All About Fashion, Underwear and Everything Inbetween | Bravissimo Blog » womens clothing

you’re never too old

Bravissimo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:58:16 +0000

A recent survey in the UK has reported that a large proportion of women over the age of 55 feel ignored by the High Street when it comes to buying clothes. Almost three quarters of women can’t find age appropriate & fashionable clothes and they feel that the market is aimed at young people. Women are living longer and working later in life, so the High Street needs to sit up and take notice. A recent TV programme with retail guru Mary Portas highlighted this problem, it followed Mary on her journey from designing, to putting into production, a collection aimed at this forgotten generation.

If you are 55 or over just stick to a few basic rules and you won’t go wrong. Sleeves are preferable to sleeveless, gathers and clever ruching are great to hide lumps and bumps. Necklines should not be too low or should be worn with a cami or vest underneath and black is flattering, but break it up with colour.

The Pleat Jersey Dress

We feel that our own clothing range, Pepperberry, as well as being ‘designed with your boobs in mind’, spans all ages and includes clothing that is both classic, stylish and fashionable, so don’t be surprised if you find your daughter ‘borrowing’ (which is code for stealing) your new Pepperberry purchases. Here are a few great pieces, that we feel can be worn by any age.

The Pleat Jersey Dress available in black, is a great easy to wear jersey dress, it has ¾ length sleeves, a mock cami which gives your boobs more room. It also has pleats at the front, coming from the waist, which is really flattering for the tummy area. Team it with a coloured scarf like the Pleat Scarf in pink, which breaks up the black and is softer near the face. Wear it with our Tartan Blazer (see below).

The Ruched Jersey Dress comes in black, it is a fabulous versatile dress that will flatter your shape and it has lots of details that are great figure fixers, like ruching running down the front, again, great for the tummy area, lovely pleating on the shoulder seams creating a lovely shape over the boobs. It has ¾ length sleeves, so even if you are petite, this dress will work for you.

Tartan Blazer

The Tartan Blazer is a great buy whether your 20 or 60, it features one of the big trends this season, tartan, and this combined with the neat tailoring of the jacket, makes this jacket a must have. It is fully lined, single-breasted, with cute pockets, and lovely retro style buttons. The Tartan Blazer will definitely become a favourite this season.

The Lux Mac is timeless as well as ageless, it is a lovely classic long coat, that combines tailoring, glamour and style. It is available in black, in a satin fabric which makes it perfect to be worn unbelted with lux fabrics like satin or sequins for a night out, but equally can be worn during the day, belted for a stylish, sharp look.

We can’t not mention the Teal Drawcord Jersey Dress. The colour of this one is just gorgeous and would suit anyone, and it is very flattering for all sizes and so easy to wear. It features an adjustable drawcord under the bust and we have recently amended the neckline so it is not too low. A fabulous day-to-night dress.

ghouls just wanna have fun

Bravissimo — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:02:43 +0000

This weekend might just feel a bit longer than last weekend, as the clocks go back on Sunday morning, so we will all get an extra hour in bed to recover from our excesses…bliss!

It is also Halloween on Monday. A day that most kids look forward to, as they can spray their hair, cover themselves in fake blood and knock on peoples’ doors and ask for money or sweets, (what’s not to like!)

Some ladies up and down the country will also be channeling their inner child, by dressing up as ghouls, ghosts and zombies. Most gatherings over the weekend will have a Halloween theme, so if you have been invited to a party, or you are going out with friends and the dress code is black and dramatic, don’t panic! Even if fancy dress is not your thing, Bravissimo have some beautiful black dresses from Pepperberry that would fit the bill perfectly, but won’t spook you out in the process. With the right Halloween-style accessories and make-up you will look drop dead (see what I did there?) gorgeous.

Cowl Back Jersey Maxi Dress

A new dress in the Pepperberry collection is the utterly stunning Cowl Back Jersey Maxi Dress. This maxi has a low cowl detail at the back of the dress, giving this dress the wow factor. There is a mesh panel that covers your bra, and there are tabs built in to the dress that will hold your bra firmly in place. This dress has cap sleeves with a double row of tiny diamante edging on the sleeves. Wear this dress with very high black platforms, backcombed hair, and you may even want to add a diamante hair clip. Go heavy with the eye make-up, dark smoky eyes in black and midnight and pale lipstick makes a lovely contrast.

Embellished Bandeau Dress

Another great LBD is the Embellished Bandeau Dress from Pepperberry. This is a gorgeous prom style dress, it has a boned bodice and is in a taffeta look fabric. It is fully lined and has a black diamante panel just under the bust. This dress has a net underskirt and detachable straps, so can be worn as a sexy bandeau too. If you are proud of your waist, then this dress will make the most of it. Some fabulous sky-high heels will finish this dress off. Go sixties inspired with the hair and make-up. False eye lashes are a must and some huge eye flicks and bright red lips, paint your nails black and backcomb your hair and pin it into a beehive.

Whether you are spending the weekend carving pumpkins and cutting holes in sheets or whether you are escaping Halloween fever and doing something completely different. We hope you have a really enjoyable one. And if you can’t be good, be scarey.

HEAD TO THE HIGH STREET

Bravissimo — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:35:40 +0000

The nights are drawing in, the days are chillier and summer is just a distant memory. What’s there to be cheery about? Well it’s the start of the weekend, many of us are planning our Friday night outfits, and the rest of us are planning our Friday night TV viewing. Its Saturday tomorrow, and therefore a great opportunity to put the stresses and strains of the week behind you and catch up with friends.

Naomi Bra by Freya

Many of us head to the high street for a bit of retail therapy with our girlfriends, as us girls bond over shopping, like men bond over football or rugby. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great day; it’s more about the browsing and chatting than about how much you spend.

There definitely a buzz at this time of year on Britain’s high streets, it is perfect weather to amble and comfortable temperatures to shop in. Christmas is still quite a way off, so the high street is quiet in comparison to the shopping frenzy that takes place in the weeks prior to the 25th December. If you are super organised you could even start your Christmas shopping early, so you have nothing more to do except enjoy yourself in the run up to the big day.

If you happen to be in the vicinity of your local Bravissimo store, pop in and say hello. One of our consultants would be happy to show you some of the lovely new styles of lingerie that have just come in, like the gorgeous Naomi Bra by Freya. For Freya fans out there, you will know that it gives amazing rounded and upfront shape and the new dogtooth print in noir gives it a formal, grown up look, and the contrast with black and fuchsia lace gives it a sexy, sassy, twist.

While you are shopping at Bravissimo, take a look at our Pepperberry range as they would make great Christmas gifts. We have some stylish accessories including our Driving Gloves. These are available in two colours, pink and black and are made from genuine leather; they are totally on trend and would make a great pressie for a sister or a friend.

Also you can’t go wrong with the Ombre Scarf, available in black/grey, which makes it easy to wear with any colour winter coat. A perfect choice for Mum if you are stuck for ideas.

So ladies, whatever you do, have a great Saturday and if you are heading to your high street, don’t forget to visit us at Bravissimo.

Knit One Pearl One

Bravissimo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:56:42 +0000

Knitting is back and it doesn’t care who knows it! Sales of wool has rocketed, and knitting clubs have sprung up again all over the country. Going to a knitting group with the girls is now thought of as a good – even cool – night out. Knitting has firmly shaken off its ‘granny’ image and it looks like the love affair with home knits and all things woolly will continue to grow. If you have yet to pick up your needles, why don’t you give it a try? It is cheap and it is a great way of de-stressing and switching off after a hard day at the office or a non-stop day with the kids. The end result is something wonderfully creative, that someone special will cherish.

Wrap Front Jumper from Pepperberry

If crafty pursuits are not for you, but you can still appreciate a great bit of knitwear, then you won’t have to look too far, as knitwear is big news this season. There is definitely a time and place when only knitwear will do. If you happen to work in a chilly office, you will need to look sharp, but you still need to be warm, so some smart close fitting knitwear is a must. Or if you are attending an outside event like a firework display or a Christmas market, a big slouchy jumper or knitted dress would both be great options. For a glam night out when you don’t want to spend the evening shivering in your sparkly vest, you need a long sleeved knit, with some glitter or sparkle.

Not so long ago, there was little choice for us Bravissimo girls, the only knitwear available for us on the high street was chunky, shapeless, boxy and unflattering. This would make our boobs seem ‘matronly’ and make us look two dress sizes bigger. Our very own clothing brand, Pepperberry has changed all that. Pepperberry’s knitwear is carefully designed, won’t add extra inches and you won’t find any big or bursting buttons. It is gorgeous and on trend too.

Sequin Shoulder Jumper from Pepperberry

The Wrap Front Jumper would be great for the workplace, it is a v-neck wrap top with an empire line that highlights the narrowest area just under the bust, the tummy area is ribbed and fitted which also enhances the waist. This knit may be best worn with a cami and it is recommended that a plunge bra be worn underneath. The Wrap Front Jumper is available in black and purple.

The Sequin Shoulder Jumper is the glamorous option from Pepperberry. It is a fine knit with gorgeous sequin detailing on the shoulders. It has a v-neck which is super flattering for bigger boobs. This top will be a good choice with Christmas approaching and will look great with this season’s pencil skirt and black suede heels, or some tailored trousers.

The Boyfriend Cardigan is available in Mocha and is a lovely slouchy cardigan that is really versatile. It can be worn on warmer day with a classic white shirt underneath, or on a cold day worn with a fitted knitted jumper. Accessorise with the Vintage Lace Trim Scarf from Pepperberry and you have got a great layered look.

Superstar Bras

Bravissimo — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:52:53 +0000

Since Bravissimo hit the high streets, there have been plenty of our bras that consistently receive fantastic reviews from fans and we feel they are worth shouting about, as they seem to have made such a difference to our ladies’ lives.

These bras stand out not only because they give amazing shape and make clothes look fantastic, but also because they are still comfortable and supportive which we all know is THE winning combination.

The Alana Bra in Denim

One of our superstar bras is the best selling Alana Bra by Bravissimo. This bra has been used by the one and only Gok Wan at one of his recent roadshows and we know how he feels about finding the right bra, before you even move on to the outfit! Our in-store Bravissimo fitters love this bra and probably use it the most during fittings because of the gorgeous shape it creates, plus the super fit and support. For an everyday bra it is pretty and is available in so many colours you will be spoilt for choice. The Alana, is an underwired balconette and in sizes DD-G cups it has a 2 hook fastening and in GG-L, 3 hooks. A selection of the positive comments about The Alana, have included, “The fit is true to size”, “It creates the best shape”, “Highly recommended for everyday wear”, and “Is very, very comfortable”“.

Deco Bra by Freya in Graphite

Another one of our amazing performers is the Deco Bra by Freya, because we know how much our Bravissimo ladies rave about this bra. This gorgeous bra is now newly available in graphite, with a pretty mother of pearl button detail, this is a perfect buy for autumn. It is a moulded plunge, which is perfect for close fitting tops. It also creates fantastic cleavage, so when you want to go for a sexier look with a lower cut top, maybe for an evening out, the Deco would be a great choice. This is some of the great feedback we have received about the Deco bra, “The Deco is absolutely the best moulded bra there is”, “I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find it”, “It’s true to size, supportive and so comfortable!”, and “Fabulous fit-great cleavage”.

What more can we say, check out more of our bestsellers online or in-store.

Back To Black

Bravissimo — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:42:01 +0000

According to the experts, our weather is on the turn again, hopefully we haven’t seen the last of the sunshine, but for now we can make ourselves feel better by looking forward to some fabulous new fashion. If you haven’t started to look for that autumn wardrobe, now is definitely the time.

Jersey Wide Leg Jumpsuit

A good place to start is ‘occasion’ wear, as it gets nearer to Christmas, the shops will start filling up with Christmas occasion wear and all things glam and sexy. Sometimes when we are invited to a swanky event or a posh do, our first thought is ‘Oh no, what am I going to wear?’ Pepperberry has some stunning new styles in that are real showstoppers and because the styles are black, you can count on them being real classics that will last you more than just one season.

The jumpsuit trend has come back this autumn/winter and they are surprisingly easy to wear, no worrying about what top you are going to wear with which trousers. Jumpsuits look stylish, are a great alternative to the dress, and are bang on trend. Pepperberry’s new Jersey Wide Leg Jumpsuit will be a valuable addition to your occasion wear, if you have a smart evening event coming up, this stylish jumpsuit will be perfect. It is available in black and is made from jersey so there is no ironing needed. The top is a wrap style, with draping over the tummy area, which is really good at hiding any lumps or bumps.

Another new addition is the very sexy Satin Bodice, just like our cami’s this bodice has an integral underwired bra, so you are fully supported. The bodice is boned, comes in stretchy satin, which makes it comfortable too, it also has adjustable straps. This bodice will look stunning teamed with some tailored trousers and a tuxedo jacket or it will look super sexy with a pencil skirt, killer heels and longer suit jacket.

Pepperberry's Lux Mac

The new Lux Mac is another big trend this year and this fabulous mac is the perfect accompaniment for any evening dress you have. This mac has a satin sheen, so it will look great with a sequin dress or satin dress in a vibrant colour, it is very versatile so also will look great worn with a classic white shirt and tailored trousers for the office. It comes in black and can be worn with or without the belt.

Invest in these classic black evening wear options and you will never again have that heart sinking feeling when you receive that special event invite.

Swim Baby Swim

Bravissimo — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:53:20 +0000

Paradise Swimsuit by Faubourg

If you saw the recent footage of David Walliams’ epic swim of the Thames for The BT Sport Relief Challenge, you couldn’t help but be impressed. He doesn’t fit the bill of a typical athlete, but the endurance he showed was quite staggering. He started the swim on the 5th September from near the source of the Thames in Lechlade, Gloucester. The water he swam in was colder than The English Channel. David swam 140.54 miles in total, being waved and cheered at, and supported all the way. But boy did he suffer! He picked up a bacterial bug, which nearly put an end to his brave challenge. He eventually crossed the finish line at Westminster on the 12th September to be greeted by his wife Lara Stone, a whole host of celebs and of course the great British public. David Walliams raised over one million pounds for charity. WOW!

Not many people could complete a challenge like that, not many of us wouldn’t want to. But it does show you, David Walliams is just a very strong swimmer, not an Olympic swimmer. Swimming is a great all round exercise and no, it’s not a good idea to take a dip in a fast flowing river, but taking up swimming in your local pool is a great idea if you want to get in shape. It’s kinder to your body, your boobs are supported by the water, so the bounce that you get when you take part in aerobic exercise is eliminated before you even start. Swimming will boost your metabolism, it firms all of your muscle groups and burns calories. And the best bit? It doesn’t put any stress on your joints as it creates weightlessness, so you can swim happily everyday without injury. Swimming can also help keep you young, research shows regular swimmers are biologically up to 20 years younger than their actual age.

So if you need any more reasons to take it up, how about Bravissimo’s brand new styles of swimwear that are in our stores now. They are so gorgeous, you will be happy parading up and down at your local poolside. The Paradise Swimsuit by Faubourg in red palm is a stunning swimsuit, the tropical print is based on the Kashmir Swimsuit from last autumn. It is underwired and very flattering with a sexy plunging neckline, it has adjustable ties at the neck, this swimsuit is exclusive to Bravissimo.

The Monroe Halter Swimsuit by Panache will look fabulous in the pool or at the beach, it has a fifties look and is on trend with its lovely polka dot print and is available in chocolate/cream. This swimsuit is super flattering and is underwired and will flatter your shape also giving great support. It has a cream panel, which sits under the bust creating a nipped in waist.

The Premier Ultimate Swimsuit by Speedo is a great sports swimsuit if you are a serious swimmer, it has a supportive built-in bra and is a very flattering fit. The fabric used is chlorine resistant and is very comfortable. We have received wonderful reviews on this swimsuit, it is available to buy in, aqua/black, black/pink and ink/pop pink.

Come on in girls, the water’s lovely.

THE PERFECT FIT

Bravissimo — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:08:40 +0000

Us girls who are blessed with big boobs are very lucky. We look curvaceous, feminine and sexy without even trying and we regularly inspire boob envy in our smaller-boobed friends (see Christina Hendricks overshadowing Sarah Jessica Parker at the New York Premiere of ‘I Don’t Know How She Does It’). However, we have had to live with the nightmare of shopping to find clothes that fit our wonderful boobs, and it ain’t been easy!

The choice has been wearing jersey tops – usually too tight – that leave nothing to the imagination and could give the impression that you are an extra from TOWIE. Or buying clothes one or two sizes too big, which fit on the boobs, but not anywhere else and this makes you look bigger than in reality.

This begs the question, how have we gone on this long with such lack of choice when it comes to buying clothes? Pepperberry have changed all that, no more going home feeling deflated, and thinking you have nothing to wear everytime you look in your wardrobe, and no more having to buy ill fitting clothes, as that’s the only choice. Pepperberry’s clothes will fit perfectly, because these clothes are designed for bigger boobs.

To help you and your friends decide which Pepperberry size you are, (there are three, Curvy, Really Curvy and Super Curvy), and there is a fantastic new Clothing Size Guide at Bravissimo.com. This guide offers lots of help and advice, or you can watch our new Fitting and Advice Videos, which include everything from finding your Pepperberry size, to general advice on how to find your body shape.

Follow our guides before you shop for Pepperberry clothes and you will find your perfect fit, if you find you need any more advice you can phone 01926 459 800 and speak to one of our experts.

The end of summer sale

Bravissimo — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:35:07 +0000

Summer is coming to an end and we have been dismayed how dark it’s getting much earlier in the evening! We are still seeing some warm days, however as soon as the sun goes behind a cloud, you can feel autumn in the air. The end of the summer also means the end of Bravissimo’s summer sale. The good news is that now the best bargains are up for grabs, there is some fabulous lingerie, nightwear and swimwear on offer. So if you are savvy, you could have your swimwear sorted for next summer, new nightwear bought in preparation for the colder nights and stunning lingerie purchased as a treat for yourself or as a Christmas gift for a friend (I know, I know, we mentioned the C word).

Paige Bra by Miss Mandalay

The Paige Bra by Miss Mandalay is a gorgeous bra in fantastic hot pink. It is sexy, fun and flirty and would be suitable to spice up any evening. It is half sheer on the cup, so that gives it lots of sex appeal and it is contrasted with a bright yellow lace trim. This bra is an underwired balconette, with a slightly fuller cup, which offers a bit more support. It is available to buy with matching briefs or the utterly cute frilly thong.

The Magic Triangle Bikini Top by Freya is a stunning triangle bikini, it is black, with a metallic printed stripe in silver and white. It is based on the popular ‘Vodkatini’ design and is wire free, lightly padded and creates wonderful cleavage and great shape. This is such a classic bikini, it will never date and you will feel confident that it will always look great.

Lounge Hoodie by Bravissimo

So the nights are drawing in and it is getting chillier, it is really important that we feel comfortable and warm when relaxing in the evening and in bed. The Check PJ Bottoms by Bravissimo and Lounge Hoodie by Bravissimo, are just the thing to see you through autumn and winter. The pyjama bottoms are made from cotton, so will keep you warm, without making you too hot in bed and they can also be rolled and buttoned up. The hoodie is wonderfully soft, it has a deep-V and front pockets and is available in French navy. A perfect top for cosying up in front of the TV.

So get these great items before they go and don’t miss out on much more fantastic lingerie, swimwear and nightwear in the end of season sale.

New york new york

Bravissimo — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:13:35 +0000

Melody Full Cup Bra by Panache

The fashion industry had a very hard task this week. They had to carry on with the catwalk shows of New York Fashion Week and the business of fashion – which can seem frivolous at the best of times – whilst the city is remembering 9/11 and marking the 10 year anniversary of those lost. A very sad day, but the shows went on.

Victoria Beckham’s was one of the shows that took place, she has had an extra busy time of late, only just having had baby Harper, who accompanied her (of course) but she still managed to produce an accomplished collection for spring/summer 2012. Short shift dresses featured and body con fitted dresses that finish mid calf with cut away vest tops, racer backs and exposed zips. She showed parkers and voluminous kimono jackets in heavy silk satins. The collection is simple, chic with more than a look of sportswear about it.

Alexander Wang’s spring/summer collection also was inspired by sportswear, although he took his inspiration from tougher sports like Motorcross. Wang used high shine, waterproof fabrics, and leather. He also showcased the exposed zip and used chevron and monochrome prints. Peter Som’s catwalk show featured 1960s inspired tiny shorts, mini dresses and short shirt dresses. All in neons and acids brights, like citrus yellow, turquoise and bright corals. We also saw him use clashing sixties prints.

So what does all this mean in terms of lingerie for next spring/summer? Well, we can expect to be a bit more adventurous with colour, we will be seeing more neon brights and electric colours like our Melody Full Cup Bra by Panache in electric blue. We may see more large, sixties inspired floral prints, moving away from the small ditsy print of this year. There will definitely be a move towards a sportier look for bras. We are not talking about sports bras here, there will be a different sportier shape, but using gorgeous vibrant colours and prints in silky fabrics to keep that feminine look.