Posts by Kristina

Spring Has Sprung! 8 Lingerie Styles Resembling Symbolic Flowers

At last! It’s been slow-going but spring has finally reared its gorgeous head in New York energizing its weary inhabitants with abundant sunshine & vibrant greenery. Windows are being propped opened, birds are chirping & colorful flowers are sprouting up after a long winters nap through out the city.

Flowers have an ability to lift the spirits & lend beauty to their surroundings. They are a feminine symbol of life, hope & love, exchanged as a significant gesture or to mark a special occasion. There are few things more inspiring then a vibrantly colored flower with its pristine petals & sculptural delicacy. Just look at the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet & Vincent Van Gogh to name a few. However the reach of their beauty doesn’t stop there. It extends into poetry, architecture & fashion as well. Fashion designers have long used flowers as a source of inspiration for their clothing due to their rich natural colors, elegant shapes & feelings they invoke which can be both personal and profound. And what better place to lend inspiration than to the sensual world of lingerie where femininity is most celebrated and supported?

As I studied this season’s collections from some of my favorite lingerie labels & designers I was struck by how many beautifully crafted styles seem to parallel some of my favorite species of flower whether in color, shape or texture. Below are 8 styles where I felt the correlation was most pronounced. Whether flowers actually served as the inspirations for these designers or not, I appreciate their resemblance and the special feelings these styles conjure up for me.

Made by Niki

Carnations are known to be one of the top selling flowers in the US today with the pink variations vying for first place. This popular flower signifies eternal & unforgettable love and is most widely given for Mother’s Day. The elaborate rippling petals and sweet smell lend this gift-giving flower feminine & nurturing characteristics. Similarly the Peplum set from Made By Niki emulates this lush foliage with fluttering ruffles accented in satin ribbon. I find the layered sheer silk gives the illusion of carnation petals while the Barbie pink color is spot on.

Mimi Holliday

The Black Dahlia is a rare & mysterious species of flower symbolizing mystery & elegance. Though not fully black in color, the dark burgundy versions are as close as a flower can naturally get to true black. Characterized by its rings of petals this flower is most famed as being a nickname to the infamous unsolved murder mystery of Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Short. However this Bisou Bisou Kiss set from Mimi Holliday is much less gruesome with its rich burgundy satin complimented by delicate black eyelash lace. Both the color & layering effect together make this set as sensual & mysterious as the illusive flower.

Claudette

Colorful pansies are known as flowers of togetherness & remembrance. Derived from the French word “pensée” meaning “thought”, the markings on these flowers resemble human faces deep in thought as they tilt downwards in the later months of the season. The color combinations of the pansy tend to be vibrant & contrasting similar to the Dessous set by Claudette in navy & limeade. As with the pansy, Claudette’s Dessous collection comes in an array of cheery colors & prints with contrasting details & delicate, thoughtful curves.

Lascivious

One of the most exotic flowers today is the bird of paradise found in tropical climates around the world. Native to South Africa this unique flower is characterized by its fan-like horizontal foliage and vibrant color ranging from deep red to yellow & orange. The bird of paradise is also known as the crane flower and has long been considered a symbol of liberty and magnificence. Coincidentally this Nenah set by Lascivious not only utilizes similar coloring but also is reminiscent of the bird of paradise flower with its origami-like folds & triangular layering.

Fleur of England

One of the more notable signs of spring each year is the bloom of the vigilant daffodil. This annual flower is a symbol of hope, faith & forgiveness appropriate for it’s following of the harshest signs of winter year after year. The most common color of golden yellow is reminiscent of the sun’s brilliant rays and the trumped-shaped center and leafless stem make this flower a cheerful favorite for gardeners. While the color yellow has been a slow growing trend in lingerie, Fleur Of England has managed to take it to a higher level with their elegant & sunshiny Lemon Cello collection. This rare shade looks fresh & new in these luxurious fabrics & is guaranteed to brighten your day.

La Perla

A persevering symbol of endurance and durability is the faithful dogwood flower reliably blooming in clusters of white or pale pinks & yellows. Not too showy these woody flowers have also been used to symbolize love undivided by adversity. La Perla has utilized similar shaped floral embroidery on their Donna Lucia collection featuring delicate white blossoms strategically placed on delicate flesh colored tulle. These embellishments offer a soft dainty feeling with contrasting characteristics of strength & durability – similar to this proud dogwood flower.

Absolutely Pom

The lily is a flower full of meaningful symbolism often signifying birth or new motherhood. It is the perfect flower to send new mothers as well as new brides as it can also be seen as a symbol of union and partnership. Their intoxicating fragrance helps lend them an heir of beauty, poise & symbolism making this flower a favorite for social gatherings. The Eva set by Absolutely Pom is reminiscent of a stargazer lily with its pure white ground and delicate red ruffles. The organic print is dotted with little red flowers lending it a feminine yet bold look, a perfect compliment to the majestic lily.

Ari Dein

The elegant lotus flower is revered for its purity and expression of cosmic renewal. An auspicious symbol in many Asian cultures the lotus is a symbol of eternal beauty springing up from the mud it grows from. As the lotus blooms its many petals expand outward, suggesting an expansion of the soul & making this flower one of the most sacred in the culture. Likewise the Cabana set from Ari Dein resembles the lotus in its pale bluish hue, silky smooth fabric and hand scalloped hemline trimmed in ivory. The set’s fine quality makes it as beautiful, light and pure as the delicate lotus itself.

Which flower do you find most inspiring and what does it mean to you?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Who Thinks Of This Stuff? 6 Underwear Innovations That You Never Knew Existed

Being immersed in the lingerie world I often come across radical products that seem outlandish and unbelievable to the average consumer. While my coworkers and I pause to share a laugh and move on, I can’t help but wonder who comes up with this stuff and who really buys it? We designers are constantly encouraged to think outside the box and reach far into the depths of our creative minds while still adhering to the confines of what will sell and what the masses want. We strive to improve on the same old tried and true styles while being sure to maintain the essence of their original aesthetic. But some designers are bold enough to go above and beyond, becoming inventors in their own right. While they may not always be solving a human need, they are entertaining us with new ideas that we never would have thought could exist otherwise.

On my daily quest for fresh inspiration and newness I have come across 6 inventive underwear designs that I just had to share today. Hats off to the innovative and free thinking designers responsible for these products which I’ll admit sound a bit absurd at first but have still managed to pique my interest regardless. I can’t say that I would be inclined to spend my hard earned cash on one of these atypical designs however I would consider a test drive if they were to consistently receive positive reviews from a trusted source.

After all, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sucker for infomercials and the convincing marketing spiels that accompany them. While I sit in my pj’s totally hooked, wondering “Where has this product been all my life?” I force myself to keep in mind that anything sounding too good to be true unfortunately usually is. It can be quite a let down when you realize the solution product that you had such high hopes for is actually inconveniencing your life rather then making it easier due to the many unforeseen complications that tend to surface within the first use.

With that said, I wish for these new designs to enjoy prosperity and success. I love to see a small initial spark of an idea catapulted into a full-fledged success story (ie: Spanx, Hanky Panky, etc). And if these products can accurately live up to their hype then perhaps they too can become household names. Either way I hope they continue to lead the forefront of lingerie fashion for all of us lingerie lovers and appreciators.

What: The Wine Rack Bra
Where: www.urbanoutfitters.com, $35.00
Why: This stretchy sport bra comes equipped with a hidden plastic bladder that can hold up to 25oz of your favorite alcoholic beverage. A flexible plastic straw allows you easy access for discreet public consumption with an on/off valve for leak protection!
Pros: You’ll save money on drinks, avoid the wait at the bar & increase your cup size at the same time.
Cons: One size fits all is limited to A-D cup sizes and you can expect your pumped up cleavage to deflate as you consume.
Verdict: Love it! Could be great for concerts & parties.

What: Camelflage Panties
Where: www.camelflage.com, $19.99
Why: These basic cotton spandex panties contain a sewn in, flexible insert meant to smooth the appearance of your lady parts under tight clothing. It also is guaranteed to stay put and wicks away moisture at the same time.
Pros: Never worry about embarrassing camel toe again.
Cons: The insert is not removable so it can only be used in this one garment. You may need to purchase multiple pairs to ensure that you are covered in between laundry cycles.
Verdict: Leave it! Too many pairs are needed in order to feel secure on a daily basis. You are better off using a disposable liner so you can still wear your favorite undies whenever you need.

What: Boob Glue
Where: www.boobglue.co, Available April 2013
Why: This roller ball glue stick, when applied liberally, will allow you to lift, arrange & secure your girls into place with a bond that is easily removed with soap and water.
Pros: You’ll have perfect cleavage all day long.
Cons: You’ll be smothering yourself in glue which doesn’t exactly sound too comfortable. Not to mention the potentially painful removal process & the sticky residue.
Verdict: Leave it! Investing in a good push up bra seems like a much more logical and sensible solution.

What: RAD Emergency Bra
Where: www.ebbra.com, $49.99
Why: In case of emergency this ordinary looking bra can be quickly converted into a life saving face mask to help reduce your inhalation of harmful airborne particles. It also has a radiation detecting strip at the center front so that you can easily determine if & when the protective mask is needed.
Pros: Potentially life saving abilities in the event of nuclear air contamination.
Cons: Limited sizing & only available in the red style shown above.
Verdict: Love it! If Hollywood has taught us anything it’s that you can never be too prepared for a nuclear disaster.

What: C-String Invisible Underwear
Where: www.cstringbikinis.com, $24.00
Why: These nearly invisible panties have coverage in the front with a thong back yet no side straps. The internal flexible plastic frame guarantees that the c-string will hug your body and stay in place throughout the day.
Pros: No more VPL and if you’re confident enough to wear it to the beach then no more tan lines either!
Cons: The plastic frame is not the most comfortable when gripping that closely to your sensitive areas. There is high potential for shifting & chafing.
Verdict: Leave it! There is no substitute for having a waistband to comfortably hold your bottoms in place.

What: Shreddies Flatulence Filtering Briefs
Where: www.myshreddies.com, £22.00
Why: Save yourself the embarrassment of flatulence odor in these modal jersey panties with a built in activated carbon layer designed to trap & neutralize foul smelling vapors. The technology is similar to that used in chemical warfare suits so you can trust that these things really work.
Pros: You can continue to smell fresh & clean 24 hours a day.
Cons: The high price tag is a deterrent and they are only available in 2 colors.
Verdict: Leave it! If you have that much offensive flatulence odor then you should probably see your doctor.

Would you ever buy any of these unique products? What other outrageous underwear innovations have you seen advertised?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Highlights From The First Ever Lingerie Fashion Week

It’s about time lingerie received the recognition it deserves! Last month was the first ever Lingerie Fashion Week held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Six designers proudly debuted their Fall 2013 lingerie collections to an eager crowd of editors, bloggers, photographers, journalists & a even a couple of celebrities, signifying to the fashion world that lingerie is a growing industry that is here to stay.

The lingerie market, which also includes sleepwear, hosiery, loungewear, shapewear, accessories & men’s underwear, has been vastly growing throughout the past few years with a $1 billion increase in 2011 alone. It’s annual percentage of growth since 2009 has outperformed that of the apparel market with the innerwear-as-outerwear trend extending into a permanent fixture on the fashion scene.

What does this mean to fellow lingerie enthusiasts such as yourself? Well for starters a higher demand in the marketplace yields greater variety. New designers are sprouting up each season and offering fresh & innovative takes on the traditional intimate apparel of years past. Also more mainstream access to specialty lingerie is something we can expect to see more of as brands broaden their assortment to encompass a wider range of body types and tastes. Plus size, sport & extended sizes are just some of the areas where attention is being focused as a potential growth opportunity going forward.

With that being said, Lingerie Fashion Week is sure to be an exciting and anticipated event each season as big industry players take greater notice & lingerie designers experience greater demand. Below I have showcased 3 of the events which took place over a 2 day period via runway show or gallery presentation and highlighted the most innovative & stand out pieces that caught my eye as well as that of my fellow fashionable spectators.

FYI by Dani Read

Stephen Wilson Photography

Dani Read did not disappoint this season with an array of her signature fearless pieces complimented by erotic accessories like leather harnesses, chain belts, elaborate fascinators & bedroom toys. Dark & edgy, Read’s Fall collection felt bold & empowering yet still wearable & practical making it marketable to a range of women who don’t mind showing off a little bit of their dark side.

Uye Surana

Stephen Wilson Photography

The Fall 2013 collection from New York brand Uye Surana was presented in a gallery setting with fresh-faced models showcasing the soft, unstructured lingerie characteristic to the labels aesthetic. These quality every day basics emphasized comfort & craftsmanship with flowing silhouettes and layered foundations. Though there were minimal pieces highlighted in the collection, it served to compliment the simple, yet elegant sculpture-like designs of the brand and lent the gallery a sleek & modern feel.

Affinitas & Parfait

Stephen Wilson Photography

Revered brand Affinitas & sister label Parfait are known for their feminine lingerie offered in a wide range of sizes suitable for the majority of fashionable women regardless of size or shape. Their fall collections this season utilized satin, delicate lace and touches of flirty embroidery. Black and nude were prevalent along with a pop of aubergine across the board from flowing babydolls to structured long line bras. The mood was fun & flirtatious while the models represented a range of sizes, appealing to more of the real women of today.

Lingerie Fashion Week will be making its return this August presenting Spring 2014 collections to the market. Do you feel that lingerie warrants its own fashion week? Or do you feel that it’s success just another passing trend?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Date Night Lingerie: What To Wear On Valentine’s Eve

The year’s biggest date night is almost upon us and if you are one of the many millions of people fretting over the details then you are not alone. Each year many of us face the usual questions: Who will be my Valentine? What will we do to celebrate? What should I wear? And my most frequently asked question: What underwear will I wear?

It can often be a very thoughtful process choosing your lingerie selection for this special evening. Depending on whom you are seeing, what stage you are at in your relationship & where your (and their) tastes lie, you may find yourself with a lingerie quagmire on your hands. While you want to make sure you feel your most confident & comfortable, you also will want to look the part, portraying the image that you believe most adequately represents your personality while illustrating the appropriate kind of message to your partner.

If you have the date & location set but are just stressing over the finishing touches on your ensemble then continue reading for some suggestions on what to wear underneath it all. To be clear, these are not dating tips or suggestions that will work for everyone. All relationships are different & move at their own unique speeds. These ideas are only meant to inspire you to find what works best for you & your needs.

 

Hanky Panky, Elle Macpherson & Honeydew Intimates

The Blind Date
Scenario: You have never met in person before, set up by a mutual acquaintance or an online dating web service.
Concern: Who knows if you will be compatible or even have any kind of mutual attraction?
Lingerie Solution: Stick with something comfortable yet stylish. Chances are you will not be revealing them tonight so comfort is key. Choose pieces in soft fabrics that don’t pinch, pull or poke. But a little fashion detail can go a long way, helping to give you that extra bit of confidence knowing that you still look great under your clothes.
Suggestion: I recommend comfy basics in soft fibers like cotton or modal blends. A touch of lace or a cheeky print will pump up the flirt factor while still remaining no-fuss & relaxed. Try separates from Hanky Panky, Elle Macpherson or Honeydew Intimates like the ones shown here.
Hotness Factor: Lukewarm

 

Spanx, Bali & Fruit Of The Loom

The First Date
Scenario: You have met each other before and are interested. Now it’s time to see how compatible you are together.
Concern: The attraction is there but if all goes well tonight you don’t want to spoil the potential for future dates by getting too intimate too fast.
Lingerie Solution: It may be a good idea to wear something unflattering to help curb any desire you may have to get physical throughout the night. If alcohol is involved it can often cloud our judgment & lead to decisions we wouldn’t usually make. So arm yourself with some granny panties or full coverage, figure-concealing basics to ensure you’ll avoid doing something you may regret.
Suggestion: Steer clear of anything sexy or fashionable so you won’t be tempted to give in to your desires so early in the game. How about a pair of cotton floral print briefs and a basic nude bra? Spanx, Bali & Fruit Of The Loom have all got you covered in this category.
Hotness Factor: Arctic

 

Myla, B.Tempt’d & Claudette

The “Tonight’s The Night” Date
Scenario: You have gone out a few times and things are looking good. You are ready to move on to the next base and now is the time many dates begin to really heat up.
Concern: You’ve built up an attraction to this person & don’t want to ruin the mood. When the time comes you plan on being fully prepared & ready to go!
Lingerie Solution: This is the best time to break out your favorite lingerie. A matching set is always a winner in a seductive fabric that will make you feel sexy and confident. It may be too soon to show off some of the kinky stuff so pick something pretty & stylish that flatters your curves and makes you feel like a million bucks.
Suggestion: Try a coordinating set in sumptuous satin or delicate lace. Keep it sophisticated in black, neutrals, reds or pinks or get playful in hot prints like wild leopard or flirty polka dots. Pieces from Myla, B.Tempt’d & Claudette are sure to make this night a memorable one for you both.
Hotness Factor: Hot

 

Maison Close, Hopeless Lingerie & Atsuko Kudo

The Committed Partner Date
Scenario: Congratulations the two of you have been in a relationship for a while now and things are going well! Now that you are familiar with one another it’s time to get a little more playful in the bedroom and focus on each other’s most intimate fantasies.
Concern: A full understanding of your partner’s wants and desires will allow you to cater to both of your specific needs. Since you have been together for some time you can spend less time worrying about what your partner may think and focus on pushing the envelope a little further.
Lingerie Solution: It’s time to get daring. Always wondered about crotchless panties? Intrigued by bondage? Whatever your usual go-to lingerie style, try switching it up with a completely contradictory look for an unexpected surprise that your partner will not forget.
Suggestion: Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone here. Something bold & salacious from Maison Close, Hopeless Lingerie or Atsuko Kudo may elicit a blush or two initially but will be well worth it in the end.
Hotness Factor: Scorching

 

3 Wishes, Trashy Lingerie & Victoria’s Secret

The Long Term Date
Scenario: You have been together for a long while now and this is not your first Valentine’s Day together.
Concern: It may be time to spice things up a little. By now you know each other inside and out, including all of your quirks & eccentricities. You may be married or have a family but want to ensure to keep the spark aflame after all this time together.
Lingerie Solution: It may be time to pull out all the stops and try something really unconventional. This is a great occasion to experiment with role-playing & acting out your wildest fantasies. A sexy nurse is always sure to rouse heartbeats while a sexy chambermaid knows her way around the bedroom. Whatever fantasy you choose for you & your partner, make sure to have fun with it and only take it as far as you feel comfortable with.
Suggestion: Sexy, themed costumes from 3 Wishes, Trashy Lingerie & Victoria’s Secret are sure to get things heating up quickly.
Hotness Factor: Sizzling

 

Mary Green, Marika Vera & Oscar De La Renta

The Self Love Date
Scenario: Being dateless on Valentine’s Day is nothing to scoff at! Nearly 50% of the American population is single & what better time to get in touch with your emotions and practice self-appreciation?
Concern: Not having a date on Valentine’s Day does not mean a night of loneliness and self-pity. There are plenty of ways to celebrate this time and treat yourself to an indulgent date night of your own.
Lingerie Solution: Why not wear your favorite, most sensual lingerie today just for yourself? Indulge in a bottle of wine, some chocolates and major pampering for a night that is all about you. Pieces that feel luxurious to the touch are a great way to help you feel sensual & extravagant.
Suggestion: Choose soft & silky styles that hug you in all the right places on this romantic holiday. Mary Green, Marika Vera & Oscar De La Renta are just a few luxury brands that will have you feeling pretty & pampered in no time.
Hotness Factor: Hot

What will you be wearing this Valentines Day? How will you celebrate this year?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Lingerie Astrology: What Your Sign Says About Your Boudoir Style

2013 has officially begun and people everywhere are working hard to keep up with their resolutions for the New Year. Whether you strive to improve your weight, finances, happiness or style, you can take comfort in the fact that people all over the world are in the same boat, hoping to keep up the momentum of motivation & inspiration long into the New Year.

It’s a known fact that when you feel better about yourself you look better, attract more admirers and lead a happier lifestyle. And feeling great about yourself can only come from the inside. I’ve learned that others’ opinions are not an accurate way to define yourself and will inevitably lead to self-doubt & confusion. If you take the time to look into yourself and learn about who you are, your needs & what you want out of life, then you are sure to have a better understanding of your true self and in turn will be better equipped with the tools to live a happier & healthier lifestyle.

Personal style is one aspect that can often be an important factor in feeling confident & fulfilled. Style can be a wonderful way to express yourself, giving the world a taste of your individual personality and unique traits. Do you prefer a feminine, girlish style? Or maybe you possess a more classic & mature sensibility? No matter which tastes most appeal to you (or a combination of them all!), you deserve to feel confident and ready to face the world.

The astrological signs are one tool that many people utilize to help them gain a better understanding of their personality traits. While this may be a controversial means of self-discovery, some believers say it helps to guide them on a path to understanding their individuality. Not all people match the qualities of their given astrological sign, yet reading into it can still be a fun way to experiment with different styles & trends that you may like.

Here is a list of some stylish lingerie to coordinate to each of our 12 sun signs. What lingerie style does your sign say about you?

 

Aries (March 21-April 19)
Adventurous, independent & outgoing the Aries girl is a fearless extrovert with a dynamic personality & spontaneous nature. She is high energy, assertive & magnetic which makes her a fun-loving friend & confidant. As a fire sign she gravitates toward bold, sexy styles & vibrant color such as this daring red Ciao Bella set from B.Tempt’d.

 

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Cool, calm & collected the Taurus girl is known to possess a sensual & emotional spirit. Her serene nature makes her a pleasant & trustworthy companion while her persistence & determination will inspire those around her. The Taurus girl tends to gravitate towards classic fashions in neutral colors making this micromodal chemise from The Naked Princess a perfect choice.

 

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Gemini’s are famous for their curious & sometimes mischievous demeanor. They are natural communicators with an often cheery & optimistic outlook on life, while their thirst for knowledge & dazzling brilliance has been known to catapult them into positions of great popularity. A Gemini girl enjoys fun, flirty fashions such as this Embroidered Kisses set from Betsey Johnson.

 

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The Cancer girl is ruled by the moon and thus is sensitive & romantic by nature. Her intuitive & eccentric disposition is only eclipsed by her caring & protective nature. Cancers can sometimes be perceived to have a hard exterior but once broken through, their affectionate & emotional soul is revealed. The Andi jumper from Zinke Intimates is an appropriate match for this mysterious moonchild.

 

Leo (July 23-August 22)
The ruler of the signs, Leo’s are known for their confident & ambitious nature. Big-hearted Leo girls exude charm & charisma making them natural born leaders & trendsetters. This proud lioness gravitates towards bold fashions & warm colors making the Animal Print Chemise from Von Follies by Dita Von Tease a no-brainer for this queen of the astrological kingdom.

 

Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Kind-hearted Virgo is often labeled an introvert but her reflective & sensitive demeanor will inevitably make for a caring & cherished friendship. The Virgo girl is thoughtful, compassionate and creative with a desire to help others and an unyielding faith in the human spirit. This virginal sign loves feminine yet natural fashions such as the Keepsake Cami from Fleur Of England.

 

Libra (September 23-October 22)
Harmony is the name of the game for Libra girls. This self aware and logical sun sign is known to be smart & fair as well as charming & artistic. Her social grace & tact make her an excellent leader as she has many of the traits needed for success. This air sign appreciates beauty in all forms and is sure to adore this Cherry set by Vero Moda.

 

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Passionate Scorpio girls are often inclined to be born winners. Which is understandable since these energetic & powerful girls possess equally emotional & sincere traits. A born flirt, the Scorpio’s flair for the dramatic make for a fun yet intense friendship. Similarly their style tends to skew on the sexy & brazen side, as is the case with this Margot set from Agent Provocateur.

 

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The adventurous Sagittarius knows how to have a good time in any circumstance. Free spirited & optimistic these girls are excellent at expressing themselves & declaring their independence. Their active nature & gutsy disposition drive them to continually grow & expand their horizons which makes the Insertion set by VPL a perfect fit for Sags with its edgy lines, color blocking & athletic sensibility.

 

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn girls tend to be high achievers with patience & perseverance to get them through the toughest of situations. These ambitious ladies may come across as reserved & quiet but their determination, hard work & cautiousness often propel them into positions of great respect. A practical yet fashionable choice for this earth sign is the Fly Butterfly set by Elle Macpherson Intimates.

 

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Unique & original, the trailblazing Aquarius marches to the beat of her own drum. Don’t let her quirkiness & eccentricities deter you, as Aquarian girls are also outgoing, honest & philanthropic in their offerings. Though this insightful sign can sometimes be a bit extreme, their kindness & amicable nature is an inspiring force to admire. Innovative & abstract pieces such as the Megan set from Myla is a great way for Aquarians to stand out from the crowd.

 

Pisces (February 19-March 20)
This aquatic sign is mysterious & fantastical in its own right. The Pisces girl is known to have psychic abilities and imaginative properties. She is a true visionary whose sensitive & caring nature makes her invaluable to her friends & family alike. A true water sign, she goes with the flow & adapts to new situations with ease & resilience. The Charlotte Chemise by Samantha Chang is a perfect fit for the Pisces girl with its luxurious fabric & alluring silhouette.

 

Do you believe in Astrology? Do you feel that your sun sign accurately reflects your personality?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Reviews: Honeydew Intimates, sleepwear & hosiery

Disclosure: All samples were provided free of charge from Honeydew Intimates for review purposes only. All opinions written here are my own.

I have been a fan of Honeydew Intimates ever since they helped reincarnate the sassy rumba trend a few years back. Their modernized retro silhouette in mesh with cheeky prints & colors made for the cutest cover up under my flared skirts & dresses. So when I heard of a request to review some of their new styles I jumped at the opportunity.

The first set I received was the Rayon & Lace Cami Top & Hipster Boy Short. The fabric was a rayon spandex blend that was super soft and felt great against the skin. The hipster will be a great everyday basic stable in my underwear wardrobe however the cami was cut small and was a little too snug. Though it will still be comfortable to wear in warmer months it didn’t make for a very flattering look.

Next I tried the Jungle Hunny Rayon & Lace Brief, again in Honeydew’s signature rayon spandex blend. This every day hipster style was played up with leopard printed lace trim & hot pink bows that added an extra flirtiness & fashion to a reliable basic staple. With its mix of comfort & style this hipster has quickly become one of my favorites and I plan to order it in more colors soon.

The coordinating Jungle Hunny Rayon & Lace PJ Set coordinates back to the above hipster and therefore can be mixed & matched for a couple of different looks.

The cami top has an adjustable hook & eye back with elastic at the empire seam which adds a little bit of support to an otherwise non-constructed cami. However I would prefer a softer, plusher elastic for that sensitive area under the bust.

When paired with the hipster this set is very cute & perfect for lazy summer Sundays lounging around the house. In colder temperatures the pants make for a more practical sleepwear option. While it does not have any of the fashionable leopard lace trim, it does manage to coordinate back to the cami top with its leopard print drawstring. The rayon spandex jersey keeps you comfortable for a full night’s sleep while the drape of the fabric allows for easy movement & flexibility.

Then came the Enchanting Modal & Lace Bralette & Hipster. Also in super soft jersey fabric, this set fit nicely on the body and had a very pretty look.

The bralette with its delicate lace detailing on the neckline, back wings & straps looked flattering on & is offered up to a size Large. However I imagine fuller busts will not get much support from this style, as it is unlined & wire-free.

The hipster was also flattering with lace & pin tucking details at the side of the legs. I loved the cheeky cut in the back that offered just enough coverage for all day wear while still remaining cute & sexy.

The Buttoned Up Nylon Gel Padded Extreme Push Up bra was one of the few constructed bras offered by Honeydew and it definitely lived up to its name. Extreme push up is what you get with a heavily padded cup to give the illusion of an extra cup size. Available up to a size 36DD, the back band made for a smooth silhouette (no bulges here) and the touch of lace added a little bit of girlish charm. I especially loved the custom designed metal slides on the back straps donning the logo “dew”. I would have liked to see a softer quality pad with a bit more flexibility as well as longer straps for adjustment. But overall the bra is constructed well and has that va-va-va-voom factor.

And lastly the Crest with Buttons Over the Knee Sock was an extra treat that I received as I wasn’t previously aware that Honeydew even made hosiery. These socks were the perfect length, long enough to not slip down to below your knee, which is a common problem I have with other similar styles. The fabric has a good amount of stretch to it – not too tight or too loose. But the most unexpected detail on these socks was the honeydew logo print on the toes, which I thought added a cute & quirky touch.

Readers: What is your experience with Honeydew Intimates? Do you wear their styles as basics or fashion?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Sweet Treats: Craveable Lingerie To Indulge In This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season of obligatory spending & gluttonous indulgences!

Every year the month of December rolls around and throws the masses into a tailspin full of retail mania, holiday stress & an abundance of high-caloric binging. And each year this fateful tradition begins earlier then ever, starting in October with Halloween and taking us through Thanksgiving dinner, onto Hanukkah, Christmas & Kwanza. By the time we ring in the New Year our bellies are over-stuffed & our consciences are wrought with guilt. But rather then declare the usual resolution of a new fitness regime (while relying on our Spanx to get us by in the meantime) why not find an alternative way to control our cravings & keep those extra few pounds at bay?

Today there are many ways in which you do not have to completely give up on the traditional holiday delights & can still enjoy the spirit of the season while maintaining your dress size (and dignity). My personal favorite choice is to indulge in some delectable themed intimate apparel & sleepwear. Because what better place to satisfy your cravings then with lingerie?

Below is a list of my top 8 tasty food-inspired pieces for this holiday.

1) It Takes All Sorts bullet bra & knickers by Frantic About Francis

This retro inspired set by Frantic About Francis is printed with confectionary goodness, guaranteed to make your mouth water. The licorice printed cotton mixed with soft, candy pink mesh & lemon yellow bows add sweet & feminine touches to help any girl feel like a savory 50’s pin up. Available at www.franticaboutfrances.bigcartel.com

2) Drawstring Candy Spill Pajama Pants by Dylan’s Candy Bar

What better to keep cozy this season then in super soft pajama pants? These candy coated drawstring pants by sweet shop favorite Dylan’s Candy Bar are a fun & playful way to satisfy those cravings without straying far from your diet. Available at www.dylanscandybar.com

3) Fast Food crew socks by Socksmith

Visually pig-out this season with the hamburger & fries printed crew socks by Socksmith. These junk food socks will allow you to satisfy your cravings without the artery clogging consequences of today’s fast food. Consider it a healthy alternative to the real thing, sure to keep you satiated & content. Available at www.socksmith.com

4) Sloth Cupcake Bow Burlesque Corset by Madame Dulcibelle

This steel-boned bespoke corset from Madame Dulcibelle is a decadent treat for anyone with a sweet tooth! The Marie Antoinette-inspired cupcake print is accented with satin trim & bow appliques that emphasize a woman’s curves & gives the illusion of a teeny tiny waistline. Available at www.etsy.com/shop/MadameDulcibelle

5) Candyland Tights by Celeste Stein

These saccharine covered, photo printed tights by Celeste Stein are a perfect way to show off your sweet side. The rainbow clusters of candy hearts are a funky way to flaunt your legs this season and will make them look good enough to eat. Available at www.electricalice.bigcartel.com

6) Cupcake Print cropped cami top & short set by Coquette

Show your flirty side with oversized cupcakes & lace trim. This cute little cami set by Coquette is the perfect desert choice after any meal. Give into temptation and savor the whipped icing & rainbow sprinkles without any fear of regret. Available at www.pinupdoll.com

7) Gummy Bears knee socks by Sock It To Me

Next time the munchies strike try satisfying them with these treats for your feet. These nostalgic knee-highs by Sock It To Me feature adorable, dancing gummy bears in an array of flavors just begging to be eaten. Completely sugar-free, calorie-free, and guilt-free! Available at www.sockittome.com

8) Cupcake Parade flannel pajama set by P.J. Salvage

Avoid tipping the scale in these tasty cupcake pajamas by P.J. Salvage. These boyfriend-style pj’s feature mouth-watering gourmet cupcakes in an array of flavors & designs. And the cozy fabric will leave you snug as a bug with sweet dreams all night long. Available at www.pjsalvage-shop.com

What other lingerie items are you craving this season? How do you make it through the holiday season each year?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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