Every season Marie Jo rolls out a new collection that takes the success of the previous season and builds on it by introducing new colour variations and introduces in a few new stories that can either excite the senses or leave you a bit flat, not literally of course.  Whatever personal opinion you have of their design and styling there is never any faulting their comfort and fit.

This season has seen the re-colouring of Jane in chocolate brown.  The Marie Jo Jane was a great success in the summer in the ivory and black and saw the introduction of the italian style briefs.  The italian briefs manage to combine the shape of a traditional briefs with the seductiveness of having the back completely sheer.  A great style for ladies who are looking for something a little more seductive than the rio brief but don’t enjoy wearing thongs.

The success of the new style of briefs means it has also been incorporated into another story, Anais.  This is simply one of the most beatufiul and seductive designs I have seen from Marie Jo and it will be hugely popular for Christmas.  There is an abundance of lace in either an opulent deep purple or the seductive black.  Not only is there a beautiful soft balcony bra Marie Jo has introduced a stylish take padded plunge.  The bra halters around the neck and has two wide leavers lace straps delicately drapping down the back.  I am not sure how practical it will be but it is top of my shopping list especially as it is available in the E Cup.

Purple is a key colour this season in all the lingerie and it is used beautifully in the embroidery of the Amalia story with its strong floral design that manages to avoid being too pretty and twee.  The Marie Jo Amalia is also available in a black and blue colouring with ivory lace.  I am not so sure on this colouring so it will be interesting to see the take up from customers.  The story also has a bustier which seems to be undecided on whether it is pretty or practical.  The cups are heavily embroidered but the top quarter of the cup is plain which gives it a slightly unfinished feel.  I can’t see it attracting the gentleman buyers and I think ladies would rather go for the pretty lace of the Anais basque.  It looks too much like lingerie to be worn as a top, but I am often proved wrong on these things but I wouldn’t risk a big investment in this piece.

Every season Marie Jo flirts with prints and this year they have produced a pretty dotted designed enhanced by a lace trim.  The subtlety of the colouring will benefit this design as prints can be a tricky sell especially when Marie Jo L’Adventure does them so well at a lower price point. The blue colouring is particularly appealing but I expect the black as always will do the best.   As with any autumn winter collection black features heavily with Mary also joining the grouping.  It is also available in red and natural.  The Mary bra in natural is reminiscent of the Frida that was such a huge success a few seasons ago but the most notable feature of Mary story is the new styling push up bra with an extra wide lace band around the rib cage.  It really adds a seductive look to this story which otherwise would barely warrant much of a mention. 

A Marie Jo collection wouldn’t be complete with out a new colouring of the eternally popular Avero. Both the purple and the pacific blue are both strong colours but are still very flattering for the paler European skin tone as well as darker skin tones making them appealing to a wide range of customers. 

The autumn winter is always the strongest of the two seasonal collections.  More opulent and decadent than the spring summer range.  The colours maybe more muted but there is always a little extra va va voom.  This year is no exception and the new ranges are very strong.  The Edoras has to be the best mid range story, it will be the cornerstone for many boutiques including mine.  The three colourings of black, purple and peach give it a wide appeal.  It is seductive enough for men to buy for Christmas and is more subtle than the luxury story of Shangri La. So gents who are not confident in buying the red of the Shangri La the purple Edoras is a good alternative.  The range also has 3 styles of bra and Prima Donna have refined the push up that they introduced in the Mayfair story in the spring summer 09.  It now gives even more support to give a more rounded curve to the bust.  The Mayfair was a bit hit and miss in the summer and didn’t suit everyone so it will be interesting to see whether the refinement will make it more wearable.

Purple features throughout the Prima Donna and Marie Jo ranges this autumn.  The Shangri La story has not only a gorgeous opulent purple but a traditional rich red.  The reds in Prima Donna always have a rich decadent feel and look anything but cheap and tacky.  The bustier shows off the large floral motifs and smaller petals beautifully.  It has the benefit of the detachable suspender straps and shoulder straps to make it even more versatile.  If bustiers are your thing the re-colouring of the Kensington is worth a look.  The charcoal colour is layered with black and grey embroidery.  The turquoise and pink colours of the summer were a huge sell out so it will be interesting to see if the charcoal has the same take up with the competition from Edoras, Atlantis and the Oz.

The Prima Donna Atlantis colouring in the black is not the strongest option of the 3 colours the marron glace is by far the most eye catching and has a soft tone against the skin.  The pretty Paisley Kashmir pattern in pink etches across the sheer brown tulle.  The main part of the cup is print giving it a younger look, customers seem struggle with the combination of lace and print but the muted colours should make the combination less jarring.  The story also introduces a new bra style, balconnet with a bandeau look.  The embroidery insert lower on the cup with a transparent section above it.  It is available up to a G cup so it is a great alternative for ladies who only usually can choose from the more traditional full cups.  I will reserve judgement on this style, I find it’s reminiscent of the old fashioned comfort top Deauville.  The Deauville is a perennial favourite will all my full bosomed customers.  This season Prima Donna have introduced a purple.  No doubt this is going to be immensely popular I just hope Prima Donna has produced enough to meet demand. 

And when it comes to fitting, getting advice from a lingerie expert is essential.

Fit for a princess
Whether choosing a bra to give you shape and lift under your sleeved gown or a strapless bra or basque to give you that extra bit of support and smooth lines under your corseted dress, you need to make sure the fit is just right.

Most lingerie shops offer a free fitting service to ensure your lingerie is the correct size, shape, colour and fit. Some stores also offer after hours “bridal party nights” where brides and bridesmaids can be measured in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere by professional fitting staff.

A match made in heaven
Once you’ve chosen your new bra for your wedding day, you’ll want to complete the set with matching briefs. The style of the briefs you buy is down to your own personal choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with trying on different styles as, these days, there’s such a lot on offer.

Designer lingerie brands devote whole collections to the bridal market with Marie Jo’s Avero range, Prima Donna’s Deauville series and Simone Perele’s Fidji collection being the most popular amongst brides. So, whether you like strings, thongs, luxury thongs, shorts or traditional briefs, there’s a style to flatter every kind of figure.

And to complete your bridal lingerie, your local lingerie store will also stock lacy garters, suspender belts and stockings in a range of styles, sizes and colours.

Picking the perfect colour
From traditional white to subtle shades of peach, ivory, pale blue and light pink, your pretty new lingerie is available in an array of colours. The variety of colours available ensures that there’s a shade available to suit every skin tone. Ask your lingerie store assistant to help you pick out the right colour for you.

With your wedding day lingerie chosen, you may think that you’ve managed to cross another item off your “to do” list. But it’s equally as important to think about your wedding night and honeymoon lingerie too.

After the wedding

Your wedding day may have ended but your wedding night is a special occasion where you want to look your best for your new husband. Treat yourself to a stunning new negligee from designer brands such as Marjolaine or Jonquil. Sumptuous silk with delicate lace trim makes every girl feel like a glamorous film star. Negligees can also be teamed with a pretty matching gown to complete your wedding night attire.

And for the honeymoon, there’s a whole range of lingerie and nightwear available to make you feel sensational. By investing in a few key pieces of luxury you’ll feel like a million dollars on your wedding day and beyond. Buying something special means you can always rekindle those wonderful memories of your wedding night and your honeymoon every time you wear it.

So go on, indulge yourself with some stunning lingerie that you’ll both enjoy.