This is a set it took me awhile to buy. I’m not sure why exactly as it had been high on my wishlist. This was going to be a cheaper better fitting version of Bordelle, a bra that I show off to the world in sheer tops and low back dresses. I finally decided to bite the bullet and ordered this set off ASOS when it went on sale. I purchased the bra in a 32E and briefs in a size 8 AU. I really wanted the matching suspender but decided against it as I thought it wouldn’t be firm enough to stay in place all day. The bra cost £22 and the briefs £11.
Its all about the back details with this set.
When it arrived I knew immediately I had ordered the wrong size in the bra. The cups looked huge. I had spent 2 days trying to decide what size to order and I picked the wrong one! I did actually wear the 32E for a day and the fit was ok it was more just aesthetically I didn’t like the look of the wrinkly cups. So back to ASOS I went and ordered the 32dd. The new size fitted a lot better but there is still a little bit of wrinkle action happening on my smaller boob. This will always be an issue to some degree for most people as everyone has varying severity’s of asymmetry.
Both cups seem to wrinkle a bit as I was moving around. The cups fit me but i don’t have much upper fullness.
Bluebella MORE has a size range starting at 32DD-38G and 8-18 in bottoms. While this is an impressive size range for their first foray into the fuller bust market, I wish they had included at least a 30 band and what would be even better is a 28 and 40. I understand why they haven’t/cant but that doesn’t stop me wanting! The 32DD fits OK. The extra strappy details that give this bra it’s appeal, hold it in place well compared to just a normal two strap bra of the same band size. The network of straps stops the band from sliding up a great deal throughout the day and the 3 rows and 3 columns of hooks and eyes makes it feel secure but not bulky. While the band on this is too big for me to be really supportive the weight is spread evenly across the 8 small shoulder elastics that replace the traditional thicker two. The weight is distributed without adding too much pressure to one particular spot. It helps that it looks pretty cool as well and that is its main function, to be a fashionable bra. The cups are made up of 3 parts with two layers of mesh. While this styles gives a gentle lift and shape it is overall let down by the quality of the finishes. There are a few loose threads on the bra and knickers as well as the gold O detail that has been sewn on crooked. This is an issue that can occur when the attention to detail isn’t extremely high. The cost of this bra is fairly reasonable and it would be unfair to expect perfection from a product that costs the same as my dinner. There is nothing functionally wrong with the bra but it does bring into question the longevity of each item.
I have found the Asteria knickers true to size and extremely comfortable. I expected the elastics to dig into my hips more but they seem to be pretty much perfect. I was surprised that I didn’t have any VPL while wearing these knickers with jeans. Usually the edge of briefs tend to be quite bulky and firm and that’s why I mostly go for a thong when available, but these briefs are quite the opposite. I even forget that I’m wearing them and that can’t be said for a lot of briefs that are part of a matching set.
All smooth back here.
I was drawn to this collection because of the design without even realising that it was for the fuller bust market. I’m not sure how many other potential customer have just assumed by looking at the imagery provide by Bluebella that this is just for core sizes. While I do hope they continue with the MORE range I also hope to see a few improvements. Size expansions are very important as is appropriate campaign imagery to sell the range and set it apart from their core collection. I feel like everything is almost right with this set it just needs some fine tuning.
Waking up with Venus is a brand I’m relatively new to. I stumbled across them on Instagram and have been an avid follower ever since. A few days into stalking their page they posted a new set available to purchase. This little number is called Dotty. What drew me to Dotty in particular was the style of bottoms and the unusual print. I’m not usually big on prints in lingerie I think this may be one of three in my collection!
It took about a month for this to be made by hand and shipped from the UK to Australia which is below the expected time frame stated on the website. When it arrived it was wrapped beautifully in individual white boxes that made me feel like I was opening up Christmas presents. I was so excited to open them that I forgot to take a picture! There was also a hand written note from the designer which is always a nice touch.
With this brand when you order you leave your measurements and bra size at checkout so each item is made just for you. I was a little bit hesitant to order this in my actual bra size purely because when I have done this with other brands they have come up small. So I said I was a 30F and I think the size is pretty much spot on as I prefer more coverage rather than less.
The bralette features a cut out in the centre where the wires would usually sit as well as a large white bow on top. The bra straps are fully adjustable and don’t budge throughout the day. The bra closes at the back with a single gold hook.This set is made from Lycra and for this reason it reminds me a lot of swimwear. Maybe I’ll try this set in the pool when summer comes along. The bralette is unlined but all the sewing and seams seem very accurate and neat and cause no irritation. It’s a bit of an understatement to say that I’m happy with the fit of the bralette. I’m excited to now have one I can wear regularly that’s supportive enough.
Close up of the unlined cups and back fastening.
The same elastic is used on the top and bottoms and while I found the bra to be supportive and comfortable, the bottoms began to irate me later in the day. The elastic around my waist and hips started to rub even when at the loosest and the gold O rings that join the fabric to the elastic, started to dig in. I did wear this under very tight jeans and think this may have added to the irritation as I wrote it for 14hrs. I hate being even slightly negative in reviews because I want all these brands to do well. It’s more telling of my bad shopping and not looking for these thing in the first place and not wearing the right lingerie at the right time. I’m thinking the elastic will soften up the more I wash and wear it.
The open sides of the briefs are an unusual feature but I must say I really enjoy the almost naked feel to it. I knew they wouldn’t be the most practical but they have stayed in place with minimal gaping throughout daily the day. They also feature a matching cut out that mirrors the cut out on the bra. There is also another large white bow on the knickers and my feelings on this particular feature are undecided. Fit wise they are spot on except the gusset which is 1/2 cm too wide for me but that is a very minor issue.
This is about the full extent of the gaping.
Overall I am very impressed with my first purchase from WUWV. This set cost £40 plus £10 for postage. I think the price points are fantastic and make this a very accessible brand. Supporting small businesses is something I am trying to do more of and with WUWV making such cool and wallet friendly lingerie, it is something I will be doing more of very soon. I’m looking at you Jazz set.
If I had to choose only one piece of lingerie to wear for the rest of my life it would be a suspender belt and stockings (they count as one because you can’t have one without the other). Screw the undies and burn that bra because today’s post is all about the so-called extras.
So I’ve tried a fair few stockings and I’ve found some I love and some I hate. When I first started getting into lingerie I was looking for stockings everywhere and all I could find were stay-ups. So here is a rough guide of where to shop for some stocking!
Cheap stockings/ for beginners
H&M
This was the first place I found any wearable stockings that weren’t ridiculously priced. I managed to find a few pairs of their sheer 20 denier stockings in black. They retail for around AUD $6. They feel soft on the skin and have a nice sized welt (not too big not too small) but as you would expect they do not have a reinforced heel or toe and wear through quite quick for that reason. Apart from that I have found they wash well and I’ve hardly had any pulls or runs. Made in Italy.
Gabriella
I found this brand on stockingshq.com when I was looking for plain stockings for work. They started off well but after a few wears I found the material started to pill. They are a good starter stocking if you don’t want to commit to more expensive stockings yet. I’ve tried the Cher sheer stockings from them and they have a thin reinforced toe and wear OK considering the price of $5 but wouldn’t give them a life span of more than 5 wears. Made in Poland.
Silky
These are the cheapest stockings I’ve found also from stockingshq.com. I have the knit 100% stretch nylon stockings and the quality reflects the price. They feel weird to wear and they also come in one size fits all which only 1% of the population may fit. They are a British brand and have a reinforced toe but I avoid wearing them if I have any other choice. I have one of the varieties of the nude colours and it just doesn’t work for me. I would suggest trying the black if you were keen on these. It’s worth a try at only $2 it’s not a huge financial investment. Made in the UK as far as I’m aware.
What you can find in Department stores (Australia)
Collette Dinnigan
The well know Australian designer has ventured in to stockings and they aren’t half bad. They retail from $20-$30. They have hold ups and stay-ups but only in black and white. It’s called a bridal and boudoir collection so they have little lux details like bows at the top of the back seam and pearl details on the heel. So not super practical as I’ve had all those little extra fall off after one wear. If you are in the market for a one time wear pair of luxury stockings then I highly recommend as they feel amazing on and definitely have those designer touches. Made in Italy.
Voodoo
The particular stockings I’m referring to are the hard to find undercover back-seam stockings. They come in 2 colours and 2 sizes and are always sold out when I go to get more! The retail price is $16.95 which I think is good considering they are some of the most durable and fashionable stockings I’ve come across. Made in Taiwan.
Levante
The Levante Vanessa stocking are the most widely found in Australian department store. They feature a reinforced toe and a patterned under welt. They come in 3 sizes and 3 colours that I’m aware of. These are great for everyday wear as they are soft and comfortable yet not overly delicate. I only ever wear the black in this style as the ‘natural’ looks anything but on my skin. They sell for $13.95 and are made in Italy.
Jonathan Aston
I’m only new to trying the vintage legs back seam and heel stockings from this brand. They are a reasonable price, probably the cheapest back seam style you will find in an actual store. They retail for $14.95 and their lifespan is reasonable. I found these ones got pulls in them easier than the Voodoo style. The pulls didn’t turn into runs so were still wearable for a long time after that. The back-seam in these are quite thin which is a detail that sets them apart in the stretch vintage style stockings department. Made in Italy.
Lingerie brands
Agent Provocateur
They have mixed reviews on their stockings but all the ones I’ve tried I love. The Astra seam and heel stretch stockings are a firm favourite of mine as are the Diablo. The prices are very high in the region of $50-$60. Cost per wear it works out OK as mine have lasted very well. The do get little pulls in them but they haven’t turned into ladders. The heel and toes are reinforced really well and haven’t had any issues with that. They have a variety of styles from stay-ups, hold-ups, silk and fashion focused colours and prints. Some of their stockings go on sale twice a year so it’s worth grabbing a pair then as they usually come down to $30. Most of their old stockings are made in France but new ones are made in Austria.
Honey Birdette
The red retro heart stockings have a very thin welt.
I first discovered Honey Birdette because I was looking for stockings and this was one of the search results in google. Their stockings are OK. I find the colour fades fast and that holes appear in the toes after a few wears. I have some of their stockings that have a very thick welt which make them hard to attach the suspender to and give me sausage leg. But then there are stockings that have a very short welt and find they are great to wear under shorter skirts with a sturdy suspender. They sell for $29.95 normally but in the sale there are always some for $15. They are 20 denier normally and have the vintage style back seam. They only come in 2 sizes, average and tall. Their stockings are made in Taiwan.
What Katie Did
If you are looking vintage style stockings, What Katie Did is the place to go. They have retro seamed stockings and also contrast seamed stockings in 15 denier. They come in two sizes and a few different contrast colour options. Prices start at just $13 and go up to $37.50 for the contrast Cuban heel fully fashioned stockings. The quality is fantastic as is the price per wear! Most of their stockings are made in Italy and the Fully Fashioned stockings are made in England.
L’agent
The little sister to Agent Provocateur and their stockings collection reflects that. They have less styles available but at a lower price. Their 20 denier seam and heel stretch stockings retail for around $35. They have 3 sizes available and the stockings I have of theirs are made in Taiwan.
Nylon Stockings
Cevrin
A well know stocking brand famous for its Bicolore stockings . They are also known for being super delicate but with nylon RHT and FF stockings it is to be expected. I find the stockings very comfortable and a good way to break up the routine of wearing plain black stockings. They are at the pricier end of the scale starting from $25 and up to $65 for the silk stockings. Made in France.
Dita for Secrets in Lace
The daytime sheer stockings are an all-time favourite of mine. When I first received them they looked so small in the packet I thought they would never fit me! They have a lot of stretch but still maintain the look and feel of nylon stockings as they are 100% nylon. I’ve worn and washed these stockings more than I can count and only now are they starting to die. They do have a reinforced toe but it’s starting to give way now. They are around $18 a pair for the daytime sheer and go up to $50 for the Dita glamour French heel. These stockings are made in the EU.
Eleganti
These stockings are too long for me so I fold down the welt.
This is a brand that specialises in nylon stockings and are made on the original machines from the 1950’s. All are made from 100% nylon with no stretch. Prices can start from $16 for the imperfect plain nylons and go up to $50 for the perfect Fully Fashioned contrast seam stockings. One mistake I always make with this brand is ordering too big! I look at the size chart and go ‘yer I’m that tall I’ll have them’. But when they arrive they are too big around my legs and foot as the foot is shaped. With these I suggest doing a trial buy with 2 sizes in a cheaper range so you can get the sizing right. You need to look at your height, weight, foot size but then also if you have a longer torso or legs that can change what size you need to order. For example all my height is made up from my long torso and I can size down in the stockings because my legs are shorter. All Eleganti stockings are made in England.
Clio
The stockings I have tried from Clio are their Bas Prestige non-stretch RHT stockings. I purchased them through stockings.hq for just under $12. They come in five colours and 5 sizes and are made in France. I have mine in the colour Vison and it works well with my skin. They also do stretch stockings. Made in France.
A great British brand that many lingerie addicts are familiar with. They offer a range of styles and are more fashion focused are not ridiculously expensive. Prices start from $14.
This is a good brand if you are experimenting with nylon stockings. They still contain stretch but they feel more authentic than others brands on the market. The only down side is they only come in 2 sizes and I’ve found they shrink after washing. They also have a very thick welt. They are another brand that has a very thin back seam and interesting heel details. Prices start from $10 and the stockings are made in Italy but it is a Polish brand.
This is a brand I tried only once as managed to rip my stockings on the first wear. I had the sheer matt stocking 15 denier in the sun colour. This was the only stocking I found that matched my skin! They come in a range of skin tones but only 3 sizes. These were really soft to wear, I need to buy more and at only $12 I don’t need to save too much to restock. Made in Italy and found on stockingshq.com.
Ambra
The Ambra Opaque no-show stay ups are a winter favourite. They are 70 denier and Hypoallergenic so good for people with sensitive skin. I find they don’t dig in like some stay ups do and if you wanted to attach a suspender to them just in case (like I do sometimes) the material is thin enough that you can. This style come sin 3 sizes and retails for $13.95. They are well worth the money, I haven’t had to replace a pair yet after 2 years of winter wear. These can be found at David Jones. Made in China.
If you are looking for retro seamed stockings try…
Lace and Haze 