Lace and Haze

Author: laceandhaze

  • Introducing Saint Rule

    Introducing Saint Rule

    Saint Rule is a brand new lingerie company out of Sydney. That isn’t a sentence I get to say a lot and I’m overly excited about it. Australia is a big country with a small population. For some unknown reason, Australians seem to really love Lingerie. Slowly but surely brands are appearing locally to quench the thirst of the local addicts. Saint rule is one of those brands and it has a very unique selling point.

    I spoke briefly with the designer about the brand as I was interested to know more about how ethical a luxury lingerie brand could be. The luxury market is quite secretive in all industries, most of the time selling smoke and mirrors at a premium price. You would think that luxury also means ethical but most of the time it’s just benefiting off that assumption without having to provide any evidence. As with anything luxury, Saint Rule has a very cohesive and well presented brand, giving enough information to encourage you to buy without tell you all the ins and outs of the business.

    I was curious to find out more so I asked Caitlin, the creative director of Saint Rule some questions regarding the ethics of her brand and here is what she had to say.

    Q. Your items are made in Vietnam, what was the reason you chose to manufacture there?

    A. Several reasons to be honest. I used to work for another Sydney based ladies RTW label which produced in Vietnam, so I’ve spent considerable time in Ho chi min city. So when I wanted to do my own thing after exploring Australian manufacturing and Chinese manufacturing I decide to go back to what I knew best and work with my colleagues in Vietnam. There are a few aspects to this. To do what I have done on this scale would not be possible in Australia at an reasonable price, and I struggled to find people with expertise I needed. I would also be importing my materials. Then at the opposite of that was meeting the minimum quantity orders for China- unless you have several thousand dollars this is not reachable for start up labels although it was something i looked into. You will notice a trend become more visible soon across the industry that a lot of manufacturing is leaving China and moving to Vietnam. I can see the incredible increase in work the tailors are taking on with new brands, particularly with an increase in British brands.

    One thing I pride myself on is that I learnt everything not to do working for other people. As a new brand I can dictate the ethical stance I take. I want to do everything “correct” from the beginning and continue as I started.

    In Vietnam the tailors I work with are 3 amazing women and their family companies. I have met every worker and visited every factory and work space. I know that they are good companies with good people run by women supporting women and their quality of life. They pay well above what we would call and award wage.

    Q. A lot of new brands are built on sustainability and ethical consumption these days, is that something you have done with your business or will it be something you slowly build into it? If so, what are you doing to make it more sustainable?

    A. All of my fabric sourcing is what’s considered stock fabric or what might be know by the term dead fabric. It’s basically the rolls of fabric disregarded or what excess is sold on to smaller brands rather than it being thrown out to waste. A lot of smaller brands do this firstly, to save money and have access to amazing fabrics at a reduced rate but it’s also a more ethical choice. There are parts of the lingerie materials you need like clips and straps and rings that unfortunately would never be dead stock, this is just referring to the materials like laces and silk blends used. In the pattern making process I’ve worked with the tailors to save as much fabric as possible, at times altering the position of the lace used to reduce wastage. Sometimes the smallest shift in design can have a big impact on fabric saving and wastage which was considered throughout. I am incredibly lucky that my main pattern maker chi van used to work for triumph and etam and left to start her own company. We happened to meet and she agreed to take a chance on my brand.

    I’ve also made a conscious effort to educate my customers on the correct care for their lingerie which is provided on the website. Also having lingerie bags with ever purchase to store their pieces safely emphasises the slower lifecycle of the pieces. I’m all about buying fewer excellent quality pieces rather than cheap fast fashion that the quality won’t last.

    In terms of delivery of production as much as we could we didn’t use plastic. We had paper separating styles where most factories would put each piece in plastic. We decided to just plastic line the box for weather purposes.we consciously save a lot of unnecessary plastic there too.

    This will be an area of continuous growth for a lot of the business but if your heart and mind are conscious of it and constantly considering and reviewing your practices each step we make the industry a better place. I feel this new generation of designers are actively trying to make the best choice possible as it is a flow on from our eduction and the state of the world. It’s something that I struggle with the decision to market on my website as I don’t think sustainability should be a marketing tool but an absolute necessity across the board. So I’m very happy to discuss it if anyone ever wishes to enquire into the ethics of my brand.

    Q—You have an impressive starting size range for a new brand, is there any plans to expand it in the future?  

    A— Thank you! I’ve wanted to start my brand for a long time. So when I did I knew the demand on the market and knew I wanted to do as many sizes as possible to start with. I used to work in Selfridges and brown Thomas overseas so have a good understanding of the demand in lingerie and the sellable sizes.  

    There are definitely plans to expand the size range hopefully in my next collection (sampling and production to begin in February 2019) we will increase the sizes of jersey pieces to include the size 4 and also I would love to increase to include the size 16 and cup scale in the wired bras but i will have to wait to when I can afford it. We have had a lot of interest in our D, DD and E cups and size 14 scale so it’s logical to expand to the 16 when possible. 

    Q-Without giving too much away, what are your plans for Saint Rule? Will you be stocked at any boutiques or will you remain selling direct to the consumer? 

    A- I have a working history in Selfridges London and Brown Thomas in Dublin in management and styling and this is my ultimate goal to have concessions within Selfridges and Brown Thomas and also have a global flagship boutique in Sydney. I would like to remain as exclusive as possible but would really like to show to a few ecommerce businesses the collections as well as the boutique 1 team. I would like to maintain a boutique feel to my brand, I plan on dropping smaller collections more often but the stock runs being quite small so when it’s gone it’s gone kind of thing.

    Thank you Caitlin!

    Review

    The Eden set was gifted to me by saint rule for the purpose of this review. I received the bra in a 32E and the briefs in a size small.

    These are pretty much my new favourite briefs. They are ultra high cut just the way I like them, but surprisingly not many brands do them as well. The front is comprised of a lace panel with an material that is in between a mesh and jersey for the back. They are so comfortable to wear and the waist band nips in my waist perfectly without it being uncomfortable. They are quite narrow at the front but that is my favourite element of the design.

    I sister sized to a 32E in this bra like I do with most of my bras. I usually wear a 28/30 band with varying cup sizes. Naturally the band is too big for me but it is wearable even though technically it’s 2 sizes too big. Because of the back design, it’s not too hard to have it taken in a few inches which is what I plan to do. Because the band isn’t as firm as I’d like, the cups gape slightly at the top. If you are a regular 32E this won’t be an issue it’s only if you are sister sizing up twice that it would be an issues. The cup construction is impeccable, but it is made for core sizes as it doesn’t have the reinforcement and power mesh that I’m used to. Again this won’t be an issue if you are actually in the size range and not being a tad sneaky like I have just because I love the design.

    They have also gifted me the Haze robe which is aptly named! It’s a silk viscose blend which is unusual to see in a robe but it just gives the silk a bit of stretch and weight. It has an internal tie as well as the external sash which is attached. The sleeves are full length but do feature a split. This makes it easy to wear when getting ready in the morning as I find I can use my hands without the sleeves getting in the way. It’s now my most worn robe and I’ve only had it a few weeks, it’s just that easy to wear.

    I truly love all the designs Saint Rule has out right now, I’m particularly partial to all the high cuts and bustiers. It’s like a better and more accessible vintage lingerie collection.

    Saint Rule is bringing something new to the Australian lingerie scene and I can’t wait to see what this brand will do next.

    Elly x

  • Attollo Lingerie

    Attollo Lingerie

    Attollo is a relatively new brand coming out of London. It was created because the founders themselves couldn’t find bras in their size that they wanted to wear. I know the feeling…

    Their aim is to give the fuller bust customer beautiful, uplifting affordable lingerie that you actually want to wear. So do I think they have achieved this? In short, yes but ill give you all the details below.

    I was gifted the Gigi High waisted knickers in a size 8-10 and the Emelie Longline bra in a 28GG. The set retails for £63 or $110 AUD which may not sound very affordable but for a fuller bust bra made in Europe, it really is priced well. They have bra sizes 28-36 DD-HH and knickers XS-XL.

    It’s important to note that Attollo does not use standard sizing. Generally you need to go up a cup size from your normal uk size. The best thing about Attollo is that they have one of the most comprehensive, easy to understand fit guides I’ve ever come across. They have their own fit calculator, they have even included different breast shapes you can combine that with your measurements to make sure you are getting the best size. If that wasn’t enough, if you aren’t lucky enough to go into London for your personal fit session it’s possible to make a FaceTime appointment and you can get fitted from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a measuring tape.

    I did a FaceTime session with one of the founders of the company to determine my size. Working out a time to do it was the most difficult part about it. The time difference between London and Sydney is 11hrs so 9am London time and 7pm Sydney time seems to work the best. After discussing what sizes I wear in other brands we came to the conclusion that a 28GG would be the best fit. I rember thinking that it sounds huge! I was slightly sceptical of how well it would fit but I put my trust that they knew best. The package arrived in a week which is amazing. Usually anything sent from overseas, even if it’s express, takes more than a week.

    I was super excited to try on this set, its so hard to find a good longline bra in the fuller bust size range. When first trying it on I was amazed by the quality and how cohesive it was. Sometimes with new brands, the design can be great but perhaps they haven’t found their longtime suppliers some elements can seem off. This isn’t the case with Attollo, it looks and feels like its one of the big, established companies.

    The long line bra has 5 rows of hook and eyes which is the perfect length for a longline that is an everyday bra. The bra is mostly made up of a stretch lace with a medium stretch mesh on the inside. There are two vertical seams on each cup, yes they leave a mark at the end of a full day wearing the bra but I haven’t found them itchy or noticeable. One of my favourite design elements is the satin band, It is so comfortable!!!! I think this is my favourite bra now because the band is perfectly firm on my ribs, without digging in or rolling up. The straps on this bra are the thinnest I’ve seen on a fuller bust bra and while this may have been a concern for me at first, because the band actually fits me, I don’t have a lot of weight on the straps to begin with. At first I thought this bra was made for really tall people, the straps are fully adjustable but the longest I’ve ever seen. I soon realised they are that long because you can wear them crossed over. Ive seen people wearing them crossed over the front but I’ve only tried them crossed at the back.

    The high waisted Gigi underwear looks amazing on and it is one of my favourite styles. The only problem for me is that there is a seam in the centre of the gusset. I don’t find it too noticeable but if I’m wearing these knickers all day I will start to feel it by the end. Just something to consider if you are particularly sensitive. Apart from that I love the style and that they are the perfect hight to wear with my jeans. The lace at the back means they work seamlessly under clothing.

    I’m really looking forward to seeing what Attollo will release next. I’m very impressed with their bra fit, so much so that the longline is the bra I’m wearing most often. I find its perfect for wearing under my sheer tops, the lace gives it texture without having the solid black mass like a t-shirt bra would. I definitely need more Attollo bras in my life.

    Happy bra shopping!

    Elly x

  • Lingerie Christmas gift guide 2018

    Lingerie Christmas gift guide 2018

    If you are like me you’re surprised that Christmas is just around the corner. Whether you are buying something for your best friend, your lover or even your secret santa these are the items that will go down a treat.

    Accessible

    Not everyone is made of money but these lingerie related items will leave a lasting impression.

    Lovehoney holiday calendar

    A lingerie advent calendar is the perfect gift if you are looking for something a little bit fun. Open them all at once or enjoy the experience of opening one every night and trying out the fun things inside. It is a one size fits all scenario but it comes in a core size calendar and a curve. If lingerie isn’t your thing (what are you doing here???) there is also a toy calendar for the more adventurous.

    In intimate detail

    If the person you are buying for is anything like myself , they love lingerie and anything to do with it. What better gift than the gift of knowledge in the form of a book all about lingerie!

    Slip silk eye mask

    For the person who has everything. Even if they already have an eye mask, they’ll thank you for getting them this one. It’s made from 100% silk and the inside padding is also silk. Trust me when I say that this is an everyday (night) luxury that everyone needs.

    The Nylon Swish stocking bags

    These little bags are the perfect stocking filler. Storage solutions for your stocking lover have never looked so good.

    Mid range

    These are gifts that pack a punch. Wearable lingerie that we never knew we needed.

    Dottie’s Delights Sheer Robe

    A sheer robe is the perfect present to give, sizing is realitively easy and it’s something that you wouldn’t normally buy yourself. It’s not a need but definitely a want. Make sure you text from the ready to shop section.

    Saint rule rhapsody set

    With a cut so vintage it’s modern, this set is a show stopper and extremely wearable.

    Fleur of England Antoinette set

    Nothing beats a 3 piece set. With a combination of silk and lace, it’s truly a luxurious treat.

    Gift cards

    I’m going to say this once, it’s ok to buy someone a gift card. Whatever the amount it doesn’t matter just make sure it’s a company that they will like. A few of my personal favourites are babylikestopony, porteavie, Playful Promises and Trashy Diva lingerie.

    Luxury

    For the person who has everything but could always do with something a little extra.

    Harlow and Fox Evelyn velvet robe

    You may miss Christmas with this made to order robe but I’m sure the recipient won’t mind when this turns up a week or two late. Silk and viscose velvet, lined in a heavy silk, your special someone will feel like royalty is this sumptuous robe.

    Bordelle adjustable Angela dress

    They may be adjustable now but they still only come in small medium and large. It’s one of the most iconic styles in lingerie history and if your giftee is a bordelle or luxury lingerie fan, this is sure to delight on Christmas night.

    Rosamosario long robe

    Go big or go home with this robe fit for a princess. Made in Milan by in house artisans, each piece is made for the individual. Allow two weeks for these masterpieces to make their way under the Christmas tree.

    Nervous about buying someone lingerie? Follow these tips to make sure everyone will be happy Christmas morning.

    1. Check their size by looking at some of their most worn and loved bras.

    2. What is their style? If they wear all black probably stick to that colour…

    3. Check the returns policy of the brand/store/website before purchasing.

    4. If you are still unsure about the sizing a good thing to do is book an appointment with a lingerie boutique they like and make a day of it together.

    Happy shopping and merry Christmas!

  • Boycotting Victoria’s Secret? Here’s where you need to shop instead.

    Boycotting Victoria’s Secret? Here’s where you need to shop instead.

    Victoria Secret what can I say? It used to be a lingerie powerhouse, but now it rotting from the inside out. Their ideas that only slender, white, young women are the only acceptable type of women has rubbed many lingerie enthusiasts up the wrong way. Why put your hard earned money into a company that does not value you? If you live in the USA, I know that Victoria’s Secret stores are convinient but there are a few brands that are doing it better and they are just a click away.

    Now pretty much everyone does diversity better than Victoria Secret. If you like big brands, your best bet would be to shop with aerie. If you perhaps want to expand you lingerie horizons, go check out some of these brands.

    Bluebella (London, UK)

    Strength and modernity, redefining sensuality

    Bluebella is a fashion forward accessible lingerie brand out of the UK. Their campaign ‘Be strong, be beautiful’ featured professional athletes and made headlines around the world. Unfortunately there is not a lot of diversity going on in their product shots on their website but hopefully that is something that will change. Their size range is larger than Victoria’s Secret. They start from a 30b-36dd in their core range and 30dd-38G in their fuller bust range. In terms of transitioning from Victoria’s Secret, this would be the easiest brand to do so. They are at a similar price point and so similarish styles. You could get a 3 piece set for around $100 AUD.

    La fille d’O (Belgium)

    Supports your body whilst empowering your attitude

    They use everyday women, they don’t edit photos and have a strong focus on ethical production. They don’t do traditional bra sizing, instead they have 7 sizes that can cover a broad range because of the adjustable design. They are priced a lot higher compared to Victoria’s Secret but the quality is incomparable. They are focused on slow fashion only releasing one collection a year. A set would cost you €250 and upwards.

    JBC Lingerie (Melbourne, AUS)

    Size does not dictate sex appeal

    This is the brand with some of the most inclusive campaign imagery I’ve ever seen in an aspect of fashion, let alone lingerie. Not only that it has an amazing size range for such a realitvely new company. Their size range is 6a-20h but everything is made to order so if you outside their range or need a slight adjustment, it is all possible. They are surprisingly affordable considering everything is made just for you, a 3 piece set would cost you around $180 AUD.

    Playful Promises (London, UK)

    Flirty and a little bit dirty

    Playful Promises is a powerhouse in the lingerie industry. They have 3 size ranges; fuller bust, core and curve. It’s been a leader in size inclusiveness as well as age and gender. I’d say generally they imagery is more alternative and so is their product in comparison to VS. To make it even easier to shop, they have a British website, an American website and they have just launched an Australian website so shipping anywhere in the world is relatively quick and easy. A 3 piece set would cost you $200 AUD.

    Uye Surana (New York, USA)

    Lingerie as beautiful as it is comfortable

    This brand creates Beautiful lingerie made in New York. They offer a wide range of styles, but they specialise in supportive bralettes. They use a diverse cast of models and don’t overly edit them. They have one if the largest size ranges starting from a 28A to a 42H and they do custom sizing! Their vibe is much more forest wood nymph rather than Victoria’s Secret blonde bombshell. A set would set you back $150 USD.

    Scantily by Curvy kate (UK)

    The new sexy

    Curvy kate is specifically targeted at the curvy fuller bust market. Scantily is it’s sexier sister. They have used a diverse cast of models for multiple campaigns beautiful women’s of varying race, ability and in different stages of gender fluidity. They are all about the supportive wired bra that makes you feel sexy for yourself or as they put it , Decadent design, sumptuous charm and uncensored spirit. Their bras starts from a 28D and go up to a 40K and with a few styles up to a 44G. A 3 piece set will cost you £130.

    Lonely Lingerie (NZ)

    For women who wear lingerie as a love letter to themselves

    Physically as far away as you can get, but this brand still manages to make waves around the world. It’s simple, understated and practical. It was one of the first companies to use older models, and their product shots on the website have a strong focus of well fitting and easy lingerie. Lonely girls project is all about showing women around the world wearing Lonely lingerie in their own way. Their designs are very consistent, you know what you are getting with Lonely. Their size range isn’t as big, I would call it an extended core range. The do band sizes 8-16 and cup sizes A-G but not all the sizes within those brackets. A bra and brief will set you back roughly $170 AUD.

    All of these brands are quite different from Victoria’s Secret in terms of lingerie style. But do you really want to be wearing a bombshell bra? A bra that is trying to get you to conform to their narrow standards of beauty by creating globular breasts. Embrace the bulge, the sag, the wobble and the scars. They aren’t going anywhere. Choose to shop with brands that respect every type of woman and from brands that realise we buy and wear lingerie for ourselves and not for the male gaze.

    Happy Buycotting!

    Elly x

  • Ellesmere Mint Julep Review

    Ellesmere Mint Julep Review

    This is a brand I have reviewed before so I’m going to say up front that I love this brand and I bought this set with my own money.

    I’ve previously reviewed a bodysuit by Ellesmere that they sent me for the purpose of a review which you can read here. Ever since then I’ve wanted to try one of their full sets. Now I’ve worn and washed it a few times I’m going to share my thoughts!

    So I ordered the mint Julep set in size 30F bra, medium brief and size small in the suspenders that come with detachable leg harnesses. There is also a bralette and high waisted brief available in this range. I ordered the brief according to my measurements on the size chart and they fit perfectly. I couldn’t find a size chart for the suspenders so it was a bit of a guess. Luckily everything did fit but if you are unsure you can enquire on the website and receive fit advice. The first thing I noticed when unwrapping the package, was how light everything felt. The lace and mesh seem very delicate but wearable. When I tried them on they felt as light on the body as the did when unwrapping them.

    All the products are made in an Atelier in Montreal. I was really impressed with the quality of sewing and how well finished the product was. The one thing that I felt let it down was the elastics used on the leg harness. Perhaps they are just too small for me, but I felt they dug in to my leg, that the elastic wasn’t soft enough. The same elastic is used for the bra straps but I didn’t have a problem with that. I’m hoping that in time the elastic may soften on the leg harness. I’m realistically going to be wearing the 4 strap suspender with stockings attached more often then the harness so this isn’t really a problem for me but something to consider.

    My bra size is constantly fluctuating but I find this bra can accommodate it because of the shape and materials. The top of the cup is quite open and not super firm so its good if your cup size fluctuates but not if you are naturally top heavy. If I had the option I would have ordered this in a 28 band but unfortunately for us smaller back girls, ellesmere starts at a 30. I still think the band comes up big for a 30 but it is wearable.

    I usually avoid briefs like this, but I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable they were. I was also surprised to find that they don’t give horrendous VPL, mostly because of the mesh back. One good thing about a bikini brief paired with a suspender is that it is visually appealing. You don’t lose the detail of the suspender by covering it up with a high waisted underwear which is something I’m guilty of doing a lot.

    Overall I love this set, its one of my favourites to wear as its so comfortable and light I forget I’m wearing it. It’s perfect for summer. I’m really looking forward to purchasing my next set from Ellesmere.

  • Ethical Lingerie and our Responsibility as Consumers

    Ethical Lingerie and our Responsibility as Consumers

    Ethical is a word that is thrown around a lot these days. But what constitutes as ethical in fashion? Its widely expected that brands using these terms are transparent, committed to sustainable manufacturing and materials, ensure safe working conditions and are invested in shorter supply chains. But are brands are using the terms ethical and sustainable just to sell their products? The technical term for this is greenwashing. You may have purchased products thinking they were ethical and sustainable but when you look closer (as they know only a handful will) you’ll find questionable practices and materials in use. In other instances, you might find nothing at all as the supply chains are so complex even the company doesn’t know itself. Even bamboo, seen as an ethical alternative to traditional cotton, isn’t always as good as it seems.

    So the question is why do brands market themselves as ethical when they’re really not? Its all down to marketing strategies and unfortunately, its been going on for decades. The concept of owning ethical and sustainable clothing is much more appealing to consumers. We would like to think that we are spending our money wisely, not damaging the planet or other people in the process. But due to the greenwashing that is widely spread across all industries it makes it a lot harder to find brands that you want to support, ones that are actually doing the right thing. You would think that the companies shouting the loudest about their sustainability without the integrity behind it would be called out fairly quickly with social media as it is. But more and more often we just accept it as it is presented to us without thinking too much about it. The money spent on advertising to us that the company is ethical could have actually been spent by implementing ethical practices.

    So how can you tell if a brand is ethical and sustainable? One of the easiest ways to work out if a brand is worth buying from is to check their website. The more information they provide in the About Me section, generally the better they are. The less information they have the more I think they have something to hide. Another way to judge how sustainable a brand is, is by looking at what materials they work with. Most brands doing ethical lingerie work with peace silk, bamboo, organic cotton, recycled fabrics and dead stock fabrics. Is one better than the others? Not really, they all have problems attached to them in some stage of their life in becoming your underwear. A phrase to look out for is ‘slow fashion’. If a brand is committed to ethical practices they will most likely not follow fashion seasons and churn out the collections just for the sake of having new products all the time. There are also different accreditation and certificates which can be confusing. Some of the most common ones you will come across are Certified organic, OEKO-TEX 100, GOTS, Fair Trade and ISO.

    Does ethical mean the same thing to everyone? Not all ethical brands are created equal. There’s always room for improvement and not everyone is on the same path. There is no one brand that is doing everything perfectly but I think its unfair to expect it straight away. I always say doing something is better than nothing.

    There are a few brands stand out well above the pack in terms or sustainability but are their products any good? Ive taken it upon myself to try out a few products from different brands, here are the results.

    Less The Label

    This is only a very new company out of Australia. They specialise in cotton basics. The products are designed in Australia but are made in Indonesia. As it is only a very small new company there isn’t much information available on their website. All their products are made from 92% cotton 8% spandex. They have branded themselves as sustainable and ethically created, yet I don’t see any evidence of that but they do regular visits to the manufacturer and are invested in the slow fashion movement. I purchased the full brief in a size small in olive. While I love the colour of these, I find them uncomfortable. The tensions on the seams is too tight and when I tried them on for the first time I heard a lot of threads snap. The gusset on these undies is also very small, only 6cms long. These would be great for period undies as they are super firm.

    Le Buns

    This is an independent company based in Australia that was founded in 2016. Their products are made in Indonesia. I purchased two items from them, they are both made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex. Their fabrics are Fair trade certified grown in India and GOTS certified organic cotton. I purchased two pairs of knickers in size 8 and I definitely have a new favourite in the white Taylor high cut brief. My favourite part of this design is the extremely wide waist band. It’s so comfortable to wear. The gusset on the Taylor is about 3cms wider than on the Elle briefs which makes it more comfortable for me to wear. I find both these styles great under high waisted jeans.

    Nico Underwear

    Nico was established in 2012 in Australia. Their products are made in Australia, India and their socks made in Bangladesh. The material they use for all their underwear is a modal and elastin blend. The modal fibres have come from Lenzing Modal which is based in Austria. I purchased the high waisted briefs in black size medium. The pair I purchased was made in India. I was able to try a bralette on when they had a pop up store. They are made from the same fabric as the underwear so I found them very unsupportive but would be good for loungewear. For the briefs I would size down in this fabric as it has a lot of stretch. The briefs are perfect for under lounge wear or sleepwear.

    HARA The Label

    Hara the label officially launched in November 2016. The products are all made from raw bamboo that has been sourced from certified organic growers. All products are made in Indonesia. The final products are OEKO-TEX 100 certified meaning their is no harmful chemical residue in the fabric. I purchased the Leo high cut bra in a Large and the Eva g-string in a Small. The bra has two layers of bamboo fabric which makes it more supportive. It has no fastenings but because of the fabric it is easy to pull on over your head. The thong is simple and very comfortable and fits true to size. The fabric feels amazing against the skin and its a pleasure to wear. Perfect to wear under anything.

    Still looking for more ethical lingerie brands? Why not check out the brands listed below.

    Amaella Lingerie

    Studio Pia

    Lara Intimates

    The End Lingerie

    ColieCo Lingerie

    We are HAH

    La Fille d”O

    Our job as consumers is to research the products we buy, but its hard because of lack of transparency and the imbedded secrecy of the fashion industry. Not only that but some companies lack the knowledge due to complex supply chains. The best way to find the information you want is simply to ask. Also I suggest downloading the Good on You app which has a lot of great information and a consistent rating system for brands.

  • A day in the life of a Lingerie Addict

    Ever wondered what a day in the life of your average lingerie addict is like? Well some of you have. Be prepared for your illusions to be shattered, life in lingerie is really not all that glamorous darling….

    7am My alarm sounds waking me from my deep stupor. I reach for my phone looking to turn off the dream killer and search through internet friends allowed version of reality.

    Lingerie, lingerie, as far as the eye can see. That’s till I realise I’ve wasted an hour of my life and I’ve now got 20 minutes to shower and get dressed before I have to leave for work or risk being late.

    8am I’m multi tasking in the shower…Not in that way!!!!! What lingerie is clean and what clothes are clean and which ones will work together to carry out the tasks of today???? Am I doing manual labour or seeing the kids later? Not today so I can wear my stockings safely. What size are my boobs today? It’s a week before my period so they are sitting around a 30F that rules out most of my sets. Looks like I’m going to be wearing my WKD suspender with my avocado bra and hopeless lingerie thong. Talk about mixing and matching.

    8.10 I’m setting up my phone to take a photo while getting dressed and brushing my teeth. The ironing board is used as a camera stand and my floor lamp lights the shot badly. I’ve once again run out of time to put on any makeup so headless shot it is.

    8.15 I find clothes I deem good enough and run out the door while scrolling through the quick photos deciding which one gets to see the light of day.

    8.25 I’m waiting in line for coffee and the man behind me is getting more than he bargained for as I’m editing my photos to make use of the time.

    8.30 I’m on the train trying to post a photo and think of a caption on only one sip of coffee. The photo sucks so does the caption. I post it anyway.

    8.45 I get off the train after 10 minutes of no signal to find I have 45 likes. You guys suck. I’m a tool so I post on my instagram stories to go “check out my latest amaze balls post”.

    9am I see a few pity comments roll in. Love you too guys xxx

    9.30am Colleagues come by and comment on perky boobs/nice stockings/lingerie layering so on and so on. I say thanks check out my instagram and bog to learn how/who/where!

    10.30am Management comes by and comments on how my outfit is not work appropriate. Something along the lines of ‘underwear is not meant to be on show’ ‘I can se your bra’ ‘ not the company’s atheistic’. Ok I’ll remember tomorrow…..

    11.30am I run to the bathroom to check my phone. Not much action.

    12.45pm Lunch time! I eat Mexican/Thai/sandwich very quickly and window shop at all the possible places I can find lingerie. I avoid Bras N things. Cotton on body makes me depressed and I feel old. Myer has nothing I want. David jones has nothing in my size. And that’s all the places you can shop for lingerie in my area!!!!! I comment to myself how depressing the lingerie shops around here are.

    1.15pm I tell my colleagues once again how hard it is to find good lingerie and vow to start my own shop one day. Everyone cheers in excitement.

    2pm I feel my stockings twisting so I try and sort them out in he toilet cubicle. Mission not super successful.

    5pm I’m hunching something chronic and my bra is starting to dig in. I try and stand up straight but that requires the will to live.

    6pm It’s quite so I do a sneaky instagram scroll while no one is looking. If I’m lucky I reply to a few comments and messages. If I’m unlucky I get to block a few dickheads the seeped through the cracks when I wasn’t looking.

    7.30pm I get home from work and sit down to dinner. The idea of keeping my lingerie on and treating my husband to a strip tease leaves my mind while I change into my pjs. Pj’s aren’t appalling, silk slip dress tonight. I throw the undesirables onto the ever present pile in the bathroom. I’ll do it tomorrow….I lay in bed telling myself to get my arse moving to write the blog post that’s a month over due. I don’t. I scroll instagram for an hour.

    9pm I fall asleep thinking of all the time I’ve wasted. I think of what I’m going to post tomorrow. I ask myself why I do this. I look forward to seeing what everyone else is wearing in the morning. #lingerieaddict #lingerielife #satire

  • Ellesmere Custom Bodysuit review

    Ellesmere Custom Bodysuit review

    Ellesmere is a brand I noticed straight away. It’s imagery felt real and its lingerie beautiful. As I fell down the rabbit hole I also discovered that it was an ethical, approachable core size and fullerbust brand made in Montreal! It’s only been around for a year and a half, so don’t be surprised if the name isn’t familiar.

    I first realised that I could fit into this amazing lingerie when I saw Wen from commicgirlsneedbras modeling the collection in their look books. To be honest I think seeing Wen in the look book sold me on this brand even more as she isn’t a just WCW, she is Woman crush all day everyday. So when Julia, the creator of Ellesmere asked me if I would like to try one of the custom bodysuits, I jumped at the chance.

    If you love bodysuits but can never get one to fit, this may just be the perfect solution for you. This made-to-measure option feels less intimidating compared to a complete custom item. First you choose the body size S,M,L or XL. Then you can pick the bralette style triangle or keyhole. The triangle option comes in sizes XS-XL or the keyhole 30B-GG and 32-36 A-G. Next comes the fun part, the fabric options! You can choose between flue fig, black plum, black Rosa or pink Rosa. You can request further alterations but there is a fee for extra customisation. The Bodysuit I ordered was with the keyhole bust option in a 30E with a size medium body. I left the fabric design up to Julia as I fell in love each fabric option in the collection and couldn’t choose one.

    So my first impressions when opening up the parcel were very good. It came wrapped in tissue paper with a brand postcard tucked inside. I was nervous to try in on for the first time as I’m usually very sceptical about bodysuits ever fitting me but this one amazingly does! I went for a medium in the body rather than my usual small. I’ve had so many experiences of bodysuits coming up short in the body and in turn giving the worst wedgie of my life if you try and wear it for more than a few hours. The medium fits well but I needint of worried about the length as it is more than sufficient. In fact If your torso is on the shorter side I might say that it may be too long for you unless you went full custom and had it shortened. The bodysuit doesn’t come with snaps at the crotch. I don’t mind if bodysuits do or don’t, its just something to think about if you are used to having them. It makes it more comfortable to wear without having the extra bulk of snap closures or hook and eyes but it does make going to the bathroom in a rush an interesting experience.

    The Bodysuit itself is made of panels of mesh and a beautiful blue and gold lace. It’s very lightweight and pretty much seamless under most clothing. I was slightly worried about how comfortable the lace would be as I’ve had bad experiences in the past of scratchy lace on extra sensitive parts of the body. I’m happy to report that I’ve worn this bodysuit for 3 full days (7am-11pm) without and discomfort from seams, stitching or lace which is a miracle in my books. For those wondering if its supportive enough to wear all day I would say yes, but I’m only a 30E. The top half is designed like a supportive bralette. The band is firm across the back and it has hook and eye closures. The bra straps are firm and wide and most importantly, adjustable. The bra cup itself is half lined with a beige mesh, almost like a wing in a traditional bra, and has little to no stretch. I find the cups come up slightly small so if you are in between cups sizes I would go bigger rather then smaller.

    One design feature that I love is that it has an elastic waistband. This may not sound very exciting but what it does is give you a cinched in waist. I usually have a lot of excess material around that area just to get the length I need in the body. So for a bodysuit to fit my waist it was pretty exciting. Another design element that I love is the low scoop back. It makes it wearable under more styles of clothing and I personally find it a very flattering cut. I own around 10 bodysuits, and this is by far the most wearable one I own. It doesn’t ride up, its supportive enough, its the easiest one to get on and off and its easy to care for. Because the material is so light I can have it washed and dried within a few short hours which makes it my perfect travel piece!

    Ive found myself wearing this bodysuit more then I thought I would. It’s been a summer staple for me I just throw on some denim shorts and a linen shirt and off I go. I’m so excited to see what’s next from Ellesmere but before then I’m dying to get my hands on the full set in this enchanting lace.

    The bodysuit retails for $185 CAD and is available through the Ellesmere website, ellesmerelingerie.com

  • Fifi Chachnil Bonjour Paris review

    Fifi Chachnil Bonjour Paris review

    I know you’ve heard me talk about my Wishlist constantly and how many brands and sets I’ve wanted to try. Fifi Chachnil has been more of a dream, an unrealistic one at that. When I think of lingerie, of French, feminine lingerie, I think of Fifi. If I could only visit one boutique in the world, I would chose to visit Fifi. Not that I’ve been. I’ve been scouring eBay looking for something, anything in my size, just so I could try the quality and style without having to invest so much. With no such luck over the course of 2 years I finally decided to bite the bullet and order form the website.

    After analysing the size chart for weeks I decided to order the Parisienne bra in a 80E and the high waisted brief in a 38. It took me awhile to work out French sizes, never having ordered anything online and only having tried on brands in person like Chantal Thomass. I would also like to point out this is one of the few times I have paid full price for lingerie. I try to be savvy with my shopping as I spend way too much. I make use of any sign up discounts or promo codes available. I rarely wait till things are marked down as if I want something, I’m not very good at waiting. I would never buy say a Hedi Klum set full price, but when it comes to independent designers I feel more comfortable paying the full price as I know the money is going directly to the people involved and back into the business. Why am I telling you this? Well when I pay full price for luxury lingerie I expect more and that is reflected in my review.

    I’m big on presentation and packaging and this initial first contact with my new lingerie really affects my overall opinion on the products. My Fifi arrived in the cutest packaging ever!!! It’s like a mini shopping bag/box. The items were wrapped individually in tissues paper and padded out to protect them during shipping. Unwrapping it was my dream come true, it was the best unboxing experience I’ve had so far. The items themselves were so light and delicate it really was like I was unwrapping a precious jewel.

    I was initially scared to try the items on. I wanted them so badly to fit and suit me. I tried them on after a few days and I absolutely loved them and I still do. The knickers felt slightly tight when pulling them up over my thigh bones but when they rested on my waist, it felt like they were on the bigger side. That might be something to think about if you have a large waist to hip ratio. Luckily this style comes with a few different types of briefs so you can pick the style that will best suit you. The briefs are unlined except for the gusset which is lined in silk. I feel like the underwear should be fully lined to help maintain the strength of the silk as I’ve said before they do feel extremely delicate and I wouldn’t wear them under anything to form fitting for fear of damaging them.

    The bra band is the biggest 32 band I’ve ever worn. If you wear a 28 or 30 like I normally do, I would suggest getting a custom size as I’m not sure I trust anyone to alter the bra when it feels so delicate. It’s wearable when the band is bigger but the cups have some wrinkles as they are not pulled taut. The back of the bra is made up of a soft mesh, not silk like I was expecting. Usually at this price point you would see the band being made out of the same material as the main parts of the bra so I was slightly surprised by this. If the underwear also had silk front and mesh back I would find it appropriate to carry that design through all the garments but having one and not the other is slightly confusing. The mesh used is very soft and feels great against the skin but it isn’t power mesh so the support is minimal. The straps on the other hand are perfectly wide for this retro style and nice and plush. Considering I don’t have much support from the band, the straps feel very comfortable all day and never dig in. The wires feel a bit more flexible than I’m used to, but again they don’t dig into my armpits even though this bra isn’t a perfect fit.

    It is very much a full cup bra yet this set feels very far from granny even when its paired with the high waisted knickers. The set evokes a sense of femininity and a carefree spirit. It is both young and old, practical and impractical. The full cup bra and high waisted knickers seem like a style for an older, practical woman. yet the lightness of the silk and the vibrancy of colours leans towards a younger less practical one. In my opinion, it could be a set for anyone, it blends the lines between markets.

    The colour of this set is something I was slightly surprised by. The advertised colour as of a softer pink and calmer blue. In actual fact it is the most vibrant pastel pink and a turquoise blue. I do not mind the colour, but it does look very different from what I thought I was getting. If you are quite particular about colour I would suggest getting in contact via the website to confirm, as I viewed this set on many different devices before purchasing and all of the computer screens did not match the colour I received.

    I do love my Fifi set and I think I would purchase from them again but I do not think I’m willing to pay full price again when some design details are not quite up to my standards. I hope my husband never reads this because this set cost $465 AUD. That’s about $150 more than I would pay if I was to purchase a two piece set again. It’s not great value per wear but I do have something beautiful to admire every morning as its in my pride of place in the top drawer of lingerie. For now…