Looking to replicate that chic and cinched look from everybody’s favorite retro indulgence “Mad Men?” Then this Christmas Lingerie Buying Guide is for you! Here, I’ll show you the best places to buy vintage-inspired bustiers, merrywidows, and long-line bras.
Want to see the more of my Christmas Lingerie Shopping Guides? Just click on the tag at the bottom of this post or the link in the sidebar to the right! As always, Happy Shopping!
Mad Men fever is sweeping the nation. Though I’m possibly the only person left in America who hasn’t seen a single episode of the series, I can’t help but notice the ripple effect this period drama is having on pop culture. All of a sudden, there’s an upsurge in vintage and retro design…from structured, wasp-waisted dresses to gloves, pearls, and pumps.
I’m here to help you find the appropriate underthings. For a point of reference, let’s take a look at this clip borrowed from Nick Danger.
There are three design elements to this character’s lingerie wardrobe: a bustier, full cut panties, and stockings. I’ll start from the top and work my way down.
Lady Marlene produces a bustier nearly identical to the one in the clip. Available from Alexis4U, you can purchase this bustier with 4-12 garter straps. It’s also available in the colors white and pink, and in a smooth satin (without the lace) version.
Babygirl Boutique carries the best selection of retro, brief style panties I’ve seen on the internet. Always flirty, never dowdy, this shop would be my first stop for an authentic vintage look.
Finally, let’s take a look at the stockings. Back in the 1950′s and 60′s, most women still wore fully fashionied nylons. Pantyhose hadn’t yet been invented, and seamless stockings were a rather novel idea.
If you’re searching for authentic, vintage stockings (that is, hosiery from the 1950′s), I’d recommend Dollhouse Bettie or Stockings Showcase. If you’re all right with purchasing contemporary stockings in a vintage style, then Stockingirl and StockingsHQ are wonderful options. They both carry a range of fully fashioned stockings with a near infinite variety of brands, colors, and heel styles.
If you’re a fan of the Mad Men look, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to say something in the comments section!
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted about everybody’s favorite auction site, e-bay. Here are a few of the things I found there today…Vintage Merrywidow w/ Garters 32C
I’m no fashionista, but my heart is all aflutter over the Christian Dior Haute Couture Winter 2009/2010 collection. Translated from the French, Haute Couture literally means “high sewing,” and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such exquisite sewing as what Mr. John Galliano walked down the runway this week.
The revival to a classic, vintage silhouette is all the more appropriate because the original Christian Dior is most famous for the “New Look” he created post World War II, which, after the deprivation of the war, celebrated a return to voluminous skirts and lush underpinnings.
But enough of my prattle. You want to see the photos!
Kiss Me Quick, the luxury burlesque lingerie designer (who I’ve posted about before) has recently started an Etsy store where she sells limited edition knickers, girdles, and pasties. I’ve posted a couple of pics below of what you can expect. These items are expensive, even for my jaded senses (a girdle, for example, runs $99 USD), but keep in my mind that you’re buying handmade pieces which you certainly won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Speaking of girdles, What Katie Did has recently launched their own line of shapewear, aptly titled the Glamour Collection. In it, you’ll find a number of classic (and classy) pieces which harken back to the days when women made sure their undergarments was just as well crafted as the outer. My favorite pieces are the merry widow and underbust girdle, pictured below.
Secrets in Lace “Gretchen” Lace & Satin Longline Bra
Lady Marlene Strapless Lace Bustier (also available in Satin)
What Katie Did Glamour Merrywidow
Kiss Me Deadly “L’Amour” Fashion Corset
Warner’s Black Lace Merrywidow/Corset
Formaid Black Lace Corset with Garters
