Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Lingerie Shop Along: My Loot

OK, here's what I've purchased to meet the requirements of my lingerie refresh list. Keep in mind that I searched out promo codes (before this one was available through LCL) and managed to find some good deals:

1. The beige, seamless bra that works under everything:

Fantasie Smoothing Underwire Bra
This bra is a tricky fit, but if it works on you, it's genius. Note that the cups are molded in the sense that they have no seaming and the fabric is probably chemically altered to allow for shaping. However, the cups have no padding so it's the perfect seam-free, non-padded option - and the only one I've ever seen quite like it.  It is regularly priced $38.00 CDN on Figleaves. I got it for 20 per cent off of that - 30 bucks. When first I bought this bra in Toronto, more than a decade ago, it cost me $90.00. Given the amount I wear it, and the quality, it's worth $90.00.

2. The weird, soft cup "lounge bra":

Royce Charlotte Bra
Yeah, this is a wild card and I may well return it. For starters, who needs a bra to lounge in? Also, if it smushes my boobs together, as wire-free bras always do on women with actual cleavage because there's no separating gore, I can imagine it's going to irritate the crap out of me. But I'm game for a good experiment. And I will return it if I don't like it or if it doesn't fit. As it is, it regularly costs $35.00 CDN. I got it for $28.00. Note that some of my more outlandish experiments have yielded very useful results.

3. The cami with the built-in bra:

Panache Superbra Cami Top

I've wanted one of these since I saw the Bravissimo version in Breton stripes (no longer available). But Bravissimo's is padded and the cami looks baggy. I've also read the support on that brand's is pretty crappy.  The Panache Superbra, a variation of which is inserted into this cami, is a favourite of mine (and everyone else, it seems). It's actually one of those powerhouse bras you either love or hate. The cami above looks too long for me, but I can always serge off the extra fabric and hem it. Lord, did I just write that? Point is, it's easier to make the freakin' cami shorter than it is to find a supportive cami I can wear without a bra. It's regularly $41.00 CDN and I paid $32.00. Can't get a "regular" cami for that price.

This one's a wild card on fit, but I'm intrigued. And if it looks as badly proportioned on me as it does on that model (or as unsupportive), I will definitely send it back. Now's as good a time as any to remind you that these sites have more garments than models (of every conceivable size) to show them off to best advantage. With the knowledge I have of the brands I buy, I am often able to see beyond the photos. But sometimes, I just take a chance.

4. The replacement of the totally practical - and completely gorgeous - bra (the one I own is too large and the band too stretched):

Freya Arabella Plunge Bra
Really, this thing can be worn under practically everything and would as easily also hold its own in an "artful Hollywood" sex scene. It's regularly $47.00 CDN. I got it for $37.00 CDN. It looks like it cost $200.00. And the undies that match are all that.

5. / 6. The undies to add to sets I already own. I bought the bras at LCL a while ago. Now I'm following up with extras to increase the wearability of both sets:

Miss Mandalay Paris Thong
I actually own this bra and knickers in the cerise colour but I couldn't find a pic of the thongs...

Freya Lacey Thong
FYI, the Freya Lacey set is incredibly wearable and not at all a "boring basic".  This extra bottom will make it that much more useful.

While the Freya thong was regular price ($17.50 CDN), the Paris thong was half-price, also $17.50. And remember, the shipping on this order was free...

Now, stupidly, I didn't buy all of the goodies available through Figleaves in one go because I was really hoping to purchase the sassy set below from LCL. Obviously, I have a soft spot for LCL because they have excellent client service, really nice, well-curated stock and they ship for free anywhere in the world. (Somehow that never gets old. Free shipping is one of the best things on the planet.) Alas, my timing with LCL was off. And Figleaves received its shipment first. And because I found a promo code on Figleaves for 20 percent off - I couldn't resist snapping up the much desired, totally new:

7. / 8. Freya Gem Set

Freya Gem Balconette (The demi cup version for smaller sizes is superb to look at)

Freya Gem Brazilian Brief
This set, regularly-priced, is a very reasonable $50.00 for the bra and $22.00 for the undies. I can assure you, at a bricks and mortar store in TO, it will retail for $200 bucks before the tax. I got it for 20 per cent off, rounding the cost to a shocking $57.00. Yeah, I paid for shipping twice ($8.75) but this was still a steal.

I can't tell you how much I hope this fits well.

So, all in, including shipping, I spent $245.00. Do you not feel that's incredible value? In a worst case scenario, I'll be disappointed by fit and I'll have to return some merchandise, either for different sizes or because I just don't like what I receive. Worst part of that is hauling ass to the post office and paying to ship it back. All of these items are returnable for a full refund, minus shipping.

Do share your thoughts!

28 comments:

  1. I hope those things work out for you! And I love the demi cup version of that blue bra, it looks like it would be the perfect style for me if it came in my new size. Will be anxiously waiting to hear about how the cami works out, I'd love to have something like that. I just bought 3 bras from breakoutbras, and they are on their way to me as we speak. :-)

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    1. I know, I prefer the demi version (which doesn't look particularly demi and which seems like it would have more support than the balconette). Can't wait to hear about your bras when they arrive.

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  2. Do you get hit by Canadian customs when you make a big order from a UK online site? I often get lucky on small orders, but they always get me on the big ones. It rather deters me from ordering online unless I've owned the style before.

    It is technically possible to recoup duties on returned items, but the paperwork is a huge bother and they don't refund the processing fees.

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    1. Not generally, no. In fact, I think I've only ever been hit with customs on a UK order once. (Maybe not even once.) Mind you, I get dinged sometimes when I order from US (esp. the more weighty or expensive items). That's why I stick to orders from UK. Plus, I prefer the stock I can find there...

      I've never even considered recouping customs fees. That's an administrative exercise I do not have the stomach for. :-)

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  3. The cami-bra model seems to be standing at a weird angle, eh?

    Looks like a good haul to me.

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    1. Indeed. I hope that cami works better on me than on her...

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  4. $245 for ALL THAT? Omg yes, that is an incredible value! Even the crappy bras at Victoria's Secret are $60+ a pop (for anything over a C cup), and going to a "real" lingerie store nets at least $80-$90 for one bra. I want to hear your thoughts on the cami, it sounds like something I would absolutely want.

    Maaaaaaaan I cannot wait until I have some disposable income!

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    1. I KNOW! I'm so glad you concur. I was concerned people might think that is expensive for that volume of merchandise. But I know from personal experience, I couldn't go to a local department store and get that kind of deal. (Not that the dept. stores stock my size and style.) Never mind a boutique. I estimate this would have cost me close to 700 bucks if I had bought it here.

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  5. I tried to leave a comment and it seemed to be whisked away into the ether. I am loving the online shopping. I haven't the courage or means (getting laid off in Dec) to go there myself, but loving being able to tag along.

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    1. Victoria: I got both comments, fyi, so Blogger may seem to have eaten your comment but it was there.

      I'm so sorry to hear about the job situation. I only hope that this gives you an opportunity to find new work that you will prefer - or at very least a wonderful spate of free time to find new perspective until that new opp comes along. Obviously, this isn't the time to buy, but it will be sometime soon.

      Keep me posted on your situation. I'll be so happy to know when you can go shopping with abandon.

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  6. I KNEW that you were going to love the Gem. As soon as I saw it I thought of you.

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  7. I took the plunge and ordered a single set. *fingers crossed* it fits. I feel like I'm all over the board wrt to fit and just don't have enough experience to know if something will fit (it seems many of the great online deals are non-returnable).

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    1. I really hope it works out. It may give you necessary info, even if it doesn't fit perfectly.

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  8. GREAT haul! I'm going to post about my shopping on Friday.

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  9. that first bra - the one that is moulded in the sense that it's altered to hold shape yet completely unpadded... that's what all those Chantelle bras I liked are like. It's the most comfortable, breathable thing ever. I'm still mad that they changed the fit of my favourite style so it no longer works for me!

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    1. Oh, I can see how that would traumatize you. Maybe this one would work? BTW, it fits large in the cups so size down, they say.

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  10. I'm late to the party here, but I'm a fellow busty who loves beautiful lingerie. I'm just getting into the whole concept of wearing matching bra & panties, but find that it requires a lot of thought and planning to pull off. Most days I still revert to my utilitarian cotton undies.

    Anyway, I'm curious about how you store your bra & panty sets. Do you put bras & panties separately or matched sets together?

    And what about washing? I don't have the time or energy to hand-wash so I will put my delicate bras in a wash bag & throw in the machine on the gentle cycle but just throw the panties in sans wash bag. I always wonder about these logistical things...

    One last question, as I'm considering ording from LCL. I live in a condo and I wonder how discrete their shipping package is. Does it actually spell out "LArge Cup Lingerie" so everyone who sees the package, concierge, whoever, knows what you bought, or is it more discrete?

    Sorry about the long post and all the questions but this is a subject dear to my heart — no pun intended. Thanks, Julia

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    1. Julia: These are great questions.

      OK, I buy a thong and shorts of each bra (once I know it works) to maximize usage under different clothing. With black or beige bras I will wear non-matching (but not noticeably so) black or beige undies, but that's the only time I will break up a set. I'm kind of compulsive that way.

      I store them together, undies in front of bras. I fold everything small given the storage I have. But I don't wear padded or molded bras so they can fold small without damage.

      I will hand wash, I don't find it that onerous for a bra - if I need it and I don't want to do a load of laundry. Otherwise, I wash the bras and undies together, in a laundry bag, on cold and delicate cycle.

      The LCL people package discreetly. I threw out the packaging that most recently arrived but, if I remember correctly, they have a sticker that says LCL. And the shipping tag is discreet too.

      Hope this info helps!

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    2. Just wanted to thank you very much for the discount code! I just placed my order with LCL.

      I ordered the Freya Lacey bra & three different panties to go with it — based on your recommendation of this particular set. I also ordered a Fantasie Elodie bra in slate (though they didn't have panties in my size to match in the slate so I'll have to scour other sites for those). Can't wait to get them. I can be somewhat OCD with many things, now I can see myself getting crazy about matching bra & undies all the time!

      Now I'm off to reorganize my bra & panty drawer. I think one of the reasons I'm not wearing my nice bras and panties on a regular basis, and matching them, is because of the way I'm storing them. I have my bras in one drawer and my panties in another. Even then, I keep my most-worn bras in full view in my walk-in closet so I can grab and go when I'm getting dressed in the morning — which means the others stored in the drawer get forgotten.

      Thanks for all the bra/lingerie talk! Don't know about others, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Julia

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    3. So glad to hear it! Keep us posted. And I forgot to mention (though I'm sure you know), never put the bras into the dryer. Kills the elastic and inclines the under wires to poke through the fabric given the heat and motion.

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    4. OMG, no! Never the dryer! In fact, I won't even put those precious pricey panties in the dryer, either! I'm pretty obsessive when it comes to laundry, too.

      I'll let you know how it goes when I get everything. Looking forward to hearing from you when you get your loot, too! Julia

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    5. OK, just so we're on the same page! :-)

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  11. Ooh, I love that pretty, dusty blue! I went and looked at all the matching sets in that series and I'm a little in love. These are wonderful posts with so many practical ideas... awesome!

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    1. You have a discount code at your access till the end of the month, at LCL!

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  12. Way late comment but I assume you'll see it-- thanks for the impetus to go bra shopping. Fifty bucks later on ebay (NWT/NWOT, most likely store returns or similar) I have two new, pretty, un-stretched-out bras. And I'm eyeing that Gem, even full price.

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    1. This is great to hear. That's a great price for 2 almost new bras.

      I actually just bought a bra on eBay for the first time. It's a bra I already own (but in a size I think will work better). It cost about the same as what I would get from LCL or Figleaves, on sale. And the vendor has a very high rating. The bra I ordered has got tags. Haven't received it yet but I may write more about the vendor/experience when I do.

      Just remember to size down one band and one cup size, by VOLUME, not letter, if you buy the Gem. So, if you're a 34D normally, buy a 32D.

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