“Boudoir Beau” Bra by Bravissimo (exclusive) in Emerald (other colors available). Sizes 28-38 DD-K. £30.00. Shorts (£17.00), Thong (£15.00) available in sizes XS-2XL.
I included this in my Full-Bust Holiday picks, and about three days later realized I really, really, really wanted it. I “needed” a new black lace bra, I wanted a new balconette bra that gave a rounded shape and good support, and I adored the bright kelly/emerald green. So Christmas present to me!
Materials/Quality:
Close-up of the lace overlay. Once again, Sweets’ smartphone photography skills put everyone to SHAME.
This is only the second Bravissimo own-brand bra I’ve kept, but I’ve been pretty consistently impressed with the quality of the Bravissimo label, even while I’ve struggled to figure out the fit. The lace is already comfortable, and I imagine it will soften even further with wear. There is a lush, puffy bow (hence the “beau” in the name) between the cups, the straps are fully adjustable, and my size closes with three sets of three hooks and eyes, which I’m coming to realize is just so dang COMFORTABLE. The details continue on to the adorable briefs, which are topped with a matching bow at the back. I tried on a Boudoir Beau set when the style was first introduced a few years ago, and my recollection was that the material was a little stretchy and flimsy. That is not the case at all now: I feel comfortable and firmly supported, and the band has so far retained its support through a month of wears and washing. Note that in certain cup sizes the top of the cup is not sheer lace as pictured on the catalogue model; it’s lined with a black mesh panel for extra support.
Appearance:
That green, y’all. I used to have a shirtdress that color that made me feel like the prettiest girl in the world. I love, love, love that green. I want a ballgown with a bustle and train in that color green. When I win an Oscar/Nobel Prize for Boobular Goodness, I will wear said ballgown. I was a little disappointed to see that in my size the proportion of black-to-green is much larger than it appears on the model. The top part of the cup kind of takes over, especially taking into account the mesh panel, which gives wonderful support but severely cuts down on the delicacy and frilliness of the style. For some, that might be a good thing, but for me, it was a bit of a bummer.
Fit/Shape:
I am so, so, so glad to have this bra in my current rotation. The shape is rounded, but not as orb-like as the perfect spheres my beloved Cleo bras give me. It’s a bit more natural shape, but no less uplifted. Cheryl over at Invest in Your Chest had a great post up recently (“Getting to the Root of the Problem“) examining how differently-constructed fit, and she pointed out the difference between bras that really lift from the root of the breast versus encircling and cradling the breast without a ton of lift. To me, the Boudoir Beau lifts and supports as beautifully as the more dramatic root-lifting bras, yet offers the more natural look of a traditional balconette bra. And it is indeed a balconette: the center wire comes up quite a bit higher than a plunge bra would, so it’s not for every neckline. After my good luck with the fit of the Lola Luxe Basque, I ordered the same size here (same band as what I wear in Panache/Cleo/Fantasie, but one cup size larger). I was worried I might find the band a bit loose, but it runs very true-to-size, which is good news for women who prefer firm bands.
This view of the back shows off the brief’s cute bow and sheer back with horizontal seam, as well as the close-set wires at the bra’s center gore.
I ordered the matching briefs (thongs are stupid and I hate them for all-day wear), but, having learned my lesson with the Lola Luxe, I ordered the next size down (same size as Freya, one size down from Cleo), and they fit like a dream. I can’t be certain, but I think when I tried the Boudoir Beau set a few years ago the briefs lacked the top back panel they have now, and as such were ludicrously, ridiculously low-cut and uncomfortable. The problem is fixed now, and I think the horizontal seam standing out against the sheer fabric is rather sexy!
Verdict:
I haven’t had this set very long, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. It’s extremely comfortable for all-day wear, gives me a flattering shape under clothes, requires little-to-no adjusting throughout the day, and, despite the seams and lace on the cup, has a pretty low profile under knit tops. My breasts are fairly full on both top and bottom, and the cup shape, center gore width, and wire placement feel like they were made for me. I am crossing my fingers for a pretty new color in Bravissimo’s early Spring collection (launching next week!). While not an absolute bargain, the price is beyond reasonable, working out to around $46.00 for the bra and $20.00 for the briefs. Considering that many full-bust boutiques in NYC have told me that I should be spending $200/bra (LUDICROUS HIGHWAY ROBBERY), I am more than happy to pay full-price for such a great bra. Highly recommended, more like this please!
17 Comments on Review: Boudoir Beau by Bravissimo
3Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Review: Boudoir Beau by Bravissimo
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[…] I’ll admit, I’d made sure to wear one of my best fitting bras to the event (my Boudoir Beau by Bravissimo), and who felt smug when Freddy said “now this is a beautiful bra, and her fit is just about […]
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[…] Bravissimo’s own brand bras seem to suit me really, really well. First Lola Luxe, then Boudoir Beau (pretty please more colors, Bravissimo?), and now this cutie, a star-spangled, unpadded plunge […]
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[…] been asking for a new colorway of Boudoir Beau ever since I fell in love with the green version, and here’s a sweet […]
thelingerielesbian
January 11, 2013 at 9:46 am (10 years ago)Wait… I didn’t even know there were $200 full bust bras (except for the lovely Beaujais)! This bra is so gorgeous and I can understand why it will become a favorite! In general I am wary of green lingerie (I have an inexplicable aversion) but this one looks really pretty.
Sweets
January 11, 2013 at 10:04 am (10 years ago)Ha, yeah, the last few times I went to Intimacy (never. again.) they totally ignored my budget requests and kept bringing me these $200-250 bras by Prima Donna that admittedly felt fabulous but were boring as heck. I’m only JUST starting to get really into wearing green, and I still feel like some of the shades age me, but this one is lurvely.
faustineli
January 16, 2013 at 4:35 pm (10 years ago)I actually had the same problems at Intimacy- and I don’t quite fit into the European G cup at the end of the day! *sigh*
Sweets
January 16, 2013 at 4:40 pm (10 years ago)Yeah, I found Intimacy to be a frustrating shopping experience, for a variety of reasons. On to bigger and better things!
Malica aka nothingeverfits
January 11, 2013 at 12:08 pm (10 years ago)Where I live they are trying to sell Fauve for this price (Freya goes for $100-$120). Lovely bras, but 250% markup is insane.
Sweets
January 11, 2013 at 12:18 pm (10 years ago)Oh no! That’s really disgraceful 🙁 Do you ever shop on eBay? I’ve managed to find some very good discounts there on past-season styles, although with the caveat that sizes are frequently limited.
nothingeverfits
January 12, 2013 at 5:41 am (10 years ago)Sure! Even if I sometimes miss and fit is absolutely off and it’s pointless to return anything cheaper than $40 because of our crazy post fees, it’s still worth it and experience is better and selection is much-much-much better.
And I have a review of Masquerade Tiffany Plunge bought from ebay for £19.16 couple of weeks ago waiting for a sunny day (I don’t have a camera in the moment and my phone has it’s limitations).
Sweets
January 12, 2013 at 10:14 am (10 years ago)Wow! Sounds like a great find! It’s a gorgeous bra, congrats!
nothingeverfits
January 12, 2013 at 10:40 am (10 years ago)Tiffany was a great find indeed. And I would gladly buy her for the full price (not local full price, though) after I tried her. But for £19.16! Dream come true )
Fussy Busty
January 11, 2013 at 10:21 am (10 years ago)When I got the Bravissimo fall catalogue in the mail ages ago, this set immediately stole the show for me. I’m not sure why I never ordered it, but I know this color way is for all intensive purposes sold out 🙁 I love the look of it though.
Would you ever consider posting photos of the bra on you? I’m definitely curious to see the shape from the side.
Sweets
January 11, 2013 at 10:43 am (10 years ago)I really hope they continue this style; I’d love to see some bright colors for Spring and Summer. I know pictures are super helpful in reviews, but A) Gus and Ruby have yet to learn how to take my picture, despite tempting them with treats, and B) I’m still assessing how I feel about my lingerie-clad picture going online, even with my face cut out. It’s something I’ll continue to review as time goes on, but for the moment it’s not something I’m comfortable with.
undercoverlingerista
January 12, 2013 at 7:22 am (10 years ago)Great review – really pretty bra and it sounds like it’s matched by good fit. Like you, I also have a thing for emerald green, so I should def try this!
love,
Kitty xo
http://www.undercoverlingerista.blogspot.com
Sweets
January 14, 2013 at 11:46 am (10 years ago)Thanks! I hope you get a chance to try it and love it too!
lauriedancer
February 9, 2013 at 12:43 am (10 years ago)This really is gorgeous, and the price is right, too. I may actually order it myself. I’ll bet it looks amazing on you; your figure is so lovely and womanly.