Whilst i was in Paris i picked up one of my dream Agent Provocateur sets from their flagship store just off Rue St Honoré (I totally recommend popping in if you're in the area. The sales assistants are a total pleasure to be around, a big difference from the snotty UK staff). The Annoushka bra set me back £160 but it was way worth it.
Naturally i posted it onto my main social media (instagram) and it became a firm favourite with my fellow lingerie lovers. However i was reminded multiple times that Agent Provocateur isn't a viable option for many. It's an unusual person who can justify such a large spend on something as frivolous as lingerie and AP have such a limited size range that many (including me a lot of the time) are sized out.
So i kind of got the idea to maybe do a series where i pick out some of my favourite AP classics and scout out/link to some slightly more affordable bras in similar styles. Starting with my newest acquisition (thats a lie, i've bought more AP since but shhhh), Annoushka:
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The Anastasiya Bralette by Julie K lingerie is similar in shape and also made out of sheer lace but has the added bonus of being handmade in the UK and looks a little more durable than the Annoushka. This retails for £32 and can be shipped internationally.
This ASOS Fishnet Croptop mimics the shape of the Annoushka but offers more coverage with a non sheer fabric and has some interesting strap details. This bra comes in some pretty small sizes so is definitely suitable for small busts (yay!) and retails at £18.
The Venus Cage Bra from Agashi by Christina O actually shares an identical silhouette to the Annoushka with the halterneck and the shoulder straps, but is significantly more daring and definitely not just to be worn under clothes. This bra comes in at £92.13 but is entirely handmade and a potential wardrobe staple (if you're anything like me!)
This handmade mesh halter comes with a matching fluffy bra (i die, i have such a thing for faux fur lingerie) looks perfect under or over bras and is just as sheer as the Annoushka. It's made in the UK and retails at £20.
This Vintage Black Lace crop top with built in bra is a more wearable version of the Annoushka, definitely more outerwear than lingerie. It's available in a 34D but looks like it'd be easy to adjust to smaller sizes with a few cleverly placed darts and costs £19.06.
This Asymmetric Bandeau Bra from Topshop isn't a halter neck but has the exposed underwire that takes the Annoushka to the next level. It's delicate, sheer and retails for £20.
The Transit Bralette by POUTFITS has a halterneck design with an open back and sheer panelling. It bridges the gap between lingerie and outerwear, being suitable for both and costs £26.69.
This heart cutout bra top shares its shape with the Annoushka but is ultimately much more fun. Made out of velvet with a giant heart cutout in the centre and the option of ruffle trim, it's kind of a no brainer boudoir piece. I desperately want the black and white one pictured in the final photo. Starting at £22.87, this is fully customisable and made to order.
The Vixen and Femme Fatale bra from For Love and Lemons are very similar to the Annoushka (which is no surprise since FLaL actually make a living from very closely copying designs) but come in at a much more affordable £63.84 and £51.45.
And finally, if you're lucky enough to live near a Victoria Secret, keep an eye out for the limited edition almost perfect dupe of the Annoushka, but with the addition of a plunging slit, as reviewed on Write Me Bad Checks.
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As always, i fully appreciate and desperately want your opinions and comments regarding this kind of post. Would you guys like to see more in this series?