Last year, Becky and I had blast putting together some of our highlights of 2011, so as we approach the end of the year I couldn’t resist looking back on 2012 for some of the best trends, events and innovations it delivered.
2012 has been an glorious year – both for me personally and for Invest in Your Chest, too. It was amazing to reach our second birthday back in October, and realise that to even still be going after two years is quite an achievement. I tried to mimic last year’s post and have 10 of my top highlights of 2012, but I had to extend to 15 to fit them all in – still with many, many amazing events omitted!
Meeting Gok Wan on my birthday (24th January)
Working with Curvy Kate as their PR & Marketing assistant (February-August).
As always, the Moda Exhibitions in February and August. These events always fill us with utmost delight as it gives us the first glimpse of the forthcoming colections from all our favourite brands and a chance to find some new ones.
The launch of The Bra Band Project by bloggers Boosaurus, By Baby’s Rules, Braless in Brasil, StackDD+, and Bras I Hate. (May)
The UK Lingerie Awards (September)
The London 2012 Olympics (duh!)
Panache’s Diamond Jubilee bloggers party. (June)
Our Follow Fridays blogger interview series – a great chance for us all to learn some more about some great lingerie bloggers!
Causing a stir in the fitting rooms of the UK High Street (natch – ahem Victoria’s Secret and Boux Avenue).
We branched out into Youtube (we started and that’s about as far as it got – but hey – starting is the hardest part, right?!) and sporadic fashion posts.
Invest in Your Chest Featuring in Dashing and Reveal Magazines, as well as BBC Three Counties Radio – oooooOOOoo!.
Ticking off a life ambition to go to Japan and check out some of the lingerie trends over there! (March-April)
Meeting some new friends and revisiting old ones at blogger and press events.
Meeting Dita Von Teese (November)
Our Second Blog Birthday Giveaway and Easter Egg Hunt Competition – both of which were fun!
Naturally, I had to share some favourite lingerie picks of 2012 – from the trends, the new products, and the companies that have really grabbed my attention this year.
Best trend of the year: Statement prints
Our favourite examples include: Cleo Darcy (pictured), Freya’s Ada, Cleo Ellie, Freya Beau,
Best campaign shoot: Cleo’s ‘Confidence Boosters’ (Autumn/Winter 2012) shoot
Like last year, this category was a particularly easy one. You always seem to reach the end of the year with one particular photo shoot which stays in your mind, and for me it was Cleo’s this year. Their oh-so-cute model who reflects the brand personality perfectly teamed with the cute-as-a-button and let’s-not-take-ourselves-too-seriously vibe was a work of genius. Give whoever came up with this concept a huge gold star.
Best advertising/marketing campaign: Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra USA
I’m picking Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra competition because it seemed to be bigger and better than ever this year, especially with going State side. From speaking to you lovely lot and other bloggers it seems like the USA are still pretty far behind when it comes to bra fitting and body confidence, and I know I’m not the only one who has been waiting for what seems like an age for the campaign to hit American soil.
Biggest disappointment: Freya’s Elize and Gossard’s ‘Glossies’
These are the obvious selections for me. The Gossard Glossies because they were just plain awful, but the Freya Elize because it was the bra which genuinely disappointed me the most.
I LOVE lavender shades as they work so well on my pale skin tone (and so many skin tones in fact!), so I was devastated which the Elize didn’t work for me. Heartbroken!
Best sports bra: For the second year running, we had to give the Panache sports bra and The Freya Active (underwired) range a joint tie.
Panache sports bra
Freya Active (underwired)
I find that I’ve worn the Freya number a bit more frequently just because it’s machine washable, but I adore the Panache bra in every other way imaginable. And their patriotic red, white and blue colour-way? SO 2012.
Greatest new brand discovery: Claudette’s ‘Neon Dessous’
There’s no chance of a joint award in this category – by far the best discovery for both of us is Claudette. Their fun, flirty balcony styles (in every colour of the rainbow) are right up our street and we won’t be happy until we have the whole lot. I’ve got my eyes on that gorgeous aqua set. Delish!
Best strapless: Masquerade by Panache ‘Deity’Although I’ve not actually had the pleasure of trying this one out, I’ve seen it in the flesh as a few press events in 2012 and it truly is a glorious set. Inspired by the Art Deco period with strong yet subtle graphic embroidery set on a classically seductive ivory base – what’s not to love?
Best print: Freya’s Ada
I’m going for this one not because it was beyond a doubt my favourite of 2012 (I was pretty smitten with the Ellie by Cleo!) but because of Freya’s bravery to put something out there which isn’t exactly mainstream attractive; something a bit brave and unusual. I personally love it, especially as it divides opinions so much.
Best Comeback Kid: The Freya Jolie
This may come as a bit of a surprise for anyone who read last year’s Comeback Kid category (it was the very ostentatious Curvy Kate Thrill Me for anyone who’s curious!).
Maybe we’ve grown up or maybe we’ve just learned to appreciate the simple things in life, but we simply couldn’t live without the Freya Jolie. It’s the bra I’ve probably worn the most in 2012 – but sadly I’ve outgrown mine (I have it in four colours) and as they’ve been discontinued, I’m struggling to replace them. A bitter-sweet but much-deserved victory.
Best swimwear/bikini set: Panache Page
Panache’s ‘Page’ is the only new swimwear piece that I’ve bought myself this year. I have so many swimsuits that I simply couldn’t go through them all in the British Summer – and I never ever go on beach holidays abroad. I fell in love with the Page bikini after being sent it by the lovely ladies at Mish Online, that I scoured the internet for the (equally adorable) one piece version – both of which are currently sat in my wardrobe waiting for me to book up a week’s holiday to the Maldives. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to review this one in time for it to sell out pretty much everywhere, but you might be lucky enough to pick one up on eBay so it’s worth a look!
Best every-day bra: Panache’s ‘Andorra’
It’s not to everyone’s taste and has been described by readers as a little too old for the likes of me (I’m 23) – but I really adore the Andorra. It’s a great option for every day, with soft stretch lace which is very forgiving if your boobs have swollen or shrunk a little thanks to that special time of the month/weight gain/etc., and it gives excellent shape and support. A review is in the pipeline and has been for a fair few months now so watch this space!
Cheryl’s bra of the year: Cleo by Panache’s Marcie
Without a shadow of a doubt, for me it has to be the Cleo Marcie. Every time I put it on I’m in awe of how well it fits me, the amazing shape and support it gives, and how darn pretty it is. It’s about as close to perfection that a bra can get and I can’t wait to get my hands on the zingy teal 2013. But why no black or white version, Panache?!
Things I’m most looking forward to in 2013:
Cleo by Panache’s debut swimwear range
Curvy Kate’s amazing swimwear range – I have my eye on the Horizon
Cleo’s Marcie in a stunning electric blue/teal shade
Curvy Kate’s first babydoll which is set to go up to a K cup
The expansion on Claudette’s Neon Dessous into 28 bands
Freya’s flamingo print Deco – or Eveden’s entire range for that matter!
Rocking the new trends for Spring/Summer 2013 (as devised by moi): Pastelle, Sorbet, Kitsch, Floral and Colour Pop
Thanks for all your continued ‘support’ throughout 2012. What would your favourites of 2012 be?
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/Holiday period and that you all have a safe, happy and successful 2013!
