Friday 25 May 2012

Review: Lelo Ella

I have been let down in the past by expensive toys by various desirable brands which although beautiful were definitely more form than function.  However, some consistently deliver what you expect for the price tag, and one of the best in my experience is Lelo. 

The Ella is one of the more affordable of the Lelo range, retailing for around £25.  This does not reflect in the quality or design, it is every bit as luxurious and well made as the others I have tried. 



The material is exceptional. The silicone has the most beautiful velvety smooth feel to it; it glides over the skin with ease and yet is also practical as it's simple to keep clean and sterilize should you need to. You can use a sex toy cleaner, warm soapy water or boil it. You can even pop it in the dishwasher if you wanted to.  Do be cautious and contact with other silicone, be it other toys or silicone lube. Stick to water based with this one and store carefully. It does come with a little satin bag which makes this easy - this also solves the other issue common to silicone toys: it picks up fluff very easily.  The storage bag and a pack of wipers kept handy resolve this easily enough. 

The double ended shape is fabulous and so versatile. The shaped end makes g-spot stimulation simple whether solo or with the help of a partner. The other end provides a gentler sensation and is also great for anal play, especially as the shape of the 'handle' end when used this way prevents it from slipping in al the way. 

The Ella has taken pride of place with my favourite glass dildos and I wouldn't be without it now. 
It's also worth mentioning how beautifully packaged it is. It comes in a sleek, stylish discreet outer box, with a classy plain black keepsake box inside. It looks every inch the designer item and would be perfect as an intimate gift for someone close - or open minded - enough. 



Designer style, top quality, great sensations and great value.  This would be a good first step into Lelo products if you wanted to see what the fuss is about without spending a small fortune. 


Rating:  5/5 


Thursday 17 May 2012

Review: Sportsheets Vibrating Velvet Harness


I have had this harness for quite a while at the recommendation of a friend.  It has not seen the amount of use I would have hoped for, hence the delayed review, but I live in hope!  It is certainly not due to the quality of the harness, which I am very pleased with.

Pictured with the Tantus Silk Large |Dildo
This is the standard version; I do believe a plus size model is also available.  However, being a big woman myself I have not needed it.  This will fit up to 60 inch hips.  At my biggest of a UK size 24, this still had lots of strapping spare once on and would have gone a couple of sizes bigger – at least.   I will probably need to cut down the straps if this gets any regular use to prevent them getting in the way, there is plenty to go round.  The plus size does seem to have more support across the back, but I don’t find that a problem personally.

The harness comes ready with three ‘O’ rings sized 1.5”, 1.75” and 2” allowing the use of most flared based dildos.  It is possible to purchase additional ‘O’ rings in larger or smaller sizes or for spares easily online.   They are simple to change by using the popper fastenings to the front of the harness, which loop the ends of the straps around the rings.  These poppers are a little tricky to open, but this is a good thing – they are not going to be accidentally pulled open during more energetic use of the harness.  In fact, once the fully adjustable straps are properly fitted to you this is a very secure harness even with fairly weighty dildos.  I’m not sure it would stand up to the very biggest ones, but I may be wrong.  I have not attempted this.   Of course, if you are at that stage you may well be looking for something more substantial anyway.  For average use, this should be ideal for most people.

It is a small and non-intrusive harness, fitting along the bikini line and sitting with the base of your chosen dildo snug against the pubic bone.  This is where you want it for a most natural fit and good control.  Admittedly, not the most flattering fit for those of us with bigger bellies, if you tend toward feeling self conscious about it, but it is comfortable and being discrete and plain black it works well over underwear or beneath a vest/cami/nightie etc if you feel more confident this way.

The material, being velvet might not seem the most practical, although it does feel wonderful against your skin.  It is also fully washable, even in the washing machine as I discovered by accident! 

Pictured with the Tantus Silk Large Dildo
There is a pocket in the front to place the included bullet vibrator or of course any bullet of your choice.  For me, I found this poorly positioned so it didn’t do very much for me, although this could just be my personal shape/sizing coming into play.  However, I did not buy it for this purpose so it’s not a big deal for me.  Perhaps, if you wanted something extra for the wearer, something in the style of the we-vibe could be good instead.  That said, I have heard people comment that they don’t want or need additional stimulation as they find it distracting, so think about what you need from it in this respect.  While I found it rather pointless, the included bullet (which can be used alone) was a great bonus and the harness still does all I need it to.

Overall, I am really pleased with this and consider it a good purchase.


Rating: 4/5


It is available at Sextoys.co.uk