London Fashion Week comes to an end tomorrow, there were some wild and wacky shows as usual and quite frankly some wild and wacky members of the audience (Yes you, Kitty Brucknell, former X-Factor contestant…take a look online). Here are some of highlights from one of the biggest events in the fashion calendar.

Mulberry took their inspiration from the delightful children’s book, Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are, with huge Yeti like creatures standing either side of the runway.

The clothes were equally hairy and monster-like. The catwalk was filled with Mongolian fur coats in chocolate brown and black, shaggy gilets and skirts (that we think you may have to blow dry, rather than iron). The hues used were burnt orange, tangerine, caramel and dark browns. An amazing collection (shame about the real fur used) but we all know Mulberry for their luxury bags, and they launched their new Mulberry bag called the Del Rey, named after the American singer Lana Del Rey, the bag was a bit like a 1950’s bowling bag but with that Mulberry classic styling too.

Another designer known for her gorgeous bags is Orla Kiely, her show was based on an ‘afternoon tea dance’. Models and professional dancers were all choreographed as they waltzed around the dance floor, to music played by a live swing band, there was even a glitter ball and cafe. Her collection was pretty and girly, with dresses that looked very vintage 1950’s, in pale ditsy prints and cream and black striped dresses with huge bows, she accessorised her tea dance collection with gold t-bar dance shoes and glittery short socks.

Sarah Burton, the new designer for Alexander McQueen, produced a great collection for the diffusion line McQ. Since designing that very famous wedding dress (for The Duchess of Cambridge) Sarah has carried the McQueen brand on beautifully. A large part of the collection had a military theme with smart stiff tailored coats and jackets clinched in by wide patent belts, some coats patterned with heavy floral embroidery and some without. But Sarah also showcased some huge ball gowns that were absolutely stunning, the upper of some, in all over lace with lace long sleeves and the full skirts adorned with large embroidery, some were made from tulle and some were in deep red velvet. These dresses seem to be inspired by Charles James, who was actually the late Alexander McQueen’s fashion hero. As usual the show was filled with theatre, fun and among all creativity and that’s what London Fashion Week always does best.

The weekend is here…Phew!

If you have five minutes this weekend and you are sitting down with a cuppa and something sweet or savoury and you have access to the internet, search for Adele’s performance of ‘Rolling In The Deep” at The Grammys 2012. Whatever is going on during your weekend, this will give you an instant feel good moment.

Adele pretty much cleaned up at The Grammys scooping a whopping six awards. She won, Best Short Form Music Video, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Solo Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Record and Album Of The Year.
Considering she is only twenty-five and has recently had throat surgery, she stormed the performance, holding the whole audience, (including some of the most respected people from the music industry) in her hand…not bad for a girl from Tottenham!

Adele is a real inspiration, she doesn’t come from a privileged background, and her Mum brought her up alone and worked two jobs to support them. If you also listen to Adele’s charming and enthusiastic Grammy acceptance speech, you will see how unaffected by stardom she is and how completely down to earth she is too. She is always true to herself no matter what situation she is in and that’s a rare quality to have in this celebrity age. She is also a great role model for young girls, she has achieved success against the odds. She is a beautiful, regular girl, and she is not skinny and has never tried to slim down and does not flash the flesh, which is a breath of fresh air. She looked stunning at The Grammys, wearing a long black Armani dress, gorgeous honey blonde curls and 1940’s style make-up. For a similar dress, try Pepperberry’s Cowl Back Jersey Maxi Dress, a simple long cowl neck dress that is true understated glamour, perfect for a rising star or just your average girl.

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day. For some of us we ignore it, for others in a new relationship, it’s a big deal. For the recently single we dread it and for us that have been with our partners a long time, it’s just another day. But whether you are happily paired up or not, we could put a different spin on Valentine’s Day altogether and instead of making it about swooning loved up couples, this Valentine’s Day could be about treating the one you love. A thank-you for a best friend, or another excuse to tell your mum how much you love her, or something for that amazing person staring back at you every morning in the mirror. We feel slightly guilty if we are spending on money on ourselves, but in order to feel good, confident and feminine, it really doesn’t hurt to spend a bit of our hard earned cash once in a while. So for a special Valentine’s treat for the one you love, whoever that is, take a look at Bravissimo’s Top Five Valentine Sets.

Coming in at Number Five, is the Moulin Rose Bra by Bravissimo. This bra is an underwired and a lightly padded half cup, it creates a lovely rounded shape. The print is a black lace print on pale pink satin, with a contrasting fuchsia pink velvet trim, as the name suggests, this set could be straight off the stage at The Moulin Rouge, Paris.

At Number Four is the Capella Bra by Masquerade. An utterly glamorous Valentine set, the bra has a sweetheart plunge neckline and a moulded cup that offers amazing shape. It is available in champagne, with a fine lace jacquard pattern covering the cups.

At Number Three there is the Vava Bra by Miss Mandalay. This set certainly does have va va voom! Like the Moulin Rose, this is also is a lightly padded half cup which creates that fabulous rounded shape, but still offers fantastic support. The animal print is right on trend and it is available in jade animal and graphite animal, which is contrasted with a cute fuchsia rose and black ribbon.

We couldn’t do a Valentines Blog without featuring Number Two, the Demi Diva Bra by Bravissimo. This will give you enviable cleavage and incredible fit and even though it’s a half cup, it will still provide great support. This bra is available in sexy pillarbox red and is contrasted with leopard print bows.

Number One could only be the Luxe Heart Bra by Bravissimo. This set will make your heart go all of a flutter, it is an underwired balconette and is available in plum satin with black trim and gorgeous heart embroidery. We have had fantastic feedback about this bra, it is very comfortable, a great fit, very flattering and supportive.

All of these stunning bras come with matching briefs, thongs and shorts. Treat yourself ladies, you deserve it!

Snow is still covering most of the country, and according to the weekend weather forecast it’s going to be with us for some time. The funny thing about snow is, it is magical and wonderous at its best, then once it starts to thaw and turns to ice and slush, we all decide we have had enough of winter and spring can’t come fast enough.

So if the bitter weather is dragging on a bit for you, let us offer some light relief, and little glimmer of sunshine. Pepperberry’s brand new spring collection is online now and there are some gorgeous pieces that you can get really excited about. There are some great coloured jersey dresses, fabulous floral printed tea dresses, some cute fitted cardis and not forgetting bright and brilliant spring accessories and much, much, more.

Some of the highlights of the collection include…

The Bright Stripe Dress in multi stripe. This is a gorgeous fifties inspired cotton dress, in candy stripes of fuchsia, brown, turquoise, white and purple, it is fitted at the waist then flares out with soft pleats. A perfect versatile day dress.

If you didn’t think tea dresses could be sexy then you haven’t seen our Printed Tea Dress. This dress encompasses sexiness and femininity, it is a super flattering style, because it makes the most of the waist and boobs, but hides the tummy area. It is made from soft jersey and is available in this great bright coloured spring floral. This dress could also be worn with tights, knee high boots and a knit, if you can’t wait till spring.

Every spring wardrobe needs a Classic Denim Jacket, so now you have found ‘the one’, what can we say about this wardrobe must-have? Well, it goes with absolutely everything, including the two dresses above. It will also will look great with the Polka Dot Scarf, another item that you won’t know how you lived without. This scarf will liven up any plain outfit, it is navy with a white spot, with a fine fringing on the bottom.

For a sharp and smart piece of workwear for the spring, take a look at the Statement Seam Workwear Dress in a lovely soft grey. It follows the sexy, fitted, tailored look, that has been on trend for a while now, with designers like Victoria Beckham making it big news. This dress is made from a wool mix fabric and it hugs the body beautifully, it also features cute pockets as an extra design detail and vertical seaming, which gives the appearance of lengthening the body.

More gorgeous spring buys to come in later blogs…until then wrap up warm and keep smiling.

It’s Saturday. When you woke up this morning were your toes slightly colder than usual? Did you have to crank up the heating another few degrees? And were you reluctant to get out of bed at all? If any of these ring true for you, take a peek out of the curtains as it’s ffrreeezzing! Britain is covered in ice, snow or a combination of both. Temperatures in the UK plummeted to below zero and the white stuff is expected to fall in most parts of England, Wales and Scotland over the weekend. Weather reports have predicted extreme conditions and consequent travel chaos up and down the country, so if you are going out today, be extra careful when travelling.

If you haven’t got anything planned, probably the best idea is to stay inside and have a duvet day, watch an old black and white film or the last episode of Downtown Abbey that you’ve been meaning to watch since Christmas. You could even make some soup with those forgotten vegetables in the drawers of the fridge. If you had planned to visit the high street today, to check out some end of sale bargains and your plans have been scuppered by The Big Freeze, then don’t worry, we have it covered, curl up on the couch and let us bring those bargains to you.

At Bravissimo.com we still have some great sale items, there is some fabulous lingerie items in the sale. The Karina Bra by Cleo is a really fun set in aqua/lemon and available in melon, it is available in this really cute star print. This bra is a plunge bra and creates great cleavage and fabulous uplift. There are matching adorable shorts or briefs.

The Lyla Bra by Freya is a gorgeous bra available in bold amethyst, with aqua floral embroidery. It is a pretty set, but also sexy too, with its sheer fabric cups. This is an underwired balconette, which has been designed lower at the front, so is perfect to wear under a lower neckline. Also available are matching shorts or briefs.

And if just looking outside is making your teeth chatter, you will need something warm and cosy to wear. The Softest Hooded Robe by Bravissimo in cream is also in the sale, it has had great reviews for being extra snuggly. It is made from microfleece fabric, which makes it extra soft and for extra warmth and comfort there is a hood, it is very lightweight too, so if it really is sub zero outside, you could even wear it to bed.

So wrap up warm, look out for your neighbours if they’re elderly, stay at home if you can, but if you are travelling make sure your mobile is fully charged and if you do venture out…enjoy the snow!

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?