Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak ‘PL Charlie’

I have come out of blogging respite to bring you a review of one of my new favorite bras 🙂

I recently purchased and received one of Ewa Michalak’s AW bras, the PL Charlie

The PL Charlie is available up to a 42JJ for about $55 + shipping

On my first run, I ordered this bra in a 95J (42J). I have gained some weight as noted in a previous post, and the weight gain has impacted my band size and also my cup size. The Stalowka that I have in a 90J is okay in the band, but too small in the cups and I have not worn it in a long time.

Anyways, here’s the photos of this gorgeous piece of lingerie…

Sorry for the grainy quality; blogging for a year and a half and still taking selfies!

Features: Fully adjustable straps, four rows of three hooks and eyes, insertable cookies for extra padding or to correct asymmetry, button detailing where straps meet cups, big white ribbon bow on center gore, narrow wires

Fit: The gore is nice and flat in this size, and the cups contain all of my breast tissue. I emphasize the word breast tissue, because even in this new EM size that I am trying, I am still running into the problem of the wires being too narrow + too low for my armpit fat to be pulled into the cups. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, and my weight gain has resulted in quite a bit more armpit fat…BUT, the cups fit, and I don’t get any spillage of actual breast tissue. The band was immediately comfortable on first try on, and I do think that I will have to tighten up very early on into the life of this bra.

Support and Shape: As with any EM bras, I get a much more lifted and forward facing shape than I do with any other brand of bras that I wear (Curvy Kate, Elomi, etc.). The support of the PL is definitely more of a relaxed, jiggly cleavage kind of support though. It has its place. The shape is nice and rounded and lifted.

Look and Feel: Menswear inspired pieces are always a welcome change of pace to the normal florals and jewel tones that we see in most lingerie collections. I really love the print, and I really love the buttons and bows on this bra. It’s classy but sexy. The inside of the cups are lined with cotton, which I think is a nice touch.

Other thoughts: This is really nicely made. I love EM bras for their style, support and shape, but the caveat that I always have to cope with is the narrow wires (which I don’t need/want), as well as the limited functionality of these bras for me. I work with children, and this level of support/cleavage is not warranted nor is it comfortable for a long day at work. However, these bras are fantastic for dresses, sexy time, etc. I have a hard time spending $55 on a special occasion bra….but I do love this and it is worth it, at least to me. I do love that there are four rows of hooks and eyes, as I feel like I will get more life out of this bra as it is worn.

Overall Grade: A …. I would grade it an A+ except for my own quirks with the brand. 

Other Reviews of this Bra: Miss Underpinnings (65G) 

I did decide to order this bra in a 95JJ (42JJ) to see if I could tuck any more armpit chub into the cups…BUT I also started working with a personal trainer again, so I’m hoping that I don’t really need a 95JJ in the long run. I also have an SM Nana, S Grace, PL Gazeta (SQUEAL!), and the matching panties for the PL Charlie on their way, so expect reviews hopefully, fingers crossed, before the new year.

-Nicole

Why I’ve Chosen Not to Blog Lately

If anyone has been paying attention, I haven’t posted since early September. My goal was to do fit and active September and I dropped a major ball on that one. Basically, I’ve had lots of things I’ve wanted to write about but just didn’t have enough time or motivation to do so. 

My soap business has taken off a bit, work has been really busy, and my second master’s has been eating up any free time that I have. Plus, I haven’t really bought any new bras in a long time. Oh and did I mention that I have gained weight and don’t feel so great about my body? 

Anyways, I recently purchased a Ewa Michalak PL Charlie (GORGEOUS) and will hopefully be reviewing this soon. Here’s a quick snap of the beauty: 

This is a 95J (42J)

 

Also, if you want to get super angry at Polish people for being really rude to lots of British and American bra bloggers, check out this thread: http://balkonetka.pl/forum/glebsze-i-plytsze-rozmowy-o-zyciu/2012/4/5/potwory-internetu/20#

 

Until next time lovely readers,

-Nicole 

What it Takes to be a Lingerie Designer – Kim’s Time at DMU

**Editor’s Note: Some of you may remember that Kim started writing for the blog last winter. She took some time off to focus on her time at DMU, but she’s back to share with us some of her progress and experiences from her first year at design school – Nicole**

Year two of my Contour Fashion degree at De Montfort University is looming. I’ve had to ponder

over the last year what it really takes to be a lingerie designer. My first year at Uni wasn’t at all what I

expected.
The year started off with a slow start, each and every one of the girls in the program had a different

background and skill set, and most of them had just come from an earlier foundation course. There I

was, 29, working for the last ten years in various industries, nervous as heck. My formal education days

were long ago, and it certainly wasn’t in art or design. I wasn’t sure how much a business diploma was

going to help me, if at all.

 

We were each tested by the various courses such as pattern cutting and sewing, writing and research,

illustration, and CAD. Everyone seemed to have a specialty, and you would constantly compare yourself

to others, wondering how and why they could be so incredibly talented, and you were not. It was

unsettling at times to think about what you have to give up following your passion. I worried that I

wasn’t cut out for this.

 

Over the course of the year, various projects and deadlines, you could slowly see the improvement

in yourself, and your peers. Designs became more challenging, illustrations improved and things just

seemed to sew together so much easier. But what does it take to call yourself a designer? You need a

mixture of skills if you want to do it on your own.

 

First things first, you need your inspiration. Each design project starts off with an inspiration. It can be

nearly anything, as long as it’s tangible and something you can see, touch, observe for yourself. Dragons

and unicorns just aren’t going to cut it here. You’ll start a sketchbook with a variety of illustrations of

your inspiration, from there leading to more research, trend analysis, design development and your final

design ideas.

My inspiration board for an external project brief set by H&M. Can you guess what the inspiration was

for my collection?

Once you’ve settled on your designs, you will need to convert your designs into patterns. Creating

lingerie patterns is much more technical than clothing. Your tolerance will be down to the millimetre,

not centimeters of ease or a quarter or half of an inch. There’s very little room for error as the garments

are form fitting. It has to be precise. Designers can start with a basic block pattern, in industry sample

size of 34B to manipulate and achieve their design.

I based my design for this project on the basic block for a simple design and enhanced the design with

various fabrics and embellishments.

 

Once your initial pattern is created, it’s always in your best interest to make a toile, a mock up, usually

in muslin. This will give you an idea of the shape of the bra, how it will fit, and work out any construction

techniques you need to master for the final garment. When I make my toiles, I usually leave off the

underband and underarm elastic to save on time and expensive supplies, as it will fit my model or

mannequin fairly well to give me an idea of the shape. Being an accurate sewing machinist is critical. You

must pay close attention to seam allowances, elastic tension, and assembling things properly. There’s

nothing worse than realizing near the end that you’ve sewn the right cup into the left side of the bra…

After any necessary tweaks to the pattern, you can proceed to your next mock up or the final design if

you’re feeling confident. The ability to assess the fit and adjust the pattern is important in the process.

It’s going to be hard to wear or sell your beautiful creation if it doesn’t quite fit right on the body,

underneath clothing, or is just plain uncomfortable.

The final garment shown on a model, and a closer view on the mannequin.

Presenting your work is also important in the design process. Technical drawings done in Illustrator

are helpful to showcase your garment, or to display other potential colour ways or choices of fabrics

and prints. When students complete assignments for external clients, typically market research and

presentation boards are included to further highlight the final designs.

 

When I initially arrived in England to take this course, I knew I couldn’t draw or illustrate my ideas

clearly, and I still struggle. My preference lies in the technical elements of designing; I much prefer the

pattern cutting and construction of the garments. Year two is going to be interesting with many more

projects and much higher expectations. Now that us students are familiar with the process, it’s time for

us to step-up and become designers.

 

**Kimberly Hamilton can be reached at kimhamham@yahoo.ca**

Corset Crazy

Last year, I had the chance to try a corset for the first time at the Ohio ren fest, and since then, I have really wanted to try a corset again and maybe make a purchase.

Fast forward to this year. I went to the ren fest a couple weeks ago and got to try this corset:

check out http://www.ren-fashions.com for similar corsets

 

I really loved the look of it, but I felt like it was a little too long for my torso (it was kind of sitting on my boobs), and I wanted more of a dramatic effect (and it was $325). I turned to my fellow boob bloggers and talked about different places to order corsets from and Caroline over at Curvy Wordy mentioned Orchard Corsets to me. I instantly fell in love with their selection and decided to try their longline under bust corset first.

 

with Elomi ‘Eva’ bra; Longline underbust corset, size 40 in Maroon; $74.00

 

With Parfait “Charlotte” review forthcoming…

I love the way that the hips are gored on this one, and it gives such a dramatic shape. Orchard Corset utilizes a 3 silhouette level to classify their corsets by the type of shape that they will give. This under bust is a level 3 to provide the most dramatic shape….and I think we can agree that it does! I love that it comes up high on the back, which smoothes everything out very nicely.

As much as I loved it, I wanted to make sure that one of the other styles wasn’t a better fit for me. The top of this corset ever so slightly dug into my boobs, so I wanted to try the regular length under bust corset

 

While this is the same shape and silhouette level as the longline under bust, I have to admit, I was rather underwhelmed by this corset. I’m not sure if it’s because it doesn’t come as far down on my hips or what, but I’m not in love with it. Also, because it is shorter length in the back, there’s a major back roll. No bueno. 

The next corset started as an experiment, at least in my mind. I wanted to try an over bust corset. Could an off the rack corset contain my sweater puppies?!

Over bust corset, size 40, in green satin

 

Swoon. I LOVE this color, and I love the shape. Are my boobs somewhat precariously placed in this corset? Yes. Do I care? Hell no. It is an amazing feeling to feel as though your boobs are floating. That’s what this feels like. The weight of my large breasts is taken on by the structured corset. Seriously. Best feeling ever. Also, it has a decent enough height in the back so that it isn’t cutting in to fleshy tissue. Just an FYI, Orchard Corset says that this will work for up to a DD cup. Well, my JJ cups are definitely pushing the barrier here.

Keep in mind that these corsets are done up by me and are on the first wear. You should always season a corset; meaning gradually get it used to your body before you lace it tightly on your body. As a corset molds to your body, you’ll be able to see more waist reduction.

Even though these aren’t seasoned, I am getting pretty good shaping in these corsets.

My real motivation behind wanting to get a wellfitting corset is so that I can do a steampunk costume for Halloween this year 😀 But anyways….overall, I highly recommend Orchard Corset for superb quality off the rack, steel boned corsets at an amazing price (they range from $59-99). Free shipping (that comes within two days of your order) tops off a great customer service experience. The only thing I don’t like? Having to pay return shipping. But they have a generous 30-day return policy, which I think is an important part of really figuring out which corset will work for you, especially because you may find that after your body gets used to the corset and vice versa, you may need to go down a size to get the best results. I am definitely returning the regular under bust corset – even though I love the color – and am going to ruminate about the other two as long as I can.

I’m not big on shapewear and would not wear a corset on a daily basis, but I think I am corset crazy. I’ve got the fever 🙂 Now to convince my husband that I need to keep two of these….

What about you? Have you tried a corset before? If not, do you ever think you would? 

 

 

Fit and Active September: Link Round Up

As promised, the link round-up for posts relating to this month’s theme. Definitely check them all out because there are some great sports bra reviews, as well as commentary on working out in general.

I’m Autoimmune and I Work Out http://wp.me/p3QTHQ-cp

Review: Shock Absorber Active Classic Sports Bra N102 http://wp.me/p3QTHQ-aR

Posts from Hourglassy:
http://hourglassy.com/2013/09/labor-day-resolution/ and just continued here: http://hourglassy.com/2013/09/fit-active-september-continues/

Mia wrote this great yoga post last week: http://hourglassy.com/2013/09/best-breast-forward-balancing-my-bust/

When Working Out Creates Bra Fit Problems http://wp.me/p3QTHQ-dJ

Post from ByBabysRules:

http://bybabysrules.com/2013/09/10/panache-sports-bra/

My own update: 30 days of Zumba is going well. It’s a struggle because I am so tired after work, but I’m gettin it done!

I’m taking Friday off work so I can finally get around to doing my sports related posts to share with you all 🙂 Thanks for reading!

-Nicole

**Side note: I have lost 6 pounds so far! Yay!**

An Open Letter to Full Bust Brands

Dear Full Bust Brands:

I’m talking to you Curvy Kate, Panache, Parfait, Tutti Rouge, etc….

I really love your bras. Seriously, all of your bras.

But did you know that I can’t even get the matching panties to go with your gorgeous bra sets?

I know. I know. It’s not your fault that I carry most of my weight in my boobs and tummy area. But I feel as though if I can wear your bras (in 38 and 40 bands), that I should be able to get the gorgeous matching panties.

But stopping your panties at a US size 16 or 18? That’s not going to cover my bottom. I need at least a 20 or a 22 to cover these lady bits.

Won’t you please consider expanding the size range of your panties?

Love,
Plus size and full busted Nicole

Upcoming Posts; September Theme

Hey there! Long time no see!

I just got back from a ten day vacation in the Smoky mountains and I just started a new job on Monday, so things have been crazy. Did I mention I got a promotion? Well, I did and now my schedule is so different.

Anyways, there’s another reason I haven’t been posting lately. Since I started working full time (March), I have gained 18 pounds. Okay, vacation in the south didn’t help. But, I haven’t felt the most confident about posting bra reviews.

I know, I get it. I’m a plus sized woman, and that has always been my perspective. However, at this point in time, a lot of my bras aren’t fitting and I don’t want to spend money on new bras in bigger sizes, because I am working on losing the weight**.

Which leads me to the next big announcement:

The month of September will be “Fit and Active September” 

For the month of September, I will be focusing on reviewing plus sized activewear, and will be talking about my own challenges with weight loss. I have committed to a 30-days of Zumba challenge (Wii game and live classes at my gym) as a way to jump start my weight loss.

Various other bloggers will be posting reviews of sports and activewear and will be talking about their workouts, too. Links to relevant posts will be shared as often as possible.

If you have any suggestions, questions, or ideas for September’s theme, please email me at nicole@fussybusty.com. Or, as always, leave a comment below 🙂

Other upcoming posts:

• Elomi “Eva” Review
• Parfait “Charlotte” review in a 40K + Giveaway
• #DiversityinLingerie

 

**Losing weight is a choice that I have made for myself, for many, many reasons. I do believe that no one should be told that they have to lose weight, or that they shouldn’t accept themselves for who they are. You are beautiful! My reasons for choosing to lose weight will be shared in upcoming posts. Just keep in mind that I don’t think that anyone should be any specific weight. This is a personal choice of my own.

 

-Nicole

 

Coming Out…..As an Artisan

Today, I decided I’m coming out…..as an artisan.

When I was a kid, I spent money on melt and pour soaps, candle making kits, and learned how to sew and crochet from my Grandma. I have been creating things with my hands all my life.

Around March of last year, my husband and I were talking about my love of creating things and we got this crazy idea….Why not learn how to make soap and other body products from scratch? We started doing research and learned that it would cost us about $500-600 to get things going and started. At the time, I was working part-time as a nanny and it wasn’t really an expense that we could take on. We did, however, continue to research and keep this dream in the back of our minds for a future reality. We had even created a “GoFund Me” page in hopes that family and friends would donate. Well, that never happened so we just had to wait things out.

Fast forward to June of this year. Thanks to my newest job and latest promotion, we are in a significantly better place financially. We talked about it and finally made the decision to take the risk, buy all the supplies we needed….and start making soap!

I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made (making soap from scratch has quite the learning curve), and I enjoy making things on a regular basis. We make everything using only natural ingredients, so all of our products are really great for people with sensitive skin. 

Here’s some product photos for what we have made so far:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrubs, soaps, massage oils, whipped body lotions…. It’s amazing what all you can make with similar ingredients.

I recognize that in coming out with this post, I’m also going to be revealing my full name (on my Etsy shop). Because of the nature of my work, I have always refrained from connecting my full name with the blog and I will continue to uphold this standard.

I do find, however, that I really want to share my products with my readers because I believe in the quality of them and I love the way they make my skin feel……and I think you will, too! The shop is being constantly updated as we continue to develop new products and expand our line. Look for reviews of some of our products from fellow bloggers within the next month or so.

So, without further ado…..

Click HERE to go to our Etsy shop

or… Like us on Facebook 

-Nicole

Why I Choose Not to Wear Shape Wear

I wanted to write about my personal choice not to wear shape wear because I do feel as though it is something that is forced upon plus size women.

It has been three years since I worked full time at Lane Bryant. In those three years, I am almost certain that I wore Spanx every. Single. Day. To. Work. Even in the summer time. As an employee, I was required to wear up to date, stylish fashions to sell our brand to customers. And, in addition, believe it or not, we had a certain physique to uphold. This meant that I needed to cram my 280 pound body into spanx every day to smooth out my lumps and bumps because….well, I was basically modeling the store’s clothes for everyone to see. If I looked lumpy and bumpy, that made the clothes looks less attractive…and….well….you get the picture. Lane Bryant even went so far as to every so often give employees a pair of Spanx or Spanx tights for free.

Not to say that we were forced or required to wear the Spanx….but the pressure was on.

As a woman, we see in various forms of media women wearing shape wear. We’ve seen items such as Spanx on Oprah, the Red Carpet, in movies, in magazines and so on….But shape wear isn’t limited to Spanx; it could be any number of things, including a corset. In my opinion, shape wear means a foundational garment that changes or enhances the shape of your body in any way. Super hold ‘em up tights and panties can count as shape wear.

Now, I used to wear spanx all the time; under dress pants, dresses, skirts, etc. For a very long time, I was uncomfortable with the way my body looked, and I did enjoy how spanx smoothed things out and made a lot of my clothes lay better.

But then I stopped working at Lane Bryant and started working as a nanny. Wearing Spanx was not a realistic option for me; I was always wearing play clothes or jeans, etc. And playing with kids while wearing spanx is not fun. At least it wasn’t for me. And then I also gained about 40 pounds (oh the days when I was 315 pounds). I didn’t feel comfortable and I didn’t like the way that I looked. But I also was not wearing dresses or anything like that. Because I felt fat and none of my clothes fit.

Anyways, fast forward to the past year or so. I’ve lost that 40 pounds (okay; if we’re being honest, I’ve gained about 8 pounds back since starting my new job in March; stress and fertility meds have killed me, but I’m working through it) and I feel better about my body.

I’m not saying I don’t have a love hate relationship with my body….BUT, I don’t wear shape wear. Through gaining weight, losing weight, finally wearing the right size bra, and seeing my body in clothes that naturally enhance my figure without the extra bells and whistles (I do love a fit and flare dress) I’ve found that I don’t need shape wear to look good in my clothing. I do have days where I will put a dress on and think “Oh. This is really clinging to my belly fat.” And instead of putting spanx on, I grab a dress from the closet that isn’t very clingy, and I rock that for the day. I’ve gotten to the point in my own body journey where it’s okay if I have rolls when I sit, or it’s okay if I have back fat. I’m wearing the right size bra, underwear, and so on….so if it happens, it happens. I have a fat squishy body and that’s reality for now. And that’s okay. I know there’s more to me than my back fat.

I truly believe that no woman should be made to believe that she cannot wear dresses, skirts, or anything really without shape wear. It takes some time to get to know your body and to build your wardrobe with items that naturally compliment your shape, but it is totally worth it and totally freeing to know that you don’t have to have a bunch of layers on BEFORE you put your clothing on. I hope that every woman has at least 1-3 pieces of clothing that they feel confident wearing without shape wear.

Now, this isn’t to say that I am against shape wear; I think that it can really provide dramatic effects, and I totally get it and understand why people use it.

But just so you know…..you are beautiful as you are 🙂

-Nicole

**Sidebar: Any images of me wearing swimwear, dresses, bras, etc., do not include shape wear of any kind and are not photo shopped. What you see is the same thing my husband sees every day 🙂

Collectif Gretel Gingham Swing Dress

Image courtesy of Collectif; Model: Georgina; http://www.fullerfigurefullerbust.com

I can’t tell you how excited I was when Collectif announced that they were having a 50% off sale on their entire stock last week! I told my husband that he would have to get on the site and order the dress for me (the sale started at 2pm EST) because I would be at work….and surely, the dresses would be sold out by the time I got home at 7.

Well, my husband certainly pulled through and got the Gretel Gingham swing dress ordered for me in a UK22 (US18). I was torn between this dress and another (particularly because it is a halter), but I am so happy with my choice! I was so surprised that it only took a week to get here, and with the dress being only $63 including shipping, I was so excited about my first purchase from Collectif!

Without further ado…..

Hair up to show halter

The sun was bright. And my husband is ridiculous.

My god daughter gave me that hello kitty panda tattoo at her 6th birthday party on Sunday. Hard core!!

No belt

Features: Side zip, full swing skirt, halter tie neck, heart shaped button front, white lacey trim; slightly stretchy fabric

Fit: My boobs were smashed; I think that had I had maybe like….2 more inches of boob room, I would have had no smushing. As such, I don’t really care that they are smashed or that the buttons pull. I think it gives it character.

Style: I think the belt is absolutely necessary in order to balance my shape, break up the color, and highlight my waist line.

Sidebar: I don’t actually own a strapless bra, so I tucked in the straps of my Elomi Eva bra (review coming soon, promise); and honestly….the dress smashed my boobs so much that the bra held up just fine 🙂

Overall grade: A+ Such a great first experience with Collectif as a brand.

Sadly, due to the massive sale on the site, this dress is only available in limited sizes on http://www.collectif.co.uk