Now that April is here, and my thoughts are turning to Spring cleaning, brighter days, warmer temperatures, and budding flowers, I’m beginning to cast a stern and appraising eye at my lingerie drawer. I’ve got some bras that are pushing two years old, and they are TIRED. I had a little surplus money in my budget earlier this year and placed some orders for bras that filled the important gaps in my wardrobe (reviews to come!), and even though I’m feeling pretty set now, the styles that are in stores today are just so bright and cheerful I can’t help but wish I could stretch my budget a bit further. After a very long and very, very cold winter, these cute sets will put a little spring in your step (pun fully intended, obviously).
Elomi’s “Megan”
Elomi Megan Longline Bra and Brief. 34-40 E-H (UK), M-4XL. Banded bra available 36-42 E-JJ, 44 E-G.
I haven’t seen the full size range for this longline available at many stores, and with no longline style for the Elomi customer in the A/W14 collection, I suspect this might be the last one we’ll see. It’s a shame; I can’t help but feel like this style didn’t really get a fair shake. The size range covers only a portion of the Elomi customer base, and the prints have been either divisive (S/S13) or lackluster (S/S14). Still, I’m eager to take Megan out for a spin: I like the darker blue background shade, and while the print doesn’t set my soul on fire, it’s … fine. Inoffensive. Fine. As the only non-padded G+ longline bra with boning I’ve ever seen, I’m going to get mine while the getting’s good.
Panache’s “Clara”
Panache Clara in Turkish Delight. 30-38 D-J (UK), XS-XXL
Clara is so, so beautiful. I think it’s one of Panache’s best new bras of the last few years. Even though the style doesn’t work terribly well for me, I still recommend it wholeheartedly (after all, we don’t all have the same boobs), and I seriously can’t wait for the staggeringly pretty gold/black version for A/W14.
Curvy Kate’s “Daisy Chain”
Curvy Kate Daisy Chain in Sherbet/Rose. 28-38 D-J (UK), 8-22 (UK)
I’ll have a full review to come, but spoiler: this is the best Curvy Kate style I’ve ever tried, and has quickly become one of my favorite sets in my current rotation. While I initially wanted to try the black version from the Winter, the pretty Sherbet/Rose colorway just screams Spring.
Fantasie’s “Susanna”
Fantasie Susanna in Sea Breeze. 30-38 D-H, 40 DD-G, 42 DD-F (UK), XS-XXL
Susanna is (I think) one of the best bras in Fantasie’s current roster. True, it can look a bit frumpy on the rack, but it gives a centered, round, uplifted shape, and I’ve seen it work really well for women across a wide range of sizes, shapes, and ages. I love this beautiful soft green– it has a lovely antique feel, yet still seems fresh and light.
Cleo’s “Marcie”
Cleo Marcie in Sunshine. 28-38 D-J (UK), XS-XXL
This bra is an unstoppable force of adorable. Appearing in one eye-catching color after another, season after season, Marcie is a winner. While I know yellow can be divisive (hell, I can’t wear it without looking seasick, so I’m giving this season’s version a pass), it’s undeniably sunny and bright, as well as a welcome change from the expected Springtime pinks and pastels.
Freya’s “Ooh La La”
Freya Ooh La La Bodysuit in Blush. 30-38 D-G (UK)
As Miss Underpinnings and I noted in our trend report for Autumn/Winter 2014, the bodysuit is poised to be one of the next big shape trends for the full-bust crowd. Get in early with this light, lovely sheer mesh underwired bodysuit from Freya.
Parfait’s “Louisa”
Parfait Louisa Bra in Poppy Blue. 30-40 D-G (UK), XS-XL
Louisa was one of my favorite looks from the Spring/Summer 2014 runway presentation, and my love remains undimmed. Parfait continues to impress me with their prints. True, their styles aren’t really avant garde or trend-setting, but they’re distinctive and really stand out against the typical ditsy florals or zany neons. These blue poppies set on a crisp white background (there’s also a red poppy version) totally charm me.
Sunday Intimates’ “Dottie”
“Dottie” by Sunday Intimates. 28-34 DD-H (UK), XS-L
It’s not a secret that I love Sunday Intimates’ designs, and this set is no exception. The pretty blush color is beautifully vintage and classic, but let’s be real: when have I ever been able to resist polka dots?
Claudette’s “Odette”
Claudette Odette in Blondie/Hot Coral. 28-38 A-G (UK), XS-XL
Longline bra, pretty lace, suspender undies, neutral/neon color pairing? This set hits all of my sweet spots.
Happy Spring shopping, and enjoy the sunshine!
