If you follow my blog, you know that I’m a huge fan of Parfait by Affinitas. The brand has been featured in two of my Lingerie Lust Lists, and I have reposted and swooned over many a promotional photo on my Facebook page. When I outgrew and rehomed my favorite Parfait bras, I kept my eyes to the skies in search of their replacements. I didn’t have to wait long though, because Affinitas is a smart company that is obviously run by smart people, and they realized that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. So instead of having to find a completely new replacement for my beloved Charlotte bras, I was able to drool over (and subsequently purchase) the updated version!

I first shared a photo of Charlotte in Wild Rose on August 6th. After months of hemming, hawing, and reading reviews, I eventually jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on her on November 28th, from none other than the fabulous folks over at Large Cup Lingerie! I took advantage of their Black Friday 25% off sale and coupled with their always free worldwide shipping, I managed to snag the entire set for a mere $50! My new undercrackers were on my doorstep a mere five days later, and much excitement ensued.

Here’s What’s Up:

After reading many a detailed review of the newly revamped style, I decided to order my Charlotte bra in a 34G: one band and one cup size larger than I take in brands such as Freya. The sizing was spot on, as Parfait bras tend to run a bit snug in the band, and the cups on the Charlotte are notorious for running a cup size (sometimes two!) small. The bra is a bright rose color, with a plunge front and black piping details. The band features three sets of three hooks and eyes, and is snug and supportive without cutting in. (Note: I am aware that only two out of the three hooks-and-eyes are hooked in my photos. Blame that on my liquid courage!) While the cleavage that this bra gives is nowhere near that of my beloved Freya Deco, this set still gives a lovely, subtle cleavage that is perfect for everyday wear. The straps are thick and supportive, and I absolutely love their design. My only caveat with this set is that the underarms are cut quite high, and it is prone to cutting into my armpits. Were the armholes just a bit more rounded, this would be a non-issue. The cutting in can be a nuisance, however it isn’t severe enough to stop me from rocking this set!

My experience with Parfait by Affinitas bottoms are that they are kind of all over the place in terms of sizing. For example: My Danielle high-waisted briefs are a little too large in an XL, but my Casey briefs are entirely too small in an XL. Since I have previous experience with the Charlotte undies, I opted to order these bikini briefs in an XXL. As far as fit, briefs are okay overall. They fit smoothly over my 45″ hips without cutting in, but are somehow still considerably saggy over my considerable derriere. I had to do a fair bit of tucking and tugging in order to smooth them out for this photo, but I fear that sizing down might cause them to pinch uncomfortably across my hips. Again, this issue is so small that it’s practically a non-issue and would definitely not deter me from wearing these knickers–even underneath a tight-fitting dress. (No panty lines, whoo!) I’m such a sucker for a matching set that I am definitely willing to overlook a few flaws if it means a nearly flaw-less lingerie look!

Overall, I am positively thrilled with my Charlotte set. The color is spot on for my fair skin/dark hair combo, and oh-so-fun to rock during these drab and dreary winter days. In these photos, I have paired the set with my Matrisse garter belt by What Katie Did for a perfectly Pin Up ensemble.** As always Large Cup Lingerie was a breeze to work with, offering fast and free shipping, hassle free returns, reasonable prices, and a fantastic selection. They can expect this blogger as a return customer come time for my birthday this January! (I’m looking at you, Frauline Annie set. You will be mine!) And a special shout-out to my awesome girlfriend-slash-photographer, who ever so graciously agreed to snap these shots for me. She’s as lovely as she is talented, and if you are so inclined, you can check out her work here.

**Bonus Mini Review!

Matrisse Wide Garter Belt by What Katie Did. Expertly constructed. Six metal garter tabs. Slightly shaping power mesh. Hook-and-eye back closure! Grabbed mine in a 14, should have grabbed a 12. Runs big, otherwise is awesome. Grab yours from Amazon here.