This week I’m getting married…yay! So it seemed appropriate to showcase a few of my favorite bridal collections. Today is all about Fleur of England’s gorgeous mesh and lace ‘Jasmine’ range.
Wedding Week: Fleur of England ‘Jasmine’ Collection
Posts in category "lust"
Wedding Week: Claire Pettibone’s ‘Heirloom’ Bridal Lingerie Collection
This week I’m getting married…yay! So it seemed appropriate to showcase a few of my favorite bridal collections. Today is all about Claire Pettibone’s breathtakingly beautiful limited edition lingerie collection. All photographs are by the indescribably talented Elizabeth Messina. I hope you enjoy looking at these pieces just as much as I did.
OYE Swimwear: Sheer, Fashion-Forward Styles for the Pool or Beach
I’ve never been much a swimwear fan. I mean, I know swimwear is a thing which exists, but it’s never inspired the same kind of passion for me as lingerie or loungewear or hosiery. It’s just been a thing…mostly for other people. But all that’s been changing lately. And while I still love a classic pin-up bathing suit, these ultrachic swimsuits from OYE Swimwear (OYE is short for ‘Open Your Eyes’)have really set my heart aflutter.
For me, unsurprisingly, a lot of the appeal has to do with the strategically placed sheer designs. Not only does the line seem like a modern interpretation of the classic Cole of California swimsuits (with their infamous mesh inserts), it also fits right in with the slightly dark, somewhat moody, trend for high-end lingerie that’s out there today (with nary a bow, flower, or ruffle to be seen, OYE reminds me of brands like Bordelle and Lascivious). And this super sleek, super modern swimwear has one more thing in common with luxury lingerie…it’s super expensive.
Swimsuits start at $350 ( though I would also check the OYE Swimwear Twitter account for discounts). OYE swim is available in sizes XS thru L (fitting a maximum US 8). Suits can be purchased directly through their website.
What do you think of OYE? Just the right amount of risqué or a little too revealing?
Spotlight on Buttress and Snatch Lingerie
Diamond Swarovski Set
Buttress & Snatch is a British brand famous for two things: 1) their vintage-inspired and completely theatrical burlesque style and 2) their commitment to making all their lingerie by hand in UK. Founded in 1999 by Rachel Kenyon, Buttress & Snatch counts celebrities like Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Beth Ditto among its clients. Almost all the pieces have frills or ruffles or crystals or roses because this is lingerie that is meant to be seen.
Unfortunately, the company doesn’t deviate much from the a traditional size range (bras are 32B to 36D with a few E cups sprinkled here and there & panties are S, M, & L). And this is definitely a high-end, luxury brand with the bras shown here starting around £79.00 or ~$120.00. I will say that for a handmade British label, I did expect more sizes to be available, but hopefully the company has plans to expand. My favorite bra is the Ballerina Tulle in black. I adore how it’s just fancy enough.
What do you think of Buttress and Snatch? Have you heard of this label before?
Queen of the Clover Set
Golden Rose Set
White Swan Set
Ballerina Bianca Set
Black Swan Set
Black Ballerina Set
Georgiana Set
Victoria Regina Set
Black Widow Set
Black Maria Set
Marie Lloyd Set
Coachanella Set
Lingerie of the Week: Shell Belle Couture ‘Beau’ Bathing Suit
Shell Belle Couture ‘Beau’ Bathing Suit. $142 via Faire Frou Frou.
This week’s lingerie of the week isn’t quite lingerie, but it’s so lovely, I couldn’t resist. Shell Belle Couture is a pretty new lingerie brand (they’ve only been around since 2010), and any new brand will tell you it’s a struggle to stand out in a pretty crowded field. I like how Shell Belle is doing vintage-inspired pieces without making explicitly vintage lingerie, and I admire how their collections look like nothing else on the market right now. To me, this ‘Beau’ Bathing Suit is a standout piece from their latest range.
Rene Gruau Swan Advertisement, via Frou Frou Fashionista
I love the cheeky play on words (‘beau’ and ‘bow’), and how I like the stark, graphic styling of this suit reminds me of Rene Gruau’s artwork. But I don’t think I’d wear this as a bathing suit. Instead, I’d let it be the cutest tank top in the world. The Beau bathing suit retails for $142.00 at Faire Frou Frou and is available in sizes S, M, and L (fitting a maximum 10US).
Ari Dein Spring/Summer 2013
Ari Dein S/S 2013
One of the side effects of writing about lingerie for the last several years is that I’ve started to get a little bit jaded. It’s not been a conscious thing or even a deliberate process…just the more I’m around lingerie, the more it takes to get my attention and impress me. And the stuff that used to impress when I first started blogging (like a celebrity endorsement or a super-high price tag) are mostly meaningless to me now. Enter Ari Dein.
The thing I like most about Ari Dein’s collection is that it becomes more impressive the more you look at it. Though still firmly out of my reach, Ari Dein is aspirational lingerie for a new, younger generation. A unique point of view, American-styling, and impeccable craftsmanship (you can literally wear her pieces inside out) puts Ari Dein firmly on my lust list. No cynicism required. What do you think of the Ari Dein Spring/Summer 2013 collection?
Ari Dein ‘Boutique Hotel’ Chemise
Ari Dein ‘Boutique Hotel’ Camisole & Shortie
Ari Dein ‘Boutique Hotel’ Pajama Set
Ari Dein ‘Bengal’ Pajamas
Ari Dein ‘Maharaja’ Bralet & Panty
Ari Dein ‘Maharaja’ Anorak & Shortie
Ari Dein ‘Cabana’ Camisole & Shortie
Ari Dein ‘Bombay’ Burnout Chemise
Ari Dein ‘Bombay’ Burnout Camisole & Pajama Pants
Ari Dein ‘Cabana’ Chemise & ‘Bombay’ Burnout Robe
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?
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