So I set a new rule for myself....... After posting an informative, yet lengthy write up on fitting and bra sizes, I must do a fun and colorful one. Now don't get too nervous, when I say colorful I actually mean COLOR, and maybe some bra construction thrown in there ........To display color, there's just no better line than Cleo by Panache. If you desire unexpected prints, contrast details, and intricate embroidery? Whoop! whoop! Cleo is in the house! If you want lift and a rounded shape to follow, well they flaunt this one also, in almost every style. I first found out about Cleo when reading over bra reviews by some wonderful bloggers and dedicated fans of the Marcie Balconet bra. If you are interested in these reviews, check them out here.............http://2cakesonaplate.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/cleo-marcie-review/
or .............http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk/cleo-marcie-bra-review
This Spring/Summer 2014, Marcie comes in a unique daffodil yellow. What do you think?
I wasn't too excited about the Cleo line years ago, but I must say, I am coming around after receiving some unique and obviously well constructed bras here at The Fitting Studio.
The first being the Maya Balconet, very similar to the Marcie in that it's an unlined, three part cup.
Though what I almost squealed about when pulling this bazaar balconet bra from the box, were the straps!!! As you may have read in the reviews about the Marcie, the lift and shape phenomenal, while some really wished for wider, more comfy straps. There is a lot to say for a wider, softer, nice stretch, scalloped strap. Bra straps sit on your shoulders all day, and even though they shouldn't hold more than 20% of the weight, they will still hurt or irritate if too thin. Take a look at these lovely wide Cotton Candy straps!!!
When pictures of the Maya were released, it received mixed reviews, and I can see why. Maya is a wild combo of not only colors, but also patterns.
Though what really threw me off, was the floral embroidery on the top cup section. The lime green and pink pattern didn't seem to quite match the leopard fabric. However, in person, the quirkiness was much appreciated. Really, who else will be wearing a bra like you? Not many, as this is an exclusive design for S/S 2014.
Now to the back of the bra, where we find the softest band material I've ever touched. Cleo bands as you will read from others, can sometimes dig in because they are thinner with only two rows of hook and eyes. However, I believe it depends on the fit of the bra and woman's preference. I'm also hoping because of the wider straps on the Maya, this occurrence is mostly avoided. See how the strap material is part of the band?
Something I am a sucker for are details that set lingerie pieces apart from the crowd, and well, this one is definitely standing out.
The bra feels extremely luxurious all over, even the seams are soft. Though I'm not sure about the mesh top section. It maybe the only part that isn't like silk, yet it is only a small portion of the bra and will probably soften after wash.
Another feature that a lot of body types will appreciate is the band fabric that extends under the wire. This extra fabric creates a bit more cushion for those who can't wear a bandless style. Below we have a different style without that extra fabric. See the difference?
Another common concern for some Cleo styles, are how far apart the straps sit. If you have petite or sloping shoulders, the Cleo line may not agree with you. However, I would definitely try on before deciding, because I find this will vary with style. The "Juna" for example, is a lightly padded bra by Cleo, available every season as a continuity style. This specific bra seems to have very wide set straps.
The wide set straps are evident here, though they do not always look this extreme. I do think bra size plays a part in where they sit on your shoulder.
Below is a Panache model from a couple years ago, and you can see how the strap is barely balancing on the edge of her shoulder.
Here the strap doesn't look to be sitting so far out. So once again, body type,and bra size will affect this phenomenon.
Though this was not suppose to be about Juna, sorry guys............. This has turned out to be more of a review on the Cleo line, instead of a focus on one particular fashion piece.Though Cleo is by far the most shocking of the seven lines under Panache, and deserves some attention.
..... Let's take another look at construction. Something I like about the Maya, is the way the top cup section is cut. Now unlike the stretch lace of the "Andorra" bra, these cups do not stretch with your shape. They are more sturdy in a thicker fabric resulting in a nice rounded profile. The top section is very firm, so the size needs to be more exact due to this lack of stretch. If the cups are too small, you will get the dreaded "quad-boob". If the cups are too large, the top section will stand away from your breast. Though in the right size, magic will happen!
Something wonderful is how the top mesh section stops before the strap begins. A lot of cups continue upward connecting at the strap, yet not all have the upper breast tissue to fill that space. The cup curves downward around the top of the breast instead. See how it's sewn?
Now focus on the outer bottom cup section. See how it extends all the way up the side and is attached to the strap? This is the brilliant design choice that creates lift and roundness. Cleo offers several styles sewn this way.
Above is " Lily" in Aqua/Pink, the color way for Spring 2014. The photo really shows off this particular three part cup design. Both the Lily and Marcie are famous for the shape they create.
Now after all the praise for Maya, some sad news...........This neon leopard beauty is only available for Spring/Summer 2014, I know, I know!
But the good news..........Cleo will introduce several styles in A/W 2014, that are so similar, just in different materials and colors. I really do hope to find them using the exact same strap fabric on these new styles! They are so perfect in my eyes!
Similar Styles (unlined, 3 part cups) by Cleo that are available every season in new vibrant fashion colors are...........
1. Marcie in 28-38 band, D-J cup
(possible B and C cups coming this Fall)
$55 - Fashion Color for S/S 2014- Yellow.
2. Lucy in 28-38 band, D-J cup
$53 (offers basic colors Black and White)
Fashion color for Spring 2014 - Red.
3. Lily in 28-38 band, D-J cup
(possible B and C cups coming this Fall)
$55- Fashion Color for Summer 2014- Magenta/Orange.
4. Minnie in 28-38 band, D-J cup.
$55- Fashion Color for Spring 2014 -Red Spot, Summer 2014- Blue/Orange.
..........And the Juna (the black bra from earlier) ,though lightly padded and only a two part cup, it also comes in crazy fashion colors each season. This Spring/Summer they named the fashion version "Darcy", different name, same bra.
.............Do you recognize Juna behind the lime green and pink flamingos??? Yes, I said flamingos!
So there you have it, a splash of color for your weekend! And yes I know, I may have covered more styles than intended, and even thrown in a bonus picture or two, but don't you feel a bit brighter? ......Did you know that neon leopard could be so uplifting? And have you ever dreamed about pink flamingos on your lingerie? Maybe there was something else you found rather surprising, or helpful? If so, please let me know and feel free to ask about the availability of any styles seen in this post!!!
ALERT: Cleo styles can run out within a month, it all depends on its popularity, yet fashion is almost always gone three months after the release date. This gives customers a very small window of oppurtunity when it comes to special orders.
SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT ON CLEO'S WILD COLLECTION.......... Golden Pear posts Release Dates for these amazing fashion colors on our Facebook page. click "Like", "Follow", and "Get Notifications" at Facebook.com/GoldenPearBoutique