Mimi Holliday: Bisou Bisou Cherie

If you have an aversion to, or fear of, split ends then you might want to navigate away from this post. I have a good 8 inches of them and they're making a pretty intense appearance in these photos. You have been warned.

I've been on a bit of a Mimi Holliday by Damaris kick lately. I do have a great love of edgy and sculptural lingerie but when confronted by pages and pages of very feminine colours, delicate laces and oh my, the bows, i just cannot resist. So my arsenal has been steadily growing and when feeling super down a couple of weeks ago, this Bisou Bisou Cherie set ended up, somehow, on it's way to me. I'm not usually a lover of hot pink but i was powerless to the steady influx of Valentines paraphernalia and i'm not regretting this new colour edition to my collection because just look at that beautiful lace. 

As with all Mimi Holliday designs, the style options for both the bra and knickers is seemingly endless and i'm sure i'm not the only indoctrinated 90's kid who has gotta catch em all moments in these situations. But three bras and five knickers is a little excessive, not to mention completely out of my budget, so i settled nicely on these two (i'm sure you can imagine my utter devastation when i discovered the matching suspender belt was out of stock in my size though).
The "Padded Super Plunge Bra" which does nothing of the sort, unless you're like the poor model and are crammed into a bra three times too small for you, came in my happy size of 30B. I think any promises of plunging cleavage can be thoroughly ruled out when you have a small bust and to be frank, i'm just pleased that the cups don't gape. As with all my Mimi Holliday bras, the band runs a little large and i find it most comfortable to have it fastened on the second tightest hook. There's no gaping in the cups but due to the "plunge" nature of the design, my nipples are scarily close to making a bid for freedom if i do the proper swoop and scoop. If it were available i might consider sizing down to a 30A to get a bit more lift and shape but i am happy with the overall fit of the 30B.

The "Lace and Silk Bow Back Thong" was only available in a S so i risked it. The fit isn't completely perfect but honestly, i'm not a lover of very tight underwear as i like a bit of room to move so i reckon the XS would have been just that little bit too small on me. I'm also now training to become more adept at tying neat bows behind my back as the bow isn't sewn together and the ribbons must be tied by hand.  So i doubt i'll ever get that photoshoot perfection shown in Mimi's product photos but it's actually better this way round as i have control over how tight the bow is.

You can shop for your own Bisou Bisou Cherie set here whilst it's on sale but be warned, sale purchases cannot be returned and certain styles in Mimi Holliday lingerie suffer from a serious case of vanity sizing. If you'd like to learn more about the suitability of Mimi Holliday lingerie for small busts before splurging, then keep an eye out for my next post (i'm thinking it should go live around tuesday/wednesday).

3 Top Tips To Find Exotic Beach Wears

With the advent of summer, people want to relax by the beach side. Beach vacations are both relaxing and fun filled as you get to enjoy water sports. Now-a-days it has become a trend to host beach parties. This is because beaches are considered to be very calm and mesmerizing.

So, if you are looking forward to a beach vacation, then finding the right beach wear is also very important. While choosing the ideal beach wear keep in consideration that it should be stylish and exotic so that you can enjoy and be comfortable at the beach in confidence. There are various types of female beach wear like Bikinis, Sarongs, Kimonos, Wraps, One Piece or Two Piece or Thongs on the Beach.

Exotic Beach Wears

People look out for stylish and attractive beach wear. Seeing the craze, many designers now keep coming up with their exclusive collections. Whenever you choose any beach wear, make sure it is contemporary, stylish and at the same time comfortable. The beachwear made from fabrics like Lycra, Nylon, Cotton, Polyester, Crinkled or Spandex should be preferred as they are more comfortable and do not soak much of water.

Still wondering how to find exotic beach wears which will make you look stunning at your next beach party? Well here are certain tips:

• Design: Beach wear comes in different styles and designs. There can be flashy floral prints for younger people or sober designs for the more conservative. Young girls can choose from halter beach wear with floral and big prints. Tiger prints on women have always been preferable. Colored stripes or girls colors like lavender, pink, red, or black make perfect beach wear for a party. More conservative women might choose beach wear with tribal or jungle prints to suit them.

• Types: The one piece swim suit is a skin tight garment. It is generally worn by young females who have a nice shape and figure. There are different types of one piece swim suit like Tank Suits, Monokini, Thong Swim Suit, Sling Bikini, Maillots and Halter Necks Swim Suits. Two piece swim suits are the most popular form of beach wear. It covers both the upper and the lower body. Two piece swim suits include Bikini, Tankini, Bandini, and Camikinis. The bikini is however the most popular form of beachwear.

• Search online: There are many stores that offer exotic beach wear. They offer beach wear for all age groups. They display their collection through their online gallery to help the shoppers choose the best for themselves. But before you buy the beach wear make sure you are sure of its quality and has competitive prices as well. The other thing to be kept in consideration is to read the reviews and testimonials on the website.

Just having the right beach wear is not enough to give a glamorous look. There are many accessories readily available in the market. They include Beach Caps, Bandanas, Scarves, Summer Hats, Glares, Jewelry, Beach Towels, Beach Slippers and many more. They help to protect people from the harmful sun rays. Bandanas, summer hats and scarves are available in different designs and prints and have become a fashion statement on the beach. Jewelry and sun glasses have also become a style statement.

Brands for Small Busts: Ultimo

These four bras all have three things in common:

1. They're my favourites and out of my entire collection, they get the most wear.

2. They're all true to their size, a 30B and fit perfectly.

3. They're all from the UK brand Ultimo and were bought within the last two months.

In fact, before mid December my thoughts on Ultimo were less than kind. The name "Ultimo" for me brought about images of legions of 32 band bras with one common goal, unattainable cleavage. 

It wasn't until i was perusing Secret Sales (a website i adore due to their non stop lingerie sales, at the time of writing this you guys are missing out on Maison Close, but can look forward to Calvin Klein and Gossard in the next few days) and came across an Ultimo sale that i realised they had some pretty lovely designs and that some of their collections were available in a 30 band, starting at a B cup. So between then and now, i've bought every single Ultimo bra available in a 30B and i am beyond smitten.

One of the reasons i am reluctant to part with my money from stores such as The Little Bra Company  is that bras exclusively designed to fit small busts have a tendency to be either completely dull and uninspired or soft cup triangle bras. So this is one of the reasons i am beyond impressed, and a little obsessed, with Ultimo. All of the bras featured in todays post vary wildly in design and yet, although they are also all available in sizes up to a 38D, the appropriate construction changes have been made to ensure they fit their smallest sizes (i would really love to hear from someone who has tried the other sizes about how they fit and to see if this is the same for the larger end of the spectrum).

All these bras originally retailed for between £50 and £55 but are in the sale for less than £20 each. So limited sizes are available (30B available in all and 30C in most, which is great news for small busts)  but it's always worth checking out eBay if you're in desperate need of a particular size.

The Bombshell bra  has moulded cups but no padding and gives me the kind of lift i've never achieved before. Cleavage, for me, is pretty unobtainable but this comes really close. It's become my go to bra for when i need a smooth silhouette under clothes or when i'm wearing a low cut top and want a little oomph. I really adore the art deco petal design on the cups and i'm debating whether or not to snag the last of the matching knickers in the sale, a debate i've been having for a while now.

The Temptress bra is a quarter cup bra with a structured mesh overlay, or at least that's how i'm inclined to describe it. Not to generalise but i've found that most super small busts tend to be bottom heavy and so quarter/half cups give us great support and a lovely shape. The mesh overlay is just right as well (which is really impressive) and so there's no excess fabric. Overall it fits like a dream and the satin-esque band and minute details like the tassel and rhinestones (something i know many might find quite tacky but Ultimo seem to favour and the fifteen year old in me loves) give it a really interesting and dare i say it "expensive" look.

I have the full Temptress set, including suspender knickers and waspie (if you can call it that), and i am considering posting a full review soon if i can learn to love the photos i've taken (or find the energy to re-shoot).

The Desire bra is my newest purchase, and one of my valentines day presents to myself. Believe it or not this is the bra i've always wanted but never owned. I love the chunky lace band and the allover lace cups. Unfortunately the cups are a tad too deep for my smaller breast and so the fit on this isn't as perfect as the others, but it's something that i'd usually expect from bras like this and so is only a small niggle. Even with this minor fit issue, i get a nice little lift and shape from this bra and i really do love wearing it.

I own the matching knickers to this and i can say they're just as beautiful and the cut is incredibly flattering, i'd like to say the dude thing (not quite Ram status) was also impressed but i don't even think he noticed (if anyone has any tips on how to go about making a lingerie connoisseur out of a man, then comment them down below. It's imperative i know this). The whole set is making me rethink why i don't own more black lace lingerie

The Persuasion bra has maybe, possibly, changed my life. If you hadn't already noticed, it is quite similar to the Agent Provocateur Alina in colour and shape, although there are structural differences. Previously, i'd always, begrudgingly, assumed that very structural bras such as this one would be difficult (maybe impossible) to design to fit very small busts. It was always the excuse i, and many, cited for brands like AP not producing their very structural pieces in anything smaller than a 32B. But low and behold, this bra fits beautifully. The quarter cup yet again gives a great shape and support, the lace overlay is just enough to fit snugly against the centre of the breast, covering the nipple and the cutouts are perfectly positioned so theres no gaping anywhere. Aside from the beautiful blue based red colour (a colour i feel obliged to avoid most of the time due to sporting reasons) and the gorgeous chain detail edging the lace, there's just something very special about this piece and i am forever upset that i missed out on getting the matching knickers.

As of yet Ultimo don't offer any bras in 28 bands or in a 30A. I did email their customer services a while ago enquiring as to whether there were any immediate plans to expand their ranges to include these so i could relay accurate information onto you, but have received no reply. So i can't vouch for the customer service of this particular company as i am a little disgruntled at their non-reply (and i had given them a decent chunk of time before writing this). I'm also a little concerned as i bought all these bras in the sale and naturally, although my funds were happy for the discount, my brain and heart are anxious that this could mean Ultimo decide their 30 band sizes are not economically viable enough for them. I am over the moon with my little collection but still hoping that Ultimo releases more excitingly designed bras in 30 bands in the (near) future as, even if they haven't realised it themselves, they are really, tremendously, good at catering to the very small busted market.

*Just an fyi for full disclosure, if you click the link to Secret Sales and sign up, it does not benefit me in any way. However if you were to make a purchase then both you and i would receive a £10 e-voucher. I am not being paid to advertise this website nor am i using the e-voucher as an incentive. I genuinely do love the lingerie sales (from which i have purchased many times) they host and would like to share with my readers.*

Giveaway: Lavalia London Invisibra

This giveaway is now closed and the winners: Heather and Justine, have been contacted. Thank you all for entering and keep an eye out for the next giveaway!

Valentines day is fast approaching. My own plans include a nine to five at university followed by a long shift at work and rounded off with a self indulgent "nobody loves me" bath (yes i have planned my misery in advance). In honour of this ridiculous and meaningless day, oflambsandlace has teamed up with Invisibra  to offer two oflambsandlace readers the chance to win one of their red or black lace self-adhesive bras (as pictured above). Because lets face it, whether you're dressing up all fancy and having a great time or eating your body weight in ravioli and tears, new lingerie is going to make your day better. 

If you're not familiar with the Invisibra range then here's everything you need to know:

"Invisibra is a strapless, backless, self-adhesive bra that not only lifts and enhances cleavage, but also gives women a sense of freedom-free from straps and bands, and freedom to wear backless and strapless tops, dresses and gowns."

I can't attest for how well these actually work but i've seen more than enough reviews that make me thoroughly wish i could enter my own giveaway and win (because i have cleavage needs sometimes too, not to mention how much one would compliment my wardrobe) 

Invisibra only comes in cup sizes A to D so i'm afraid this giveaway might not suit any fuller busted ladies reading this, but the absence of a band makes these bras perfect for us small breasted folk.
To enter this giveaway, use the rafflecopter widget below (but make sure you read the T&Cs first).
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Terms and Conditions

This giveaway is open until 12:00am on the 10th of February and is open to international entrants.
All entrants must be 18+ or have permission from a parent or guardian to share their home address.
You must be contactable by the email used to sign in on rafflecopter as winners will be contacted by these means alone and within a few hours of the end of the giveaway. Winners will be chosen randomly using rafflecopter and must reply within 72 hours of receiving an email confirming their win or another winner will be chosen. Both winners will be referred to the Invisibra team, via email, who will handle the shipment of the prizes. 

If you'd like to know more about how Invisibra works, read an influx of testimonies from satisfied customers or just buy your own invisibra, you can do so at their website here.

Dear Kate

So i am back, after such a long hiatus but anyone who follows me on instagram or twitter can attest to my life being swamped with both work and University exams for the last couple of months. Honestly, today and yesterday (and we're talking Tuesday and Wednesday here because i'm writing this in the past) have been the first days since the beginning of december where i've actually had time to myself. So i apologise wholeheartedly but, to paraphrase a Liverpudlian hero, life is what happens when you're busy thinking about Lingerie and i'm sure i'll keep having to make these little apologetic asides.

Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Today we're going to be talking about periods, mostly. And it's not a subject i venture into very often. Don't get me wrong, i'm not ashamed or particularly modest when it comes to my bodily functions and fluids but i'm a shut up and put up kind of girl. The way i see it, if i live to be 75 (and if you know my family history then that's quite generous), then approximately 14% of my adult life will be spent on my period, so what is the point in whining about it every month? 

That being said, i always end up ruining a pair of knickers through my idiocy (8 hours in the library and no spare tampons? Don't mind if i do) and having multiple moments of paranoia that i'm leaking in public. Its inevitable. 

Dear Kate have obviously recognised this as a problem that many women face (own up, i'm not the only idiot who decided to wear pastel coloured eyelash lace knickers mid way through my period, am i?) and set about doing something about it. Enter knickers that essentially have an extra layer of protection that can absorb 3 teaspoons worth of liquid (that's 35% of the average amount of fluid expelled during a normal flow period), is breathable and stain resistant. It's an intelligent idea that pretty much solves all major period gripes. I was however, mighty sceptical, i had vivid images of knickers that just felt like you were wearing a pad (something i purposely avoid because nappy (diaper) butt stops being cute when you are 2). This is not the case thankfully and these knickers aren't bulky or uncomfortable in the slightest. And whilst they're not something i'd reach to wear for say, a hot date, they're not hideous. The mesh panels and the diamond pattern are sweet and quite stylish so i certainly wouldn't be ashamed to be caught wearing them.

I was sent the Ella Hipster full in an XS and the Ella Bralet in a S. There is a decent amount of stretch in the knickers and they fit me well, however looking at their size chart, that would make me a US size 00-0 which i am definitely not, being a UK 6-8. So i would probably suggest either sizing down or consulting the exact measurements for each size to ensure you get a decent fit. The Bralet has little to no support and unfortunately doesn't come in an XS. Luckily the style is such that it's not imperative to have a snug fitting band and cups for this to be comfortable. Which leads me to suggest that i'll probably wear it more as lounge/night wear than under clothes.

As it's taken me almost 2 months to get this post up and out, i've had a bit of a good test drive, choosing to wear my Dear Kates on the day i knew my flow would be heaviest and i'd probably suffer the most leakage. They really did not disappoint and washing them and any stains out was so easy. I'm definitely considering purchasing a few more pairs so that i never have to deal with blood stains or paranoia again.

If hipster briefs aren't for you then don't despair, these knickers come in pretty much all styles with various levels of coverage, i'm currently desperate for the thong. Dear Kate also do a range of activewear knickers, perfect for those who actually exercise and don't just lie on the floor and think about exercising. On top of that, they also have a range of extra large sizes so they're not sizing any women out.
Dear Kate has been kind enough to offer oflambsandlace readers 25% off their orders until the 16th of February with the code "oflambsandlace".

p.s. I'm in the process of moving all my books from my parents house so it's mighty depressing how sparse they look in these photos.
*These items were sent to me free of charge to review. All opinions are most definitely my own*