Lingerie Review: Avocado “RV Lorca” in 70H + GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Avocado is one of those brands that if you like the kind of classic European style lingerie with great materials and high quality, you are destined to find THE bra from their collection. Their e-shop is also full of different bra shapes that can be matched to pretty much any breast shape out there, no matter if your boobs are more full on top or bottom. Today I am introducing you to a fairly new style, RV as in Round Versatile, developed in the massive revision of all the Avocado patterns that took place about a year or so ago. I got my hands on a prototype of the model back then, but as it wasn’t the final product, we decided not to review it on the blog. Now, I am happy to tell you all the details, so keep reading! *This bra was generously provided by Avocado, all opinions are my own!*

The Design: The RV is supposed to be the style replacing the old A-shape, which was quite rounded, yet a bit flattening (which was something I actually liked about it!). This style on the other hand is meant to give more forward projection, which is something most full-bust ladies can appreciate. The straps are attached to the top part of the three-part constructed cups and the shape of the bra is a true balconette. In my opinion, this style really challenges the good old Panache “Jasmine” which is a cult favourite among bra bloggers and full-bust customers alike. If you are looking for the same projected yet rounded shape in a more luxe wrapping, I would definitely recommend Lorca in RV!

The Lorca style is absolutely beautiful and even though we are not in Xmas season yet (though it’s definitely autumn in Finland already) this is a piece I could see succeeding especially well later in the autumn as a festive piece under the LBD. It’s lightweight and looks gorgeous under tight-fitting dresses but also works as a wow-piece to wear in the boudoir. The delicate stretch lace with the hues of bluish grey finish off the set beautifully and make the set fit far better than it would have with more rigid embroidery.

The Fit: I know it’s a big promise to say this bra fits similarly to Jasmine, but it is the truth. Except for sizing, as that is again quite unique to Avocado and I would always suggest consulting their size chart to find out your perfect fit with them. I am wearing my regular Avocado size 70H in the pics and again, it was a good choice for me. I do have to say though that the band with Lorca seems more like a 65 band so it runs almost a size smaller than my other Avocado bands (or perhaps half a size). Do size up if you are between band sizes!

The cups are absolutely perfect for me size and depth-wise. They contain all my breast tissue but are also a tiny bit too wide and the underwire ends up too far in my armpit with the RV-shape. I have noticed a slight difference with Avocado’s wire width since the revision, and to be honest, I would personally prefer the older wires as they were the perfect fit for me. However, you can’t always have it all. The cups would probably fit both FOB and FOT breasts as the top part is made completely out of stretch lace, which accommodates a plethora of breast shapes and even a-symmetry.

Comfort: As the bra band is a tiny bit too tight for me, I am not sure whether it is quite fair to even review the bra’s comfort level. I would love to say it is absolutely heaven on me but you know how it is with too-tight bands – they try to strangle you and with a bra this beautiful you stay in that abusive relationship and keep wearing the set for pretty’s sake. As a result, you get a stabby centre gore and nasty red marks on your body (which are btw not always painful but in this case, you bet they are). However, the materials are heavenly and I really appreciate the stretch lace which always adds up to the comfort level of a bra. Just remember to go up a band size with this and you will fine, as it is a well-designed bra with fully adjustable straps and all.

The Lorca bra came with a classic brief in size Medium which was a bit too large on me even though I was recommended a Medium or even a Large in Avocado back in the day when I asked them about the fit of their panties. However, I have come to the conclusion that Small is a far better option for me with their bottoms as these sag a tiny bit at the front when I wear them. Other than that, the Lorca classic briefs are a very flattering style with the perfect rise for me personally (not as low as Cleo yet not that unflattering mid cookie pouch style). They are also made of the same comfortable high quality materials as the bra and contour perfectly to my curvy backside without any muffin top or cutting into my butt.

The Lorca set can be bought at the Avocado online shop, here. The bra comes in sizes 60-95 C-K and retails for 64,12 €. The classic briefs come in XS-XXL and set you back with 22,12 €. Avocado ships internationally so even if you are not Polish, you will have no problem getting your hands on their beautiful lingerie!

Now for the fun part! I have yet to announce the Curvy giveaway winners, so here they are. *drum roll*

The Australian winner of a set of their choice is… Kath!

The international winner of a set of their choice is… Victoria T.!

Congrats for both of you! The winners have been emailed and you have exactly one week to get back to me to claim your prize. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the giveaway and may the odds be ever in your favour, so maybe next time 😉 To conclude this post, I would like to ask a small favour from everyone who have read this far: would you mind liking THIS picture on Facebook and thus voting me as the next Miss Midnight Sun Pinup? This is my first pinup pageant and I am super nervous yet excited. If you would be so kind to cast me a vote, I would be more than grateful ❤ TIA!

Lingerie Review: Ewa Bien B132 “Fantasi” in 65E

In the full-bust industry you rarely bump into anything truly different – the last time that happened to me was when Playful Promises launched their D+ collection last winter. When Ewa Bien sent me their new SS16 catalog I was super excited for one style in particular – the Fantasi. Even though I could not wear any of their bras as I am just outside the size range, I knew I needed to see this beauty on someone – so I practically told Jo this is a set she needed to review, no discussion of it. Luckily, she agreed with me that this was something super unique and the whole thing was settled! Here’s how we liked the B132 Fantasi in Black… *Diclosure: This bra was generously provided by Ewa Bien. All opinions are our own!*

The Design: The B132 Fantasi is a soft non-padded balconette bra which is made out of a thin embroided fabric with a touch of heavy black strapping and piping. This cage-style bra shows under almost any top or a dress, so it is definitely not for the faint-hearted! The cups are also completely see-through which may be a downside for some – but then again, if you minded see-through cups, you probably wouldn’t be opting for this set anyways!

The cups of the soft balconette are constructed of two parts that connect with one vertical seam. This is very common structure in smaller sizes when it comes to balconette constructions but can also be made in bigger cups, like with this Avocado bra I recently reviewed. This style of balconette gives two cakes on a plate -style cleavage and leaves room for fuller breast tissue at the top. This style is a bit too open at the top for Jo, but it still looks fantastic, especially as a boudoir piece.

The Fit: We first requested the Fantasi in 65F just like with the other Ewa Bien bras we have reviewed so far. However, this one ran a whole cup size large, so we ended up swapping it for 65E which is a rough equivalent to 30DD in UK sizes. This is a size Jo wears with Gossard, so it’s safe to say you need to size down in the cups with this particular style. The shape of the cups is very open at the top too, which is not ideal for Jo’s full-on-bottom breasts and still leaves the cups gaping a bit. This bra is meant for more “night-out”  purposes, so this was not a huge issue, but if you are more FOB and looking for an everyday bra, you might want to skip the B132 shape altogether.

The bra band of the B132 Fantasi on the other hand was a bit firmer than with the previous Ewa Bien styles Jo tried. This was a positive surprise, as Jo is very petite and usually would require a 28-band instead of 30. However, it is still a bit loose on her and if there were an option of 28/60 band, she would definitely want to go for that. The wires of the B132 were quite perfect for Jo though, which makes this bra a better fit for her that it otherwise would be. There is also just the right amount of space at the bottom of the cups, so I would say this bra is perfect for those with a narrow-to-average breast root and breasts that are evenly full allover.

Comfort: As the B132 Fantasi is a completely see-through style with a thin yet sturdy cup material, it is an ideal bra for the hottest of summer months. The elastics that form the caging on the decolletage are very stretchy and move around easily with the body and the metal parts are high quality, so no itchiness there at all either. The straps are fully adjustable, which is always an upside especially if you have a longer or shorter than average torso length. As said before, the wires are also just the right length for Jo, which is always a big factor when it comes to your bra’s comfort level.

The bottoms are very innovative with a strappy kind of styling and a higher rise that reaches the middle of what we call the “cookie pouch”. I would have personally preferred them a bit higher if I was wearing them, but Jo really enjoyed them this way as well. All of the Ewa Bien panties we both have tried have come up quite small so that is something I would consider hard when opting for you panty size – especially with a style like this, which may create some bulges on the hips if you are wearing a too-small size. Jo is wearing a size Small in the pics and she usually goes for XS with most brands, so go at least a size up with the bottoms, if not two (especially with more rigid materials, such as rigid mesh). Overall the set is a comfortable and beautiful ensemble, which may not be your most practical for work etc, but suits perfectly your date nights, girls-nights-out and boudoir occasions.

The Fantasi set can be bought on Ewa Bien online store and the bra (sizes 65-80 B-G) will set you back at 199 pzl, the strappy bottoms (S-XL) retail for 105 pzl. In total it makes about 70€ which is a reasonable price for such a gorgeous set! What do you think of risque styles like this – see-through cups and all? Let me know in the comments! xx

New Styles at Avocado! – Review of “Chamade” S194HC in 70H

I know, you might be thinking “What, I have not heard of Avocado in a long while – what are they up to now?!” Exactly – this brand has apparently been hiding under the rock for a while or so it would seem. In reality, Avocado is buzzing with new styles and website revisions, so the truth is they have been working their butts off and there literally has been no time for blog reviews and such. I contacted Avocado recently on Instagram as I noticed they had been working on some new styles and for my happy surprise, Anna contacted me by email soon explaining what’s up with her brand and how things are proceeding. She also offered to send me some of their new shapes and designs, which I was of course super happy about. Today I shall start with my favourite of these three new styles, that is the Chamade in the new HC cut.

The Design: The new HC  cut stands for half-cup meaning this is a bra that covers about 50% of your bust – some brands call it a demi-cup bra. The Avocado’s HC at least in my size gives more of a 60% coverage in my opinion but this could be due to the fact that a true half-cup wouldn’t have enough fabric to contain a larger breast. The size range with this style goes up to K-cup (consult the Avocado size chart to find out your size with them!), meaning it is meant to suit us fuller busted ladies and thus be very supportive. I think it’s a great thing that Avocado has managed to create a half-cup style in bigger sizes in the first place as there are many brands who simply refuse to make this style past a G-cup. The cups are constructed of two pieces with one vertical seam that gives the cup its rounded and uplifted shape, which is a favourite to many full-busted women.

The Chamade as a design is very pretty and it oozes a Marie Antoinette -like rococo glamour. The colours are very subdued yet not boring – something anyone would love in their summer bradrobe to go under lighter coloured tops. I also like that Avocado does not always play with the most basic adornments such as frills and bows but tries to make their designs with more clean-cut solutions like the tiny silver pendant on the centre gore of Chamade. The neckline of the HC Chamade is very open and it goes amazingly well with so many of my dresses and tops (eg Pinup Girl Clothing Peasant Tops!) which would normally show some bra on the outer corners of the neckline.

The Fit: We decided to go for my regular Avocado size 70H as the newer styles ran deeper and more full-on-top friendly. As you may remember, I used to love the Avocado A-cut but it was meant for more FOB breasts and thus created a bit of bulge on the top part of my breasts at the times. These newer designs feature some stretchier materials and more space on the top part of the cups, which I am super happy about. The 70H ended up being just the right size for me and there is no bulging whatsoever – to be honest, there is actually a slight bit of gaping where the strap meets the cup but that is mainly due to how wide the cups are for me. My fullness is mainly at the top part of my breasts and I have an average-width breast root, meaning the cups are a tiny bit too wide for me and have some empty space on the sides.

Even though the wires are on the wider, this is actually my favourite of the lot that Anna sent me – the shape is perfect and there is overall enough space in the cups to contain my breast tissue fully. The centre gore is quite high so if you have close-set breasts, this may not be the style for you. Who would it suit the best then, you ask? Well, I would say someone with a wide breast root and overall full breasts. Also A-symmetrical boobies would enjoy this style – it has a fair amount of stretch to it at the top of the cups, meaning it can manage some size fluctuations and fit both breasts even with a slight size difference. The band of the HC Chamade is the loosest of the three bras I tried, but it also the most comfortable on me which is why I like it. I would say it is still on the snugger side of 70 so If you are between sizes, I would size up (for reference, I wear 70GG with Ewa Michalak and 65J with Samanta).

Comfort: As said above, I chose this set as my favourite since it ticks all my comfort boxes – the materials are spot-on, no itchy cheap ruffles, the wires don’t poke me and the gore tacks but doesn’t stab me in the sternum. The Chamade is a pleasure to wear anytime, even at home when you are lounging around. It is also one of the most practical bras I own, because of the fact that is non-padded and low-cut. The only “flaw” with the bra I bumped into is my usual nemesis – the straps. They are quite widely placed, which however DOES not cause any irritation on my armpits this time; I think this is due to the cup shape being so low. I would like most lingerie brands to consider their strap placement though, as it is so hard to find bras with straps that would sit on my shoulders without me pulling them in like crazy.

When it comes to the panties, I can report that they are equally as comfortable as the bra and I love how well they are made – such a pleasure to wear! For the record, I am super picky about my knickers so sometimes, I just find the bottoms that come with a bra too tiny (as in skimpy) for me and I toss them in the back of my drawer. However, all of my Avocado bottoms have been high quality and very flattering, which makes them some of my favourite panties to wear. These particular panties are in the Avocado classic brief cut, which is exactly what it claims to be – great basic underwear which is still very pretty. I got the size Medium with them which was a right choice with these ones. However, I would say with the panties you may want to consult Anna about any style you are looking to buy as all of the designs run a bit differently. I even have a pair of Small Avocado panties that are quite loose for me!

If you would like to give the Chamade a try, you can find the bra (66,92€) here and the classic briefs (27,72€) here. They come in a great size range of 60-95 C-K, XS-XXL, which is impressive for a smaller luxury brand! Also, the set is available in multiple bra and panty styles, so if the HC is not a great fit for you, you can find another shape that will fit your perfectly. What do you think of the new Avocado HC-cut? Would you be willing to splurge on a well-fitting half-cup bra? Let me know in the comments below! xx

Lingerie Review: Ewa Bien “Ratri B230” in 65F

Summertime requires some pretty light-coloured lingerie – at least if you go by the spring trends which include pastels every single year. Even if you are not a fan of pastels with your outerwear, it is refreshing to revise your lingerie collection every now and then with pieces that are a bit different from your regular wardrobe. Today we are reviewing the Ewa Bien “Ratri” in B230 which is beautiful summer-appropriate set for any fair gal out there. *Disclosure: This set was gifted to Jo by Ewa Bien. All opinions are our own!*

Design: The Ratri B230 is described as a push-up balconette, which I think is a Ewa Bien’s description for a regular padded balconette with one vertical seam right in the middle of the cup. This construction can be hard to get right, but it seems that Polish lingerie brands are masters of it. To be honest though, the one vertical seam does not help a lot when it comes to bigger sizes, so at least two seams are needed to form a better shape with say, FF-G+ sizes. However, Jo is wearing a Polish 65F which is a 30E in UK sizes, which looks great with even just one seam. The shape is very rounded, not rectangular at all like some bras with the same construction. The coverage is quite low, which is great for more open necklines – the true balconette style also creates a perfect Marie Antoinette cleavage which is the doing of the amazing uplift the bra offers.

The styling of the set is lovely – it’s a creamy yellowish beige that looks beautiful against the Finnish skin tone. However, it is not fully beige so under the whitest thinnest fabrics it might still show through! The embroidery is very delicate and has a nice rococo vibe to it. The bottoms are actually really cute too – even though they are made with a very practical Brazilian cut, they still manage to look very girly while the detailing is absolutely on-point, to say the least.

The Fit: As you may have already deducted from the pics above, the B230 was not the best fit for Jo’s breast shape. This is not the fault of the bra, it just wasn’t meant to be! The B230 is a rather shallow and wide balconette shape for a Polish brand, but then again, Polish are famous for trying to cater for multiple breast shapes, even within one brand. Jo likes her bras quite like me; moderately deep and with average-width wires. This balconette shape reminds me more of the regular “British” shape of bras – a bit too shallow and wide for most breast shapes. However, let’s not forget that there are people who definitely need these kinds of bras, so there is a market there.

The sizing with the B230 Ratri was pretty much on par with most Ewa Bien bras, if not a little on the smaller side with the cups. I would perhaps suggest sizing up in the cup if you are between sizes! The 65-band was quite loose for Jo, but that is understandable as her underbust measures around 26″ (so she is better off with a 28/ 60 band with most brands). She is wearing the bra in the middle set of hooks meaning a 60 band would have been a better choice with this bra. Unfortunately, Ewa Bien does not offer 60 bands quite yet, but let’s hope that is something they will consider in the future!

Comfort: As the fit of the bra is not the best for Jo, nor is the comfort aspect of it either. This is something that we like to preach here at 2COP – the right size AND the right style are crucial to one’s comfort when it comes to bras, so something that does not fit your body, will not likely be as comfortable as a bra with eg the right length and height of underwires. With the B230 Ratri it appeared to be exactly the wires that were the problem for Jo: they were cut too high and shaped wider, which meant they wouldn’t sit at the right spot for her. Jo is tiny, so she needs her cup height pretty low near the armpits to avoid chafing and with this particular style, the wires and the cup edge were just too high for her body.

If I could think of someone who the B230 would be perfect for, I would probably say someone who wears a bigger band size and small to average cup size, and someone who has shallower breast shape with a wide breast root. This someone could perhaps be one of our own guest bloggers, Miss T. Even though this is a balconette shape which are usually very open at the top, this particular style is actually quite closed at top, which is why it does not require a lot of fullness at the top part of the breasts. What I think suits everyone with this bra though are the straps – they are fully adjustable and detachable meaning you can make them work for a variety of body shapes and heights.

As said before, the true highlight of the set are the panties though. They are beautifully made and look amazing on Jo – they are also quite practical and have a seamless look at the back, if you don’t mind the little bow. The lace on the legs is placed well with just the right width and also with the softest stretch lace material that will adjust to your body, no matter its shape.

If you think this set could work for you, please check out Ewa Bien’s online store to make a purchase with them. The B230 Ratri goes up to H-cup with the smaller band sizes, so it’s actually quite full-bust friendly unless you have crossed the FF+ barrier like myself. The bra sets you back at 159 zl and the Brazilian briefs at 89 zl.  If you are based in USA, the easiest way to order would probably be through Luxury Goddess, who offer a great selection of Polish brands for US customers. What do you think of the B230 Ratri? Let me know in the comments! 

Lingerie Review: Rochella “Tattoo Butterfly” in 32GG

I recently wrote about a new DD+ brand Rochella which is a British middle-market brand with a good cause and a unique, more mature yet quirky aesthetics. I remember back in the day Miss Underpinnings used to talk about the lack of full-bust brands catering for the 30-something customer and I personally feel Rochella is the answer to that plea. The designs are suitable for any age but I think they do have more grown-up styles than eg Cleo and Curvy Kate, yet the styles are not “old” but a bit whimsical to maintain a fresh look. When interviewing the founder of the brand, Karen, she asked if I wanted to review one of her sets and of course I said yes! Today I am bringing you one of the first (if not the very first?) Rochella blog reviews out there, with their beautiful “Tattoo Butterfly” set.

The Design: I was instantly drawn to the Tattoo Butterfly set as it was something rather unique to me: I had never had a bra with butterflies on it and even though the idea sounded a bit juvenile to me, there is nothing too young and cute about this bra. The design is, in one word, STUNNING. I have actually always loved butterflies, I hate bugs in general, but I find butterflies to be the miracles of nature and each time I see one, it makes me so happy. Even though butterflies are usually depicted as super colourful with the shades of orange and yellow, I really enjoyed the teal and black combination of the set which makes it so much more sophisticated. Also the completely sheer upper panel of the bra is amazing, something not many brands have been brave enough to do.

The shape of the bra is something between the new Curvy Kate balconettes and perhaps a slight bit of Freya G+ balconettes. There is a tiny bit of point to the apex but there is still much more room at the top of the cup than eg with Freya. For a new brand, the shape is very good right from the start with enough uplift to avoid the downwards-7 effect, which can sometimes occur with three-part cup construction + the balconette style. The style is a true balconette but not a completely full-coverage one – this bra is very suitable for everyday wear and goes under most tops and dresses beautifully. I wear it regularly with my Pinup Girl Clothing peasant tops and the butterflies on the cup edge peek beautifully from the low neckline of the top.

The Fit: This is always the most interesting part of reviewing a new brand for you. When looking at the Rochella size chart, you can see that there are no 30 bands in sight, meaning I resulted in opting for my second most worn size, 32GG. I thought it might be a close shot as I am now leaning more towards 32 bands these days – however, British brands are infamous for being looser in the band than their Polish sisters. This was the case with Rochella as well; the 32 band was a size too big for me, but luckily it had four (!) sets of hooks and eyes to tighten it a bit. I am usually wearing it in the tightest or second tightest set of hooks, which is unfortunate as it shortens the lifespan of the bra a bit for me. The fit of the band is definitely on par with the likes of Curvy Kate and Freya, so if you are between band sizes, do size down.

The cups are a bit deeper than your usual British full-bust bra which is a huge upside for me personally – I find most British bras too shallow for my full bust and the Tattoo Butterfly fits me beautifully without any wrinkling at the bottom of the cups. Compared to its Polish counterparts the bra is not super forward-projecting but not as wide and splayed as eg Curvy Kate either. Also the wires are quite average in my opinion, the perfect medium between Polish and most British bras. The straps of the bra are quite long so take that into consideration if you are on the petite side! However, they are also fully-adjustable so there’s a lot of leeway to make them fit you the way you want.

Comfort: Overall the Rochella Tattoo Butterfly set is very comfortable – the materials feel high-quality (though I would be careful with the see-through mesh, it’s super thin and delicate!) and soft to touch. The outer layer is made of stretch satin and the lining out of polyester; I personally prefer cotton lining with my bras but I do feel this is another great option as I don’t feel it’s the kind of scratchy cheap polyester. The lining is a pretty lavender shade to show the support to gynaecology cancer survivors and sufferers – this makes sense as some of the profits go to a gynaecology cancer charity, which is awesome when we are talking about such a new brand.

The only thing that takes a bit away from the comfort factor of this set is that the straps are placed a bit too far apart for me and the cup edge comes up high enough in the armpit to chafe me while being more active. This has not prevented me from wearing this bra A LOT though, so I would say all in all the Rochella sets are not just pretty to look at, they are also quite comfy and very well-fitting. Also the panties get an A+ from me: I went for the size UK 10-12 and they fit me beautifully, I would even say they are one of my most flattering bottoms I own. The back of the briefs is made of super stretchy mesh so these are very butt-friendly and sexy at the same time.

The price point of Rochella is a bit higher than with most UK full-bust brands but that is kind of what the founder of the brand went for – better quality and a big size range (32-42 D-J) are key features with Rochella and I personally feel that £59 for a bra and £30 for the bottoms is a fair price for the pieces. Heck, the hardware on the front part of the straps is 18 ct gold! If you would like to give Rochella lingerie a try, I would suggest taking a look at their web shop, which you find here. They are also adding 30 bands this upcoming autumn so stay tuned for that if you are outside their size range at the moment! I am personally looking forward to trying something from the AW16 collection in 30H, which will be a sligthly better fit for me size-wise. xx

SIL Tradeshow: Lepel, Charnos & Lepel London AW16 Collections

When I am visiting tradeshows, there are always a few must-see brands that me and Anna are set our minds to visit first. Tradeshows can be intimidatingly big and thus you need to make a game plan about what your priority brands are and to mention a few, our list consists of the big full-bust names such as Panache, Gossard, Tutti Rouge, Curvy Kate and Lepel. Lepel is one of my favourite stands to see not only because of the gorgeous lingerie but also the warm welcome we get each time. This time we were greeted by the lovely Peter who showed us through all of the LF Intimates collections – Lepel, Charnos and the new-comer Lepel London.

LEPEL

Hues of pink and blue, top to bottom: Fiore (up to G-cup) in Fuchsia/Brilliant Blue, Roxy in Blue Multiprint (up to G-cup with the longline and F-cup with the plunge) & Victoria in Deep Purple/Brilliant Blue (up to F-cup with the plunge and G-cup with the balconette)

I was so excited to see Lepel doing more pink this season – I know it’s a rather cliched lingerie colour but to be honest, I haven’t really seen it done over the past few seasons and there is a Barbie inside of me screaming for some pink! With the Lepel collection the bright jewel-tone pink or Fucshia was combined to another jewel, that is the Brilliant Blue. I became an instant fan of this colour combo, almost as much as with the pink-orange trend combo for this SS16 season. The blue is a vibrant shade that brings out the fuchsia in a lovely way and I love how playful it looks in a floral print. I know florals are “in” almost every season but I think this AW16 season brings them to another level – my personal favourite from the Lepel collection was the Roxy, which I can’t wait to try in the longline version pictured above!

Cute basics, top to bottom: Daisy in Black/Fuchsia (up to G), Lyla Push-up in Black (up to E) & Lilly in Leopard print (up to G)

Lepel seems to be doing quite a lot of plunge bras this season which is something I always personally vouch for – I wear a lot of low necklines which require a plunge bra, and preferable a non-padded one. Their basic Lyla range (which will be reviewed on 2COP next week!) gains a new member from a plunge push-up bra that will accompany the range of t-shirt balconettes. This style will only go up to E-cup but is a great addition to their basic collection. The new plunge Lyla will be available in basic colours of beige, white and black. Also the Lilly gets a revamp with another exciting young print – an orange/pink leopard print. This is one of my favourite prints with this range so far as I’m starting to warm up to animal prints for the first time in my life.

CHARNOS

Sultry berry-tones, top to bottom: Violet in Raspberry & Sienna in Deep Purple (both up to J-cup)

The Charnos collection goes this time more luxe with some beautiful European-style lace and sultry colours such as purple, fuchsia and gold. I love how they have differentiated the range from Lepel with a more grown-up aesthetics but still not in a boring way. The Charnos range has improved looks-wise tremendously in my opinion and there are definitely some styles that I am really looking forward to trying on myself! I am also super happy that they cater up to J-cup and offer some stretch-lace options such as the Violet (pictured above) which are crucial to women with A-symmetry.

Luxurious materials, top to bottom: Bailey in Ivory (up to G), Bridgette Full-Cup (up to J) and chemise in Black/Gold & Suzette in Black (up to J)

My personal favourites from the whole Charnos collection were the new bridal colour of Bailey and the Black/Gold Bridgette range. I am so happy to see Charnos making a bridal version of their new Bailey bra as I really love the plunge shape and and the gorgeous styling with the little tassel on the front. This style will also be available in a strapless style and is an affordable option for any bride out there. I am sure that I would consider this style as my very own choice for the big day, if it fits me well 😉 The Bridgette on the other hand is a lovely non-padded full-cup which is accompanied by the chic chemise that sports the same luxurious lace and gold underlay as the bra set. I am sure this colourway will be a hit for Christmas and make it to my personal wishlist as well!

LEPEL LONDON

Top to bottom (all up to D-cup unless otherwise specified): Paloma in Pink, Sophia body & bralette in Black (UK 6-14), Tamara Velvet (up to F), Tamara (up to F), Chelsea Geo body & bralette set in Black and Sky Blue/Blush (UK 6-14)

From all of the three collections, I was most excited to see the Lepel London range grow. This is a collection designed specifically for Asos and their target market is young fashion-forward women who want cute and edgy lingerie at affordable prices. The average price of a bra for Lepel London is about £20 so definitely something a student could invest in! This season the brand is branching out to F-cups with their Tamara and Tamara Velvet styles, which is a big improvement to last season. I am still waiting for my G-cups impatiently but I am sure they will become reality someday soon. In meantime, I am determined to get my hands on that Sophia body, as it does have my name on it 😉

How do you like the LF-Intimates offering for AW16 season? Any favourites? Let me know in the comments below! I would also love to hear would you wear Lepel London if it came in your size! Our opinions matter as it tells the brands that these designs are coveted in bigger cup sizes as well.

Moda Lingerie & Show: Signature by After Eden SS15 Collection

When a new full-bust brand pops up on the market, I always get super excited – especially if the company has years of knowledge making comfy bras in core sizes. When I first saw Signature – After Eden’s sub label for fuller figures and busts – I was so excited and wanted to browse their stand at Moda thoroughly. Their stand is usually one of the nicest to visit anyway – last year it was bubbly, this year cheese which I am a great fan of (well who isn’t?). As we were having a taste of the snacks, we got to meet the brand’s head of marketing Paul, who runs the company’s marketing department from Netherlands, where After Eden was originally founded.

I thought showing you the new Signature Spring/Summer collection would be so appropriate because *drum roll* we are having some of their pieces reviewed here at 2COP soon! I am also introducing a new guest blogger of mine, miss E. But I won’t tell you any more just yet! However, let’s get into previewing the collection first!

 
From top to bottom: Sevilla, Anna & Granada

This ss16 collection is Signature’s third collection and thus, it is interesting to see how the fit of these garments actually is, as making sizes A-D is completely different from making sizes D-F. Yes, indeed, the collection only goes up to UK F-cup so far, but as we have seen with other brands such as Playful Promises, full bust sizes are extremely time consuming to create and also, a great risk for companies that are not used to making them. This is why most companies start small and then continue to expand their size range when the demand is big enough. However, this requires the products to get sold on their full price which can sometimes be really difficult in this financial situation we are in.

Oh well, let’s not talk about the grim details anymore! Where Signature still lacks in cup sizes, the bands sizes are quite generous for such a new brand. Most of their styles are intended for the fuller figure customer as well and the band sizes go up to 42-44 in even with F-cups Their classic style Anna, which comes in both padded and non-padded version, starts at 30 band which is a nice start to include smaller band sizes in the collection.

 
Top to bottom: Malaga, Barcelona & Balboa

The new summer collection consists of two colour schemes: daring pink and blue harmony – very appropriate considering those truly are the trend colours of the season in addition to bright oranges. The summer collection is a bit more girly and age appropriate compared to this autumn season but that means the collection is very approachable for girls who are perhaps plus size/ full-busted and want something pretty and comfy to wear on their everyday. I am happy that out new guest blogger is 18 yo which makes her the perfect reviewer for Signature (however, she will be wearing a 32F so not a plus size but a small band/big cup combo)!

One of my favourite sets from the collection is nothing basic or too girly though, and that is the amazing Malaga. Malaga takes on the contrasting trim trend which was mainly brought to the full bust market by Parfait. I love how the contrasting trimmings are combined to a lovely feminine lace and a delicious cotton candy shade. Also, I am big fan and collector of suspenders, even though I actually rarely wear them.

If you are interested to see the autumn collection for yourself and grab a few goodies, you can do so on the Signature website. The price range is around 40-50 € for the bras and 15-20 € for a pair of knickers so not bad at all! You can find the online store here.

Sunday with Samanta: A345 Morganit in 65J

Hiya everyone! Are you having a fabulous Sunday? I hope so! However, if you have cleaned up the house and done your chores, I would suggest even more to take a nice break and read my September “Sunday with Samanta” post with a good cup of tea. Ready? Here we go!

Design: When I first saw Morganit, I knew I had to have it. Who doesn’t love pink underwear after all? I was smitten to see Samanta make such a vibrant colour and a gorgeous embroidery (once again) and as I asked to review the Morganit as my next SWS set, Marzena gladly agreed with a lovely suggestion of making one of their A345 shapes in my size. I obviously jumped for the chance – who wouldn’t want their bra especially made for them? The A345 usually stops at H-cup which is two cup sizes smaller than what I wear so Marzena asked their seamstress to make me one so I could try the style. To be clear, all of the Samanta styles can be made especially for you in bigger cup sizes as well, but the price will accordingly be double the normal. However, if you are a rather hard-to-find size and need something specific, I would happily recommend Samanta as your go-to-brand.

The A345 shape is meant for a larger and less firm bust as most of the other Samanta styles available in big cup sizes. The purpose of the almost half-cup-like balconette shape is to collect the bust to the front and enhance it to appear more rounded and also, kind-of in-your-face with the formed cleavage. The effect is pretty clear and great with eg my Collectif “Dolores Doll” dress which requires all-over low-cut bra. The shape of the A345 is very rounded so something a lot of you girls would enjoy!

Fit: I was so excited to get trying the A345 cut as it is something that is rarely made in bigger cup sizes – half cups and especially ones that give a good “two cakes on a a plate” cleavage are usually doomed as the small-cup bra even though it CAN work in bigger sizes as well. I love the pushed-up look of the bra and was excited to see a brand make it with deep cups and good, sturdy construction. The Samanta A345 is something that is widely copied in the lingerie world and especially other Polish brands have blatantly stolen the design as it has turned out to be a rather popular one.

I went for my regular Samanta size of 65J and as it is a deep style, the other cup remains a tiny bit empty as my right boob is smaller than my left one. This does not bother me though and I wear the bra with a removable padding in the other cup. Marzena mentioned to me that some of their bras with this shape come with the push-up pads to correct a-symmetry and give some extra oomph, but somehow my bra did not include the pads (which is totally understandable as it was especially made for me and not a ready-to-wear item). The shape of the bra is ideal for my full-on-top boobs and there is a lot of space at the top of the cups to accommodate fuller breast tissue.

The band is nice and snug so I would say this compares to a rather regular UK 30 band, maybe a tad tighter. The wires are an average width which suits my breast root very well and I happy to say nothing pokes me or irritates me with this bra. The bra straps are quite widely-set with this particular style and are obviously a consequence of the low-cut bra cups – less coverage means widely placed straps and I am not sure if there is even a way around it. The straps are also detachable so the bra could easily be worn as a multiway or even a strapless in an emergency situation 😉

Comfort: This bra is a great everyday bra but also suits many festive occasions when you need something low or perhaps a racerback bra. The bra is very comfy with its silky-soft materials and padded straps – these little touches really matter and set Samanta apart as a company who really thinks about their most sensitive customers. My only gripe with the bra is that apparently, my shoulders are quite narrow and the straps are not at the best spot for me. The edge of the bra cups tend to chafe me a bit when the straps are placed this widely but so far, I haven’t had a horribly bad problems with them – maybe it’s the super soft materials? Also the straps are half-adjustable so keep that in mind as well, if you happen to be on the petite side.

I also got to try the B300 regular briefs and they are very comfy. If I am being brutally honest, I am on my periods now and I am very picky about my panties that time of the month- However, I can safely say, these suckers are very comfy and great for everyday wear. Also, what better way to cheer you up on your period than a gorgeous pink set of underwear? As a set, this beauty is worth the price!

Speaking of the price, as always, you will get a nice 20% off your A345 Morganit with the code “Mette“. The bra will set you back at 37,04 € with the discount so not bad at all for such a comfy looker! The B300 briefs are sold for 23€ but there is also the option of the brazilian brief and the boxers, if the regular panties are not your thing. Do also let me know what do you think of the bra – is it something you would like to try and what is your opinion on the half-cup style in bigger cup sizes? xx

Comparison of Ewa Michalak BM- and S-cuts: BM Landrynek + S Neonek

Hello peeps! I just got back from Finland, and boy does it feels good to be back home again! Even though I am currently on a sick leave for a sprained ankle and a flu (yap, UK was a bit rough on me) I am happy to get back to blogging. Somehow August kind of divides the year for me in a nice way and I feel like everything is fresh and new from the new minors I am starting at uni and a new makeup collection I just acquired on my trip. Also, I am happy to start this autumn season with some gorgeous bright neons from a favourite of many full-busted gals – Ewa Michalak. The EM team was so kind to send me a couple of their most recent shapes BM and S to try out and I was happy to get trying some new styles from them.

To get the styles straight, let me start with a introduction to the shapes. Ewa Michalak carries several different shapes in their collection, marked with a letter or a combination of letters attached to the name of the design. The styles I have reviewed before were the SM (a non-padded balconette for medium-large bust) and the PL (a padded plunge bra for all sizes, including detachable cookies inside the cups). As both of those shapes were a really nice fit on me, I was intrigued to see how the BM and S would do.

The S is a padded version of the SM cut, meaning a balconette designed for larger busts. However, the EM style guide mentions that the S-shape is also suitable for extra large busts meaning it does have a bit wider size range to it. The BM-cut on the other hand seems very similar to the S-cut as it is a non-padded balconette bra but as the EM site does not have a proper description on it, I am assuming it is designed for extra large busts as well, with the raised gore to bring more security and support. This way, the construction and the target market of the S and BM cuts are very similar, the only difference seems to be the padding which makes the S seem a bit bulkier to me personally.

When it comes to styling, I am huge fan of EM as they always come up with unique colour combinations and prints. This time, the focus on the Landrynek and Neonek are on the colours themselves, with some contrasting straps and trims which makes such everyday styles a bit more fun and hip. I can’t really pick which one of the combos I like more – the Neonek’s pink/banana yellow or Landrynek’s Neon Peach/Turquoise – they both are equally gorgeous. Also, both styles feature fully-adjustable straps and three hooks and eyes with the back band, which ensures the support of both styles.

Even though both of the bras are in line with each other in many ways, team EM suggested that I would try the BM in 70G and the S in 70GG as I mentioned I usually required a bigger size with padded bras. However, I am still a bit unsure if this was the right choice – it seems both of the styles run a bit bigger than for example the PL (which fits me well in 70H) and the SM (fits me in 70GG). This might be because the styles are designed with larger busts in mind meaning the sizes come a tad bigger in the first place. The BM fits me perfectly in size 70G but I think the S in 70GG is a bit on the larger side for me, so it would have been interesting to see how the 70G would have fitted in the S-cut as well. As my left boob a bit bigger than my right one, I have placed both of the cookies into the other cup, to balance out my a-symmetry and still, it seems the cups are gaping just a tiny bit. However, the bra is still totally wearable and great for those days when you want a bit of extra oomph.

In practice, I do tend to lean on the BM Landrynek more, just for the non-padded style of it. As I am a very busty gal, padded bras are not always the most practical option with most of my dresses, but the Landrynek does just the same job of uplifting and rounding as the S Neonek. Comfort-wise however, they are very similar with their super-soft materials and great supportive bands. As a rule of thumb, EM bras run very “Polish” in the brand so I would suggest sizing up for comfort. The wires are also typical for Polish brands, meaning they are rather narrow. However, I do feel like the BM and S cuts feel a lot better on me wire-wise, which could be due to tad wider wires than EM usually uses, or just the bigger cups that come with these shapes.

All in all, Ewa Michalak has once again impressed me a great deal. Also, if you would like to buy the matching panties for these sets, they are finally available! I have not tried them, at least yet, but usually EM panties are worth the money as they are extremely comfy and utterly cute! The BM Landrynek retails for 169 zlotys and the S Neonek 179 zl which translates to roughly 40-43 euros which is a very good price point for such excellent construction and fit. Do snatch these up before the sizes are gone as the AW styles start rolling very soon!

What do you think of the BM Landrynek and S Neonek? Which shapes are you favourites when it comes to EM bras? Let me know in the comments! xx

Sunday with Samanta: A122 Spinel in 65J + Discount Code!

Ah, I know I am late. The Sunday last week passed already but again, this month will feature two Sunday with Samanta posts as I am not someone who skips a post completely 😉 Also, I will apologize for my absence next week as I am visiting UK + Moda again and won’t be home before the 12th. However, from then on there will be Moda-posts-galore and you’ll see some lovely collections from all of our fave brands! (If you have any particular brand you would like me to go and see, do let me know in the comments below!) However, today I am bound to bed with a sprained ankle and will be telling you all about my latest Samanta trial. This time, it is the non-padded balconette style A122 in “Spinel” – a lovely sophisticated French-style beauty who’ll steal your heart, no doubt.

The Design: The A122 is an unpadded balconette bra which is designed especially for women with big breasts and is supposed to offer a beautiful rounded “two cakes on a plate” -cleavage with a little less coverage and an uplifting three-part cup construction. This shape is widely used by British manufacturers as well, but the shape of the Polish balconette is a bit different from what we are used to with the likes of Panache and Curvy Kate. The vertical seam of the A122 cup goes on very straight across the cup whereas many British brands favour a more diagonal seam which gives the bra its somewhat pointed natural shape. I am more a fan of the Polish version though, as it rounds up the bust while still catering a rather natural look to it.

The A122 is something perhaps a Cleo-fan would enjoy – it is a quite simple style yet works brilliantly with all the uplifting and shaping a bigger bust requires. The look of the Spinel however, is something for the more “middle-market” audience meaning the styling is a bit more grown-up and sophisticated. As a 22-year-old gal some might think I would be all for polka-dots and bows but I do prefer a more glamourous look to my bradrobe. This is why I love the grey and peach colour combo of Spinel and lace is AGAIN absolutely stunning – something Samanta does so well each time.

The Fit: The A122 Spinel fits me very well and is the same as my other Samanta bras – I am once again convinced that Samanta is one of the most consistent brands out there which makes it easier for gals like me to order their bras online. It is true that some of the models are a bit deeper, which could affect your bra size with Samanta, but until now all of my 65J’s have been great size-wise. The band is rather narrow yet sturdy with the A122 and is made of stretchy elastic material instead of the usual power-mesh. The 65 band is a rough equivalent to a British 30, yet a bit snugger than with the likes of Freya and Curvy Kate. The cups are again, the perfect size and depth to me which makes this bra a great fit overall.

If you have any trouble with the usual height and width of balconette bra gores, this could be a great style for you to try! The gore is very slim and sits rather low at my sternum, meaning there is no stress on my ribcage even with very “harsh” tacking. The wires are again just the right length and width for me so no poking or too wide cups, which always makes me happy. For reference, I am pretty average-set and not particularly wide nor narrow at my breast root.

Comfort: The A122 is a lovely choice for those who want the same Samanta-quality for their summer but something a bit more light-weight than their padded bras. I personally REFUSE to wear padded bras at summer just for comfort reasons – everyone raise a hand who know that boob-sweat is a thing?? Cause it certainly is when you have big tatas, there is no denying it. Also, non-padded bras are great under tighter tops and dresses that have zero extra room for boobies and extra padding is not an option.

If I could give Samanta some feedback on this particular model, it would be regarding the straps – they are a tad too wide-set for me, meaning they sometimes fall off my shoulders and rub against the edge of my armpit. I think this will get better over time as I haven’t washed the bra more than twice now (there’s a huge review pile to test out each month, so most of my samples only get a couple of washes before being reviewed). However, in any case I would love to see Samanta revising their strap-placement a bit as I know there are a lot ladies who suffer from too widely placed straps immensely.

I also got to test the M300 brazilian briefs which are made of very same mesh/embroidery and sleek polyamide blend as the bra band. The seamless back of the brief is great under tighter jeans and also, quite sexy with its very wetlook-like appearance. The size Medium fits my 39″ hips very well but the rise with the M300 is pretty low, so ya be warned. However, I do like this style completing the set and I am always open to falling in love with new panty styles if they forgive me my ever-growing butt 😉

If you would like to give Spinel a proper spin (hehe), do use the code Mette at the check out to get 20% off your A122 Spinel bra. The bra retails for (full price) 56,30€ and the briefs for 26,30€ on the Samanta online store so not bad at all, especially with the discount! If you live in USA, please contact Samanta via email to place your order. Also, do ask for different shipping methods if you are hesitant about the shipping costs! Have a lovely Sunday everyone and let me know in the comments how you liked the review and Spinel, I would love to hear from you 😉