Being the absolute lingerie lover that I am (you may have noticed...), I was more than a little excited to recently discover the Playful Promises store at Shoreditch's Boxpark...
The London-based brand, founded in 2004, mixes quirky, directional design with all things playful. With vintage-esque styling prevalent in much of the collection - think long-line bras and high-waisted knickers - it manages to be sexy and flirtatious whilst still retaining a girly edge. I love the neon pink Nancy bra (pictured), trimmed with black eyelash lace, and the Virgin Rose Digital Print Retro Bra certainly brings a very modern edge to a classic 50s style. The other stand out pieces are their corsets, beautifully-made in sumptuous satins at amazingly reasonable prices.
The boutique may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Alongside Playful Promises' lingerie offering sits a clothing collection by sister brand Whistle and Wolf combining the same slightly vintage styling with gorgeous floral print fabrics in a range of tailored and tea dresses, pussy bow blouses, shorts and skirts, as well as a range of accessories including vintage costume jewellery and beaded, tasselled nipple pasties for a spot of cheeky fun!
I usually end up visiting good old M&S for my smalls, purely for convenience (let's just say when your boobs are on the larger size, it's easier to just go with what you know fits!), but was pleasantly surprised to discover that not only did Playful Promises actually stock my size (something not exactly a regular occurrence with smaller brands...) but that the bra I tried on fitted like a glove. No joke. The Lily Balconette Bra (£35), the brand's first to go up to an F cup, in black satin, with its flirty ruffles and bow, was one of the best fitting bras I've ever tried on; completely astounding seeing as even in M&S I would usually try five to find one that fits!
If you're in the neighbourhood, pop in for a visit. In fact, even if you aren't, it's worth a weekend trip across town to add this lingerie hotspot to your radar.
Playful Promises Boxpark, Unit 14, Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6GY. www.playfulpromises.com
Love Laurel x
