Freya – Blog Star Competition Two!

Last year, Freya launched their first Blog Star competition where they searched the nation for new and exciting blogging talent. Well, they’ve done it again!
Freya have launched their second Blog Star competition, and you could be in with a chance to join their blog panel, and contribute to their ‘fitting talk’.

Freya Blog Star Competition

To enter, all you have to do is pick out your favourite style or styles from their AW12 collection, write a short paragraph on what you like about it and why, and upload a photo to go alongside your description. Freya give an example on the entry page to give you some ideas. You can upload either a mood-board or a photo to back up your thoughts on their collection.

You have until the 15th of July to get your entries in, and the finalists will be announced on the 17th July.

Click here to find more details and to enter the competition.

Good luck girls!

Love

Sophia xxx

USA Star in a Bra – Cast Your Final Vote!

Star in a Bra USA

You may remember my recent post about the gorgeous girls that made it to the Top 30 of Curvy Kate’s USA Star in a Bra. Well, the top 10 have now been chosen, and as always, they are a lovely group of girls.
The lucky 10 flew to New York for a professional make-over and photoshoot; you can see the behind the scenes footage of their photoshoots here.

From Left to right: Cristyen Fowler, Rhiannon Mariani, Jackie Flores, Brittany Jencks, Michaela Duerson, and Chandler Jade

From left to right: Danielle White, Katie Simpson, Krista Cousins, and Tiffany Schmidt

Star in a Bra is not just about finding a lingerie model, but finding a woman who can represent the brand and be a positive role model for women all over the world.
Who would you like to see modelling the lingerie you buy?
The winner this year for the UK competition was the very beautiful Sophie Morgan, but who will be the next?

UK 2012 Winner – Sophie Morgan

The two beautiful bloggers Brittany and Cristyen both made it to the top 10 (which is very exciting news!), and now we need your help for the final round. Unfortunately you only get one vote this time, but in my humble opinion, both of these girls would make fantastic ambassadors for the brand. Like the rest of us lingerie bloggers, they have backed the war against plus four, the 30-band project, not to mention aided women all around the world with fitting advice through their blogs. These girls are determined to make a difference, and you can help make that happen.

Criss and Brittany Behind the Scenes

Vote for Brittany here

or

Vote for Cristyen here

Which girl will be representing the busty women of America? It’s up to you to decide.

Love

Sophia xxx

Star in a Bra heads to America!

Star in a Bra USA

You may remember I mentioned before that the Star in a Bra competition run by Curvy Kate, has packed their bags and headed to America to find some gorgeous curves across the pond. The USA really does need to update their bra fitting guides (what with Victoria’s Secret sizing disasters), and I think more awareness about this competition and bra sizing in general will do wonders over there.

The top 30 have been announced, and of course they are a beautiful bunch (although I do wish I could help with some of those badly fitting bra issues).

Star in a Bra USA – Top 30

Another very exciting thing about the USA Star in a Bra is that we have some fellow bloggers in our fab top 30!

The very beautiful and talented wordsmith Brittany from Thin and Curvy has made it through, and she looks stunning. On her blog she is a strong campaigner for smaller band sizes and helps women find great clothes for a bigger bust. She also wrote a joint post with me about Christina Hendricks here.

Brittany – Star in a Bra USA

We also have the gorgeous, cute, and bubbly Criss from Red Hair & Girly Flair (check out this video and this video she made, they’re not only adorable but funny too!) On her blog she discusses body image, health and fashion with a very unique and fun style. Her pictures are wonderful as well, and I’m so pleased to see both of these brilliant bloggers make it through to the top 30 of Star in a Bra.

Cristyen – Star in a Bra USA

Remember, at this stage in the competition you get 3 votes. If you are not sure who to vote for (as not only are there so many great girls, but great reasons for entering too), then please save two of your votes for Brittany and Criss. They most definitely deserve it.

Vote for Brittany here

and

Vote for Criss here

One last thing, Brastop are currently in the midst of running their Covergirl competition. If you could take a moment to vote for the lovely blogger Kelly Parks from The Curvy Kitten, I know it would be really appreciated. Doesn’t she look beautiful?!

Kelly – Brastop Covergirl

Vote for Kelly here. Voting for the Covergirl competition ends Friday 18th May.

Love

Sophia xxx

Star in a Bra 2012 – TOP TEN!

Finally we get to see the fantastic photoshoot pictures of the Top 10 Star in a Bra girls, and don’t they all look absolutely gorgeous?! Check out the pictures here.

I am at a complete loss of who to vote for. During the top 30 with 3 votes it took me quite a while to decide, and now that I only get one vote, it’s even more difficult!

Here are some great behind the scenes pictures of the girls.

In alphabetical order from left to right: Hattie Bland, Jade Emery, Madeleine Havell, Victoria Holmden, Rachael Holmes, Jesse James, Sophie Morgan, Alice Rose Rayman, Abby Russel, and Charlotte Upton

Curvy Kate have posted a video here full of interviews with the girls, as they have done in previous years. I had my eye on a couple of girls in particular, but after seeing that video I’m even more stuck than ever. I’m unlikely to pick whichever girl is right in the middle of the limelight – I know from experience that they can often overshadow the shy girls, and lingerie modelling doesn’t necessarily require that in-your-face loud confidence that can sometimes be seen in girls that make it to the top. However, they all seem especially friendly in the video. A really great bunch this year.

To me, Curvy Kate is a girl-next-door type of brand that caters to women of all different shapes and sizes. All of the girls this year are lovely, and they are exactly that; all different. I think whoever wins will be a fantastic model for the brand, but my own personal choice will reflect the girl that I feel will benefit the most from becoming a role model for us all, and not let it go to her head.

Please please VOTE HERE for your favourite girl, every vote counts, so don’t waste yours.

Love

Sophia xxx

The Bra that Changed my Life: Flirtelle Sublime

As some of you may know, the lovely Kitty from Undercover Lingerista is holding a competition for the one year anniversary of her lingerie blog, and what a competition it is too. To enter, you need to write a blog post about the bra that changed you life. As soon as I heard about the competition, I thought about which bra really had changed my life.

It didn’t come to me straight away. I sat for a little while with a cup of tea and pondered the many bras I own. I sifted through my underwear drawer considering what each bra had done for me, what it had meant. My first thoughts were of my fabulous trusty deco bras, useful and brilliant for pretty much any occasion, but useful wasn’t quite what I was looking for.

The Sublime Bra

I thought back to the girl I was before I entered Star in a Bra last year, before I started writing this blog, before I knew what a well-fitting bra even looked like. There was only one bra that stood out in my mind like a beacon. Only one that despite not being my size anymore, I have still kept; the one I cannot bring myself to give away. As soon as I realised this I raced to go and dig it out…but alas, it was nowhere to be found. My heart absolutely sank, I couldn’t believe that I could not find it. My little moment of grief over the lost bra really showed me how important it was.

I did eventually find it; the Flirtelle Sublime bra – oh how I love you.
Of course I do have this bra in two other colours and sizes, because it is a staple in my wardrobe, and I would be lost without a version of it that didn’t fit.

Now let me tell you my story of the Sublime.

Flirtelle Sublime – Brastop

After joining a wonderful and private women’s group on facebook (about bras and clothes for a bigger bust), it was quickly pointed out by some very insightful women that I was wearing the wrong sized bra. I listened to everything these women told me, their suggestions of sizes and styles, of colours and brands – they convinced me to take a leap out of my comfort zone, and try a completely different size.
Being nervous of fitters and usually overwhelmed by lingerie shops, I decided to buy online, and bought three different sizes in the hopes that at least one would fit.

When they arrived, two of them were a bit hit-and-miss, but the one that fitted perfectly was the trusty and beautiful Sublime bra. Up until this point, I had never ever owned an unpadded bra before. Those of you who know about bras will understand that if you don’t know your correct size, it’s almost impossible to squeeze yourself into an ill-fitting unpadded, but very easy to squeeze into a padded bra, no matter what the terrible sizing.

I could not believe my eyes when I saw how well a bra could fit. The shape, the style, the COMFORT! The size was a 32FF and I had been wearing mainly 34 DD’s and E’s. I was so overwhelmed, that I didn’t take it off for the whole day. From then on, it was my go to bra. It’s a great everyday bra for work, it’s very comfy to lounge around the house it, and it looks cute too.

The first picture I took of the Flirtelle Sublime bra

After a quick rummage through my old photos, I stumbled upon the first picture I took of it; taken about 5 minutes after trying it on. I look at this picture, and still remember that elated feeling of happiness and relief at finally feeling like there were bras out there to fit me. I knew very little about bra sizes before this, especially when it came to my own body. I am still ever so grateful to the women of PAC (you know who you are) for pointing me in the right direction.

I don’t think any woman should feel daunted by the prospect of a bra fitting, but so many do, and I remember that feeling well. It has taken me a long time to get over that fear, but now that I’m on the otherside, I can see how important a proper fitting is, which in fact, was why I started this blog in the first place.

From wearing badly fitting bras and clothes, and feeling hopeless, to great fitting bras and feeling confident! Here are a few pictures to illustrate my bra-fitting journey.

Bra disaster – Uncomfortable – Perfect Fit – Comfortable

About 10 months or so after I discovered the Sublime, I wore it again to take some photos of the whole set. I realised that this bra I had worn and loved so much was getting really small for me, and it was probably time buy it in a new size.

Flirtelle Sublime Set – Chocolate

Just for fun I tried it on today when I finally found it…well I guess now it makes a good example of what a too-small bra looks like!

Sublime – Chocolate – 32FF

I have a black version in a 30GG, which is my current size, and fits perfectly. It is a really sturdy supportive bra, and I highly recommend it (in addition to the fact that I love it regardless).

Sublime – Black – 30GG

I also have a white Sublime in a 30H from when I got a little bit bigger. It’s too big for me now as you can tell, but I keep it just in case.

Sublime – White – 30H

I will probably love this bra forever, for helping me become the woman I am today. The Sublime bra not only showed me the way forward, but has been with me through everything since. I know some people will say “it’s just a bra” but it’s more than just a bra to me; it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come. It was the making of the ‘me’ I am now.
I think that also means it’s time for me to give it away, to a better home than I can give it, and who knows, maybe it will help someone else as much as it has helped me.

If you have any bras you want to give away, remember you can donate them to one of Against Breast Cancer’s Bra Banks.

I really look forward to hearing about the other bras that have changed people’s lives!

Love

Sophia xxx

Star in a Bra 2012 – Top 30

Curvy Kate have announced their top 30 girls in the running for Star in a Bra 2012, and what a beautiful bunch they are.

Star in a Bra 2012 - Top 30

There’s a really great mixture of different shapes and sizes from D all the way to a K cup! They all look unique with great pictures, and all deserve a shot at winning this great competition.

Being in the competition is an incredibly exciting feeling, and nerve-racking too. They will need to publicise themselves as much as possible to get the votes they need to continue on to the next round. Quite frankly I found it exhausting, and I have no doubt they will too.

I waited to cast my three votes until I had read all the interviews that went up on the Curvy Kate Blog. It was interesting to hear why each of the girls had entered; it always makes for inspirational reading. It was a tough decision, and I did have to sit and think about it for quite a while. I picked the three girls whose interviews I liked the most, and considered how well they might suit the brand.

The one thing I will tell you, is that each girl I picked had a different hair colour, but that’s the only clue I can give

Top 30 - Vote Now!

I wish them all SO much luck, I know exactly how they feel.

Don’t forget to vote for your three girls before the 3rd of April!!

You can vote here: Curvy Kate – Vote

Remember, if you’re in the USA, the Star in a Bra competition will soon be coming to you – check out the Curvy Kate USA facebook page for more info.

Love

Sophia xxx

Star in a Bra 2012

Yes ladies, it’s that time of year again – Star in a Bra!

For those of you who don’t already know, I entered Star in a Bra last year, and was lucky enough to make it through to the final 10.

Now let me tell you a bit about it.

Star in a Bra is run by the lingerie company Curvy Kate. Every year they begin their quest to find a curvy DD+ girl to model for the brand. The idea behind it is to have models that represent the public, and women we can relate to. It’s no good having a B-cup girl modelling a bra for someone who is a J-cup – how can you know what the fit will be like on a larger size? Curvy Kate start their bras at a D, and a 28 band, and go all they way up to a 44 band, and a K cup.

Be the next Curvy Kate!

You may be reading this and thinking “I’m not a model” or “I’m too shy to walk around in my underwear in front of anyone”, but from my experience, about 90% of the girls who enter feel that way. I thought that way too, but what have you got to lose? Be brave ladies, they are looking for curvy girls, women who are down to earth and willing to give it a go, and you certainly don’t need any previous modelling experience. If your friends or family see the photos, so what? This is for you, and you can encourage other women to be proud of their bodies, and show how a correctly fitting bra should look. That 80% out there still wearing ill-fitting bras need role models to help them, and no woman should have to struggle so much just to find a decent fitting bra. You could be that role model.

If anything, just being part of the competition is a massive confidence boost. Whether you get picked or not, you get to put on all your favourite lingerie, pose and have a little fun while you’re at it. The thing is, you never know, you might get picked. Be happy and confident in your photos, and they are sure not to miss your smiling face.

Star in a Bra 2011

My friend and current Curvy Kate model, the lovely Lizzie Haines, won the competition last year, and it’s easy to see why.

Lizzie Haines

You just need to look at her lovely smiling face in her entry photo to see she’s happy and confident. Even so, she’s publicly said she has body insecurities (not that we can see why of course) but the point is, everyone has them, even the most beautiful women.

Those of you who read my blog while I was still in the competition, know that I had a hard time accepting the final photos and the way I looked, but I don’t regret being part of it. You need to get rid of those old insecurities (easier said than done, I know) and just take everything in your stride. I am a different person to the girl I was when I entered the competition, but it is all for the better, and I hope I can encourage others to enter. It is a wonderful experience.

I made some great friends by entering Star in a Bra, and in fact, this blog wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t taken the plunge and gone for it. Those girls made it all worthwhile. The lovely Astrid Lopez and Kelly Parks aren’t in the photo below, but they are in spirit.

Hannah Rowe, Me, Lizzie Haines, and Georgina Horne

Details on how to enter the competition will soon be up live on Curvy Kate’s facebook page. ‘Like’ the page and keep an eye on it, the competition launches on the 23rd February. You will have to enter three full length lingerie or bikini shots, and two head shots – although make sure your head is showing in all the pictures!

Curvy Kate needs your Curves!

Go on girls, be brave and enter!

Love

Sophia xxx

Twelve Gossard Bras of Christmas

A few months ago, Simply Yours and Simply Be launched a ‘Get Your Straps Out’ competition – you were asked to send in a photo subtly exposing your bra strap in the most imaginative place. After entering the competition, I was really surprised and over the moon to hear I was picked as one of the lucky winners; the prize being 12 sets of Gossard Lingerie (the equivalent of a years supply!)

I was so excited to be chosen, and thought what better way to test out this lovely underwear, than review it on here. It’s no secret that I’ve often struggled with Gossard, and have previously had trouble finding the perfect fit. This is largely because they don’t make my regular size of 30GG. It is important to note that their bras go no higher than a G cup, and no lower than a 30 band although I do hope this changes one day.

Having tried only 32Gs in their styles in the past, and knowing that they were too loose all over, I felt confident enough to decide on 30G. It was a risk, but a risk I’m glad I took. All the styles I was sent are 30G, and all the pants are a Large.

When the very large box arrived, I was slightly overwhelmed by what a great gift it was. I opened it feeling like it was Christmas morning, to find an array of beautiful and striking garments. I have since been (not so patiently) waiting for my day off to test them out.

There are a total of 12 sets, and what seem to be 5 different styles.

Three Gossard Superboost Laces
Two Gossard Wild Prints
Two Gossard Superboosts
Two Gossard Fleurs
Two Ooh La La’s
And One Gossard Allure

Unfortunately the only full length mirror I have is permanently scuffed, so I’ve taken some more photos of each set on the hanger to give a better reflection of the colour and material. Please do excuse the shoddy full length photos.

Numbers 1, 2 and 3; the Superboost Lace bras.

Gossard Superboost Lace Sets

Superboost Lace - Jade

Superboost Lace - Rouge

Superboost Lace - Black

I found the Superboost Lace bra very sexy, especially with all that lace, but the cup felt a little more like a 30G than some of the others, which meant it was on the small side. Fortunately it’s not so small that I can’t wear it, but I definitely could do with wearing a cup size bigger. The back was nice and tight, definitely a firm 30. I preferred the comfort of the briefs compared to the thong, but I did think the thong looked great alongside the lacey suspender belt!

Numbers 4 and 5; the Wild Print Bras:

Gossard Wild Print Sets

Wild Print - Jade/Brown

Wild Print - Purple/Black

I very much love the Wild Print bras – I think every woman should own at least one animal print undergarment. I’ve tried this style of Gossard bra before, but in a 32G, and the fit was just way off. I’ve discovered it’s actually big in the cup, so to downsize to a 30G was actually spot on (phew!). The colours are bold and exciting, and the 30 back was just perfect, not too loose and not too tight, the briefs were comfy too!

Numbers 6 and 7; the Satin Superboost bras:

Gossard Superboost Sets

Superboost Celebration - Champagne

Superboost Satin - Purple

The Satin superboost bras actually fit surprisingly well. The back was very firm, and the cups were actually quite comfortable. I don’t often wear thongs, but these ones were very soft to the touch. The Celebration set has a little champagne bottle detail on the front instead of the classic ‘G’ detail – a nice added touch!

Numbers 8 and 9; the Fleur bras:

Gossard Fleur Plunge Sets

Fleur - Blueberry

Fleur - Rouge

Possibly my favourite sets out of them all. I am a sucker for blues and purples, so the Blueberry really caught my attention. The red with the black lace edges just looks divine – lingerie heaven!
I found again that the cups and the back fit very well – I definitely wouldn’t want this one in a GG, the G was actually perfect, the back felt very similar to that of the Wild Prints. This time I actually liked the briefs and thong equally. The thong was cut in such a way as to flatter curves rather than cut into them. A great set all round.

Numbers 10 and 11; the Ooh La La bras:

Gossard Ooh La La Sets

Ooh La La Longline Strapless - Ivory

Ooh La La Plunge - Ivory

I got on very well with The Ooh La La plunge bra, the back was tight but not too tight, and the cups just about fit, although I could do with a bigger cup. The strapless, which has some useful removable straps, is a full cup bra – because of this, it meant there was no way I could really fit in to it. It is a lovely garment, but the back was also much tighter compared to the plunge – I think this may be an instance where I could fit into one of their 32G’s, possibly! The suspender belt was lovely, but as I was wearing size large pants, the belt was also a large, but my waist isn’t. Now I know this, next time I order with them I will pick a different suspender belt size for sure!

And last but not least, number 12; the Allure Plunge bra:

Gossard Allure Plunge Set

Allure - Noir

A smouldering and beautiful set, the Allure certainly lives up to its name. There is a sort of nude underlay, which makes it more exciting than being just a simple black bra. I found the cups very small. They were quite stiff which made it less easy to squish myself in, I think even a 30GG would’ve been just about manageable, and probably even in that size I may have wanted to size up. For those who can fit into it, I would recommend it, it feels great on.

With all of these sets, I felt they were supportive enough for an evening, but perhaps not all day long. They wouldn’t be the bras I wear to work, but they would definitely be bras I would wear on a night out…or a night in.

So, after my twelve day rendezvous with Gossard, I am now convinced. They have really won me over…well almost. My few criticisms are purely about size. Why is it that they use a model who is at most a 28 band, or possibly something as small as 26 or 24, yet the smallest band available is a 30? If you compare my underbust to that of their models, it is clear we would not need the same band size. I would love for Gossard to factor in smaller bands and bigger cups, hopefully one day, my wish will come true!

Dear Gossard, thank you for the fabulous lingerie, and dear Simply Yours, thank you for choosing me!

Merry Christmas!

Love

Sophia xxx

A Day of Photos and Tears

I was so nervous this past week about the pictures from the photo shoot being a disaster, and imagining I would really hate them. I was awaiting the tears this morning, and sure enough, by the afternoon, they arrived.

They, of course, could be worse, but they’re definitely not my favourite. I am so critical of myself, and I feel the downward spiral coming on; I just sit here and wonder why on earth I entered, why did I think I could do this? I’m not a model, I don’t know what I’m doing, and everyone else will know that and vote for someone else.
I was very sad to see that my scar (which it was suggested I put no make-up on) was removed via photo shop in some of the pictures, but not in others; a strange thing to do.
It’s a horrible scar down my left arm, and it has taken me years to come to terms with – but I decided to be brave, and bare it to the world in the photos. It’s a part of me – you wouldn’t photo shop out someone’s birth mark, or dimples…would you? Maybe they would, I’m not a professional model, so I don’t know. It was very hard to look at these photos, and know someone had chosen to alter me by removing my scar, but not push that little squidge of fat back in (caused by the side of my bra) – which frankly, I would have much preferred.

Other than the (in my opinion, just on my figure) unflattering bra I am wearing (which by the way, is the very pretty Lottie bra, and would look fab on a bigger breasted girl), I did very much like the photo where I am laughing. I can’t remember what it was, but I think Hannah made me laugh very loud, and a picture was taken just at that moment. It’s so natural, and typical me to be laughing my head off – so I felt it really captured my personality just in that moment.

I’m trying to be honest, and let my feelings out; it has just been one of those days. This year, it’s possible to see which people have voted for you for Star in a Bra. That also means that we can see which friends have voted (which sadly can generate a number of hurt feelings within groups).

As someone who has suffered with self-confidence issues, and insecurity, I don’t really feel it’s healthy for me to hang on to all these negative thoughts. I think it’s important I say these things, in order to move forward. The most wonderful and important thing that has come out of this competition for me, are some really quite incredibly amazing friends. While all the girls do seem lovely, there are three particular girls I have gotten to know so well, and been so close with; I honestly think the world of them – Georgina Horne, Lizzie Haines, and Astrid Lopez. I couldn’t have done this without them, they are truly fabulous women. If you don’t decide to vote for me, then please consider voting for one of them.

Also, here is the video, so you can have a more personal look at all the lovely contestants.
Star in a Bra 2011

Love

Sophia xxx

Curvy Kate Photoshoot – What a Day

I did plan to write something about the photo shoot a little sooner, but I’ve been catching up with college work, and regular work since Monday, and haven’t really had a free moment until now.

I think it’s safe to say, that the photo shoot on Monday was an INCREDIBLE day. I was so nervous, and especially about walking around in my undies in front of everyone; 10 minutes in and I was loving it. We had our hair and make-up done, there were cakes and sandwiches, and lots of gorgeous underwear for us to try on – we were thoroughly pampered, and it was wonderful.

I was only with four of the other top 10 girls, but they certainly were a lovely four. Georgina, Lizzie, Hannah and Jordan, what a sweet bunch. I don’t know if it’s a curvy self-conscious thing, a non-model thing, or just luck; but I’m so happy to have such fabulous contestants alongside me in the competition. We spent a good deal of time jumping on the trampoline; the adrenaline was flying high!

Being first to pose for the pictures, I was very nervous, and probably quite stiff to begin with. I managed to loosen up a bit, but I’m not convinced it’ll show through in the photos.
However, I am very critical of myself (something I’m working on toning down) so maybe they did come out OK. Unfortunately I’ll have to wait until next Tuesday the 19th to see the photos – which is also the same time it goes live to the public; no previews for us!!!

The Curvy Kate team were so friendly and so encouraging. I felt so comfortable around them, and they really made it easy for us to adjust to experiencing the modelling world; I was actually really sad to leave at the end of the day, and would’ve happily done it all over again.

Now, a few days rest, then the campaigning begins again on the 19th – I will need all you lovely people to help me get votes, so please bear with the inevitable spamming begging for more votes. Apologies in advance!

 

 

 

 

Love

Sophia xxx