Posts in category "pattern"

Sweet Treats: Craveable Lingerie To Indulge In This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season of obligatory spending & gluttonous indulgences!

Every year the month of December rolls around and throws the masses into a tailspin full of retail mania, holiday stress & an abundance of high-caloric binging. And each year this fateful tradition begins earlier then ever, starting in October with Halloween and taking us through Thanksgiving dinner, onto Hanukkah, Christmas & Kwanza. By the time we ring in the New Year our bellies are over-stuffed & our consciences are wrought with guilt. But rather then declare the usual resolution of a new fitness regime (while relying on our Spanx to get us by in the meantime) why not find an alternative way to control our cravings & keep those extra few pounds at bay?

Today there are many ways in which you do not have to completely give up on the traditional holiday delights & can still enjoy the spirit of the season while maintaining your dress size (and dignity). My personal favorite choice is to indulge in some delectable themed intimate apparel & sleepwear. Because what better place to satisfy your cravings then with lingerie?

Below is a list of my top 8 tasty food-inspired pieces for this holiday.

1) It Takes All Sorts bullet bra & knickers by Frantic About Francis

This retro inspired set by Frantic About Francis is printed with confectionary goodness, guaranteed to make your mouth water. The licorice printed cotton mixed with soft, candy pink mesh & lemon yellow bows add sweet & feminine touches to help any girl feel like a savory 50’s pin up. Available at www.franticaboutfrances.bigcartel.com

2) Drawstring Candy Spill Pajama Pants by Dylan’s Candy Bar

What better to keep cozy this season then in super soft pajama pants? These candy coated drawstring pants by sweet shop favorite Dylan’s Candy Bar are a fun & playful way to satisfy those cravings without straying far from your diet. Available at www.dylanscandybar.com

3) Fast Food crew socks by Socksmith

Visually pig-out this season with the hamburger & fries printed crew socks by Socksmith. These junk food socks will allow you to satisfy your cravings without the artery clogging consequences of today’s fast food. Consider it a healthy alternative to the real thing, sure to keep you satiated & content. Available at www.socksmith.com

4) Sloth Cupcake Bow Burlesque Corset by Madame Dulcibelle

This steel-boned bespoke corset from Madame Dulcibelle is a decadent treat for anyone with a sweet tooth! The Marie Antoinette-inspired cupcake print is accented with satin trim & bow appliques that emphasize a woman’s curves & gives the illusion of a teeny tiny waistline. Available at www.etsy.com/shop/MadameDulcibelle

5) Candyland Tights by Celeste Stein

These saccharine covered, photo printed tights by Celeste Stein are a perfect way to show off your sweet side. The rainbow clusters of candy hearts are a funky way to flaunt your legs this season and will make them look good enough to eat. Available at www.electricalice.bigcartel.com

6) Cupcake Print cropped cami top & short set by Coquette

Show your flirty side with oversized cupcakes & lace trim. This cute little cami set by Coquette is the perfect desert choice after any meal. Give into temptation and savor the whipped icing & rainbow sprinkles without any fear of regret. Available at www.pinupdoll.com

7) Gummy Bears knee socks by Sock It To Me

Next time the munchies strike try satisfying them with these treats for your feet. These nostalgic knee-highs by Sock It To Me feature adorable, dancing gummy bears in an array of flavors just begging to be eaten. Completely sugar-free, calorie-free, and guilt-free! Available at www.sockittome.com

8) Cupcake Parade flannel pajama set by P.J. Salvage

Avoid tipping the scale in these tasty cupcake pajamas by P.J. Salvage. These boyfriend-style pj’s feature mouth-watering gourmet cupcakes in an array of flavors & designs. And the cozy fabric will leave you snug as a bug with sweet dreams all night long. Available at www.pjsalvage-shop.com

What other lingerie items are you craving this season? How do you make it through the holiday season each year?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Giving Thanks: Ode to My Most Important Lingerie

What a trying couple of weeks it has been for the great city of New York and its fellow east coast neighbors! The stress that we’ve endured due to Hurricane Sandy has really set us back as we have suffered darkness, flooding & isolation due to her wrath. But we are resilient and will continue to keep moving forward, supporting one another, until we are fully recovered from this disaster.

The outpouring of support that I have witnessed since Sandy hit has been both inspiring and humbling. I am truly touched by those who have selflessly opened their hearts & homes to all of those affected by the storm. My loses were minor in comparison to others whose lives have been forever changed by this catastrophe and while I remain thankful for everyone & everything in my life, my heart goes out to those who were not quite as fortunate.

In the midst of this ordeal and with the upcoming American holiday of Thanksgiving approaching, I could not think of a more appropriate time to sit back and reflect on all the favorable blessings in my life. Aside from the love & fortune that surround me, I am also very grateful for so many of my tangible possessions. My addiction to lingerie is a luxury that I am fortunate enough to be able to indulge in from time to time and many of my pieces play an integral role in my comfort & happiness.

While they may not all be considered necessities, I am still thankful that I own those key pieces that make life that more pleasant. That is why I would like to dedicate this article, not only to the people that I am most thankful for, but also to my undergarments for which I have developed a great appreciation.

Below is an ode the 8 lingerie pieces that I am most grateful for.

1) To My Supportive Sports Bra

Lily of France In Action Cotton Blend Underwire bra, you are my most worn bra ever! I rely on your support during every workout and wouldn’t be able to succeed without you. Your underwire cups make me feel secure and help minimize bounce through the most rigorous of cardio. I also love your padded straps & comfy fabric that doesn’t leave me as sticky & sweaty as some other sport bras of the past. Thank you for living up to your reputation & I look forward to many more workouts together!
Available at www.lilyoffrance.com

2) To My Slimming Shapewear

Spanx Slim Cogneto Shape Slip, I can always count on you to support me in my time of need! A night out on the town is never complete without your slimming coverage that streamlines my shape & gives me that extra boost of confidence. Knowing that you are layered under my clothes makes me forget my insecurities allowing me to dance the night away free of concern. And as the bountiful holidays begin I take comfort in the fact that you will be there waiting for me to offer your support once more if I should need.
Available at www.spanx.com

3) To My Long Underwear:

Winter Silks mid-weight silk long underwear top & pant, you have stuck by me winter after winter, offering your full-bodied warmth with just a fraction of the bulk. I layer you under clothes in the harshest of weather with the comforting knowledge that you will sustain my body temperature and keep me cozy for the entirety of the day. Your lightweight filaments make you thin enough to be undetectable under my tightest, most form fitting fashions and therefore I am happy to pledge my loyalty to you for all future winters!
Available at www.wintersilks.com

4) To My No-Lines Underwear

Bali One Smooth U No Lines Bikini, knowing that you have me covered under a white pencil skirt or linen palazzos helps me to go about my day feeling care-free & confident. Your elastic-free leg openings eliminate VPL and your clear silicone grips ensure that you stay put. Not to mention your pretty lace waistband & fun color assortment that keeps me feeling feminine & fashionable day after day. Thank you for keeping me stylish, smooth & wedgie-free!
Available at www.macys.com

5) To My Granny Panties

Fruit of the Loom 6 Pack Heather Briefs, I may not always express my appreciation but I want you to know that I am thankful that you are in my life. Your simple, full coverage styling offers me comfort during times of bloating, fatigue & irritability. I know that you will secure me in comfortable cotton & a no-fuss waistband leaving me free to focus on the more pressing matters of the day. Though I may not say it often enough, you are still an integral part of my wardrobe and I am grateful to have you in my life.
Available at www.fruit.com

6) To My Cozy Bathrobe

Gap Body Fleece Sherpa Lined Robe, we have spent a lot of time together this season already. With the plunging temperatures and lack of power last week you’ve really got my back. Your super soft fibers feel amazing on my skin and the warmth that you radiate has been much appreciated. I anticipate many more seasons together as you have proven yourself an asset against the cold northeastern winters and I am thankful for your comfort.
Available at www.gap.com

7) To My Fuzzy Socks

Little Miss Matched Zany Stripe Fuzzy Anklet Socks, My feet are so thankful for your warmth. Each winter they long for your cozy embrace and you always come to the rescue with your fun patterns & bright colors. Your quirky miss matched-ness is a playful reminder of childhood innocence while your fuzzy fibers are so soft & toasty that I can hardly bear to take you off. Here is to another warm winter together!
Available at www.littlemissmatched.com

8) To My Sheer Pantyhose

Pretty Polly Nylon Backseam Tights, how can I repay you for consistently camouflaging my stubbliy legs in my time of need? When I’m in a crunch and need to look silky & smooth you always deliver. Not only do I feel more polished with your presence but your retro back seam detail gives the illusion of longer, leaner legs. You are their best friend and we are both are so grateful for all your hard work.
Available at www.prettypolly.co.uk

While these undergarments serve multiple purposes both from a functional and a fashionable standpoint, I realize how fortunate I am to own them. Some people have lost everything in Hurricane Sandy and relief efforts are still underway today. If you would like to help with donations that includes food, money, clean clothing & undergarments, please visit the following websites to see where & how you can help:

www.redcross.org
www.americares.org
www.foodnotbombs.net
www.newyorkcares.org
www.humanesociety.org

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Blossoming Bloomers: Cherry Blossom Print Lingerie

Blossoming Bloomers


If you’ve ever participated in Hanami, or the viewing of the annual Cherry Blossoms, then you understand the allure of this centuries old practice and the inspiration it provides for tourists, artists & peace seekers alike. A traditional Japanese practice, Hanami has risen to become a global phenomenon famous for its beauty and symbolization of life’s ephemerality.

However, as with life, the fantastical blooms of the Cherry Blossom trees are fleeting, which is what makes Hanami so special and elusive. Depending on the weather, Cherry Blossom festivals (also known as Sakura Matsuri) may only last for around two weeks.

As a designer I have often found great inspiration in the lush pink blooms and it seems that I’m not alone. This season many lingerie labels have incorporated the beautiful blossoms & Oriental influence into their prints, color palettes & design details, making for some pretty skivvies and gorgeous accessories. Here are a few noteworthy pieces to help catapult us into spring.


This pretty set from Marlies Dekkers showcases cherry blossoms and butterflies embroidered on silk. Practical for every day wear this set looks comfortable and understated while the side slits & metal details give it that little edge Marlies Dekkers is famous for. (http://www.marliesdekkers.com/)


Bedhead is known for their cozy pajamas in an array of kitschy prints & patterns. This season they have taken their inspiration from the Far East with a range of botanical florals and Oriental motifs. One of my favorites is this Little Tokyo print depicting cherry blossoms, silk fans and exotic geisha girls. Paper parasol not included! (http://www.bedheadpjs.com/)


The Blossom collection from Dirty Pretty Things is at the top of my list for this season. I’m loving the photo quality print with the saturated contrasting colors. In georgette it’s flowy, silky and breezy – everything a spring wardrobe should be. And since it comes in every silhouette under the sun you may have a tough time choosing just one piece! (http://www.dirtyprettythings.uk.com/)


Italian corset maker Karybdis Atelier has created this one of a kind Victorian underbust corset in luxury brocade with metallic cherry blossom embroidery. The craftsmanship is visible in the details – crystal beadwork, steel boning & satin lace-up back. This piece creates a perfect hourglass silhouette with its burlesque aesthetic and would make a great gift for a bride to be. (http://www.etsy.com/shop/KarybdisAtelier)


Another great collection is from active wear company INKnBURN who specialize in vibrant & unique printed performance workout gear. For Spring INKnBURN is showing this pretty cherry blossom print in an array of silhouettes. This sports bra particularly caught my eye and can be easily matched to a running short, t-shirt, arm warmers or camp. (http://www.inknburn.com/)


Finally full coverage bikinis are back in style as a retro silhouette! If you are embracing this trend like I am (goodbye tummy pooch, hello curves) then you may be interested in this cherry blossom set from Australian swimwear designer Lisa Blue. The surf ready suit is made to stay put while looking cute & stylish. And as an extra bonus a portion of the proceeds will be donated to protecting the whales and dolphins. (http://lisablue.com.au/)


Old Shanghai Online is a great resource to find high quality Asian gifts & fashions. Their silk kimono is an elegant piece with intricate hand painted cherry blossoms on the front & back. Each unique robe takes a week to complete and is offered in 7 rich colors. I’ve already placed my order and can’t wait to wear it lounging around with my Hello Kitty slippers! (http://www.oldshanghaionline.com/)


Another Asian inspired retailer Go East Art offers gorgeous tights & leggings with artful printing. The Tattoo collection consists of opaque nude tights with a unique design down the side for a trompe l’oeil tattoo look. The cherry blossom tights are perfect for those who are not ready to commit to the ink but love the look. Simple but edgy there is also an option to add Swarovski crystals to the motif for a little extra sparkle. (http://www.goeastart.com/)

Have you attended Sakura Matsuri this season? Which other flowers do you find inspiring this time of year?

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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