this post contains affiliate links (marked with *), meaning i earn a small amount of commission while the price stays the same for you. the scantilly encounter set in black/pink [originally reviewed] was purchased with my own money from brastop.com*. images self-shot.
edit 27th july 2020: removed images of the black/pink set as it is now discontinued and sold out. i was sent a PR sample of the SS20 peacock colourway*, which is now featured in this article. all feedback and comments otherwise remain the same.
there’s no denying that i love a scantilly set, and when it has straps and beautiful embroidery that makes my heart flutter even faster. say hello to scantilly’s encounter* – a decadently styled, opulent set that just screams luxury. let’s get into it…
oh my goodness. this is easily one of the most beautifully decorated sets i own! it feels so elegant and luxurious with the stunning embroidery in peacock blue tones, with a hint of rose gold running through it. the bra cups are underwired, cut in a plunge shape with a rigid mesh inside and overlaid with a gathered tulle fabric for a thicker, richer effect, and all finished off with double-strap over bust detail. the brief is high rise which isn’t my favourite (sadly there’s only this option available – i’d LOVE to see a lower cut style to match), but they’re SO comfortable and flattering. i just don’t think i’d get much practical wear out of them as, i’m sure i’ve mentioned previously, they just don’t sit quite right under my go-to outfits. but for that something special? they’re perfect. they have an adjustable tie at the rear which is helpful in finding a great fit, along with four adjustable and removable suspender straps for your fave stockings too.
onto the sizing. the encounter plunge bra* is cut similarly to the curvy kate lifestyle plunge bra (which i reviewed here) – it has the same shape/cup structure in a sheer, rigid mesh and i feel like it fits more or less the same, however the band on this style is much firmer than lifestyle. as scantilly starts from a 30 band i took my sister size of 30FF, and i could only just fasten encounter* on the tightest hook when it was new (to put that into perspective, i fasten most other scantilly/curvy kate styles that i own in 30FF on the tightest hook immediately with plenty of wriggle room) – so, bear this in mind when trying it out. i’m personally not going to complain too much because it means i’ll get more wear out of it being a true 28 back, and it also will help those who have to sister size up in the band to fit into the size range too – either cup or band wise.
i do feel like this bra is just a tad wider-set than lifestyle, the apex where the cup joins the straps digs into my armpits just a little bit more and the wires feel like they sit further back, but it’s not uncomfortable at all – just more noticeable. the shape it gives is still rounded and forward, but with a bit less cleavage than lifestyle gives me. although my natural breast shape is quite wide set and east-west, and i never tend to fare too well on the cleavage front in non-padded plunges! the back of the bra fastens with three rows of three hooks and eyes, and i believe two for smaller cup sizes (F and below), and features fully adjustable shoulder straps. i like that the over-bust strapping detail isn’t fixed at the gore, instead threaded through a little hoop so you can pull the straps through and adjust them as needed – great if you’re fuller on one side than the other! the hardware is in scantilly’s signature rose gold tone and really finishes it off nicely.
for the high waist suspender brief* i took a size S which is an 8-10, and it’s definitely sized more towards the 10 side than the 8. if they did an XS i think it would be perfect for me! however the little tie at the back of the waist really helps with the fit. the S fits my hips and bum fairly well, and i can tighten the waist tie to fit snugly around my waist instead of bagging out like many other high waist styles tend to do on me. they’re made of a sheer mesh in black, cut with a brazilian shape in the rear and a cheeky cut out, with an embroidered panel in the front to match the bra. the gusset is a decent width and i didn’t experience any riding, wedgie-ing or discomfort when wearing them. as i mentioned previously the suspender straps are detachable, so you can wear with or without stockings to suit your outfit. it’s a clever little way of keeping that romantic, glamorous feel without the need for a third piece in the set.
i’ve gotten a fair amount of wear out of the scantilly encounter bra* despite it being such a luxurious piece, as the strapping detail looks gorgeous poking out under a v-neckline. it is a higher price point that i’d normally look to spend on a lingerie set, but overall i think it’s really worth it if you can afford a little splurge. for such a beautiful, special fuller bust lingerie set you’re usually looking at upwards of £200+ – and sometimes that’s just for the bra alone! – but this is priced at a pretty reasonable £52 for the bra and £30 for the brief, coming in at £82 for the set and best of all – it’s currently on sale so don’t wait around!
get this one added to your wishlists or shop it here on brastop!*
xo, the lingerie princess
