Posts in category "costume"

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 school: the corset and basque project

Design by Karolina Laskowska: backstage at the catwalk show

As usual, the end of term at lingerie school (ak.a. the Contour Fashion course at De Montfort University) saw every student in a state of panic – deadlines were starting to loom from all angles and stress was mounting!  Our final assignment was the corset & basque project – a rather self-explanatory project that required us to design, pattern cut and sew a corset and basque, with an extra bit of pressure – our class also had to organise and present a fashion show with our final designs! As unfortunate as it was that you all missed the catwalk, I thought I’d make up for it as best as I could by sharing some of my classmates’ and my own designs and explaining our inspirations behind them. Enjoy!

Karolina Laskowska

On the catwalk, photo by Andy Espin

Sketchbook work

Experimental photography

Idea sketches

Textile development – appliqué and flossing

Illustrations of final designs

Using the colour black is my comfort zone when it comes to design, so I really wanted to push myself and embrace colours in this project. I began by looking at flowers; orchids with their tropical hues, the process of decay in cut flowers and finally the surreal colours within Jiang Zhi’s photographic series ‘Love Letters’, where beautiful flower arrangements are doused in methylated spirits and set alight, surrounding them in an intensely beautiful blue flame.  I was also greatly influenced by my Summer internship with Sparklewren corsetry – I’m still in awe of Jenni’s beautiful use of lace appliqué and had been dying to use the technique on some of my own work. My final designs ended up far more colourful than I could have ever anticipated – and I’m very pleased to say I’m incredibly happy with the final garments and how they looked on the catwalk!

Charlotte Spence

Final corset on the catwalk

Sketchbook and textile development

Sketchbook development

Sketchbook development

Final design illustrations

Corset details

Charlotte Spence’s designs were originally inspired by Summer Lupins, pastel shades and the blending of colours.  The main fabric for her corset was a hand dyed brocade that incorporated hand dyed pleats. She wanted to use ribboning as an embellishment, which led to her studying hand carved candles and opening the pleats into organic shapes to create interesting lines on her corset.  The corset’s shape originated from a 1885 sports corset pattern, with the eyelets supposedly ‘aerating’ the body.

Emily Roberts

Final corset on the catwalk

Final basque on the catwalk

Initial inspiration

Sketchbook development

Sketchbook development

Emily was inspired by a trip to Barcelona and its amazing architecture, particularly Gaudi’s work and traditional Spanish buildings.  She focused on metalwork and recreated the aesthetic by using lace with embellishment.

Samantha Thorburn

Final garment on the catwalk

Sketchbook development

Design development

Design development

Final garment details

Samantha’s designs were inspired by the characters Odette and Odile from Swan Lake, after seeing the Birmingham Royal Ballet perform the ballet. She also went to see the collection of historical ballet costumes at the Royal Opera house and was particularly taken with the embroidered details on the costumes, as well as the stories and personalities of the characters.  Her catwalk basque represented the character of Odette.

Akaibi Vine

Final garments backstage

Catwalk back views

Sketchbook development

Textile development

Design development

Final designs

Final garment details

Akaibi’s initial inspiration came from a visit to photographer Tim Walker’s ‘Storyteller’ exhibition and the the Disney inspired Christmas window displays at British department store Harrods. She wanted to create a modern twist on fairytales – not just the characters and stories but the backdrops, costumes and atmosphere created when modern artists turn their hand to these classic tales. She explored the idea of using a whitework (a type of embroidery), being more inspired by textures and finishes than colours or prints. For her final garments she laminated various fabrics and worked onto them with beading and ribbon work. The longline basque and corset worn with a skirt are both nods to the gowns of the Disney princesses with a modern finish.

As manic and crazy as the catwalk day, we just about managed to all survive! We all managed to pull together to create a fantastic show that somehow made all of the tears and stress worth it. I’m incredibly proud of what our class managed to achieve and it’s set a very high standard for the rest of the year’s work!

Readers: What do you think of our final designs? Have you ever had your own catwalk experiences?

Karolina

Karolina

Student at De Montfort University's world-renowned Contour Fashion course. Makes many knickers in her spare time.

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Va Va Voom Vintage: Why We Love it and Where to Get it

Costumes from PBS’s “Downton Abbey”

It has been noted by many that we seem to be caught up in a cultural love affair with bygone eras.  Immersive period shows like “Boardwalk Empire,” “Mildred Pierce,” and “Downton Abbey” have flourished as a counterbalance to the ephemerality and tawdriness of of the ubiquitous reality show.  We seem to crave escape to other worlds, the security of an already-resolved past, and the romance of nostalgic craft.

This is great if you love looking at vintage lingerie–because it’s everywhere.  I have always collected early 20th century lingerie, mostly slips and robes, with the occasional tap pant in the mix.  I don’t really wear any, but occasionally pull pieces out just to look at them, in the same way and for some of the same reasons people watch period TV shows.  Just touching the delicate peach silk and intricate embroidery fills me with awe for the craftsmanship of past masters and allows a brief moment of nostalgia and escape.

“Vintage” lingerie is a term that people often use to refer–both in Google and in the fashion world– to midcentury looks: bullet bras, high waisted briefs, garters.  Everyone loves a 50′s pinup, but I find the luxury and elegance of earlier lingerie from the 1910′s-1940′s more exquisite and compelling.

Costume from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”

Costumes from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”

So you can imagine my overwhelming joy when fellow TLA writer and vintage lover, Kristina, and I visited the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show in October.  I went bananas!  This is a semi-annual retail show, filled with vendors of vintage clothing from the 18th-20th centuries.  (Note: I was surprised to notice that many vintage vendors live vintage lives, i.e. they do not have websites, so if you’re interested in buying, you can visit them at vintage shows or visit the sites I’m recommending at the end.  These photos below are for inspiration.)

Lisa Victoria Vintage stood apart from the others.  Its owner, Lisa, clearly selects her assortment with care and knowledge, and every stunning piece was of high quality and in good condition.  She not only sells to the public, but also supplies costumes for movies and TV, including “Boardwalk Empire.”  Her items are not available to buy online, but can be purchased at vintage shows, and admired on her site.

Silver silk gown with lace and self fabric appliques. Lisa Victoria Vintage.

Silk and Lace Bralette. Lisa Victoria Vintage

Deep V gown with faggotting and applique detail. Lisa Victoria Vintage.

Other gorgeous inspiration pieces from Hollywood and Vine Vintage,  Ritual Vintage, and Right to the Moon Alice:

Silk Teddy. Ritual Vintage.

Drop waist chemise. RItual Vintage.

Silk crepe gown detail. Hollywood and Vine Vintage.

Silk tap pant. Hollywood and Vine Vintage.

Chiffon and lace bodice. Hollywood and Vine Vintage.

This floral print seems current and fresh. Right To the Moon Alice Vintage.

Empire waist drop shoulder gown. Right to the Moon Alice.

If you’re looking to buy vintage lingerie, and you’re not near a vintage show, check out your local thrift stores, swap meets, estate sales, and textile shows.  I’ve found undervalued pieces just lying around the most unexpected corners.

You can also check out etsy, ebay, and these sites for an ever-changing assortment of early 20th century lingerie:

1920′s Teddy. www.vintagetextile.com

White silk and lace 30′s or 40′s dressing gown. www.theamericanvernacular.com

c1938 trousseaux slips. www.antiquedress.com

Peach silk chemise. www.poshgirlvintage.com

Here’s a great blog post about “Boardwalk Empire” and 20′s lingerie: http://16sparrows.typepad.com/16sparrows/2012/05/1920s-lingerie-in-boardwalk-empire.html

Please share any vintage resources you love!  Do any readers out there actually wear their vintage pieces?

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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Naughty Bits: Lingerie News for 10/28/12

  • Victoria’s Secret vs Agent Provocateur: how two brands compare in today’s version of sexy. British women are incredibly loyal to their personal choices of lingerie brands and it shows. Over the past 4 years, clothing sales have been flat but lingerie sales have risen slightly to 0.6%. Taking advantage of a pretty impressive market in the face of recession are Agent Provocateur and Victoria’s Secret and each’s approach is different. Agent Provocateur maintains that its lingerie isn’t for display but should create confidence in the woman who wears it and it is this confidence that creates sex appeal. Victoria’s Secret, however, stays in a different lane. In contrasts to the daring tone that Agent Provocateur takes, Victoria’s Secret maintains an upbeat and vibrant atmosphere (this can be seen in the difference between the two firms’ fashion shows) and attracts all types of consumers while Agent Provocateur is more of a niche firm. Do you agree or disagree with their approaches?
  • The opportunity to “do” gender differences comes at Halloween. F&%K No Sexist Halloween Costumes has started a collection of images that compares Halloween costumes for men and women that have the same theme. With costumes ranging from farmers and leprechauns to pool tables and bacon, the site shows how the Halloween costume industry enforces the gender “binary”.
  • The Fantasy Bra over the years Since 1996, the fantasy bra has been a spectacular piece of lingerie. What started out as a $1 million bra that could only be found in a catalog has turned into a spectacle in itself during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Take a look at its 16 year history since Claudia Schiffer first slipped it on and tell us what you think.
  • What happens when you let a website pick out the perfect bra for you. Most women think they know what bra size they wear. However, many have come to notice that all bras of the same size may not be the same size. However, True & Co may have the answer. Instead of measuring tapes and fitting rooms, the lingerie firm figures out the perfect fit through a simple test. The questions are not simply based on numbers but ask about support, band tightness, cup spillage and others and show a collection of bras that they think would be perfect. Customers can select three from the list,True & Co adds two additional options and for $45, they ship the bras. Customers try them on in the comfort of their own home, keep what they like, and send back what they don’t. Refinery29 tried the service and found that it was quick, easy, and a very good bra shopping experience. How do you feel about bra fitting services like True & Co’s?
  • Stella’s self portrait and why she took it. The negative self images of some teenage girls and the criticisms that come with them can stay with women well into their adult years and leave lasting effects. What happens when one gets over it though? She posts a self portrait and tells others that her body is hers and to deal with it. What’s your reaction to her self portrait?
  • Doutzen Kroes on why Photoshop is still essential. A few weeks ago, Victoria’s Secret model Doutzen Kroes had unretouched pictures of a photo shoot leaked. With tons of before and after comparisons floating on the internet afterwards, Doutzen Kroes says it simply comes with the territory. “There’s always paparazzi and stuff on the beach when we’re shooting, and it’s just part of the job.” However, Kroes makes the point that retouching images is essential to the fashion industry because people want a sense of fantasy and retouching images maintains that fantasy. What are your thoughts?
  • Agent Provocateur and Monica and Penelope Cruz team up to launch lingerie line Agent Provocateur has announced the creation of L’Agent, its new diffusion line, in partnership with sisters Monica and Penelope Cruz. The line will be a standalone standalone collection, and will be priced significantly lower than Agent Provocateur’s. The brand has always been associated with decadence, but this is its bid at younger and more cost conscious consumers.
  • Bullies in Burlesque  In this week’s ”Stripper Talk”, Sydni Deveraux confronts the issues of weight in burlesque. A reader tells of a burlesque show’s producer telling her to lose some weight because people only come to burlesque shows when they are attracted to the performers. Her response was that when she joined the troupe, it was a collaboration of gypsies not a showgirl strip club.  She believes that this is taking away from the art form of burlesque and is concerned that it may mirror the future of burlesque. Sydni gives her many insights to the issue ranging from the history of burlesque and its homogenization to  how the direction of burlesque as an art form is totally in the hands of the performers. Do you have any thoughts on the resurgence of burlesque and its direction?

Mike

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DIY Costuming: 8 Last Minute Lingerie Halloween Costume Ideas

What Katie Did

It’s a common scenario each October: Halloween is suddenly around the corner and you’re looking forward to partaking in some spirited festivities. However you haven’t given much thought to what costume you’ll be wearing and time is running out! Sound familiar?

You can always scavenge the local Halloween shops for an overpriced, sexed up costume that you’ll only wear once, or you can resort to fishing out last year’s ensemble & hope that no one will remember it. But wouldn’t you rather whip up something easy & unique? Sometimes the most economical solution is lying in your wardrobe right now just begging to be discovered.

A little imagination & a bit of creativity is all you need to create your own do-it-yourself Halloween costume when timing is tight. Since many of you are lingerie addicts such as myself, I imagine you have a plethora of unmentionables just begging to see the light of day. And while incorporating lingerie into a costume sounds risqué or salacious, there are many ways to tone down the sex appeal so the focus is on your originality rather then the intimate apparel.

Below are a few ideas that may help inspire you to look beyond the conventional costumes of the past. Dig out your bras, undies, pajamas & slips and start getting creative!

Lalalingerie.com

1) Like a Virgin circa 1984
Channel your inner 80’s diva with a sexy bridal look a la Madonna.

Start with: White corset, bustier or cami.
Try adding: White skirt, white gloves, white tights, and multiple strands of silver chains or pearl necklaces.
Finishing touches: White hair bow or veil, belt with silver buckle, faux beauty mark.
Get in character: Wear with bold, unabashed confidence! Be ready to party, dance and cause a scene with overt flirting & 80’s dance moves.
Sexy rating: HOT

Costumestore.com

2) Billionaire Playgirl
Live in the lap of luxury with a comfy androgynous look inspired my Mr. Playboy himself.

Start with: Silk or satin men’s pajama set.
Try adding: Satin robe, a smoking pipe & sailors cap.
Finishing touches: A cocktail & sexy bunny arm candy.
Get in character: Adopt an air of sophistication & a devilish grin. Relax & casually rotate the use of all your props in a slow & deliberate manor.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM

Halloweenexpress.com

3) Femme-bot
Mix equal parts Stepford wife & 60’s secret agent for a getup that Mr. Powers can’t resist.

Start with: Marabou trimmed babydoll.
Try adding: Satin hair bow, satin gloves & big, teased hair.
Finishing touches: Marabou slippers & inconspicuous gun barrels.
Get in character: Maintain a stoic appearance, head held high with straight posture. Avoid big movements or showing emotion.
Sexy rating: HOT

Costumezone.com

4) Grouchy Grandma
Keep warm & comfy with this granny inspired look that is low maintenance & is the antithesis of super sexy!

Start with: Shapeless nightgown, preferably in a floral or flannel fabric.
Try adding: Hair curlers, glasses & cozy slippers.
Finishing touches: A long-wear cream facial mask & baby powder to give hair a greyish tint.
Get in character: Nitpick & nag those around you. Walk with a slight hunch and complain about non-existent aches & pains. Have some young whippersnappers get you drinks & massage your feet.
Sexy rating: NOT

Barnesandnoble.com

5) Captain Underpants
Provide some comic relief in this kooky costume while enjoying the perks of super hero-dom.

Start with: Men’s cotton tighty whities.
Try adding: A nude colored shirt for modesty & a red cape.
Finishing touches: A toilet plunger & a toothy smile.
Get in character: Believe that you are strong, brave & can take on anything or anyone. All while simultaneously playing up astonishing averageness.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM

Barnesandnoble.com

6) Freudian Slip
Show the literal side of this psychoanalysis term with a tongue-in-cheek homage to the founding father himself.

Must have: Any slip dress will do.
Try adding: “My name is Freud” sticker & a book on psychology (i.e.: The Interpretation of Dreams by Freud or anything written by Nietzsche).
Finishing touches: A pair of spectacles & appreciation for irony.
Get in character: Appear contemplative & deep in thought. Analyze everything & act skeptical at all time.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM-HOT

7) Hollywood Starlet
Pay respect to old-time 1930’s glamour with an outfit inspired by Greta, Bette, Grace & Jean.

Must have: Slinky floor length slip dress.
Try adding: Smoking jacket, feather boa & cigarette holder.
Finishing touches: Sparkling jewelry, pin curls & red lips.
Get in character: Smile & call everyone darling! Move gracefully throughout the room & let your eyes do the flirting for you.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM-HOT

8) Bond Girl
Heat up the party in this simple yet uber sexy get up, long famous for symbolizing a sex icon since the 1960’s.

Must have: A white, tan or orange bikini.
Try adding: A wide white belt, knife holster with rubber knife prop.
Finishing touches: Conch or other large seashell(s) & slick wet-look hair.
Get in character: To be honest no one is going to be paying attention to anything but your gorgeous body so just be yourself!
Sexy rating: SUPER HOT

The possibilities are endless when it comes to DIY costumes & hopefully these suggestions have inspired you to create your own this year. And remember, when in doubt, adding pale skin & lots of fake blood can zombie-fy any outfit into a frightful yet innovative look – embodying the true spirit of Halloween!

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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9 Sexy (and STRONG) Halloween Costume Ideas

Peacock Mask by Tutu Gorgeous Girl

It’s that time again: the spookiest, sexiest, sugariest night of the year is almost upon us!

Halloween is THE BEST holiday.  When else do we get a chance to bodily inhabit any fantasy we can dream up?  AND have fun with friends and family? AND eat candy? It’s distinct from other major American holidays because (at least in the way it’s celebrated in modern times) it’s inclusive; you don’t need to be a particular religion, nationality, gender, age, or to have a family or partner to enjoy the best things about it. True, it’s origin may have been a little different, but I’ll leave that tale to an historian instead of a lingerie designer.

It’s a night of lighthearted fun – of surprise, delight, hijinks and gorging on candy.  But it’s also a night to think, at least a little, about how we women own and don’t own our bodies and our sexuality in day-to-day culture and life – and how we can choose to shake up our body identities for one night.  On Halloween, even if we are not consciously engaging in debates about gender politics, or necessarily making our choices based on philosophy, all of us who dress up are faced on some level with the woman-specific question: to slut or not to slut.

Milanoo Halloween Makeup

When did Halloween become such a flesh fest?  According to a Slate article, the 1970′s.

Ever since the Victorians started gallivanting around at costume balls in the 19th Century, the holiday has been a costume event for children and adults.  But it wasn’t until New York City’s gay men threw the first big, fun, drag-filled Halloween parade in 1973 that the modern risque version of the holiday was born.  Now, THAT’S an origin story I love to tell.

Retailers of course soon realized the commercial opportunity, and now, forty years later, any nice suburban lady need only Google “sexy nurse costume” to have forty busty, garter-belted options to buy.

Every year on Halloween I look around the streets of New York City, and I think, “A leotard and spike heels is not a costume!…And neither are boobs!  Boobs are not a costume!“  I have mixed feelings about these women who choose to wear their sexuality AS their disguise for the night.  I equally question our culture that seems to encourage us into the Madonna/whore dichotomy of womanhood–so that we feel pressure to be buttoned up all year and then overflow in this one-night-only explosion of cleavage and fishnets.

Actually, scratch all this.  Maybe my main objection to these hypersexy interpretations of “Halloween costume” is not as a woman, but as a fashion designer.  Dressing up as “Sexy” instead of as [fill in the blank] is a giant missed sartorial opportunity on Halloween night. Why not be both?  Wear something that someone designed to look like SOMETHING other than sex.  Look sexy and strong, or sexy and funny, or sexy and unique…or be a sexy monster (see below)!

A lot of the costume business overlaps with the lingerie world.  It makes sense that lingerie companies design and manufacture costumes since they already have expertise in the construction of related silhouettes.  So I thought I would troll the world of sexy costumes to come up with some recommendations that are sexy and strong. (Eds. Note: Click the photos to be taken to the costumes directly.)

Who’s hotter than Wonder Woman!?  I would love the chance to inhabit a superhero’s superworld for the night.  Comfy microfiber fabric, plus the slimming effects of a corseted top, PLUS the shimmer factor that I can’t get enough of….this one is one of my faves.

Frederick’s of Hollywood Wonder Woman Costume

Continuing in the realm  of fantasy, here’s a cool anime-inspired costumes from Final Fantasy XIII:

All Anime DVD Final Fantasy Costume

If you don’t want to go the superhero route, but covet the power of flight and a big bad stinger, there’s a swarm of costume options.  I like the sequins and slim fit of this Bumblebee:

Lingerie Diva Buzzy Bee

And some playful thigh-highs to match:

Lingerie Diva Bee Thigh-highs

A Monster costume is both playful and adorable.  I imagine many folks would be thrilled to find this monster under their beds.

Leg Avenue Flirty Gerty Monster

If you really want to impress the guys this Halloween, what could warm their hearts more than a hot girl in a Stormtrooper costume?

Halloween Costumes Authentic Stormtrooper Costume

Finally, Halloween is the perfect opportunity for all you DIYers to practice your craft!  Here are some inspirational pictures and tips.

Nothing would inspire me more to strut my gorgeous self than this beautiful Peacock inspired tutu.  Carrie, who owns TutuGorgeousGirl on Etsy, has both girls’ and women’s sizes.  I would pair this tutu with a leotard and mask (see photo at top of article), and accent it all with some bright baubles.

TutuGorgeousGirl Peacock Feather Bustle Tutu

American Apparel Leotard

This 5 piece Old West Outlaw getup is so authentic-looking and pretty.  It seems to tell a whole story.

Passion Flower Vintage Old West/Pirate Costume

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can find a lot of home sewing patterns for all kinds of cool costumes, from crayons to wenches. Two of my favorite pattern companies are Simplicity and Butterick.

I’m a fan of this steampunk pattern.  Making a boned bustier and structured bolero would be a great accomplishment this Halloween.

Steampunk Costume Pattern

And if you want to remember the origins of Hallow’s Eve, try out this sexy, mini-skirted witch!

Simplicity Witch Costume Pattern

And most of all, have fun!

I would love to hear your thoughts about what “sexy” means on Halloween. Even after writing this article, I am stumped this year about what I should be.  Please help with tips, suggestions, and your own Halloween stories!

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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Budget Corsetry: 20 Corsets for $155 or Less

Hands down, one of the most popular questions I get asked is “Where can I buy an affordable corset?”

And I totally understand the sentiments behind that. Good corsets are expensive, and rightly so. From the materials to the labor, a well-crafted corset costs money…and it’s worth every penny.

But what if you’re new to corsets, and you don’t know if you want to spend upwards of $300 on a custom piece? What if you’re just looking for something nice for bedroom wear or costume wear, but you don’t want to go the Frederick’s of Hollywood route? What if you just want to splurge on a corset, but custom prices are, and always will be, out of reach?

Then this post is for you.

I remember what it was like when I first became interested in corsets. I deliberated for years before spending the money on my very first custom piece (Hi there, SugarKitty!). And in the meantime, while I was deliberating, I managed to buy a whole lot of crap.

A lot of the budget corsets out there are cheap knockoffs. And even the ones that aren’t can be a little disappointing when viewed up close – nothing more than glorified bustiers. And that’s not even getting into all the fly-by-night corset sellers who are really just scammers…the take your money and run kind.

The names listed here are of stores who actually sell what they say they’re selling. Your product will actually get delivered (and in a timely manner) and many of them offer flexible returns besides. I personally own corsets from 4 of the names on this list (True Corset, Scarlett’s Corset, Louise Black, and Timeless Trends) and I know people who’ve bought from (and been satisfied with) the other 5 (Playful Promises, Meschantes, Exquisite Restraint, Fairy GothMother, and Hips & Curves).

Now, I’m not making any claims that these are the best corsets around. They don’t replace having a custom made corset, nor would I recommend tightlacing in any of them. But what they are is a budget-friendly way to try out an real, decent quality, corset without having to worry about getting scammed or fleeced or otherwise taken advantage of.

All together, the corsets listed here can accomodate natural waist sizes of 22″ to 48″ (corset sizes of 18-44). And, as always, just click on the photo to be taken to the place where you can buy.

Timeless Trends Electric Purple Overbust – $149.00

Timeless Trends Black Floral Brocade Overbust – $149.00

Timeless Trends Burgundy Velvet Underbust – $109.00

Scarlett’s Corset Taupe Cotton Underbust Corset – $115.00

Scarlett’s Corset Black Cotton Underbust – $139.00

Meschantes Etoile Underbust – $125 to $140

Meschantes Victorian Overbust – $145 (18″ to 30″ only)

Meschantes Grey Pinstripe Underbust – $149.00

Exquisite Restraint Underbust (includes bra) – $153.50

Fairy GothMother Corset Belt – £85 (app. $137.00)

True Corset Black & White Dot Overbust – $120.00

True Corset Black Satin Overbust – $99.95

True Corset Floral Overbust – $150.00

Playful Promises Red Vintage Stitch Overbust – $149.00

Playful Promises Black Satin Waspie – £60.00 (app. $96.00)

Playful Promise Blush Vintage Stitch Overbust – £70.00 (app. $113.00)

Louise Black Grommet Underbust – $155.00

Hips and Curves Blue Overbust – $149.95

Hips and Curves Baronessa Overbust – $149.95

Hips and Curves La Sirena Overbust – $149.95

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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