Category: Australian Lingerie

Period pants.

All products have been purchased myself and all opinions are my own. This post does contain some affiliate links.

Let’s talk about period pants! If you have periods or know someone who does or will at some point, this one is for you.

So I’m obsessed with period pants, they are my product of choice to stop blood running down my legs once a month. Some other options incase you are unaware are pads, tampons, liners, re usable pads and moon cups.

Modibodi sensual high waist bikini, Modibodi classic bikini, Modibodi Sensual high waist bikini and finally the Thinx hip hugger thong.

So why are they my product of choice?

Well for me, I find them the easiest to use, the most comfortable and slightly more eco friendly then Traditional period products such as tampons and pads. For me when I was working in retail I found them particularly useful. Every time I needed to change my tampon I’d get stuck with a customer and end up bleeding through. Not fun. But when I discovered period pants it was a huge relief knowing I wouldn’t have to go through that trauma every time I had my period at work.

I think they are a great option for teenagers who are just starting to get their periods, I know tampons can seems quite daunting and pads just feel so bulky and foreign. They are becoming more widely available, you’ll even see them on your supermarket shelves these days. 2 years ago you would have never dreamed of it. So as they are rising in popularity, more products and coming into the market. Hopefully this little guide can help you decide which ones you’d like to try.

Today I’ve got 4 brands to show you and share my thoughts on.

Love Luna

First up is the first pair I ever tried. These ones are from a brand called love Luna period brief and I came across them at my local Woolworths. I’d been wanting to try period briefs after failed attempts with the moon cup and wanting to move away from disposables. They are realitivly cheap, $10-$15 AUD depending if they are on special or not. They come in 3 styles, low, mid and full brief and they hold up to 20mls or the equivalent or 3-4 tampons worth. They come in Australian size 8 to 22 and just in one colour, black.

Modibodi

Modibodi is a stand out brand in this area. I was put off trying them for awhile because of the higher price point and having to buy them online at the time. It was the best decision I made when I finally purchased them, these are the pants that convinced me that period pants were the way to go.

So they have an absolutely massive range. They have ones for sweat, maternity, pee and of course period. Their size range is from Australian size 6-26 or xxs -6xl. They have Bikini style briefs, full briefs, boy shorts, thongs, seam free and my favourite type, the sensual. They also have different level of absorbsbcey from light to heavy/ overnight. Also they have a lot of colours so if you want to add a little brightness and fun to your period pants wardrobe. There are so many options but my favourites have been the sensual high waisted brief in the overnight absorbency and the classic brief with moderate absorbency. The briefs are so comfortable, they are made from bamboo and spandex. The gussets liner (the absorbent parts) are made from merino, spandex and polyester. They also have a vegan range for anyone looking for that but I haven’t tried that style myself. The over night styles hold up to 20mls or 3-4 tampons worth of blood and the prices range from $25-$35 AUD per pair but they do do bundle packs at a discount.

Thinx

So Thinx is an America brand and it’s the most expensive on this list. Price ranges from $35-$70 AUD. They have a lot of different products from thongs to shorts and absorbency from 4.5 mls up to 36mls. Size range is xxs-3xl. Thinx used to exclusively sell direct to consumer but in the last few years the have expanded and now sell their products globally through stockists. It’s now sold in some David Jones stores in Australia and is available on ASOS which is wear I got mine. In the uk it looks like they are available in most boots.

Their products are certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️ and vegan as well, so good for the conscious shopper.

Tom

So Tom organics started of as a sanitary brand selling pads and tampons. They are the ones I’ve used as long as I can remember and I still use their tampons to this day. They have just launched a menstrual cup and now the period brief. They only have one style and it comes only in black. Size range is from xxs-3xl or the equivalent of Australian 6-20. They are only $15 but they only hold 2 tampons worth of blood so better suited on lighter days or combined wear with tampons as backup. The body of the product is made with organic cotton and elastane, the absorbency layer with 85% regular cotton and 15% polyester and then an additional leak proof layer. They also came in plastic free packing so that’s a win in my book.

But how are they to wear?

Not exactly flattering or comfortable, this is the size Large.

So it’s pretty much you get what you pay for. The Tom organic period pants I really wanted to love but I just don’t. I find the seam on the legs really firm and cuts in massively. I’m wearing a size large in them but I think I’d like to try the XL just to see if it would make much difference. They also feel quite bulky. I love the fact that the body of the pants is made from organic cotton but I just can’t get past how uncomfortable and awkward I found them.

Luna period pants holding up reasonably well after a few years.

Love Luna is ok but they still have that bulky feel to them. These ones are from when I was slimmer so they are a size 10-12. I’d need the next size up now. I do find I leak through these ones. Perhaps they have updated the product since I purchased these ones as the website does state they have a leak proof layer. I think both the Luna and Tom products are a good entry level product if you wanted to try period pants for the first time without investing a lot of money. Also great that they are both stocked in supermarkets in Australia, great when your period strikes and need an emergency pair.

Wearing Thinx lightest absorbency option the thong and the heaviest, the overnight brief both in size medium.

I really like the Thinx products and I’m glad I do, I’d be pissed if I spent $100 on two period pants and they were crap. They are super comfortable to wear, I haven’t leaked through and the fabric is nice and smooth so it doesn’t stand out too much under clothing. After washing the overnight pair, the absorbency layer felt slightly out of place but with a few adjustments it was back to normal. One main difference with this brand is that the gusset and absorbency layer is like a ribbed texture in the pairs I tried and not completely flat like the others. I thought this was a really cool detail as I think it helps the blood absorb faster.

Top images size 12 classic bikini medium absorption, bottom images size 14 sensual bikini medium absorption.

Period pants from Modibodi are by far my favourite. They are just so comfortable to wear, they don’t cut in anywhere and I love the broad range of products. I have worn and washed them more times than I can count and they still look good. The one slight issue I have with them is that sometimes I can leak through at the seams at the gusset, like the absorbency layer and leakproof layer aren’t sewn into the gusset seams completely. Like the layers are floating there. This only happens when my period is very heavy and have only noticed it a few times at night. It doesn’t leak anywhere but can stain the outer fabric of the undies.

So how do you take care of you period pants?

The best way to wash you period pants is to rinse them after use then put them in the washing machine. Don’t use bleach or softener and don’t tumble dry! I usually just rinse mine when I have a shower that way it’s easy and quick. Now, unfortunately period pants don’t last forever. You will need to replace after a few months/years depending on how often you use them and how many you have. While they are still better than using disposable sanitary items, they are not perfect.

As someone who has suffered through really painful periods I have found period pants a life saver. Sometimes cramps are just too bad to be inserting anything.

Have you tried period pants, and if so what are your thoughts?

August 27, 2020
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

-33.872750
151.206183

December 20, 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!

December 1, 2018
10 ways to style a slip
I read an article recently about how the sale of slip dresses has been dramatically declining in the last few years. Many reasons can contribute to declining sales. Wearing a slip under your dress for modesty is an outdated concept. Most dresses these days are deigned to show as much skin as possible. Another reason for the lack of necessity for a slip is that the fabric we use is fashion has changed. Our clothes no longer have to be robust and last years. With fast fashion we don’t expect it to last past a season until we throw it away, so why would we invest in a slip to protect the garments from sweat and body odour? Our clothes are generally very soft to wear as well with the tech advances in the garment industry. No longer are our skirts and dresses made from scratchy wool rendering the poor old slip almost obsolete in modern society.

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I tend to buy one or two new slips a year, usually ones made from fine silk. I find my slips to be the most useful lingerie/clothing I own.

I know these styles guides have been done a thousand times by bloggers but I’ve never really seen the fashion bloggers expand upon the versatility of a good slip dress past layering it over a white t-shirt. This particular type of slip dress styling has saturated the market for the last few years so much so, that Zimmerman created a slip dress with an inbuilt t-shirt. Missed the point much…. I’m going to show you today how to style this versatile piece of silk for many different occasions using everyday items from my wardrobe.
1. Classic t-shirt/slip combo. Ok so lets start with the obvious, the classic white t-shirt under a slip dress. It’s a classic for a reason and you can pretty much wear this combo anyway. Wear it with sneakers and a shirt tied around your waist for a more casual look or with heels and a leather jacket when you’re out to dinner. The options are seriously endless and It always looks effortless and it’s so easy to wear! I love wearing mine with a long t-shirt underneath so I can wear my slip multiple times before I have to wash it again.
2. Polo neck for winter. The seasonal option for layering under a slip dress is a beautiful wool/silk/cashmere fine polo neck. Team with opaque tights, ankle boots and voluminous coat and you are good to go. It’s basically the winter version of the white t-shirt. I like to wear mine with leather leggings when it gets extra cold.
3. I like a girl with a short skirt and a long jacket…. Don’t feel confident enough to wear a short slip out on its own? The solution to ease yourself into the style is wear it with a floor length long sleeve cardigan. I like to wear an oversized jacket over a short slip dress and play with proportions.
4. Thigh highs and choker. This is not one for the fainthearted. This look is a little more extreme and definitely more for a night out rather than just popping down to the shops and buying some milk. It takes the slip from the bedroom, to a night out then back to the bedroom all with 3 not so little accessories.
5. Matching sleep shirt. Want to go out into the world only wearing your pj’s without wearing the shirt/pant combo? Wear a matching sleep shirt open over your slip dress, add lots of fine jewellery and slides. This is a slightly more original take on the Pj trend.
6. High waisted jeans. You may have seen lots of silk camisole tops around but why buy two items when you just need one. The slip dress acts the same way as a camisole, just tuck it in and add a belt. I’ve tried this even with my tightest jeans and results with minimal bulk.
7. Sheer dresses. So going back to how slip dresses were traditional worn with this one. It’s really easy to pull off and no one will be the wiser of your sneaky lingerie as outerwear but actually underwear outfit.
8. Pure lingerie. High neck bras are a staple of this look. Wear suspender briefs with stockings and some boudoir mules.
9. Wrap it up. A summer friendly option. Simply wear a light wrap top and some cool sandals, If it gets too hot you can just take it off…
10. Dress over dress. Instead of wearing your slip under your dress, why not try it over?
So know that this isn’t the most stylish style guide ever and I may have gone over board with editing the photos #funwithfilters, but I just wanted to share my love of the slip! I want to know, how do you style your slips? If you want to show me on Instagram use the hashtag #showmeyourslip 🙂

Main slip worn in photos is from Luna Atelier.
November 1, 2017
B.PRIVE, an introduction

Have you been searching for the perfect fitting bra? The answer is probably yes even if you don’t think you have. Most people seem to find bras uncomfortable, and I can understand why. Wires digging in, straps too short, band too big so you don’t actually have any support and the dreaded quad boob! These are just a few common issues with a poorly fitting bra. Well there is a way to solve those issues and that is to get fitted correctly. Even after getting fitted correctly it can feel impossible to find a bra that fits well, that’s comfortable and is beautiful all within your chosen department store or boutique. That is where B.Prive comes to the rescue!

I was lucky enough to be invited to a private viewing of the debut collection for B.Prive. The brains behind this ambitious project, Margot, invited me over so I could find out more about this innovative brand.

So what is B.Prive? It’s a lingerie company making beautiful bras in a factory setting that are then custom altered to your fit requirements here in Australia. It was founded because Margot believed there was a gap in the market. It’s easy to find pretty bras, you can find comfortable bras and sometimes you can find bras in your size. Rarely are all three of these needs met in the one bra. At this stage they are running a pop up fitting office in Sydney where you are able to be measured and try on a fitting sample once you have placed your order on the B.Prive website. This is where they can adjust the strap placement, wire width and so on. No adjustments can be made to the moulded cup itself. Right now this is limited to Sydney area but there are plans to have pop ups open in other major cities in Australia, and eventually overseas. I tend to think of this process as a modern version to the spirella corsetiere.

The cups are lined with papaya satin, one of the luxe details of B.Prive bras.

For a new company they have quite an impressive starting size range which you can see here. I’ve tried on the sample bras and I can tell you that in the short time I was wearing them, they felt amazing, fitted well and looked pretty darn good. Available on the website now for pre-order is the basis of their core collection. The long-line Corsetti in dusty pink or black, Demi Bra in black or pink lace and the spotted tulle demi bra in black or golden taupe. All of these bra styles have coordinating bottoms that won’t break the bank. They range from $25 for the mesh styles and $35 for the lace. The bras themselves range from $79 up to $149. I would place this in the ‘Reacher’ market. As in it’s a little bit of a stretch compared to the bulk of the RTW lingerie market but it’s not anywhere near the luxury or custom-made end. It finds a nice middle ground and uses the best of RTW (immediate gratification) and Couture Lingerie (made to fit you and luxury materials).

Only the best materials are used like this spotted tulle mesh.

If you hate bra shopping then B.Prive is for you. Once you have had your measurements taken they are saved to your profile at B.Prive for use of only you and your future bra purchases. They plan to have a high rotation of fashion styles so it’s as easy as adding the items to your shopping cart, paying and picking up from your mail box in less than a week’s time. One of the downsides to this company is that they are only making moulded cup bras. It personal preference really, but I don’t love to wear a moulded cup all the time. The main reason for that is moulded cups are the hardest fit to get right. Hopefully with the custom fit this may change my mind about them!

To help with fluctuating size during the month and uneven breast tissue, each bra comes with a set of micro bead pads that you can insert into the bra. They come in 3 different sizes depending if you are wanting them to boost your cleavage or just giving a helping hand to your smaller boob.

If you are looking for an alternative to RTW lingerie, I urge you to go check out B.Prive. They even offer a one month refund if you find the custom fit bra uncomfortable. So what do you have to lose? They even have a launch discount code available to use on bras. This only lasts while products are on pre-order. I myself am off to order a new bra so hopefully I will have a review out for you later in the year.

Happy shopping!

E x

March 9, 2017
We Are Silent Arrow Girl You Rock Hi Waisted Knickers

I’ll forgive you if you haven’t heard of this brand before. It’s fairly new on the lingerie scene, only launching late 2016. I know a lot of people are wary of new brands, but the woman behind this label has many years experience in the industry.

Silent Arrow is a Melbourne based company that is focusing on the core size market. Unfortunately for me, I’m sized out of the bras. I’m a bit sad about this as the designs are pretty cool and completely affordable. But there are still the amazing undies and a super cool bodysuit that I’m seriously considering. Generally the sizes run from an Australian 8-14 with the occasional 16, s/m/l and then a few core bra sizes.

The Flawless Bra. $48 AUD

Kelly, the creator of We Are Silent Arrow, sent me the Girl You Rock undies as a gift. All opinions are my own and as usual, I’m 100% honest.

So what’s the fuss about this company I hear you asking? First of all, I love the name of these undies. In fact all items in the collection have amazing feel good names. I mean who won’t want to wear a bra that is legit called Hot AF? Second, every item purchased from them, they gift a pair of undies to women in need. Third, I love to support home-grown designers. It’s so rare to find a new company start off with wired bras so I’m very excited about this! I can count on my hand how many Australian brands are working with wired bras so it really sets them apart.

Girl You Rock Undies I received in a size 10 and they are a perfect fit. I was unsure what size to go for at first because as always I sit right in-between an 8 and a 10. With these undies in particular I could have gone either way as they are very soft and stretchy. They are made from the softest and lightest microfiber and mesh that you forget that you are wearing them. They are perfect for wearing under tight clothing as they don’t show a panty line like most briefs do. I was slightly concerned about the cut out feature on the hips. I usual try avoid this style as I’m a bit funny about my hips. I was totally surprised that these undies are super flattering and don’t create any weird bulges like I was expecting.

This style is classified as high-waisted, but personally I would call it a mid-rise brief unless you have a particularly short torso.The back of these briefs are quite full. The use of the sheer mesh helps bring down the granny factor that full briefs can be associated with. Trust me, there isn’t anything granny about these. The gusset is a good width, it’s not too wide like some other full briefs I own.

The back of these undies are made of a very soft sheer mesh.

They great thing about this collection is that you can mix and match easily to create your perfect set. Also they have the perfect T-shirt in their collection to show of the amazing bra that you are wearing. I’m always saying lingering designers should create a sympathetic capsule clothing collection so we can show off the lingerie as it was intended to be!

These undies will only set you back $24 AUD. You read that correctly. For only $24 one of the most comfortable undies can be yours. I’m hard pressed to think of any undies that comfortable at that price. Do yourself and your bum a favour and go check them out.

Happy shopping.

E. x

February 7, 2017
Elle Macpherson Body Zest Review

Since Elle Macpherson body launched in August there has been a lot of improvements in the styles available. My first impressions of the range weren’t fantastic, mostly the colours weren’t to my taste. Now I see colours they have introduced that haven’t been used much in lingerie before, and I must admit it’s intriguing.

Elle Macpherson Body has kindly sent me the Zest set in the colour shell. The bra is the balconette underwire bra in a 30E and bikini brief in a size small. I did initially try this style in black when it was first launched, but the 30E was far too small. But in the shell it’s quite a good fit for me. Sometimes I find in clothing and lingerie, you can have the same style in multiple colours but the black will always come up a little bit smaller due to the dye process.

The Zest bra is called a balconette, however I would not consider it a true balconette. The general shape is what widely is considered a balconette bra but here the shoulder straps are not connected with the lower half of the cup. The neckline sits somewhere between a plunge and a balconette, it has good coverage and is less revealing than both of those styles in their traditional sense. The cup is made up of 3 parts and has the additional side sling for extra support and projection. The straps on this bra are only partially adjustable, just like the Dash bra I have from this range. It seems to work fairly well for me but I know that some people prefer their bra straps to be fully adjustable. The part of the straps that are adjustable are in a contrasting sage green colour. Even then, part of the straps are purely for decoration as an additional wing of lace is added between the strap and bra band. So the total difference between the shortest and longest length is only 5 cm. The strap width is also on the thin side of what I’m used to wearing. Normally this width would cause a problem for me as I find they can dig in to my shoulders. Surprisingly they don’t dig in at all even after a full days wear. The comfort is due to the elastic being plush on the inside while the top has a smooth satin finish, and that the band actually does its job. This is the firmest 30 band I have come across! I’m hoping that means this bra will have a long life and not stretch out after a few wears. I would say this bra fits more like a 28/29 band which is fantastic news for women looking to find small back sizes that are easily accessible.

The bra itself is made of a beautiful stretch lace backed with a soft mesh. The bra band is partially lined in a double layer of a more durable mesh. The wires are placed perfectly for me and they don’t dig into my armpits. The gore tacks firmly but not so much so that it hurts, it just feels very secure on!

Up close with the inside of the bra.

I do have a bit of over spill on my bigger boob but not so much so that its noticeable. The stretch lace helps accommodate my fluctuating boobs but I do feel that the top edge of the cup is slightly closed off so this may be an issue if you are FOT. All the hardware is in a rose gold tone which just happens to be my all-time favourite! The bra closes with 2 rows and 3 columns of hook and eyes. The bra also features a little grey tassel on the gore. I find this a very sweet touch and I much prefer this to the traditional bow. I really love the contrast of colours on the small aspects of the bra, it keeps with the pastel theme but gives it a sophisticated spin.

There isn’t much to say about the knickers. The small equates to an Australian size 8 to 10. They are made of the same stretch lace which gives them a near seamless appearance under clothes. I would consider them a low-rise style which I normally try to avoid but this style doesn’t cut into my wide hips like other brands do.

The briefs retail for $34.95 and the Bra $59.95. I personally find the products to be well priced considering the quality of materials used and that they launched with a more inclusive size range. If you walk into David Jones or Myer right now, Elle is the most affordable brand doing a selection of fuller bust sizes in fashion styles.

I’m looking forward to the launch of the Elle Macpherson Body website website but I feel like my credit card won’t be…

November 24, 2016
My Hopeless devotion.

If you haven’t heard of Hopeless Lingerie before than you’re definitely missing out. Hopeless has gained somewhat of a cult following worldwide, something most independent designers could only dream of. There is a reason many people are screaming their praises, many reasons in fact. It’s one of the few labels making lingerie that ticks nearly every box.

The back of the über cool Dionne Knickers.

When I shop for lingerie I look at price, quality, how ethical the brand is and fit. I also ask myself if it’s different to what’s on the market? Does it look good? Will it work well with my clothes? Am I going to wear it more than once? Last but not least, is it convenient for me to purchase? It’s a lot of things to consider and many brands don’t make it past 3 ticked boxes. For me hopeless ticks almost all the boxes. It’s handmade in Melbourne so it ticks the ethical box. The price is fantastic seeing as each item is made in Australia, from that alone I would expect the prices to be double like most independent brands. It is very different to what’s on the market up until recently when their designs were copied. Hopeless is not one to follow the crowd, they set the trends. I find their undies über comfortable and the fit is always spot on thanks to their detailed size charts and recommendations. Hopeless lingerie is easy to care for and has lasted many washes and wears. This lingerie is deigned to work under your everyday clothes but also the design is there that if you wanted to show it, it leaves an impression on whoever sees it.

The back of the Alex top from the Classics collection. The quality of the sewing is always impeccable.

There is a wait time between ordering and when the lingerie will be in your hands. On average it’s 6 weeks but sometimes it feels like more! I personally don’t have an issue with waiting, it builds the anticipation to the level of a 5-year-old on Christmas Day. If you hate Christmas then you can purchase a select few items from The Passionfruit Shop in Melbourne or on their website! My only disappointment when it comes to this brand is the bras. As much as I like them aesthetically, the practicality of them gives me the shits sometimes. I find the halter style bras unhooks itself at the neck during the day. It’s not the worst thing in the world but it is annoying. I’m not sure why this happens, perhaps the weight of my boobs is not great for that design. It might be due to the type of hardware that is used. Most of the designs I have from Hopeless use a swan hook in the bras and harnesses. I haven’t really had a problem with a swan hook before but the ones hopeless use are very thin so don’t grip the elastic as well. They are very comfortable and not bulky at all under clothing but I find it compromises the wearability of some items. Also I would love to see them introduce wired bras. I know they are a whole different level of expense and difficulty to produce but this is always the reason I hold back from buying more. I love to have matching sets and with hopeless it’s easy to mix and match. I would defiantly buy more from them if they had the option of an underwire black mesh bra that would go with all the mesh undies in the range.

The swan hooks that are used.

They have quite an extensive size range XXS-XXL and if you want something made to your exact measurements they do offer that service at an additional price. I’ve done this before for a bralette and it did make an improvement on the wearability of it, but for me, it can’t replace wearing an underwire bra. It’s nice to have the option, but there sometimes is a reason why items aren’t made in all sizes.

For me, Hopeless is all about the undies.

I do have a favourite out of the Hopeless items I own and its may surprise you. It’s the Sabrina thong in bamboo. Words can’t adequately describe how comfortable this thong is! It goes past forgetting that I’m wearing anything at all. I could never forget I’m wearing the Sabrina thong because I have never had undies (especially a thong) that comfortable! There is a reason that they are available in a 3 pack, because once you’ve tried it you’ll want more! At $38 AUD each, it isn’t an unreasonable price to pay for a little slice of comfort. Or save yourself a few dollars and get the 3 pack at $105 AUD. If thongs aren’t your thing, go check out the rest of the range as there is something for everyone. High rise, low-rise, full coverage, cutouts, harness knickers, prints, colours, mesh and sometimes lace.

High rise, high cut.

What do you think of Hopeless? Have you purchased from them before? If not what holds you back? Let me know in the comments!

E. x

November 7, 2016