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!