Posts in category "london"

The Lingerie Collective: Highlights for Autumn/Winter 2013

In early January I visited The Lingerie Collective trade show, home to some of the world’s most exciting luxury brands.  Here are my favourite exhibitors and what we have to look forward to in Autumn/Winter 2013!

All images by Karolina Laskowska unless credited otherwise.

Beautiful Bottoms:

Beautiful Bottoms are renowned for their fashion-forward prints and affordable silks. This season is no exception, with highlights including this silk georgette rose print slip and some gorgeous printed silk satin pyjamas.

Top image: Provided by Beautiful Bottoms

Felice Art Couture:

Felice Art Couture are a new luxury loungewear brand with some of the most intricate embellishments that I’ve ever seen in the lingerie world.  Delicate Chantilly laces and stunning beadwork make these garments seem like works of art than something to lounge in!

Fraulein Kink:

Fraulein Kink’s new collection has some of my favourite bedroom accessories yet. This season sees a Wild West influence with pieces such as crystal-tipped lassos and (my personal favourite), gold spikey spurs.  Other standout pieces include the fringe, feather and spike eyemask shown below.  As usual, Fraulein Kink’s designs are a perfect lingerie accompinament.

Top image: Left: A nineteen13 Production, right: Camilla Camalgia

Kriss Soonik:

Kriss Soonik’s loungerie is as fashion-forward and unusual as ever, with old favourites such as the suspender top being reinvented in a long-sleeved velour version. My personal favourite is the lace and tulle babydoll, a perfect match of sporty and unusual shapes with flirty feminine details.

Marika Vera:

Marika Vera is one of my all-time favourite lingerie designers and the new collection ‘Welcome to the Rabbit Hole’ is no disappointment. Exquisite silk satins and chiffons are layered in unusual and flattering silhouettes with details such as delicate strapping, collars and loose ruffles.  The garments are also multi-functional – equally beautiful in the boudoir as when mixed into outerwear.

Top and bottom image: Provided by Marika Vera

Shell Belle Couture:

The new collection by Shell Belle incorporates stunning laces with delicate sheer meshes and silks.  Romantic classics such as the Seduce Me gown sit alongside new flirtier pieces such as camisole sets and animal prints.  The detailing on these pieces is exquisite, from the positioning of lace to delicate straps and the signature stitched scallop edges.

Something Wicked:

Something Wicked’s lingerie designs are the perfect blend of fashion-foward naughtiness. Irresistably soft leathers are paired with delicate chantilly laces and gold plated components. The newest collection features a softer approach to the luxury S&M vibe, with flirty chiffons in shades of berry and lilac being given bondage inspired strap details.

Top and bottom images: Provided by Something Wicked

Underprotection:

Underprotection are a Danish brand that creates ethical lingerie and loungewear, using only sustainable fabrics such as bamboo cotton.  The designs themselves are gorgeous – my personal favourites are the scallop-panel bra and knicker set. The gorgeous colours and stitching details have put the set majorly high on my lust list!

Readers: what do you think of my picks from the show? Had you encountered any of these designers before?

Karolina

Karolina

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

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Gilda & Pearl Spring/Summer 2013

I’ve been a fan of Gilda & Pearl’s lingerie for almost as long as I’ve been blogging. I love how all of their pieces are handmade to order using some of the most exquisite silks and laces I’ve ever seen (the designer, Diane Houston, has made keeping her label ethical a top priority). Inspired by the 1946 Rita Hayworth film “Gilda” and the unique beauty of natural pearls, Gilda & Pearl makes what I call heirloom lingerie…pieces that are meant to be treasured for years, if not generations. What do you think of their Spring/Summer 2013 collection?

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Luxury Lingerie for a Cause: Lingerie London and The Seven Bar Foundation

Atsuko Kudo

Last week, one of the most spectacular events in all of lingerie happened…and no, I’m not talking about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The event was Lingerie London and it brought together two powerhouses in the lingerie industry – Agent Provocateur and Atsuko Kudo, for a good cause – the microfinance non-profit The Seven Bar Foundation. I had the opportunity to interview Renata Black, chairwoman of Seven Bar, the day after the show and I’m so excited to share what she has to say on The Lingerie Addict. I’ve always believed lingerie can be more than just bras and panties, and here’s a wonderful example of how lingerie can do good for women all over the world. All photos are courtesy of Seven Bar. You can also view video highlights of the show here.

Atsuko Kudo

1) First of all, congratulations on another successful fashion show! Lingerie London happened just last night, and people have not stopped talking about it. I even think the #LingerieLondon hashtag was trending for a little while on Twitter. Second of all, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for TLA readers! I’m sure you must be exhausted, so let’s get right to it. I know that the last show was Lingerie New York 2010. What made you choose London for 2012?

Thank you very much! We were so excited with the event. The first thing we did was look at all the luxury lingerie designers in Europe as we wanted to make sure we worked with the strongest designer for our next Lingerie event.  After careful consideration we realized that both of them resided in London—Agent Provocateur and Atsuko Kudo—so it was a natural move for us to have our first European Lingerie event in London.

Atsuko Kudo

2) The production value of your fashion shows is incredible…from what I’ve seen, they’re truly an experience. How long does one take to put together from start to finish?

We started working on this show over a year ago, as we wanted to make sure it was a quality event. We partnered with Total Management UK, who helped tremendously with putting the show together and making it a success.

Atsuko Kudo

3) Agent Provocateur and Atsuko Kudo are two of the most well-known and well-respected names in high-end lingerie. How did they come to be involved? Did they approach you? Did you approach them? And why these two specific brands?

Both Agent Provocateur and Atsuko Kudo are brands that we have a long-standing relationship with and have shown in the past. When we were curating the show and looking at all the best couture and luxury lingerie brands we felt that Atsuko Kudo and Agent Provocateur were truly the best in their class. Additionally, we decided to work with AP and AK because they are both completely different and we could reach two different audiences with the message of the empowerment of women.

Agent Provocateur

4) There’s a ton of press being given to all the gorgeous lingerie, but what a lot of people may not know is that this fashion show is actually charity event benefiting The Seven Bar Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Can you tell us more about The Seven Bar Foundation? What’s its mission and what does it do?

The Seven Bar Foundation is the cause brand for the empowerment of women, with the pink ‘ladder’ icon as its logo. The Foundation generates funds for microfinance, enabling women to climb out of poverty and into business. We want to empower women and enable self-sufficiency—it is about giving them a hand-up, not a hand-out.

We generate funds through our Lingerie Shows as well as through cause-marketing campaigns, allowing consumers to empower women by purchasing products with the ladder icon. We also have our very own panty line called Empowered By You, of which 20% of the profits go to the Foundation.  All these partnerships provide Seven Bar with consistent revenue streams, so that we do not have to rely on donations to fuel our empowerment fund.

Agent Provocateur

5) There are so many causes worth funding…what made you choose microfinance as a way to make a difference?

I truly believe that microfinance is one of the strongest poverty alleviation tools today. Microfinance fosters self-sufficiency and allows women to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their children. With a small loan, a woman can start a successful business and send her children to school, which in turn creates more opportunities for families and inspires girls to follow in their mother’s footsteps.

Agent Provocateur

6) I love that! How did you come up with the idea of combining lingerie and activism? Did you ever think the shows would be come the kind of internationally recognized events they are today?

The idea came to me shortly after I returned from India, where I had started a grassroots microfinance program for 800 women. I was watching the Victoria’s Secret Annual Fashion Show, and saw how much attention this show received for no benefit. I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if all of this attention was redirected back to the empowerment of women?”

It seemed natural to me to position lingerie as inner armor for outer empowerment, and align myself with top lingerie designers who already had this idea in their DNA and had already been making women feel empowered through their clothing. Through our shows, we have been able to redirect the attention of the fashion and luxury lingerie industries to microfinance and the empowerment of women. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible with our message, so we are thrilled about the response our shows have received.

Agent Provocateur

7) Many of my readers (myself included) will probably never be able to attend one of your luxury lingerie fashion shows. How else can we get involved and help your mission to eliminate poverty?

That is where the Empowered By You panty comes in. As I was doing these lingerie shows I was thinking, “How can I have more people help us empower women into business?” I saw need for a perfect everyday panty that could make the transition from yoga to cocktail party, and decided to design a panty with the help of my great friend Hun Kim (former head designer of Ralph Lauren Blue Label) – Empowered By You. As previously mentioned, this panty retails at $20 and 20% of the proceeds goes to the Foundation. Anyone who purchases a panty helps us further our goal and empower more women—whatever empowers you, empowers women everywhere. Our goal is to empower 250,000 women into business by 2020. The panty is available for purchase at www.empoweredbyyou.com.

Empowered by You

8) Can you share with us one story of someone The Seven Bar Foundation has helped?

Yes! One of the organizations we’ve worked with is Genesis Empresarial, a microfinance bank in Guatemala. $100,000 was lent to them, and 250 women have been impacted with an average loan size of $400. Here’s the story of one of those women – Carmen.

Carmen started her artisan work to help create extra income for her family. She worked for her neighbor, creating beautiful woven textiles that were sold in the market place. Carmen received little of the profits from the final textiles but was able to slowly save extra funds to hopefully send her son to school.

When Carmen’s husband died, she had to take sole responsibility for providing for her family. With a fund from the Seven Bar Foundation, Carmen was able to buy thread and fabric supplies to open her own textile business. As the owner of her own business, Carmen was able to make a bigger income from selling her artisan work directly in the marketplace. When Carmen speaks of her loan you can see how her back straightens out as she says, “I am able to take care of my family on my own. I can send my oldest son and daughter to school, and also use my profits to fix up our house. Now I have the resources to provide for my family.”

Renata

9) How inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing. Last question…where and when will the next Seven Bar lingerie show be?

Our phones have not stopped ringing since the final bow at Lingerie London and we are very humbled to say that we are in high demand so another show in London is looking very possible. However, we do need to get back to our roots in the US, as we have built quite the following that has yet to experience Empowered By You, so Los Angeles is also an option.

Thank you again for taking the time out of your very busy schedule for TLA’s readers, Renata! You’re doing wonderful work, and I can’t wait to hear about the next show.

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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15 Lingerie Retailers to Follow on Instagram

As per my post in August, 8 Corsetieres to Follow on Instagram, I am obsessed with, and addicted to, Instagram.  Since I’ve been having no end of computer troubles lately, needless to say, my dependency on my phone (and Instagram) hasn’t abated. 

This month’s post features a whopping 15 retailers posting daily pretties, providing insight to styles, trends, merchandising, photoshoots, and other behind-the-scenes action.  With a lot of ground to cover, I’ll mostly let the users’ photos (and, where provided, bios) speak for themselves.  As before, if you don’t have the app, Webstagram links are provided for your viewing pleasure.

Designer lingerie at Coco de Mer.

@coco_de_meruk
Coco de Mer – http://www.coco-de-mer.com/

Wall display at Derriere de Soie.

@derrieredesoie
derriere de soie cville – www.silkybottom.com

Devil May Care is one of my favorites on this list, in large part for the personality infused in their posts.  Be warned, their feed is red hot!

@devilmaycarelingerie
Anastasia – Lingerie loving sisters in upstate NY hand-picking life’s necessary indulgences for you. Devil May Care: It’s a state of mind… xx!

Delicious Marlies Dekkers bra and thong featured on @fairefroufrou’s Instagram.

@fairefroufrou
Alison Rubke – Owner of luxury lingerie boutique Faire Frou Frou & blog Frou Frou Fashionista

A Fig Leaves photoshoot in progress.

@figleaveshome
The ultimate online destination for your lingerie, swimwear, shapewear & nightwear needs. Boasting cup sizes AA – K.

Close-up shot of bra hardware at Forty Winks.

@fortywinks
Meredith Donaldson – http://www.shopfortywinks.com

Wall o’ colorful panties at Journelle.

@journellelingerie
Journelle Lingerie – Lingerie enthusiasts and connoisseurs offering lingerie for the modern women.

Merchandising display at La Petite Coquette / The Little Flirt.

@lapetitecoquettenyc
It’s Time to STOP wearing underwear and START wearing Lingerie!

Lille Boutique: silk and lace and ruffles, oh my!

@lilleboutique
Lille Boutique – Lover of fine lingerie, kabuki, silk stockings, ballet, vintage kimonos, high heels, art deco, literary heroines, new wave cinema & all things French.

Lingerie sets and accessories at Linea Intima.

@lineaintimalingerie
Linea Intima – Renowned for expert bra-fitting consultations & a selection of the most sought after lingerie brands from around the world. Sizes from 30-44, A-I.

The Bordello showroom.

@madamebordello
From London’s finest Lingerie Boutique in Shoreditch to private Bethnal Green Showroom.

Okay – since My Lingerie Stylist is, in fact, a stylist and not a retailer, I thought I’d make fair by including a picture of her at her favorite local boutique.

@mylingeriestylist
Bex – Professional lingerie stylist & owner of The Fitting Room. I specialize in bra fittings & foundations, as well as bridal, event and styling services. Note: I know, she’s not a retailer, but My Lingerie Stylist made more sense on this list than any others I have planned.

Say hello to divine designer lingerie at Secrets from Your Sister.

@secretsfromyoursister
Toronto’s best bra fitting boutique.

I, for one, still use my What Katie Did tote from my trip to the UK last year.

@whatkatiedidldn
What Katie Did London Boutique - Faux vintage lingerie, corsets & nylons inspired by the silver screen sirens of the 40′s & 50′s in the heart of Portobello Road – London UK.

Coordinating bralettes and panties in Cosabella’s private label boutique.

@shopcosabella
Official Cosabella

And there you have it!  A veritable tour de force of lingerie boutiques on Instagram.  Keep reading my articles here on The Lingerie Addict for Instagram revues of lingerie designers, more corsetieres, and pinup girls. 

What’d you think?  Who’s feed is your favorite?  Did I miss someone?  Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Marianne

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September Lingerie Adventures: What Katie Did, Victoria’s Secret, Sparklewren, and More!

September always seems to be my busiest month.  Once again, it’s been crammed full of lingerie happenings.  As well as being inundated with orders (following the launch of my brand last month), I’ve been juggling lingerie events and preparations to move cities!  It’s been an exhausting month but worth every moment.  Here’s a few of my favourite adventures, I hope you enjoy them!

Clockwise from the left – SS13 including the new highwaisted bikini and Morticia corset, Miss Miranda and Sophie St Villier’s burlesque routine

My lingerie month began with an invitation to What Katie Did’s fabulous AW12 collection launch – a delightful afternoon of fabulous fashion shows and some rather delicious WKD cupcakes.  A particular highlight of the event was the SS13 preview show – my personal favourites including a red and peach colourway for the Morticia corset and a delightful highwaisted bikini with side cut outs.  We were also treated to a fabulous burlesque performance courtesy of Miss Miranda and Sophie St Villier – I was very taken with Miss Miranda’s polkadot seamed stockings and ended up picking up my own pair!

Inside Victoria’s Secret Bond Street boutique – angel wings and all

Before leaving London, I knew I had to go and see what all the fuss was about with Victoria’s Secret.  They’d opened their Bond Street boutique amidst a flurry of controversy and speculation and I was itching to see it for myself.  My first impressions were exactly what I expected: it’s glamorous, attention-grabbing and very, very ‘American’.  The décor is all black and pink gloss and chandeliers, with lingerie covering literally every available surface.  It was a little overwhelming – the themes of each room were a vague at times and the designer collection left my jaw dragging along the floor – though not for the right reasons.

Some of the ‘Designer Collection’

With a premium price, the designer collection seemed average at best, with the lingerie being poorly constructed and offering incredibly limited sizing.  I did wonder why they’d even bothered to include it – after all, the department store ‘Fenwick’s’ is just across the road and offers the crème de la crème of lingerie (Carine Gilson, Chantal Thomass and La Perla just to name a few) – and often for a less intimidating price tag.  Additionally, the mainline products seemed to have an unnecessarily high mark-up – it seemed like the average bra on offer was around £30, which seems a little ridiculous considering the British high street offers multiple identical products for around £10.  To be fair to VS, the customer service was impressive  - sales assistants could be found everywhere and they were all incredibly happy to help and discuss the products.

I was a little disconcerted by their infamous fitting service (having a tape measure wrapped around the top of your bust on the shop floor and then being offered a less-than-accurate size).  Nevertheless, armed with my fitting card, I explored the shop in a bid to find something I’d like to add to my lingerie collection.  Unfortunately, the only bras I could find in a 32C were molded cups and pushups; the lace balconettes seemed reserved only for those in a 32D or above.  I’m personally rather fond of my bust shape and don’t feel it needs a 2-cup-size boost! I fully understand that expanding size ranges can be a complex and costly undertaking for a lingerie brand, though with a label as big as Victoria’s Secret you’d think it wouldn’t be too much of a risk.

Details on the Sparklewren ‘Burning Coals’ corset

So what could be a better cure for the boring and mass-produced than a visit to the wonderful Sparklewren boutique?  After popping in to Jenni’s Birmingham boutique last week, I knew my lingerie lust-list had just been entirely re-written.  Her new ‘burning coals’ corset is one of the most gorgeous garments that I’ve ever laid my eyes upon: phenomenal shaping and exquisite embellishment, with layered golden lace, crystals and spikes – everything that I could ever ask for in a corset!  I was even lucky enough to try it on.  All I need to do now is win the lottery and make it mine! I thoroughly recommend visiting the Sparklewren boutique to any lingerie and corsetry lover – the creations it houses are more works of art than simply garments and the couture laces and crystal embellishments are sure to appeal to any lover of shiny things!

My gorgeous new French lace and my first camisole experiment with it

Finally, I’ve been getting to grips with the aftermath of launching my own lingerie brand!  The response that I’ve had has been a lot better than I ever could have expected.  I’ve been inundated with orders and have received some incredibly lovely messages from customers – it’s really helped to enforce that following my dream was actually a good idea.  Unfortunately, my shops orders seem to have taken up all of my spare time! I’d ordered some stunning French leavers lace that I’ve been barely able to touch since it arrive.  I’m hoping that at some point in the near future I’ll manage to get some free time for some new designs – all I’ve managed so far is a lace camisole, when really I want to be trying out the soft bras and high-waisted knickers that are still just ideas in my head!

Now that September’s over, I’m finally going back to my lingerie studies at university.  It’s going to be an incredibly exciting year – we’re going to be looking at corsetry and swimwear to name just a few of the things we’ll be doing.  I can’t wait to see where my new lingerie school adventures and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you!

Readers – have you had any of your own lingerie adventures last month? What do you think of mine?

Karolina

Karolina

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

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The Lingerie Collective SS13: previews and highlights!

Pandora by Fleur of England

The Lingerie Collective is the UK’s only trade show dedicated to truly luxury lingerie and swimwear – I popped along to see what’s new for AW12 and SS13.  I’ve picked out my personal highlights for you to peruse!

Damaris

With tassels, Swarovski crystals and feather trims, this collection will bring out the show-girl in everyone.  Featuring signature styles such as the V wired bra and ‘naked’ tulle bra, it’s as playful and extravagant as you can expect from Damaris.  I’m particularly fond of the Chantilly lace V bra – bold shapes with delicate detail, the perfect contrast!  AW12/13 also sees the launch of Damaris’ first Bridal range – for the more adventurous bride, expect unique shapes, silks, laces and feather trims.

Mimi Holliday

The tamer ‘sister’ to Damaris, Mimi Holliday’s latest collection features the usual selection of signature shapes (such as the bow-back thong, corset knicker and lace shoulder bras) in a gorgeous palette of jewel tones, with new designs such as a multi-way lace body and padded shoulder bra. With 16 different stories, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone in this collection – and even though it’s not quite lingerie, I’m especially excited about the lace ears as seen in the lookbook shoots… Totally adorable and the perfect boudoir accessory!

Else

Else was launched in 2007 by designer Ela Onur with an ethos of uniting quality fabrics, perfect fit and glamorous design.  Each garment is handmade in their Istanbul atelier, using luxurious silks and Chantilly laces. unusual pleats and drapes – flattering and glamorous.  The signature range is as elegant as ever, utilising unusual pleats and drapes to create truly flattering and glamorous lingerie.  I love the ‘Lace Tattoo’ body particularly – a wonderful play on revealing and concealing the body.

Fleur of England

This season, Fleur of England has once again managed to create some my favourite lace pieces.  Their aesthetic has retained its usual elegance and sense of romance, with sumptuous silks being paired with exquisite French laces.  My personal highlights of the collection are ‘Berry Kiss’ and ‘Pandora’  –  I adore the pairing of the leavers lace with nude tulle and the contrast of the silk in the latter!

Fraulein Kink

Photography – Catherine Day, Model – Twiglet

Fraulein Kink’s boudoir accessories are the perfect combination of naughtiness and femininity – this season sees the introduction of the new fringe ‘Maid’ set, comprising of an eye mask and skirt, and the reinvention of the signature kitten mask with gold tipped ears, matching handcuffs and collar accessory.  These pieces are fabulously multi-functional too, perfect with lingerie but also begging to be styled with your outerwear.  With all of this 50 Shades of Grey fever going around, it’s no small surprise that these oh-so-pretty bedroom accessories are seeing such a rise in popularity…

Lucile

Lucile has one of the most fascinating heritages that I’ve ever seen in a lingerie brand.  Founded by Camilla Blois, great-great-great-granddaughter of couturier Lady Duff Gordon of couture brand ‘Maison Lucile’ – renowned for its fine and romantic silk and lace lingerie, it was the source of much controversy in the late 19th century.  Taking inspiration from these designs and from some of Maison Lucile’s highest profile clients, Lucile uses sumptuous silks and laces to create some truly elegant lingerie.  I’m particularly in love with the long trained robes – surely the height of lingerie extravagance!

Paolita

Whilst swimwear isn’t ideal for Winter-time, there are some very exciting designs awaiting us next Summer from Paolita – expect some fantastically bold colours and prints!  I’m particularly in love with the ‘Day of the Dead’ print – fabulously detailed and flirty, it’s the perfect beach accompaniment .

Sumarie

Sumarie made its debut at the Lingerie Collective and is truly one of the most luxurious swimwear lines I’ve ever come across – simultaneously fashion-forward and elegant, each piece is expertly-cut and handmade with exquisite attention to detail in Sumarie’s London atelier.  The cover-ups are particularly stunning – bold and graphic prints on perfectly flowing silk, so lovely that I’d be scared of taking them to the beach!

Tatu Couture

Tatucouture’s SS13 ‘Sweet Surrender’ collection continues the brands ‘tattoo’ aesthetic, yet has introduced a much softer and sweeter aesthetic, with its signature ‘tattoo’ prints being paired with delicate laces and vintage-inspired shapes.  The overwired body is particularly gorgeous – a modernised and sophisticated interpretation of a traditionally vintage shape!

Readers – what do you think of my picks?  Are there any new designs that you’re particularly excited about this season?

Karolina

Karolina

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

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UK Lingerie: A Travel Diary, pt. 2

By Marianne:

Part 2 of my travel diary is all about London…and a little bit of Brighton! There’s quite a bit of ground to cover so I’ll jump right into things. But if you’d like to read pt. 1 again, just click here.

Day 7/8 – Brighton
In Brighton, my sister took me on a tour of boutiques and vintage shops. On our second day there, I spent an inordinate amount of time in Ouh La La lingerie boutique, trying on beautiful bras from Aubade, Simone Perelle, Elle MacPherson, Stella McCartney, and Lise Charmel. They also stocked corsets from What Katie Did and French corsetiere Cadolle.

My customer experience there was polar opposite to every other shop I’d been to in the UK. The shop attendant was extremely nice, bringing me bra after bra in various styles and not pressuring me in the slightest to buy any of them. Bras started at about £65 (roughly $110), and while Aubade had the widest range of styles available, the Simone Perelle bra I tried on fit me by far the best. I also fell madly in love with a £99 Lise Charmel panty which I can’t remotely fathom being able to afford. I wasn’t particularly impressed with Cadolle; while their designs were quite pretty, they were clearly fashion/bedroom corsets, and useless for actually reducing the waist.

The only downsides to this shop were the inconsistent range of sizes available, and the fact that most of their items were intended to be sold as sets. Of course it’s a challenge for small shops to keep such a broad range of stock on hand, so the problem is relatively understandable, but it was a bit frustrating that the smallest corset in stock was a 22, when I normally wear an 18 or 20. In the end, I just went home with a pair of stockings. Though I didn’t make it there, apparently Brighton is home to another lovely lingerie shop by the name of She Said.

Day 9, 12 – London
You were waiting for it, weren’t you? You knew I couldn’t go to England without going to London, and I couldn’t go to London without going to FairyGothMother, aka Lulu and Lush. I also checked out What Katie Did and Camden.

I was quite eager to finally see Lulu and Lush’s boutique, and luckily it was geographically logical to visit it first. Return of the British customer service here, although the older woman who rung me up at the end was quite friendly and helpful. Anyway, as to the shop itself, it’s quite large and there was a lot to take in. Oh, and nowhere near enough dressing rooms, as I found out the hard way. The quality of garments was a bit of a range, some of the fabrications were cheaper synthetics but then there were also nice silky pieces as well. I think the Kiss Me Deadly line was my favorite that they carried.

The corsets were from a variety of makers, and I was impressed with the range of styles and sizes offered. The construction all looked good quality, though I was surprised that the lacing on the house brand was a stretchy type, which makes the procedure more of a challenge. My big disappointment was that the corsets, lovely as they were, weren’t close to curvy enough for me. However, most of their clients probably don’t have my dramatic hip spring and waist training experience, so I think it’s just a difference in their market rather than an actual flaw in the products.

In the end, I came home with… a lot of stuff, including a very cute new bathing suit. Most of it was pulled from their extensive sale rack. As an aside, all of the Lulu & Lush purchases looked way better before they got crumpled in my suitcase.

What Katie Did is tucked off of Portobello Road. The shop space is small without feeling crowded, despite the quantity of items there. The shop girls are friendly and helpful when it comes to assisting you with the merchandise and assessing the fit. All of the designs were very pretty (with the sole exception of a synthetic satin that I thought was cheap-looking), but I had the same problem with the corsets as at Lulu and Lush. They were gorgeous, and the hipline was lovely, but the ribs and hips weren’t spacious enough for the waist reductions I’m used to in my Pop Antique and Dark Garden corsets.

The bras were what really impressed me, and in the end I bought two of them. The previous collection was marked down 75%, and by pure luck I was drawn to those designs anyway. Do note that as you cross the pond, your bra size will probably change – Americans purchasing internationally, add a letter to your cup size; Brits, subtract. As mentioned, in the states, I am a 30C, but I generally buy 32Bs because it’s easier and cheaper (yes, I’m bad). Because WKD is cut from vintage styles, the 32 band is a snugger fit which worked well on me. In one style, I even ended up taking home a perfectly fitting 32D. No matter what the garment, I think it’s a good idea to use your “normal” size only as a launching point, and not fixate on the numbers and letters on the tag. If it fits, it fits.

My purchases from WKD were tidily wrapped in tissue paper, then slipped into a reusable What Katie Did cotton tote bag. Below you can see it with my blue satin lingerie bags from Lulu and Lush. I think the reusable branded packaging is a nice touch.

My last stop on this first London trip was to Camden, where I bought fancy tights. Flirt is a brand which sells fun tights with prints made from photographs and comic book panels. I also picked up some lacy fishnet tights. Lily J is another shop Lingerie Addicts may find worth visiting; while the stock is regular apparel, the look is built on the layering of lacy feminine pieces with soft drapes, very much in the lingerie ethos. Most of the colors are very soft and classic, ivory and grey and some black. I picked up a simple sheer black slip from there, since I’d been wanting one. Later I also found a fitted black slip from H&M, which featured lace trim and zig-zag stitch detail. You can see the slips together below.



On our second day trip to London, I didn’t do any shopping. I did, however, do some modeling and styled two lovely lingerie looks. First, I did a boudoir-esque shoot with portrait photographer Karolina Marek, wearing a Pop Antique corset and embroidered-top mesh stockings. I also shot on location with Yun Ki, and got to see more of historic London. The below look features a barely-visible Pop Antique ribbon corset, double-backseam stockings, and one of my new What Katie Did bras.

PS: Americans, save yourself some embarrassment and awkward moments: don’t forget that in the UK, garters are suspenders, panties are pants, and pants are trousers.

All in all, it was a lovely trip. It was my first time really trying on high-quality bras, and I even brought a few nice ones home with me. I spent some quality time with some wonderful colleagues. I got to see beautiful corsets, new and old. What were your experiences with the shops I visited? What shops and experiences did I miss out on? Would you be interested in a (shorter) write-up of a few must-see shops in San Francisco? Let me know in the comments!

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