Deco Darling

Corsets and stockings and bras, oh my! 

Over the weekend, with Robin Elk Photography by my side I booked into the amazing Maison Burlesque for a traditional pinup shoot! Inspired by their flamingo room I sourced some amazing new stock from my favourite lingerie designers, got dolled up and immersed myself in this stunning location. Now this post is fully of links, details and as much fit information as I can think of but if you have any extra questions please comment below. 

 Freya Deco Darling Molded Plunge Bra Noir - $94.95

Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Corset w/ Hip Ties in Cotton (CS-426) - $88.00

Freya Deco Darling Short - $44.95

Ally stockings from Kix'ies - $22.00

With this shoot I wanted to feature my stand out favourites in new season lingerie and give you my readers as much help fit wise as I possibly can! If you are new to my blog you might not be aware of my love affair with the Freya Deco Bra. From the moment I slipped into this style I knew I'd never wear another bra again and since October 2014 I've worn nothing but. I wear the Deco in a size 34GG which works out to be an Australian 12GG. The fit with this style is amazing and I've never felt so supported and comfortable while still being curvy and showing heaps of cleavage. 

Paired with the short style bottoms in a size 16 this set is so comfortable to wear and the super soft and stretchy fabric feel like a second skin. Then my absolutely favourite style stockings from Kix'ies the 1940's inspired polka dot thigh highs. I've blogged about these  a few times in the past and my love for these gravity defying stockings has not diminished. Both styles featured in this post are a size D but as of recently I have discovered that depending on the style and stretch I can wear a size C. I'll get into this with a little more detail below. 

I paired this stunning set with my new favourite under-bust from Orchard Corset. The CS-426 is my go to corset and I'm growing quite the collection with a few different fabrics and colours in this style (I have the grey version but I'm yet to shoot it!) I adore this style due to the longer length, hip hugging shape and how much it exaggerates my natural hour glass shape.  The cotton hip ties version of the 426 is even more brilliant than the standard version due to the extra element of design. The side ties are both visually pleasing and functional. You can tighten these panels fully and have sexy, vampish style corset or loosen for a more hippy shape or to show a contrasting skirt or dress. Red would pair wonderfully with this style and show off the lacing details. 

Now I wear this corset in a size 26 and I can get it very tightly tied but not fully closed. In a month or so I'll have this molded more to my shape and will be able to get close to fully closed after breaking it in and wearing it for more shoots. Each corset I wear at the moment is the same size and I've found that with my hip to waist ratio that the 426 is the perfect fit. 

The print on the Freya Deco Darling is absolutely stunning with a vintage rose lace overlay on a pale pink cup. Every inch of this bra is sophisticated, sexy and will make you feel divine. Now this style fits my bust perfectly but due to the corset I seem to be filling the cups a little more than usual. When natural the middle lays flat between each breast and I have complete coverage while still feeling super sexy. 

The amazing flamingo wallpaper at Maison Burlesque was the perfect backdrop for these outfits and the room itself was a pinup model's dream! Next time I will shoot some amazing evening gowns in their peacock room. 

Freya Deco Spotlight Moulded Plunge Bra in Indigo - $84.00

Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Corset in Brocade (CS-426) - $84.00

Freya Deco Spotlight Brief in Indigo - $34.00

Sam - Fishnet Kix'ies Stockings - $22.00

The Deco Spotlight was my first ever bra in this style and the whole reason for my current addiction - Thank you to my lovely fella for walking the streets of London trying to get me the right bra! I have the original berry colour and now that I own the indigo my life is complete. The same fit as above but with a more subtle print and a stunning deep shade of indigo. 

This polka dot set is a must for any pinup's wardrobe. Paired with the Spotlight brief and my well loved Brocade 426. As you can see after I've broken in a corset I can get a much more pronounced shape and if I can get this style close to closed when needed, this is a few inches off closed but I did not want to get too crazy for this shoot.  I love how the floral design pairs perfectly with the indigo bra and brief set, almost like they were made for each other. 

Other than the main polka dot print my favourite feature of the Spotlight Deco has to be the contrasting polka dot on the straps, edges and the bow. It's such a subtle but adorable feature. 

As mentioned above I've paired both looks with the best stockings on the planet - Kix'ies! These stockings will never let you down as they never roll down! When I first reviewed these thigh highs I wore the size D and I found that I could pull these up really high, sometimes as high as my toosh! 

So I've worn them high since purchasing my first pair but I've been wondering if I've been doing it right. So I've now had a chance to try a C and a B in a few styles and I can say that I can wear both the C and D but the C is a great mid thigh height. Great if I want to show a little bit of the stunning top under a short skirt or dress. I'm also 5'7 if you need a reference for how long these might be or how much stretch they have. I'm wearing this mid thigh for the shoot but they go much higher.

The D I love wearing really high under high waisted shorts and the stretchy fabric means you can't tell I'm even wearing thigh highs. But for the fishnet style I can advise you to size down. I fit into both the C and B but I think for comfort I'd much prefer the C for this specific style. I find that most fishnets if done right can be super stretchy and these are perfect. If you are in need of any stockings be it print, plain, for pinup or for work you should ditch those full styles and fill your drawers with Kix'ies. You'll never return to the world of boring stockings I promise you. 

Now that is a whole lot of information to absorb! I hope I've helped you with any of your fit issues and I hope you get the chance to try any of these amazing styles. Many thanks to Mr Amazing himself Robin Elk for creating such magic with me! To Brava Australia's leading experts in lingerie for a D cup and up. Orchard Corset for making me curvier and the amazing Maison Burlesque and their stunning venue. 

The Secret Garden

After trying out my first two styles from Orchard Corset I've discovered that I have a weakness for the longer line, hip hugging style of the CS-246. I think it's safe to say that I will order every single colour way in this style over my lifetime and the more prints and colour ways available the better! So Armed with a big bag of goodies I travelled down to Geelong and shot with the brilliant Miles Away and captured these brilliant prints!

Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Corset in Pinstripe (CS-426) - $84.00

Secrets in Lace Hollywood Pleated Babydoll Top - $69.00

Freya Deco Charm Plunge Bra Silver - £26.95

Freya Deco Charm Short Silver - £9.95

This stunning pinstripe longline corset was next on my wishlist from Orchard Corset after receiving the black leather style. I wanted to venture into print without going to crazy and the simple style of a pinstripe was the perfect beginning. I wear all corsets from this company in a size 28 and when laced super tight I can lose up to 5 inches, maybe even more if I wanted to. 

As you can see in the first image I can easily sit in the longer style and not feel cut in half or restricted. I have had these corsets tightened in two different ways in these images as my awesome friend Liz mastered the art on the second style but at this tightness the corset is comfortable an does not hurt me in any way. The shape we created on the second style is a little more bold. 

The classic pinstripe fabric is a great option to add to any wardrobe as the print matches most colours and pairs beautifully with dresses, skirts and even pants. I've paired this with my my Freya Deco Charm Plunge bra in silver and the matching underwear. The silver and black lace bra works perfectly with the pinstripe almost like they were made to be paired together. 

I purchased this bra set a few weeks ago from Bra Stop while they were having a big sale. It's my goal to own every Freya Deco style ever created as they are THE BEST bra for my shape. Since receiving my first Deco I've not looked back and each and every day I wear one of these bras. The soft padded cup, low plunge and they details on and around the cleavage are perfect. I wear my Deco brads in a 34GG and it works perfectly for my measurements. 

Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Corset in Brocade (CS-426) - $84.00

Freya Deco Molded Plunge Bra in black- $74.95

Freya Deco Brief - $34.95

Kix'ies Tiffany Stockings - $18.95

Next I wore this absolutely stunning Asian brocade style fabric in the same longline style. When I ordered these two styles I thought that the pinstripe would be my favourite and the brocade a close second but since the moment I slipped into this print I've been absolutely smitten with it. The soft black satin and floral print is so sweet and dainty. The print works beautifully with plain black yet you can also match this with any of the colours featured within the flowers, so red, deep blues or purples and possibly even green. 

This corset is laced in a slightly different way that the style above and we went for more waist reduction. I adored the over the top hour glass figure that we created with this corset, that much so I wore this style under 3 more outfits I shoot after these images were taken. My measurements are naturally an hourglass shape but it's always fun to wear garments that overemphasise that shape and make my curves a little more pronounced. 

These longline styles are really amazing for hourglass figures as they hug you in all the right places, create defined curves and the almost scalloped bottom smooths and flattens your stomach. I've paired the brocade style with my black Freya Deco set and my all time favourite stay up stocks from Kix'ies. The black Deco bra and brief set works wonderfully with this corset and the Kix'ies thigh high stockings are the icing on the cake.

I can now safely say that featured above are 3 main items that every woman needs in her wardrobe as a basic foundation or lingerie. An Orchard Corset in longline style for a curvy shape, a Freya Deco Bra if you are above a D cup and Kix'ies thigh high stockings. These are 3 things I can't cope without! 

The shape I can create with my corsets have changed how I will wear my clothing in the future, I've always relied on shapewear in the past but currently I'm not loving any styles and not getting the shape and definition I need. I also can't live without my Kix'ies thigh high never fail stockings. I wear the size D and you can read my full review here. I can't wait till the new season styles are released from this perfect stocking brand. With backseams, fishnet and pale print options there will be so many more outfit choices and styling options. 

Bras and corsets and kix'ies - oh my!

The time has come to show off  all my lingerie favorites in one full blown underwear and corset filled post! Being a super curvy hourglass shape, I tend to love any garment that accentuates my waist to hip/bust ratio and what better to do that with than CORSETS!!

Base garments are not only sexy but they are the essential foundations of any outfit. What is hidden beneath helps garments slide on and sit perfectly. So in this post I wanted to feature my stand out no.1 picks for corsets, bras and stockings.

Steel-Boned Underbust Corset in Green Satin - $59.00

Freya Deco Moulded Plunge Bra in Black - $74.95

Freya Deco Short in black - $34.95

Kix'ies Ally: Flirty flashback to the 1940s polka dot stockings - $18.95

Black Lace Shrug from Miskonduct - $59.99

As a redhead, I found it impossible not to order this emerald green underbust corset from Orchard Corset. I've been looking all over the internet for a well crafted, stunningly designed and well reviewed corset company and as soon as I found Orchard Corsets I knew all my boxes were ticked. I chose to try to underbust items to begin with as I know they suit me best and these two styles are absolutely spot on for fit and size!

I am wearing both of these corset styles in a 26 inch waist. My natural waist is a 32' and when I gave the very lovely people on their Facebook page my stats they instantly recommended this size to me. Via the website they offer the following information regarding size :

'We recommend that you order 5-7 inches below your natural waist measurements to allow for cinching.  Plus sizes (waists of 38" or more) should order 7-10 inches down. So if you have a 29 inch waist, we would recommend that you purchase a size 24. The leather is very supple and has more give than a satin or brocade, so if your are on the edge between two size, choose the smaller size. A size 24 will have a 24" waist when fully laced shut. The hips will measure about 12 inches larger than the waist, and the underbust is about 6-7 inches larger when laced shut. Available in sizes 18 - 40 in 2 inch increments.'

In the 26' underbust I feel amazing. This style creates such an amazing shape and is very comfortable to wear. The shorter style is suited to wearing both as an undergarment and for styling with dresses and skirts. I've always worn corsets both as undergarments and as outerwear and I can't wait to pair this emerald style with the perfect dress!

I've paired this corset with my absolute favourite bra set! Last year I discovered the Deco design by Freya and lusted after the amazing sets I found in UK based lingerie stores. Though trail and error I have found my perfect size, style and cup in this brand and have also found a brilliant Australian company who are selling them close to home! Many thanks to my amazing man who searched high and low on the streets of London when he was in the UK last year to buy me my first ever Deco! Without that one bra, my addiction would never exist.

Brava is an Australian based lingerie company specializing in a D cup and up. With both an online store and two shops located in Melbourne you can order online if you know your size and head in for a perfect fit! Australian bra manufacturers need to step up and take notice of wonderful companies such as Brava. Too often I notice that bras in Australia are only over a DD with a back band of 16+ and for a back size of 14 and smaller they seem to never go past a D. This is making the whole buxom community of Australia wear ill-fitting and uncomfortable bras.  To fit my 34GG bust I need to purchase a UK brand imported by Brava instead of purchasing Aussie brands. Australia, get your act together or me and my bust are moving to the UK!

For this shoot I've worn the Deco style bra in two colour ways and I can honestly say now that this is by far the best bra I've ever had the pleasure of wearing. I own 4 different colour ways in the Deco and the fit is amazing. It gives you a large round shape, supports your whole breast and fits like a dream. I'm wearing this bra in a size 34GG and I think after discovering this style I will be wearing these every day of my life. The soft padded cups are really supportive and give a really lovely shape. Since I've been wearing this style I've got so many compliments and looks, the girls seem to be bigger than usual every time I wear my Deco bras! The short style bottom is silky and smooth and in a size XL fits my hips with ease.

Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Corset in Black Leather - $103.00

Freya Deco Honey Plunge Bra in Green - $79.95

Freya Deco Honey Brief in Green - $39.95

Kix'ies Ally: Flirty flashback to the 1940s polka dot stockings - $18.95

Next I opted for what I've always loved - Leather Corsets! The Leather is a longline and requires a torso length of 10+ inches generally to be comfortable in while seated and I found this style so very comfortable and perfect for my shape. I actually adore it most out of the two as the longer length sucks, tucks and slims out all of my problem areas. The longer length sits on a perfect height on my hips and I feel amazing while wearing it. I think in the future this longer length style is the one I will choose to purchase more of because it seems to hug me in all the right places. 

The leather is soft and smooth and I can't wait to shoot with this again. I've already got Batman inspired shoots in my head featuring this style! The fabric and distinct steel boning offer a very strong pattern and shape and due to the softness I feel like this style molded a little more to my waist and I lost more inches. 

This style while perfect in leather also comes in other prints and fabrics. From satin to cotton, pinstripe and brocade you will find the perfect style and colour for yourself with ease. Now if I can get my hands on a few more colour options and a pinstripe, my corset dream collection would be complete!!! For more information regarding fit and sizing please check out this video Orchard Corset created to help make choosing a longline style a little easier. 

I chose to pair this leather beauty with the super bright honey Freya Deco set from Brava. The pop of colour with the dark black tones really makes this stunning green/teal shade stand out. The matching honey brief is adorable with the button and ruffle details. I'm also wearing this style in an XL as well. With bra sets I tend to worry about fit when it comes to the bottom but the XL is spot on and does not cut into my hips at all.

If you are sick and tired of ill-fitting bras I urge you to try the Deco style from Freya ASAP! For any information about fit contact Brava directly for specific fit info and measurements and my brilliant fellow Blogger Fuller Figure Bust for all DD+ bra needs as she is a genius.

I've also completed each outfit with my favorite thigh high stockings from Kix'ies. You can find my previous information-filled post regarding size and fit here. These are the best thigh high stockings on the market right now and never slip down. I've been wearing these to death all autumn and need another pair of Polka Dot, as well as the Annabelle and the Beth Anne! Once you try Kix'ies you will never try another stocking brand again -trust me.

Working with my favorite brands in my dream location was brilliant! Thank you to both Bobby McGees and L12 Photography for helping me create such amazing images!

Secrets in Lace

Every year or so I take time out to try new underwear and shapewear available on the market. For too long I've been wearing beige stretchy garments that suck and tuck everything but don't really offer much in term of looks.

So after searching for stockings online, I stumbled across Secrets in Lace and quickly fell in love with their pinup perfect selection of underwear, stockings, corsets and shapewear garments. Secrets in Lace are US based company specializing in classically elegant lingerie, foundations and authentic nylon stockings.

Armed with all of my goodies I teamed up with L12 Photography and headed down to my beloved Bobby McGees once again to capture all of these brilliant looks and more! I chose two sets of underwear that suited my pinup styling the most and I can safely say that these just as perfect as I imagined.

Retro Intrigue Shelf Bra - $39.20

Hollywood Pleated Babydoll Top - $69.00

Pleated Panty - $21.00

Corset (borrowed)

Shoes - Always from Luichiny 

All black lingerie sets have always had my heart and this lace style immediately called to me when I saw it on the website. The retro shelf bra is a half cup push up style that makes you full in shape, show lots of skin and well quite frankly just makes the girls look amazing! I'm wearing this bra in a 36DD and it's a great fit for the style that it is. I've found out now that for day to day bras, my actual size is a 34GG but for bra shapes such as this I can work with the 36DD and still fit. 

The shelf bra pairs perfectly with the pleated and sheer high waisted panties and babydoll. The panties in a size XL are very roomy and comfortable and I think I could have sized down with ease. They are perfect for lounging about your house as they are a dream to wear.  

Now onto the babydoll! I am madly in love with this retro inspired cover up and can't stop wearing it. The fabric pairs beautifully with everything in my lingerie collection and the vintage styling is perfect. From the bow to the little button closure this is perfect and any pinup or retro lingerie lover needs to add this to their collection.

This is what I call a bedroom or for your partner bra. One that shows off your chest in a stunning way, shows lots of skin and is perfect for any special occasion. This style also works for a lot of the lower cute style dress I own that show a little of my usual more fuller coverage bras. This is not a style I would wear every day but save for those very special moments. My usually 34GG bras sit much differently but I opt for styles like this for different outfits and situations. 

Cabaret Plunge Bra - $49.00

Elizabeth OB Girdle in Red- $69.00

Corset (borrowed)

Hollywood Pleated Babydoll Top - $69.00

Dana Sheer Heel Stockings in Coffee - $9.99

Red and black - one of my favorite colour combinations! This matching brand and open girdle set are to die for! The cherry red base with the perfectly placed black accents make for a stunning set when worn together. As stated above I'm wearing these bras in a size 36DD and the fit on this style is exactly that same as the black push up style above. 

My favorite feature has to be the sheer lace detail on the top of the cup. This small piece makes this bra stand out more than most and adds a little more glamour to the look. It can also be tucked inside and hidden if you wish to wear it in a different style. I also adore the size of the straps on both of these bras as they are the right thickness to carry a large chest size comfortably but they are also visually stunning so you don't mind if they poke through any outfit.

The open bottom girdle is the best item to pair with this bra in my opinion. While you have the option of a panty or thong and garter belt in this fabric I find the girdle has the most impact, giving you that lusted after hourglass shape and smoothing out all lumps and bumps. I'm wearing this size in a XL and it is the perfect fit. I was originally worried about my hip measurements but this size works great for my body. 

The garters are super easy to adjust and attach to stockings and fit very securely to my stockings. I usually worry about wearing such items out in case one pops one mid stride but this girdle is wonderful. 

Now I could not wear the girdle without stockings could I? I'm wearing the Dana sheer heel  in coffee in a size Large and they fit my thighs perfectly. The soft and silky nylon is feels amazing on your skin and after wearing these I have to purchase as many pairs as humanly possible! 

Don't be fooled when you take these out of the packaging. They will appear smaller than you expected but once you carefully slide them up your leg they turn into the perfect length stocking. I'm currently lusting after the Vintage Dot style and the whole of the Dita Collection. 

Thank you so much to both L12 Photography, Bobby McGees and Rydges Melbourne for making this shot an amazing success. If you are a Melbourne local be sure to book L2 Photography for your photography needs. I still can't get over how amazing Bobby McGees is and feel so grateful to be be able to use this location once again. Located within the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne this is the perfect spot for parties, weddings and hopefully kustom kulture events!

Vedette Review & Giveaway! - CLOSED!!!

Recently I was contacted by the amazing people at Vedette and asked to participate in a unique challenge - wearing underwear as outwear!

Now when I first read this a scratched my head and though how on earth can I rock this look without feeling like a super hero? Not that it's such a bad thing considering I secretly wish to be batman. But with a little styling inspiration and some out of the box thinking I've come up with a two looks I really love featuring my new found perfect shapewear!

For me personally picking items for this feature was limited. I'm a G cup so I could not wear a built in bra or cupped item and I could only show a certain amount of any item really without just posing for you in my underwear. I would wear every item I could possibly get my hands on from their webstore but for this I needed something striking, something bold and something that would pop from beneath my layers.

So here is what I created :

Vedette Giana Braless Bodysuit - $60.00

Landlocked Apparel Widow to the Soul Crop Tee - Sold Out

Torrid Purple Sophia Skinny Jeans - Sold Out

Alternative top - Portmans Blazer - Sold Out

For this bodysuit I wanted to show two looks. These are both very sexy and pinup styled undergarments but I wanted to work them into a more modern funky set of outfits. With the jeans and crop styles you you get a hint of patter or colour and your curves just pop. This style has a busk at the back. 

They are almost a half corset, half shapewear creation. It looks divine and sculpts you into that brilliant hourglass figure. When I first wore this out I made everyone fell my waist and the boning. Even showed a few of my girlfriends just how brilliant it looked privately! 

Vedette Contessa Braless Bodysuit - $46.00

Asos Crop Top - $12.72

Moto Jacket - Jay Jays Sold Out 

Torrid Purple Sophia Skinny Jeans - Sold Out

I feel so amazingly sexy and even more curvy in these bodysuits. This style has a busk at the front which is much easier to get into. They are both brilliantly crafted and arrive packed in the most amazing gift boxes. Invest in these now while they are on sale.

I wear the Large in both of these items and I have a 33 inch waist and 42 inch hips. I will be trying more of the selection available from Vedette so I will be sure to update you as I go.

But wait there's more!

The amazingly generous people at Vedette are giving 3 of my lucky readers a chance to own a brilliant item of shapewear from the webstore!

To WIN just follow the following my rules and the Vedette Guidelines.


Vedette Shapewear Guidelines


1. You must follow my blog - You have to be a follower of my blog! Via  Google Friend Connect - this is a must as its the only way i can check! If you have a blogger page or an open id that will work too.

2. You must write ENTER ME and leave you email address.

3. You must like the blog fan page on facebook!

4. You must like VEDETTE'S facebook page or Twitter Account - We will check this!

5. I will pick 3 winners. Each winner will score 1 item shapewear of their choice. You can choose any item buy nothing from the SENSUALE line (so sadly these styles are not available.)

6. Returns and size exchanges due to sizing will occur a fee so you will have to give me your exact measurements so I can provide Vedette customer support with the appropriate information.

7. Giveaway is open to international readers aside from the Philippines.

Giveaway closes Thursday the 25th of October.


Good lucky girls!!!

P.S So many thanks to my awesome team on this shoot from Lucky and Rice! You guys were amazing!