Posts in category "hopeless"

Hopeless Lingerie: Introducing ‘As Above, So Below’

From the very first collection, I’ve loved Hopeless Lingerie. Gabrielle ‘Gaby’ Adamidis, the woman behind Hopeless, is an indie designer who constantly pushes herself; her unique aesthetic is clearly visible in every single collection. And Gaby’s commitment to ethical design and production has made me more cognizant of these issues as well.

To be perfectly honest, I’m not the most cerebral of fashion lovers. I can’t really get into a technical appreciation of design…that’s not what draws me to lingerie. But I can tell you what I like. And I really like this. The ‘As Above, So Below’ line is available to purchase now from Hopeless Lingerie’s website. All pieces are available in XXS-XXL. Custom orders and custom sizing are available as well.

What do you think of Hopeless’ latest collection?

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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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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Our Columnists’ Lingerie Picks of the Month: August 2012

Starting this month we’ll be debuting “Lingerie Picks of the Month” from our team of writers. Much like our Lingerie of the Week feature, they’ll share the pieces that have especially caught their eye lately. I hope you enjoy reading their suggestions as much as I did! ~Cora

Kristina:

La Perla has done it again for their Fall/Winter 2012 collection titled Oriental Suite. This exquisite chemise features lace clamshell cups reminiscent of Japanese fans that create an intriguing, gravity-defying illusion. Supported only by fabric braces down the sides, the cups are complimented by a luxurious satin obi style waistband and pleated skirt. The full collection is equally as breathtaking and I can’t wait to review all the pieces in person so I can shamelessly drool over the expert craftsmanship & quality of each design!

Karolina:

When they see the word ‘latex’ most people will immediately think of BDSM and other fetish connotations.  With this bra, Très Bonjour have steered away from those completely – it’s such a fresh and directional design and I adore the Art-Deco style ornamentation.  Best of all, it’s made to measure. This is as luxurious as latex can get and I’m absolutely smitten!

Marianne:

Hopeless Lingerie’s “Omega” garter knickers are sleek and bold in solid black with functional garters as well as strappy accents around the legline.  In a bamboo-spandex blend, I can only imagine how soft and comfortable they feel.  All the straps are adjustable, allowing for a custom fit on your curves.  At $96, they’re a bit of a splurge, but all Hopeless Lingerie is handmade and the design is stunning.

Holly:

I’ve been really in love with bird prints lately, so I’m thrilled to see this bra from Cleo. It’s cute without being frilly and Cleo bras always give people the most flattering shape. I’ll definitely be adding it to my collection soon!
Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Ask the Addict: Where to Find Plain, Black, High-Waisted Knickers?

Via: Vintage Stockings Archive

Today’s Ask the Addict features comes from one of our Tumblr followers, who writes:

Might you know where to get plain, black high waisted knickers? Or even all-lace ones. I only seem to be able to find the lace panelled ones or mesh kind. Thank you!

Great question! For plain, black, high waist knickers that you can’t see through and that don’t have mesh panels, I recommend Rago and Hopeless Lingerie. Rago makes an all-satin as well as an all-lace knicker, and Hopeless handmakes a super soft bamboo jersey one. All three are shown below; just click the photo to visit the site. Hope this helps!

Rago High Waist Satin Brief – $15.00

Rago High Waist Lace Powernet Brief – $22.75

Hopeless Lingerie Jersey Knickers- $45.00

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Trend Alert: 13 High-Waisted Bra & Panty Sets

High-waisted panties are in here in a big way (no pun intended) and they’re here to stay. Lingerie Addict columnist Marianne wrote an article all about how to wear hi-waist knickers in her piece “Viva la Sexy Granny Panty!” and I’m following up this month with 13 of my fave high waist bra and panty sets. Like all the best trends, there’s an option for everyone, no matter your style or budget. Which set is your fave?

Lucy B “Tigress” Soft Cup Bralette & High Waist Knicker

Rhonda Shear “Pin Up Girl” Bra & Lace Brief

Rago Satin and Lace Bra & Control Brief

Dottie’s Delights “Millie” Black Bra & Sheer Dot Knickers

Lucy B “Hardware” Bullet Bra & Garter Panty

Lucy B “Lace Mirage” Bullet Bra & Garter Panty

Hopeless Lingerie “Omega” Bamboo Jersey Cropped Cami & Knicker

Norwegian Wood “Triad” Harness Bra & High Waist Ruffle Panties

Between the Sheets “Airplay” Mesh Bralette & High Waist Knicker

Made by Niki “Feel” Bullet Bra & Brazilian Knicker

Elle Macpherson “Maria” Silk Satin Bra & High Waisted Briefs

ModCloth “Weekend Spent Solo” Bralette & Retro High Waist Panties

Kiss Me Deadly “Amelie” Bra & Panty Girdle

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Scars & All: My First Boudoir Photoshoot

©Katrinka's Secret

Here’s what I know for sure: lingerie is more than just bras & panties.

For the longest time, I thought I was writing “just” a lingerie blog, or “just” a fashion blog, or “just” a shopping blog. But in the past year, and especially in the last few months, I’ve realized that lingerie isn’t “just” about what we wear beneath our clothes or in the bedroom. It includes parts of our self esteem, our self image, and our own sense of self worth.

©Katrinka's Secret

©Katrinka's Secret

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about body positivity (and so intensely against body snark) is because I understand what it’s like to feel like your looks can never and will never measure up. It’s not just about the dozens of airbrushed photos every woman sees everyday, it’s also about living in a culture where it’s acceptable for the scientific community to publish articles asking “Why are Black Women So Unattractive?“, a sentiment that’s been reflected in some of my own conversations about women of color within the lingerie industry.

©Katrinka's Secret

©Katrinka's Secret

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like so many women, I grew up feeling unattractive. From the guys in grade school who teased me for my dark skin, to the high school friends who told me how much prettier I was with straight hair, to my own personal struggles with depression in young adulthood, I was convinced for the longest time that beauty was this thing that would always be out of reach for me. And though that may sound shallow, the honest reality is physical attractiveness (or people’s perception of it) not only influences the way we feel about ourselves, it also influences how much others respect us, and how much we earn…among other things.

©Katrinka's Secret

©Katrinka's Secret

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though I grew into my body and became more confident in my own skin in my early 20′s (martial arts helped with that…a LOT), I still felt a little out of place, especially in such a feminine space as lingerie. I have a muscular build. I have scars. I have a wild and glorious afro. I’m curvier than I’ve ever been before. And though these of are parts of myself I value and treasure, I was worried the rest of the world might not be so welcoming. So I asked photographers to smooth out my muscles and airbrush away my scars, and I asked makeup artists to pin up my hair and obscure it’s natural texture. Though it makes me a little ashamed, I was still worried about what others would think.

©Katrinka's Secret

©Katrinka's Secret

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About a month ago, I had my very first boudoir photoshoot with Katrinka’s Secret. At first I was just going to write about my experience (she’s amazing, and I highly recommend her), but then I realized there was more happening here…at least for me. This is the first photoshoot where the pictures I’ve gotten back really and truly look like me, scars and all.

©Katrinka's Secret

©Katrinka's Secret

 

 

 

 

 

 

Often, we as women are our own worst critics. It’s like we have to beat society to the punch, and say that we don’t like about ourselves before they do. Boudoir photography, on the other hand, is a way of capturing those parts of yourself you love and reflecting them back to you. The camera doesn’t lie. It just shows what’s there. And what’s there is beautiful no matter what the rest of the world says. After my own experience, I believe every woman should gift herself with a boudoir shoot at least once…if not with Katrinka herself, than at least with someone like her.

Have you had a boudoir photoshoot before? How did it make you feel afterwards? I’d love for you to share your personal experiences in the comments.

10 More Bridal Lingerie Options for Your Wedding Day

If you were around for Wedding Week in 2010, then you know I believe bridal lingerie should be lacy, pretty, feminine and, above all, comfortable. A couple of weeks ago, the popular women’s website GalTime, invited me to write an article with 10 of my wedding day lingerie recommendations. Because it’s nearly impossible to limit myself to so few wedding day lingerie sets, I thought it’d be a good idea to post 10 more of my faves to the blog. Which ones do you like best?

Mary Green Crushed Silk Kimono
Available from Figleaves
 Hanky Panky ‘Victoria’ Chemise
Available from Faire Frou Frou
Between the Sheets ‘Playdate’ Babydoll
Available from Between the Sheets
 Hopeless Lingerie ‘Thalia’ Cami & High Waisted Knickers
Available from Hopeless Lingerie
What Katie Did ‘Hollywood’ Robe
Available from What Katie Did
Samantha Chang Lace Cami & Tap Short
Available from BHLDN
Myla Leavers Lace Chemise
Available from Myla
Agent Provocateur ‘Love’ Demi Bra & Thong
Available from Agent Provocateur
 Gilda & Pearl ‘Backstage’ Silk Coverup
Available from Gilda & Pearl
Carine Gilson Silk Satin Chemise
Available from Net-a-Porter