bust market and am really looking forward to seeing more from them in future. The 2012 collection has some really fashionable pieces for the larger bust.. 

Here are two of my favourites:

Floral Waltz in purple/beeswax: I love the unique combination of its nude/brown backing colour and stunning rich purple lace overlay..check out the cute bow detailing too!

I'm a sucker for a gorgeous and comfortable moulded bra, so I can't wait to try the Innocent Lily padded bra! 

Alegro lingerie will be available to purchase on Amazon in June and from several independent shops and online retailers (e.g. Bosom Buddy).

To find out more about Alegro, visit their website for their current collection and keep up to date with their news (and exclusive previews) via Facebook!

Love,

Kitty xo

Samsung Galaxy Note: I'm A Tech Head

I was lucky enough to be a recipient of a brand spanking new Samsung Galaxy Note.

Yes, yes, I know. Lucky PMM. Roll your eyes. La-di-dah darling, la-di-dah. Well I'm going to give it a fair review, and if you're in the market for a phone, perhaps this can be part of your homework? Your research, if you will? There's a reason Samsung are trumping Apple. 

I come from using a BlackBerry (for two years) - and the Samsung Galaxy Note is world's - universes, galaxies ahead of that phone. I hated the BB. With. A. Vengeance. 

This phone? The Samsung Galaxy Note? Man. How I love this phone. And that's completely unbiased. It's supremely user friendly - and I can actually do stuff. Like play on Instagram! Like access my emails readily. Like type without making a bazillion mistakes. 

Over the years, mobile phones have become smaller and smaller. Ridiculously so. My fingers? They have not shrunk, and therefore typing messages has becoming increasingly frustrating - so I just started sending messages with loads of mistakes. And a disclaimer at the bottom that blamed it on the ever shrinking keys. Terrible, I know, phone makers stop making things smaller. 

But the new Galaxy Note? You can either type (on the touch screen) or there's an S-Pen, it can read your handwriting (awesome, I know!) and switch it to typed text. 

When we visited the Royal Easter Show, the Samsung stand hosted three artists who did caricatures on the phone. This gives you an idea of how ace the capabilities are. Because look at my awesome massive nose. And superhero chin. Rad. You can draw. On. My. Phone. Matt is totally into that. As are the kids. And I can write myself notes. Because it's a phone and a tablet. 

You can read about the features here and see all the tech specifications here. But below I've collated my own loves about this bloody awesome phone. 

Pros:

• The large screen size. It's supremely user friendly for me - I can read emails, watch video content, look at photos, and also keep the smalls occupied with the  game, YouTube etc. The iPhone is pint-sized compared to this baby.  
• It's an android. Which doesn't mean it's being beamed up by E.T. - it means it opens up a whole world to you.
• Samsung has a whole range of apps that are free! And I can use Instagram. And a whole bunch more (I am full of glee about this!)
• The camera takes some pretty rad photos. Plus I can mess with them afterwards - draw on them, write on them, whatever tickles my fancy
• If I was meeting someone somewhere a bit tricky, I can take a screenshot of a map, then draw on the map to show them directions, then email it to them. Can't do that on any other phone.
• I can use the whole Microsoft Office suite on here. So if I am out and about and need to update a spreadsheet for my boss in a hurry? No problem, just pull it up on the screen, update and send it back. A cinch. 
• Do you know how often I get lost driving around Sydney? Because I rely on ye olde UBD. However the Galaxy Note has Navigon installed. Truly. Divine.
• Super crisp high definition display - makes viewing so much better on a good screen
• It's a very impressive phone. The IT boys at work were oohing and ahhhing over it. I let them look at it while they set it up. For 10 minutes. Then I reclaimed it.

Cons:

• The battery life - I need to charge it every night - however this could be to do with my excessive consumption of Instagram
• It doesn't fit into my back jeans pocket - so my butt does not get to vibrate anymore. Shame. 

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I was chatting with someone on Twitter the other night - and she also told me that if I had a Samsung television, I could do something jiggy with the phone, and it would be the TV's remote control. Way to freak out the smalls! 
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Full Disclosure: Samsung gave me the new Samsung Galaxy Note to review. I was not paid for this review. And I freaking love this phone. It's unnatural how much I love it.