( From Down that little Lane)

I’m hosting Christmas this year so I’m hands to the grindstone already planning ahead (all the veggies are going to be cooked this week and as a new, radical never-done-in-this-house-before decision –  frozen in large throwaway aluminium tins – probably not ecologically sound but hey, I can assure you, mentally it’s a winner.)

But equally as important as the prospective banquet is preparing for the inevitable – that a large portion of Christmas will be spent in PJs in full view of visiting rellies.

(From Poplin)

And this is where the crux of the problem lies for me…I’m a big boobed girl and given the time I’ve been on the planet, I still haven’t found any chic nightwear that ticks both the elegant and the support boxes AND can ‘carry’ me through to loungewear/chats over the toaster with whoever happens to be in the kitchen/carol singers at the door/heading up a chimney..without having to wear a bra.

Despite the average UK size being 36D the sad fact is that Fashion (with a capital ‘F’) has ignored boobs for decades. From a ridiculous lack of anything over a cupsize D (how did women manage?) things have improved in the last ten years and more and more companies are appearing specifically catering for larger boobs in underwear and swimwear…and not surprisingly merchandise has been flying off the shelves.

Figleaves has a ridiculously great bra and swimwear DD+ section (although I’d still like to see them photographed on a truly wonderful, voluptuous model.  Is it too much to ask?) And it’s refreshing to see they have a separate nightwear section BUT the majority of what is on offer is based on CLOTHES SIZE rather than BRA SIZE which is about as much use as a chocolate teapot when you’re large in front with a small back.

The closest to the holy grail: the Lepel Georgina satin Cami with matching pajamas from Figleaves..but why only red? I don’t like red nightwear..where’s the soft shell pink? baby blue? or buttermilk cream??

I thought Bravissimo would be my knight in shining armour with their specifically bra sized nightwear…

But cotton elastane? In floral purple? How’s that ever going to satisfy my inner Marilyn? So can we please get up to speed with sleepwear? Pretty please? (with emphasis on the pretty?) I don’t want to be the forgotten whale stranded on the beach of  t-shirted non-elegance with my girls still getting lost under my armpits.

I want lush, sleek, lace, silk, soft muted pastel colours, satin, silk, ribbons, bows, frills, teddies, negligees, robes, frou frou and iconic boudoir beauty. It can be done….

Just like a capsule day wardrobe I want mix ‘n’ match options…

The foundation stone of everything would be a supportive camisole..and if it could do up at the front, all the better.

..teamed with a wanton pair of French knickers..

..Then loose, vintage style Matching Pj’s (preferably with monogram and piping)..

..and a short throw to balance things out and offer a bit of modesty when needed  (I have no wish to to give the postman a heart attack)..

Surely this can’t be too much to lust for and should really be available on the High Street?…

The simple truth is if we want curves to be celebrated isn’t it about time we gave them a few more optimal eye-popping options in the bedroom?

Laters, Kate x