Guest Post: Review of the Curvy Kate Princess

**Today's guest post comes from a wonderful reader of mine and - at least that I know of - Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. Kristi had asked me for help with bras on my FB page, and when she told me that she ordered the Curvy Kate Princess, I asked her to do a review as this is not a bra that I myself have tried. Read on for her experience with the CK Princess **

Recently I got into contact with Fussy Busty to ask her about some bras styles that work for her because she and I share a common problem?  (not exactly the right word)--how about common figure feature which is that we are both short-waisted while still being busty.  What I said to dear Fussy was that I was having a hard time finding bras that  fit in the cup without digging into my armpits.  She recommended, among a few brands, trying some of the balconette styles  because the sides don't come up quite so high and thus might alleviate the problem I was having.  After doing a little online shopping I chose the Emily from Curvy Kate as well as the Princess.  I'll be reviewing (for the first time ever!) the Princess from Curvy Kate.  Fussy asked me if I would review it because she had heard mixed reviews of the bra.  I was happy but nervous to oblige.  I know how much online reviews from real wearers mean to me when I'm trying to decide on something so personal as a bra.  Fit is everything because let's face it, even the prettiest bra will get shoved to the back of the drawer if it's not comfortable and when I can't go to a store to try it on I have to rely on a few factors and the biggest one is what other women have to honestly say.  So let's get to it!

I ordered from Brastop.com and considering that the package was arriving from across the pond, it made it to my door quickly.  I took it as a good sign.  I opened the package to two really gorgeous bras.  I measured out at a 40FF and believe me, I NEVER thought I would ever find pretty bras in my size so having these 2 in my hands seemed almost unbelievable.  I particularly LOVE the polka dots on the Princess.

I couldn't wait to try them on so I snipped the tag from the Princess and got down to business.  The band was snug but not too snug on the first set of hooks.  I adjusted the straps so that they would be as short as I could get them.  This proved to be much more uncomfortable than I thought it would be because it caused the sides to dig into my armpits again.  I thought "oh no!  really?  all that money for these 2 bras and now I can't wear them either?"  but I calmed down and decided that perhaps a little adjustment was in order.  Upon lengthening the straps I felt much better.

  

I do like this bra.  It is gorgeous but I don't love it.  Here are my down sides...  1. I should have ordered down a size in the cup because I think it runs big even though I ordered the size I measured out as.  To prevent gaping across the top I have to push the straps to the edges of my shoulders and that's not always comfortable.  I have some tops that this is necessary for though anyway but I do wish I had known just how big these cups would run.  2. The material, even after a washing, is scratchy and the lace across the top of the cups is stiff but it's really the little bows that oddly enough, drive me so crazy.  I actually get red marks from the stitch on the back of the strap where that bow is sewn to and given that there is zero reason for it to be there other than that it looks pretty I wish they hadn't added it.  Bottom line is that it's the kind of bra that I can't wait to take off.  I was going to wear it for a long trip last weekend that included a car ride and party and I when push came to shove, I just could not do it.  In terms of construction it's a 3 part cup, features 3 rows of 3 hooks and eyes and the straps are fairly wide although not completely elastic.  The center gore comes up pretty high so this isn't a style for low cuts.  The wire on the side does reach my armpit but not as high as some so it's not poking me uncomfortably.  For the first time EVER the center gore lays flat against my breast bone like it is supposed to and that alone is something I truly love because I was starting to wonder if that was ever actually going to happen.

Bottom line?  I think I prefer the comfort of a lightly padded cup and I probably will not buy this style again.  Overall grade?  A for BEAUTY!  C for comfort and fit.

**I've read more than one review that has made mention of the Princess running small in the cup versus the gaping that we see here in Kristi's pictures. Other than the slight gaping, the fit on the Princess seems nice, the shape looks good....and as for the pesky bows... I would simply take a seam ripper to the puppies and pop them off.  Have you tried the Princess? What did you think of it?**

Plus Size Bra Review: Elomi Betty

I promised this review to be posted on Saturday, and then I remembered that I don't really blog/facebook/twitter much on the weekends :-)

Anyways...



 

The Elomi Betty is available in sizes 34 GG-HH, 36-42 D-HH, 44 D-G, and 46 D-DD in the beautiful navy color (and soon in Black/White dot in December). Matching panties available in sizes M-4XL. I paid $68 for the bra, and $32 for the matching panties. I almost cried.

On my trip to size a friend at Nordstrom, I happened to see that they finally started carrying the Betty and matching shorts. I knew I shouldn't have tried it on....because as soon as I did, I had to buy it. I bought the Betty in a 40HH, and the matching shorts in a 2XL.

Pics:



 



 



 

Features: Fully adjustable straps, 3 hook and eyes, plunging center gore, 4 part cups including side sling to push tissue forward, embroidered rose detail, bows on straps and central gore, minimum stretch 1" straps, mesh wings, banded bottom.

Fit: A 40HH is typically the size that I can wear in a lot of Elomi bras. I need a 38J, but a lot of Elomi's styles do not come up to a J-cup (at least not most of the really cute bras). Anyways, I could use a smidge more space on the side of the cups, but overall, the fit is good. I've worn this a few times and even once for more than 5 hours. I do not feel as though I am going to fall out of the cups, as is what usually happens when I wear a plunge bra.

Support and Shape: The support in the Betty is fabulous!! The shape on the other hand.....a tad too point for my tastes. Admittedly, I would love a little more more "oomph".  I would love for my girls to be smushed together a bit more for a bit more of a dramatic cleavage line. See here how it holds up under a few of my low v-neck shirts/dresses:



[caption id="attachment_450" align="alignnone" width="300"]    t-shirt[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_451" align="alignnone" width="300"] wrap dress

Wrap dress[/caption]

 

As you can see, either my purple wrap dress is too low, or the Betty isn't a good option for that dress. You also get more of an understanding of how pointy the Betty is in the side view.

Other Thoughts: I was really surprised by how stiff the material of the Betty was when I first got it. It reminded me of industrial strength netting that you would use to sew strange foundation garments. The panties are made of a similar material, though not as stiff. With multiple washes, the panties have definitely softened up, but the bra is still stiff. The material does not bother my skin, but it feels weird to touch. I do love the novelty of the Betty plunge, but as you can see, it's not ideal for very low necklines, and gives quite a pointy shape. Other than that, the bra is quite comfortable, and you don't fall out of it. I would have loved more oomph in this bra.

The Panty Experience: I did buy the matching panties in a 2XL. There's no clear size conversion for Elomi's panties, but I would say that the 2XL is comparable to a US 18/20. They are definitely much shorter than I am used to wearing (I typically wear full briefs), which is kind of hard to get used to. Also, they are completely sheer - hence no pictures. My husband really appreciates this characteristic, but I was kind of "meh" about it. The material of the panties is kind of slippery; when I wore them with jeans, I felt like my jeans were about to slide off of my bottom because of the panties. (maybe I need smaller jeans...)

Overall Grade: B.....the shape and the oomph of this bra could be improved! 

Also, follow me on Pinterest! :-) 

 

 

Plus Size Bra Review: Elomi Sakura

The Elomi Sakura bra is actually a discontinued style, however, the new 'Libby' is built on the same frame. The Libby is available in sizes 36-42 E-JJ and 44 E-G in Raisin/Chocolate for AW '12. Matching panties are available in sizes M-4XL

I remember seeing the navy blue print of the Sakura a while ago on HerRoom's website and didn't buy it. However, a couple weeks ago I happened to find the Sakura in Blossom on eBay in a 40J for only $27.50 (in my mind, quite the deal!). Yes I need 38's, but I really wanted this bra and figured I could take in the band if need be.

Pictures:

[caption id="attachment_430" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Sakura, 40 J[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_431" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Sakura, 40 J[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_432" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Sakura, 40J[/caption]

Features: Fully adjustable, minimal stretch straps, banded bottom, higher central gore - though not as high as the Caitlyn, 3 hooks and eyes, 4 part full coverage cup, bows on straps and center gore, and mesh wings.

Fit: In the 40J, there was a little bit of space in the cups as you can see. Also, I think in general, I'm struggling with how wide the wires are. I know that in Elomi bras, in a 40HH, I still get the same side coverage I need without the really wide wires (you can see in the Sakura that the wires are almost to my back). The wideness of the wires isn't uncomfortable, but it looks silly and I worry that it won't help in the retraining of my migrated tissue. The central gore sits flush against my chest BUT I have found that because of the height of the wires and the non-stretch materials of the cup, the bra tends to shift throughout the day, pushing the central gore away from my chest and giving me a bit of double boob on my bigger side. The band was surprisingly firm in the 40 when I first wore it, but it only took a day of wear for it to relax.

The band is not too tight, but no surprise to me, the bottom of it tends to flip up. The banded part of the bra flipped when I had only had the bra on for a couple minutes! I know that the Libby was often suggested to me when I first started buying bras in my more accurate size, and when I expressed concerns about the banded bottom, I was told not to worry. I think the reality is that I am really quite short waisted, so even the slightest bit of extra material around the wires is uncomfortable for me. Instead of me constantly flipping the band back down, I just let it flip and then go about my day as it is more comfortable without the band pressing on my tummy anyways.

Support and Shape: I very much prefer the shape of the Sakura than my other Elomi bras such as the Briony and the Abi; I feel as though I get much better lift in this bra and the shape is less wide. It might have something to do with the better anchorage of the banded bottom, but I'm no bra constructionist.

Other Thoughts: This bra is soooo pretty. It makes me happy to wear it. Probably not the sexiest thing, but I love all of the sweet touches of femininity on this bra. I wore this bra, and then wore my new Betty (review to come after a few more wears), which has led me to truly appreciate plunge bras as I love the lower central gores.

I would definitely recommend the Libby to anyone who is looking for a full coverage bra that provides great support and shape, without being as overwhelming (and work horse-like) as the Caitlyn.

Grade: A

Plus Size Bra Review: Panache 'Sienna'

I've been lusting after the Panache Sienna bra since the first time that I laid eyes on it. I mean, c'mon....It's gorgeous....

The Panache Sienna is available in sizes 30-38 D-K in Black/Lagoon for Fall (and some purple still hanging out around there). I got this for about $34.00 on FigLeaves.com. Matching short/thong available in sizes XS-XXXL. A UK size 20 = US 16.

As soon as I saw that I could get this for - what I call - a decent price, I set out to order it. There's really *not* a lot of reviews of the Sienna in the blogosphere, so I wasn't quite sure about sizing. I'm in between a J/JJ in my 40's of my Panache bras, so the first time I ordered the Sienna, I ordered it in a 38K (since I am sizing down in band). Here's how that turned out:

[caption id="attachment_402" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 38K[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_403" align="aligncenter" width="279"] 38K[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_404" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 38K[/caption]

If you can see in the second photo, the wires come up unbearably high on the sides. I called FigLeaves to see if they could tell me if this was something that was due to the wire shape of the Sienna, or if I should try the next cup size down. We ended up deciding that I would return the 38K for the 38JJ. I fell in love with the bra, and it gives a lovely shape. The 38K was a pretty good fit, overall, but I was hopeful about the 38JJ. I also ordered the matching briefs in a UK 20.

So, here's the 38JJ:

[caption id="attachment_406" align="aligncenter" width="560"] 38JJ[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_407" align="aligncenter" width="560"] 38JJ[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_408" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 38JJ[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_409" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 38JJ[/caption]

What you can see in the photos is that, in all reality, sizing down in the cup didn't change anything about the wire height on the side - however, it did put the wire placement forward about a half an inch on my side, under the arm.

Features: half adjustable, semi-padded straps, 3 hooks and eyes in JJ and K cups, 3 part balcony cup, fully lined cups, non-stretch upper lace cup, pretty bow on central gore, stretch lace mesh wings, higher wing height.



 

Fit: I'll be assessing the fit in the 38JJ. The cups fit perfectly; no gaping, no double boob, the central gore lies flat, and I feel as though all of my tissue - even on the sides - is able to be pulled into the cups. I think it's important to keep in mind that the lace upper part of the cup is not stretch. Therefore, I think if you have any more than maybe a half cup size differences in your breasts, this might not work for you. The 38 band is everything I hoped it would be! Snug and comfortable, and keeps the wires of the bra firmly against my body which prevents the sliding and rashes associated with a band that is too big. If you can see, I fit into the bottom of the cups of the 38JJ better than the 38K.

Support and Shape: The shape that I get in the Sienna is what I consider ideal for a non-padded bra. My breasts are lifted and rounded by the expert seaming of the Sienna bra. The wires are not very flexible, which means that the support is constant and unwavering. The center gore is nice and low (a VERY welcome change in comparison to the Tango II wires), but it seems as though the Sienna overcompensates for a low central gore with very tall wires on the sides.

Other thoughts: I love this bra. The minute that I put it on, I feel sexy and confident. And then I relax my shoulders and I am stabbed by the underwires under my arms. It's possible that the wires will relax and I will get used to them being higher....honestly, the bra is too pretty to return and the fit really *is* great other than the unfortunate wire height. The materials are great for this bra! And the color is to die for.

The Panty Experience: I ordered the matching panties in a UK 20 (my first ever matching set!!), and was so sad to see that they did not fit. Realistically, I should not have been surprised. A UK 20 = US 16; I typically wear an 18/20 in cotton panties. The panties came up pretty low on me, and I had a bit of a muffin and rather indecent exposure in the front. However, I will say that the panties are as equally gorgeous as the bra is. The panties are lined in the front, but the back is sheer lace mesh. I'm keeping these as well, as I continue to lose weight and these panties are going to be so awesome when they fit.

Overall Grade: B- .....the bra is sexy, but is wire stabbing worth it?

Plus Size Bra Review: Panache Tango II

[caption id="attachment_376" align="aligncenter" width="255"] Photo from Barenecessities.com[/caption]

The Panache Tango II bra is available from sizes 28E-44FF for $54.00 in fashion and continuity colors

*This bra was gifted to me by Panache North America in a size 40J for review.

Pictures:

[caption id="attachment_380" align="alignnone" width="300"] On the loosest hooks[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_381" align="alignnone" width="300"] On the tightest set of hooks[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_377" align="alignnone" width="300"] On the tightest set of hooks, I still have quite a bit of space in the band[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_382" align="alignnone" width="300"] T-shirt views are important :-)[/caption]

Features: Half adjustable, semi-padded straps, 3 hooks and eyes in a J cup, 3 part balcony cup, light lining, embroidery on cups, bow on central gore, wider wings.

Fit: Overall, the 40J is too big. As I've noted in a few posts here and there, I'm realizing that I realistically need to start exploring 38 bands as 40's are too big and I'm not getting the support that I need. You can see in the one picture that I hooked the bra immediately on the tightest set of hooks and I think I could stand to have the bra tighter.  While my Andorra 40Js are actually a little small in the cup and small in the band, the Tango seems to fit a little more "stretchy" - comparable in band to Curvy Kate Emily and Angel. Also, as I'm learning and getting to know my breasts, I am more full on the bottom than on the top. This combined with really tall wires in the center means that there was quite a bit of space left in the top of the cups of the Tango. The wires on the sides did not come up very high (I know that some women have said that the wires come up very high under the arm, but I found the wire height to be similar to my Curvy Kate bras, but higher than my Elomi bras) and were quite comfortable on the sides. In terms of the cup, I had a hard time getting my breasts to settle into the cup and I couldn't get the wires to sit directly under the root of my breasts. Again, this is because I need a tighter band that holds the wires in place.

Support and Shape: The bra is comfortable and gives pretty good lift. Because it's the wrong size, I'm curious to see what kind of lift I would get in perhaps a 38J/JJ. The shape is a little more pointy than I prefer, but that is fairly typical of non padded bras. My biggest complaint about the shape is that this bra isn't really a balconnet - at least not for me - which might have something to do with it being too big. However, in my experience with Panache bras (Andorra, Ariza, Tango Luxe, and now the Tango), the wires come up really high in the center of their balcony bras. On me, the wires actually came up so high that there wasn't even breast tissue around the wires - it was literally so high that it was past the natural crease of my breasts. When I sat down with the bra on, the tops of the wires were visible through my t-shirt because they were so high.

Other Thoughts: I think, if able to get the right size, this would definitely be a go-to bra for me. I love the comfort of the wires of Panache bras and I can usually overlook the wire in general. I would say that this bra is more full coverage than balcony. It provides a lovely shape and has the lift that the Superbra line is known for :-)

I've contacted Courtney at Panache to see if I can send this back for another size or a different style, so hopefully I will be able to update my review once I get my hands on a smaller size.

Overall grade: B (for now)