What Are You Wearing? Polyester Polka Dots
May 6, 2013
Recipe: Grilled Nectarines with Cinnamon Yoghurt
May 8, 2013Another in my never ending hunt for glamorous but wearable lingerie.
Gossard are a brand that I was very familiar with in my youth, which was around the “Hello Boys!” advertising bill board era, but I stopped paying much attention to as I remember them as not the most comfortable of contraptions. Recently they have released a few wonderful vintage inspired ranges, like the Oh La La! I wrote about back in 2011.
A couple of weeks ago they contacted me about the possibility of working with me, and offered to send me a selection of their vintage inspired ranges to try. This is what arrived through the door.
In there is the Femme Fatale Slip, which is nice, but I didn’t find particularly “controlling” and has such narrow suspender clips that I wouldn’t dare even try them with seamed stockings, I’d more likely just remove them and wear it like an underwired vest! The Oriental Bloom longline bra was very nice, but the wrong size, I was sent a replacement, but it was the non padded bra instead of the longline and I found it a little skimpy in the cut.
What I do want to talk about, as I am in love, is the Gossard Retrolution range. I have the long line plunge bra and high waisted panty girdle (called a waist cincher). The set has wide detachable suspender straps that will actually keep your stockings under control and is controlling enough to hold you in, whilst still comfortable enough to wear all day, at least if you don’t mind slightly restrictive underwear! The waist cincher also stayed in place and didn’t roll down or ride up too badly during an evenings wear that involved sitting and eating.
The set feels good quality, the fabric is heavy and the lace not scratchy.
I’m going to be a little brave now, as it’s one thing seeing glamorous, well lit Gossard models in their pants, and quite another to know what it looks like on a regular size 12-14.
Despite the fact that a picture of me in an equally revealing vintage swimsuit has appeared on the big screen over Vintage at Southbank I wasn’t quite brave enough for a full body shot without the help of a professional photographer and air brush on hand! I have air brushed my cleavage a little in order to deter internet creeps, as Gossard is rightly famous for it’s cleavage enhancing properties and it’s quite frankly terrifying. The bra also came with pads like pillows, like the Wonderbra I remember from my youth. They’re in little pockets, that were always just the right size for carrying money, or anything else you might have wanted to put in there. I took them out, as my own cleavage made me want to cry, I could pretty much see it out of the corner of my eye and I’m just not comfortable with that level of boobage.
The bra is longline, so gives a good line under clothes. I’ve yet to try it under anything too slinky, but it has a lot of detail so may well show through. The straps at the shoulders and back are wide so it sits comfortably and is supportive. If you normally go for a more vintage pointy bustline then this might come as a bit of a shock as it’s very much and “up and in” balconette bra, as opposed to more “lift and seperate” vibe of a vintage bustline. I have to say I quite like the more rounded bustline the bra gives though. Some of my wardrobe demands a pointy bust, but I think some of it could look good with this shape. I’m wearing it in Mondays outfit post, so you can see the shape it gives, without pads, under clothing.
Normally I stick to repro or original brands like What Katie Did, Kiss Me Deadly or Rago for glamorous shapewear with a vintage vibe that will also keep my seams straight, but Gossard have got it spot on with this beautiful set, and it will hold your stockings straight in autumn, as well as work barelegged in Summer.
The Retrolution Stylo Plunge Bra (£42) and Retrolution Waist Cincher (£40) are available from Gossard
36 Comments
How did you find the sizing for the Retrolution bra? I’ve been lusting after it for months, but the reviews online all said that the sizing was off, or that it gave a very weird shape under clothes. I’d have to order it online and a lot of the stores that sell it don’t accept returns!
wow you look amazing in those photos!!
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I only ever wear balconette bras (Always feel a bit “wayward” in anything else)…I’m on my way to follow the links with fingers crossed they do big girl sizes! LOL!
What lovely lingerie. I’m in the market for some for myself at the moment so I might give it a try. The set you have on in the last photo looks seriously amazing.
Elisabeth – I found it fine! I often find you’re a different size between brands, but I am the same size in this as my normal Triumph bras. I have the larger of the 2 back sizes that I normally am! Sometimes I’m a 32, sometimes 34, this is the 34.
Anyone that sells online is legally obliged to offer returns as well, I know that doesn’t help if they say they don’t, but its the distance selling regulations!
Jules – thanks, was a bit nervous about posting them, but I thought its useful to see photos on non-models if you’re thinking of buying!
Thanks!!
Low-cut bra in a longer size? That looks excellent. And they also do a strapless longline bra in large sizes? *Flexes credit cards* Bra shopping on the High Street has been a right pain in the bum lately, this stuff looks great.
@Retrochick_uk Why don’t I just send you all my cash and measurements and get you to buy me stuff? 😉
@Retrochick_uk I’ve been looking for ages for a longline strapless bra to hold up my Fs, and voila, Gossard do one!
I have wanted to try some of the range for awhile as they sell stuff in large cup sizes (YAY) I might have to try out this set as being a large busted lady I am used to cleavage.
Personally I think you look fabulous in this set. You don’t need a professional retoucher – you are gorgeous just the way you are.
Love love love it! Needing some serious, but sexy support after baby and c section, might be a few months yet, I hope that they don’t discontinue before I can try some, I might give hubby a nudge re Xmas lol
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Like the sound of the Retrolution set ~ going to give it a look. Great photos too
@Retrochick_uk I think summer just suddenly got a whole lot hotter Lol. And what a model too – phew! #OpenAWindowSomeone
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Thank you for sharing this! They all look so nice…
Andra
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This is absolutely stunning lingerie. Thanks so much, I’m sharing this post!
Lingerie Love – Gossard Retrolution: http://t.co/bwzMIK1kFk
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@Retrochick_uk love the photography
@Retrochick_uk Whitt woo you beautiful lady! Mega points! I used to do bits for Gossard & like you, found some styles fit better than others
You look (from what i can see) amazing! 🙂
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RT @Retrochick_uk: A review of the @GossardUK Retrolution waist cincher and long line bra. http://t.co/Z564Z1TtuU
@Retrochick_uk we’re glad you loved it! xXx
Thanks so much for reviewing this lingerie. I always find it tricky to know whether to bother with vintage-style stuff from mainstream brands, as they always show it on models who are such a different shape to me. This definitely seems worth a look!
RT @Retrochick_uk: A review of the @GossardUK Retrolution waist cincher and long line bra. http://t.co/Z564Z1TtuU
Sharing: Lingerie Love – Gossard Retrolution #vintage http://t.co/3c0yWZIvjw
RT @vintage_times: Sharing: Lingerie Love – Gossard Retrolution #vintage http://t.co/3c0yWZIvjw
I’m in love with this! I have the Ooh La La corselette in red and love it. I can’t wait to get this Retrolution set. Now to decide, nude or black? Both?