Before I moved to London a few months ago, I lived in leafy, suburban Surrey where I have grown up for pretty much most of my life. I don’t come from a particularly exotic background so in order to make myself sound more interesting, when I was a child I used to tell friends, with great pride, that I was conceived in Majorca (fact), but without knowing what that actually meant. I know right… yuck.

I’ve only just recently graduated from drama school where I spent three years mastering the craft of Musical Theatre and I am proud to say that I can now do AMAZING jazz hands. I love fashion but I am not necessarily a strict follower of the latest trends, I tend to just wear whatever works for me that day. Oh but I am a SUCKER for shoes. I like to think that when I buy a pair of shoes, I’m treating my feet, not myself because it helps with the guilt and they work REALLY hard at walking so it’s only right to buy something to say thanks… right?

So seeing as I’ve got this amazing opportunity to write for Brastop, I’m sure you’re all curious as to what I’m going to do with it. I want to write about lots of different things and so I will definitely try to mix it up as much as possible. The topics I am keen to cover are things like Swimwear, Summer fashion and its new love for Pastel colours, your favourite celebrity women and how they influence your style, my love of 50’s fashion and 50’s lingerie, the trials and tribulations of the Push up Bra and my new found love for Curvy Kate. The fun prints and colours are to die for! Oh and I will definitely do a piece on KNICKERS. Not Knickers. KNICKERS. Big, beautiful, Bridget Jones pants! Let’s bring them back! No thongs allowed!

I don’t want to give too much away, ooo but what I will say is this: I want to create something where all women will be taken into account, not just the boobalicious ladies!  All shapes, all sizes- let’s try to cover all grounds. So I will finish there as I’m off to do some lovely lingerie research!

Jay

Some time ago, I happened upon a small website called Bratabase – which seemed like an interesting concept where users could enter measurements and details about bras they had purchased (or owned) in a bid to establish which type of bras might suit their size.

I forgot all about it until I paid another visit recently, and was amazed at how much the website had grown in a short space of time. It now includes comparison features, reviews, recommendations and a section for selling your old bras without having to go through the pain of eBay.

So, I decided to catch up with the website’s owner, JJ, a programmer from Lima in Peru who dedicates every waking hour to providing the world’s best and most complete online bra comparison database.

Brastop: So, how did Bratabase get started?

JJ: Many, many years ago I started reading a blog back in 1999 from an UK girl qho wanted to model and would complain about her boobs on her blog. Then her guestbook started getting comments from other busty girls that shared their problems, and she created a forum. She was  complaining about not being able to find bras, boob bounce, discomfort, comments – bras were a big chunk of what she was discussing.

When forum got created I joined, mostly as a reader first, but then I just started asking lots and lots of questions, looking for information to be able to also provide information to other members. I got a bunch of books about bras and breast health – everything I could find on Amazon and eBay, and in 2003 I even got some bras from eBay. It that was very interesting to be able to put bras different size side by side and see how they differed. Back in 2003 there was not much information out there about D+ cups.

How Bratabase used to look

I cant quite remember what brands or where they’d get their bras, but it was one of the forum members that mentioned that there should be a website to compare and gather bra information  The girl who owned the forum even made a static html file with her own bras and shared it with the forum – it was a table with four or five bras, size, color, brand, model and some comments – amd there’s where the Bratabase idea was born I didn’t really do much really after that… I loved the idea, but we let the idea rest for some years and the forum eventually died in 2005.

Most of the users had already said everything they could say about boobs and bras and decided to move on. In 2005 I knew some PHP and tried to make Bratabase. I wasn’t sure how to do it, but I just sketched some pages, forms and ways to upload data. But that attepmt didnt get very far as I was not sure how to do it. Then I figured that storing bra measurements would be a good idea – and that’s  where the bras I had were handy.

So I put them all on the floor and looked at them and gave a lot of thought on what are the differences about them and came up with the set of measurements Bratabase now asks you for: cup depth, width, wire, band, etc.

Brastop: So when/how did the current Bratabase site come about?

JJ: It was in late 2006/early 2007. I was learning this new framework (Django) so I started working on the current bratabase codebase, but it probably didnt go live until midst 2007 and from then on the site went almost silent for very months as I could not find anyone to enter bras. The site was not attractive to anyone as it was an empty database. I had a big chicken and egg problem

Brastop: How did you get around that?

JJ: I talked with some friends, and probably managed to get about 20 or 30 bras. I had to really nag them to bother and take the time – then I had a young friend who liked the idea but was very lazy, so I’d pay her $2 for each bra she could grab and add to the site – that helped for about 20 more bras. But then she ran out of bras to reach from family and friends and the data was not very good. I was (and still am) very insecure about whether or not the site was useful, interesting, understood. So I’d go around the internet looking for people who were talking bras and send them a message telling them about the site and ask for opinions.

Brastop: And how did that go?

JJ: Some people replied, but almost nobody added their bras, so it was almost dead until late 2009 I went to the thirty_twod livejournal community and sent a message to the mod to tell them about it. My email was oasted there and some girls started using the site – but still it was rarely. In January 2010 Julia from Balkonetka found the site and wrote on her blog about Bratabase – that day the site got 600 visits in one day, which have only beeen surpased recently –  that certainly helped. From then on the site has grown with a very slow acceleration rate.

Brastop: you seem to have quite a lot of bras on there now though?

JJ: 3362 bras as of right now. Mainly because it’s now a decent sized database and lots of girls are posting pics of them wearing their bras, which is really just starting to take off. The phenomenon there was that the first pictures I added were only of the bras alone, so other girls would also put pics of their bras alone – because thats how they thought it worked – but it’s taken about 18 months to flip that, and now the girls are more comfortable with it.

I always took a lot of care about making sure that the users could not be traced back on the internet. So, unless you wanted to, if someone found one of the girls on Bratabase there would not be much they could do with the information. And I always suggest that users sign up with a username they don’t use elsewhere. Most of them are not linked to the user explicitly, unless the user wants to.

Another glimpse at the old Bratabase

Adding information to user profiles on Bratabase is also helping a lot, as it helps to gain trust among users – they see your participation and trust that they know what they’re doing.

Brastop: I’ve noticed that you’re regularly adding more and more features to the website like the “bras for sale” section and “favourite bras”.

JJ: Lately ive been working a lot on the site – just not as many visible features as recently. I do all the coding, “design” (if you can call it that), and most importantly decision making.

I also opened a Trello.com board last month and invited some power users to join and share their thoughts up on features I have planned. Bratabase is not my job sadly, I do have a regular job as a programmer, but most of my spare time goes on Bratabase. Seeing that girls are  interested in the site is my drive.

I feel in debt to them for taking the time to go and measure their bras, take pictures and all that. I am totally aware that taking your top off is not part of regular internet browsing. But I’ve just loved seeing the community grow.

Brastop: so what are your long-term aims for bratabase?

JJ: I would like it to be a de facto reference for women on the internet to find out about bras and be able to use it to make a shopping decision. In future, I would like to have a system where you could just take a picture of a bra’s tag and the site tell you if that bra will fit you, and if not, what other bra to get, and where nearby to get it.

Brastop: Have you any plans to make an iPhone app?

JJ: No, not an iPhone app but ive been working on making the site mobile friendly – about 13% visits are mobile now and I ve been sketching lots of ideas on how to make the website work in a cellphone and enhance nicely on a desktop. I dont think a native phone app is needed just yet, for what the site provides, a web experience can do just fine.

If any, i’d make a phone app that just opens the site’s webpage, but just because people is more familiar with the app paradigm than bookmarking a website in their phones – but going mobile is high on my list. I am also finding new ways of doing things as I see people using it. I do a lot of monitoring on the site – so I can see if some page is getting lots of links or if there are more visits some day, check sources and such also see how many bras and users get signed daily. I also do a lot of data sanitization also to make sure people have entered have the correct information, that the models have the proper codes, if a soft cup bra does not have an “underwire” tag on it and such. It has many parts that the public dont just see and some others that get enabled only to users with a certain reputation.

I also do some bra calculator analisis every now and then – such as go check a bra calculator online, check their algorithm and make a blog post about it to explain how it works behind scenes.
I also care a lot about the image that bratabase reflects – I dont want to be seen as a data greedy information site or make users feel that they’re giving their data to me. I want it to be more of a hub. So I’m also thinking on new ways to play better with bloggers and see what can bratabse provide to improve their blogs.

Recently I added a widget that allows them to get some traffic from bratabase and also have “voting” on their blogs whenever they make a bra review.

For bloggers, the way to assocaite is to link your blog review from your bra in Bratabase.

So Tiffany tell us about yourself?

I am a very happy and content young women, a real family girl who loves to shop, laugh and socialise.

Our type of girl… How did you hear about the Model of the Month Competition?

I uses to work for a slimming magazine and whilst canvassing for underwear companies that cater to the larger bust came across Brastop and while looking on your site I saw the ‘Model for Brastop’ button on the bottom left of your homepage.

What made you decide to enter?

I had seen the competition a few times on Facebook and your newsletters and always shied away from entering, but I am the happiest I have ever been with my body, so I thought “just do it,what’s there to loose”

And what an amazing feeling it must be to have won! How did you find out you won?

I had just finished my 9-6 job and looked at my phone and there was an email congratulating me on winning the competition, I felt emotional that I had actually won it took a while to think it wasn’t a spam message.

Haha! it definitely wasn’t spam. How do you feel now knowing you’ve won? Has it sunk in yet?

Its such a lovely feeling knowing that I’ve won because I am curvaceous rather than because I fit a certain criteria.

How did your family react to you winning and having your photos online?

My family have all been very excited and proud of me. My sisters think its amazing as does my mum and boyfriend. Although I’m not sure my older brother will be as understanding.

Older brothers are generally really protective over there sisters, it’s how they say ‘I love You’ in a way lol So are you nervous or looking forward to the professional photo shoot and makeover?

I can’t wait to go along to the photo shoot, it’s so exciting knowing I’m going to be pampered and be made to look beautiful whilst being able to show off my curves.

Yes and you have such lovely curves we think it’s a crime is you don’t show them off lol. Are you nervous or looking forward to the overall competition ‘Be our CoverGirl’ ?

I am overwhelmed by the whole competition.

Did you always celebrate your curves? or was it a struggle to love them from the start?

I have not always been confident with my curves but as I now have a very confident view on my body and try to show of my best bits.

Exactly… we are our worst critics but you have to learnt to love all your bits… Out of all the prizes you won which one are you mostly looking forward to…

I am most looking forward to being pampered and to seeing the pictures for the shoot.

Well that would be very soon for you! If you had one wish to change anything about yourself what would it be and why?

If there was something I’d change about myself it would be the hang up I have about my thighs, I need to learn to love them a little more.

We think you should love them a whole lot more! Who is your curvy Idol?

I love Beyonce, she embraces her curves and shows them off so well and so right. Although I do love how confident Kelly brook and Jennifer Lopez are with their curves.

What’s your life’s philosophy or what quote do you live by?

As long as I’m happy with my body I don’t care what other people’s thoughts are.

What celebrity would you compare yourself to? Looks wise? Or aspire to be like?

Kelly Brook is who I’d aspire to be like she has made a very good career from being a curvaceous beautiful women and whilst having this lifestyle manages to keep her self respected and very private.

Did you always wanted to model? And if yes did you always wanted to model in lingerie?

I have not always wanted to be a model as I have not always been so confident with my body but now, yes it would be something that I would love to do.

Voting it currently open for the CoverGirl competition… Good Luck to all! Check out our Facebook page for more details.

Were you a lucky one? Read on!

These are our favourite three entries, hope you enjoy them!

1

“I don’t remember the time when I started to get big boobs, or ‘heavy chested’ as one would modestly put it. I swear I woke up one morning and they were just there, bulging out of my top like I had rather indiscreetly shoplifted a pair of melons. I spent the majority of my teenage years trudging through high street shops trying to find a bra that was my size and sort of went by the mantra that if I could fit my face in the cup, I was on the right path. All I wanted was something that had enough support so that I could safely run for the bus, but also something that didn’t resemble a hammock strapped to my chest. Ah it was a nightmare! It felt like I was in a war zone as I fought through racks and racks (pardon the pun) of AA’s, B’s and C’s wondering where I could find a nice set of underwear that wasn’t made up of less material than a pair of mittens (pants included). Feeling like I had lost the lingerie war I had resigned myself to a lifetime of knocking myself, and others, unconscious as I ran for the bus in the morning, in fact, I would just have to get up earlier so I could walk.

Then one sunny day a sympathetic shop assistant gave me a Freya brochure and lo and behold I had a revelation! The underwear was sexy! The models had curves! The bras didn’t look like they came from Mother Hubbard’s wardrobe! I was not the only person that looked like a novice shop lifter! Yes! Success! The war was over and I started to love lingerie shopping. We all know that whether you’re big or small it is imperative to have a well fitted bra (and pants- matching or not- we can argue that later) that makes you feel great. You wear it all day, every day and it’s the first layer of what will make up a fabulous outfit in the morning.

Since my years of teenage boob angst I have been to drama school, moved to London and started up a comedy sketch group called The Hungry Birds. I love music, dancing, 50’s fashion and bra stop for their endless supply of AMAZINGLY affordable lingerie! And guess what? I want to write about it! Plus I NEED a valid excuse to read up on celebs and fashion. I also promise one day to find out whether Christina Hendricks uses NASA technology to hold up that eye popping cleavage of hers.

Love Jay, 30GG from North London x”

2

“Nothing makes me feel better than new underwear. It’s a fact. You haven’t got the right underwear on? Forget it. If I am expecting an order from brastop, the post man will have to just put up with my non-made up face, bed hair and bright red dressing gown. (Not the sexy type- I look like Mrs Clause in it). That packet is not going back to the depo office. The moment I have my new garments on, it’s my smile and bounce in my step people are noticing. It’s the cheeky smile, knowing I have something absolutely gorgeous underneath my clothes on. It’s the streamline figure and support bra stop enables me to have. And most importantly, it’s the price tag.

My name is Jessica, I am 22 and blessed with a rather large natural chest. At my age, finding bras that are both affordable (my student loan does not go far), yet great quality and that actually fit me well is very important. From something that is comfortable, so I can rush to my Psychology lectures as fast as my legs will take me, to something that is sexy, so I can go and dance the night away- Bra stop offers all of these things!

As you already know by now, I am currently a Psychology student. However, I will not let the small fact of being a student make me have to have non supportive and cheap bras. I am fun loving, sociable, enjoy going out and of course, writing my very own beauty blog which I do in my spare time. Blogging is definitely a lot of fun, for both those who write and those who read. I have a very fat cat, named Paddy, and live in Plymouth, Devon. I enjoy taking advantage of Dartmoor on my doorstep, and going for long country walks, guzzling cream teas, and of course, hitting the local beaches in my Bra stop bikinis.

I would LOVE the opportunity to write for the Bra stop blog, as I believe I am fun to get to know, hard working, loyal and PASSIONATE about good underwear. This may be a secret, but it’s a secret I believe that is too good not to share, and getting the word out about just how wonderful Bra stop is cannot be more important!

Cupcakes and Love, Jessica Martin”

3

“Oh to be a Brastop Blogger

At 22, I may not have much life experience, but I know a lot about bras and boobs or should that be, I have a lot of bras and boobs. At 16 after years of having a modest 32AA, which was actually more of a 28C, my ladies sprang into action and by the end of the summer I was a very proud owner of 28DDs. However it took another two years and a move to the big city to discover that my 32 was in fact a 28.

Sized at a 28F, I was ready to take on the world and start University, and strangely enough my student loan soon found its way into Bravissimo’s and then Brastop’s account. My first correctly fitting bra was a Panache Inferno, which I still have, despite it no longer fitting, and to think some accuse me of being a hoarder. I think my favourite moment must have been when I found a Panache Inferno on Brastop and instead of the £30 I had paid at Bravissimo, you were charging just £5. I bought 8! Slowly, I discovered comfy and correctly fitting bras didn’t just come in beige and black and for the first time ever I was able to buy sexy and shimmery bras in a rainbow of colours.

Fast forward another four years and here I am with 28Gs and a gorgeous, ever expanding collection of bras in every shade imaginable. Not only are these bras pretty, sexy and delicate, they can hold their own as good as any of the beige boob bags that I was once convinced would be the only bra I’d ever get to wear. Working in TV has me crawling on the floor, reaching for things, dashing here and there and occasionally, if it’s really unavoidable, running and my ladies are always still nestled comfortably in my lovely lingerie whenever I check.

I’d love to be a blogger for Brastop as I have a love of lingerie, think I can ‘road test’ each bra pretty well and love to write, as well as having a 9 – 5 job which leaves plenty of time for ordering, trying and writing about bras and boobs. But most importantly, let me prove to my boyfriend and anyone else out there that doesn’t know that correctly fitting bras, that provide the support needed, are so important and worth the extra money and that you can still look sexy whilst looking after your boobs.

Plus any reason to justify the purchase of all those bras I have my eye on wouldn’t go a miss.

Love Rach xxx”

So, what do you think? We really thought these entries would feel right at home here at the Brastop blog. The competition was tough but Jay, Jess and Rachel really wowed us, so now it’s over to you to tell us who you enjoyed reading the most.

Simply comment under this blog post with the NAME of the person you like the most!

Good Luck to all x

• Supportive full cup bra styled in elegant, smooth sheer-mesh fabric over a delectable purple base.
• Decorated with a scalloped edge to its opulently embroidered cups.
• Uplifting, underwired cups provide a gorgeous shape, flattering feminine curves and good overall fit.
• Adjustable shoulder straps fasten with two hooks at the back, across three columns.
• 78% Polyamide, 12% Elastane, 8% Viscose, 2% Polyester

MY SIZE: 30G

FIT

The fit is pretty true to size, back was a true 30 and the cup was a generous fit considering it is a plunge style and often you find you need to go up a cup in plunges but I had no “fall-out” issues with this bra. The shape it gives looks great, especially at a front angle it gives a nice round cleavage, not too in-your-face, but certainly a good look for a low cut top. From a side angle, the bra could be a little more rounded I feel, however, under clothing I didn’t feel any self-consciousness of “pointy boob” so all in all, very happy with the fit!

COMFORT

Definitely comfortable; the straps are a nice width, so they don’t dig in, but they’re also not those horrible thick straps you associate with boring bras. Have worn this bra all day more than once, and there are no more red marks than any other bra at the end of a long day. Brownie points to this bra as it is one of the most comfortable plunge styles I have worn. The shorts are also very comfortable and true to my size.

COLOUR

The colours are gorgeous, jewel tone purples and pinks.

OCCASION

Not so much an everyday bra really, as I do prefer my balconettes. Lovely bra to wear for special evening.. out or in!

PRICE

The set is currently being sold at Brastop for £12.95 for the bra and £5 for both knickers (The knickers are on sales currently so hurry and get your hands on them!)

Overall, I would rate the FIT five stars at and the LOOK at five stars.

(Prices may vary – correct at time of blog post)

To celebrate this busty news we are looking for a new blogger to spice things up… Can you beat that spice to heat things up?

The blog has seen amazing growth in the last year with a mixture of home grown reviews, offers and competitions, supporting D+ women everywhere, and now Brastop is calling on our fans to add some more flavour to our ever expanding website.

Our lingerie hub is bursting with special ‘Feel Fab’ features from Magic FM’s Angie Greaves and reviews from resident bloggers, Becky Mount, Carrie Hunter and lingerie enthusiast Chloe Stanfield.

With the success of the blog and features all working in perfect harmony, Brastop is now looking to grow our busty news, taking on the world of celebrity fashion and lingerie trends. This will make the blog a better, well-rounded source for advice and a cracking read.

The UK hunt will begin this week on the company’s Facebook page for a well-rounded blogger who is creative and not afraid to get down to her best bits.

The house of affordable, top brand lingerie is scouring the web for someone with the knack to entertain readers through their writing skills.

To Enter:

- Each entrant will need to submit a post about themselves, their interest and why they would love to write about lingerie by 29^th April to kimberly@brastop.com.

- The top three blogs will be notified by e-mail and their post will be listed on Brastop’s Facebook page on 1st May for a public vote.

- The winning post will then be announced in true blogging fashion on, 3rd May, where it will be published on all Brastop social media sites.

The winner will be invited to become a resident blogger for Brastop and will WIN a lingerie set for every month of the year…

Good Luck… we look forward to receiving your post!

But I was happy to be proven wrong, so I gave Nadine a go…

Product description

- Gorgeous underwired bra styled in rich, satin-effect soft touch fabric on a rich cream base.

- Decorated with a stunning assortment of floral shapes in complimenting tones of orange and blues.

- A charming look with adorable ribbon bows and lightly scalloping edges.

- Uplifting cups provide a flattering shape and perfect Freya fit.

- Adjustable soft shoulder straps fasten with two hooks at the back, across three columns.
- 82%Polyester, 13% Elastane/Spandex, 5% Nylon/Polyamide

My size: 34DD/E

Fit: Knowing that cups on Freya bras are quite generous, I went for a DD, hoping that would solve the pointy-cup issue. I was surprised to find it fit really well. For those between two cup sizes like me I would definitely recommend going down, not up; I would have drowned in an E cup. The band is fitted and supportive and though the cups do have a slightly conical shape to them, I found that once I’d got the bra on, the fit was nice and my boobs actually sat much higher and rounder than in many of the balconette styles I usually favour. It’s definitely uplifting, but the cups come up relatively high for support and coverage.

The matching thong runs a bit small and tight. I’d advise going up a size to avoid digging in if you’re a pear shape like me!

Comfort: This bra is definitely designed with comfort in mind. The stretch fabric is lovely and soft and feels like a second skin. I often find that plunge styles dig in at the centre front where the underwire ends, but this one didn’t seem to which is a real bonus for me – I find it really difficult to find bras that don’t leave me with red marks after a day’s wear! I also love the deep bottom band, which is very flattering, feels secure and gives a seamless look.

Colour: The bra has an Autumn floral print – mostly blue and orange which is quite unusual. It’s not a colour I would usually go for as I’m quite pale and blonde and orange is not my colour, but in real life it’s surprisingly pretty. I think it’s a nice way to try florals for the first time if the girly pinks and purples are a bit too much.

Occasion: I’d wear this day-to-day; it’s quite a casual print and fabric. The cups are quite plain and the slightly shiny fabric makes it a good alternative to a t-shirt bra under fitted tops.

Price: £17.95 (£7.95 for the matching thong)

Overall, I was impressed by the fit and feel of this bra. The print is not my favourite but I’m happy to overlook that for a bra that doesn’t hurt, and I’m happy to find a Freya shape that really works for me. This has quickly become my go-to bra for under tees and tight tops.

(Prices may vary – correct at the time the blog was posted)

My Size: 38G.

Product description:

• Supportive bra styled in rich sheer-mesh fabric over a delectable black base.
• Detailed with intricate criss cross stitch and bold teal piquet embroidery over the cup edge for a seductive, smart look.
• Uplifting, underwired cups provide a flattering, feminine shape and gorgeous fit.
• Adjustable straps fasten with two hooks at the back (three for larger cups), across three columns.
• 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane

Fit: Some bras look great on their own but then when you put your shirt on, something’s not quite right. I’ve had this experience with most of the bras I’ve tried on in department stores and reputable underwear retailers! I do have a big bust, though, and I know engineering is involved in creating bras that give a heavier bust the right shape and support, so I understand why it’s easy to get wrong. Maybe bra makers only go by how a bra looks on its own, without ever doing the clothes test? I don’t know. But anyway the Curvy Kate Angel Balconette Bra was a lovely surprise because it fits on its own and it also looks good when I’m fully dressed. It has a kind of minimising effect. Not that I think big busts need minimising, not at all, but some clothes just look good with different levels of ‘uplift’ and different shapes, so the Angel Balconette is the perfect bra for my new silk blouse, which I wear for work and that is the same teal colour as the detail on the bra, so having my bust lest conspicuous than usual looks really good, a nice smooth line. People look at my blouse and not my bust.

Comfort: This bra is very comfortable, supportive and light. It’s nice to have a light feeling, well fitting bra that gives you no gip with the shoulder straps and the back strap doesn’t dig in. This is a nice bra for under silk because of the minimising effect. It fits great.

Colour: I love the colour of this bra – the teal contrasting with the black. The teal is so beautiful when I first wore this bra I kept lifting my top up in the mirror to look at it! (In private of course!).

Occasion: This is one for the day, for work but it’s also sexy enough to keep on when you do your quick change to go out in the evening. You could even undo a couple of buttons to show off the lovely teal detail. I don’t know why but the colour and lace on this bra seems kind of prim and sexy at the same time. It brings to mind a stereotype secretary ready to take her specs off and shake her hair loose! It’s kind of ‘sexy office’ wear.

Curvy Kate Angel Bra in Black/teal

Price: The Curvy Kate Angela bra in black/teal is available for £17.95 for the bra and  £8.95 for the shorts. I’ve tried on bras less comfortable and well fitting than this that cost more than twice this price. And it’s made to last, so to my mind, I’d say it’s a bargain.

I’m in love with balconette bras – well all types of bra really – and I’m glad to be adding this one to my lingerie collection, I really am. I love pushing them up and out and love my big bust but this one has filled a gap and given me a chance to wear fitted silk blouses without the buttons popping at the front. I’ve bought three more silk blouses since this little gem arrived in my drawer.

(All prices are subject to change – correct at the time of blog)

Angel Balconette Bra Black/Teal by Curvy Kate

You know me by now girls, if it’s Curvy Kate and there’s a new range or style and a deal to be had, I’m first in the queue – which is why I’m so thrilled that this week’s Deal of the Week is the Angel Balconette Bra in Black/Teal by Curvy Kate.

Not only is it my favourite brand, but it’s my number one choice of bra too – a balconette. It’s a gorgeous, thoroughly supportive bra styled in rich sheer-mesh fabric over a delectable black base and detailed with and intricate signature criss-cross stitch pattern that makes it one of my favourite bras of all time.

And guess what? You can get the Curvy Kate Angel Balconette Bra in Black/Teal, right now (for seven days only!) at just £15. Yes, you read that right – just £15 for one of the best bras you’ll ever buy.

What you waiting for – go get one quickly – before they run out!

Hannah Edwards

So Hannah tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 21; I work at my local recreation centre as a Receptionist & Lesiure assistant/sports coach. I am also a Zumba instructor and teach Zumbatomics for children as well as cheerleading. I have a beauty therapy background and like to do this in my spare time. I am a down to earth, caring and positive person, love to socialise and meet new people!

How did you hear about the Model of the Month competition?

I bought two sets of underwear from Brastop & saw the competition on the website.

What made you decide to enter?

I recently participated in the Miss Hampshire beauty pageant and didn’t place anywhere in the Top 8. It was fine as I didn’t expect to and I participated for the pure reason that I enjoy doing it.

After the competition I asked one of the judges for some feedback and points on what to improve on. The reply was simply that my height is an issue and I need to lose weight. I was disappointed but it made me more determined to wave the flag for curvier girls. I am not unhealthy or unfit; I exercise regularly and teach fitness classes!

We are so happy to hear you didn’t let their negative comment keep you down but encourgaed you to embrace your lovely curves even more… We are so happy you entered our competition. How did you find out you won?

I was just checking my emails and there it was – the email from Brastop informing me that I’d won! What a lovely surprise!

Hannah Edwards

We love giving surprises How do you feel now knowing you’ve won? Has it sunk in yet?

I was so excited when I read the email! Never won anything before I’m a very happy girlie! Thank you!

You’re more than welcome! How did your family react to you winning and having your photos online?

They’re very, very happy for me; they’re fine with my photos being online.

Are you nervous or looking forward to the professional photo shoot and makeover?

I’m looking forwards to the makeover & photoshoot. I can’t wait! It’s very exciting!!

I know it’s very exciting… we are only a few weeks away from the photo shoot, Remember to keep the 4th May free! So are you nervous or looking forward to the overall competition “Be our CoverGirl” Competition?

Again I’m looking forward to it; I’ll get nervous closer to the time but for now just winning “Model of the Month” has been amazing!

Hannah Edwards

Did you always celebrate your curves? Or was it a struggle to love them from the start?

I used to be very athletic in my teens. At least 5/6 days a week I would attend dance classes/gymnastics/horse riding and much more. As I got older, unfortunately I couldn’t fit it all in and soon I started to put weight on. I used to have a toned body but with age I went from being a small size 8/10 to now a 10/12. It was a big change for me. I initially found it hard but now I LOVE my curves – this is the way I am, and couldn’t be happier!

Exactly! You have to embrace your curves… so out of all the prizes you won which one are you mostly looking forward to?

It would have to be the makeover & photoshoot, after all this is the part I’ll enjoy most!!

Not long now, until we are all lounging in underwear eating cake! If you had one wish to change anything about yourself what would it be and why?

It would probably be my height.

Remember good things comes in small packages! Who is your curvy idol?

I love Mariah Carey; she’s just fabulous & classy.

What’s your life’s philosophy or what quote do you live by?

I’m a fond believer in “The Secret” it’s all based on your thoughts & how you look at things in life – You can’t live a positive life, with a negative mind

We love that quote… think I’ll add all the interview quotes to my wall What celebrity would you compare yourself to? Looks wise? Or aspire to be like?

Charlotte Church is a down to earth lady; she’s always been in the spotlight for her weight/figure and always remained a strong character. She seems to have a nice personality which I think is very important in life. She’s also very natural too!

Did you always wanted to model? And if yes did you always wanted to model in lingerie?

Yes, I have always wanted to model. I love being infront on the camera, creating different looks/themes/emotion through photos and Yes, I have always wanted to model lingerie.

Thanks again for entering Hannah, we look forward to meeting you at the photo shoot very soon… get practising your poses girls!

It’s time to tighten those straps and defy gravity ladies, today has been declared National Cleavage Day by Wonderbra!

It’s soon turning into our favourite day of the year as women everywhere have an excuse to proudly display their cleavage and show off their assets. We should be proud of what we’ve got and whilst it’d be nice if EVERY day was a National Cleavage Day, we’ll settle for just the one…for now!

And to celebrate this glorious day, we’re offering Brastop customers a chance to win a Wonderbra! All you’ve got to do is show us your cleavage!

Simply upload a photo of your killer cleavage to Facebook tagging Brastop for a chance to win! Entries closes Sunday night and WINNERS will be announce on Monday!

Happy National Cleavage Day from Brastop!

(Note: If you are above a D cup and can’t find a Wonderbra in your size you can choose another bra of your choice)

We’ve been getting our cleavage on all day to show you an idea of what to do (and we just wanted an excuse to join in with the fun!)

It’s important to remember that you should be able to get a good cleavage from a well fitting bra, and whilst tightening the straps may send your boobs sky rocketing for an eye-popping cleavage, this should only really be saved for special occasions!

Not getting enough lift from your bra? You could be wearing the wrong size, so why not check out our new Fitting Room?

Good luck everyone and remember to show us your cleavage!

Lepel Fiore

When I saw this offer pop up on the Brastop home page I couldn’t quite believe my eyes…normally Offer of the Week is reserved for just one bra, not 13 of them!

However this week we’re being extra generous because all Lepel Fiore bras are only £12 each!

Ask anyone I know and they’ll tell you that the Lepel Fiore is one of my favourite bras, ever. Honestly, I think I own it in every single colour…it’s a bit of an addiction!

Back in August I reviewed it for the Focus Group and now that spring is here, the lilac colour is being worn a LOT. But the beauty of this set is that it comes in a whole array of colours and currently at Brastop we have…*deep breath* black and gold, blue and pink, coral, sherbet pink, violet, rose AND peacock blue.

This is a hugely popular bra, and a Lepel best seller, so don’t let your size slip away! These bras normally sell for £20 so once again Brastop is offering you a bargain you can’t ignore!

74% of women buy bras online, feeding their addiction to spend. However they are not only left with a hefty credit card bill at the end of the month but the cost of overstocked drawers filled with ill-fitting bras.

This guide is here to help break that addiction and the cycle of buying the wrong size lingerie. It focuses on teaching the customer what a well fitted bra should look and feel like using a modern approach. Brastop do not recommend tape measures or the ‘plus four’ methods as these practises are inaccurate and should be left in the past.

Brastop’s unique approach uses an interactive design with fun hotshots, an animated video and lots of images to engage customers. You can easily lose track of time playing on this guide which mimics the layout of a bedroom adding a sense of style and humour, making everyday furniture ‘clickable’. A personal touch is given to the fitting video which uses their own curvaceous model who talks us through the four steps to a good fitting bra and show us what ‘not’ to look like. The online fitting room also incorporates a Facebook plugin and live chat making it easy to ask questions and share virally through social media.

Brastop customer and resident blogger Becky Mount shares her experience in using the online guide, ‘There are so many other guides out there that are just plain boring or doesn’t work. Brastop’s fitting guide not only entertains me but also fills me with useful information I think every female ought to know. Brastop acknowledges that many of their customers would fit themselves at home and the online guide gives us the knowledge to do it properly.’

So how do you feel about the fitting guide? Was it helpful? Are you wearing the right size bra? We hope all our Brastop fans are in the 20% of females that are wearing the correct size If your not, or you know someone who isn’t please SHARE the Brastop guide!

(* image should say down in back size up in cup size)

Curvy Kate Princess in Wine/Grape

• Underwired bra.
• Maximum support
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Adequate back fastenings – three sets of three hooks
• Elegant trimmings with middle bow
• 79% Polyamide, 15% Elastane
• Matching panties!!!

My Size: 34G

Fit: Now this bra is a different size to the previous garment I reviewed.  Having said that, the fit was fine.  There’s extra Elastane is this bra than the previous (7% with the last bra, 15% with this one), so there was more stretch but not to the point of discomfort.  I tend to go for the loosest set of hooks because it lengthens the life of the bra but because the band was slightly looser I had to start on the middle hooks which worked quite well with this bra.

The beautiful lace sits perfectly and the spotted design on the cups is just lovely – you can’t help but love the design.

Comfort: I could feel the bra but it is a comfortable fit. Great support, lift and division, and I love my little silk bow dead centre – which is it.

Colour: When I first opened this package I beamed from ear to ear.  The colour is gorgeous, officially Wine/Grape.  The main body of the bra is the Wine colour, with the lace trimmings and central bow in a Grape or deep purple – and Purple just happens to be my favourite colour.

Occasion: I never wait for an occasion to wear my new lingerie, I always test it out the day after arrival which has so far been a work day.  I always love new lingerie, I never fail to Feel Fab when I wear it.  That specific day I wore a new top I had bought, and as my mission for the first three months of the year was to not wear black, my top was an accumulation of cerise, mustard and burgundy, so I was Feeling Fab all round as my new lingerie was the same colour as the cerise on my top.

Now, the panties, love my thongs, but the full on pants that have accompanied my last 2 bras have just been 100% for me.  I’m a curvy woman so when my pants are a beautiful colour with embroidery and bows, size to me doesn’t matter.  These full pants sit on my stomach giving a flattened appearance – so I’m Feeling Fab all round.

Price: The Curvy Kate Princess in Grape/Wine is only £17.95, and if you’re going to purchase such a beautiful bra it would be shame to not go for the matching pants for £7.95.

(All prices correct at the time the blog was published. Prices may vary)

Provence Balconette Bra in Black/Pink by Pour Moi

How would you fancy an elegant, classic black bra with a lovely floral pattern, styled in smooth sheer mesh fabric that will give you a uplifting, flattering shape and fabulous, feminine curves?

Of course you would – so why not grab yourself a total bargain by picking up the Brastop Deal of the week – the Provence Balconette Bra in Black/Pink by Pour Moi – a total steal at just £14!

It’s been a while since I tried a Pour Moi bra, but I remember then being a snug fit and tough-wearing bras – so save yourself a fortune and get over to the Brastop website and order yourself one while stocks last!

Bestform is known on Brastop for it’s best-seller the Rebecca in black and white.

The Rebecca bra is one of the few bras Brastop sells that has a high cotton content, perfect as we prepare for summer!  Their collection usually consists of balconettes and fuller cups which is perfect for everyday wear and comfort.

Bestform

You might also recognise this set (white version) from our Brastop Fitting Video!  To view the full collection available on Brastop click here

My first experience with The Curvy Kate Emily was during the spring / summer catalogue shoot last year. I had the privilege of trying it on in black and I fell in love with the design almost instantly. This encounter however, was far too brief, which is why I was thrilled to be given another chance to come up close and personal with the Curvy Kate Emily bra in Grape.

Curvy Kate Emily in Grape

Product description:
·  Supportive underwired bra in vibrant grape, styled from a smooth lace-mesh with a comfortable, uplifting silky finish.
· Elegant embroidered royal floral detailing in complimenting black tones, with delicate ribbon bows.
· A flattering fit offering a striking look with a touch of vintage glamour.
· Adjustable, flexible shoulder straps, fasten with 2 hooks at the back (3 for larger cups), across three columns.
· 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane

Curvy Kate Emily in Grape

Fit: I ordered my Emily in a 32G, however I would have benefited from 32GG. Not because the Emily is small-made but because it appears my Breasts have a mind of their own and tend to fluctuate in size. The band size was absolutely perfect, not too tight but firm, providing ample support with a little uplift. Thanks to the softness of the fabric, the cup has a little give, which meant even though I could have done with one cup size up, I could still wear this bra with no discomfort or the dreaded ‘four boob’ effect.

Comfort: The material used for the shape of this bra definitely emphasizes its comfort levels. In the past I have found unpadded bra’s more likely to cause discomfort against my skin. However thanks to Curvy Kate and designs like Emily, my opinion has been completely changed. Curvy Kate fans might find the comfort of this bra similar to the Princess and Lottie.

For me, the fit of a bra and the comfort it provides come hand in hand and luckily the Curvy Kate Emily provides both.

Curvy Kate Emily in Grape

Colour: What I love most about this colour is that it’s unique. It would be fair to say that my underwear drawer mainly consists of reds, blacks, whites and pinks but this will be my first ‘Grape’ and hopefully not my last. In my opinion, I see this bra as a variation of purple; although my partner views it as a deep red. However you wish to define it, one thing that surprised me most was how beautifully vibrant it is. This combined with my deep love for anything floral meant that for me, the design really is a visual treat!

Occasion: This is a perfect every day bra, whether you work in an office or the great outdoors the ‘Emily’ is versatile and comfortable enough to accommodate you. It might not give you the push and cleavage that the Curvy Kate Showgirl range provides but it can still be a great support for a night out or special occasion. Just don’t put a sheer white blouse directly on top of this bra, unless you want to show the office its deep vibrant colour. Then again…  that’s certainly something worth seeing.

Price: The Curvy Kate Emily in grapew comes in at £17.95 with a matching thong for £6.95 and matching shorts for the same price, which is an added bonus for short lovers as thongs are usually the cheaper option.

(all prices are correct at the time this blog was posted)

Krisline Freesia Pink/grey Bra

You’ve got just under six days to grab this week’s Deal of the Week – the Freesia Balconette Bra Pink/Grey by Krisline.

This is a stunning balconette bra styled in lightly padded fabric over a delectable silver base with a contemporary look.

Infused with hints of vintage-inspired prints and decorated with a burst of charming pink tones, ribbon bows and elegant sheer mesh overlay.

Hurry – and get the Freesia Balconette Bra Pink/Grey by Krisline – a beautiful bargain bra – for just £16!

It’s a great time to not only spring clean your home, but also take a look at your wardrobe, and think about changing some clothing. Perhaps some brighter colours?

I set myself a mission at the beginning of the year to not wear any black– just a personal thing – glad to say I’ve done quite well so far. I’m now looking in the lingerie department, because I always find when my lingerie is in tip top condition or I’ve treated myself to a new set, I really do Feel Fab!

Curvy Kate Tease Me

I love the colours being featured in some of the selections from Freya, Gossard and Curvy Kate; the blues mixed with white, hot pinks piped with black lace and turquoise piped with nude lace. My selection of lingerie is on the increase as I changed my outer clothing to be more colourful, and create an even more colourful selection of underclothing.

Another route to Feeling Fab!

Curvy Kate Emily bra in grape/black

Before I start on this week’s Bra of the Week – the Curvy Kate Emily balconette bra grape/black, I thought I would provide some insight into my thoughts on Curvy Kate lingerie.

I was asked recently what it is about Curvy Kate bras that I like so much. If you’re a regular read of the Brastop Blog, you’ll probably have some idea as to why.

For a start, they’re the best fitting bras on the market, for me anyway. I’ve tried and tested a lot of bras in my time, and ever since discovering Curvy Kate around three years ago, I’ve yet to find a brand of bras that fit me better in my size (30FF).

They’re also exceptionally well-made bras, beautifully-designed – and they’re built to last. Only the big brands like Fantasie, Freya, Bravissimo, Gossard etc. can match them for quality and comfort.

But there’s other aspects I like about Curvy Kate bras too – primarily, that they’re made for women with big cup sizes, which not all brands cater for – and as a company, they employ models who are actually their customers – rather than the glamourised image we’re often presented by lingerie companies of perfect women with sleek curves and toned bodies.

I also like the fact that I can get up in the morning and pick out a bra that matches the briefs – it’s become something of a ritual for me to make sure everything pairs up, and I get annoyed if I can’t find the bottoms to match the bra.

Which brings me to this week’s Bra of the Week – the Curvy Kate Emily balconette bra grape/black.

I only received this bra in the past week, but I was keen to try it out right away. The first chance I had was an all-day outing on Saturday, and I tried it out as soon as I got out of the shower to see how it was going to work out.

What struck me first was the vibrant grape colour and the elegant embroidered black floral detailing. It’s a pretty bra from the get-go, and an unusual colour from my usual whites, blacks, pinks and reds.

It has a smooth lace-mesh with a comfortable, uplifting silky finish – and a touch of vintage glamour to it. It also has the usual adjustable shoulder straps and fastens with two hooks at the back (three for larger cups), across three columns.

As with most Curvy Kate bras, it fits really well – although, the first thing I noticed was that it was ever so slightly loose at the top of the cups, which I wouldn’t normally expect from a Curvy Kate bra. However, it wasn’t a problem and it didn’t cause the normal “gape” you would associate with picking up a bra that was one cup size too big. Overall, it fitted very well and offered the same type of comfort I’ve come to know from Curvy Kate.

The matching shorts are made of a delicate mesh with the same pattern as the bra, and fit me well – so no complaints there (although, they lack the little peep-hole on the back that I love in other Curvy Kate sets).

It’s difficult to say if the slightly loose top part of the cups is down to the light lace trim on the edges, or if it was just a slight variance in my size this month – but I’m fairly certain it has nothing to do with the size or fit of the bra itself and it shouldn’t make you think you would need to pick a different size.

Overall, it’s another classic from Curvy Kate, and one that will experience regular use from my underwear drawer in the coming months.

There’s plenty of sizes in the Curvy Kate Emily balconette bra grape/black in stock at the Brastop website, and it costs £17.50 for the bra, with the matching thong or shorts just £6.95.

All prices are correct at the time of publication.