Archive for the ‘Lingerie’ Category

 Sometimes all it takes is a few new accessories to liven up an outfit and to make those all important nods towards spring. A lightweight scarf (compared to the heavy weight ones we’ve been wrapped up in all winter), some statement jewellery or a new handbag. The approach of a new season is a perfect excuse for handbag shopping as there are always new styles that will update your look regardless of what you wear, although we’re sure, like us, you don’t need an excuse to go handbag shopping!

 Take the first outfit pictured below, the strappy top (in biscuit) and the long line cardi (in mocha) would look quite plain as they are, but add a little pattern and colour and the look becomes much more interesting. The spotty wool scarf is from the new Pepperberry range, where you can find more accessories designed to compliment the clothing collection. The caramel ceramic beads pictured below, for example, are bang on trend for spring’s statement jewellery look and thanks to their neutral colour they will go with just about anything!

 We also love the grey ribbon necklace pictured with the Scoop Neck Knitted Dress in charcoal marl, these beads add some fun to the outfit and the ribbon tie means that you can adjust the length according to what type of top you wear. Embellished pieces such as the beaded cardi, pictured below in both chocolate marl and oatmeal marl, don’t need much in the line of accessories and are great for those who don’t wear much jewellery or prefer more simple pieces as then the outfit speaks for itself!

 Other spring accessories to look out for;

-          corsages, the bigger the better and with this season’s floral trend you can add a hint of spring to any top, jacket or handbag with a big floral corsage

-          bold colour is also a massive trend for spring/summer but if you don’t fancy colour clashing your outfit, you can simply add a colour injection with a statement heels and handbag combo

-          the floral trend is also taking over our accessories this season in the form of floral print scarves, bags and floral inspired jewellery pieces

-          thin waist belts, they add shape and definition whether worn over a dress, top, jacket or cardigan

 Currently the Pepperberry range is available in our brand new Reading store which has the new clothing line plus our full Bravissimo range of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear and at our Pepperberry stores in Scotland. The full Pepperberry clothing line will be available in most existing stores soon and also online so don’t panic, you wont miss out!

Give the classic denim jacket a 70s twist by accessorising

 The 70s has been a massive influence on trends for this spring/summer however there are certain rules for keeping the look modern and avoiding a 70s through back situation. The first rule is to not go OTT, your outfit should have subtle nods towards the 70s and not be a full on homage to the era, so pick your pieces wisely. A flared jean, a flowing silk/chiffon blouse and a sheepskin gilet are key pieces to this look but try to wear them individually with your existing wardrobe and give a 70s spin to a modern outfit. Flares are also great for creating a leg lengthening effect just add heels and a braided belt and you’re good to go. For an evening style go for a wide leg trouser in a silky fabric, the fluidity of the material will provide a flattering effect, if they’re a high waist style then tuck your top in to make the most of the trouser length. Our Jewel Appliqué top with its embellished waist is the perfect partner for glamorous wide leg trousers.

  Accessories are great for adding detail to an outfit without going whole hog on a particular look. To get the 70s vibe wear long pendants, gem stone rings and top it off with a felt hat. Fringe detailing on bags, jackets and boots will give a 70s bo-ho feel, whereas gold jewellery, slick accessories and killer 70s eye make-up will give a more glamorous finish.  

 Colour is also important to consider when contemplating 70s style. Some of the hottest shades of the season are orange, blue and rusty red which fit perfectly with the era. Denim is another hot 70s look but give it modern twist by wearing a denim dress or jacket with an oversized corsage, wedge heels and that all important felt hat. So why not experiment by adding some 70s inspired colours into your spring wardrobe. Geometric and clashing prints were also at the height of their popularity in the 70s, plus they were big on the catwalks for spring/summer. Add a paisley print for extra fashion kudos and whether you’re exploring 70s trends for the first or second time you can still rock the look in a modern way.

The ever popular Alana bra with five colours to choose from

 Balconette bras typically have a higher centre front than other styles such as a tee-shirt bra or plunge shape. They also have cups which have a straight horizontal line across the boobs which create a fuller and more rounded shape. Here are our top ten balconette bras, there’s one for every occasion!

1)     The Rhea bra by Masquerade comes in gorgeous iris coloured  satin material with lace trim and has a classic balconette shape but is given the glam factor with the use of luxurious fabric.

2)      The Lucy bra by Freya again uses a sumptuous satin feel fabric but has a fun print with purple trim making it perfect for everyday wear or save it for those days when you want an extra touch of luxury.

3)      Our Alana bra has been a popular choice for our Bravissimo girls as it offers the support you’d expect from a Bravissimo bra as well as fabulous embroidery detailing and now it’s available up to an L cup. With five colours to choose from you really are spoilt for choice!

4)      The Starlet bra is another fantastic, not to mention red hot, style from the Bravissimo Spring collection. The style is based on the shape of the Alana bra so you know you’ll be getting a great fit, however the finish to this bra has much more va-va-voom and will be most appreciated on special occasions.

5)      Curvy Kate’s Thrill Me bra has most certainly been designed with fun in mind. This bra has a Moulin Rouge feel to it with its red satin fabric, black lace trim and ruffles on the briefs that accompany the set.

6)      Our Flirty Frill set on the other hand has a much softer look and feel to it, with a subtle colourway and delicate floral patterning this set will bring a breath of fresh air to any lingerie drawer.

7)      Both the Eliza and Ariza bras by Panache look dainty and delicate, however the clever sheer fabric gives great support. Plus there are over four colours to choose from for each set!

8)      We think our Sweetheart bra is as lovely as it sounds. And now that Valentine’s Day has been and gone you can treat yourself to this fabulous set without feeling guilty about it!

9)      The Alexa bra by Freya looks light and sheer but provides great support and the fantastic berry shades will add a colour injection to your lingerie collection.

10)   And finally we have the Angie Basque by Masquerade. This basque has a fabulous balconette shape plus boning down the bodice to create an enviable silhouette.

 You may have noticed that we sneaked two styles into number 7, there are just so many to choose from, even we can’t decide which ones we love the most!

Add some colour to your wardrobe with a brightly coloured top

 We know that great fitting tops can be the hardest thing for a Bravissimo girl to find, so we’ve rounded up our favourite styles from the new collection that offer a fabulous fit and fashion forward edge. A couple of new tops can also be just enough to refresh your wardrobe create different looks to wear with your favourite jeans, trousers and skirts.

 Stripey Long Sleeve Tee – horizontal stripes can be tricky to pull off especially when big boobs are involved in the equation. However, our stripey tee has been cut to flatter your boobs and fit comfortably every where else too! We love the button detailing and subtle tie-dye effect of this top and think it’ll look great with jeans or casual trousers and will make a handy top for layering whilst the weather remains persistently cool.

 Lace shoulder top – this top is perfect for the casual smart look with its lace shoulder detailing and jersey material body. The dusky pink colour will suit just about everyone and works with this season’s natural/neutral colour palette. Thanks to the gorgeous lace detailing on this top, you can easily dress it up with a pair of smart trousers or a skirt or keep it casual with a denim skirt or jeans.

 Spotty tee – there’s nothing like a little polka dot to put a smile on your face. This fabulous red polka dot top is cut with a gathered ruching detail around the bust for a great fit and is finished off with button detailing. Plus, the slight puffball sleeves add an extra dollop of cuteness!

 Jersey Scoop Neck Tee – this fabulously red jersey top is perfect for in between season dressing when the weather is too cool for exposed skin but you still need a little room to breathe. This top has bell sleeves, an empire line, ruching around the neck and tie detailing all to create a flattering and comfortable fit.

Complete a bold floral print with bold make-up

 No, we’re not talking about some horror surgery scene á la Face Off (the film with John Travolta who swaps faces with a cop in order to fight crime). We’re talking about a fresh new make-up look especially for spring. Often we can get stuck in a bit if a rut when it comes to our make-up routine and this might not be making the most of our changing styles. Generally when transitioning from winter into spring, our clothes become lighter and brighter, so why not freshen up your make-up bag to complement this change in the seasons? There are two main trends this season; the natural look and experimentation with colour. And here’s how to do them;

 Natural: a barely there natural look can be achieved by using a tinted moisturiser instead of a heavy foundation. We love tinted moisturiser as it’s very easy to apply, blends to our natural skin tone and provides just enough coverage for us to feel like we’re wearing something on our face without feeling clogged up. Add a swish of blusher and a highlighter cream or powder to the temple for a natural glow. Top tip: to finish off the look define the eyebrows with a pencil that is closest to your natural hair colour and dare to bare by leaving your eye make-up in the bag. This might be scary thought for some, however, not wearing eye make can produce a fresh and more youthful look, plus the definition of the eyebrows will help to add structure to your eyes without overdoing it.

Colourful: contrary to the natural look is the bold and bright colour trend which was popular on the catwalks for the spring season and when done right this look can have stunning results. From vibrant violet to contrasting shades of blue and orange, the key to this look is all about experimentation. The focal point of this trend is the eyes, try blending contrasting colours from the inner lid to the outer lid and add a swish of the brighter tone to the under lid to add drama to the look. To avoid looking like a girl who had raided her mother’s make-up case for the first time (or a drag queen) build your eye shadow up in layers. Start with thin subtle layers and build up the drama depending on the occasion i.e. add hints of colour for the daytime and go all out on a glam night out! If bold colours aren’t your thing then try a metallic shade and add liquid eye liner for extra oomph.

 It’s important to consider your make-up palette for different outfits. For example a set of red lips will work perfectly with the Flower Print Shift Dress as the shade will pick out the red pattern in the dress and give a striking effect. When wearing bold colours though it might be advised it keep your make-up simple, our Notch Neck Shift Dress comes in a fabulous red shade, however red lips, unless perfectly matched could look too much. Therefore a softer more natural look would suit this dress, although classic dark eyes would give it more of a glamorous spin. The natural, barely there trend looks great when rocking a bo-ho outfit like the new Blue Print Maxi Dress from the Pepperberry range or to make a change from your everyday make-up routine. Get out of your make-up rut and try a fresh face for spring.

We just love this new maxi dress, we hope you do too!

 You may have heard about our new clothing range Pepperberry, but have you seen it yet? You can have a peek at some of the new collection via our Facebook page. The range includes more fashion forward pieces such as the glam Puffball Dress in platinum, a great style for a night out with the girls or to impress a hot date! The dress has a simple top with corsage detailing on the shoulder. However, it’s the puffball shape that speaks volumes. Wear with silver heels and a matching clutch bag to complete the party look.

 Next is the 50s style wrap over dress in duck egg blue, the black version has been available online for a few weeks now, but this lighter version will look fab in late spring/early summer. The soft floaty fabric of this dress will flatter any figure and the wrap around style adds definition to the waist. This dress will look great with nude heels and a big pair of sunglasses on a summer’s day (which hopefully isn’t too far away!)

 Maxi dresses are sticking around in the style stakes again this season so don’t miss out on our new Blue Print Maxi dress (see photo). Our zebra print maxi went down a storm so we suggest you move as fast as one to secure one of these for the approaching season. Top tip; don’t wait, wear your maxi dress now for your next night out simply add heels and statement jewellery to turn an elegant day dress into a glamorous evening dress.

 To see more of the new collection check out our Facebook page, we hope you like what you see and don’t worry, we’re introducing the clothing range into many of our existing stores next month and the range will also be available online very soon! By following us on Facebook you will be able to keep up to date with all the latest news and info, you can also leave us comments and make suggestions or just have a chat with other fabulous Bravissimo girls.

Go for full on glamour this season with sequins and embellishments

 Celebrating all that is great about British music (with the odd award for international artists) the 2011 Brit Awards took place last night and we take a look at who won what and more importantly, who wore what.

Who won what?

 We were very happy that Take That won Best Group, an award they were also nominated for in 1993, however, with the help of Robbie they picked up the very well deserved prize 17 years later! They just keep getting better and we cannot wait for the tour. Mumford and Sons took home the Best Album award and for any of you who have seen them live will understand why, although their performance on the night was quieter than usual, a great band though and one we look forward to seeing more of this year.

 Tinie Tempah received two awards; Best British Breakthrough Act and Best Single for ‘Pass Out’. Plan B took home Best British Male Solo Artist and Laura Marling took the female equivalent. If you haven’t heard of Laura Marling we’d describe her as the female version of Mumford and Sons, only there’s just one of her. Jessie J took home Critic’s Choice and the seemingly tough girl showed her soft side with a tearful speech. Cheryl Cole handed the Best International Female Award to Rihanna (there were no surprises there) and Cee Lo Green took the International Award for Best Male. Arcade Fire, a band that have proved to be very popular in the UK won Best International Album and fellow Canadian Justin Beiber scooped Best International Breakthrough Act.

Who wore what?

 There were frights as well as delights on the red carpet of the Brit Awards; the frights mainly belonged to Jessie J who appeared in a very short, very shiny green dress and Rihanna who turned up looking like the dolly our Grandma used to have covering the loo roll wearing a very poufy dress. Cheryl Cole kept it glamorous with a sequined backless number and Katherine Jenkins looked simply stunning in her green floral strapless number. Adele looked elegant and classy in a ladylike black dress with beading detail and her performance proved that Britain has got real talent; she was simply stunning in every sense of the word.

 Why not take a leaf out of Katherine Jenkin’s book and rock a floral print now. Our Woven Jersey Wrap dress has a jersey top perfect for adding comfort whilst the cotton print skirt will add structure and definition to your silhouette. Or go for full on glamour with the Sequinned Maxi Dress, maxis are big news this season and this dress will add sophistication whether worn on a red carpet or for a glam night out with the girls. For more fabulous dresses for any occasion click here.

No tricks are needed with this stunning circus print bikini

 Whether you’ve planned your summer holiday yet or not this year you’ll be counting down the days until your jollies with our gorgeous new range of swimwear. If you’re a bikini, tankini or swimsuit girl, we have something for everyone.

 Unleash your wild side with the Safari Halter Bikini by Pureda. The lightly padded cups give fantastic cleavage and great support, plus the added benefit of the fabric adjusters on the straps means that you control how much coverage you have. Choose from classic briefs or fold over briefs with contrasting black fabric to complete the look.

 The circus range by Freya comes with more options than you can shake a lion tamer’s stick at! The Circus print is a fun patchwork inspired print that is bold, colourful and will get you noticed for all the right reasons. There is a choice of a bra style top with underwiring or a soft cup triangle top. For the bottom half choose from classic styled briefs in complementing blue polka dot or printed briefs with blue polka dot fold over detailing.

 If you prefer a little more coverage however, you could try a tankini as they provide more cover but are also more fun and less awkward on the beach than a full swimsuit. The Loren tankini by Panache in bold, bright and on trend blue is just what the doctor ordered. The underwires in the tankini top will give you great support whilst the extra fabric covers the tummy for those who prefer to keep this area under wraps. Go for the ruched briefs which have a plain blue front to break up the print or tie side briefs which allow you to adjust coverage.  This range is also available in a bikini so you can mix and match tops and bottoms to your heart’s content.

 We also have a range of fabulous swimsuits from the classy black and white lines of the Taylor swimsuit with its clever slimming panel design to the luxurious paisley print of the Kashmir swimsuit. The new Anna swimsuit by Panache is simple yet effective; the plain black design will look just as good at the pool as it will on the beach. With an underwire fit, clasp back fastening and adjustable straps you’re guaranteed a great fitting and comfortable swimsuit to wear whenever and wherever, although we reckon a beach in the Bahamas would probably be our first choice!

 It was an eventful evening at the Baftas last night with the usual plight of live television; rambling speeches (Helena Bonham Carter), presentation mishaps (Rosamund Pike) and wardrobe malfunctions (Helena Bonham Carter again).

 The King’s Speech was the big winner of the night scooping 7 awards in all including Best Actor Colin Firth, Best Supporting Actor Geoffrey Rush and Best Supporting Actress Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Best Film. Firth was tipped for the Best Actor award after winning at the Golden Globes last month. The next big awards ceremony is the 83^rd Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars held in Hollywood. This year the ceremony will take place on the 27^th Feb, however, Brits infamously don’t do that well. Although this year it’s down to Films such as The King’s Speech to prove that when it comes to films, the British are a force to be reckoned with!

 The other main winners of the night were Natalie Portman for Best Actress for her role in Black Swan. Although, heavily pregnant the actress wasn’t able to fly over for the awards ceremony but we think the award was well deserved for her captivating albeit disturbing portrayal of the paranoid prima ballerina. The Social Network won Best Adapted Screenplay and Toy Story 3 picked up Best Animated film. The Harry Potter franchise won Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema and understandably so as 7 films later and the craze is still amongst us.

 British Actress Rosamund Pike almost revealed the winner of Best Original Screenplay before announcing the nominees; luckily Jonathon Ross was quick off the mark and ran on stage to stop her. It is safe to say that she won’t be anyone’s first choice for the task of award presenting any time soon after a long winded and unhinged speech and a very embarrassed co-host situation, poor girl.

 The gorgeous Jessica Alba did manage to keep it together whilst presenting her award, although the butterfingered star did drop her cue cards when leaving the stage. We will forgive her however as we think she was by far the best dressed of the evening in her stunning bright blue strapless dress. We just loved the colour and will be looking out for bold statement blue tones for our summer wardrobes.

 It might not quite be red carpet worthy, but our Spotty Cinch Waist dress in blue is an easy way to get some colour into your everyday wear. We love the flattering shape of this dress and the mild tummy control will help you to look and feel your best any day of the week.

Get some fresh air this weekend

 Some weeks seem much longer than others and this past week has definitely felt that way but today is Friday and the weekend is almost here. However, this weekend isn’t a normal one as it’s Valentine’s Day on Monday, this particular weekend will be full of swooning couples and packed restaurants. So if you’re not in a relationship or don’t celebrate it here are some alternative things you could do;

1-     Escape to the country; it’s the perfect excuse to leave your town or city behind and have a day or two in the great outdoors. It’s just about mild enough now to enjoy a walk, a bike ride or any other outdoor activity without the risk of frost bite. Do be prepared however for the inevitable changing weather conditions.

2-     Have a pamper day; we don’t need an excuse for a pampering but think it would be extra well deserved after number 1. So dig out the body scrub, face masks and nail file and treat yourself, it doesn’t have to be an expensive health spa, plus you can wear your own dressing gown at home!

3-     Avoid the crowds and shop online; the shops are full of pink fuzzy things, some we’re not even sure what they are, so escape the commerciality and shop online. Why not get your girlfriends together and do some browsing? That way you can keep warm, beat the crowds and build your own wish lists at the Bravissimo site.

4-     If you are in a relationship why not turn up the heat in the bathroom and share a bubble bath together? It’s inexpensive and fun but watch out for taps digging into backs and slip hazards to make it romantic evening as opposed to an evening resulting in a trip to A&E.