Addition Elle Spring Lingerie Preview

Hey Guys,

Last week I was invited to the Spring preview for Addition Elle's lingerie collection. I got to meet the stunning plus super model, Ashley Graham, who taught us all a thing or two about posing, hang out with my fellow Toronto plus size blogging buddies, and chat with Roslyn Griner, VP of Marketing for the brand.

They are really focusing on making the brand more fashion-forward, which Rosyln told us will definitely be evident in their Spring collection, and even more so in Summer. She says that by Fall 2012, their rebranding will be complete, and the store will offer items that have greater appeal for a younger, more trend-conscious consumer. This is very exciting news, and I can't wait to see what they have in their back pockets.

A big part of the brand transformation is their intimates section. Rosyln spoke with us about a few of their new designs (what we can expect for the Summer collection - totally cute), and their new "Smooth Curves" bra, which is designed to keep your back looking smooth under fitted garments, and eliminate the spill over that sometimes happens with traditional bra bands. This bra is seemless, and it looks like it would work wonders under tight fitting tops or dresses.

It was really great to be able to sit down with Roslyn and talk about their new lingerie collection and the directions the brand is headed in generally. I really got the impression that she was listening to each of us, thoughtfully considering our suggestions, and that she would bring these back to the buyers at their head office when she returned. I am very excited to see where Addition Elle is headed over the next few months.

Here are a few pictures of the event and some of the lovely new items from their intimates collection.

A few lovely Toronto Plus Size Fashion bloggers

  Melissa from Killer Kurves showing off one of the sets for the camera

Me with Ashley Graham, star of Addition Elle's intimates campaign, and plus size super model

We were each given a certificate to get a complimentary bra and pair of panties. This is the set I picked out.

I took this bra for the 18-hour day spin to make sure it was comfortable, and I can honestly say I was still totally comfortable by the end of the day!

Femme Fatale Panty in Black

All in all, it was a great event, and I had a great time chatting with the people at Addition Elle. I really love my new undies, and if you're looking for some, make sure you check out Addition Elle's intimates page or pop into one of their stores.

The Curvy Girls' Valentine's Day Shopping List

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and neither La Senza nor Victoria's secret have a thing that will fit. You've checked out the department stores, but all they have in your size is bras with inch wide straps in white cotton, and floor length flannel nighties that would hardly suit your grandmother. Frustrating, isn't it? Whenever this happens, I always look online to find something better that WILL work for me. I don't have to settle just because brick and mortar stores don't carry my size, and I actually simply refuse to now. There's no reason why I can't find exactly what I'm looking for online. If these stores won't carry my size, then they clearly don't want my business. I am done trying to squeeze into their extra large. Especially when there are so many fantastic options available online.

So I thought I would compile a list of fantastic items (and stores) where you can shop to get your lovely Valentine's Day goodies. From heart print dresses for your night out on the town to lingerie for, well, your night in, this list has got you covered!

Lingerie:

Hips and Curves - One of my all-time favourite websites for plus size lingerie! They have really amazing, high-fashion inspired stuff, and they have even been featured in Vogue Italia Curvy. They have items that range from demure all the way to racy, so they're sure to have something that will work for your taste. Here are a few of my favourite items from their store right now.

J'Adore Overlay Chemise, $39.95

Baby Doll with Red Heart Molded Cups, $24.95

Baby Doll with Garters and Stockings

Torrid has a lot of beautiful lingerie right now, and the best part is that it's all on sale! All their lingerie is $24.99! They have a bunch of different styles. Here are some of my faves.

In addition to all lingerie being $24.99, if you use the links to Torrid on this page, you'll get a 10% off discount for Curvy Canadian readers! They also have a really great sale on boots going on right now - $29.99 for all pairs!

I can't forget Lane Bryant, because their lingerie brand, Cacique, is one of my favourites!

Pink Lace Heart Embroidered Baby Doll, $51.11

Ashley Stewart also has some lovely stuff:

Two-Piece Cami Set, $13.49

Black Lace Bodysuit, $26.50 (with BOGO free)

Dresses and Tops:

City Chic Flutter Hearts Top, $14.99

Daytime Luxe Dress from Shop Translated, $89



Hearts Aflutter Dress from eShakti, $69.95





City Chic Flutter Heart Dress, $29.99



Black Big Hearts Jumper, 28GBP

I hope you enjoy some of these items and have a great Valentine's Day! Stay tuned for more outfit of the day posts soon, and don't forget to visit my new online store, "Your Big Sister's Closet." There are a few lovely pink items in there that would also work for Valentine's Day dates!

Product Review: Butterfly Collection

Hey All!

Recently, I was contacted by the fabulous Claire of Butterfly Collection Lingerie to see if I would be willing to review her online store and one of her bras. Of course I said yes!

Butterfly Collection is an online shop based out of Vancouver, BC (you know I love Canadian businesses!). They ship free to anywhere in Canada and for a $12 flat rate to the US. Customers in other countries around the world can have their products shipped for $20.

It is Claire's mission to provide supportive and well-fitting bras to larger-busted women. When we were chatting over email she was amazingly helpful and knowledgeable and provided me with a wealth of information on bra fit. She even explained some of the terminology to me (did you know that the middle part of the bra that holds the cups together is called a gore? I didn't!). Apparently if your girls are heavy, then a small gore will make a bra very uncomfortable for you...

I was a bit sceptical about doing a fitting over the internet, without trying the bra on, but again, Claire was very helpful and guided me through the fitting process at home. I just sent her my measurements and she was able to fit me perfectly. Her website even offers a Bra School so you can equip yourself with knowledge before you make your purchase.

One of the main reasons Claire started Butterfly Collection was because of how uncomfortable it can be for full busted women to shop in traditional lingerie stores. It can be embarrassing or awkward to ask a sales associate for a size that you're not even sure the store carries. We've all been there! I won't even step foot in a Victoria's Secret because I feel like everyone is looking at me funny. Butterfly Collection offers the comfort of shopping at home combined with the knowledge of an industry professional (who makes you feel amazingly at ease) and a wide selection of merchandise for you to choose from (wired, unwired, sports bras, nursing bras, and even matching panties for some bras!). Butterfly Collection carries bras from a DD cup to a G cup, and you can special order up to a J cup.

Claire sent me the Grenier Xtreme Comfort Bra, and boy, does it live up to its name! It is SO comfortable. It is made of unbleached organic cotton and lycra. The straps are padded so that you don't get shoulder dents and so that the bra is more comfortable. See?

There is also a clip in the back so that the bra can convert into a racer-back for sleeveless tops.

All in all, this is a great everyday wear bra (especially if it's going to be a long day!). I would also recommend this bra if you do a lot of travelling. It seems like it would hold up well under travelling conditions and it would be very comfortable for long treks schlepping your luggage around with you. I usually wear a sports bra while travelling, but this one is so comfortable that I would definitely wear it instead. This also means that you can look better when you travel. I normally just have on a t shirt or a hoodie, but since I wouldn't have to wear a terrible sports bra anymore, I could wear something that would make me feel like I'm travelling in style! 

Many thanks to Claire from Butterfly Collection who gifted this bra for me to review. Check out her website here.