tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63127231519042398122024-02-02T20:02:33.372+00:00Stockings And Stingrays; A Plethora Of PassionsGiven my utter variety of fascinations, from lingerie to marine biology, baking to Japanese cinema, this is bound to contain an odd mix of subjects, but we'll see how it goes...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-72457624215300204622014-06-27T00:28:00.000+01:002014-06-30T22:13:33.829+01:00I'm-a Just Mad About Saffron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Putting it lightly; and much to Donovan's dismay, yellow has never been a colour I've been particularly fond of. However when I first discovered luxury brand <a href="http://www.bordelle.co.uk/">Bordelle</a> I couldn't help but fall in love with their Lady Citron bodice bra, which was available in two colourways; black, finished with a yellow centre bow; or full on lemon yellow with black detailing. I lusted after this bra for a long time as I couldn't quite justify the approximately £200 that it would have set me back to own it; and I often went back to the website to visit it, until it was discontinued and no longer available. In this time the citrus shade must have grown on my subconscious, as now whenever I see lemon-toned lingerie during my browsing I always fondly remember the Lady Citron and feel slightly drawn towards her colour palette.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33FXAhaCO3usStF7MP96wMV9vARPiN4sJJ7oA29yyh4BjgjeKXH9oIKF7xdwm21yUviSl3wZRwDbf23qiwFsjcoMOvDja5ghDt76l07Fgpw5BsdyXoeeTZPI-GuBayyNHz3kVVlv6zw/s1600/40858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33FXAhaCO3usStF7MP96wMV9vARPiN4sJJ7oA29yyh4BjgjeKXH9oIKF7xdwm21yUviSl3wZRwDbf23qiwFsjcoMOvDja5ghDt76l07Fgpw5BsdyXoeeTZPI-GuBayyNHz3kVVlv6zw/s1600/40858.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FNuMlPKwHZ49DJ7uQZOfc44mMmb-12IJUli6XwGa36VjOMixIIufH2nxAH6FTWc2ER1mbrKBcOktuoVW7wChsNetbSu61xbpFfZ3-7s5K8WwKs2BrLoD79E1AOpnv-KNwK8GfL-1y00/s1600/40858-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FNuMlPKwHZ49DJ7uQZOfc44mMmb-12IJUli6XwGa36VjOMixIIufH2nxAH6FTWc2ER1mbrKBcOktuoVW7wChsNetbSu61xbpFfZ3-7s5K8WwKs2BrLoD79E1AOpnv-KNwK8GfL-1y00/s1600/40858-3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lady Citron bodice bra from <a href="http://www.bordelle.co.uk/">Bordelle</a> in black.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwnco4Wo2Xn1hwLP0cbOZuvqJAZuERJ5naNf1H9wqEPmgQmIA-9SJhg1dIBkseXRegay7w99pnNGjLj0pRoPUgGUERrENbPONYP6HIbEPpVnf9_10tI1uowJ2yIiLZaZYGKTXoXVL7fo/s1600/9e24bda09f604c1b3f82e975502720a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwnco4Wo2Xn1hwLP0cbOZuvqJAZuERJ5naNf1H9wqEPmgQmIA-9SJhg1dIBkseXRegay7w99pnNGjLj0pRoPUgGUERrENbPONYP6HIbEPpVnf9_10tI1uowJ2yIiLZaZYGKTXoXVL7fo/s1600/9e24bda09f604c1b3f82e975502720a5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Lady Citron in yellow.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a pick of some of my favourite yellow toned pieced currently available from various retailers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZKdLzireYLpyvFHO1UUynFgJZWEtkp6d3y1IL1ozrw_uKJTTywCkz7mqolZFsvzhrlepMQkzep9ojWH45yoYBCdrGr_NZzYkdYx6TKlscpTitWT78Q6Aft5phSBTqhdVQjx_Mcuu7Lk/s1600/capture-20140626-230504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZKdLzireYLpyvFHO1UUynFgJZWEtkp6d3y1IL1ozrw_uKJTTywCkz7mqolZFsvzhrlepMQkzep9ojWH45yoYBCdrGr_NZzYkdYx6TKlscpTitWT78Q6Aft5phSBTqhdVQjx_Mcuu7Lk/s1600/capture-20140626-230504.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi Holliday <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/pizazz-plunge-bra-32981">£40.60 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNq38ipV4PZCQm1y5ONLeTVCa9Sg1QrWKqChSjLClyZkwedCt1lZCsmsyH0YajL87mtySDC6kjESnwpNdxZbWcMA9Z3OTNGUzdmQsoDkOXP_ATx73I8ZXd-ZjlNyOelSLxhRm9Qy0v7M/s1600/capture-20140626-230658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNq38ipV4PZCQm1y5ONLeTVCa9Sg1QrWKqChSjLClyZkwedCt1lZCsmsyH0YajL87mtySDC6kjESnwpNdxZbWcMA9Z3OTNGUzdmQsoDkOXP_ATx73I8ZXd-ZjlNyOelSLxhRm9Qy0v7M/s1600/capture-20140626-230658.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi Holliday <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/pizazz-classic-briefs-32631">£28 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb1w6LWeG5D9veGLWc2_r7BwU8wZ2u6m2-v0FUkUm3FR27n1RiLsBa01FDdiKIUz4t2S0HjhzebhWqxk3cE5ATYTl9ycbVA66-ocPcp3vq7FMgxRn2WOy447j1diUKBMfxkPs4CKJU08/s1600/capture-20140626-231128-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb1w6LWeG5D9veGLWc2_r7BwU8wZ2u6m2-v0FUkUm3FR27n1RiLsBa01FDdiKIUz4t2S0HjhzebhWqxk3cE5ATYTl9ycbVA66-ocPcp3vq7FMgxRn2WOy447j1diUKBMfxkPs4CKJU08/s1600/capture-20140626-231128-crop.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi Holliday <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/pina-colada-plunge-bra-33086">£28.50 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KFFIkBv_cmP8KN2GLg6k4lbsopOnEfFwb195OUWkiY86XGf-zum0hP8GB8FCRaPDN53IED73sLuiy_LouEwF9s8hNv_CPTUyBAKinENWiLWydJl-rxC_AYgtxx0GqauX1ZqdFq3D1go/s1600/capture-20140626-231206-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KFFIkBv_cmP8KN2GLg6k4lbsopOnEfFwb195OUWkiY86XGf-zum0hP8GB8FCRaPDN53IED73sLuiy_LouEwF9s8hNv_CPTUyBAKinENWiLWydJl-rxC_AYgtxx0GqauX1ZqdFq3D1go/s1600/capture-20140626-231206-crop.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi Holliday <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/pina-colada-boyshort-brief-32572">£22.50 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOjCTejibCkQdBgLYnlHW1BX3CYpliDiMyumkZMPGpWsQGoDTNYaEVWvjJ0cEoKH5LUGlZCpwYE9NhweGxFDK4foHm_DhT3vfHnOL8vJ8T7WsEr0aCwtBuuB_o1uKB7Dgo5niHZn0ckQ/s1600/claudette_dessous_cyberyellow_bra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOjCTejibCkQdBgLYnlHW1BX3CYpliDiMyumkZMPGpWsQGoDTNYaEVWvjJ0cEoKH5LUGlZCpwYE9NhweGxFDK4foHm_DhT3vfHnOL8vJ8T7WsEr0aCwtBuuB_o1uKB7Dgo5niHZn0ckQ/s1600/claudette_dessous_cyberyellow_bra.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loveclaudette.com/site/">Claudette</a> <a href="http://www.fairefroufrou.com/store/product2858.html">$58 at Fair Frou Frou</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_hZiuXGVJ5q7K-9AHgkDO0n7fMlfGzv2Gjwt2_NJIWI2qoin6TABgHZ_r1YsjJs5bXiCA5FRbBdAZ_eiERp-9-ra_A8grVfj-_5W1m21kKJPBlJyZze1CqCbctplU1jmF1i2Cut0ES0/s1600/claudette_Dessous_cyberyellow_bikini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_hZiuXGVJ5q7K-9AHgkDO0n7fMlfGzv2Gjwt2_NJIWI2qoin6TABgHZ_r1YsjJs5bXiCA5FRbBdAZ_eiERp-9-ra_A8grVfj-_5W1m21kKJPBlJyZze1CqCbctplU1jmF1i2Cut0ES0/s1600/claudette_Dessous_cyberyellow_bikini.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loveclaudette.com/site/">Claudette</a> <a href="http://www.fairefroufrou.com/store/product2860.html">$20 at Fair Frou Frou</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNtpBDyCf9n0A_flbXn5VfKUt-nMX9GCzlnbFaqO05Km8Bm7zIPawn0NrJnJjjkKkcF0uNkKtWGUoMJst5sD0OAFtNaDdRI_JB5v6WMV0386GS4SmK-t398IFA2FVsSlZ2jBAn8ok4-U/s1600/capture-20140626-230825-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNtpBDyCf9n0A_flbXn5VfKUt-nMX9GCzlnbFaqO05Km8Bm7zIPawn0NrJnJjjkKkcF0uNkKtWGUoMJst5sD0OAFtNaDdRI_JB5v6WMV0386GS4SmK-t398IFA2FVsSlZ2jBAn8ok4-U/s1600/capture-20140626-230825-crop.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nicholedecarlelondon.com/">Nichole De Carle</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/onyx-lemon-body-32650">£252.50 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNC1wlcrUQLXGqvFnOONqn0O6Lg1FukE6U0SjEXO9V1jpPRNRsY8-qimt3Yh4fkfgHIBI0RU0WtOxEWjmsih_ZTBqX5E-3i9rBLn62R2aFuO6R1X_yse0UbEYxkwZsNDmS5gBnf_8UbE/s1600/capture-20140626-230939-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNC1wlcrUQLXGqvFnOONqn0O6Lg1FukE6U0SjEXO9V1jpPRNRsY8-qimt3Yh4fkfgHIBI0RU0WtOxEWjmsih_ZTBqX5E-3i9rBLn62R2aFuO6R1X_yse0UbEYxkwZsNDmS5gBnf_8UbE/s1600/capture-20140626-230939-crop.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nicholedecarlelondon.com/">Nichole De Carle</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/catwalk-lemon-multiway-bra-32807">£67.50 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pqUlRbvtnfFPeSXp3JeYyH0qNei1vlAHW9LB4Nrvsefj8FL6QrVH7BjpVvYsQQi3VBYQfxQk7v7Vio94MOXdst1gCZJ-dgPtfY9E9VDyPHhlPqplhA1yA0fNTEDjHtejAsgmO03okfQ/s1600/capture-20140626-231031-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pqUlRbvtnfFPeSXp3JeYyH0qNei1vlAHW9LB4Nrvsefj8FL6QrVH7BjpVvYsQQi3VBYQfxQk7v7Vio94MOXdst1gCZJ-dgPtfY9E9VDyPHhlPqplhA1yA0fNTEDjHtejAsgmO03okfQ/s1600/capture-20140626-231031-crop.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nicholedecarlelondon.com/">Nichole De Carle</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/catwalk-lemon-brief-with-braces-32657">£46.50 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWzkIdOLZnzXWcFWQYXZeWqnlOICW_u4kJA-L_ARyLxoHntMwavBbbcKkOOsT2GpPu_tWRmoIsWfiLYV5e2hS0MW9v6s0_bvCvxcTDkOdbRl8ZOhKKdbWPmeqfsvNY9f_2z037ivt7KY/s1600/capture-20140222-230658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWzkIdOLZnzXWcFWQYXZeWqnlOICW_u4kJA-L_ARyLxoHntMwavBbbcKkOOsT2GpPu_tWRmoIsWfiLYV5e2hS0MW9v6s0_bvCvxcTDkOdbRl8ZOhKKdbWPmeqfsvNY9f_2z037ivt7KY/s1600/capture-20140222-230658.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eLai <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/example-category/bras/backintime-bonbon-bra.html">Bra £56</a> & <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/example-category/knickers/backintime-bonbon-brief.html">Brief £56</a> at <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/">eLai London</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDRMoq8O9ySBIkPsrVLXXdkf8rDtlDhWazHJgQKixEAKNw0Gh21ZymHGYMFUDluM-ighrcxGe4pQ9lcaLl8r7WoqaQF4uOPf_Ot2SIqoa8I2PQO3_H3NtfG3CXgiBvbG1dmXq3lGw2zU/s1600/capture-20140626-231401-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDRMoq8O9ySBIkPsrVLXXdkf8rDtlDhWazHJgQKixEAKNw0Gh21ZymHGYMFUDluM-ighrcxGe4pQ9lcaLl8r7WoqaQF4uOPf_Ot2SIqoa8I2PQO3_H3NtfG3CXgiBvbG1dmXq3lGw2zU/s1600/capture-20140626-231401-crop.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fleurofengland.com/">Fleur of England</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/lemon-cello-padded-plunge-bra">£55.30 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5W5WW7_tpCEDChC1ocKiIbnStvL_pYJLkcjvgzsnsyfLjN8g8V-95lSRGad8-h8Bg40G-P7YV1bSGLkndv-O6XEmX6-BlLgiqEkRB_iKr6vAyrNb0khQh5JZP4idE63BAt6DUTsNcmo/s1600/capture-20140626-231511-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5W5WW7_tpCEDChC1ocKiIbnStvL_pYJLkcjvgzsnsyfLjN8g8V-95lSRGad8-h8Bg40G-P7YV1bSGLkndv-O6XEmX6-BlLgiqEkRB_iKr6vAyrNb0khQh5JZP4idE63BAt6DUTsNcmo/s1600/capture-20140626-231511-crop.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fleurofengland.com/">Fleur of England</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/lemon-cello-suspender-belt">£41.30 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNVU19oRnd0SEEfux78aKXt7xTLMCbzV3mb6kab8MIHFPLcp02P1IwaeINQIzrpefUJbEO1f0j2vXKtr8OeuAQ8MPEhj4qIwtpH5zsMQQucDo5RLjeF1-93vEX5hZVoXQFBSc_A9oHDQ/s1600/capture-20140626-231441-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNVU19oRnd0SEEfux78aKXt7xTLMCbzV3mb6kab8MIHFPLcp02P1IwaeINQIzrpefUJbEO1f0j2vXKtr8OeuAQ8MPEhj4qIwtpH5zsMQQucDo5RLjeF1-93vEX5hZVoXQFBSc_A9oHDQ/s1600/capture-20140626-231441-crop.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fleurofengland.com/">Fleur Of England</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/lemon-cello-high-waisted-shorties">£34.30 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsKbgsvSNNYawG81VGRGzN7zHQC6f3EagyaY807g-rou1KeWxGlMghwSjY1-IdWlsHj14D99LgVj_NB8-otGNMeBuejl5GElOKiywy0iohPKtdCvUt78K4Z8dcy3KqyhroRx6SqFWirM/s1600/capture-20140626-231240-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsKbgsvSNNYawG81VGRGzN7zHQC6f3EagyaY807g-rou1KeWxGlMghwSjY1-IdWlsHj14D99LgVj_NB8-otGNMeBuejl5GElOKiywy0iohPKtdCvUt78K4Z8dcy3KqyhroRx6SqFWirM/s1600/capture-20140626-231240-crop.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madebyniki.co.uk/">Made By Niki</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/yellow-holster-shoulder-cape">£118.30 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1nNocKoj93-yPkskQAW962AXY0iqV8Ndf0uaELayNLZWtecQXNkpE5Zko168zuaQijKen2u6xNf2ALTAYJaTjojhHPjEi3zih6iEM_Z8sjQ6eg7ccIOfMveF_nftX744Vh0_SvdhjLI/s1600/capture-20140626-231320-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1nNocKoj93-yPkskQAW962AXY0iqV8Ndf0uaELayNLZWtecQXNkpE5Zko168zuaQijKen2u6xNf2ALTAYJaTjojhHPjEi3zih6iEM_Z8sjQ6eg7ccIOfMveF_nftX744Vh0_SvdhjLI/s1600/capture-20140626-231320-crop.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madebyniki.co.uk/">Made By Niki</a> <a href="http://dolcifollie.co.uk/yellow-peplum-suspender-belt">£62.30 at Dolci Follie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMz2rCi8_T6K78naVkd0-Q3sJ2f3JDJ8d5RBPGX3M17ZDyOIP3wSMSNu68pyMfiu314jA0o59g7ldwzImXhqhJsEmLWSnaMi-tzn8PYgW_-eEgsaQS5GBF7BA-6kXUiC_6W8x_M7Uv2w/s1600/crop_top2_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMz2rCi8_T6K78naVkd0-Q3sJ2f3JDJ8d5RBPGX3M17ZDyOIP3wSMSNu68pyMfiu314jA0o59g7ldwzImXhqhJsEmLWSnaMi-tzn8PYgW_-eEgsaQS5GBF7BA-6kXUiC_6W8x_M7Uv2w/s1600/crop_top2_1024x1024.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bordelle.co.uk/collections/shop/products/gallardia-crop-top">Bordelle £185</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Sepk6D8DHynfGubCnMbPd7iD5fBywmRrHVNJvbBZdnbZYz7dh8ITfGrI_RLM7L-Wvz42BparT3xnc9plk-qGYmYOHGhC8bhy3ccPld5oOtP1zSdJNbDAqArGXEvB8SOX8SbR03HiIx0/s1600/valinia_crop_top_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Sepk6D8DHynfGubCnMbPd7iD5fBywmRrHVNJvbBZdnbZYz7dh8ITfGrI_RLM7L-Wvz42BparT3xnc9plk-qGYmYOHGhC8bhy3ccPld5oOtP1zSdJNbDAqArGXEvB8SOX8SbR03HiIx0/s1600/valinia_crop_top_1024x1024.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bordelle.co.uk/collections/shop/products/valinia-crop-top">Bordelle Bra £185</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wkAqNIOsH2k%2FU6ycNB6aTuI%2FAAAAAAAAAVo%2FDD4qdfGxCZQ%2Fs1600%2Fcapture-20140626-230825-crop.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNtpBDyCf9n0A_flbXn5VfKUt-nMX9GCzlnbFaqO05Km8Bm7zIPawn0NrJnJjjkKkcF0uNkKtWGUoMJst5sD0OAFtNaDdRI_JB5v6WMV0386GS4SmK-t398IFA2FVsSlZ2jBAn8ok4-U/s1600/capture-20140626-230825-crop.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-25599797871254934512014-06-03T21:52:00.000+01:002014-06-06T21:14:27.481+01:00Kiss Me Deadly Catwalk And Cabaret Extravaganza!<div class="MsoNormal">
At the beginning of May I attended my first ever
"lingerie event" with my good friend Becca Pointeau. Followers of my
blog will be aware of my love for the vintage inspired <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a>, and
staying true to the brand; their take on a catwalk show was something a little
out of the ordinary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As opposed to being a serious fashion event with the
intention of reeling in new retailers and wholesale opportunities, the focus of
the <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> show was more along the lines of celebrating their loyal fans
and followers. <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">KMD</a> also have a long history of being unusually diverse in their
<a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/about/the-pictures">choices of models</a>; having used models in the past with body types rarely seen
in the lingerie industry, with disabilities, and of under-represented
ethnicities. In-keeping with this tradition, they chose their models for the
catwalk from their real life fans, which allowed much more diversity than the
usual sample sizes and retailer expectations allow for. The eventual line up
consisted of a variety of body shapes, heights, ages and even different
genders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH62DQHQrnIbm0i7ACAVxAjEjmwX_1FOJ9nrPTVSbjL32m1uCFnYf7o2cxd5LSEDM8jQriGifuj-7SwFng80qnQWVacO9u9IgIVjUuYzYl6SBRA-QO294mTOkTpEF1nnOPGo0Yp997Ic0/s1600/DSCF2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH62DQHQrnIbm0i7ACAVxAjEjmwX_1FOJ9nrPTVSbjL32m1uCFnYf7o2cxd5LSEDM8jQriGifuj-7SwFng80qnQWVacO9u9IgIVjUuYzYl6SBRA-QO294mTOkTpEF1nnOPGo0Yp997Ic0/s1600/DSCF2992.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the Deadly models</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event was held at <a href="http://www.tabernaclew11.com/">The Tabernacle</a> theatre in Notting
Hill, and upon arriving I instantly spotted <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">KMD</a> founder and main woman
Catherine Clavering by the front door, accompanied by one of the faces of the
brand; <a href="http://www.bonnieandbetty.com/adults/model-detail.php?id=1341">Jessica-Louise Abidde</a> (who was later on nice enough to negotiate me a
free glass of wine). I of course proceeded to corner Catherine and gush about
how much I love all things <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">KMD</a>. I asked what had become of her past plans to
open a second boutique in her home of Sheffield, to which she admitted that
despite her efforts, Yorkshire still wasn't quite ready for the likes of their
special brand of tongue-in-cheek, weapon-toting, film noir-esque lingerie
eccentricity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU08jIeoh_jN0qVu3CImy7_OKrxn74y2JC20mmRlzfpRz9AXWSsbWiTv9n0mkFjDOfOiCUtciur8a-yDFwdjMP5aVgha0Yfx0EVHFb8Rcl8DWMT6LWxjry3n6bB2Rv_6hYyzdi8cP_W4/s1600/DSCF2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU08jIeoh_jN0qVu3CImy7_OKrxn74y2JC20mmRlzfpRz9AXWSsbWiTv9n0mkFjDOfOiCUtciur8a-yDFwdjMP5aVgha0Yfx0EVHFb8Rcl8DWMT6LWxjry3n6bB2Rv_6hYyzdi8cP_W4/s1600/DSCF2849.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tempest Rose with two of the House Of Burlesque dancers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The show began with an introduction from Catherine; looking
stunning with enormous hair and a bespoke <a href="http://philmoreclague.co.uk/">Philmore Clague</a> dress; then the
catwalk kicked off. The models strutted up and down the stage one by one; each
in customised lingerie, though there was one lady who made the show for myself
and Becca as soon as she stepped into the stage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She exuded confidence and stood out from the rest as she was
constantly dancing, blowing kisses and striking poses for the audience, looking
every bit the natural performer. She was instantly our favourite. I have since
been in contact with her on Facebook and <a href="https://twitter.com/Sonia_Sparkle">Twitter</a> and she is every bit as lovely
to talk to as she appeared on stage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GOStN9lgJG_1juuh_NVgC1jXftGogC47IjT_aiwRSSYEvEIza2H3iLMCntFhACzxtpk5bHtu06uSeGozVGPJjyYyEjM5m8zWADMzdLufDnEP0MHX_elisIRAZILaiqoQarrI8wFTY_g/s1600/DSCF2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GOStN9lgJG_1juuh_NVgC1jXftGogC47IjT_aiwRSSYEvEIza2H3iLMCntFhACzxtpk5bHtu06uSeGozVGPJjyYyEjM5m8zWADMzdLufDnEP0MHX_elisIRAZILaiqoQarrI8wFTY_g/s1600/DSCF2818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our favourite, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sonia_Sparkle">Sonia Sparkles</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following the Deadly models were a number of acts from <a href="http://www.houseofburlesque.co.uk/">House Of Burlesque</a>, compared by the charismatic <a href="https://twitter.com/HOBTempestRose">Tempest Rose</a>. This was to be my first
experience of burlesque; something I'd been waiting for in anticipation since
<a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">KMD</a> first made the announcement that it was to be a part of the show. The first
to perform was an artist named <a href="http://www.trixitassels.com/">Trixi Tassels</a>, whose tongue in cheek strip tease
was topped off at the climax by spinning her namesake tassels on her nipple
pasties in every combination of directions imaginable. Her performance; along
with all the others', was absolutely hilarious and we became fans of burlesque
on the spot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfePYzmBRHFuy5fE1iHLOKpwai8ocU5ndHBtmhXpkOe-Z3O9iZkzndbRXlpEvpqR2TLeaI7QQJtPF8qVMAlV00qt1PoAoYbDEFgvot4B2WmuusCn9gcyLEGRX3cAB9j6Itl2bIUp5Pzk/s1600/DSCF2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfePYzmBRHFuy5fE1iHLOKpwai8ocU5ndHBtmhXpkOe-Z3O9iZkzndbRXlpEvpqR2TLeaI7QQJtPF8qVMAlV00qt1PoAoYbDEFgvot4B2WmuusCn9gcyLEGRX3cAB9j6Itl2bIUp5Pzk/s1600/DSCF2864.JPG" height="290" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.trixitassels.com/">Trixi Tassels</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole evening was a complete success (from our point of
view at least), with every performance having its own charm and comedy value. I
found that there was a feeling of community amongst all those who had travelled
to be a part of the audience too; I recognised a few familiar faces both from
the lingerie blogosphere and the vocal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kissmedeadlyfans?fref=photo">KMD Facebook</a> fandom and everyone felt
comfortable to approach each other to compliment the spectacular array of
dresses, corsets and shoes being worn. I hope that it's possible for this to
become a yearly tradition as I would happily make it a regular pilgrimage to
attend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaBrSsKcweL9sfz9XNDFmyKUlnHAkr2yD8oy984dhSQDcY1JYMHtWLwMYakI51HznVaBZtb5Llb7jUfOp3xFIV1omXzojVUL92aEcSu06P_i7jbtXRKAQY37arZn81hNL6YyriiC_Q6o/s1600/DSCF3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaBrSsKcweL9sfz9XNDFmyKUlnHAkr2yD8oy984dhSQDcY1JYMHtWLwMYakI51HznVaBZtb5Llb7jUfOp3xFIV1omXzojVUL92aEcSu06P_i7jbtXRKAQY37arZn81hNL6YyriiC_Q6o/s1600/DSCF3043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Emily, another of the Deadly models</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSJ_M6vv-irsUnGJBRslYfKXQWbnBXIbJB31lT4HFU4ugQay6_gmDWs8_UVbGgSIj4e3KgUzckDV-w-UMJlbYntttHp5wSUdBQpCeL2SczHPzpPtJOYBmNntYz_YVc5AdwP2rzo4u6iA/s1600/DSCF2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSJ_M6vv-irsUnGJBRslYfKXQWbnBXIbJB31lT4HFU4ugQay6_gmDWs8_UVbGgSIj4e3KgUzckDV-w-UMJlbYntttHp5wSUdBQpCeL2SczHPzpPtJOYBmNntYz_YVc5AdwP2rzo4u6iA/s1600/DSCF2838.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jean-Louis, who travelled from Sweden to be a part of the show</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzseV5Ldzt6yndixgSU145c7ovmpyNoWFziLDET4Nqcp0l72QtswkGycSEUhXlGFsnyyPt2MossSsioNZUGMCNUeQA5knKZEML1KLQGsBPHITxvcPf85bS4b9lfdipNjrfLVHuLhNsLw/s1600/DSCF2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzseV5Ldzt6yndixgSU145c7ovmpyNoWFziLDET4Nqcp0l72QtswkGycSEUhXlGFsnyyPt2MossSsioNZUGMCNUeQA5knKZEML1KLQGsBPHITxvcPf85bS4b9lfdipNjrfLVHuLhNsLw/s1600/DSCF2952.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A bit of audience participation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh5OPUh5jWI1yJODJtCKyrAxLqL4np0Q7Ctg6__EhnyqQOg0IOjIcjVg4XsFWG86siL2xYSkVW11IgsiIpULPEwmMtILZ6M1p9PF7kwPR1nDMhLh6FzKC1fdKhg9voOpDzh8J2WzaerM/s1600/DSCF2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh5OPUh5jWI1yJODJtCKyrAxLqL4np0Q7Ctg6__EhnyqQOg0IOjIcjVg4XsFWG86siL2xYSkVW11IgsiIpULPEwmMtILZ6M1p9PF7kwPR1nDMhLh6FzKC1fdKhg9voOpDzh8J2WzaerM/s1600/DSCF2890.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL2u-VGwuXsN3IJ3ZZyTNThpuOJZSuT8FkO3UCrTHAcfwrD91w4qMjcdxSoa2w1GjcoB2uEW6Xp0cur9Jl8CilPmnVuRBaFdODhX4fsR5br5pwZC435Kah9zOO0dob04yxo1Xw-8tgS8/s1600/DSCF2933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL2u-VGwuXsN3IJ3ZZyTNThpuOJZSuT8FkO3UCrTHAcfwrD91w4qMjcdxSoa2w1GjcoB2uEW6Xp0cur9Jl8CilPmnVuRBaFdODhX4fsR5br5pwZC435Kah9zOO0dob04yxo1Xw-8tgS8/s1600/DSCF2933.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A burlesque tribute to Nigella Lawson</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiLj3GaiBiXAyaGGm3LphobF8-il2znLPjb_JHKxzVPx5whch5rExJOWXvuFTuI2EJw7_t7m_3NlokRA4eNgyxVeXijErMnJCZXT4FqSGc1N7rRA5yn0OpW4fXb8aHwiRqkMfBtw0XPY/s1600/DSCF2980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiLj3GaiBiXAyaGGm3LphobF8-il2znLPjb_JHKxzVPx5whch5rExJOWXvuFTuI2EJw7_t7m_3NlokRA4eNgyxVeXijErMnJCZXT4FqSGc1N7rRA5yn0OpW4fXb8aHwiRqkMfBtw0XPY/s1600/DSCF2980.JPG" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.missdollyrose.com/">Dolly Rose</a> from the <a href="http://www.houseofburlesque.co.uk/">House of Burlesque</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUsb8_YyuxDRwVCUUxuQUeRvu0gTOzgWWE-cv3TItl_ZVzu_R0FzwxlzRAa_SWN813cYJHPlyCWSFCVJDNBLftTtEIBefBa87-387PiwGx-qcP1T3t3Tx-xVtT4HQ8As2SbqQgHFh-Z4/s1600/DSCF3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUsb8_YyuxDRwVCUUxuQUeRvu0gTOzgWWE-cv3TItl_ZVzu_R0FzwxlzRAa_SWN813cYJHPlyCWSFCVJDNBLftTtEIBefBa87-387PiwGx-qcP1T3t3Tx-xVtT4HQ8As2SbqQgHFh-Z4/s1600/DSCF3102.JPG" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWTFWEYox87BJI1MBJHf73U_o6IAKS4xK4Aj9TqL4dmq5Rt8YqNpHN6h7C4hA6cuXi2lj0jsBfFor6DNuDUs1z1UOU5kjPaNuwokddAMMTtv_sfJWDSbOylrETdyoDJpFajfe8MbKG90/s1600/DSCF3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWTFWEYox87BJI1MBJHf73U_o6IAKS4xK4Aj9TqL4dmq5Rt8YqNpHN6h7C4hA6cuXi2lj0jsBfFor6DNuDUs1z1UOU5kjPaNuwokddAMMTtv_sfJWDSbOylrETdyoDJpFajfe8MbKG90/s1600/DSCF3136.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ4NBaxaHTit9OLWm4DXltvw6qd4cDgNs_7IRPXJc3XEw_eWlbPAr8unH8JjX6l0t6Fgqf0PCa7LFqEFsr-hHrBt72agXxF1I4fhRXIy3UE0xcawscbENkkdjmAA3sbTsH1cOEg2VSIY/s1600/DSCF3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ4NBaxaHTit9OLWm4DXltvw6qd4cDgNs_7IRPXJc3XEw_eWlbPAr8unH8JjX6l0t6Fgqf0PCa7LFqEFsr-hHrBt72agXxF1I4fhRXIy3UE0xcawscbENkkdjmAA3sbTsH1cOEg2VSIY/s1600/DSCF3201.JPG" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All photos taken by myself. Stay up to date with the blog by liking the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stockingsandstingrays?ref=br_tf">Stockings And Stingrays Facebook page</a> and following me on <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">Twitter</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-28601740222983459362014-03-08T23:39:00.001+00:002014-03-08T23:39:10.762+00:00Lingerie Review: Gossard Retrolution Underwire Bra<a href="http://www.gossard.com/">Gossard</a> is one of <i>the</i> names when it comes to lingerie brands, particularly in the UK. The brand was founded way back in 1901 when the founder was inspired after seeing how a specially made corset was able to transform the figure of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Bernhardt">Sarah Bernhardt</a> on stage in Paris. Since then the brand has accomplished a lot of notable achievements in the world of undergarments; being amongst the first to use nylon as a clothing material, and being the original inventor of the infamous <a href="http://www.wonderbra.com/">Wonderbra</a>.<br />
<br />
The Retrolution bra has been my first experience of the brand. It is available in sizes 30 D-F, 32-36 B-G and 38 D-G, and retails for £36 at <a href="http://www.asos.com//Gossard/Gossard-Retrolution-Under-Wire-Bra/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2508395">ASOS</a>. I opted for the 30E and the fit was perfect.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ-3uqERt6sy6yRILQ9htxRARnKcEeB0ghcS6GpwhZS5me0yFTihd7-TgLgOVoA3sbcag7ySI7sXR36hRtt2tFRymrztfiXq_Ns_k8rH71IvuqAyzkxu1yV8dBxYofKUOMwa07SLiQUU/s1600/image1xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ-3uqERt6sy6yRILQ9htxRARnKcEeB0ghcS6GpwhZS5me0yFTihd7-TgLgOVoA3sbcag7ySI7sXR36hRtt2tFRymrztfiXq_Ns_k8rH71IvuqAyzkxu1yV8dBxYofKUOMwa07SLiQUU/s1600/image1xl.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYD8wNhyphenhyphenKDZvrhFFYY1qbl8Vwv0KTDYPoqOtMQFcQFoEu8h8ly3QhNuLT4YYF4gBimwzuC85hjHuWZfuhCE5UrkSUcDjtsHjzW1ocePX-UmFphfCJ1bK9HC0tmPAm3QbN5tnP5DiCW6Y/s1600/image2xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYD8wNhyphenhyphenKDZvrhFFYY1qbl8Vwv0KTDYPoqOtMQFcQFoEu8h8ly3QhNuLT4YYF4gBimwzuC85hjHuWZfuhCE5UrkSUcDjtsHjzW1ocePX-UmFphfCJ1bK9HC0tmPAm3QbN5tnP5DiCW6Y/s1600/image2xl.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Images Via <a href="http://www.asos.com/">ASOS</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Recently I've found that my tastes in lingerie have been changing a lot. Whereas my top drawer used to be full of black, black and more black, there has been a shift and the colours, pastels and nudes now seem to be dominating. This has been a gradual and natural change so I'm happy to just go with the flow; however I felt that a bold and well fitting black bra was a staple that I had come to lack; and this had to change.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtgDCffr3L6pTngZ9wO_NdvwsO2AWECAAWscEXJsl-LKyR2hh32VXbyiggDtR5H8z132zNjI38Rk0nFFYxYNYh5GSKxfolwQExE9aiUYPkQcDpkIunxnlcA_RtEGGPetAEAK5YMbwb9U/s1600/DSCF2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtgDCffr3L6pTngZ9wO_NdvwsO2AWECAAWscEXJsl-LKyR2hh32VXbyiggDtR5H8z132zNjI38Rk0nFFYxYNYh5GSKxfolwQExE9aiUYPkQcDpkIunxnlcA_RtEGGPetAEAK5YMbwb9U/s1600/DSCF2519.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmHJTGGLlQAjYrn1ks6q-LGCPW1L1L414y9-cMO-71b6aM_C5LZcgowsqeTM-jdYfd2aEnGmQFC2-FRtk2_ZDD2vweDwGuUYaL9mdqY2FEX59CsDJ-3gecgOJmO6xInknfwPanj4KKBc/s1600/DSCF2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmHJTGGLlQAjYrn1ks6q-LGCPW1L1L414y9-cMO-71b6aM_C5LZcgowsqeTM-jdYfd2aEnGmQFC2-FRtk2_ZDD2vweDwGuUYaL9mdqY2FEX59CsDJ-3gecgOJmO6xInknfwPanj4KKBc/s1600/DSCF2536.JPG" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This piece is true to the <a href="http://www.gossard.com/">Gossard</a> brand aesthetic in its vintage styling; and this was the reason that I fell in love with it. I don't often make impulse lingerie purchases and this was no exception, as I had had my eye on this for several months before I took the plunge; and I'm glad I did. The cups are half padded; the lower half finished in black satin, and the top half is black lace with a peach mesh underneath; which at least for fair skin tones gives the illusion of it being sheer, but with greater coverage. Also adding to the vintage feel are the wide satin finish straps and the gate style back; a design element that I love. The metal components are gold toned and emblazoned with the <a href="http://www.gossard.co.uk/">Gossard</a> logo, and there are ribbon flags embellishing the tops of both cups. This kind of attention to detail gives the impression of real luxury. The straps are fully adjustable which is good news for ladies with short torsos like myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7OCv9A0uq-m3z4BD1mW-meBch-TVVrXaTCZAIOCbKSl2ukqcdOz26wXthDcR5M9sEng8ie8JAk8jc4cF4FXdYpS3pJHoF7PDUgbVQyRV0b0igVS6cwVGtmbm5NMnMWpsBEdtryIVlVc/s1600/DSCF2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7OCv9A0uq-m3z4BD1mW-meBch-TVVrXaTCZAIOCbKSl2ukqcdOz26wXthDcR5M9sEng8ie8JAk8jc4cF4FXdYpS3pJHoF7PDUgbVQyRV0b0igVS6cwVGtmbm5NMnMWpsBEdtryIVlVc/s1600/DSCF2569.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not usually a fan of padded bras as I prefer the more natural shape that soft bras give. The Retrolution does give a slightly pointed shape, reminiscent of (though not quite as dramatic as) a bullet bra. I feel that this is excusable though, since it goes with the whole vintage feel of the bra, and it probably wouldn't look quite right if it had a more modern, rounded shape.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZHuSYLS0GGwu75HFDdLZnDKZFMWw3CTtRhKij3AvD0iQDCntghlAesZwrUIg25YssKzC2N6RxeASW4zkz554cI-DePF7HRIf-Ob5CIghXUsZFDJveaFp4HB6bbmqzz9yKcb75mwgdog/s1600/DSCF2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZHuSYLS0GGwu75HFDdLZnDKZFMWw3CTtRhKij3AvD0iQDCntghlAesZwrUIg25YssKzC2N6RxeASW4zkz554cI-DePF7HRIf-Ob5CIghXUsZFDJveaFp4HB6bbmqzz9yKcb75mwgdog/s1600/DSCF2527.JPG" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Overall I think this is a stunning bra, and it could well be one to make it into my everyday rotation, whilst still being lavish enough for a special occasion. I'm keen to try more from <a href="http://www.gossard.com/">Gossard</a> in the future, both due to their stunning designs and the interesting history of the brand. When it comes to finding a classic and elegant black bra I think this one ticks all the boxes; and seems to have the potential to become a modern classic.<br />
<br />
<br />
To keep up to date with the blog you can <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">follow me on Twitter</a> or like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stockingsandstingrays">Stockings And Stingrays Facebook page</a>. Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/witchhazeluk">eBay lingerie sale</a> and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DangerousDelicates">Etsy shop</a> for handmade lingerie accessories.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-75074651705986109052014-03-06T21:35:00.000+00:002014-03-06T21:35:20.074+00:00Lingerie Review: Kiss Me Deadly Vargas Dress<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> is one of my all time favourite lingerie
brands, and when it comes to vintage style lingerie, I'm yet to discover
another brand that does it so well. I was lucky enough to stumble upon the
brand right when I first started to become interested in lingerie (at age 17),
through one of their stockists; <a href="http://fairygothmother.co.uk/">Fairy Gothmother</a>. Their classic vintage styling
intrigued me far more than the standard offerings that I'd seen previously on
the high street and I became hooked right away. My first <a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a>
purchase was the <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/shop/product/430/vargas-dress-in-black">Vargas dress</a>; and it was a first in many aspects. It was the
first piece of quality lingerie I'd ever owned, and my first introduction to
<a href="http://corylus-avellana-contorta.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/lingerie-review-suspenders.html">suspenders</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU-eU12CxwT65NLLMnYOUWEQSNqgfClOZyyE06fJIqdEvdyeyCjH6_iXzTxiZMwI3czrFL6GcC_l41E9x53_NOx4zXeeDpvhl40y2gBeza0dy58ZHGXtWzhMkWQ4brLUzqvhT3WbiBV8/s1600/4435357a17eb5f8c73ee3f207543aa683e9fa465--330x440auto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU-eU12CxwT65NLLMnYOUWEQSNqgfClOZyyE06fJIqdEvdyeyCjH6_iXzTxiZMwI3czrFL6GcC_l41E9x53_NOx4zXeeDpvhl40y2gBeza0dy58ZHGXtWzhMkWQ4brLUzqvhT3WbiBV8/s1600/4435357a17eb5f8c73ee3f207543aa683e9fa465--330x440auto.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkALrTmvSbscENT3Iwlbfy-JnbDX8F2mYf04l8iiOf-MtlBEsNazZ9io7i_4D54tLes2J7jy36bq31-LM1zdj5_9WJ-hNOOeYWEAH0A_dVtY8fdxEwScVgI9Jes8HdRCrc_9aoEr6Kfo/s1600/789cf0fd1bd97a951d27d90ec6bd67185d61d19d--330x440auto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkALrTmvSbscENT3Iwlbfy-JnbDX8F2mYf04l8iiOf-MtlBEsNazZ9io7i_4D54tLes2J7jy36bq31-LM1zdj5_9WJ-hNOOeYWEAH0A_dVtY8fdxEwScVgI9Jes8HdRCrc_9aoEr6Kfo/s1600/789cf0fd1bd97a951d27d90ec6bd67185d61d19d--330x440auto.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Images Via </span><a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/" style="font-style: italic;">Kiss Me Deadly</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given that I bought this several years ago the sizing isn't perfect for me; I own this in a 34C. The control mesh is a comfortable fit and does the job of smoothing out all my lumps and bumps, but the cups of the bra are slightly too big on me. I'm not sure this is entirely down to it not being the correct size though, as even with minimal wear and tender care, the elastic seems to have all snapped in the bra cups. As far as I remember this started to happen not long after I first got it; visible black elastic threads began to appear sticking out from the lace fabric all over the bra part of the dress. I resorted to trimming these off to improve the appearance, but there wasn't much I could do to restore the elasticity of the fabric. Since I bought mine however, <a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> have updated the style of the dress which as far as I'm aware fixed this issue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7tMpYG4iNu2XhDTdhDGOljRL6rYNiA1K3AMJ6K1XY_IHhZiPfLqBFITB4ajl70r63viTYVmsseBdO4olZxZqUSx39qr4iHJjyI2RbkOMvM_0o6ZWfb2WdQFTV-Hr25TR1y4-GFfcnoA/s1600/5956bf8d60d067f8e3e0013591eb4681725baca8--330x440auto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7tMpYG4iNu2XhDTdhDGOljRL6rYNiA1K3AMJ6K1XY_IHhZiPfLqBFITB4ajl70r63viTYVmsseBdO4olZxZqUSx39qr4iHJjyI2RbkOMvM_0o6ZWfb2WdQFTV-Hr25TR1y4-GFfcnoA/s1600/5956bf8d60d067f8e3e0013591eb4681725baca8--330x440auto.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image Via <a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The top part of the dress closes with a standard bra hook and eye closure, and the rest is a pull on design, though the larger sizes have a concealed zip. With a little bit of wiggling this is easy enough to get in and out of despite the body shaping nature of the control mesh. The bottom of the dress has six sturdy suspender straps, each featuring black ribbon detailing; everything about this piece screams elegance and luxury. The cups of the bra are a balconette style and are finished off in semi-sheer black lace. The straps are wide set and end with a sort of sling that encases the outer side of the cups. I don't personally find the cups particularly supportive, but this is mostly down to the fact that balconette styles don't really suit my breast shape, the size not being perfect, and the issue with the elastic. In the updated version of this dress which is currently available the construction of the cups has been altered to provide greater support, so I'm sure that if I were to purchase a new one, all the problems would be solved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV9Fe_c1dgJ1QTZ_LAxDFA1rtuJOc8FZ5_zycaGD2sWtMgyZ8yZGSritr6M8PmRP5ghd0bCM8aezwSzeBE_PEw7KKq5eTIkDxwTpRs_O46lcrKNr41RwXAgLrCFzGXkZ58xLh6WbL0Nc/s1600/DSCF2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV9Fe_c1dgJ1QTZ_LAxDFA1rtuJOc8FZ5_zycaGD2sWtMgyZ8yZGSritr6M8PmRP5ghd0bCM8aezwSzeBE_PEw7KKq5eTIkDxwTpRs_O46lcrKNr41RwXAgLrCFzGXkZ58xLh6WbL0Nc/s1600/DSCF2471.JPG" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes to looks however; the Vargas dress is hard to beat. It's a modern classic, and despite much searching I haven't found a suspender dress or corselette from any other brand that is anywhere near as beautiful as this and the <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/shop/product/541/vargas-multiway-dress">multiway version</a>. It is a very much loved item in my lingerie collection and I'm very thankful that this was my first experience of <i>real</i> lingerie. Discovering <a href="http://kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> so early on in my "lingerie journey" helped a great deal in teaching me to be able to tell the good quality from the bad, and also led to me finding several other independent UK brands that my underwear drawer has benefited from greatly. This is also most likely the culprit of my love affair with stockings (which I now favour over tights on any occasion). Later on this year I will be attending a catwalk and cabaret show that will be using fans of <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> as the models and I'm genuinely so excited. The relationship that the brand has with it's customers is one more thing that makes <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/">Kiss Me Deadly</a> so special.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stockings and Stingrays now has a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stockingsandstingrays">Facebook page</a>! Give it a like to stay up to date with blog posts and news. If Twitter is more your thing then you can follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">@CorinneAvellana</a>, and I still have a couple of things available in <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/witchhazeluk">my eBay lingerie sale</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-76856036319651155412014-03-03T23:17:00.001+00:002014-03-03T23:17:41.081+00:00Fear And Loathing In Bra Fit And Body Image<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was born I weighed barely over 5lbs and fitted into
the palm of my big sister's hand. A couple of years later a health visitor told
my mother that I'd never be any more than 5 feet tall. In school I was always
one of the smallest by far, and it wasn't until about age 15
that I finally caught up. Now, at age 20, I am a quite comfortable
5'5", UK dress size 8-10, and at a healthy weight. For most of my
childhood however, although being perfectly healthy, I was slightly underweight
and very very slim.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My weight was to be expected really. I've always had a small
frame (likely due to being born so tiny), and I ate healthily throughout my
childhood. I loved swimming and would go at least once a week as I started
doing junior lifesaving at my local pool. When I first started to wear wired
bras at around age 11, my mother took me to get measured at <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/">M&S</a>. I measured up
as only being an AA or A cup, which wasn't surprising as I hadn't really
started to develop yet, but despite still being too skinny to even fit into a
woman's size 6, the shop assistant put me straight into a 30 band. Even now,
although I find a 30 band to be a comfortable fit, it's still one band size up
from my recommended ideal fit of a 28; and I was much smaller back then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGrM8m0FgJaZsrAMvBv6qzGNdq3pHNBsKb8cbsgzrL25P6ntpEaIDWdBeUQmChmwj49DXOCZZORpKfsyaAky1mjNq-Q3vQFvrwv9mwUzjv0EUVb2Bc0kvHu9p0VKf8s2dSiG8TOQKA6s/s1600/Hazel+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGrM8m0FgJaZsrAMvBv6qzGNdq3pHNBsKb8cbsgzrL25P6ntpEaIDWdBeUQmChmwj49DXOCZZORpKfsyaAky1mjNq-Q3vQFvrwv9mwUzjv0EUVb2Bc0kvHu9p0VKf8s2dSiG8TOQKA6s/s1600/Hazel+017.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me (Far Left) With Friends, Age 13</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mother was a strong believer in getting professionally
measured on a regular basis, as she understood my body was going through a lot
of changes. By age 14 I was told I needed a 34B and by 17 a 34C. By this point
I had begun to get severely frustrated by my bras. I could see that they didn't
look the same on me as the girls on the websites and in the adverts, but I'd
been fitted by a professional so I felt that it was my body that was the
problem; not the bras. At age 18 I started to experience bad pain in my back
and breasts that I eventually realised was down to my bras not fitting
properly. I used Google to find a bra size calculator, which told me I should
be wearing a 32D, but when I tried one on in <a href="http://www.newlook.com/">New Look</a>; even to my bra-fit
ignorant self, it was obviously too tight. I settled for a 34D, which although
still didn't fit well, did cause an end to my chest pain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a while after that I stuck with buying bras in a 34D. It
bothered me that I didn't quite fill out the cups, resulting in gaping at the
top; but a 34C had been painful, so I thought it was just something I'd have to
live with. On a couple of occasions I even resorted to sewing the cups a
little tighter to stop the gaping, thinking this was just an inconvenient fact
of being "between cup sizes" or having breasts the "wrong
shape". I always blamed my body rather than the bras and actually started
to dislike and resent my boobs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since becoming a teenager I'd understandably put on some
weight, and despite the fact that I'd never been more than a size 8-10 I still
found this hard to come to terms with. As a pre-teen I'd had a perfectly flat stomach
and slender, toned limbs; but had longed to grow up and have
"womanly" curves. Now I had these painful breasts and ill-fitting
bras that looked nothing like I'd imagined; it seemed like a poor trade off for
a washboard stomach and thighs that didn't wobble. I missed my figure of the past
and started to develop body dysmorphia. I began to buy clothes that were too
big; buying for the body that I thought I had, rather than the one of reality. It
took me a few years to snap out of this habit, though my body issues are
something I still haven't fully come to terms with. Posting pictures to this
blog is going some way to help me with this; taking me a little out of my
comfort zone and teaching me to accept my body how it is. Before now I could
probably count on one hand the number of people who had seen my bare stomach in
my adult life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMQSUESSmeRuQHAcsowxHlMfkDCXnXNDViXtsyImzHd6H_TbUkaLrvRVv0gYs0Wlm3nXzBZuLobjc8zLOxKNKWHSfecdOklKOkpC1b53HUhXgNTvJoEgB7L0Q7OPj0pAMXhptxHr0S1I/s1600/thewhocarestrust.org.uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMQSUESSmeRuQHAcsowxHlMfkDCXnXNDViXtsyImzHd6H_TbUkaLrvRVv0gYs0Wlm3nXzBZuLobjc8zLOxKNKWHSfecdOklKOkpC1b53HUhXgNTvJoEgB7L0Q7OPj0pAMXhptxHr0S1I/s1600/thewhocarestrust.org.uk.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Body Dysmorphia Image Via <a href="http://thewhocarestrust.org.uk/">thewhocarestrust.org.uk</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned in <a href="http://corylus-avellana-contorta.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/lingerie-review-claudette-fishnet-scoop.html">my review of the Claudette scoop neck bra</a>,
last time I got professionally measured I was told I was a 32B; which I didn't
believe for a minute, but since then I had stuck with 32 bands rather than 34s.
With the <a href="http://www.loveclaudette.com/site/">Claudette</a> bra I found through trial and error than the 32DD was the
size best suited to me, at least as far as 32 bands go. It's only very recently
that I've had my Epic Bra Fit Revelation, as I've been reading more and more
blog posts on the subject. Suddenly everything made sense to me. Most high street fitters still use the
+4/5" measuring system, which is now outdated since modern bra bands are much more stretchy and sizes
directly correspond with the underbust measurement. I'd always found myself
automatically using the tightest set of hooks to close my bras from the word
go, which I shouldn't have needed to do if the bands were the correct fit on
me. However even when a fitting room assistant saw that I had done this and informed
me that I should be using the loosest hooks, it didn't occur to her that I
might be better off in a smaller band.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My underbust measurement where the bra band should sit comes
up as 28.5", meaning that my "idea fit" is a 28 band rather than the 34s
that I was told I needed for many years. Given that this is two band sizes
smaller than the 32DD that I was comfortable in cup-wise, I'd need to go up two
cup sizes, resulting in a 28F. This puts me firmly in the "full bust"
bracket, and quite frankly makes high street fitting services seem laughable.
Using the exact underbust measurement to choose the band size needed isn't
foolproof though, as all bodies are different. For those with particularly
muscular or bony ribcages (I fit into this category), going up a band size may
be more comfortable as their bodies have less "squish" to them. For
me this means that I am actually more comfortable in a 30E; a sister size to a 28F.
Curvier women may find that the opposite is true; they may be better suited to
a band that's a size or two smaller than their natural measurements in order to
get a snug fit as their bodies are more malleable. In the end you have to trust what feels most comfortable; if your bra band is bothering you then it's not the right fit, regardless of what any measuring system or chart might say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All this raises a
question though. If the way the bra sizing works has changed, then why are
supposedly professional fitters using outdated methods and recommending the
wrong sizes? I haven't been able to find a concrete answer to this but it seems
likely that there are many contributing factors. I imagine that a lot of adult
women would be too stubborn to accept that they might be a different size to
the one that they know they've "always been". Creating a standard
between all the different boutiques and department stores that offer fitting
services also seems like it could pose an issue. It's no good one shop updating
their methods and telling someone she's a 32F if she's just going to go and
shop elsewhere and be told that she actually needs a 36DD. The main factor however
seems to be the range of sizes that retailers stock. If they can group as many
women together as being an "average" size such as a 34C as possible, then
they can increase the number of sales whilst only stocking a limited size range. This is backed up by the fact that when using the +4 measuring system, inches are added to those with an underbust measurement of below 34", but <i>not</i> to those measuring 36" or above; a clear indication that fitters are trying to squeeze a large range of women into a small range of sizes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that sadly the main focus of most retailers is
still making the maximum number of sales possible as opposed to genuinely
offering a helpful service to their customers. A lot of shops that offer a
fitting service have posters on their walls warning you of the negative side
effects that wearing the wrong bra size can cause; yet they don't practice what
they preach. I can't help thinking that when I was last measured (and told I
was a 32B), that if the fitting room assistant had told me I was best suited to
a 28F it would have been a negative result for the store as it is a difficult
size to find and it's likely that they didn't have any in stock. It seems to be
in the best interests of the stores to sell a woman a poorly fitting bra rather
than identify her as a size that they can't provide. And of course, it is
cheaper for the store to stock a smaller range of sizes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately for me, since my Epic Bra Fit Revelation there
are a lot less options available to me, as being an E or F cup puts me in the full
bust bracket which often means relying on specialist retailers; however not all
of the full bust brands always cater for the smaller back sizes. 28 and 30
bands are not easy to come by. I'm always discovering new brands though, and
luckily for the people in my predicament, there are plenty of gorgeous bras out
there in every size range if you know where to look. Finding everything you're
looking for on a small budget might not always be easy either, but I'm quickly
becoming a strong believer that a good quality and well fitting bra is the most
important aspect of any outfit, and an essential part of everyday life.
Personally, I have no issue spending more on a really good bra than I would on
a nice dress; I know which one I'll get more wear out of.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So although I still have trouble finding clothes that fit my
awkward short-torso/long legged/between-sizes figure; after many years of
stress and self-loathing I now feel that I have bras pretty much down, and am
confident enough to know what fits me and what doesn't, regardless of what it
may say on the label. Now just comes the fun part of expanding my collection!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-31630094404920804202014-02-28T01:53:00.003+00:002014-02-28T01:53:22.272+00:00Lingerie Review: Lidia Harness From Karolina LaskowskaWhen I was a little girl I was taught to believe that visible straps were bad; bra straps showing from under a sleeveless top in Summer were a faux pas, and it was better to wear a vest top with nothing underneath than to risk bra straps being seen.<br />
<br />
Obviously as I got older I began to ignore this. I wanted to wear tank tops and no longer felt comfortable going braless; a hint of bra peeking from underneath didn't seem like such a big deal anymore. As it got to the point that all my friends and I were of bra-wearing age, it felt a little silly to be embarrassed of something that was just a fact of life.<br />
<br />
This has evolved and I now in fact love unnecessary straps and strappy detailing both in lingerie and outerwear. Harnesses are of course the ultimate in strappy accessories; they provide no practical purpose other than to look pretty. They can be worn both with lingerie or over tops and dresses as statement outerwear. I've been a fan of <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/">Karolina Laskowska</a>'s designs for some time now, especially her <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/product-category/shop-2/classics/">Classics Collection</a>, which features several harnesses and other strappy pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbH0_l6NYO_SI99skYLl5SJmFTmoBmuWhCru_5-fpXOdvQ5__mhyphenhyphen7GnlN-a3Ol00oahZVKnf427pTx_P6N_Fn-Q1ZL6US1MCk-hJP4aeW_0w85C1UKcjdHYNrMyqCChEgfCvgEdmUP0/s1600/Lydia-Harness-Front-480x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbH0_l6NYO_SI99skYLl5SJmFTmoBmuWhCru_5-fpXOdvQ5__mhyphenhyphen7GnlN-a3Ol00oahZVKnf427pTx_P6N_Fn-Q1ZL6US1MCk-hJP4aeW_0w85C1UKcjdHYNrMyqCChEgfCvgEdmUP0/s1600/Lydia-Harness-Front-480x480.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">The Lidia Harness Via <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/">Karolina Laskowska</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When the <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/shop-2/kordelia-harness/">Kordelia</a> and <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/shop-2/lidia-harness/">Lidia</a> harnesses became available at a reduced price for a limited time I couldn't resist any longer. It took a lot of deliberating before I could decide which design to purchase, but in the end the cross-over detailing of the Lidia won me over. As the harnesses were on backorder there was a long wait between placing the order and receiving it in the post; but the anticipation made it all the more exciting when it finally arrived (albeit right before I had to leave for work so I didn't have time to open it!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0klcGoV1Grqev-rd9tQvIIQcakV_X5CFQjclZ42oB3ze63fgPYeV1N1Gne1YJ-Hgi_3hZxF2mLIqJ7wLDJuk7qUIyA7e7KdMuVzLDMvTNNHP3gnoVKPg6z6e8n6Oy_3qrjy7aXbUaOk/s1600/DSCF2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0klcGoV1Grqev-rd9tQvIIQcakV_X5CFQjclZ42oB3ze63fgPYeV1N1Gne1YJ-Hgi_3hZxF2mLIqJ7wLDJuk7qUIyA7e7KdMuVzLDMvTNNHP3gnoVKPg6z6e8n6Oy_3qrjy7aXbUaOk/s1600/DSCF2371.JPG" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r9kvm3Ilr_TzwTNwsceyl7vWfhHp8EN-3aeaJUW90BLJzx6kcAhuCPUxKFu1ydsYWoUNlQVG1rC5ZdDbHL8qiQau4jDVCYrF1FkjCK5pQuK50X6mBjRDjSkqCcLLCuGI-MmxYlnCFco/s1600/DSCF2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r9kvm3Ilr_TzwTNwsceyl7vWfhHp8EN-3aeaJUW90BLJzx6kcAhuCPUxKFu1ydsYWoUNlQVG1rC5ZdDbHL8qiQau4jDVCYrF1FkjCK5pQuK50X6mBjRDjSkqCcLLCuGI-MmxYlnCFco/s1600/DSCF2348.JPG" height="320" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">Worn with a set by <a href="http://www.mariosschwab.com/">Marios Schwab</a> that I reviewed <a href="http://corylus-avellana-contorta.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/lingerie-review-kallisti-by-marios.html">here</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I got a chance to actually try it on it was just as beautiful as I'd expected. The elastic strapping has a smooth satin finish, which combined with the gold toned rings and sliders give the piece a really luxurious feel. The halterneck and the lowest of the straps around the ribcage are both adjustable, which allows it to be worn either directly under the bust, or lower down to accentuate the waist; whilst still being comfortable. After shooting the pictures for this post I threw a dress on over the top and left the harness on for several hours and was able to forget I was even wearing it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YboECT0wJ8Ns2qpc4AFIBmiW1XH9hzGGSaTZmMxUPQvlW2CwJwoStISe4yJvF3b0BOz681fD_aQs46pKW_gxXKo68folORXsrvgT9zzArjVcdW9tiqYj0zgTMjhMiNlv6MHtAqb_FwM/s1600/DSCF2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YboECT0wJ8Ns2qpc4AFIBmiW1XH9hzGGSaTZmMxUPQvlW2CwJwoStISe4yJvF3b0BOz681fD_aQs46pKW_gxXKo68folORXsrvgT9zzArjVcdW9tiqYj0zgTMjhMiNlv6MHtAqb_FwM/s1600/DSCF2336.JPG" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had great fun shooting the images for this post, and can't wait to have an occasion to wear this harness over a dress as outerwear. Karolina is definitely one to watch and I'm really looking forward to seeing what her final university collection will look like. Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to own some more of her pieces soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To stay up to date with new posts you can follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">@CorinneAvellana</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-40715426961809551982014-02-22T23:19:00.000+00:002014-02-22T23:19:02.488+00:00Lingerie Review: Lever Du Soleil Set By eLai London<a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/">eLai London</a> is a relatively new brand that was launched in 2012 by designer Eva Lai, and specialises in luxury lingerie and nightwear. All of the products are made to order by Eva herself which makes them feel really special.<br />
<br />
Last year I bought the <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/shop-collections/quotidien/lever-du-soleil.html">Lever Du Soleil</a> bra and brief, which are from the <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/shop-collections/quotidien.html">Quotidien</a> diffusion line; her more budget friendly range of lingerie. The Lever Du Soleil collection features sheer tan-coloured mesh and contrasting black elastic. Although the mesh doesn't blend with my pasty-white skin tone, I imagine it would be a perfect nude for those with tanned or Latin colouring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDafxVK-zgAxqU2jYUxOX1WtNWi5zQpWhBBsxlpclK-OmpQLI8NNqr-O1xrtCbPRgEVkRUXXcWapjrvwnN8PNpR0a-kIqEZeWpG9hgm8Zgu2y-6Nxjhx8-w9oSacYsuFpNRIxoTyob2HU/s1600/lever+du+soleil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDafxVK-zgAxqU2jYUxOX1WtNWi5zQpWhBBsxlpclK-OmpQLI8NNqr-O1xrtCbPRgEVkRUXXcWapjrvwnN8PNpR0a-kIqEZeWpG9hgm8Zgu2y-6Nxjhx8-w9oSacYsuFpNRIxoTyob2HU/s1600/lever+du+soleil.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoTTeo463GweIQAGBeDbfqquM4cUIV1j_P8IL2bfQYkF71uYkelR8Psc0XY-o73SDqVAlnA8Bys-v14ebapiJZbv5TrLmxTvm_7JgBoEAgHik5cM6SuVw0UQwvDsb1Uf1xNpPtRTEmQM/s1600/elai+london+lever+du+soleil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoTTeo463GweIQAGBeDbfqquM4cUIV1j_P8IL2bfQYkF71uYkelR8Psc0XY-o73SDqVAlnA8Bys-v14ebapiJZbv5TrLmxTvm_7JgBoEAgHik5cM6SuVw0UQwvDsb1Uf1xNpPtRTEmQM/s1600/elai+london+lever+du+soleil.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Images via <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/">eLai London</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was actually a glitch with the website when I placed my order which meant the size menu for the brief wasn't working, but Eva emailed me almost immediately after to confirm which size I needed and apologise for the problem. I ordered the both the bra and the brief in a small, though upon trying on the bra, despite the band fitting perfectly, the cups were much too small for me, so I returned it in exchange for a medium, which arrived very quickly. She even offered me some personal sizing advice over email to help make sure that the medium would work for me. I think this buying experience could have possibly been the best customer service I've ever experienced from any brand; big or small.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The brief is a snug fit on my 8-10 frame, though it doesn't feel like it would fit a slightly larger 10 and I'd recommend going up a size if in doubt. I'd say that the waistband is a perfect fit on my hips, however the leg elastic is a little tight and I've found that after a little while it can start to dig in and be uncomfortable around the inner thighs. It also digs in a little around the bum, which isn't particularly a comfort issue, but does mean that there is a visible ridge when worn under tight clothing. If I were to purchase again I think I'd choose to size up on the bottom to avoid these issues.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSiOc6jm8XGEfHOs-4XlnJ3sc70GuaPXeZNmh2MFC8B5r-IIttNUKZV5817s7D4lR7toqvBCTt-t8lONDko_CNrf5cxgWgpzlQw05xnNNxA0Sw95A08Pi80JDBVV8X_cjQjNFTEjW9y0/s1600/DSCF2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSiOc6jm8XGEfHOs-4XlnJ3sc70GuaPXeZNmh2MFC8B5r-IIttNUKZV5817s7D4lR7toqvBCTt-t8lONDko_CNrf5cxgWgpzlQw05xnNNxA0Sw95A08Pi80JDBVV8X_cjQjNFTEjW9y0/s1600/DSCF2214.JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bra however is comfortable enough to be worn all day, and although it isn't as supportive as some might like; I haven't found this to be an issue and can happily wear it while I'm working with no issues. I'm happy to say that this piece is one that's made it into my regular everyday lingerie cycle. I've been wearing this frequently for several months now, and despite my sins of putting it in the washing machine (in a laundry bag), it still looks good as new. Altogether this has been a very happy purchase, and I hope to see more exciting pieces from this brand in the coming seasons. Below are a few of my favourites from the full <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/">eLai London</a> range.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-eKRnhaisaasKyaKz6DE1iOL6d-kbNEMiWfEBeGKuYCWKRzL1ErFbhyHTWIwt_G9ykMwr2La74j50GJ-0v-iKX0WHe-Dz6XgDEJQ2ykAvLT-6Hz-2KNsHFsRD2ZDvXj5VcVxfoVC_iE/s1600/capture-20140222-225634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-eKRnhaisaasKyaKz6DE1iOL6d-kbNEMiWfEBeGKuYCWKRzL1ErFbhyHTWIwt_G9ykMwr2La74j50GJ-0v-iKX0WHe-Dz6XgDEJQ2ykAvLT-6Hz-2KNsHFsRD2ZDvXj5VcVxfoVC_iE/s1600/capture-20140222-225634.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGle1MJEikXrT0H8UpW8_gS7REuU1u_zN2n8mqAab3rA5f8Sp90RPNhiXDXtJhn7fD3xuVF0Vo_sYUuMcWuen28tA2zGR65v6Rnbn1lsU_wzxGcu-3cbMk0YK1XCHV4AWkC02t4qsdTUs/s1600/capture-20140222-230000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGle1MJEikXrT0H8UpW8_gS7REuU1u_zN2n8mqAab3rA5f8Sp90RPNhiXDXtJhn7fD3xuVF0Vo_sYUuMcWuen28tA2zGR65v6Rnbn1lsU_wzxGcu-3cbMk0YK1XCHV4AWkC02t4qsdTUs/s1600/capture-20140222-230000.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfgIGM5OH5nvksZFl-5Y1VnRO_MpbroXebKFnPM_TC-B8T0LaHaLjYCTtUNUa7yRUxzukMWfuogmEn-CymbtYisqql9_so49QPIrR34d9Heh-hnK2u_SbWZTEXvbCLB3j3Ws5qf14W4A/s1600/capture-20140222-230048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfgIGM5OH5nvksZFl-5Y1VnRO_MpbroXebKFnPM_TC-B8T0LaHaLjYCTtUNUa7yRUxzukMWfuogmEn-CymbtYisqql9_so49QPIrR34d9Heh-hnK2u_SbWZTEXvbCLB3j3Ws5qf14W4A/s1600/capture-20140222-230048.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8tJ-EGcO1_I8gRbfSEvQjc_L_0QK6fNs9zswwaLy6HnsVTzgSeMxRM6PNUQP7BJbm7P3F0_oWG3qurJcoctNxERvFIimJkmJQbrcIHEj9uTiu8Ed_sUQ_NBKaMsBPczBqYwAVmBMFs0/s1600/capture-20140222-230305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8tJ-EGcO1_I8gRbfSEvQjc_L_0QK6fNs9zswwaLy6HnsVTzgSeMxRM6PNUQP7BJbm7P3F0_oWG3qurJcoctNxERvFIimJkmJQbrcIHEj9uTiu8Ed_sUQ_NBKaMsBPczBqYwAVmBMFs0/s1600/capture-20140222-230305.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtseCMGj7uNMIpOlx5Ha38dW2IllD-cIBwOZ2lui3mkd2O4V1gHsq6pYELtE8b3q8bJtKmypNmAtLV7nGnthH2RitXNr34-s4mICz22VWhvenf3yGf_0Bbg2pEpsC-xgm4sbN25hqDlBE/s1600/capture-20140222-230456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtseCMGj7uNMIpOlx5Ha38dW2IllD-cIBwOZ2lui3mkd2O4V1gHsq6pYELtE8b3q8bJtKmypNmAtLV7nGnthH2RitXNr34-s4mICz22VWhvenf3yGf_0Bbg2pEpsC-xgm4sbN25hqDlBE/s1600/capture-20140222-230456.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Wv_AgWJpdbhcYebHCTDOJSY4qcxpQ1YAKhWf1hGRcOfJVqgOGwdpsYyF8T1RYZTPKXNE1BilF-mxEM30C-naaHIZz8ZO5PSUt42uvTUaMzxMjt83JQ_1HMvUrzCiOjlF9Duq91XZis/s1600/capture-20140222-230658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Wv_AgWJpdbhcYebHCTDOJSY4qcxpQ1YAKhWf1hGRcOfJVqgOGwdpsYyF8T1RYZTPKXNE1BilF-mxEM30C-naaHIZz8ZO5PSUt42uvTUaMzxMjt83JQ_1HMvUrzCiOjlF9Duq91XZis/s1600/capture-20140222-230658.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Images via <a href="http://elailondon.mygostore.co.uk/">eLai London</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To keep up with my future blog posts you can follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">@CorinneAvellana</a>. You can also view my lingerie sale <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/witchhazeluk">here</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-48081009090253839872014-02-19T00:32:00.002+00:002014-02-19T01:07:23.175+00:00Lingerie Review: Kallisti By Marios SchwabThis is a set I bought a few months ago at <a href="http://www.asos.com/">ASOS</a> from the <a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/A-To-Z-Of-Brands/Kallisti-By-Marios-Schwab/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=16839">Kallisti</a> collection by <a href="http://www.mariosschwab.com/">Marios Schwab</a>. This is the first lingerie collection from this London based designer, and largely features sheer mesh and lace, which are two things I love. The designs are bold and modern, with elegant lines and not too much fuss or frippery.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoUgnhpVp-BZEX4KWj779BWfcwyAGzDRDmQsZAbTrkA2GOuG_480vdkSxJb9OSpmvXg8dQQPjkT-hXTD5WgGeTHQBls0W3UKAxGTPRsnzwmS4WurnL9p5ubitOEJWNyGj4fRRpC-5A7w/s1600/image4xl+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoUgnhpVp-BZEX4KWj779BWfcwyAGzDRDmQsZAbTrkA2GOuG_480vdkSxJb9OSpmvXg8dQQPjkT-hXTD5WgGeTHQBls0W3UKAxGTPRsnzwmS4WurnL9p5ubitOEJWNyGj4fRRpC-5A7w/s1600/image4xl+(1).jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChs3VjJYs1IohrS7GU-dFmUy5D42KWVIdQ1l8eyuJwucIxYIKOwsk72bqs7PfaWbtvebv9kCX2bgEPVyDzx_4kNQDfINgS9UCSO-NGVCTSiWL1dHJQs2IIdgv0GqObnatwJpwa2rAOak/s1600/image2xl+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChs3VjJYs1IohrS7GU-dFmUy5D42KWVIdQ1l8eyuJwucIxYIKOwsk72bqs7PfaWbtvebv9kCX2bgEPVyDzx_4kNQDfINgS9UCSO-NGVCTSiWL1dHJQs2IIdgv0GqObnatwJpwa2rAOak/s1600/image2xl+%25281%2529.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Images via <a href="http://www.asos.com/">ASOS</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bra comes in sizes S/M/L, I ordered a small and it fitted perfectly, which surprised me as I usually find that bras labelled "small" are too tight in the cup; causing overspill and "quadboob". However this design must allow for some generosity as it was fine. I also opted for a small with the knickers and they were spot on, feeling true to size at around a UK 8-10.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The semi-sheer lace of the bra cups and the knickers is absolutely beautiful, and really soft against the skin. The lower portion of the cups is overlayed with black mesh, which is a nice aesthetic detail, but too low down to provide any extra coverage. The front of the brief features triangular satin detail for modesty, whilst the back is completely sheer. Both parts of the set are comfortable enough to be worn all day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJv763Jhv-bO3MM2XlFuIzOew9x0xHM5G15_yAflaH0oVvxo3nuWOeer8Jg0XqygBWaxRuTItERPZZhMZupOrGfUOc-a8VfWk3YpHCFY6rsToaDbWx4zOKf1YmAONfTABMXIylWGX5ok/s1600/DSCF2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJv763Jhv-bO3MM2XlFuIzOew9x0xHM5G15_yAflaH0oVvxo3nuWOeer8Jg0XqygBWaxRuTItERPZZhMZupOrGfUOc-a8VfWk3YpHCFY6rsToaDbWx4zOKf1YmAONfTABMXIylWGX5ok/s1600/DSCF2275.JPG" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiTmy5e_n4vsFLCKlXyYypABAl-l-Jw_IHT_anboLZtrd903CeF99_IJMJNhSq2uNYuYHzaMGT0IydKWb8nsYWym1RdjdRCfP43fNJebJ7RnSpMhec-pyZ-Pu9pQkNRVYI7shMc7ixA0/s1600/Malice+Thigh+Suspenders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiTmy5e_n4vsFLCKlXyYypABAl-l-Jw_IHT_anboLZtrd903CeF99_IJMJNhSq2uNYuYHzaMGT0IydKWb8nsYWym1RdjdRCfP43fNJebJ7RnSpMhec-pyZ-Pu9pQkNRVYI7shMc7ixA0/s1600/Malice+Thigh+Suspenders.JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Briefs worn here with tri-strap suspenders from <a href="http://www.maliceclothing.bigcartel.com/">Malice</a>, which I reviewed <a href="http://corylus-avellana-contorta.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/lingerie-review-suspenders.html">here</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love the strap detailing around the cups on the bra, it gives the look and feel of a harness without having to worry about adding an extra item. Although I don't generally follow the current fashions, harnesses are a trend that I'm not ashamed to admit I have totally bought into. I love the look they can add both to underwear and outerwear, and today I received the stunning Lidia harness by <a href="http://www.karolinalaskowska.co.uk/">Karolina Laskowska</a> in the post, which I shall photograph and review soon. I sometimes wear this bra under strappy vest tops that just allow the harness detail to peek through at the top.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also have a confession to make. Both parts of this set are described as hand wash only, and I have sinned by putting them in the washing machine (albeit in a laundry bag). Most likely due to this fact, part of the trim around the waistband of the knickers has started to come away, though this could be easily fixed with a needle and thread (I just haven't gotten around to it yet). However I have had this set for several months now and worn it fairly regularly in that time, so I don't think that's too bad going. And it's my own damn fault anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't have a great number of matching sets in my collection, as I usually find that I'm only really drawn to one half of the set, and don't have the disposable income to complete the set for the sake of it, when it's not something I'm particularly lusting after. But I'm equally happy with both parts of this one, they are both much loved and much worn, and as matching sets go this is a particularly lovely one. This bra also has a very rare feature that I really love; the sliders to adjust the straps are at the front rather than the back, which albeit unconventional I find really, really practical, and I own a few bras with this detail. Overall, a very successful purchase.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
P.S.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you love lingerie as much as I do then you may be interested to know that I have a couple of unwanted pieces for sale on my eBay page, for way below the RRP. Occasionally I find myself with items that just aren't the right fit or not quite my style, so I'd like to find them new loving homes where they'll be appreciated and worn to death. You can find my eBay shop <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/witchhazeluk">here</a>, and there should be more to come soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you want to keep up with new blog posts you can follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/CorinneAvellana">@CorinneAvellana</a>.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-63328883327803331582014-02-15T23:50:00.001+00:002014-02-17T18:04:57.629+00:00Lingerie Review: Claudette Fishnet Scoop Neck BraToday I am reviewing my newest lingerie purchase; a <a href="http://www.loveclaudette.com/site/">Claudette</a> bra. This bra marks a bit of a turnaround for me, as for the past couple of years I've largely favoured non-wired bras, and (excluding strapless bras) this is the first underwired bra I've bought in over a year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIloki1O9yIHoo-YDUcaERg-ykFr8UJJUHLdmXdotfqk20Lk-LLpet-mxpCU8WXs8A2gGpwCOnc-U_vmFK_X6S41BHWk5qVEx4D4_aLFSyLiFmeJ77kE2X5L96qpwAYal3XyEwm8PPcw/s1600/claudette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIloki1O9yIHoo-YDUcaERg-ykFr8UJJUHLdmXdotfqk20Lk-LLpet-mxpCU8WXs8A2gGpwCOnc-U_vmFK_X6S41BHWk5qVEx4D4_aLFSyLiFmeJ77kE2X5L96qpwAYal3XyEwm8PPcw/s1600/claudette.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2KapIB9UXuUapaNxOk6vxYj00Y24vPQGbqR1yKrtfyk8ztfbHA7EoSJZQu5UPD3LiNVATYJd6_Ahq9VGIhbZWdV77wYLkFJemix3jRc1CQGNwNEfkD4WvVKvBt5DZLcEheCWEac7uCw/s1600/image4xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2KapIB9UXuUapaNxOk6vxYj00Y24vPQGbqR1yKrtfyk8ztfbHA7EoSJZQu5UPD3LiNVATYJd6_Ahq9VGIhbZWdV77wYLkFJemix3jRc1CQGNwNEfkD4WvVKvBt5DZLcEheCWEac7uCw/s1600/image4xl.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Images via <a href="http://asos.com/">ASOS</a></i></div>
<br />
I fell out with conventional bras due to issues with sizing. The last time I got measured (which was also when I last bought an underwired bra, or any bra in a brick and mortar shop for that matter) I was told that I was a 32B. Even based on limited knowledge of bra sizing I knew that that couldn't be right, but I tried on a few bras in that size to "humour" the fitting room assistant. I was right, and they were far too small. Eventually I found a bra in a 32C that I was fairly happy with, so settled with that. Since then virtually every bra I've bought has been a bralette or soft bra with sizing on a S/M/L scale.<br />
<br />
This is also the most expensive bra I've ever bought. It retails for <a href="http://www.asos.com/Love-Claudette-Inc/Claudette-Fishnet-Scoop-Neck-Bra/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3364475&SearchQuery=claudette&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Turqoise">£57 at ASOS</a>, or <a href="http://www.fairefroufrou.com/store/product2948.html">$88 at Faire Frou Frou</a>. It's available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from a 30-38 band and A-G cup, and comes in neon pink and black too. There are also matching briefs available, in both tanga and high waist styles. Given my uncertainty when it came to sizing, and the ease of <a href="http://www.asos.com/">ASOS</a>'s free returns, I ordered a couple of different sizes to try, which actually gave much more satisfying results than any professional measuring I've experienced. I was confident that I would be most comfortable in a 32 band, however the cup size had always seemed a bit off in my previous purchases. First I tried a C cup, which was an obvious bad fit to even the most ignorant observer; there was a huge amount of over-spill at the tops of the cups, resulting in a very visible ridge. The D cup reduced the problem but still didn't give a smooth silhouette, and to my great surprise it was the DD that fitted like a glove.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1BKbD1xEfLtS_MOPFsy1qaGNneSeyUwvEGOe4KzgPcnQk4t0Ehlt2IN_Jw-gLWeCbldXvyEQL9BBO0eUDOYe0pLhOUQMjQ4qJuL5j_GUnbYjTPb6lFAHR0FgLQ8Ist8ABMuED60-8Zo/s1600/DSCF2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1BKbD1xEfLtS_MOPFsy1qaGNneSeyUwvEGOe4KzgPcnQk4t0Ehlt2IN_Jw-gLWeCbldXvyEQL9BBO0eUDOYe0pLhOUQMjQ4qJuL5j_GUnbYjTPb6lFAHR0FgLQ8Ist8ABMuED60-8Zo/s1600/DSCF2300.JPG" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I suppose my shock shone light onto the fact that I've always thought of myself as "small busted"; which had only been reinforced when the store assistant who had last measured me declared that I was a B cup, when I'd been thinking I was a C. Even though a 32DD is far from the same as a 36DD, any DD doesn't really fit into that category.<br />
<br />
However it was the 32DD that I ended up keeping, and it's turned out to be both the best fitting and most comfortable bra I've ever owned; and may have converted me back to wired bras. The bright colour is also a new one for me as the majority of my collection is black, black and more black. This step out of my comfort zone has been a good one though; this has quickly become my favourite everyday bra, and part of the is down to the fun and cheerful colour. I also love the 90s feel of the fishnet mesh, which is sheer on the top part of the cup, but double layered on the lower three quarters for greater coverage. The scoop neck design and unpadded cups also mean that it gives a really natural silhouette that's great for under tee shirts and other tight fitting clothing.<br />
<br />
My only gripe with this bra would have to be that a part of me would like it if the black velvet trims went all the way around the band, rather than stopping at the sides, but that really is a minor detail. Overall this purchase has proven to me that if you spend wisely, it really is worth spending that bit extra on a good quality bra; I'd thought my relationship with wires was beyond salvage until this one came along. <a href="http://www.loveclaudette.com/site/">Claudette</a> have also found themselves a new fan, as there are already several other bras in their range that I have my eye on, in many other gorgeous bright and pastel shades. That must also mean that I am now a convert to colour, something that is still yet to happen with my outerwear wardrobe. I'm now just counting the days until I can afford to splurge on a couple more of their pieces to add to my everyday lingerie rotation.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-76448640373473044752014-02-06T03:09:00.001+00:002014-02-06T03:09:29.604+00:002014 Grammys<div class="MsoNormal">
I've recently been witnessing a lot of hate directed towards
Beyonce regarding her outfit at the 2014 Grammys. Yes, it was revealing. Yes,
her dancing was provocative. Is this anything new? Nope. Since the 1920s there
have been cabaret clubs full of cancan dancers flashing their knickers, and
circus acrobats contorting themselves whilst wearing tight and revealing
leotards. You could spend an evening at the ballet and there would be plenty of
bodies just as bare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ7UIfh4uWXQnIXubZVXdpU0S_7vq_HOMpO7clqGKvEvwO-XoEimhScsgoUTQqs59RJp3RVZBg7tObCGJ4xZWbYBsytlNEtOUA3_PhKIFLNpZDwJpt-Me4M5IvaQ8I_vl5GRMXPfeFYE/s1600/Vintage+Photos+of+Cabaret+Dancers+from+1900%E2%80%931930+(27).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ7UIfh4uWXQnIXubZVXdpU0S_7vq_HOMpO7clqGKvEvwO-XoEimhScsgoUTQqs59RJp3RVZBg7tObCGJ4xZWbYBsytlNEtOUA3_PhKIFLNpZDwJpt-Me4M5IvaQ8I_vl5GRMXPfeFYE/s1600/Vintage+Photos+of+Cabaret+Dancers+from+1900%E2%80%931930+(27).jpeg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CRhSTz-iIAFGCiw4QQiMn3XK6j1ivpn8iyQ_tkL3LFaqyC3cpzOpDJTIEYOgJR33Kdxlct8BZYpG36EGWHXs5X9JyvQ-3d4xw-jKKFIZcjcaejwbyOuqhpxW4vCDWwiCcFOWL-kK9qI/s1600/Vintage+Photos+of+Cabaret+Dancers+from+1900%E2%80%931930+(24).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CRhSTz-iIAFGCiw4QQiMn3XK6j1ivpn8iyQ_tkL3LFaqyC3cpzOpDJTIEYOgJR33Kdxlct8BZYpG36EGWHXs5X9JyvQ-3d4xw-jKKFIZcjcaejwbyOuqhpxW4vCDWwiCcFOWL-kK9qI/s1600/Vintage+Photos+of+Cabaret+Dancers+from+1900%E2%80%931930+(24).jpeg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>Photos via <a href="http://vintag.es/">vintag.es</a> circa 1930</i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i><br /></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i><br /></i></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2y17TUcfR2sGEyUtIQT6i-bUE5QXiKIzGr09nJucYQxLy7cEBNtrUA6wNT8QiGAKgVZAST1kRqVrIM1jxS2TIgunsWbGNhc3PDNX_Ye2HCBE_fWIljoODF3SNN4yFoD0NSl5tpSy0m8/s1600/hu009804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2y17TUcfR2sGEyUtIQT6i-bUE5QXiKIzGr09nJucYQxLy7cEBNtrUA6wNT8QiGAKgVZAST1kRqVrIM1jxS2TIgunsWbGNhc3PDNX_Ye2HCBE_fWIljoODF3SNN4yFoD0NSl5tpSy0m8/s1600/hu009804.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>Photo via <a href="http://thecircusgirlblog.wordpress.com/">thecircusgirlblog.wordpress.com</a></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the dancing, she is a performer. It's what's
expected; to put on a show. It might seem racy but it's the kind of dancing
that fits with the music she makes. It would simply look out of place if her
and Jay Z were to salsa dance or break out into a hand jive. And is this really
so different to the ladies from Bucks Fizz having their skirts ripped off
mid-song in 1981? People have claimed that Beyonce's performance was
inappropriate due to the Grammys being a family show, but last time I checked
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boEph_ic-NM">Eurovision</a> was too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRrOWUvCHvf6ve8ky1wgn8RQMdLx2zwyqZZqI5fqthf2i1__CFHcxrgvVBqCmmE4fkson9s9a3xMbYrBWu2qlk-26VorILhcJkmaWgsIAQnwD5WHTHMd88VL0CUkOIl6hyphenhyphenrIkVMS7Ivs/s1600/0005ef94-550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRrOWUvCHvf6ve8ky1wgn8RQMdLx2zwyqZZqI5fqthf2i1__CFHcxrgvVBqCmmE4fkson9s9a3xMbYrBWu2qlk-26VorILhcJkmaWgsIAQnwD5WHTHMd88VL0CUkOIl6hyphenhyphenrIkVMS7Ivs/s1600/0005ef94-550.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>The Bucks Fizz skirt rip</i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>photo vie <a href="http://rte.ie/">rte.ie</a></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzql83phTvxt5la41AI9dqX9BrhyphenhyphenJrLa4Sb5sLtAyRn7BvAaI0gpMyDDdwgkvVAhwoX0a20Jglv6T3otyZiaqEPbtegyrRTGE61rtIYND4Y4-C_G0T-HC42pg5Fl0kXXskgCA4fxR2OA/s1600/beyonce-grammys-performance-2014-chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzql83phTvxt5la41AI9dqX9BrhyphenhyphenJrLa4Sb5sLtAyRn7BvAaI0gpMyDDdwgkvVAhwoX0a20Jglv6T3otyZiaqEPbtegyrRTGE61rtIYND4Y4-C_G0T-HC42pg5Fl0kXXskgCA4fxR2OA/s1600/beyonce-grammys-performance-2014-chair.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beyonce at the Grammys</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Picture via <a href="http://cosmopolitan.co.uk/">cosmopolitan.co.uk</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM4TSJeEUqIXN9-mmC-grGbu_LuN3vJ5Y3ylIodibLDKtnK0l5QZV2JX4SHlaoWdiLxO9NeFQNdWcplBgPuy9RRlUAFCH8DSJNKd28ojjsMYGoDjMh2frfi9D0ABLbNNzWPXwLhSSHiw/s1600/liza3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM4TSJeEUqIXN9-mmC-grGbu_LuN3vJ5Y3ylIodibLDKtnK0l5QZV2JX4SHlaoWdiLxO9NeFQNdWcplBgPuy9RRlUAFCH8DSJNKd28ojjsMYGoDjMh2frfi9D0ABLbNNzWPXwLhSSHiw/s1600/liza3.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>Liza Minnelli in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret_(1972_film)">Cabaret</a> (1972)</i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>Photo via <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/">broadwayworld.com</a></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the complaints have been focused on the fact that
there were children watching at home and her performance was too sexual for
their young eyes. I have a message for you; young children don't notice
sexuality, it's not something they become aware of until they get older, it
simply goes over their heads. I can promise that the majority of young children
won't see much difference between Beyonce's Grammy outfit and a swimming
costume, but you wouldn't refuse to take your children swimming because of the
"revealing outfits". Of course you might be uncomfortable watching
her performance with your children in the room, but they probably won't even
notice, and you're the one that's uncomfortable, not them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a common opinion that women dressing provocatively is "anti-feminist", and some
particularly harsh criticisms have even attacked Beyonce as a mother, calling
her a bad role model for her daughter. I'm pretty sure Beyonce wore stage
outfits like that and danced during her performances before she was a mother
too, and changing everything about herself as a performer and not continuing to
follow her career after having a child doesn't sound very feminist to me. Of
course Beyonce's daughter is still too young to be aware of any of this, but
when she's older and sees this and similar performances, I imagine she'll feel
one of two things. Firstly, she may feel proud of her mother for being so
successful in her career, and secondly, she may feel embarrassed by her
mother's clothing choices and dancing. Isn't being embarrassed of your parents
a perfectly normal thing for a child to go through? Particularly upon seeing
pictures of what they wore many years ago, or witnessing them dance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have also been comments about how she and Jay Z
interacted on stage, slating the fact that they were dancing so closely and
that they kissed during the performance claiming that this is also a bad
example for our children. If a married couple who are very much in love showing
affection towards each other is a bad example to set then I'm not quite sure
what a good one would be. It feels like some people are just searching for a
reason to pick fault, however flimsy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjBu69AG-HWJoSkAD_SdDuIlcEhgR7B4WYIHdjT-TDohHB5xchnJ9gnM5bdihZ5LF1mOrvVZLpTdntQ8nIrFyYhUrFFK7V1bk54k9BO_aN2lzYlgBgyrjF6gX6-gqKDpJJ-jfc5jvzQ/s1600/beyonce-grammys-2014-gi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjBu69AG-HWJoSkAD_SdDuIlcEhgR7B4WYIHdjT-TDohHB5xchnJ9gnM5bdihZ5LF1mOrvVZLpTdntQ8nIrFyYhUrFFK7V1bk54k9BO_aN2lzYlgBgyrjF6gX6-gqKDpJJ-jfc5jvzQ/s1600/beyonce-grammys-2014-gi.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beyonce and Jay Z at the Grammys</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo via <a href="http://blog.zap2it.com/">blog.zap2it.com</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a brief disclaimer I should add that I am not a
"fan" of Beyonce, in fact I would probably struggle to name more than
about four of her songs; this was purely
written as a response to criticisms which seemed to be quite unfair. And for
those of you interested, the body suit that she wore for the performance was by
the very talented <a href="http://www.nicholedecarlelondon.com/">Nichole de Carle London</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-87753784738817437832014-02-06T01:09:00.001+00:002014-02-06T01:09:50.652+00:00Taking The "Sexy" Out Of Lingerie<div class="MsoNormal">
I just read <a href="http://thelingerielesbian.com/2014/02/05/its-almost-valentines-day-and-the-word-sexy-makes-me-want-to-scream/">this brilliant post</a> from Caro over at <a href="http://thelingerielesbian.com/">The Lingerie Lesbian</a> about how she's sick of hearing the word "sexy" used
to describe lingerie, and I couldn't agree more. This is something that's been
irritating me for a while, as often when people find out that I have an
interest in lingerie their minds will jump to scenes of steamy bedroom affairs
and assume that the only "purpose" for pretty underthings is
seduction. Whilst there's nothing wrong with that being your reason for having
an interest in lingerie, It's not <i>my</i>
reason.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since my interest first began several years ago, I've
learned an awful lot about the lingerie industry, the manufacturing processes,
and the vintage styles that many of our modern pieces have evolved from. I
enjoy the geeky little facts that most people probably aren't bothered about it
in the slightest. When I see a pair of fully fashioned stockings, I see them as
something beautiful, but a great deal of my appreciation for them comes down to
the fact that I know that they are made in the traditional way, using ancient
machines that only a handful of factories in the world still possess and have
the expertise to use. They're a rare product of skilled craftsmanship and I
love that about them; and hearing them casually labelled as "sexy"
demeans that somehow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another reason why overuse of the word "sexy" bugs
me, is that I mostly wear lingerie because of how it makes me feel, rather than
how it looks. It can make you feel feminine and powerful, it can cheer you up
when you're having a rough day, and it's a way of expressing some of your
personality if you have no choice but to wear a uniform for work, or bulky
layers when it's cold. You might have to look like everyone else on the
outside, but you can still enjoy wearing something fun or pretty underneath. It
doesn't matter if no one else it going to see it, you know that it's there.
Shapewear is a great example of this; it can make all the difference to a tight
fitting dress when you have the right underwear on underneath, and it can make
all the difference to your confidence too. It's really no different to applying
foundation before the rest of your make up, and no one thinks there's anything
sordid about that, do they?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes down to it, everyone has their own reasons for
wearing what they do. People have their own styles when it comes to outerwear,
that's a given; so why should the same not be true when it comes to undies?
It's considered perfectly normal for girls to get excited about other forms of
clothes, shoes and accessories, so why shouldn't we want something more
exciting than the same old predictable t-shirt bras in our underwear drawers?
And sometimes it's really just as simple as wearing stockings rather than
tights because I find tights uncomfortable. That's it. No "sexy"
sub-context.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-69343094255525000472014-02-04T23:49:00.000+00:002014-02-04T23:52:18.448+00:00Fish Are Friends <div class="MsoNormal">
This blog post is on a very different subject to my previous ones, but it is about the thing that is most important to me above everything else; animal conservation. With documentaries such as <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfish_(film)">Blackfish</a></i> and <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cove_(film)">The Cove</a></i> becoming
viral sensations, awareness of the dire need for marine conservation is
growing. And it's about time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of all groups of animals in need of conservation, marine animals get the least
press, and receive the least funding. This is due to many reasons. Creatures
such as fish and turtles are much harder to identify with than terrestrial
mammals, which we can relate with as they are genetically much closer to
ourselves and our favourite pets. They're often thought of as "cold and
emotionless", and it's a widely believed myth that fish cannot feel pain.
We don't think of them as intelligent creatures, in the same way we do as
elephants or gorillas, even though there is a growing amount of scientific
evidence to prove that they in fact lead very complex lives. We often forget
completely that coral even <i>is</i> an
animal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only a couple of years ago I remember memorising the fact
that over 73 million sharks were being killed each year. The number is now up
to over 100 million. That's roughly equivalent to one third of the population
of the United States being wiped out <i>each
year.</i> And why are we doing this to them? There are two main factors; the
first being shark finning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVSnYgAFeMQsd7rPYLpv08YxhnDSXphtwSs_R-MNUj8BUhFSyX-oIWACyQG6Vr-kCYbRacqATeqDtJksjKRX3h31WQiAbj9HkhIZ4zK9OXZIx1nJVlj8L5RkUY9rYsLapgYyVGlmOxX8/s1600/sharkfinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVSnYgAFeMQsd7rPYLpv08YxhnDSXphtwSs_R-MNUj8BUhFSyX-oIWACyQG6Vr-kCYbRacqATeqDtJksjKRX3h31WQiAbj9HkhIZ4zK9OXZIx1nJVlj8L5RkUY9rYsLapgYyVGlmOxX8/s1600/sharkfinning.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Picture via <a href="http://stopsharkfinning.net/">stopsharkfinning.net</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shark finning is where sharks are caught out at sea, have
their fins removed and are tossed back again, alive. The sharks, which are then
unable to swim, slowly sink into the ocean depths where they are then eaten
alive by other fish. Shark meat has a low market value and fishermen don't see
it as being worthwhile to transport back to the shore, however shark fins can
be sold for a high price due to their being the key ingredient in shark fin
soup; which according to Chinese traditional medicine holds "the essence
of power, virility and wealth", as well as supposedly having
cancer-fighting properties. The facts? As shark fins are primarily made up of
cartilage, they have very little nutritional value and are mostly devoid of
vitamins. The claim that they can combat cancer is based on a belief that
sharks cannot get cancer, which is untrue. In a clinical study on the use of
shark cartilage as treatment for human cancer, it was proven to be ineffective.
In fact, shark fins are very high in poisonous mercury. Mercury is commonly
found in fish products as it is a result of ocean pollution, and as sharks are
generally at the top of the food chain, their levels are much higher. A 2001 study
by <a href="http://wildaid.org/">Wild Aid</a> found that the
levels of mercury in shark fins from Hong Kong were 42 times higher than the
safe limit for humans. Mercury poisoning causes hearing loss, loss of eyesight,
memory loss, and the children of
pregnant women who are affected are often born with severe deformities and
disabilities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmafuy5HgJi2eAJBDtZMzXHYMAXns7PQ4YG7p_zFnpZqeJFfLJEd5kC_s5k5rrk99-zwqq1GCB08R7pPwwsEMuxahGk6ZLkKaV2gUofkA7tpKaZSchYPRTRQHJCd67_3zj0sxrSPKlX4/s1600/RdvKQGzPsjJcHkF-556x313-noPad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmafuy5HgJi2eAJBDtZMzXHYMAXns7PQ4YG7p_zFnpZqeJFfLJEd5kC_s5k5rrk99-zwqq1GCB08R7pPwwsEMuxahGk6ZLkKaV2gUofkA7tpKaZSchYPRTRQHJCd67_3zj0sxrSPKlX4/s1600/RdvKQGzPsjJcHkF-556x313-noPad.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Picture via <a href="http://change.org/">change.org</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second reason that humans kill sharks is <i>fear.</i> Despite the fact that there are on
average less than five fatalities worldwide as a result of shark attacks each
year (humans kill roughly 11400 sharks per <i>hour</i>),
there are organised culls all over the world in an attempt to keep them away
from beaches and therefore reduce the number of attacks. There have only
actually been 2569 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks worldwide since <i>1580</i>, of which a mere 484 were fatal.
484 deaths in 434 years works out to barely more than one per year. To put this
into perspective a bit it helps to know that over a million people die each
year from diseases contracted from mosquitoes, more than 100 people choke to
death on ballpoint pens each year, and you're more likely to be attacked by a
cow than you are by a shark . It seems like we're forgetting that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaws_(film)"><i>Jaws</i></a> was fiction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turtles are under threat from poaching; for their meat,
shells and eggs, and all forms of marine life are suffering as a result of
pollution. Our consumer culture is resulting in a growing amount of pollution
from plastics in the oceans. This includes everything from plastic bags and the
rings from tops of multipacks of cans, to tiny plastic beads used in cosmetics
designed to exfoliate the skin. Many animals die either from becoming entangled
in the debris, or accidentally mistaking it for food, and the tiny pieces can
often be even more dangerous as they can be swallowed without the animal even
noticing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ok0og3dpju4i9XpUTEurV80ubc-fVLWMbH8UAEV-ZPlDFB435ZFJ6f-iPGZU0C4uQCgvegX-ME60jYQZSEPHV8jKR_Mi1jagdA0_olnzamwMp9lSfQPB0pc8pxhArZYIn63S1PmwJ4g/s1600/Plastic-Pollution-Lakes-and-Oceans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ok0og3dpju4i9XpUTEurV80ubc-fVLWMbH8UAEV-ZPlDFB435ZFJ6f-iPGZU0C4uQCgvegX-ME60jYQZSEPHV8jKR_Mi1jagdA0_olnzamwMp9lSfQPB0pc8pxhArZYIn63S1PmwJ4g/s1600/Plastic-Pollution-Lakes-and-Oceans.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Picture via <a href="http://topnews.ae/">topnews.ae</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the full extent
of the damage that plastic in our oceans can cause isn't as obvious as all
that. Plastic is made from oil and natural gas, and the production process
releases petroleum hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, which are toxic to all
forms of life. These toxins are also absorbed by the body in the case of
ingestion, and can cause damage to all of the organ systems in the body; the
immune system, nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system,
reproductive system, endocrine system and the sensory system. In total there are
nearly 20 billion tons of plastic waste floating in the oceans, which also
releases harmful PCB and DDT. And in case it doesn't worry you enough that the
world's fish are being poisoned by all these things, just remember that the
ones that survive are still a part of the food chain; if eaten by humans, any
pollutants in their bodies are simply passed on up the chain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXTGv7DPeNReZml1AGBITWx61wIjqgQd4l74i2AoVBhqWd-tJLT_Mr55rhMHE9QaxeGNdfsrJ4p0TNZyPRIc3or2aqgwzs59SUs5HXY5xMM48MDl53oyX04PO07H4DolQF0UzzcSfi_I/s1600/plastic_pollution_55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXTGv7DPeNReZml1AGBITWx61wIjqgQd4l74i2AoVBhqWd-tJLT_Mr55rhMHE9QaxeGNdfsrJ4p0TNZyPRIc3or2aqgwzs59SUs5HXY5xMM48MDl53oyX04PO07H4DolQF0UzzcSfi_I/s1600/plastic_pollution_55.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Picture via <a href="http://earthtimes.org/">earthtimes.org</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The state of the oceans may seem like something that's easy
to forget about as they're not where the vast majority spend much of our time,
but they are the largest habitat on the planet and if we think we can go
without feeling the impact when they're suffering, we're kidding ourselves.
This is why I want to do something about it. I hope to devote my future to
fighting for this cause; I'm currently studying zoology and hope to go on to
study marine biology in the future, and next year I will be travelling to
Central America as a volunteer, to help hands-on with restoring the natural
balance of these delicate ocean eco-systems. During my time there I will be collecting
important data about the coral reefs, fish and turtles that live in the coastal
waters, as well as helping to conserve the breeding turtle populations, and do
my bit to combat local pollution. I'm aiming to spend a total of six months
working on these projects, which should then help me enter into the world of
conservation as a full time vocation. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6D2szeTmgJ6bUd_zN-GAVKEOg8mjb-dPC6_trxBQ9LLIUU3XEWzPp2M7Qi2tD_Sw845JvBur4vPRvCc_9euHywduMc4RRrc-KEA9pRe1z-QLCb61_t3lPa3SGYGZIZGmJbxHashQ4zI/s1600/baby_sea_turtles_close_up_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6D2szeTmgJ6bUd_zN-GAVKEOg8mjb-dPC6_trxBQ9LLIUU3XEWzPp2M7Qi2tD_Sw845JvBur4vPRvCc_9euHywduMc4RRrc-KEA9pRe1z-QLCb61_t3lPa3SGYGZIZGmJbxHashQ4zI/s1600/baby_sea_turtles_close_up_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been working towards funding this trip for the last
two years, but in order to achieve my planned departure date of May 2015, I'm
going to need a little help. I have set up <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/3gnF2/ab/62jlz6">a fundraising webpage</a> in order to
help me reach my goal, and if any of this blog post has inspired you to want to
make a change then I hope you will check it out and possibly make a donation.
The webpage details the work that the ongoing volunteer projects are trying to
achieve, as well as how any money being raised will be spent. In return for
donations there are many perks on offer, ranging from personalised thank you
cards to turtle adoption packs, prints of the photos I take while volunteering,
and even some designer lingerie! If you know anyone else who cares about the
conservation of our ocean species then please share my appeal (which can be found <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/3gnF2/ab/62jlz6">here</a>), as awareness is
half the battle. These animals need our help, and the time to act is now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-13216960770181482462014-01-16T00:23:00.001+00:002014-03-06T21:50:19.639+00:00Lingerie Review: Suspenders<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my exceedingly overdue second blog post I'm going to attempt to write something I've wanted to try my hand at for some time; a lingerie review. In fact I'm going to be ambitious and write three.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hpf7COwCR41LuOi11P2MVIiFOhnxe5YJTDqnMxDFTV2r8XLAmY-nA2s1i5qrskepOtSPS4iqATm8g4LBriiaGzBqres6nv8fLp8AaQMllDo4mXbGqOoeOF3eknLlhdhUcUgPGxGYR3U/s1600/DSCF2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hpf7COwCR41LuOi11P2MVIiFOhnxe5YJTDqnMxDFTV2r8XLAmY-nA2s1i5qrskepOtSPS4iqATm8g4LBriiaGzBqres6nv8fLp8AaQMllDo4mXbGqOoeOF3eknLlhdhUcUgPGxGYR3U/s1600/DSCF2151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This particular post is going to be focused on suspenders. The three I'll be reviewing are the Kiss Me Deadly Van Doren boned six strap suspender belt, the tri-strap thigh suspenders from Malice clothing, and a simple black suspender belt from Victoria's Secret. The other two items in the above picture are the Vargas dress and Vargas longline girdle, both from Kiss Me Deadly, which I shall feature in a future post angled more towards shapewear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2YQUQWGnOssalGwmul82Sdv0KNmT16j86V3Hol37iF-czP7uYvIffWh7Rri8-TijUqPE1k_WxTuk9H0y0sibq09BJei1fSqKJaq5m74JnRvv3bp-oTg7mzR5AYrXUXVwZ1t8HtQ5CCk/s1600/Victoria's+Secret+Suspender+Belt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2YQUQWGnOssalGwmul82Sdv0KNmT16j86V3Hol37iF-czP7uYvIffWh7Rri8-TijUqPE1k_WxTuk9H0y0sibq09BJei1fSqKJaq5m74JnRvv3bp-oTg7mzR5AYrXUXVwZ1t8HtQ5CCk/s1600/Victoria's+Secret+Suspender+Belt.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Victoria's Secret</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little number was my First Ever suspender belt, which I picked up for cheap in the clearance section of the Victoria's Secret website many years ago. This is a pull on design and features delicate pretty black lace and ribbons that protrude over the end of the straps to conceal the suspender clips. Unfortunately, it seems that in true Victoria's Secret tradition, this item was created much more for form than for function, and I've found it to be rather flimsy, bordering on unwearable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When trying to attach the clips to my stockings, I found that the pretty little ribbons at the end of the straps make it a nightmare to actually attach them. As if attaching suspender clips wasn't already fiddly enough, this feature makes it borderline impossible, particularly at the awkward angle necessary to reach the back two clips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The straps themselves are adjustable in length, however even when shortened to the extreme, seem to be a little too long for my liking. This wouldn't be an issue if the belt could be worn at the waist rather than on the hips, but it's just too flimsy to stay there and ends up being pulled down by the stockings; as opposed to pulling them up. The straps might in fact be fine for the longer-legged among us, but on my frame, this, combined with the fact that there are only four straps as opposed to my preferred six, means that the product is a little lacking in the practicality department. Call me old fashioned but I like a suspender that doesn't leave my stockings sagging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, if what you're looking for is something purely decorative then I'd say this fits the bill quite nicely, but when it comes to actual wear, falls somewhat short.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NvQbU6-tyjYEGS75IRnC_VJsP9tUvvKhzRy2p-7fcNbFsEwKL2gdK4hLNwEevi4YLgb7tbbFooJ8xsWxKF-4VtHwHyLzHneXXnBAs93w9CB-_lED299MdVi80Q_AIzMmTJlhqFZKR6g/s1600/Malice+Thigh+Suspenders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NvQbU6-tyjYEGS75IRnC_VJsP9tUvvKhzRy2p-7fcNbFsEwKL2gdK4hLNwEevi4YLgb7tbbFooJ8xsWxKF-4VtHwHyLzHneXXnBAs93w9CB-_lED299MdVi80Q_AIzMmTJlhqFZKR6g/s1600/Malice+Thigh+Suspenders.JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Malice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up are the tri-strap thigh suspenders from Malice, which are available <a href="http://maliceclothing.bigcartel.com/product/tri-strap-suspenders">here</a>. These are a take on the currently popular harness look which has appeared frequently in the world of lingerie, along with some styles which can be worn as statement outerwear. The sizing is based on your thigh circumference, and the relevant size will be two inches smaller than your own measurement. Based on my measurements I opted for the XS, which fits quite comfortably, though I've found that during extended periods of wear they do have a habit of slipping down a little and needing to be hitched up again. This may just be down to a less-than-perfect fit, and doesn't detract from how much I love these.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a striking alternative to the traditional suspender belt these will not disappoint. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They can also be worn upside down as a means of keeping short dresses from riding up, which is an added bonus, plus they remain comfortable after hours of wear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2KfAKYFaeXI_-6V1XhEYFXc2B8DaikZaqfzhdbwCm5hecRWdMpfqSIvdQtEq5gNlk2rHTxZHr_wi-Qks9YipolCy8vMoU6n_FuDraanDp4dOWE9vIbAKnLWLsv-huLCXGwq6-OYzIZU/s1600/Kiss+Me+Deadly+Suspender+Belt.JPG" height="252" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kiss Me Deadly</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The newest addition to my suspender collection, and quite possibly my favourite, is the Van Doren boned six strap from Kiss Me Deadly, which is available <a href="http://www.kissmedeadly.co.uk/shop/product/426/van-doren-boned-black-6-strap-suspender-belt">here</a>. The control mesh helps to sculpt, whilst the boning ensures that the belt remains flat against your body and stays put. The vintage styling makes this belt a little more chunky than the modern equivalent, and the result is something that leaves you feeling completely secure and that you know you can rely on for all day wear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The design features hook and eye closure at the back, which allows for a more exact fit as there are four rows to choose from, and fully adjustable straps. Six straps as opposed to four provides extra security; you can guarantee your stockings are going to stay just where you want them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been a fan of Kiss Me Deadly ever since I first discovered them back in the early days of my lingerie obsession, and this item meets the same high standards that I know to expect. The irresistible vintage inspired look that this belt emanates makes it a must have for any femme fatale who is serious about her stockings.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Part two featuring the Kiss Me Deadly Vargas dress can be found <a href="http://corylus-avellana-contorta.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/lingerie-review-kiss-me-deadly-vargas.html">here</a>.</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312723151904239812.post-55946697981301818942013-11-21T13:34:00.001+00:002013-11-21T13:34:44.337+00:00An Open Letter To The Internet: Body Snark Is Not Okay<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As my First Ever Blog Post, this may not come across as well as I'd like it to, but it's something that I care a great deal about. So much so, that it is actually the subject that inspired me to start writing this thing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Body Snark. As a 21st Century woman, living in the Western world (and who spends too much time online), this is something that I unfortunately witness a lot of. It's unavoidable. I find it impossible to scroll through my Facebook news feed or browse other blogs without having these opinions shoved relentlessly in my face. And that's exactly what body snark is, opinions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9DzPiPpK0m1ClFEDcBX446UTumfplRFGympOp9sRGQ7e8nYodT94Z6mk1ys4qDt89HbCjFLjKkhH4RgzEZD1pbBV2Nk-sZG91j5th9iui2ynLh04ayeYVT9HFqlkCTkMGkgu6ds1zQ0/s1600/body+snark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9DzPiPpK0m1ClFEDcBX446UTumfplRFGympOp9sRGQ7e8nYodT94Z6mk1ys4qDt89HbCjFLjKkhH4RgzEZD1pbBV2Nk-sZG91j5th9iui2ynLh04ayeYVT9HFqlkCTkMGkgu6ds1zQ0/s320/body+snark.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This particular image is one that I have stumbled upon a few times. Although this may not be the best example, as the woman on the right is slightly on the extreme end of the spectrum, that does not give me, or anyone else, the right to call her "shit" because of what they personally find attractive.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My point is, your personal tastes are just that; personal. If someone's physique is not what you find personally attractive, that doesn't make them any less of a person, with thoughts and feelings,and there are probably thousands, if not millions of other people in the world besides yourself, who think that they are beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But the thing that really gets me, is in today's society, where expanding waistbands are becoming the norm, is that we seem to have become very defensive of fuller figured women, yet it is often deemed completely acceptable to attack the slimmer percentage of our population. If one were to tell a <a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/11/article-0-0A670F11000005DC-16_306x800.jpg">size 16</a> stranger that she should "pass on the cake", then you'd expect to be greeted with a barrage of comebacks, telling you that curves are beautiful, and accusing you of being "size-ist". Yet telling a skinny <a href="http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/3/7/9/3/3333973/purple/image1xl.jpg">size 8</a> that she needs to eat a cheeseburger or two to "fatten her up", or worse, implying that she isn't a "real" woman because she lacks the same voluptuous curves, is commonly accepted. Reminder; making <i>anyone </i>feel inadequate is wrong.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Far too many times, I have heard people say that a girl "must be anorexic", based entirely on a picture. Are we forgetting that anorexia is a form of mental illness? Mental illness cannot be diagnosed from a photograph; if only it were that easy. On the majority of the occasions I have heard this, I must add, the girl in the picture hasn't even looked close to the likes of <a href="http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/imgx/1/4/5/3/7/9/1/1/orig-14537911.jpg">someone with a serious eating disorder</a>, they merely don't match up with the personal tastes of the person critiquing them. May I also remind you that a photograph, whether it be of a model, or a teenage girl, does not depict the lifestyle that the woman in question upholds. Unless you actually know the girl in the picture, you don't know what she eats, how much exercise she does, the rate of her metabolism, or anything else about her state of health, mental or physical. People like this are making a snap judgement, based not on the truth, but on their personal preferences.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFeM4fIJh96r4ygMC_L9Hl_denDuxQ8V1mYMHDxW2ut09oBPfRo4XdGxBV4JEZ2NuPJebZRKZD48urDWWIXbuUXzY1MbFgDKQB0DyVMtr525llj5ggJIOSHu3tCOM1CxZzL7wckjfTdc/s1600/vs+and+dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFeM4fIJh96r4ygMC_L9Hl_denDuxQ8V1mYMHDxW2ut09oBPfRo4XdGxBV4JEZ2NuPJebZRKZD48urDWWIXbuUXzY1MbFgDKQB0DyVMtr525llj5ggJIOSHu3tCOM1CxZzL7wckjfTdc/s320/vs+and+dove.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is another image that is making the rounds on the web, often paired with some sort of statement claiming that only the women in the bottom picture are "real women". <i>All</i> women are "real women". The top image is not the only standard of beauty, but neither is the bottom one. <i>All</i> of the women in both pictures are beautiful, and they are all, most definitely, real. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, what you prefer is personal, it doesn't make it "right", or make anything else "wrong". Making someone feel bad about themselves, or telling them they need to change because they don't fall within the bell curve of your "type", is bullying, and bullying is the only thing that's really "shit".</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the reasons that I take this issue so personally, is that for most of my life I have been a victim of it. I have always been naturally fairly slim, without paying any real attention to my diet, or making any real effort to exercise frequently. I'm never going to have wide hips or a 36DD chest, it's just not how my body was made. Yet I can assure you, I am most definitely real. And I'm not likely to "snap in two" either. And I'm perfectly healthy, even without "fattening up", like I have been told I need to many times in my life. And even if I did, I still wouldn't have a figure like <a href="http://beautifultwist.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/blog-pear-celeb1.jpg">Beyonce</a>, because that's not how body type works. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and this is mine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So all in all I think it would make for a much more accepting world, if everyone just remembered that it's okay to have an opinion, just not okay to make others feel inferior because of it. As we were all taught as children but seem to have forgotten; "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmJ00o3UJTpc8DdPCe-_68wWpWezpIo4CI_SwKJIlk14oAGJTgvfIYhIteRFh1IECJi6rFaDfN2ALe3AvrekCpj1q4n0N07SJBG7LEIBf-7qHonpRMuAeySpXiYa0umUmvq6X7x6oqfA/s1600/RealWomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmJ00o3UJTpc8DdPCe-_68wWpWezpIo4CI_SwKJIlk14oAGJTgvfIYhIteRFh1IECJi6rFaDfN2ALe3AvrekCpj1q4n0N07SJBG7LEIBf-7qHonpRMuAeySpXiYa0umUmvq6X7x6oqfA/s320/RealWomen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With thanks to Cora Harrington at <a href="http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/">The Lingerie Addict</a> for inspiration and <a href="http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2011/12/body-image-body-snark.html">this amazing blog</a> on the same subject.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766687350139331810noreply@blogger.com1