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THE VALENTINE LINGERIE GUIDE

 

Red lace and silk bra, £45, 32B-36DD, knickers, £30, 8-14 and suspenders, £30 all by Tallulah Love.
Red lace and silk bra, £45, 32B-36DD, knickers, £30, 8-14 and suspenders, £30 all by Tallulah Love.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought I’d do a little research into lingerie and see what’s out there – in both sense of the words!

Red lace bra, £70, 32B-42E and matching knickers, £35, S-L both by Wacoal.
Red lace bra, £70, 32B-42E and matching knickers, £35, S-L both by Wacoal.
Red lace balconies bra, £27, 28D to 38J and matching knickers, £14, 6-18 both by Cleo by Panache.
Red lace balconette bra, £27, 28D to 38J and matching knickers, £14, 6-18 both by Cleo by Panache.
Red mesh and lace push up cami suspender, £38, 32A-36DD by Next
Red mesh and lace push up cami suspender, £38, 32A-36DD by Next

It’s always fun to indulge in a smattering of RED around this time. I love the flamboyantly cheeky designs by Tallulah Love with it’s fabulous vintage feel. Other red siren lingerie I particularly like is the very alluring polka dot bra set by Wacoal. This underwired bra really gives a fab uplifting shape to any girl’s cleavage. The fun little number by Cleo at Panache is perfect for any loved up Valentine with its scattered heart shapes. This lingerie also sets my heart fluttering as it goes up to a magnificent J cup – bravo! The push up cami suspender by Next is a real show stopper and perfect to smooth out any lumps and bumps you may wish to conceal!

Black lace and silk bra, £117, 26D-36HH matching knickers, £48, 6-16 and suspenders, £89 S-L all by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black lace and silk bra, £117, 26D-36HH, knickers, £48, 6-16 and suspenders, £89 S-L all by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black silk scrappy bra, £111, 26D-36HH and matching thong, £51, 6-16 both by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black silk strappy bra, £111, 26D-36HH and matching thong, £51, 6-16 both by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black lace bodysuit, £90.95, 32C-36E by Le Mystere.
Black lace bodysuit, £90.95, 32C-36E by Le Mystere.

Sultry BLACK is always a winner for Valentine’s Day. I’m a huge fan of Katherine Hamilton Intimates who do amazingly stylish designs that go up to cup size HH – yay! This brand uses such sumptuous silk and lace as you can see in the suspender set and on- trend strappy bra and knickers ensemble. The black lace bodysuit by Le Mystere is really seductive and particularly flattering with it’s slimming front panel that helps to accentuate and flatter your curves.

Leopard print bra, £30, 28D to 40K and highwaisted briefs, £15, S-XL, Parfait by Affinities Intimates.
Leopard print bra, £30, 30D to 40G and highwaisted briefs, £15, XS-XL, Parfait by Affinitas Intimates.

Continuing with the vampy theme – I love a bit of LEOPARD. What better than this fabulous set by Parfait by Affinitas Intimates. The underwired bra gives you a lovely lift and those high waisted knickers are going to hide a multitude of sins!

Floral balconnet bra, £32, 30D to 38K and matching knickers, £15, 8-20 both by Panache.
Floral balconette bra, £32, 30D to 38K and matching knickers, £15, 8-20 both by Panache.
Coral lace underwired bra, £34, 30B -36E and matching knickers, £16 S-XL by b.tempt'd.
Coral lace underwired bra, £34, 30B -36E and matching knickers, £16 S-XL by b.tempt’d.

Lastly what’s Valentine”s Day with out ROSES? The floral print balconette bra set by Panache is so pretty and again should be commended for going up to a K cup. The coral lacy flower print lingerie by fab b.tempt’d brand also gives such good shape and perfect for low neck evening wear. And lastly if you  want even  more va va voom the rose print plunge bra set by Next will give you a cleavage to die for! Well I think we’re all set….. Happy Valentines!

Rose print plunge bra, £25, 32A-36DD and matching knickers, £12, 6-18 both by Next.
Rose print plunge bra, £25, 32A-36DD and matching knickers, £12, 6-18 both by Next.

2016’s FITNESS WEAR GUIDE

Moulded Sports Bra Crop Top, from £40, sizes 28" to 40", cup sizes B-H and Matching Running Shorts from £18, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active.
Moulded Sports Bra Crop Top, from £40, sizes 28″ to 40″, cup sizes B-H and Matching Running Shorts from £18, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active.

Oh dear! Having eaten my body weight in turkey and mince pies I now look like a Christmas Pudding. I’m 7lbs over my fighting weight, so the gloves are off and at last I’ve taken action. I hauled myself this morning to North London’s YMCA Fitness Centre. My first class of the year was the much needed ‘Body Conditioning’ with dynamic instructor Natasha. I knew I was in the deep end – Natasha is like a sexy girl version of Rambo, often wearing camouflage fitness gear complete with khaki bandana and today she wasn’t taking any prisoners!

As I was being put through my paces I really thought I’d better up my game not only fitness wise this year, but ever the stylist I needed to do some research into cool workout wear too.

Zone Sculpt Training Tight, £90, sizes XS-XL, by Nike.
Zone Sculpt Training Tight, £90, sizes XS-XL, by Nike.

First stop is Nike. I really love their fitness apparel. The new Zone Sculpt Training Tights look amazing. Modelled by talented tennis player Genie Bouchard these leggings seem like they would be a great fit as well as stand up to a vigorous training routine.

Purple Mesh Back Vest, £7.99, Geometric Print Leggings, £17.99 both sizes XS-L and Trainers, £22,99, sizes 3-9 all by New Look.
Mesh Back Vest, £7.99, Geometric Print Leggings, £17.99 both sizes XS-L and Trainers, £22,99, sizes 3-9 all by New Look.
Grey Zip-Up Jacket, £24.99, Crop Top, £12.99 and Matching Leggings, £17.99 all sizes XS-L by New Look.
Grey Zip-Up Jacket, £24.99, Crop Top, £12.99 and Matching Leggings, £17.99 all sizes XS-L by New Look.

I’m so impressed how many high street chains now do active wear. I suppose it’s not surprising as fitness activities are getting more and more popular.  Last year in the UK  over 6 billion pounds was spent on sportswear. One of the stores that really gets it right is New Look. Their range boasts an urban stylish look, mixing block colours with geometric prints in leggings, cropped tops and tracksuit tops.

Pink Cropped Top, £3.50, Neon and black Vest, £5 and Leggings, £6, all sizes 6-18 by Primark.
Pink Cropped Top, £3.50, Neon and black Vest, £5 and Leggings, £6, all sizes 6-18 by Primark.
Tie Dye Crop Top, £5 and Leggings, £6 both sizes 6-18 by Primark.
Tie Dye Crop Top, £5 and Leggings, £6 both sizes 6-18 by Primark.

Other amazing value workout wear is found in Primark. I don’t know how they do it. I like how they mix vibrant, neon coloured crop tops and vests with sleek black leggings. Their tie dye collection has a certain Ibiza cool about it with prices starting at £3.50!

Orange Bra Top, £12, sizes 32B-38D and Matching Leggings, £16, sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, 3-8, all by F&F
Orange Bra Top, £12, sizes 32B-38D and Matching Leggings, £16, sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, 3-8, all by F&F
Neon Zip Top, £16, leggings, £12 both sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, sizes 3-8 all by F&F
Neon Zip Top, £16, leggings, £12 both sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, sizes 3-8 all by F&F

F&F have a brand new Active range which I think is brilliant. They’ve got everything covered from cycling, yoga to high impact sports with stylish comfortable designs using quick drying fabrics in strong prints and zingy colours.

Long Sleeve Running Top, £49 and Full Length Seamed Leggings, £45, both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.
Long Sleeve Running Top, £49 and Full Length Seamed Leggings, £45, both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.
Seamed Racer Back Vest, £39 and Shorts, £30 both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.
Seamed Racer Back Vest, £39 and Shorts, £30 both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.

The White Company are also doing their first sportswear collection this season. As you can imagine it is so tasteful, mixing monochrome, black and white with charcoal. The quality is beautiful and quite honestly I can’t wait until it hits the stores.

Moulded Sports Bra, from £38, sizes 28" - 40", cup sizes B-H and Capri Pants, from £43, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active
Moulded Sports Bra, from £38, sizes 28″ – 40″, cup sizes B-H and Capri Pants, from £43, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active

Lastly, but most importantly I turned my attention to the ever essential sports bra. Lingerie brand Freya too have a new active range. These bras and crop tops are fabulous, designed not to be hidden under sportswear but to be very much on show co-ordinated with matching shorts or with stylish black Capri pants.  Technically they are brilliant – perfect for high impact sports with strong supportive fabric, wide curvature wire and wide padded straps. They also go from a B to an H cup so all us ladies can get active, such good news. No excuses now. On your marks…Let’s go!

 

THIS YEAR’S BEST XMAS JUMPERS

Sleigh Bells Jumper, £19.99, 6-18, New Look.
Sleigh Bells Jumper, £19.99, 6-18, New Look.
Hooray! This Friday (18th December) it’s Christmas Jumper Day. So wear your most favourite festive sweater and donate to Text Santa  to help 3 amazing charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save the Children. Here’s my pick of the best Yuletide knits……
WOMAN'S SELECTION Clockwise from the top - Red Reindeer jumper, £12, 8-22, George at Asda. Green robin jumper,£49.95, 6-20, Joules. Red Santa Baby Jumper, £20, 8-18, Very. Bah Humbug Jumper,£26, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins.
WOMAN’S SELECTION Clockwise from the top – Red Reindeer jumper, £12, 8-22, George at Asda. Green robin jumper,£49.95, 6-20, Joules. Red Santa Baby Jumper, £20, 8-18, Very. Bah Humbug Jumper,£26, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins.
Xmas Jumper, £25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear
Stag Xmas Jumper, £25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear
Clockwise from the top. Grey Penguin Jumper, £25, XS-XXXL, Next. Blue Skiing Penguin Jumper, £12, XS -XXL, Primark. Polar Bear Jumper, £30, XS-XXXL, Next. Green Reindeer Jumper,£25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear.
MENS SELECTION Clockwise from the top. Grey Penguin Jumper, £25, XS-XXXL, Next. Blue Skiing Penguin Jumper, £12, XS -XXL, Primark. Green Reindeer Jumper,£25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear. Polar Bear Jumper, £30, XS-XXXL, Next.
Red Reindeer Jumper, £14, 3M-3Y, M&Co
Red Reindeer Jumper, £14, 3M-3Y, M&Co
Clockwise from the top.Red Father Xmas Jumper, £8, 9M-3Y, George At Asda.Light Up Polar Bear Jumper, £14, 1-8Y, Primark. Red Xmas Jumper, £12, 12M-8Y, BhS. Blue Robin Jumper, £36.95, 3-12Y, Joules.
KIDS SELECTION Clockwise from the top. Red Father Xmas Jumper, £8, 9M-3Y, George At Asda. Light Up Polar Bear Jumper, £14, 1-8Y, Primark. Red Patterned Xmas Jumper, £12, 12M-8Y, BhS. Blue Robin Jumper, £36.95, 3-12Y, Joules.
Christmas jumpers from £12 all by Next.
Christmas Jumpers from £12 all by Next.

CUSHIONS – HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

IMG_5477

 

I do love a cushion. I feel my sofa isn’t ‘dressed’ until it has quite a few adorning it and as for beds, it’s always nice to have a plethora of cushions strewn over them in wild abandon!

ABSTRACT CUSHIONS
ABSTRACT CUSHIONS

So I was so excited when my fabulous friend Susi Bellamy told me she was designing a range of cushions. She described them as “Art for the Sofa”. I knew they were going to be beautiful due to Susi’s fashion and art background, but in fact I really was mesmerised by them with their strong design and captivating colour.

CUSHIONS AND ART
CUSHIONS AND ARTWORK

I’m always intrigued to know what Susi is up to. Having first laid eyes on her when I was 5 years old, we have spookily enough gone to the same primary school in Cardiff, the same senior school in Bristol and then blow me down when I started London College of Fashion there she was in the same Fashion Journalism class as me. I’m still trying to work out who’s stalking who!

CUSHIONS
ABSTREACT CUSHIONS

From those London College of Fashion days. Susi too went on to be a Fashion Editor on magazines working with such photographers as David Bailey and Norman Parkinson.

MADONNA COLLECTION -
MADONNA COLLECTION

After marrying  lovely husband Michael, the Bellamy family grew quickly and always seemed to be on the move. From London, to The States, Suffolk to Northumberland – I can tell you it’s made quite a hash of my address book.

MADONNA
MADONNA COLLECTION

But it was the family’s move to Florence that seems to have had the biggest impact on Susi’s work. Having always been very creative, it was when they moved to Florence that her art really flourished. Taking inspiration from the ancient palazzo walls, Susi created her stunning abstract work by layering and marbling rich and vibrantly coloured acrylic paint. The iconic paintings of the early Italian artists were also a huge influence with Susi’s Madonna collage work. Coupled with a strong flair for interiors, designing cushions using this artwork was a natural progression for Susi. Each cushion is 50cm square, the design is printed on silk like polyester and retails at £95.

SUSI'S ARTWORK
SUSI’S ARTWORK

Moving back to The UK, Susi has now completed a MA in Fine Art from Northumbria University and works in studios in Newcastle.

INTERIOR

I’m really proud of my friend and all her amazing achievements so far. I don’t think Susi’s plans stop here. She’ll always be one to watch!

Take a look at her website www.susi-bellamy.com  There’s a special Christmas 20% discount to SuperStylingUK readers. Just use the code susi20 at the online checkout.

 

SUSI
SUSI BELLAMY

WELL HEELED – A/W15 SHOE GUIDE

SHOES BY DUNE, 3-8, £79
LACED SHOES, £79, 3-8, DUNE

 

I love high heels. Maybe sometimes they’re not so practical for my job, especially when I’m marching up and down Oxford Street sourcing clothes or running around studios styling shoots. But given half the chance at a fashion launch or a glamorous evening out, I can’t wait to get them on.  Give me a pair of heels and I feel I can conquer the world!

So this in mind I’ve compiled a high heel style guide for A/W15 –

Embellished Mary Jane shoes, £129, 3-9, Boden
EMBELLISHED MARY JANES, £129, 3-9, BODEN

EMBELLISHMENT and MARY JANE styles are key this Autumn and these pale blue ones by Boden encapsulates both trends. I’ve always admired Boden’s clothes for their style and colour and have used them so much on shoots over the years. But this year their shoes have gone one step further and looking amazing.

CURVY COURTS, £215 3-8 AND POM-POMS FROM A SELECTION FROM £29, CLIO B
CURVY COURTS, £215 3-8 AND POM-POMS FROM A SELECTION FROM £29, CLIO B

POM-POMS are huge this season both on clothes and accessories. I first saw these amazing shoes by  Cleo B at London Fashion Week whilst wandering around the stands at Somerset House. They’re so versatile as the pom-pom’s clip on – giving you the option of different colours for each outfit!

Winter Floral Courts, £110, 3-8, Ted Baker
WINTER FLORAL COURTS, £110, 3-8, TED BAKER

 

WINTER FLORALS are another big look. Ted Baker’s coming up roses with these beautiful shoes. This brand is going from strength to strength. I really enjoyed visiting the new Shoreditch shop where you can get an all over transformation with clothes, shoes and fab vintage look beauty parlour and barber too!

Strappy heels, from £119 by Lisa Kay
STRAPPY HEELS, FROM £119, 3-8, LISA KAY

 

COURTS and STRAPPY heels are a must this Winter. Lisa Kay excels herself in the courts department with a fabulous array almost in every colour in patent, suede and leather.

PYTHON LEATHER COURTS, £675, 3-8, GINA (photography George Ong)
PYTHON LEATHER COURTS, £675, 3-8, GINA (photography George Ong)

I love Gina’s courts in fashionable NUDE and also ZINGY COLOURS. They also embrace this Winter’s TEXTURE in leather python.

FLORAL AND STRIPED SNAKESKIN COURTS FROM A SELECTION FROM LUCY CHOI
FLORAL AND STRIPED SNAKESKIN COURTS FROM A SELECTION FROM LUCY CHOI

Another designer that has blown my socks off is Jimmy Choo’s niece Lucy Choi. I was lucky enough to go to her boutique opening party recently where I spotted her wearing these amazing FLORAL and STRIPED SNAKESKIN courts. Lucy had designed them especially for the launch.

Red laced shoes, £129, 3-9, Boden
RED LACED SHOES, £129, 3-9, BODEN

LACES are a strong look for Winter. I’d definitely like to wear both the very seductive ones by Dune pictured on the model above whilst these RED ones by Boden would give a fab pop of colour to any Winter outfit.

BLOCK COLOURED SHOES, £39, 3-8, LA REDOUTE
BLOCK COLOURED SHOES, £39, 3-8, LA REDOUTE

Lastly the 70’s has graced so many runways this season. I love these chunky, block coloured shoes by La Redoute. The PLATFORM snakeskin T-BARS below by Dorothy Perkins also rock the 70’s vibe!

T-BAR PLATFORMS, £39, 3-8, DOROTHY PERKINS
T-BAR PLATFORMS, £39, 3-8, DOROTHY PERKINS

 

 

 

 

 

POLO WITH PRINCE HARRY

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Summer was so busy this year. I did my usual juggling act, organising shoots and trying to cope with everything the school holidays threw at me.  Anyhow, ridiculously enough it’s taken until now to write about one of my Summer’s highlights –  The Maserati Jerudong Trophy polo event with Prince Harry!

 

I was lucky enough to be the guest of my lovely school pal Katherine. She was invited due to her involvement with the amazing charity Centrepoint.  Katherine, a TV producer uses her entertainment expertise  in helping with Centrepoint’s comedy evening, Laughing  Point.  Centrepoint has always been close to Prince William and Harry’s heart. As children they made private visits to  Centrepoint services with their mother Princess Diana who was the charity’s patron. Prince William has now taken over this role and he certainly would have been at the polo event if Princess Charlotte hadn’t been born just a couple of days previously, he obviously was very busy.

Amber Le Bon, Mariano Di Vaio, Yasmin Mills &
Amber Le Bon, Mariano Di Vaio, Yasmin Mills & Grace Woodward

 

So we headed West, down the M4 to the beautiful Cirencester Park Polo Club.  Before lunch we stopped and ogled at all the  gleaming Maseratis. Such gorgeous cars, I’d love to drive one! In fact, the day was shaping up to be a very glamorous affair, we had already spotted Amber Le Bon,  Yasmin Mills, Grace Woodward and Mariano Di Vaio milling about the Maseratis!

prince harry-1

Then the match began. I was very excited to see Prince Harry in action. He is an impressive equestrian. I was amazed how fast the game is, so much so the polo ponies are changed every seven and a half minute chukker.  I was very pleased with myself that I had remembered to wear my wedges so that I could join in with the divot stamping at half time – a tradition where you stamp down the mounds of earth torn up by the ponies hooves. It’s also good excuse to have a bit of a mingle with the other spectators.

Myself and KP and the polo prize giving
Myself and Katherine at the polo prize giving

I really enjoyed my polo day and think Centrepoint is a fantastic charity.  The next comedy evening Laughing Point is on 12 th October at Palace Theatre London. The comedians include Nick  Helm, Josh Howie and Jon Culshaw . Go see you’ll love it.

 

 

 

MARIE HELVIN – LINGERIE SHOOT

Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams

 

You have to love Marie Helvin. Here she is looking inspirational at 62 years old doing a lingerie shoot for the Always Aliza range at J D Williams.

 

In fact, Marie Helvin has always been an inspiration to me. She was modelling in the first fashion show I ever went to as a teenager. Fashion designer, Anthony Price was doing a huge ‘Fashion Extravaganza” at the Camden Palace and my BFF’s and I travelled from Bristol for this monumental occasion. I like to think it was more like a pilgrimage. My friend Sophie had mastered the art of ‘ragging’ where you coil about a hundred sections of your hair in rag strips, leave them in for about 4 hours and once removed you have the biggest hair ever. So we all drove from the West Country in my friend Charlotte’s tiny hatchback car sporting our hair rags, the car hardly big enough to accommodate our heads. Fellow drivers up the M4 must have been fairly bemused at such a sight.

Bra, £25, Briefs, £14, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Bra, £25, Briefs, £14, by Always Aliza at J D Williams

Anyhow, it was with perfect ‘big hair’ that I saw Marie Helvin and her chum Jerry Hall on that dazzling catwalk and as corny as it sounds now, I had that Eureka moment and decided my destiny was in fashion. So Marie, I thank you! From then on I avidly followed her career pouring over all those amazing pictures her then husband David Bailey shot of her. Some of them seemed quite ‘out there’ to me as a teenager, especially the one where she wore her stiletto in her knickers!

 

Decades later and Marie Helvin is still is looking fantastic in lingerie. She says she has to work really hard at looking this toned now. She goes to the gym four times a week – doing 45mins to an hour of weights, rowing machine, bike and floor exercises. Well it’s definitely paid off.

Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams

Modelling for Aliza Reger’s “Always Aliza’ range was particularly significant to Marie.

“Janet Reger was such an iconic brand throughout my modelling career,” she says, “and it feels great to now be modelling her daughter’s range for J D Williams almost forty years on.”

 

I love this collection with its pretty pastel shades and floral prints. The size range is really impressive too – it’s available in bra sizes 34B to 50G and knickers sizes 12-32 – hooray!

Marie says after 47 years of modelling lingerie this is definitely her last shoot. Oh no! Why stop now?

“Why?” She laughs, “I’d rather eat pizza…”

Bra, £25, Brief, £14 by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Bra, £25, Brief, £14 by Always Aliza at J D Williams

ABBEY CLANCY’S NEW FASHION RANGE

Lace-up front ,floral mini dress, £25
Lace-up front ,floral mini dress, £25

It’s been all go with Abbey Clancy. Just weeks after giving birth to her second daughter she has launched a fab new summer collection for Matalan.

Model and ‘Strictly’ champion Abbey looks amazing modelling this very 70’s inspired range. I love the strong floral prints and floaty maxi dresses – perfect for the festival season. But my favourite piece is the red wrap dress with its plunge neckline and thigh high split – oh yes!

Red wrap plunge neck dress, £40
Red wrap, plunge neck dress, £40

Abbey who is married to footballer Peter Crouch has a busy summer ahead looking after new baby Liberty Rose and 4 year-old Sophia Ruby. But she still has time to talk fashion!

“The 70’s are still a huge inspiration for the collection.” Says Abbey. “ I love the whole 70’s vibe and it’s big on all the catwalks – the entire collection is a great way to throw some glamour into summer holidays or festivals.”

Floaty, floral maxi, £40
Floaty, floral maxi, £40

She went on to say,

“ I’ve included some classic shapes including bell sleeves and lace-up front minis, with bold prints, which are ideal to brighten up your summer wardrobe.”

Ruffle front dress, £35
Ruffle front dress, £35

It’s definitely a winning collection, I might just pick up a few pieces for Camp Bestival this year. The prices are incredible, ranging from just £16 to £40.

High neck, side button mini dress, £30
High neck, side button mini dress, £30

The ‘Abbey by Abbey Clancy’ collection is available online and in selected Matalan stores nationwide.

 

COSTUME DRAMA

Watermelon bikini top, £38, 30B to 36G and matching briefs, £23, XS to XL, Freya
Watermelon bikini top, £38, 30B to 36G and matching briefs, £23, XS to XL, Freya

On the hottest day of the year when I should be sitting by a pool drinking a Pina Colada, I’m still scrambling around trying to find a swimsuit. As every woman knows (who isn’t a size 8 or under) finding flattering pool attire can be quite a headache. Anyhow after getting quite hot and bothered I’ve come up with some scorchers (!). So read on, for whatever size or shape, you too can be a bathing beauty….

Bandeau top, £40, 30D to 38G and high waisted brief, £24, XS to XL, by Freya
Bandeau top, £40, 30D to 38G and high waisted brief, £24, XS to XL, by Freya

I love these swimsuits by Freya, a brand that understands curvy woman. Both bikinis go up to a G cup – hooray! The block coloured sporty swimsuit is so on-trend this Summer. Great with it’s detachable strap for sunbathing and slimming high waisted briefs whilst the fabulous watermelon print costume’s padded cups help create the perfect shape.

Floral balconnet bikini top, £34, 30D to 40J. Matching fold-down briefs, £20, sizes 8-20 by Panache.
Floral balconnet bikini top, £34, 30D to 40J. Matching fold-down briefs, £20, sizes 8-20 by Panache.

Another brand that has me jumping for joy is Panache. The floral balconnet bikini top gives an amazing uplifting shape and comes in cup sizes  D to J – Bra-vo! The matching briefs can either be worn over the tummy for desired extra coverage or folded down if you want to get a little more of you tanned! The Panache red polka dot set embraces this year’s nautical trend, again the bandeau top is so supportive and the high waisted briefs hide a multitude of sins!

Polka dot bandeau top,    £36, sizes 30D to 38H and matching high waisted briefs, £23, sizes 8-20 by Panache.
Polka dot bandeau top, £36, sizes 30D to 38H and matching high waisted briefs, £23, sizes 8-20 by Panache.

Just as I thought things couldn’t go more swimmingly, I stumbled upon the fabulous new swimwear range by F&F. This wonderful collection comes in sizes 32C to 38F for bikinis and 8-18 in swimsuits. The purple strappy bikini and colour block two-piece are so striking and really supportive too as they are both underwired. This range is fantastic value – I can feel a little trip to Tesco is on the agenda!

Purple underwired bandeau top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching strappy bottoms, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Purple underwired bandeau top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching strappy bottoms, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Colour block balocony bikini top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching briefs, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Colour block balocony bikini top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching briefs, sizes 8-18 by F&F

And if you’re looking for a really flattering swimsuit, look no further than M&Co. Their slimming black one-piece has a control tummy panel and flattering wrap design. I’m also a bit in love with their leopard bikini. This costume is also very good for the more curvy lady with its removable moulded cups and supportive halterneck fastening.

 

Slimming wrap swimsuit, £29, sizes 10-20, M&Co
Slimming wrap swimsuit, £29, sizes 10-20, M&Co
Leopard halterneck top, £16, sizes 10B to 18DD and matching bottoms, £16 by M&Co
Leopard halterneck top, £16, sizes 10B to 18DD and matching bottoms, £16, sizes 10-20, by M&Co

I’ve often bought Boux Avenue bikinis in the past. They fit well and I find them very flattering. So I was pleased to find two lovely bikinis by them. The first is very feminine and floral – the longline bikini top  and underwiring gives great shape and bikini bottoms are really cute with their adjustable side ties. The neon orange bikini also accommodates all sizes with its moulded cups. I’m loving the laser cut frill detail and the zingy colour would make a splash wherever you are. So here’s to a sizzling summer……. enjoy.

 

Neon orange frill bikini top, 32B to 34FF, £26 and matching briefs, £14, 6-18, Boux Avenue.
Neon orange frill bikini top, £26, sizes 32B to 34FF,  and matching briefs, £14, sizes 6-18, Boux Avenue.
Floral, longline bikini top, £30, 30C to 34DD and matching bikini bottom, £15, sizes 6-16, Boux Avenue.
Floral, longline bikini top, £30,sizes 30C to 34DD and matching bikini bottom, £15, sizes 6-16, Boux Avenue.

MOONWALK 2015 – BARING THE BRA!

 

Moonwalkers a la Fruity Couture!

Moonwalkers a la Fruity Couture!

I’m SO excited. It’s just over a week before I do my first Moonwalk! At midnight next Saturday 16th May, myself and 15,000 other magnificent bra-wearing walkers will be marching a half or full marathon through the streets of London. I’ve always wanted to do it, but this year so many of my dear friends have been affected by breast cancer that I’ve felt I have to take action and Walk The Walk!

This amazing event is now in it’s eighteenth year! I feel so inspired by Nina Barough CBE, Founder of Walk The Walk. Originally, Nina was also a fashion stylist (proving that all the best people are!) before a series of events made her change her path. She is now Chief Executive of a grant-making breast cancer charity that has collected nearly £100 million of fundraising – wow!

 

Founder & Chief Executive Nina Barough with saucy Ham- Bra-Ger Man!

Founder & Chief Executive Nina Barough CBE of Walk The Walk with a very saucy man

So how did it all start? Well nearly twenty years ago, 13 women decided to power walk the New York Marathon in their bras to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. One of these ladies was Nina who ironically 2 months later discovered she actually had breast cancer and an aggressive tumour too. Nina’s life was thrown upside down, embarking on a programme of treatment that included a mastectomy and radiotherapy. Her girlfriends felt they desperately wanted to do something to help and spurred on by the ‘Girl Power’ era of the Spice Girls, they banded together, bra emblazoned and power walked the London Marathon. Fashion designers like Paul Smith and Mary Quant as well as other notables like Richard Branson were keen to get involved too. They designed the girls’ bras and these were then auctioned off at the first Walk The Walk Auction.

The following year a second team entered the London Marathon, half of them got places but the other half weren’t so lucky. Nina not wanting to disappoint and waste the girls’ hard work, fund raising and training, that she decided to organise a midnight marathon for these ladies. These bra clad night walkers would hand over the ‘baton’ in the morning in Trafalgar Square to the other official Marathon walkers. Nina and a girlfriend actually completed the night and day marathon in 24 hours and the Moonwalk was born!

Moonwalkers - Flower Power style

Moonwalkers – Flower Power style

The rest is history and The Moonwalk has grown from strength to strength. Over 350,00 people have taken on a walk challenge, such as The Moonwalk New York City, now in its second year and The Arctic Marathon – a backcountry skiing challenge in deepest Lapland! The success of this charity is amazing. Walk The Walk has made grants to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and to Breast Cancer Campaign for its ground breaking Breast Cancer Tissue Bank. It is also committed to providing funding to hospitals across the UK to purchase Scalp Cooling Systems – special machines that help people retain their hair when undergoing chemotherapy. My lovely friend Sue had brilliant results with this treatment and said it was such a relief not to lose her hair. She felt she could still go out and socialise and most importantly it wasn’t such a scary experience for her 2 little girls as although they knew their Mum wasn’t very well they were reassured that she still looked the same!

Moonwalk Fashion - True Britt style

Moonwalk Fashion – True Brit style

So all in all a brilliant charity…. I’m fundraising for my Moonwalk so please, please do sponsor me –

https://moonwalklondon2015.everydayhero.com/uk/becky-john

Now it’s all down to the outfit. Ever the fashion stylist I feel the pressure is on! As you can see, there have been some fabulously decorated bras over the years. The theme for Moonwalk 2015 is ”Saturday Night at The Movies”. So, rhinestone encrusted bra at the ready, I promise to bare all (well nearly all) in a post Moonwalk blogpost soon………

 

Myself with fellow blogger Catherine Sloman aka Battenberg Belle

Myself and fellow walker Catherine Sloman aka blogger Battenburg Belle