Bravissimo

Archive for May, 2010

Add some colour

In summer we often feel much braver when it comes to colour. Fashion wise colour palettes usually lighten and brighten like the weather, but there’s just something about the sun shining that makes us want to be a shade or several braver. This can also be said for our holiday clothes, we wouldn’t dream of wearing a multi-coloured kaftan at home, but on a beach in the Mediterranean we don’t think twice about it. So why is it that we enjoy colour so much in summer but don’t seem to wear anything but black in winter? A lot of it is to do with mood, generally during summer and when the weather is nice, our moods are nicer too. Feeling happy then leads to feeling more confident, therefore you’re less likely to feel self-conscious in a colour you wouldn’t normally wear.

It’s always good to know what colours/shades and tones suit you best but sometimes it’s good to step away from what you’d usually go for and try something different. There are so many colours out there it’d be a shame not to wear them. So why not add some colour to your wardrobe this summer and make a statement in colour? Our Dropped Waist Jersey Dress is cut to accommodate your boobs and is so versatile – it can just be rolled up and put in the suitcase (and no travel iron required!) If red isn’t your colour try turquoise, our Jewel Appliqué dress is an elegant cocktail dress, perfect for summer parties. If you like your blues, our Rhinestone Halterneck top in ocean blue is a brighter bolder blue for you to try. However, if you’re a fan of orange then try the Cotton Pleat Summer dress, this piece will add instant colour injection to your working wardrobe. We also have a selection of strappy tops in various colours and some fabulous lingerie in really bright colours. Check out the Summer bra in fiesta, the Alex Bra in sunshine and Camouflage Candy in hot coral.

So why not make this summer, the summer you introduced more colour into your wardrobe?

Zara Bra - for lighter packing

There’s nothing more exciting than shopping for holiday clothes (apart from the actual holiday itself!) But sometimes we have to admit to getting a little carried away as we struggle to get it all into our suitcase, (if you’ve ever had to sit on a case to close it then you know exactly what we’re talking about). But fear not, we’ve put together a guide to savvy packing and helpful ideas of how to minimise the amount of clothes you take, whilst maximising your holiday outfits!

Basics are key for the perfect holiday wardrobe, shorts, vests and dresses that can be worn during the day or glammed up for the evening make the most versatile pieces. Linen trousers also work well as a cross over from day to night. Keep your best pieces though for the evening, at least at the beginning of your holiday and you can always wear your maxi dress on the beach on the last couple of days. Try to limit yourself to just one or two special outfits for evenings out. Our crinkle chiffon dress is great for adding a bit of glam to your holiday wardrobe and the sequin detail means that you wont need many accessories, as there is more than enough sparkle on this little number!

Any more than 3 bikinis is a little excessive and you will probably only wear 2 of them anyway so try to minimise your swim/sun bathing wear to 2. Wear a bikini in a darker shade or print at the beginning of the holiday, whilst you’re building your tan and a lighter one for the last few days when you have achieved a healthy glow. You should also try to whittle down the amount of underwear you take, now we don’t mean do the man thing and don’t take enough but choose versatile multi-way bras for your strapless/cross back/alterneck tops and dresses and a selection of basic bras for the day time. You can also be clever when packing your cosmetics too. Try doubling up by using your shampoo for shower gel and your conditioner for shaving cream, this really does work and will save vital space in your suitcase for holiday gifts! Sorted!

One last tip: don’t leave your packing to the last minute as these rules will go straight out of the window and all you will find in your suitcase is a whole host of things you didn’t need and not the things you did need!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Boudoir Beau

Bravissimo research released today has shown that while nearly two thirds of women check their breasts, only a fifth have been shown how to do it by an expert and are comfortable with their knowledge. This figure drops to only 14% for women in the 16-34 age range. 

The research is being used as a platform to increase awareness of the importance of being breast aware from a young age. Bravissimo, the retailer for women with bigger boobs, and breast cancer charity Coppafeel have joined forces to raise funds, spread the breast awareness message and encourage young women everywhere to ‘Copp-a-feel’!

Bravissimo will be donating £1 to Coppafeel for every Coral Boudoir Beau bra sold until the end of August.

Cppafeel founder Kris Hallenga says: “Bravissimo has such enthusiasm for their consumer’s wellbeing that working with them was an attractive proposal. Linking with a bra company opened up new avenues to building awareness and the partnership also enabled us to undertake research, which has given us some great insights into what young women in the UK think about breast cancer.”

Why not Copp-A-Feel

The campaign is also being supported by TV presenter and writer, Dawn Porter. Dawn has a personal affinity with Coppafeel and their cause, having lost both her mother and grandmother to breast cancer. Dawn says: “Coppafeel is a fantastic concept; Kris knows first hand the importance of being breast aware, attaching that message to Bravissimo is an incredible way to reach young women. Bravissimo as a brand is devoted to women feeling good about themselves and I believe that breast cancer awareness is an extension of that.”

Bravissimo spokesperson, Anna Prince says: “We’re really pleased to be working on this worthwhile project with Coppafeel and hope to raise lots of money for the cause. At Bravissimo we are dedicated to inspiring women to look and feel great in their lingerie, as well as empowering them with the knowledge to fit themselves correctly. By purchasing a Boudoir Beau bra in Coral you will not only look great, but will also be helping a worthwhile cause, whilst becoming more breast aware in the process; each charity bra sold comes with an easy to follow guide on how to check your breasts.”

For more information visit www.bravissimo.com/coppafeel

Bring out your wildside!

New animal print is all about subtlety rather than full-on head to toe leopard print! Animal inspired prints this season will appear on clothing, footwear and accessories so there are plenty of options for you to display a little bit of your wild side! Wear your prints with this season’s utility trend to hit the safari vibe or if you just can’t resist this trend in its fullest then go all out in an animal print maxi.

The prints; Leopard print has made a transition from evening to day wear and becomes more casual and a little edgy for summer. Zebra print and tiger print are also on trend so be creative with what prints you wear. Snakeskin looks great for accessories but not so good for clothing, so best stick to the handbags and shoes for this particular print. Why not glam-up your work wardrobe with a bit of print? Our Animal Spot Shift Dress in a subtle mono-chrome print is smart enough for work but add heels and a few glam accessories and it will work just as well in the evening! The shift shape and to-the-knee hemline keeps the dress sophisticated but the print makes it a bit more exciting than your standard office dress!

Animal print is also taking over swimwear this season. The Masquerade Tassia bikini combines black and brown zebra print with tribal inspired beading on the alterneck and briefs to a very glamorous effect and what’s more, this style is exclusive to us! Wear yours as it is on the beach and under a sheer kaftan for evenings or pool side lunches.

Get Holiday Ready!

So you’ve booked your summer holiday and it’s about the only thing keeping you going through the erratic British weather and what seem like endless days at work. But there is some preparation you can do now so that when your holiday does finally come around, you will feel beach ready and fabulous!

The countdown;
10-12 weeks – up your exercise. If you’re feeling a little sluggish at the moment and the idea of getting into a bikini fills you with horror then up the amount of exercise you do now to feel the benefits by the time you go away. By doing a little bit more each week a few weeks before you go, will result in feeling more toned, confident and beach ready, as they say, a little effort goes a long way. Pair this with keeping an eye on what you eat and you could feel slimmer and healthier in no time!

6-8 weeks – exfoliate. Revitalise your skin by regularly exfoliating before you go away. Try a body brush or exfoliating gloves for best results, this will leave your skin soft, supple and rejuvenated. You can exfoliate while you’re away too. Sand is a great natural exfoliant so when you’re on the beach you can use the natural resources to your benefit, no need to go to an expensive spa!

4 weeks – use a skin firming lotion for extra body confidence. This will give your skin extra firmness and will work hand in hand with regular exfoliating for smoother skin. Use firming lotion on thighs, bum and arms and anywhere else you want to firm up!

2 weeks – use a building self tan for that pre-holiday glow. To avoid feeling like a pale tourist when you arrive at your holiday destination, start using a building tan 2weeks before your holiday. It will give you a subtle colour whilst you work on the real thing.

1 week – Get a hair cut. Our hair can suffer from exposure to sun, sea water and humidity when holidaying somewhere hot. However, a quick trim before you go away can help avoid excessive damage.

2-3 days – get holiday nails. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure. Keep your hands and feet looking their best, pedicures are one of those luxuries in life that really make a lot of difference and if we’re going to be wearing our best sandals and peep toe wedges then we need great toes to match! This is also the best time to get waxed, no pain, no gain and waxing is best for keeping the hair at bay for the duration of your holiday.

Last minute – airport treats. From last minute manicures to treating yourself to a new perfume, the airport shops usually have some great last minute pampering ideas and tax free too!

Deco Bra by Freya

As well as our ‘Sensational sets’ in pretty prints and gorgeous colours, we also have a range of great basic underwear because sometimes a girl just needs a simple bra that will go with everything! We also have a number of multi-way bras and strapless bras up to H cup so whatever you wear on top, you know you will be fully supported underneath.

The Evie bra has soft foam cups for comfort and can be worn as a full bra, alterneck, cross-back or strapless. This style is available in Ivory, black or nude you can match the right colour to your wardrobe. Top tip: choose a nude bra over a white bra when wearing a white top or dress, the nude bra will be invisible, whereas a white bra will show through.

The Porcelain bra is a multi-way bra too but has moulded cups for a seem free look and plunge shape making it ideal for low cut tops. This bra also comes in a balconette version which is a little less versatile but just as comfortable and works great under tee-shirts.

Another great bra for wearing underneath tee-shirts is the Deco bra, it also works well under low cut tops as it creates a smooth line and has a low centre front.

All of our basic bras have matching underwear too, most in brief or short and thong versions, which are great for everyday wear and when you just want to feel comfortable.

If you like a basic style bra but also like a little bit of luxury then try the Zara bra, it has a great push up plunge effect for added oomph, but comes in a simple design and luxurious satin fabric, oh and it’s multi-way too! What more could a girl need? You just have to decide which colour now, black, white or latte?

We Love Shoes

Women love shoes, FACT. Sometimes even we’re not sure why we love them so much, maybe it’s the ability of a pair of shoes to make us taller, or the way that shoes can complete an outfit, maybe it’s because we can rely on a good pair of shoes to never let us down, oh yes, that’s why we love them! Shoes can make us feel sexy, confident and sometimes those extra couple of inches on a pair of heels make all the difference! So now that we’ve ditched the tights we can make the most of this seasons hottest footwear trends. Peep-toe is the way forward this summer, whether they’re sandals, shoe boots or flats. This does mean however, that attention must be paid to getting our feet and toes looking just as good as our new peep-toe wedges! Summer shoes are as bold as summer clothing this season, bright and bold prints for example have not only extended the length and breadth of our wardrobe but have now also extended down to our feet! As the rule goes, the louder the better. Nude shoes are also very now and can have the effect of making our legs look longer (court style shoes in nude tones are best for achieving this leg lengthening effect). Statement shoes can be the icing on the cake of an outfit and if you’re wearing great shoes, no-one will really be looking at the rest of your outfit anyway! So far this season we have seen the return of the wedge, the clog, the neon bright shoe and utility style shoes. There really is so much to choose from, it makes us giddy just thinking about going into a shoe shop! However, to do your new summer shoes justice you need perfectly pampered toes. Colour clashing your shoes with your nail polish is the way forward this summer. Neon pink heels? Wear ink blue nails for effect. Utility grey works well in contrast with tangerine orange, whether you wear grey shoes and orange nail varnish or orange shoes and grey nail varnish, the effect will be just as good either way! Pastel tone nail polish will add interest to black shoes, whilst black polish works well for utility style footwear giving it a hardened edge. White varnish is also great for summer, but looks best when matched with white shoes rather than contrasted with other colours.

Get pampering ladies, this season’s fabulous shoes won’t wear themselves!!

Summer's on its way...!

It’s almost BBQ weather and we can’t wait to get the coals burning and get our burger buns at the ready! We feel as though we’ve been talking about summer forever, but as ‘real’ summer finally begins we can now get really excited! The British are however, notoriously bad at BBQs. We tend to burn the food, fill our neighbours washing with smoke and always forget something important! It usually rains too, making what was supposed to be a glorious outdoor party into a cramped in door half hearted meal. However, here’s how you can make your BBQ fool proof;

1. Rather than doing too much planning do too little, when we plan something so far in advance, something is sure to go wrong. I.E. it pours down when we’ve planned our BBQ/summer party. Instead, make your BBQ a spontaneous one to outsmart the British weather.
2. Get some supplies in, this way you can have your BBQ at short notice and jump on board when you get that, mmmmm… I just fancy a BBQ feeling.
3. Disposable BBQs do the job just as well as proper ones, well almost, and are great when on holiday or if you have little space to work with.
4. Try something more exciting. Now, we’re not saying we’re not fans of burgers and sausages but why not try something a bit more exotic on your Barbie? Fish can be fantastic when barbequed and gives a very different taste than other methods of cooking. Spicy chicken thighs also work well and you can’t beat a meat/veg kebab combo!
5. Ensure you have a yummy cocktail on hand to help to wash down all the BBQ food. One of our favourites is a pitcher of Pimms and leamonade - add lots of fruit such as strawberries, cucumber, apple and orange to give it that extra summer touch.
6. Planning a BBQ or garden party is also a fantastic reason to get in shape. Gardening is a great form of exercise and as well as getting your garden into shape, you’ll also be getting yourself into shape too!

Now choosing your nightwear can be just as much fun as being in the sweet shop with our gorgeous range of mix and match nightwear which has enough support for an equally sweet sleep. This season we’ve designed our nightwear so that you can mix and match any top with any bottom. Choose from cute cami tops and long or cropped bottoms in different prints to create different combinations. We also have the Patch Pocket Nightie in aqua and contrasting yellow trim, perfect for hot summer nights. All of our tops and nighties have built in support with adjustable shoulder straps, soft underband and shaped foam cups to provide your boobs with enough support whilst you sleep. This is all to ensure you have a comfortable night’s sleep, as it’s just important to look after your boobs as you sleep as when you are awake! But nightwear doesn’t just have to be comfortable, you can also keep on trend whilst you sleep with our floral long PJ bottoms, striped cropped PJ bottoms and floral cami top. Sweet!

Sweet Dreams!

Some extra tips on getting a great night’s sleep;

• Write things down before you go to bed - If your head is buzzing full of worries, thoughts and ideas when you’re trying to sleep then try writing them down on a piece of paper before you hit the pillow. This could help you to organise your thoughts and make it easier to deal with them in the morning. Besides, lack of sleep will only make you more stressed!
• Take a bath - A hot bath can help you to unwind and often the hot water makes us feel nice and sleepy so when we get out, we’re ready to go straight to sleep, just make sure you get dried before you roll into bed!
• Read - Reading can help to relax the mind and encourage sleep, plus it’s much better then watching TV before you go to bed.
• Spend time in a different room - If you really can’t sleep then try spending 10-15 minutes in a different room. You could sit in the living room for this amount of time or take a stroll around the house; you’ll be amazed at how well this works.

Sweet dreams…!

Get accessorizing

As well as enjoying this summer’s clothing trends we’ll also be making the most of the latest accessory trends to complete our summer wardrobe. Great accessories can make (or break) an outfit, so read on for this season’s hottest accessories…

Summer scarves – are great for jazzing up an outfit with minimum effort. Choose one in a bright bold print to hit the print trend and wear with, well, anything. That’s the beauty of a summer scarf; it can be worn with just about anything!

Sun hats – a cute summer hat is fashionable and practical. We particularly like straw hats in summer, they give a bo-ho vibe, keep the sun out of our eyes and disguise bad hair days, perfect then for summer festivals or when you’re in a rush!

Wedges – high wedges, low wedges, cork wedges, wooden wedges, you name it, it’s in wedge form and we love it! We’re especially into mid-height wedges at the moment, they’re low enough to walk in and be comfortable in all day but they add those all important few inches to make us feel that little bit taller.

Satchel bags – a must have this season, fun, practical and enough room to fit all of your essentials. They’re also on trend for the traveller and bo-ho looks of the season.

Bangles – stack ‘em high ladies. The ethnic traveller look lends itself to jewellery this season by adorning the body in more unusual jewellery such as bangles, toe rings, anklets, and the more the merrier we say!

Make-up – gets a make-over this summer and colour is key. Brightly coloured eye shadow will update your look. Try clashing your make-up with your clothes, nail varnish is the easiest place to start when going for the colour clash.

Cool shades – a snazzy pair of sunglasses are a must, not only to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays but also to make us feel a little glamorous! There are so many styles to choose from that eyewear could be a more difficult decision than your clothing! Better start looking now then!