Archive for January, 2012

This coming month is a huge month for the movies. Our own BAFTAS film awards are taking place on the 12th February and the ultimate award ceremony: The Oscars, is later in the month on Sunday 26th February. We have already seen this year’s Golden Globes. The big winners included the silent fim, The Artist, which scooped Best Motion Picture in the comedy or musical category. George Clooney, in The Descendants, for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in the drama category. And Michelle Williams, in My Week With Marilyn, won Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture in the comedy or musical category.

If you don’t know much about My Week With Marilyn, it follows the making of the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl, and one week, when Marilyn Monroe was escorted by Colin Clark around Britain, while Marilyn’s husband Arthur Miller had left the country. Michelle Williams didn’t accept this role lightly; she seriously considered the magnitude of trying to portray such a huge Hollywood Icon.

She didn’t try to impersonate Marilyn’s accent, but Michelle has already received brilliant reviews for her role as Marilyn and it seems the resemblance and body language were spot on. There have been many actresses who have played or portrayed Marilyn Monroe, they have included Nicole Kidman for Harpers Bazaar, Lindsay Lohan for New York Magazine and Mira Sorvino in Norma, Jean & Marilyn. Not all of them possessed Marilyn’s amazing star quality though, as there is something fascinating about watching Marilyn Monroe on film. Marilyn was clearly not the best technical actress, but had so much charm, wit and sex appeal and that special ingredient that nobody can put their finger on, that she kept us all glued to the screen. Then there’s her very famous hourglass figure, (she was allegedly only a 36 D) but she made the most of her curves, which is a lesson to all of us Bravissimo girls.

If you feel of inspired by Marilyn, we have the most utterly gorgeous Ooh La La Corselette by Gossard, brand new to Bravissimo. It is so sexy; it could be straight out of a Marilyn Monroe Film. It is available in vintage cream and noir, it has a vintage 1950’s feel with lace overlay. It features an integrated belt detail, which highlights the nipped in waist and is decorated with a cute bow. It has lightly padded balconette cups and you can also where it as a multiway bra. It gives fantastic uplift and great shape. This Corselette will create an amazing hourglass figure that will make you feel like a Hollywood Icon every time you wear it.

Have you done it yet? Have you discovered how a fabulous frock can change your week for the better? Just to remind you, the dress is a great daytime choice, as it is so versatile your look will change completely depending on what you wear with it and how you accessorise it. For picking up the kids, wear it with a chunky knit, scarf and knee high boots. For work, go for opaque tights, heels and a blazer, and for coffee out with the girls, go for a fitted cardi with a skinny belt and brogues. Opting for a dress, is complete no-fuss way of getting dressed, you don’t have to waste precious time trying on dozens of outfit combinations, not that separates are a bad idea, there is a time and place and it’s not when you have to catch the 7.45 am train.

So we have a couple more weekday options that will inspire you to give the dress a go.

For Thursday, you could choose the gorgeous new Cowl Tunic Dress. This dress is a relaxed and very versatile dress; it is available in biscuit, in a soft knit. It has a cowl neck and a tie waist with relaxed pockets on the sides, this dress could be worn with a jersey close fitting long sleeved top underneath and could be worn over skinny jeans or you could wear with thick brown tights and brown knee high boots. For an evening out, try wearing over skinny black pants, with nude heels and nude blazer.

Friday’s dress is the Wrap Print Woven Dress. It comes in this vibrant abstract floral print, it is a long sleeve and a wrap front dress with side buckle and it is also available with a detachable slip. This dress is another perfect day to night dress, suitable for work and worn with a smart jacket buttoned up, then take off the jacket on your Friday night out and accessorise with some fabulous gold chunky jewellery, like the Hoop Statement Necklace in antique gold and the Swirl Bangle in gold. Wear with a wow pair of nude heels and you’ll will have an instant stylish and glamorous look for the start of the weekend and nobody will believe it is the same dress you came to work in.

Invest in a dress or two you will be saving time, money and you will look drop dead gorgeous every day of the week. And don’t forget, all of our Pepperberry dresses are designed with your boobs in mind, so they will flatter and hug your boobs.

Happy Monday to all of our Bravissimo ladies, how’s your week looking so far?

Your calendar may already look like a small child has been let loose on it with a biro. Your ironing pile might have started to resemble Ben Nevis and you still need to fit in taking the dog to the vet and that report for work…take a deep breath and relax! Our lives are getting busier and busier, with so many women now juggling work, childcare and other commitments, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the week and it’s no surprise we all feel a bit exhausted by Friday.

A new book by Leo Bormans called The World Book of Happiness, claims that one of the secrets to contentment is to ‘get organised’. So how can we get organised, if it doesn’t come naturally? We could start by writing appointments in a diary, instead of the back of an old envelope. Buy and send birthday cards in advance, set the alarm for a little earlier and get a head start. Write lists (lots of lists) and take on some tips from an organised friend. At least Bravissimo can take care of your wardrobe with a few bright ideas from Pepperberry.

How would you fancy getting dressed in the morning in half the time with absolutely no fuss? We have some fantastic dresses from Pepperberry that could transform the way you dress for good. If you like your separates, you may not have considered the ‘good old dress’. But the dress is such an easy- to-wear piece of clothing, one action and you are in, there’s no decision over what top goes with which pair of trousers. Dresses look stylish and they can be smartened up for work meetings, or dressed down with knitwear and they also work brilliantly from day to night. We have some fabulous new arrivals, there is an easy-to-wear dress for everyday of the week.

Monday’s dress is the Knot Gather Jersey Dress, in gorgeous emerald, it has a ¾ length sleeve, a knot under the bust and gathers, which are great at flattering the tummy area. This dress also feature hidden tabs on the shoulders, which hook around your bra straps, this will keep the dress in place …Genius!
Tuesday’s dress is the fabulous Ponti Zip Back Dress in red, this is a heavier jersey dress for those colder days, it is a real classic, with a scoop neck, exposed zip and scooped pockets.
Wednesday’s dress is the Long Sleeve Drape Dress, this dress has long sleeves and a twist front, with lots of gathers over the bust and over the tummy, making it a super flattering option, it also has a mesh lining over the bust, to create a smooth silhouette.

So ladies if you haven’t rocked that frock yet, this is the week to start. More ideas to follow on Thursday…

Well it’s award season yet again…ooh how we girls love to watch those super glamorous actresses, smiling from ear to ear, when we know they are secretly checking out the next A-list starlet to walk the red carpet, seeing how they measure up in their designer frock.

The first award ceremony to kick off this year was The Golden Globes, a ridiculously star-studded event recognising excellence within film and television from all over the world. The first ever Golden Globes Awards was held in 1944 at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles, the awards are now held in The Beverley Hilton Hotel. The Globes are broadcasted to 167 countries worldwide, either on radio or TV and ranks the third most popular ceremony behind The Oscars and The Grammys. It’s been most reported recently because it’s been hosted for the last three years (mostly controversially) by Ricky Gervais.
So that’s the interesting facts out of the way, let’s get down to the business of fashion.
White and off white was a big theme this year, with Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel, Charlize Theron and Kate Beckinsale all choosing various shades. Ms Beckinsale and Ms Biel, although opting for beautiful dresses would have looked more at home walking down the aisle than the red carpet. Ms Theron looked stunning in draped elegance in her Christian Dior gown. Ms Jolie turned heads in her Atelier Versace dress, with its thigh high split and red off the shoulder neckline, with matching clutch and lipstick. Ms Klum showed real understated chic, in a simple but incredibly stylish nude Calvin Klein dress, which she accessorised with turquoise jewellery. The award for capturing real Hollywood glamour, had to go to jointly to a few stars, Diane Lane looked fabulous in Reem Arca, this stunning, light gold, metallic gown, was very similar to the Jenny Packham dress that the Duchess of Cambridge that she wore to the Annual Ark Charity Gala recently. Actress Shailene Woodley shimmered in a strapless silver and grey Marchesa, Salma Hayek wore an amazing strapless Gucci dress, the bodice decorated with a geometric gold design, the skirt decorated with black sequin stripes, which glittered and dazzled. Emma Stone looked beautiful and bang on trend in a stunning berry chiffon gown, with a deep v neckline and gorgeous belt and Laura Dern looked amazing, in a simple, long sleeved, green, all over sequined v-neck dress. Some of the stars that deserve a mention for their bravery, but maybe, need to think about getting a new stylist, were Sarah Michelle Gellar who looked like she may have had a tussle in the paint aisle in B&Q. Kelly Osbourne who’s Star Trek shoulders and grey hair just didn’t work and also aged her. Emily Watson, wore a nude dress, but unfortunately, it matched her skin tone exactly and it really had no redeeming features. Meryl Streep, added a few sizes to her frame in a cowboy inspired black number and Amanda Peet looked like she was wearing an over sized toilet roll dolly. Never mind ladies there’s always the Baftas!

Check out Pepperberry’s evening wear offering here…

Fifteen days into the 2012 and it’s finally starting to feel like winter. Biting crisp air, frost on the ground, sludgy grey afternoons and dark evenings. You ladies will no doubt be thinking about wrapping up in thick knitted jumpers and keeping warm, not stripping off. However, the stunning new sets that have just come in to Bravissimo, may persuade you otherwise. There are some beautiful designs that you just won’t be able to resist. January is a great time to clear out your underwear drawer and get rid of that stray odd sock that’s been staring at you for a year, those grey and faded bras and all those bras that are the clearly the wrong size (that is, before you saw the light and were fitted by Bravissimo).

Here’s a small selection of some of our sensational luxurious sets…

The Rococo Charm Bra by Bravissimo available in black/pistachio, is a gorgeous set, it is an underwired half-cup, decorated with a delicate black embroidery detail. It creates amazing uplift and shape. There are matching briefs and thong and for the added ‘ooh la la’ there are suspenders available too.

The Moulin Rose Bra by Bravissimo is another drop dead sexy set. It is a lightly padded half-cup bra, which creates a beautiful rounded shape. It comes in a lace print, which gives it a very on trend feel. The trim is a combination of black lace and a gorgeous fuchsia velvet trim, which gives it an opulent feel. It is available to buy with a matching thong or all over printed shorts.

Last but not least there is the Elodie Bra by Fantasie in cappuccino, it is pretty but still sexy. It is an underwired balconette and uses gorgeous delicate embroidery on the lower half of the cup, combined with a sheer fabric on the top half of the cup. We have raved about this one before, because it gives incredible shape by using a side seam detail, it pulls you in and pushes you forward. The cup itself is slightly fuller, which makes it extra supportive.

So to beat those grey days, why not add a bit of luxury into your lingerie drawer this January?

If you happened to be watching TV last night, you may have stumbled upon a show about fitness on channel 4 at 8.00pm. One of the ladies featured visited one of our stores and undertook a bra fitting before she ventured back into the gym. She previously complained that bras were always too tight around the back and she suffered from back pain. She had been wearing a 42MM and surprise surprise, measured by Bravissimo, she was actually a 40K.

New research has revealed that 85% of us ladies are wearing wrong size bra, that’s actually quite staggering when you think about it. We know that wearing the wrong size (especially for us bigger boobed girls) can cause all sorts of problems, back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain, lack of support, poor posture and temporary damage to breast tissue from wires. How do you know you are wearing the wrong size? Here are a few clues.

1. Look in the mirror, does the back of the bra ride up? It should be fitting horizontally across your back.
2. Are the straps digging into your shoulders?
3. Are your boobs spilling out of the top of the cup? If so, the cup size is probably not big enough.
4. Is there wrinkling in your cup? This means the cup size is just too big.
5. Do the wires at the front, between your boobs stand forward? If you can get two or more fingers underneath, the cup is too small.
6. If you lift your arms in the air, does the bra move up? It should stay where it is.
7. Are you wearing an old bra? Bras lose elasticity over time, so an old worn bra will no longer support you.

As it is the start of a brand new year, make sure going for a bra fitting is one of your new year resolutions and spread the word. Speak to your girlfriends and try and persuade them to go for a fitting too. You owe it to your fellow ladies! Wearing the right size bra can change your life for the better, who wouldn’t want to feel great, for clothes to look nicer, to look slimmer and too banish those niggling aches and pains?

Our experienced fitting consultants are more than happy to talk you through our range of bras and help you find your perfect fit. If you can’t get down to one of our stores, you can ring one of our customer service consultants on 01926 459 859 and they will give you practical fitting advice, right there over the phone.

Make 2012 the year you discover your true bra size.

So many momentous events took place in 2011 that it makes you wonder what this year has to bring. One thing we do know for sure, is that it’s a leap year which also means it’s the summer Olympics, and as we all know this time it’s in London. It’s funny how it was so long ago that the media started talking about the 2012 Olympics, that you couldn’t help thinking to yourself, it was a bit premature, discussing something so far ahead in the future. But that’s time for you, it has a habit of flying.

Watching sport either live or on the television might not interest you, you may prefer to take part and be a regular at your local gym, or you could be one of the thousands of ladies joining up this January in an effort to tone up and get fit. Thirty minutes of exercise per day can increase your life expectancy. Being fitter can help you deal with everyday stresses and strains on your body and it can be equally good for the mind. So if you can tear yourself away from Corrie or Eastenders this January, why not give a local class or free gym session a go and if you need a bit more of an incentive, Bravissimo are currently offering £5.00 off all sports bras until the 31st of January and here at Bravissimo, we know how essential a good sports bra is to an effective work out.

The Impact Free Sports by Royce is a wire-free bra made largely from cotton and offers fantastic support and is super comfortable. It is available in grey marl, black and white. You can also wear this bra as outerwear because of the velcro tab back, which covers the fastening. The Max Sports Bra Top by Shock Absorber is a high impact sports bra and a soft full cup which also can be worn as outwear. It is available in black/white, white, red/blue, navy, red/graphite and teal. The D+ Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber is made from a fabric that is so soft and the cups are smooth for a non-rub finish. The fabric is also quick dry and breathable. It is wire –free sports bra and creates a lovely rounded look.

For more fantastic sports bras like these, check out Bravissimo.com

So, Christmas is finally behind us. We maybe slightly jaded, a few pounds heavier, and not that eager to eat another mince pie anytime soon, but we’ve made it through and it will be a whole ten months before we hear Noddy Holder’s dulcet tones once again.

As 2012 is welcomed in, some people start to think about New Years Resolutions. Even if their resolution is ‘not to have any resolutions’. However most of us vow to do the same things each year…

I should really see more of my friends, as I’ve forgotten what some of them look like.

I am going to use my new recipe book, rather than use it as a mini coffee table.

I will become a domestic Goddess and not shove everything in cupboards when people arrive unexpectedly.

I will achieve job satisfaction and will even turn up early for work (maybe a bit over ambitious!)

Some things are achievable and looking good is one of them. Bravissimo certainly can help you fulfill that resolution. Hopefully you will be aware of our fantastic clothing line called Pepperberry, designed especially for bigger boobs, so there’s no need to struggle with ill-fitting clothing in the January sales. Just head to one of our stores or browse online at some of our key pieces for 2012.

New in is the Faux Fur Trim Quilted Jacket. Available in steel, this style of jacket based loosely on the outdoor/hunting style, and is totally on trend right now, it is a lighter weight, so would be perfect on milder days. Depending on where you live in the country, you may need a coat to offer you some real protection from the cold, the Boucle Coat in purple will fit the bill perfectly. It is a wool mix and fully lined and is so classic and stylish that you will be able to wear it each winter.

Are you looking for that perfect top? Well you’ve found it, in the Jersey Chiffon Trim Top. This top, in gorgeous teal, has ruching detail down the centre for concealing any lumps or bumps, and it has a chiffon trim on the neckline which gives this top a bit of glamour. The Chiffon Trim Top is also versatile and will look great with skinny jeans, a pencil skirt or smart suit trousers.
The Jersey Floral Belted Dress, is a really pretty, easy to wear dress, with a scoop neck and grey waist belt, it will look fabulous layered with a heavy knit and boots, but you could also accessorise it with a leather biker jacket or blazer and heels for a night out. For a classic work shift dress, take a look at Pepperberry’s Shift Dress in pewter, it is great for the office, but has a bit of an edge, with the keyhole detail and splits at the back. This dress is in wool mix and will become a wardrobe favourite in 2012.

2012 could be a great year for all of us, fingers crossed. Happy New Year Ladies.