Can YOU tell £280 lingerie from a £22 supermarket set?
Whether you're hoping to receive a beautiful lingerie gift for Valentine's Day, or the season simply puts you in the mood to replenish your underwear drawer, you'll no doubt be after something a bit more special than a sturdy and standard bra and briefs set.
When it comes to buying lingerie, everywhere from high street chains to supermarkets and upmarket brands are making a play for your money, so is it really worth splashing the cash on a lingerie set that costs as much as a designer dress?
Model and TV presenter Heather Elrick, 27, from London gave her verdict on 12 styles for Femail, ranging from an £11 high street set to a luxury ensemble costing £280 - with surprising results.
Heather didn't know how much each set cost or the brand it came as she tried it on, and only discovered the price after she'd shared her thoughts.
While good quality lace and satin are a marker of quality, her verdict shows that you shouldn't discount cheaper brands - even if you're after something special.
Model and TV presenter Heather Elrick, 27, from London put 12 styles to the test for Femail, but can you tell the designer sets from the high street styles?
Arista Cupped Bra and Brief, Loveday London £280
A luxury set featuring intricately gold corded lace and matt sand Italian Lambskin leather with a classic shape to enhances the silhouette, while providing uplift and support.
Heather's first impression
I fell in love with this set before I’d even tried it on! It looked luxurious and high quality, and once I’d tried it on - it did not disappoint.
Fitting perfectly, and providing fantastic support, the delicate lining and soft trimming also meant it felt lightweight and comfortable.
Verdict on price
I had a feeling this was an expensive set. It’s more than I have paid for before for underwear but it still stands as a firm favourite.
Rating: 5/5
Heather models the Arista Cupped Bra and Brief, Loveday London £280. The bra and briefs feature luxury gold corded lace and Italian lambskin leather panelling
The luxury set costs £280, but despite the hefty price tag it was Heather's firm favourite
Fiore Padded Plunge Bra and Shorts by Lepel from Figleaves, £40
A padded underwired plunge bra in floral lace with contrasting embroidery and matching shorts in a sheer mesh fabric with intricate floral embroidery, corset style side detail and bow centre.
Heather's first impressions
Girly and sweet, the bra of this pairing was moulded to fit well and give great support. The little lace appliqué was cute, however it was slightly itchy.
The knickers, although seamless and smooth, felt a little flimsy. I’m guessing high street.
Verdict on price
Slightly more than I expected it to cost, I personally wouldn’t spend £40 on this set.
Rating: 3/5
Heather wearing the Fiore Padded Plunge Bra and Shorts by Lepel, available from Figleaves. She was impressed by the fit of the lacy bra from the £40 set
While Heather was pleased with the support of the bra, she found it slightly itchy and said the matching shorts felt a little flimsy
F&F Signature Lace Trim Silk Plunge Bra and Lace Trim Silk Brazilian Briefs, Tesco, £22
The rose gold plunge bra offers complete support with supersoft, underwired cups adorned with a pretty pale pink-cream lace appliqué. Matching briefs made from premium silk with a touch of stretch feature a floral lace insert to the front.
Heather's first impressions
Another cute colour, the dusty pink caught my eye. I wasn’t a big fan of the lace trimming, it was a bit too much for me on the bra, but the knickers were lovely. It fit nicely and there was nothing bad to say about the quality - however it just wasn’t a front runner for me.
Verdict on price: I initially gave it two out of five but I'd bump it up to a three because of the cost. It's good quality for price.
Rating: 3/5
Heather shows off F&F Signature Lace Trim Silk Plunge Bra and Lace Trim Silk Brazilian Briefs from Tesco, £22
Heather felt there was too much lace trim on the bra, but was impressed by the comfort and fit of the matching briefs
Harper non-padded full support bra and Brazilian briefs, Boux Avenue, £46
A strappy full support balconette bra with lace cups and mesh trim. Comes with matching Brazilian briefs with scalloped detail
Heather's first impression
This was my second joint favourite, mainly due to the bra. I was pleasantly surprised to see something slightly different design-wise with the bra from the rest of the choices, and once on, couldn’t stop looking in the mirror at it!
It felt pretty but sexy and the material was soft and it was a lot more comfortable than it looked. Again, great support and the knickers were also delicate and fit well.
Verdict on price
A great price for what could definitely have been more expensive. I’d definitely buy this set.
Rating: 5/5
Heather in the Harper non-padded full support bra and Brazilian briefs from Boux Avenue, £46
Tease Underwired Bra and Tie Side Brief, Figleaves, £46
A non-padded underwired bra with lace covered cups and satin straps, and the matching medium coverage briefs tie at the side for a cheeky twist.
Heather's first impressions
I adored the bra of this set; I don’t usually buy bras without padding or a lined cup, but this provided great support and shape and the lace was really pretty.
However, the bottoms let this set down, as although the side-tie bows were cute; they weren’t practical and didn’t fit well as the front gaped forward, no matter how I tied them. I’d say this was quite expensive, bra but let down by the bottoms.
Verdit on price
I’d actually pay this for the bra alone as it was well worth it, I thought it would be more expensive than this so I’m pleasantly surprised.
Rating: 3/5
Heather sporting the Tease Underwired Bra and Tie Side Brief from Figleaves, £46. She felt the bottoms let the set down as they weren't a comfortable fit
Heather was impressed by the quality of the bra and would have paid more than £46 for this element alone
Burgandy Daisy Lace Balcony Bra and briefs,
Peacocks, £11
The £7 bra features an all over lace design and adjustable straps
Heather's first impression
Although I liked the colour of this set, it wasn’t a favourite. With light padding and a great moulded cup shape, it fit well.
However it felt slightly cheaper than some of the others, and the lace wasn’t the most delicate looking or feeling.
The same with the knickers, although they fit well - they just felt slightly cheap. It's a two out of five from me.
Verdict on price
Extremely well priced, which bumps up the rating. I was right about it feeling slightly cheap but for that price and the fit it’s not too bad overall.
Rating: 3/5
Heather wears a Burgundy bra and briefs set from Peacocks, £11. Although she initially questioned the quality, Heather concluded it was a good buy for such a low price
Pamela Loves Coco de Mer Lucky Plunge Bra and Lucky Bikini Brief, Coco de Mer, £105
Underwired to provide support and uplift strategically placed lace draws the eye to the curves, while subtly veiling the bust
Heather's first impression
Beautiful and sensual - this one made me feel sexy but I just didn’t feel that secure in it.
The bra was stunning and the bottoms were very daring also. It felt expensive but the comfort levels were a downside.
Verdict on price
Although it costs more than high street, I did think this would be even more expensive than it is.
Rating 3/5
Lovehoney Flirty Underwired Plunge Bra Red £20.98
Padded half-cups and a plunge neckline to accentuate the cleavage, while the matching shorts offer full coverage with a sheer finish,
Heather's first impression
This was a very sexy little number, the devilish red however, came across a little cheap for me.
It was very thin but fit well and gave more support than I thought it would. Although I don’t dislike it, it’s an overall 2/5 for me.
Verdict on price
Not surprised at the price of this one, and again I’d bump the rating due to its great fit for the price.
Rating: 3/5
Heather wearing the Lovehoney Flirty Underwired Plunge Bra Red £20.98. She felt the colour was a bit too loud but was impressed by the level of support for the price
Soft Monroe Bra Black and Knicker, Pom Lampson, £83
A transparent lace bra with a silk chiffon band, inspired by the timeless elegance and glamour of the 1950s. The brand claims it's ideal for larger cup sizes, even though it's not underwired.
Heather's first impression
I liked the lace and satin-like feels of this one, I can’t quite decide if it’s satin or not, but either way it’s a great feel.
Simple but sexy, this fit seamlessly but didn’t give the best support with the bra. I’d say it’s mid-range between high street and designer
Verdict on price
The price confirms for me that is was great quality, a tad more expensive than I thought but worth it in my opinion.
Rating 4/5
Heather modelling the Soft Monroe Bra Black and Knicker by Pom Lampson, £83
Although Heather felt the bra didn't offer the best support she was still impressed by the quality. The set was one of her favourites, gaining a four out of five rating
Leona Black Balcony Bra and brief, Fantasie, £56
An underwired bra with moulded cups and scalloped lace trim to provide extra coverage, while the brief has the same semi-sheer panelling and pretty floral detailing
Heather's first impression
Even though this gave great support and fit amazingly, I just felt very frumpy in it. The shape of the cups was slightly pointy and I don’t feel it was the most flattering.
The same with the bottoms, they were a great fit but just a bit too frumpy for me.
Verdict on price
More than I thought it would cost, but if you’re mostly interested in a great fit and support then it’s worth it.
Rating: 3/5 because of the fit
Heather wearing the Leona Black Balcony Bra and brief, Fantasie, £56. Although she was impresed by the fit, she said the style made her feel somewhat frumpy
Arabella Bra and Briefs, Something Wicked, £244
A bra with gold threaded French lace adorning the silk covered cups with soft picot edge elastic, while the briefs feature a gold threaded lace motif surrounded by soft powermesh.
Heather's first impression
This was almost a favourite, however was only let down by one thing. This felt expensive and designer - it was stunning. I felt glamorous and womanly in it and think the shape and cut of the high waisted pants was extremely flattering.
However the cups felt like they pressed down and weren’t the best shaped. It was still absolutely beautiful.
Verdict on price
I was right about it being expensive, it definitely felt it. I just wish the cups had been a better fit.
Rating 4/5
Heather models the Arabella Bra and Briefs by Something Wicked, £244. It was almost a favourite, but Heather felt the cups of the bra weren't the most flattering shape
F&F Signature Rae Lace Balcony Bra and briefs, Tesco, £15
Balcony cups with a delicate scalloped edge lace overlay offer a rounded, lifted effect with full underwired support.
Heather's first impression
The thick band of the bra on this set was comfortable and supportive and gave a nice lift. However I wasn’t impressed with the knickers, they weren’t the most comfortable or best fitting and dug in meaning they weren’t very flattering. Maybe high street?
Verdict on price
Another one where I’d purchase the set just for the bra at that price, well priced - just still let down by the knickers.
Rating: 2/5
Heather wears F&F Signature Rae Lace Balcony Bra and briefs by Tesco, £15. She was impressed by the bra but felt the briefs let the set down
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She may be aiding in the search to find her home country's next modeling phenom.
But even in her forties, Heidi Klum is still at the top of her game.
The 44-year-old star absolutely smoldered in newly-released behind-the-scenes photographs to promote Germany's Next Top Model.
Simply stunning: Heidi Klum absolutely smoldered in newly-released behind-the-scenes photographs to promote Germany's Next Top Model
Heidi looked to still be at the top of her game as she sported all types of skimpy swimwear to promote the upcoming 13th season of the reality show.
She showed off her flawless physique in neutral-colored two-pieces including a white bikini which she teamed with matching strappy heels.
The model also posed in a black bikini featuring a bandeau top and high-waisted shorts with matching heels.
Darkside: The 44-year-old model ooked to still be at the top of her game as she sported all types of skimpy swimwear to promote the upcoming 13th season of the reality show
Big production: There were several people on set to aid in the shooting of the promotional footage
Goddess: She absolutely scintillated while posing on a balcony
Catching rays: She showed of her fantastic figure in the two-piece
Her blonde locks were worn down as she accentuated her natural features with complimentary make-up.
Heidi struck a pose in several different places including a deck by the water, on a balcony, and inside of a pool.
The former Victoria's Secret Angel is definitely a multimedia star as she was filmed and also posed for the sultry snaps.
Stunning: Her blonde locks were worn down as she accentuated her natural features with complimentary make-up
All love: She happily posed with one of the crewmembers
Lovely lady: She swam in the water for more sultry shots
Gorgeous: No doubt it was a fun day on set
Germany's Next Top Model returns for season 13 on Thursday, February 8.
No doubt it is an interesting time in Heidi's life as she is said to have rung in the New Year in Bali, Indonesia with the 31-year-old art curator according to a report in the latest issue of Star Magazine.
Dailymail.com reached out to Heidi's reps and her publicist has no comment on the matter.
Like what you see? The German model seemed to be very involved with the shoot
Daring: She wore all types of swimwear
Coming soon: Germany's Next Top Model returns for season 13 on Thursday, February 8
However according to the tabloid weekly, the former lovers welcomed 2018 together at the Nihi Sumba Resort.
It may not be the happiest of love stories though, as some close to the Project Runway star have expressed reservations about the reconciliation according to Star.
'The last thing anyone wants to see is Heidi reuniting with Vito,' an friend to the German supermodel told the magazine. 'But she always goes running back to him.'
On the go: She was spotted on the Los Angeles set of Germany's Top Model on Friday
Casual cool: She rocked low-cut black top tucked into jeans, and black suede heels
Yum: Heidi looked like she had just grabbed food from catering
This comes after their most recent split back in September.
At the time, Heidi confirmed the news to People after DailyMail.com reported in mid September that the two are 'taking time apart.'
A source told DailyMail.com on September 13 that there was 'trouble in paradise.'
Heidi was married to Kiss From A Rose singer Seal for nine years as they share four children together.
Booty shot: The blonde also flaunted her derriere in this selfie she posted on Instagram in the early hours of Monday morning, captioned, succinctly, 'Cheeky'
Back together? Heidi is said to have rung in the New Year with ex Vito Schnabel after their split in September according to Star Magazine, as they are pictured together in New York last February
Leggy lady: According to the weekly, the two enjoyed a relaxing time at the Nihi Sumba Resort in Bali, Indonesia, as she pictured laying out in a tub on her balcony
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She recently had surgery on her back after battling a spinal issue for almost a decade.
But Ruby Rose proved she was on the mend as she shared a snap of herself recovering while enjoying a dinner party at a friend's house on Friday.
The Orange Is The New Black star, 31, dressed down in a 'gay power' slogan T-shirt and tartan pyjama bottoms for the casual Instagram selfie.
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Recovering: Ruby Rose proved she was on the mend as she shared a snap of herself without her cane - after undergoing spinal surgery
Referencing the furnishings around her, she captioned the snap: 'Gay power and Gucci wallpaper.'
The brunette beauty, who has been pictured spotted with a walking stick at several red carpet over the past two weeks, ditched the aid for the shot.
The star - who documented her struggles to buy Worcestershire sauce and ice for her pal's dinner gathering earlier in the day - seemed to be in good spirits.
The Pitch Perfect 3 star has been spending the last few weeks recovering from a gruelling spinal operation.
Tough times: The Pitch Perfect 3 star has been spending the last few weeks recovering from a gruelling spinal operation and has been using a walking frame and cane (pictured) to get around
Hidden pain: The Orange Is The New Black star revealed she has been battling a 'spine issue' for a decade
Ruby first opened up about her decade-long battle with a 'spine issue' on Instagram last month.
Sharing a photo of herself sitting in a wheelchair, she said she'd decided to speak up about her condition before she was recognised out in public using the assistive transport device.
'So... for the past few years (decade) I've been dealing with a spine issue,' she wrote to her 1.34 million followers.
Trauma: Last year, the brunette confessed her spinal issues stemmed from a car accident in her youth (pictured with girlfriend Jessica Origliasso in mid-January after her operation)
'I am now recovering from a back procedure, but I do need to stay active, so before I get seen with my cane and wheelchair in public, I'd rather put it out there that I'm fine and going to be fine.'
Last year, the brunette confessed her spinal issues stemmed from a car accident in her youth.
Responding to comments about her appearance at a film premiere, she wrote to a fan on Twitter: 'I have a tilted posterior (it's why I have abs but no butt) and spinal curvature from a bad car accident.'
Explaining: Responding to comments about her appearance at a film premiere, she wrote to a fan on Twitter: 'I have a tilted posterior (it's why I have abs but no butt) and spinal curvature from a bad car accident'
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