Maison Close: Villa Bel Ami Tanga Body

Size: Small / Material: Mesh / Purchasable from: Maison Close

A few weeks ago, I found an email sitting in my inbox from Maison Close asking if I would like to collaborate by reviewing a set from their current collection. As a small bust blogger, Maison Close acknowledged that whilst they did not specialise in small bust sizes, a lot of their signature items such as their bralettes and open cage bras worked relatively well on smaller sizes. I eagerly responded saying yes, of course, and after some discussion Maison Close ever so generously agreed on sending me not one, but two sets, with matching stockings to review. This review will feature the first of these pieces: the Villa Bel Ami Tanga body, a basic mesh bodysuit that sets itself apart from the rest with the simple detailing of geometric lines. 

As someone with a disproportionately long torso, my concern with bodysuits is that they usually come up too short on me and is therefore uncomfortable to wear. Maison Close however reassured me that the mesh fabric was incredibly stretchy so I had nothing to worry about. I was sent a size S and to my delight this is the first bodysuit that has fit me perfectly length wise with room to spare. Although not evident in the photo, this actually fits relatively loose on me around the waist and therefore I suspect that an S would be perfect for someone one or two sizes larger than me. I'm also actually quite surprised that the fabric sits flush against my bust when I'm standing up straight, and only wrinkles if and when I bend over. Comfort wise, the material feels silky and soft against the skin. However as this is my first and only bodysuit with a popper closure, it is not something I'm 100% used to yet and I prefer to wear a pair of knickers under for comfort.

Following a few of the fit issues I had, I've matched the Villa Bel Ami bodysuit with my Hopeless Lingerie Stella bralette and Paul Seville laser cut leather belt. With the addition of a belt, the bodysuit now looks fitted on me which I prefer aesthetically; and with an added bra, I don't have to worry about nip slips / my boobs falling out when the fabric wrinkles. I have in fact worn this look out with a mesh turtleneck top for modesty and a black mini skirt. I really love the additional coverage provided by the bodysuit as I usually hate just wearing a statement bra under a mesh top. This is therefore a wonderful versatile piece for layering and outerwear, and has easily made it's way up to one of my favourite pieces in my collection.

Rating: 9/10

Layering & Styling: A Lesson in Sheers

Wanda Suspender Tank (limited edition blue mesh) – Hopeless Lingerie
Lucy Bralette – Hopeless Lingerie
Karen Knickers – Hopeless Lingerie
Contrast Backseam Stockings 1926 – Leg Avenue

---

A while ago I asked my followers on Instagram if they would be interested to see a new series on my blog on how I style and layer my lingerie. I received a great amount of positive feedback, and someone noted it would be interesting to see my 'philosophy' behind my layering choices, which I will hopefully try and convey here today. Though, I am by no means claiming to be a professional stylist – any opinion or advice given is merely down to my personal taste, which you are more than welcome to follow and take inspiration from (or not).

As someone who's a bit obsessive about matching lingerie, layering different pieces – either in terms of different brands or material – can be kind of meh for me. So thankfully, Hopeless pieces always look great together and can be easily mixed and matched. However, I do try to match my lingerie in the same material and an all mesh look is a good starting point. Truth be told though, I don't really have any set principles behind lingerie layering and styling. More often than not I usually just feel randomly inspired to throw on certain pieces and have an idea of how it might look. Unsurprisingly, the way you envision something doesn't necessarily turn out as nicely in reality as it does in your head – re: the top photo. I first tried layering Wanda above Lucy and Karen but felt pretty anti-climatic when I saw the final look. The whole thing seemed messy to me with the black, blue and blue over black mesh. However as I had such a good feeling about this set in my head, I wasn't ready to give up on it; I took everything off and re-layered it the other way around. This time with Wanda under Lucy and Karen, the whole thing looked so much neater and just right. Under the black mesh, the blue mesh is less noticeable and blends in more with my skin-tone, hence highlighting the black contrast seams to give a geometric and minimal appearance. I also feel that layering opaque, or less sheer, over sheer materials gives a more striking and bold look. My main take home message is that you should really try and experiment with the lingerie you have – throwing on a bunch of mesh pieces is always a good starting point and if something doesn't look as good as you think it could the first time round, just try again until you're completely satisfied.