DECO

I feel that words must be said about Freya’s Deco Moulded Plunge Bra; I’m surprised it’s even taken me this long to mention it!
The Deco is, without a doubt, marvelous. I do own a strapless Deco, but I’m going to start by talking about the original.
I bought my first one in Pomegranate, and it is gorgeous. Soft, comfortable, flattering and great to wear with practically any outfit. It goes up to a GG cup, so it’s bound to keep a lot of larger breasted women happy, although I do think they ought to consider expanding the size range for such a popular bra.

Pomegranate Deco 32FF

The 32FF (pomegranate) is, as I say, slightly too big for me. The girls need to be pulled up a little further, because the band isn’t quite tight enough, and the cups are a little loose. It’s still nice to wear, and when worn in the right size, will be absolutely perfect.

Among the other Deco’s that I own, are: the Freya Frida Deco, the Pistachio Deco, and the Strapless Deco; however, this is by no means going to be the end of my Deco collection.
The Frida is so pretty – probably one of my favourites so far. It’s purple leopard print, and made of really smooth material, with of course, the lovely moulded cups. I have the Frida in a 32F which is a cup size smaller than my regular size – I think if I could’ve found it in a 30FF (which is my Deco size), it would’ve been a better fit, as here I do have to wear it on the tightest hook.

Frida Deco 32F

As I have briefly mentioned above, before you purchase a Deco bra, you should be aware that you will most likely need it a band size smaller than your usual, and possibly a cup size smaller. I am normally 32FF and as I say, it was loose (in both band and cup).
However, the same cannot be said for the Strapless Deco. I made the mistake of purchasing it in a 30FF, and while the cup is fine-ish, the 30 is too tight – of course, this is because strapless bras are always tighter (a point I somehow failed to remember upon purchasing it). So my advice is, Standard Deco: Band and cup size smaller than usual, Strapless Deco: Cup size smaller than usual.

Strapless Deco 30FF

In order to wear the strapless, and still be comfortable in it, I bought an adjustment hook – which means it’s widened the band to 32; phew.

Last but my no means least, the Pistachio Deco; the newest in my collection (not for long!)
This is not normally a colour I would go for, I would describe it as ‘mint green‘, but somehow, it just works. It looks like ice cream, and I just feel great when I wear it (as is often the case with a Deco). I pre-ordered this one, to make sure I could get it in my regular deco size, 30FF (which seems to sell out fast). It is the best fitting one in my collection, but I still can’t decide whether I prefer this one, or the Frida – they’re both fabulous bras.

Pistachio Deco 30FF

Some places I recommend buying them are:

Freya’s own website: Deco Moulded Plunge Bra

Brastop: Deco Moulded Plunge Bra (Pomegranate)

Figleaves: Deco Strapless

Leia Lingerie: Pistachio Deco

The Frida Bra is hard to find, but here is a place that stocks them – not many sizes left though.

Anyway, that is all my info on Deco bras for the time being, and I thoroughly recommend getting one, or two, or more, if you don’t already own one.

You may also want to become a fan of the Freya Facebook page.

Love

Sophia xxx

A few Articles Amongst the Boat Race

Just a quick note to say congrats to Oxford for winning the boat race. My poor other half Alex; his hopes were dashed after he saw Oxford speeding past Hammersmith bridge ahead of Cambridge. There he was, wearing his mint green Eton colours (yuck!) to support Cambridge; looking glum. Ah well, there’s always next year – and here’s hoping the weather will be a tad better than today, brrr cold!

I haven’t been home long enough since yesterday morning to post this, but Paul Christian of the Welwyn Hatfield Times wrote a really lovely article about me yesterday. If you’re interested in reading it, just click here. Thanks so much Paul

And…darling Belinda over at Bra Selector has written a lovely post for me, and here it is:

Why Sophia should win Star in a Bra

A big thank you for everyone’s continuous support, feeling wonderfully overwhelmed by it.

Love

Sophia xxx

Follow Sophia on Twitter here.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Today my Star in a Bra interview went up on the Curvy Kate blog. I particularly liked Curvy Kate’s “Inspired words” comment at the end, because that is something I really dream of being able to do; inspire other women.

Lo and behold, I think my interview did actually inspire someone today! Now of course I have had lovely supportive comments from friends and family, but you do generally expect that from friends, and I am so thankful to have such lovely people in my life. However, today I received an unexpected message from a very lovely girl I have never met. She told me that when she read the interview and saw we shared the same clothes size, that she was really encouraged, and so happy to see someone with a similar figure to herself in the top 30 for Star in a Bra and hoped I would make it through to the finals and win.
Honestly, I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to think that all because one day I decided to enter my silly pictures into a contest, I actually made someone feel a bit more positive about themselves. I only hope that this is the first person of many that I can inspire, and I think it just goes to show that absolutely anyone can make a difference. Really, that’s what Star in a Bra is all about. Yes it’s a competition, and yes, every girl wants to win, but nothing quite compares to helping your fellow female feel better about the way they look.

Here is my Curvy Kate Star in a Bra interview: Sophia Jenner’s Interview

Love

Sophia xxx

The Importance of Curves

I have been scouring the internet reading all sorts of blogs and articles about curves, and it seems everybody is talking about curves!
Big, small, good, bad, wobbly or toned, the point is, people want to discuss the importance of curves in the world today. Well, not even just today, referring back to the 50′s and 60′s as well, particularly with the sweeping popularity of the fabulous and wonderfully stylish TV series ‘Mad Men’, talk of curves has sky rocketed, and why shouldn’t it?

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t dream of suggesting that just because a girl or woman is naturally slim, or lacking in curves, that she is in any way unattractive, but it’s important to realise, for such a long time, slim girls have been suggested to be the ONLY shape that is attractive, which is frankly not true, and not fair on the rest of the multi-shaped population. But now the revolution is upon us, curves are being celebrated! (Which to all you slim girls out there, is nothing to worry about, because weight loss among women will never cease to be an issue, and you will never cease to be viewed as attractive).

So, without further ado, I give you some gorgeous curves to feast your eyes on.

Love

Sophia xxx

Curvy Kate Lingerie

I think the first thing to mention is that I ADORE Curvy Kate Lingerie. I download the online brochures from the Curvy Kate Website, and just sit looking at all the beautiful underwear. As is it, I only own a few sets of Curvy Kate underwear, and I long for the day when I can afford to buy more. 

My bra size, as with many women, seems to vary continuously, particularly with different brands and weight loss or gain. In Curvy Kate I usually wear a 32FF, but I think (I haven’t tested this theory yet) I could actually fit into a 30G, as the 32FF gives a bit around the band. As I say, varying brands often mean varying sizes. Take Panache for example – I only own one of their bras, the Porcelain Strapless – I actually needed a 34F/FF for that bra, which of course meant that unless I wanted to send it back (which I usually never get around to doing) I would have to buy some adjustment bra hooks, which in all honesty did the job, just about.
As for the pants, make sure to order up a size. So far all the ladies I know have needed to order one size bigger for the undies.

Bra shopping is a real struggle, especially when you buy online. Occasionally I will venture into a store, but being a student, I generally shop at the much needed discount online stores like Brastop (a favourite of mine). Recently, a few busty acquaintances of mine talked me into buying a really quite fabulous everyday bra, the Deco Plunge Bra by Freya. I bought mine in Pomegranate, a lovely colour, and with its beautifully molded cups it works with everything, and gives great cleavage. The only problem I do have with the Deco, is that it runs a size too small (both band and cup). I bought mine in a 32FF and it was quite loose round the band, so it needs to be worn on the tightest hooks!!

Now, back to my main lingerie topic, Curvy Kate of course. They are still expanding and developing their collection, as they are relatively new brand, and therefore only have a select few styles available at the moment, but one of the wonderful things about them, is that they go all the way up to a K cup, and actually make gorgeous sexy underwear that embrace our larger curves rather than hide them away.
The Thrill Me, and Tease Me sets are just so sexy, I dare any woman not to feel like a goddess in those bras! The Princess sets are just so so pretty, probably why they’re named ‘Princess’! Curvy Kate’s bras are really beautifully designed, and even though I only own a select few sets, they are all absolutely perfect. Some are padded and some are not, and I am 32FF in both, which is good news as it implies the sizes don’t really vary within the brand. I have the Thrill Me bra set in Cobalt/Fuchsia, which is beautifully flattering, the Princess Balcony bra in Indigo – such beautiful detailing on that one, and the Tease Me bra set in Black/Emerald, which is very sultry!

Unfortunately I didn’t take quite as good a picture of the Princess bra as I did of the Thrill me, so I’ve put the two bad ones together to try and show the bra a little more clearly.

As you can see, the Thrill Me bra is a balconette bra; I often wear this style as it fits well with quite a varied amount of clothing. It gives a lot of lift, and is a flattering style, however, this particular bra’s beautiful ruffled edges means it can only really be worn with a round neck top or dress. Still, it’s worth it because it’s such a lovely bra.
The Princess bra, ahhh I just think it’s so delicate, Princess really is the right name for it with the intricate flower stitched detailing. Of course, it’s a full cup bra, so doesn’t do much for one’s cleavage, but, occasionally there will be days when comfort trumps anything else by far

Now, I’ll move on to the Tease Me set, which is a more recent purchase. I have mine in emerald green and black, and it it just absolutely stunning, you really feel like you ought to be performing for someone!

Anyway, this is my limited experience so far with Curvy Kate Lingerie, I have no doubt there will be a lot more to follow. Just a quick reminder ladies, you should generally be remeasured every 6 or so months, as your body is constantly changing.

You may want to become a fan of the Curvy Kate Facebook page, which will give you all the info on their newest products.

Love

Sophia xxx

Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra 2011

This has been a real whirlwind, I barely know where to start!

First I’ll tell you about what the competition entails.

Every year (since 2009) Curvy Kate searches the UK for a D plus, naturally curvy, real woman, to become the face and body of new fuller bust brand, Curvy Kate. The winner gets to model with the brand for two seasons and win a year’s supply of lingerie.

 The UK average bust size is now above a D cup and the average dress size a 14, but this doesn’t stop many fashion brands avoiding choosing models that relate to these statistics. Curvy Kate uses real girls to model for the brand, who promote the ‘feel good figure’ philosophy.

So, I discovered the Star in a Bra competition after receiving a Simply Yours Catalogue when buying a very beautiful corset from their website. I went to become a fan of them on facebook (as i often do with clothes and products i like) and saw a post explaining the Star in a Bra competition.
Originally I didn’t think twice about entering, that is until my lovely friends Rosie and Ruth encouraged me to go for it, and believe in myself – something I’m not overly good at doing.
Considering I’ve never modelled in my life, I spent a fair few days mulling it over, um-ing and er-ing before the competition even opened. After a while I thought ‘what the hell, just i might as well just go for it’, and took the plunge! It was a nerve racking few weeks, especially awaiting the results, but I’m glad i put my fears aside and just went for it. I wasn’t overly keen on my photos, I look a bit bloated and a few people that know me in person have mentioned that they aren’t as flattering as they could be, but hey ho, they got me through to the final 30 which is what counts!

It’s important to explain that this competition is very close to my heart. I had such a hard time at school when I was younger. I went off to boarding school in Hertforshire when I was 10 years old, and due to some complicated family circumstances was put into the year above. Being young for my year anyway, I was a good two years younger than almost all my peers, and after very little time I became curvier than them, and was given the rather unoriginal nickname ‘elephant’.

Having grow up in a world where being thin is the only acceptable option, and the media judges everyone by their size, I was over the moon to discover a brand that actually promotes the curvy fuller figured woman. Although, if I do say so myself, the current Curvy Kate models, as stunningly beautiful as they are, are still slimmer (in areas other than the bust) than the national average. Now i have absolutely no problem with this at all, women should be appreciated whatever their size, and as long as you are healthy and well, whether you are slim, curvy, plus sized, whichever, you should be celebrated, and not judged.
Some have said, (including the beautiful Laura Butler, who currently models for Curvy Kate) that this year, is the year of the curvy plus size girl. I myself would quite like to see a size 14/16 girl win Star in a Bra this year, I think it would bring more variation to their selection of models, and I also believe a large majority of the female public would love to see a slightly bigger girl modelling for Curvy Kate; it helps to give a more realistic idea of how the underwear they’re purchasing will look on someone their own size.

Having said all that, I’m going to contradict myself slightly, by saying that in all honesty, all the other contestants this year are so beautiful and so friendly, that they all really deserve to win, regardless of their overall size. I think it’s really important to encourage women of all ages to realise they can be beautiful no matter what their shape, and I was also pleased to see at least two women over the age of 30 make it through to the top 30 finalists this year.

Of course, I absolutely must talk about a few women in the media now that I admire .
Without a doubt, the first woman that always comes to mind, is the stunning and effortlessly beautiful Christina Hendricks. Her fabulous curves and confidence (not to mention her incredibly engaging acting skills in ‘Mad Men’ that keep me glued to the TV screen!) never fail to make me proud to be curvy. In fact, last year I made a disastrous attempt to dye my hair red – it was an epic fail. Sadly gingery red hair just doesn’t suit me, but then again, I shouldn’t have tried to be something I’m not. Countless dyes and purple shampoos later, I think I will stick to being a blonde from now on! (Having said that, I hear that Christina Hendricks IS a natural blonde herself, hard to imagine!)
My next curvy girl to talk about, is the slightly less well known Erika Elfwencrona. Ok, so I know fairly little about her, having only recently discovered her on the Simply Yours website, but she is just absolutely gorgeous. Her shape is actually somewhat similar to mine, which is probably why I am so proud to see her modelling Lingerie, and she just seems to ooze confidence in a way I hope to be able to do one day.

Right, back to the point. I need your votes to get me through the the final 10 girls in the Star in a Bra competition. The public votes. The public who I do not know, and now have to convince that I am actually worth voting for! Argh!
All I can say is that I want to represent curvy women everywhere, especially anyone that has ever had body issues or been told to be something that they’re not. Too many women don’t know how to love what they’ve been blessed with, usually through years of being told or shown what they ‘should’ look like. I think it’s time we assorted sized women had a voice, and it’s so wonderful that curvy plus size women are beginning to get the recognition they deserve for being beautiful in all sorts of different sizes.

Lastly, I just want to mention three other curvylicious friends of mine that are also in the top 30 for Star in a Bra.
Georgina Horne, a sexy 22 year old size 16 girl, who is frankly one of the most lovely not to mention confident girls I have ever met. She knows how to flaunt what she’s got!
The gorgeous and adorable Astrid Lopez, a 31 year old Pin up Girl – I say Pin up Girl because that’s what she looks like in her wonderful burlesque style outfits, and lastly the sweet yet stunning redhead, Kelly Parks!
You get to vote for three girls in Star in a Bra, and if I could ask anything of you all right now, it would be to please use your three votes on three of us curvy girlies!

The website for Star in a Bra is: www.starinabra.com

Lots of love,
Sophia Jenner. x