Tag: lingerie

Close up of green dress with a "100% recycled fabric" label, for a post on femme style and sustainability

Five Ways I’m Trying to Increase Sustainability in My Femme Style

Published on by Amy1 Comment

My identity and presentation as a femme is tremendously important to me. Femme is not just a way of dressing, but a way of sharing who I am with the world. It’s an inherently queer identity and my femme style is a way of living in and embodying my queerness every day.

However, like many of us in recent years, I’ve also been thinking more about my impact on the planet and ways to increase sustainability in my life. So let’s talk about five ways I’m trying to express my femme joy in a more sustainable way.

Acknowledgement and disclaimer: Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge that to a certain extent many sustainability practices (including those I have listed here) require privileges that many people do not have access to, including money and time. It is also not ultimately possible for individuals to save the planet – this must come from corporations and governments. This list is not a prescription or a set of instructions, and you know best what is possible for your life. This is simply what works for me. I’m also far from perfect and frequently fail to live up to the high standards I set for myself. No ethical consumption under capitalism, etc.

Breaking Up with Fast Fashion

Fast fashion – brands that churn out massive quantities of ultra-cheap, throwaway clothing – is a huge contributor to damaging the planet. It also exploits workers and harms animals. For all these reasons, whenever I have a reasonable choice, I’m determined to no longer buy new items from fast fashion brands.

If you buy fast fashion because it is accessible to you, in terms of pricing or available sizes, please don’t feel bad even for a second. That’s not what this section is about. What I’m talking about here is the companies and culture that encourage unnecessary impulse buys, large “hauls” of things that will be worn once or twice (or never worn), and fashions that change overnight.

Buying (and Selling/Donating) Second Hand

I love getting new clothes and shoes, but I actually very rarely buy anything apart from underwear brand new any more. My town has a large number of charity and second-hand shops, and I often find nice pieces at bargain prices there. I also spend far too much time browsing the Vinted app and watch-listing things, a small fraction of which I’ll eventually buy. My favourite recent finds include a fabulous leather jacket and some Lucy & Yak rainbow dungarees.

I just had a major clear-out of clothes I no longer wear. I’m going to sell on a few bits, and the rest I’ll either pass on to friends or donate to charity. That way, they’re not either languishing in the back of my wardrobe or creating more waste, and can instead be worn and enjoyed by someone else.

Of course, second-hand clothing isn’t totally without its issues (delivery emissions when you buy or sell online being the obvious one), but it’s one way to reduce clothing waste and reduce purchases of new items.

Buying More Versatile Styles

I love clothes, shoes, and accessories I can wear multiple ways. For that reason, I’ve started looking for more versatile items when I shop. One of my favourite dresses at the moment is a simple one that I can dress down with leggings and a cardigan, make playful with fun tights and stompy boots, or dress way up with a petticoat, a waist belt and heels for a night out.

For me, part of the fun of femme style is creating different looks by mixing and matching the same items in different ways.

I also recently got this gorgeous green multiway dress from IDENTITY LINGERIE, a “slow fashion” brand that follows zero-waste practices. It’s wearable in so many different ways that it feels a bit like a new dress every time I put it on. The multiway bridesmaid dress trend has been popular for bridal parties for some time, but I think they’re a great choice for anyone looking to get more mileage out of one garment.

Buying Recycled and Upcycled Materials

Materials is a really complicated one when it comes to clothing, and there are no easy answers here. It’s also very, very hard to totally avoid unsustainable manmade fibres such as polyester, nylon, and viscose. Some natural materials, such as cotton and bamboo, also present issues. The more sustainable alternatives can be expensive and hard to find, not to mention the confusion of wading through the muddy and often conflicting information out there.

One thing I’ve started trying to do, though, is look for more recycled and upcycled materials. This is a great way to support the “rescue” of materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

For example, I recently reviewed a range of polyurethane (PU) leather accessories. PU is, in itself, pretty terrible environmentally. However, that particular brand uses entirely from recycled materials that would otherwise have created waste. I’ve also tried some gorgeous eco-friendly lingerie pieces over the years, some of which are amongst the most worn in my collection.

Switching to Eco-Friendly Bathing & Beauty Products

Glitter is, of course, a staple of my personal femme style. But the wrong glitter products can also be hugely harmful to the environment. For that reason, you will only ever find eco-friendly biodegradable glitter in my makeup bag.

I’ve tried to switch to more eco-friendly bathing and beauty products recently, too, including shampoo bars, mineral sunscreen, and products made without palm oil. This is in addition to my policy of not buying anything that was tested on animals.

What are your favourite eco-friendly and sustainable femme essentials, friends?

Header image for romantic and sexy gift ideas guide for Christmas

6 Romantic and Sexy Gift Ideas for Your Partner This Holiday Season

Published on by Amy

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? No, me neither (though I’m doing better than I typically have been at this point in previous years.) Giving gifts isn’t super high on my list of love languages, but I do enjoy the process of choosing – or making – the perfect presents for my loved ones.

If you have a romantic partner or partners, you might be thinking about getting them something special to show your love, give them the pleasure they deserve, or add to your amazing sex life together.

Six Sexy Gift Ideas Your Partner Will Love

From sex toys to sexy trips and more, I’ve put together 6 romantic yet sexy gift ideas to get you inspired.

Something they’ll feel sexy wearing

I nearly put “lingerie or underwear” as the heading for this section, then I changed my mind. Because what makes a person feel beautiful, handsome, or sexy is very personal and might not be what we traditionally think of as “sexy.”

For some, that thing will be a set of lacy lingerie or slinky underwear. For others it might be a perfectly tailored shirt, a sparkly gown, a pair of sky-high heels, a silk tie, or even a fragrance or piece of jewellery. The trick is to know your partner and their tastes. Not sure? You can always take them shopping so you can choose something perfect together.

A beautiful sex toy

Sex toys can be as beautiful as they are functional, and some of them are real works of art. They can be made of materials from silicone and glass to metal, ceramic, and even some types of stone. They come in all colours, shapes, sizes, and designs you can imagine. Some even have glitter!

A gorgeous toy can be a wonderfully luxurious gift to show your partner that you’re thinking about their pleasure. Just make sure you know them well enough to choose something that will work for their body and preferences.

Giving red roses to your lover is traditional, so – if they have a clitoris – how about a red rose suction toy? This viral sensation is body-safe, rechargeable, waterproof… and cute as hell.

Massage oils or candles

Giving each other massages is a wonderful way to connect physically, get close whether or not the massage leads to sex, and tune into each other’s bodies. You can step things up a notch by adding oils, candles, or massagers into the mix. These can make great stocking-filler gifts!

Create a romantic atmosphere by dimming the lights – I like candles, fairy lights, or lamps with a warm soft glow for this – and, if you like, playing some gentle and relaxing music.

A sexy subscription box

Subscription boxes are the gifts that keep on giving. Depending on how long you subscribe, your partner can enjoy regular treats for 3, 6, 12 months… or even longer. They can also be a great way to explore new ideas, rekindle a spark if your sex life has dwindled lately, or just set aside intentional time for each other and your intimate relatioship.

There are now adult subscription boxes in all kinds of categories. You’ll find boxes with sex toys, lingerie, smutty literature, kink and BDSM gear, date night kits, and more. Some are designed with couples in mind, and others can be enjoyed solo. I even stumbled across one designed specifically for polyamorous triads!

A new collar

This one’s for the kinksters! For many who are involved in BDSM or a D/s relationship, collars are both intensely personal and intensely meaningful. That means that this isn’t something you should spring on someone without warning. Always have a conversation about what collars mean, whether you want them to play a role in your relationship, and the expectations and obligations that they do and do not imply.

With that caveat out of the way, if collars have a place in your relationship then a new one can be a wonderful and romantic gift for your submissive partner. With everything from ornate showpieces to simple metal bands and even totally discreet day collars available, there are plenty of options to choose from.

A romantic getaway

If you’re looking to splash out (or can find an incredible last-minute deal) why not surprise your loved one with a romantic trip together… or choose and book it together as a gift to each other?

A change of scene, having an adventure, and getting a long stretch quality time together are amongst the best things you can do to nurture your relationship no matter whether you’re newly in love or have been together for decades.

Pro tip: plan to go early in the new year if that’s possible for your schedule and budget. Me and my girlfriend are going on our first holiday together in January. December is busy and January tends to suck, so planning something wonderful to look forward to post-Christmas is a strategy I would highly recommend!

Do you have any favourite sexy gift ideas to share? Pop them in the comments if so.

Thanks to Inyarose for kindly sponsoring this post. All writing and views, as always, are mine.

Header image for Lovehoney Unwrap Me bra gift set review

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set

Published on by Amy

Giving lingerie as a gift is a divisive one, and can be a minefield. Should you or shouldn’t you? Will it be appreciated or not? And most importantly, how well do you know the recipient?

On this one, I tend to come down on the side of “it depends.” (Anyone surprised?) If you know your partner and their tastes and size very well then sure, go for it. But if you’re not sure, choose something else or stick to a gift card so they can pick something they’ll love. This is all assuming, of course, that they’re a lingerie person at all. Giving lingerie as a gift when your partner has never worn it or expressed any interest in wearing it is unlikely to go down well.

With all that in mind, let’s have a look at something from Lovehoney’s 2023 Christmas range: the Upwrap Me bra gift set, which landed on my review pile this week.

Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set

This four piece set consists of a bra, pants, and two wrist ties. They are made of a satiny polyester/elastane blend in a deep and vibrant shade of red.

Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set in its packaging

The Unwrap Me bra gift set is available in “One Size” (UK 6-16) and “Plus Size” (UK 18-22.) If you’re in the middle, though, I’d suggest sizing up especially if you have larger boobs (more on that in a minute) as they run a little small.

Be aware that they’re hand-wash only and can’t be ironed, tumble dried, or dry cleaned. I tend to wash my lingerie in a protective bag on the cold hand wash cycle of the washing machine, and that has always worked fine.

What I Liked

Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set on the model, a curvy white woman with long brown hair
Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set on the model, a curvy white woman with long brown hair, viewed from the back

  • The set comes attractively packaged in a black sleeve, stamped with the Lovehoney insignia and tied with red ribbon that matches the set. Lovely for gifting, or just as a treat to yourself.
  • The satin is lovely and soft.
  • The deep red colour is beautiful and festive.
  • Front-fastening makes the bra super easy to put on and take off.
  • The bra is very adjustable, with sliders on both the back band and the shoulder straps.
  • A wide band makes the bra comfortable to wear.
  • The gusset is made of 100% vulva-friendly cotton.

All that, and I just really love how it looks! I think the tie-up design is really sexy and I love how the straps on the pants frame my butt (in my opinion, one of my best features.) It definitely makes me want my partners to unwrap me for Christmas…

And What I Didn’t Like

Despite my overall positive impressions of this set, there were a few aspects of the Unwrap Me bra gift set that I didn’t like as much.

  • The elastic straps on the pants (the ones that go across the butt cheeks) aren’t adjustable. I can fix this myself with a couple of stitches, but it would have been so easy to include an adjustable slider here.
  • My damn boobs still don’t fit. I requested the plus size version (I’m between sizes and thought it might be a better fit for my chest) but even then, the cups aren’t really big enough. It’s wearable, especially if I shorten the straps for a little more stability and support, but there will definitely be unintentional nipple slippage if I move wrong! Another note on sizing: some wearers in the on-site reviews have noted that it may not work well for shorter people.
  • The satin is so slippery that when it’s on, the ties don’t really stay tied very well. Realistically, you’ll need to double knot everything if you want it to stay on for more than ten minutes.
  • The matching wrist restraints are cute, but they are NOT (as the marketing copy claims) for “fun bondage play.” Please don’t tie people up with silky ties, it’s really not very safe as they can tighten or cut off circulation in unexpected ways. I’ve yelled about this before. Use these for decoration, and buy some cuffs or rope for actual bondage. Please.

Verdict

Overall, I do like this set. It’s beautiful and reasonably comfortable, too. Though I do have some complaints, they’re not significant enough to stop me from wearing it again.

This set retails for £29.99 in both One Size and Plus Size (that’s $36.99 US.)

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this set to review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping with them sends me a small commission.

Lovehoney Fierce Siren fishnet open cup dress

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress

Published on by Amy

Before I dive into today’s review, I wanted to give you folks a heads-up that I’m shortly going to be taking a hiatus from blogging. I’ve got a few pieces to finish that I have already promised to clients, and then I’ll be taking a long break. I’m not sure how long this will last but I expect it to be a few months at least. My reasons are complex and personal, but I’ve been doing this for over five years now without a lengthy break and I’m experiencing severe burnout. I need to stop for a decent length of time.

The site will obviously remain live so you can continue enjoying all my older content.

With that said, let’s get started on the review.

Lovehoney Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress

Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress on Lovehoney model
Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress on Lovehoney model

I’ve reviewed quite a few pieces from Lovehoney’s Fierce range at this point and loved the majority of them. The new Fierce Siren pieces combine the signature wet-look fabric and bondage-inspired aesthetics with fishnet for a whole new look.

I received the Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress. It’s a black fishnet dress that reaches down to just below the butt and is adorned with strappy detailing including suspender-style thigh harnesses.

It comes with a fishnet thong and a pair of wet look wrist cuffs linked with a delicate black chain (these are hilariously described as “wrist restraints for exploring bondage play”, which… no. You will not restrain anyone with these things, they are purely for decoration.)

I do love the aesthetic of this one. Fishnet is always a winner and the straps add structure and sex appeal. Since it’s completely open cup, you can use it to show off your breasts… or team it with a non-wired bra or some nipple pasties for a little more coverage, if you prefer.

Fit and Comfort

The Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress comes in three sizes: One Size (UK 8-16), Queen (UK 18-24), and Curve (UK 26-30). I currently wear a size 12 in most items and I received the One Size.

I really love the look of this dress, but I just can’t get on with its fit at all. The cups are, as is so often the case, designed with people with far smaller busts than me in mind. The result is that the dress isn’t just uncomfortable to wear, it’s actually painful because the wires are digging into my ribs so hard. But if I sized up, the rest of the piece would be far too big.

Apart from the cups, this piece is pretty forgiving sizing-wise. The fishnet mesh, waistband and lower band are all very stretchy, and all the various straps are adjustable with bra-style sliders. The collar also has three size options. If you’re small to average in the chest department, you’ll probably get a good fit from this dress with a little perseverence. If your boobs are bigger, though, I’d suggest skipping this one. You’re likely to end up feeling like your ribcage is being crushed by wires.

Comfort-wise, I have no other significant complaints. The mesh isn’t too rough and the straps are soft and wide enough to sit comfortably without digging in.

Verdict

Another one that looked really promising but just didn’t work in reality. Great style, great design, but let down by disappointing sizing and fit.

I’ll keep the cuffs, which are pretty cute and can be paired with many other outfits, but I’ll be passing the dress on.

The Fierce Siren Open Cup Dress retails for £39.99 ($49.99 US).

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this piece to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views, as always, are my own.

Header image for review of Lovehoney Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy

[Nightwear Review] Lovehoney Jewel Satin Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy

Published on by Amy

[Update 10/05/24: this product has been discontinued. I have removed dead links but left the post up for reference.]

If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you’ll know that pink isn’t generally my colour. I don’t gravitate towards it for clothing or lingerie, and it’s one of my least favourite colours for sex toys simply because it’s so overused, especially on products marketed as “for women”. Even so, occasionally something will catch my eye in a shade or style I wouldn’t normally go for. The Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy from Lovehoney’s Jewel line of lingerie and nightwear was one such piece.

Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy: Details & Aesthetics

I deliberated on whether to list this as lingerie or nightwear, as it really falls at the intersection of those two categories. I’m calling it nightwear for the purposes of this review but it can really be either, or both, depending on how it feels to you and how you choose to wear it.

Lovehoney Pearl Blush plunging teddy

The Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy is a one-piece with short shorts, an elasticated waistband, and a plunging neckline. The “Pearl Blush” refers to the pale peachy pink colour, which is actually really pretty. There’s black lace detailing along the neckline and around the bottom of the shorts. This provides a striking contrast to the pastel pink and gives the whole piece more of a sense of shape and structure. There is also a little rose gold coloured Lovehoney heart insignia in the centre where the neckline joins the waistband.

I think the Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy looks really cute on! The shape works well for my body, with the looser fit allowing plenty of boob room (more on that in a minute) and the nipped-in waist showing off my curves. I love the colour a lot more than I expected to, and the lace with a floral motif and scalloped edges is beautiful. This is one I’ll reach for when I’m feeling at my most femme.

Fit and Comfort

This piece is designed to be loose-fitting and comfortable. It’s available in sizes from Small (UK 6-8) to 6x (UK 26-28). I’m a size 12 and I received the Medium (UK 10-12). It fits pretty comfortably, but I think the Large (UK 14-16) would have worked even better for me as the waistband was a little snug. Other reviewers on the Lovehoney site have noted fit issues, particularly for people who are on the taller side. If you’re between sizes or prefer your nightwear loose, size up with this one.

Getting it on can be a little tricky if, like me, you have wider hips. It takes some careful jiggling to get it on and into place. Take your time and ease it up over your curves, as tugging it too hard could damage the delicate fabric.

The easy fit and lack of wires make this one comfortable and a joy to wear. There’s also plenty of room in the “cups” (term used loosely) for those of us with larger chests. I can actually wear this piece without falling out of it every five seconds! If you wanted a little extra support you could always pair the Jewel Blush Plunging Teddy with a bralet, but it works perfectly well on its own.

If I could change one thing, comfort-wise, it would be to make the shoulder straps a little wider. I’m not sure why, but spaghetti straps on clothing have always been a sensory challenge for me. The straps are adjustable at the back with a slider, so you can adjust it to get the right fit.

The Jewel Blush Plunging Teddy is made of a polyester/polyamide/elastane blend, which is soft against the skin and a delight to wear. Be aware that this kind of satin material can snag very easily, so keep it away from sharp fingernails and consider storing it in its own bag. The gusset is made of vagina-friendly 100% cotton, and the lace is soft and non-scratchy.

Too chilly to wear this on its own right now? Pair it with the matching robe for extra cosiness!

Verdict

A surprising winner! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I requested this one. But I’m really glad I did because it’s gorgeous, cute, and comfy.

I can see myself lounging around the house in this with my partner on hot summer evenings, or slipping into it at the tail-end of a sexy party.

The Jewel Pearl Blush Plunging Teddy retails for £29.99 ($36.99 US).

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this item to review. All views and images are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post. Purchasing from Lovehoney through my links sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body

Published on by Amy

[Update 10/05/24: this product has been discontinued. I have removed dead links but left the post up for reference.]

Who doesn’t love a good fishnet piece? I was spoiled for choice with Lovehoney’s new line of Provocastease fishnet and lace lingerie. Ultimately, I chose the Black Fishnet Cutaway Body.

Details & Look

The Lovehoney Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body is a one-piece fishnet bodysuit with lace edging. The top half is a bra style, and the lower half is a panel covering the stomach and leading down to an opening at the crotch. These two panels join in the middle, leaving the cutaway openings at each side. At the back, the thin straps and G-string leave most of your skin on display.

Lovehoney Provocatease black fishnet bodysuit
Close up of Lovehoney Provocatease black fishnet and lace bodysuit

I really love the shape of this one. The bra part gives my boobs some gentle support (no wires!) and the lower half covers my stomach, which I’m not super confident about these days. I also think the cutout panels show off my waistline nicely, which is one of the parts of my body I really love.

The Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body’s fishnet and lace are both made of a nylon and spandex blend. The material feels strong and sturdy, so I don’t feel like I’m about to rip it every time I put it on. (Obviously, fishnet is kinda fragile by its nature, so watch out for things it could snag on).

This piece works really well on its own. If you want a little more coverage, you could also pair it with nipple pasties or with a bra (as I’ve done for the pictures for this post). A pair of matching stockings also works well.

Fit & Comfort

The Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body comes in three sizes: One Size (UK 8-16), Queen (UK 18-24), and Curve (UK 26-30). The elasticated strapping and the fishnet itself are both pretty stretchy. I received the One Size and it fits me comfortably.

I’m a size 12 at the moment but I’ve been everything from a size 10 to a size 18 in the last few years and I think this piece would probably have worked for any of those versions of my body! Other reviewers have noted that the fit is a little trickier

You can also adjust the length of the shoulder straps according to how tall you are and how much boob lift you want.

The fishnet material isn’t the softest, but I found it comfortable enough to have against my skin. The lace edging is soft and non-scratchy.

The Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body is also unusually friendly to those of us with large busts. The cups are large enough to fit over my chest comfortably, and my boobs don’t fall out as soon as I move or bend over.

Verdict

I don’t have much else to say – I really like this one! It’s a fun and unusual shape in a sexy material. Well designed, well-structured, and a pleasure to wear. Lovely.

The Provocatease Black Fishnet Cutaway Body retails for £24.99 (£29.99 US).

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this piece to review. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header for Late Night Liaison body review

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Body

Published on by Amy

When it comes to lingerie, there are a couple of things guaranteed to make me gravitate towards a piece: boob-friendly (non-wired) shapes, and unusual colours. The Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Body in blue, which arrived in my latest review shipment, meets both criteria.

The Late Night Liaison Body from Lovehoney is from the same range as the babydoll I tried a couple years ago (though the black colourway has since been discontinued). It’s a one-piece bodysuit style with a plunging neckline and strap detailing around the hips and between the breasts. It features criss-cross strap detailing at the back, and a crotchless G-string gusset.

The Late Night Liaison Body is made of a polyester/elastane blend lace.

Look & Feel

I absolutely adore the colour of the Late Night Liaison Body. In reality it’s an even more gorgeous, deep midnight blue than it appears on the picture. This is a relatively unusual colour for lingerie, and it’s nice to see something different amidst the endless sea of black, red, and occasional purple (this is an industry issue, not a Lovehoney issue).

Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Body blue lace bodysuit

The delicate floral pattern on the lace is beautiful, and I love the scalloped edges. The straps add some interesting detail, and I like the way they draw attention to my cleavage. The extra coverage is also useful for days when I’m not feeling so confident about my stomach.

Fit & Comfort

The Late Night Liaison Body is a pull-on design. It’s pretty easy to get into and out of as a result, though the straps are a bit finnicky.

It comes in 2 sizes: One Size (UK 6-16) and Plus Size (UK 18-24). I’m a size 12 at the moment and the One Size fits me reasonably well (apart from the eternal boob issue, which we’ll get into in a minute). Given that it was on the snug side of comfortable for me, I’d be really surprised if it fit someone a dress size or two bigger comfortably.

Other reviewers seem to agree, with one person on the Lovehoney site also noting that it doesn’t work well for taller frames. If you’re tall or above a size 14, I’d suggest sizing up.

For some reason, I had more trouble with this piece from a boob-fit perspective than I’ve had with other bodysuits. Perhaps it’s the super-plungey neckline or the wider cut to the V-neck. Either way, it’s tricky to get it to contain my chest for more than three seconds without everything falling out! It barely contains my nipples and as soon as I lie down, bend over, or really move at all, it doesn’t stand a chance.

If you don’t care too much about falling out, have at it. If you want your chest to stay contained, though, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone larger than about a D cup.

The boob issues are so significant with this one that I couldn’t even get a picture of me in it that I’m comfortable with sharing. For reference, here’s how it looks on the model:

Model wearing Lovehoney Late Night Liaison body
Back view of Lovehoney lace blue bodysuit on model
Images by Lovehoney, used with permission.

The back straps are adjustable, which does help with the fit issues to a certain extent. They’re quite difficult to adjust once you’ve got the item on. Get someone to help you or adjust before you put it on if possible.

From a comfort perspective, I have no complaints. There are no nasty wires, and the lace is soft and enjoyable to wear.

Verdict

A genuinely beautiful piece that’s let down by some major fit issues. The problems might be because of the “one size” cut, which by definition has to be based on averages to a certain extent. As a rule, though, I’d rather see lingerie cost slightly more and be available in more sizes so that people can actually find a decent fit.

I’ll probably wear this one again, because it’s gorgeous, but fit-wise there’s really significant room for improvement. As is so often the problem, this is one for people with smaller chests than me.

The Late Night Liaison Body retails for £29.99 ($36.99 US).

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Late Night Liaison Body to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views, as always, are mine.

Night Lily Basque review header

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Night Lily Basque

Published on by Amy

I don’t often request basque-style lingerie pieces to review, simply because they’re usually underwired and as we have proven again and again and again, wired lingerie doesn’t tend to be friendly to my body. So when I noticed that Lovehoney’s Night Lily range consists entirely of non-wired pieces, I had to try one out. I received the Night Lily Basque in my latest Lovehoney delivery.

Night Lily Basque: Details & Look

The Night Lily Basque reminds me a lot of the Twilight Rose range (remember the waspie I tried?) in that it’s the kind of aesthetic my younger, goth-er self would have absolutely swooned over. Its black and wine red, lace-trimmed aesthetic is classic femme-goth.

I do like the overall shape of this one. I’m insecure about my stomach, so something that covers it entirely – while drawing attention to my chest and waist – works well for me.

Lovehoney Night Lily Basque

The Night Lily Basque is made of a stretchy polyester/elastane blend in red, and trimmed with black floral lace detailing. There’s criss-cross detailing across the chest, a ribbon, and a bow with the Lovehoney heart insignia in the centre of the cleavage. It also features suspender straps a cut-out to show off your skin at the back.

I would have preferred the suspender straps to be removeable. Many Lovehoney items feature removeable straps, so it’s obviously not a hard thing to incorporate. I just don’t really wear stockings very often and can’t be bothered with them most of the time, but they’re really necessary with this piece otherwise you just end up with stray dangling straps.

The Night Lily Basque also comes with a matching thong.

Black and red lace thong

Fit and Comfort

Though its lack of wires makes it easier for someone with a large bust to wear, the Night Lily Basque was still a bit of a struggle for my G-cups. I can fit my boobs into it, but I have to position the cups and waist belt quite carefully if I want anything to stay in place. My chest felt a little squished, but I have to admit the cleavage from this basque is excellent!

Quite a few other reviewers on the Lovehoney site have also noted that the Night Lily Basque runs small. If you’re between sizes or unsure, I’d definitely recommend sizing up for this one. I’m normally a size 12 and Lovehoney’s Medium usually works well for me, but in this instance I might have done better with the Large.

The fabric is soft and stretchy, making it easy and comfortable to wear. The under-bust band is also elasticated, and both the back slider and shoulder straps are adjustable. As long as you get the closest to your size that you can, most people will be able to get a decent fit from this piece. The bra-style straps and waistband give your breasts some gentle support and lift without wires.

I noticed that the Night Lily Basque tends to scrunch up a bit at the sides on me, especially around the waist. Including some light boning would have given it a bit more structure.

I found the back strap almost impossible to fasten by myself without looking. Either put it on backwards and then spin it around, or ask someone else to fasten you up.

The thong has an elasticated waistband and fits true to size.

Verdict

A nice little set that’s genuinely very pretty. I like the soft gothic look, the soft fabric, and the overall shape. I’m unlikely to wear it very often because of the slight fit issues and the necessity of wearing it with stockings, but it’s pretty enough that I’m sure it’ll get an outing once in a while!

It’s nice to see a basque-style piece without wires but, ultimately, this set is probably still going to work better for those with smaller chests than me.

The Night Lily Basque set retails for £32.99 ($39.99 US).

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this piece in exchange for an honest review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Heading image for Lovehoney Tiger Lily lace body red lace bodysuit review

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Tiger Lily Red Floral Lace Body

Published on by Amy

[Update 10/05/24: this product has been discontinued. I have removed dead links but left the post up for reference.]

This is the final review in my series looking at Lovehoney’s 2022 Valentine’s Day lingerie offerings. With seven days to go, you’ve still got plenty of time to shop if you want to treat your loved one, or yourself, to some sexy Valentine’s lingerie. Today we’re looking at another piece from the Tiger Lily range: the Tiger Lily Red Floral Lace Body.

Tiger Lily Red Floral Lace Body: Style and Aesthetics

The Tiger Lily Lace Body is a one-piece bodysuit made from floral lace and mesh (polyamide/polyester/elastane) in a vibrant shade of red. I’ve already gushed about how much I love this fabric, and I still do. It’s eye-catchingly bright, flirtatious and femme, and the tiny flecks of silvery thread in the lace make it shimmer as it catches the light.

The Tiger Lily Lace Body features a wide waistband adorned with a Lovehoney heart insignia, a plunging neckline with strappy detailing, criss-cross back straps, and poppers at the crotch for easy access.

Thiis piece’s shape works brilliantly for my body. It draws attention to the parts I’m most comfortable with (waist curve and cleavage) while pulling the eye away from the parts I don’t love so much (stomach). The slightly higher cut on the leg helps make my short legs look a little longer, and the scalloped edging is a really beautiful detail.

The Tiger Lily Lace Body is gorgeous on its own and makes a real statement. You could also pair it with the matching mask and cuffs set (which I reviewed last week), a pair of fishnet stockings and some killer heels, or a pair of red satin gloves for a sophisticated twist.

Comfort and Fit

The Tiger Lily Lace Body comes in two different sizes: One Size (UK 8-16) and One Size Queen (UK 18-24). I’m currently a size 12 and the One Size fits me well, and would easily work for a size or two bigger or smaller as well.

The Tiger Lily bodysuit is adjustable in a number of places for a more comfortable fit. The shoulder straps and back strap are easily adjustable with sliders, and two rows of poppers offer two sizing options for the crotch. The fabric is stretchy and the waistband even more so.

Best of all, this bodysuit style is big bust friendly! The overwhelming majority of wired lingerie at remotely affordable price points, however much I love it, is simply not suitable for someone with a G-cup chest. I either end up with wires jabbing me painfully in the ribs, boob spilling over the top or out of the sides of the cups, or both. That’s why I tend to gravitate towards non-wired pieces with more fabric – they offer greater coverage and everything stays in place far better.

Another advantage of non-wired lingerie, of course, is comfort. The Tiger Lily Lace Body’s material is soft and non-scratchy, something I can’t overstate the importance of. In other words, it’s an item I could wear all night without either constant readjusting or wanting to claw my skin off because it’s so itchy.

Verdict

The Tiger Lily Lace Body is my absolute favourite from Lovehoney’s Valentine’s Day line this year (and that’s saying something – it’s a strong range overall!) The fabric is beautiful, the colour is gorgeous, and the shape is perfect for my body. It’s also easy to wear and comfortable enough to flaunt all night long.

Yes, yes, and yes. I’m going to get a lot of wear out of this one.

The Tiger Lily Red Floral Lace Body retails for £32.99.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Tiger Lily lace bodysuit along with various other items for review. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for Lovehoney Lotus embroidered black chemise set review

[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise Set

Published on by Amy

[Update 11/03/24: this product has been discontinued. I have removed dead links but left the post up for reference.]

I was really spoiled for choice with this year’s Lovehoney Valentine’s Day lingerie offerings. Between the flirty red Tiger Lily range, the sophisticated blue Orchid range, and now the classic and sexy black Lotus range, there were so many beautiful things to pick from. I decided to branch out and try something I wouldn’t normally pick up – namely the Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise Set.

Lotus Take a Closer Look

The Embroidered Black Chemise Set comes with two pieces: the chemise itself and a matching thong. The chemise features wired quarter cups, bra-style back clasp and straps, and removeable panels to cover your nipples. Its waistband and removeable panels are made of beautiful semi see-through lace with floral embroidery, and the skirt is made of a soft and swishy polyester/elastane blend. The matching thong features a sexy lace panel at the front and a 100% cotton gusset.

Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise from Lovehoney Valentine's Day lingerie

Black lingerie never goes out of style. Though this is part of the Valentine’s Day lingerie line, it’s really a timeless style that will look fabulous any night of the year. The floral lace adds a fun and femme touch, and the hint of skin between the bra cup and lace panel ups the sexiness.

Close up of Lovehoney embroidered black chemise lace

I also really love the shape of this piece. I’m confident about my waist and less confident about my stomach, and this chemise emphasises the former while drawing attention away from the latter.

Fit and Comfort

The Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise Set comes in sizes from UK6 up to UK30. I received the Medium (UK10/12 equivalent). Unfortunately, every time I order an item of lingerie with underwires, I remember why I usually don’t. While the rest of the piece fits me well, hugging my waist and reaching just to the bottom of my butt, the cups are far, far too small.

I understand that lingerie like this can’t come in every possible permutation of body size + cup size. That’d make each item unreasonably expensive and probably result in a lot of unsold stock. Unfortunately, this reality means that designers have to make some assumptions regarding average cup sizes in relation to body size. And I’m aware that my size 12 frame/G cup boobs combo isn’t exactly typical. The result, though, is that the overwhelming majority of lingerie with wires just isn’t going to work for my body.

I can sort of get the Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise to work for me with some very careful adjustment to how the quarter cups and embroidered panels sit. But even then, things keep slipping out of place, meaning that either my boobs fall out or I get poked in the ribcage with a wire that’s really too small for my chest.

The Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise is adjustable in a couple of places. The bra clasp features 3 settings, and you can make the straps longer or shorter to suit you. There’s a good amount of stretch to the thong’s waistband, too, so that should work for most bodies that fall within the size range.

Comfort-wise, I have no complaints beyond the sizing issues. The mesh skirt is super soft and the lace is skin-friendly and non scratchy.

Verdict

Beautiful… as long as your boobs will fit in it! If you’re small to average chested, this is a gorgeous piece in a classic, sexy design. If you’re larger chested, though, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it as you’re likely to encounter the same fit issues as I did.

I really wish this one worked for me, because I really do love the style. Unfortunately, I think I’ll be passing it on to a smaller-chested friend, and continuing to gravitate towards more boob-friendly styles such as bodysuits and wireless pieces.

The Lotus Embroidered Black Chemise Set retails for £44.99.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this piece in exchange for an honest review. All views, as always, are mine.