Bra Review: Scantilly Surrender

So far, I LOVE Scantilly. The quality is about as good as it gets (before you start spending $$, for example, on luxe brands such as Empreinte). The bras are sexy, lovely, comfortable, supportive and, the two styles I've tried so far (this Surrender and Peek A Boo), provide great shape and uplift. Lest you are under any illusions, my bra rating standards are very high. I'm not overselling this. If you're on the fence, and you seem to be within the size and shape parameters, click buy.

The bra in question today is the Surrender. Initially I bought it in my "regular" bra size and - as with every other Curvy Kate (same parent company as Scantilly) and each Scantilly bra I've tried - it was too shallow by a cup size. I returned it for one cup size up and the fit is fantastic. The band is true to size but on the snug side. By snug, I don't mean "Cleo snug" (which is basically a band size smaller than whatever the tag says). This is a true 32 (which stretches to 32.5") but has great firmness due to the recovery properties of the mesh. It's also a 3x3 hook. So it's more supportive and comfortable than any Cleo you'll find (not that I feel that Cleo bras fall short in support).

A couple of other sizing deets:

• The wires are a smidge wider than those I regularly wear (6.75" from tip to tip) but that's because the gore is lower than those I generally wear (2.5"). It's more or less a plunge but the support provided by the upper cup - which looks delicate but is sturdy - and the strapping above the upper cup imply that it would likely be suitable for breasts that are on the softer side. Note: My breast tissue isn't particularly soft so this is my intuition. YMMV. The wire shape is not as "U" as I usually wear - the outer wires splay out slightly at the top but it's not a problem for me. Perhaps I'm experiencing shape changes in that area? If yes, they're not observable but brands that use slightly wider wires are working better for me now than they ever did before.

• In a cup size up, this bra provides a LOT of centre-cup projection for a gore that tacks beautifully. It's also got a lot of lower cup projection (almost too much for me). The shape is seriously front and centre. Essentially, the style caters to an even breast that's full all over. 

• This cut isn't balconette (it's more of a full plunge) so the wires aren't set particularly wide (as can be the case with serious balconettes and demi-cup bras). So if your shoulders are proportionately narrow, it's a good option.

• A brief word about the thong undies: Size down! I often wear an XL in thongs because, as you know, I hate grippy undies. But these are very loose. I returned the L for a M and it's like an L, IMO. Scantilly is making good use of the stretch satin that defines the Peek A Boo sling. It's the fabric used to form the waistband of the thong. It's about an inch wide so this isn't, by design, of a grippy predisposition. The eyelash and embroidered elements on the upper cup of the bra are reproduced on the (minimal) thong and the impact is lovely.

• The upper cup does not have any stretch but the decorative strap above the upper cup is made of that black stretch satin (see above) and it does stretch / is proportionately long. That's good news if you have tall roots, quite a bit of upper cup fullness or you happen to be tall. If you have short roots or you're short, you may find that they gape or hang. You can fix easily this by undoing the seam at the top outer cup and shortening the span. For me, it's not necessary but if the above-upper cup straps were any longer, it would be.

But how about some photos before we talk about the set itself?

You can see the peach embroidery and eyelash lace motif repeated on the upper cup and undies...

This may give you a sense of the gore height (low-ish) and that upper cup strap decorative detail.

Can you see how delicate it looks? It's actually rather firm fabric. It is totally see-through. You can get a sense of the degree of centre-cup depth from this photo. I'm pulling that cup straight up, not out.

You can see that the undies aren't exactly "full". This is a minimal thong. The blush coloured circular metal hardware on the bra (where the straps meet the upper cup - see first photo) is duplicated at the sides of the front panel on the undies (where the triangle of fabric meets the side strap). It's a bit of toughness on an otherwise delicate design.

While I bought this set for a certain application, I sense I'm going to wear it all the time. It's totally comfortable, supportive and entirely sexy. The only thing I need to determine is how observable the decorative strap may be under clothing. While I have no issues with seams or nipples showing through, BDSM design elements (however demure) are not something I'm inclined to promote in the workplace. On the weekends? I'm down with that.

You may recall, at first I considered buying the basque version of this set. I opted not to because, really, it's impractical. (Yeah, I know. On rereading that sentence, it does sound a bit absurd.) Now I think I may have to get that version too! Note to reader: I will exercise restraint because there are too many new things to explore. This ain't the only pretty bra in town.

On the topic of how it looks: It's less full-seeming and more plungey on me (than on the model). But then her body is different than mine. This design is an exercise in soft and hard. The lace and peach embroidery are very delicate. The pink gold hardware and decorative strap are hard. The satin accents allow disparate elements to cohere. The fabric is entirely transparent, as you can see.

This set is analogous to a complicated glass of wine. It isn't easy which is just what makes it fun. Every sip promotes a new awareness on the tongue, a new subnote. There's a lot to get with here and it is in no way boring. I feel it's a good design for women of all ages. There are youthful elements but also very sophisticated ones.

You do need to own it though. If you're not into lingerie as art this set could seem contrived or intimidating. For me, though, it's a daily basic! So you see it takes all types.

But what about you? What are your feelings about the look of this set (or the feel, if you've bought it)? Let's talk!

Bra Review: Curvy Kate Bardot Babydoll

I'm not a huge fan of Curvy Kate bras - not that I've had a ton of experience of the brand. I've tried a couple of the 1.0 styles (the brand originally designed in a shallower and wider profile than it does now). Those really didn't work on my very projected and narrow shape. Then, recently, I tried Scantilly (the sexy line) and I loved the quality and design. The model I tried (Peek a Boo) was also a bit shallow and wide, but less so than the CK regular brand.

At that point, my interest was piqued.

So, recently I ordered 2 more CK items: The CK Bardot Babydoll (known for being in the more projected category) and the Scantilly Surrender.

The results were interesting.

For starters, the Scantilly - ordered in my usual size (and the same size in which I ordered the Peek a Boo) was simply too shallow - moreso than the Peek a Boo, which fit a bit snug at the centre cup but not so much that it's a deal breaker. The Surrender, in my regular size, yields pillowing at the upper cup though the band size (32 - the size I'm wearing these days) is fine. So I returned the bra for one in a cup size larger. I also found the thong undies to be ridiculously loose, though I always order up a size because I hate cling. In this instance, I've returned the thong for a medium. Of course, I'll let you know what I think when I get the next parcel. What I will say is that the quality is lovely but the price is higher than that of the regular CK line, so it should be, IMO.

I didn't have much hope for the Bardot Babydoll:

This garment comes in a variety of black-based colourways. I got the one with lilac trim, largely because it was on sale - and it looked as appealing as any of the others. Needless to say, this isn't daily wear, though I could totally use it as a bra and slip. The unpadded cups are bra-sized. This style comes in a bra and undies set as well as the babydoll.

The site from which I purchased this didn't have my regular size in stock, so I decided it would be a good opp to see whether one cup size up would fit better than the Scantilly I already owned. As I discovered, the fit is utterly PERFECT. Apparently, I wear a cup size up from the usual in CK.

Note: I understand that the brand redesigned many of its styles (and its sloper) because it was becoming known as a brand that fit everyone badly. The early styles - now discontinued - are very wide, very shallow and they scaled badly into larger cup sizes.

I don't find the cup width to be overly wide in either Scantilly or CK 2.0 (the new bras, drafted with more cup depth). They are wider than Empreinte but I feel they're on par with Cleo. I do have to measure before I confirm this definitively, but that's my take so far.

It appears that this brand just isn't overly true-to-size vis a vis centre-fullness and immediate projection, which is why I had to size up to get the gore to tack and the upper cups to fit. What's interesting is that the shape of the Bardot (and the Surrender - and the Peek a Boo) is perfect for me which is why, I guess, going up a size works. The Bardot suits those with even breasts that are full overall. I would totally buy the bra/undies version because it provides a really round, front and centre shape that isn't in your face. It would be great under lots of clothing and, I suspect, invisible. The bra component is elegant and the band is nice and firm, with 3 hooks and eyes, but also very comfortable.

This bra set and babydoll are often available on sale at really good prices.

Now let's talk about the skirt of the babydoll: It's a bit cheap-feeling and it clings from static at the drop of a hat. The hem is made of the same satin as is used on the Peek a Boo (I believe) but somehow it doesn't come off in the same luxe and rich way that it does there.

Feel notwithstanding, I really like the look of the back of this garment:

This pic doesn't show it off to its best effect but the keyhole under the bra band is strangely sexy. You can see that they've simply taken a bra and added a skirt onto it.

All in all, I'd recommend this babydoll for someone looking for a non-matrix sized sexy but supportive garment. It is most suitable those with moderate breast projection so go up a cup size if you're on the deep side. I would buy on sale because, while it's cute and the bra portion is elegant, the skirt doesn't thrill me. It's just not up to my standards in terms of fabric. As with all garments of this description, the cut is, well, juvenile. Mind you, I've learned a bit more about CK sizing and I'm really impressed by the fit. The price point is also appealing if you want to have a bit of fun without breaking the bank. You can always find CK on sale. I can tell the Bardot bra would be very comfortable and, I suspect, durable.

Today's questions: Anyone tried the Bardot babydoll or the bra? Anyone tried the Scantilly Surrender? What do you think of this brand - or of these bras specifically? Do you go up a cup size when you wear this brand? Let's talk.

Bra Review: Scantilly Peek A Boo

Peeps, I'm unduly impressed by the Scantilly Peek A Boo set. It's of excellent quality, a fact which is immediately apparent, and it's gorgeous while also being entirely sexy. Sure, I'm not looking to add it into regular daily rotation, but one could wear it to work and achieve a lifted, supported, lovely silhouette. Talk about a fun secret!

For starters, here are a few - completely inadequate - shots I took (as we know, photographing black satin is something best left to the professionals). Do not let my pics dissuade you - the Scantilly site model shots (much as I don't love Scantilly styling) show off the quality well:

Flat presentation doesn't do justice to the fall of that satin panel...

The bra itself is detached from the satin panel except at the underwire. You can see that it's entirely sheer but the seams are reinforced with satin tape. This makes the bra strong and, I can tell you from personal experience, affixing that tape is not easy. Sure, the product is being made with industrial machines and the techniques they afford, but this is workmanship. The satin has 2 way stretch and it's set on the bias so the drape is beautiful and it in no way sags, but it does contour.

Here's a view from the inside of the bra:

OK, a bit about the size and shape:

• The band is snug. The 32 stretches to 31.5 inches. I recommend sizing up if you're between sizes and you don't like a snug band. In retrospect, I'll likely continue ordering this band size and I'll go up a cup size to achieve the depth that this brand doesn't draft to provide. Note: I'm really new to this brand, as are we all, so take my feedback with a grain of salt. The next style I will buy - out in November - is the Surrender basque. That one looks more full coverage and deep so I may actually stick with my regular size...

• This bra is about an inch shallower for size than those in my bra drawer (i.e. those that fit perfectly) but that's cuz the wire width is about an inch wider. So, what I mean is that the bra is not actually shallower than my requirements, it's simply a different shape than I wear because I need serious centre cup projection. I generally wear bras with 5.8 - 6 inch wire width and 11-11.25 inch cup depth. This bra has 6.5 inch width and 10.25 inch depth. Because this isn't a huge difference - and because the other proportions of the bra work for me (strap setting, shape of cup) - the net impact on me is merely serious cleavage of the kind that most people are seeking when wearing this sort of garment. Of course, I'm rabid about firm tack of the gore so I don't love that element of the fit, but really, if the gore did tack perfectly, it would undercut the cleavage. Use that info as you will.

• It's very open on top and it looks GREAT on breasts with upper cup fullness. I urge you to consider this one carefully if your natural shape is not plump in the upper cup. Sure, the top of the cup is on the demi end of the equation (even as the shape is a true balconette). This can sometimes work on bottom-full breasts if the base of the cup pushes the lower volume up to give the appearance of fullness at the top of the cup. But it's a dicey proposition and I don't think I'd risk it because the wide-ish strap setting is such that you'd potentially get "strap gap" under those circumstances. (BTW, strap gap is where the straps hang away from the top of the breast where they meet the top of the cup because there's not enough volume for the breast to conform against the strap. It's most prevalent in women with large, bottom-dense breasts. It can also occur in those who've breastfed, for example, because nursing can lead to subsequent upper cup volume deflation. Full cup styles with closer set straps tend to mitigate it but it is just a fact for some and this style of bra might not be flattering under those circumstances, IMO.)

• On the topic of the bottoms - I got the thong (which I don't regret) but I also want the backless brief. I mean, it's novel - if reasonably impractical. I opted against it this time because I was testing and I figured that, if nothing else, I can always use a black thong. But next order, I'm adding in the brief. On the topic of thong sizing - it's on the true-to-generous size. I hate thongs that dig anywhere so I always size up - sometimes 2 sizes. I got the large (though in sizes that small-size I happily wear an XL and I'm a RTW size 8). The large is perfect - on the loose end by my own standards but I wouldn't size up or down.

And a bit about the sexy-factor:

Friends, it's hot. Wear it with this (NSFW link) and it's super hot. But because it's also entirely wearable (and how much sex underwear can you say that about?) you can maximize it. This is the kind of set you see in sex scenes in Hollywood movies - or French ones - but it's designed specifically for those with actual small back / large boob proportions (which is the look sex lingerie generally seeks to exploit). And really, we're the ones who rock this shit.

I'll be frank: It's easier to have small breasts when it comes to daily life - the clothing options are better, bras take less of a toll on the body, one tends to look thinner, all things being equal, and peeps don't eye one up and down as a matter of course. Needless to say, all the sizes of breasts can be beautiful! But there's no one who looks better in sex lingerie than the confident women with the goods to fill out the "boobs on a plate bra" in a non-bra-matrix size.* Which is why I'm so glad that someone came up with this brand because women who fit this description don't tend to look good in cheap, ill-fitting "one size fits all" erotica. (In truth, no one does, but the small-breasted have more cross-over options.)

So that's my initial take on Scantilly. Have you tried this brand? Do you intend to? Do you find the offerings attractive? Let's talk!

*I realize that this is a personal perspective - and that it may be divisive - but I do think that it's borne out in all sorts of media, modern and ancient. For better or worse, breasts are symbolic inasmuch as they're actual body parts. Furthermore, it's my blog, so I get to tell it how I see it, straight up! (Feel free to disagree though, if you will...)

Remember Me?

Lord, this month has been ridiculous. On top of everything else, I've been at a leadership course this week (it's a 6 month course that happens one week out of every 6). It's really terrific (and I'm as shocked as anyone to say this, what with my cynical bent) but I'm practically in a coma of exhaustion. When I say that it's blowing my circuits, I'm only half joking. I've had a bad headache for 3 days and, by the end of the afternoon, it's as if my brain has absorbed 5 times the amount that regular Krissie does. And regular Krissie (so I've been told) regularly absorbs twice as much, on any given day, as your average person.

But never mind that, the reason I'm checking in is to tell you that my Scantilly order arrived - I got the set in the photo from that link. While it's beautifully made (much nicer than regular Curvy Kate quality - but also quite a bit pricier), fucking Customs got a hold of it and charged me 53.00 CDN for the pleasure of opening the package, whereupon I discovered it doesn't fit perfectly. For me, as you know, there's not too much ground between "fits perfectly" and "send it back".

Here's the hideousness of this scenario: I would only be able to reclaim a max of 40 bucks of the Customs charge, were I to return the order, because the rest is "handling fee". DO NOT get me started on this. I also don't know if I have all the paperwork required to conduct an onerous Customs refund (were I to return the item) because Scott was the one who handled it and he's not known for keeping all the bits and pieces.

Then there's the fact that it ALMOST fits. It's slightly too shallow but also slightly tight in the band (I got a 32). Here's what I'm going to recommend if you decide to buy: Go up a band size and keep your regular cup size. You could also go up a cup size and keep the band size but only if you are on the cusp of needing a smaller band than the size you generally buy. The band isn't quite "Cleo tight", but it's half way between "true to size" and "Cleo tight". (Natch, I'll do a detailed review, likely on the weekend.)

Of course, this is the pain of being an early adopter who lives in a country with certain draconian laws on the subject of free trade, but I'm not going there.

The fact is, I don't know if I have it in me to order this again which leaves a) sending it back (and losing 10 bucks in bullshit handling fees plus 10 bucks in return shipping - if not more) - Note: I won't see that 40 bucks for months after processing a bullshit form via an onerous process - OR b) just keeping it and wearing it only in its proposed environment, and maybe out for dinner prior to that.

But my brain hurts so much that I cannot make these decisions right now!

Any other sort of bra, it would go back - whether for return or reship. This one's tough though, cuz it's really not a daily wear kind of item - even though it's totally supportive - and it in no way looks bad. Just cuz I don't dig stupid cleavage, ahem, doesn't mean that the person who will enjoy this bra with me doesn't. (Could that sentence be less elegantly constructed??) And this purchase has already performed many functions: gave me valuable sizing info, deets on the quality, confirmed my bias etc. Not to mention that, if Customs were to catch it again in reship, I'd have to kill myself before paying another 53 bucks so really, do I want to take another chance with this so fresh in my mind?

I will say this - the only items I EVER get Customs-ed on are from Figleaves (though by no means every time, mercifully). TO purchasers beware. There are few vendors from which to order this new brand (2 at the moment), no sales on the merch and, with the current value of the dollar, Customs will take the price of this set to almost 200 bucks CDN.

So, if you aren't a big risk taker / bra addict, may I suggest you wait till the reviews start trickling in?

The good news is that this brand is truly hot, does suit my shape and it comes in my size. That's actually very good info - maybe worth the 200 bucks when an almost-fitting, sexy-ass bra is thrown into the mix.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to lie down on the floor and take the edge off.

Thoughts or feelings?

PS: I didn't even get to the topic of my new fridge. Short story: Old one broke. Had to buy new one. Cost 3500 bucks but would have cost 5K if I weren't the genius online shopper that I am. Once again, this is where it doesn't pay to live in a country with 12 people and no manufacturing.  Not optimal to have had this happen before the kitchen reno cuz I had to guess what fridge will work (and whether it can be integrated into the cabinetry). The fully integratable ones cost 10K, for what it's worth. And fridges now last 6-10 years, regardless of how much you spend on them. But that's a whole other story...

Brief Lingerie PSA

So, Scantilly has just become available at Figleaves and Brastop (both UK vendors and the stuff is retailing at the same price in both shops). Needless to say, I bought a set. I mean I've been waiting 8 months to try out this new line. I'll keep you posted.

Get Your Knickers in a Twist: Scantilly by Curvy Kate

I've been meaning to mention a new lingerie brand (not that I'm all about promoting sub-brands of other brands that have never much worked for me): Scantilly by Curvy Kate.

Hear me out. Lots o' ladies love the erotic lingerie but can't for the life of them find it, what with being sized out of Agent Provocateur and totally disenchanted by the shit you find at sex shops.

Lingerie blogger - and Curvy Kate fan - Sophie has done an informative post on the new line (which includes photos of models wearing the first offerings). Alas, (as is so often the way), the lingerie doesn't optimally fit the models in all cases (In one photo, the bad fit actually looks painful!) No mind, you can still get a sense of what you think of the product on real, if gorgeous, people by clicking on the link.

As for the photos on the website, I can't say that the retro styling does anything for me, but I'm keeping an open mind about the loot:

This is the Peek A Boo set with backless undies. Hilariously, Scantilly calls backless undies "bare faced briefs".

I do think there's lots of potential here to fill a niche in the market that has been utterly overlooked.

But I'm curious to know your thoughts. Does this appeal? Would you buy it (it's not expensive but it's more pricey than the everyday CK line)? Do share your opinions.