by @KitsiKiki, 18 Nov 2015
Lovehoney Flaunt Me Red Floral Lace Balcony Basque
Since I believe high-coverage lingerie, like bodies and basques, are largely performance pieces (and that can include solo performances!), I’ll start with the appearance.
The first thing the eye notices is the red. It’s overtly suggestive and commands attention. The colour really pops without being nuclear. I feel as though it is a warm red, so if you need cool colours, you may want to opt for the black version. It suits me perfectly.
The floral pattern of the lace is intricate and beautiful, enough to make a statement of its own without taking the focus off of the wearer. Paradoxically, it provides plenty of coverage while showing plenty of flesh. The cups are padded and the centre panel is double-lined; along with the boning detail, this provides extra accentuation of your curves. The shoulder straps are not detachable, but the satin suspender straps are, so you can wear it with or without as you prefer. On the lip of each cup, there is a little band of lace. They are not sewn down all the way along - just on each end - so you can sort of pull them up over your breasts to enhance your cleavage. As a final embellishment, between the cups nestles a sweet, tiny satin bow with the signature Lovehoney heart charm in silver. It also comes with a beautiful matching thong, made with the same lace as the basque.
The bodice accentuates each and every curve precisely the way a basque should; hugging here and caressing there, just like your lover will. The good thing about grouped sizing (i.e. small, medium, large) instead of tailored measurements is the slightly stretchy quality which allows for changes in size/weight as well as simple preference. This basque is also equipped with a triple row of eyelet fasteners for added adjustability.
The bad thing about grouped sizes is the bust. This is where things go a little tits up (pun intended). The cups on this thing are too teeny for me. (No offence to my humbler-busted sisters out there!) I certainly wasn’t expecting them to be the perfect fit since this is S/M/L type sizing, but I have to detract a point for the sheer amount of cup-spillage and underwire-poke. Though it doesn’t distort the overall visual effect enough to condemn it or not wear it. And before I’m accused of getting the wrong size, let me go on:
Lovehoney’s fitting guide for basques states ’ Basques are measured in clothing sizes or bra sizes… If it is measured in inches, then you will need your underbust measurement. This is the same as measuring your underbust for a bra. You can also check this measurement against S/M/L etc. charts to make sure you’ve got the right size. ’
But it doesn’t say what you should do if it is measured in clothing sizes instead of bra sizes/inches. At the time this review was written, I was unable to access the product page for this item, but on a few other LH brand basques, it states that the model on each (whose breasts appear to fit perfectly in their cups) is size 8 and 32E and wearing a size small. According to their sizing chart, that should mean that the measurements run to the lowest number in the range stated (i.e. 32" for small, which is listed as 32"-34"), the higher number being the capacity at the loosest clasp. Going by sister size, the medium should be the equivalent of a 34D. It also means that LH are using the average-ish UK cup size, which I can’t blame them for. It all makes sense now.
I usually fall somewhere between 10 and an occasional 14 dress size (12 is safest) and my bra size is 34E. Size medium in LH basques is listed as 10-12 UK clothing size and 34"-36" bust. So my choice of size runs in line with that for the most part. If I were to go solely on my breast size, I would end up in a large or even XL. An XL would almost certainly hang off me like a lampshade! A large may or may not suit me, but I actually prefer spillage to slippage, if you see what I mean. And as stated above, the medium fits me perfectly in every other regard, so I’m content with my choice. Just be aware of all of this when choosing your size. (Although LH has a wonderful policy on returns/exchanges.)
The thong fits me brilliantly. Honestly, I was expecting it to be a tiny bit tight, since my hip size tends more towards 14-16. But it’s not just the stretchiness of the band that does it- it sits on my hips without digging in or muffin-topping me at all.
The fabric is surprisingly soft and comfortable, considering it’s a polyester blend. The stretch quality in the basque makes it easy to move around in (which I don’t need to explain is a good thing!). Although it does have plastic boning, which sometimes has the annoying habit of popping up in certain positions… like sitting down. But that’s not an issue limited to this product.
The packaging is just a footnote. When I received mine, it came in nothing more than a clear cellophane bag inside the shipping box. The thong was attached to the basque with plastic and it had a tag with the item name, etcetera, and Lovehoney’s minimalist branding.
Overall, I really like this set.
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
Pros: Really shows off those curves! Lace is lovely and soft.
Cons: Cups are too small for me, though that didn’t surprise me.
Bottom Line: Gorgeous, comfortable (despite the cup sizing issues), and figure-flattering.