Posts in category "victoria’s secret"

Why I Broke Up With Victoria’s Secret

I still cringe and scrunch up my face at the name. (Ask my friends!) And while I don’t have the exact date in mind of our official break up, I do know it was somewhere around 2004. Having been loyal through my late high school and college years, I couldn’t imagine any another life. After all, what I’d seen in newspapers (yes those old things!), magazines, and catalogs for years had influenced my thinking. This was where it was at for the young, hip, and trendy. And since I thought I was all three, I had to be a part of it. Then, as life and my body would have it, I outgrew my Victoria’s Secret 34DDs!!!

What’s a girl to do?! Well, what a girl shouldn’t do is go back to her old flame. In this case, return to said store and believe any hype about having to fit in such a narrow range of what “average” is. Neither should a girl settle. There’s no need for a full busted girl to resign to wearing “grandma” bras (i.e. beige and boring) unless, of course, she chooses to. What a girl should do, is move on and find a more worthy partner. So, instead find her nearest boutique or department store that will accommodate all of her beautiful curves in a well-fitting, confidence-boosting bra!

I can’t solely place the blame on Victoria’s Secret though. They just happen to have the name recognition that other offenders don’t have. However, this idea of “average” that permeates the American intimate apparel industry is troubling. I mean, I can count on my hands the number of American brands that acknowledge and attend to the fact that there are women (and plenty of them!) just like me with larger breasts on smaller frames. Women who navigate the terrain of “average” sizes being too small in the cup and plus sizes being too small in the band. All we are looking for is one that is just right. Well, call us Goldibras! It’s why I eventually decided to travel, proverbially, over to the other side of the pond where band sizes abound and cup sizes runneth over. It was so great to discover that when I expanded my pool, I found ample (pun intended!) options in a variety of styles, colors, and even patterns for my more accurately sized 32Fs!

And all was well in the world. Almost. I had moved on past my old love and found something new that met my needs, but that only spawned my desire to share my experience with others, ultimately leading me to my role as a lingerie blogger where sharing the whole wide world of amazing lingerie for each and every one of your interests, styles, and body types has become one of my greatest joys. As I discovered, a well fitting bra, in a style of your choosing, can make you feel invincible and everyone deserves that in a bra – and a relationship!

However, I must be honest and tell you the real secret behind the break up. While my issue with my former love is about size and also about quality (ask me about that another day!), it’s a deeper issue that burns my britches. What really bothers me about my ex, Victoria’s Secret, is that it even though it was about me, it was never really about me. From the fashion show to the ad campaigns, the purpose of displaying lingerie was not about me delighting in my own pleasures and feeling confident and empowered by the very articles I placed closest to my skin. Nor was it about me luxuriating in my femininity and choosing to own my sensuality as a woman without having to be overtly sexy or swing the other way to being puritanical and prudish. Nope! It was, as it has been, about the male perspective. What does he want to see in lingerie? Who does he want to see it on? This limited perspective can be dangerous. I’m more than an object to be viewed and inspected, but a being of depth and dimension. A woman who dwells in the fullness of herself and deserves to be treated as such! Which is why I took my love, attention, and business to small boutiques, online retailers, and other stores that appreciated me for all that I was.

Break ups are hard and the best you can hope for is that you make peace. I eventually forgave Victoria’s Secret. We still have our differences, but I understand it serves a place in the larger industry. If nothing else, it has drawn attention to intimate apparel as more than just something to throw on and skimp on. At the end of the day, just like in relationships, it’s about finding that right fit and I’m glad that I’ve found brands and stores that are “just right” for me.

Let’s keep the dialogue going! What has been your experience with Victoria’s Secret versus other stores? Do you agree that Victoria’s Secret contributes to objectification rather than empowerment? Can’t wait to hear your responses! Leave comments on this page.

Krista

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Victoria’s Secret’s “Bright Young Things” Lingerie: What’s the Message for Young Women?

Victoria’s Secret PINK

About a month ago, while I was still away on my honeymoon, I got a ton of e-mails from people asking what I thought about Victoria’s Secret’s controversial new “Bright Young Things” collection. Though it’s old news by now, I wanted to discuss it anyway because I think this entire story (and, more importantly, people’s responses to it) brought up a lot of the issues I have with the way we discuss lingerie in America.

The Bright Young Things collection was part of Victoria’s Secret’s PINK line, which debuted in 2002 and targets 15-22 year olds. The story went viral after a father posted a “Letter to Victoria’s Secret,” and a Facebook page dedicated to taking down the campaign was also popular for a short while. Though I was watching the story develop from afar, I couldn’t help but think, “What’s wrong with teenagers and young women wanting to wear cute underwear?” This excerpt from the father’s letter linked above stuck out to me in particular.

“I don’t want my daughter to ever think that her self-worth and acceptance by others is based on the choice of her undergarments. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that to be popular or even attractive she has to have emblazon words on her bottom.

I want my daughter (and every girl) to be faced with tough decisions in her formative years of adolescence. Decisions like should I be a doctor or a lawyer? Should I take calculus as a junior or a senior? Do I want to go to Texas A&M or University of Texas or some Ivy League School? Should I raise awareness for slave trafficking or lack of water in developing nations? There are many, many more questions that all young women should be asking themselves… not will a boy (or girl) like me if I wear a “call me” thong?

I want my daughter to know that she is perfect the way she is; I want my daughter to know that no matter what underwear she is wearing it does not define her.”

I admit, I’m not a parent, so my perspective on this is likely going to be a bit different from the parents reading this. But I’m not too far removed from PINK’s target age range, and though it’s not popular to say so, I bought a LOT of my first ‘grown-up’ bras from Victoria’s Secret. And I can tell you right now, as a broke college student who purchased a ton of inexpensive PINK, I never felt like I was deciding between graduating from college or wearing sexy lingerie. A young woman’s mind is not so fragile that a bit of lacy underwear will completely ruin her brain.

I know this is an issue many people feel strongly about, and I understand why, but exploring gender and sexuality through dress is what teenagers do. Developing an independent identity…figuring out what they like (and don’t like) is pretty much the job of a teenager or young adult. And teenagers don’t want to wear the same bras their Moms are wearing. Why should buying cute underwear be any more scandalous or shocking than buying makeup or high heels?

Obviously, it is entirely possible to want to wear nice lingerie, and yet not be ready to engage in sexual activity (at least I would hope that’s obvious). But besides that, even if a teenager is sexually active, is it really okay to teach young women that self-respect and sex are mutually exclusive? That you can either go to college or wear a push bra? That you can either save the world or wear lacy underwear? No, I don’t think so.

I honestly hate panties with words on the back, but this entire event reminded me of is how lingerie is always connected to sex in our culture. Pretty lingerie is never for a woman to enjoy for herself; it’s always for someone else to look at.

Lingerie does not always have to be about the boudoir. Yes, it’s fine if it is, but why aren’t we telling young women that you can totally buy that lacy bra and panty set just for you? No one else has to see it. You don’t have to be in a relationship. You don’t have to show it off. You can buy this beautiful lingerie and be completely, awesomely selfish about it, and wear it all by yourself. And that’s not only okay, it’s wonderful. Why are we scolding and shaming teenagers for their interest in lingerie instead of encouraging them to view it as another, healthy aspect of their self-expression and personal style?

When it comes to Victoria’s Secret’s marketing and messaging, I think we should absolutely challenge the imagery they put out there. But there are ways to critique the method VS uses to sell lingerie without slut-shaming young women. I don’t like the assumption that a teenager who wears panties with words on the back somehow doesn’t value herself. A thoughtful conversation on lingerie doesn’t require references to “sluts” and “whores” (language the Facebook page I linked to used way too frequently). Teaching young women to respect themselves and their bodies shouldn’t come from a place of teaching them their sexuality is bad.

Make no mistake, I’m all for valuing the complete woman. I just with society would stop implying that a young woman’s lingerie choices somehow make her less “complete.”

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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What Happened to the Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection?

A look from the Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection

About a year ago, the most famous lingerie brand in the world – Victoria’s Secret – launched a brand new, high-end Designer Collection. With prices of up to $300US for a sheer lace merrywidow, The Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection was meant to be an answer to the market’s renewed demand for luxury lingerie. And in fact Victoria’s Secret booted out all the luxury lingerie designers they’d been carrying up to that point to make room…designers like Ell & Cee, Lola Haze, Mimi Holliday, Lascivious, Bordelle, and Yes Master.

Unsurprisingly, there was a lot of hype surrounding the new range; WWD even reported a mass sell-out of the first collection. But since then there’s been almost no news on the VS Designer Collections. The F/W 2012 range received comparatively little press, and I haven’t heard anything about a S/S 2013 or F/W 2013 collection for this year.

I did have the opportunity to view a large portion of the Designer Collection during a November trip to Manhattan, and it all looked pretty enough. If I hadn’t been focused on a mission, I may have even tried on a few pieces. But nothing was exceptional. None of the lingerie really ‘spoke’ to me. And, even for the items I liked, I couldn’t help thinking that I could find similar pieces at similar prices (and probably better quality) from independent designers.  Now that everything’s on sale, I may try an item or two. But then again, there is so much gorgeous lingerie out there this season…why use my budget on Victoria’s Secret?

Another look from the Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection

Even a search for “Designer Collection” on the Victoria’s Secret website yields no results. Any pieces left over from last year’s ranges are hidden away in the clearance section…unlinked and unloved (VS isn’t even linking their clearance Designer Collection bras to the matching panties). All signs seem to indicate that Victoria’s Secret has abandoned it’s Designer Collection. That makes me wonder if, after the initial hype from the PR blitz, customers just weren’t interested in purchasing their high-end underthings from Victoria’s Secret. Or perhaps, after years of quality control issues, Victoria’s Secret simply couldn’t meet the more stringent demands of customers who regularly purchase luxury lingerie. Of course, there’s always the possibility the company could simply be regrouping to issue another luxury collection later on this year…but wouldn’t there be at least a little buzz going on if that was the case? I just don’t know.

So…what do you think? Was Victoria’s Secret’s Designer Collection all hype and no substance? Did you purchase any Designer Collection pieces for yourself? Would you be willing to try them now that they’re on clearance? Or should Victoria’s Secret just stick to what it does best?

If you are interested in buying something from the Designer Collection (perhaps before it disappears for good), I’ve linked to a few pieces I like below. Matching knickers and other items can be found separately within the Clearance section of the website.

Unlined Lace Demi. Was $148. Now $79.99.

Embroidered Floral Longline Bra. Was $178. Now $104.99.

Embroidered Dot Quarter Cup Bra. Originally $158. Now $99.99.

Embroidered Floral Lace Teddy. Was $298. Now $99.99.

Unlined Lace Babydoll. Was $378. Now $229.99.

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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Victoria’s Secret Problems: 3 Major Issues the Lingerie Giant Needs to Address

Unless you’ve been on a media diet for the last month or so, you probably know that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (VSFS) happened last week. Billed as the “Sexiest Night on Television,” this year was the 10th televised broadcast of VSFS (even though there’s been a version of the show since the mid-90′s) and it’s turned into a bit of a tradition. Between its millions of viewers (and subsequent millions of sales), the VSFS is one of the effective marketing campaigns in the world.

Usually, I do a quick write-up after the show talking about my favorite looks and maybe what I did or didn’t like about the broadcast. But as I was reviewing my notes for this post (Rihanna was great, the lingerie was plain, and the interviews in between segments were forced), I felt like I would be missing some bigger issues if I just spoke about the show and nothing else. Because the truth is, Victoria’s Secret, despite it’s position as the #1 lingerie retailer in America, has a few issues it needs to deal with right now. Issues that make the fashion show seem a bit silly in comparison.

Some of you may be surprised I’m saying this. After all, a few months ago I wrote a post about how Victoria’s Secret actually benefits the lingerie industry (short version: it exposes a lot of women to lingerie who might otherwise never get a chance to try the stuff), and I upset quite a few people who interpreted that post as a blanket acceptance of everything Victoria’s Secret has ever done and ever will do. So it feels appropriate now to spend some time talking about the ways Victoria’s Secret is really messing up.

Victoria’s Secret Has a Race(ist) Problem
Less than 2 months after Victoria’s Secret shocked anyone with a conscience over their blatantly racist ‘geisha’ costume (modeled by the ultra blonde and very-definitely-not-Asian, Candice Swaenpoel), they upped the ante by putting the very Midwest and most-certainly-not-Native-American, Karlie Kloss, in an Indian costume. As the saying goes, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, but 3 times is pattern. And the third time, if you remember, is last year’s fashion show which crammed all the black models into one ‘tribal’ sequence).

Now, I don’t think the people in charge of Victoria’s Secret are idiots. At the very least, the company has more than enough money to spend on diversity consultants or customer focus groups or even a book or three on racial stereotyping. Yet it appears they do none of those things prior to spending thousands (if not millions) of dollars on making and manufacturing these explicitly racist costumes. So that makes me wonder if they either don’t care (which is bad) or if they’re deliberately trading on racist controversy to bring some attention to the brand (which is worse).

Inevitably, when the R-word (by which I mean racism) comes up, someone responds with, “Well, they probably don’t intend to be racist!” Which may be true. After all, I don’t live with any of their designers. But I think we can at least agree that Victoria’s Secret doesn’t intend to avoid being racist either. And one can only be ‘accidentally’ racist so many times before other people begin to wonder what exactly is going on.

Victoria’s Secret Has a Gender Problem (and It’s Not the One You’re Thinking Of)
The current roster of Victoria’s Secret Angels (i.e. their headliners) includes the following nine models: Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson, and Erin Heatherton. When it comes to the Angels, many people focus on the physical homogeneity of the women and that is a problem.

Unfortunately, it’s not a unique issue to Victoria’s Secret, and that discussion often leads to incredible amount of body snark, body shame, and body hate…three things I have no interest in or tolerance for. Instead, I want to spend some talking about the whole Virgin/Whore complex Victoria’s Secret actively trades in.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but in the past few years, there’s been an increasing emphasis on the models’ (always heterosexual) relationships. The first 5 Angels listed above are married (they also happen to be the most popular Angels), and I’ve often noticed their relationship is invoked by the brand during promotional events. It’s as if to imply, “Yes, these women are famous for being underwear models, but they’re ladies. They’re good girls, so everything’s okay.”

Meanwhile, in the rest of the country, women are having to deal with police officers who say things like “Dressing like a slut makes you rapeable.” That contrast…that juxtaposition is very unsettling to me. I know the company is attempting to capitalize on the “They’re wives and moms just like you” angle, but it’s very distressing when the legitimacy of their most popular models is so heavily linked to their relationship status. Because it reinforces the notion that expressing your sexuality or being a sexual being, is only okay if you’re doing it the right way.

Victoria’s Secret Has an Image Problem
The last year has been full of scandals for Victoria’s Secret. From the use of child labor in Burkina Faso to photoshopping away model’s limbs to ever-decreasing product quality and a reputation for egregious fitting techniques, the bright and shiny image Victoria’s Secret has built up over the last decade is slowly being chipped away.

While they are still the name in lingerie, at least in America, every new scandal reminds the public that Victoria’s Secret isn’t about women’s empowerment or being sexy or even lingerie…they’re just a regular, run-of-the-mill clothing company out to make a buck. And once that “secret” gets all the way out, the brand may never recover.

What are you thoughts on Victoria’s Secret? Did you watch the fashion show? Have you kept up with the scandals this year. Let’s chat in the comments.

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Naughty Bits: Lingerie News for 10/21/12

Victoria’s Secret $2.5 million Fantasy Bra, Modeled by Alessandra Ambrosio

  • What is society’s issue with women’s breasts? Within the past few weeks, the news that the average size of women’s bust size has increased  is causing a stir. So much so that the Huffington post along with the Guardian have written articles about it. However, the above article asks the question: Why all the fuss over women’s breasts? They’re only breasts right. Apparently that may not be the case. With recent news of a Canadian teen who has committed suicide after struggling with cyber bullying after topless photos of her were circulated among her friends and family, of pictures of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, sunbathing topless being published in People Magazine, of the deluge of criticism that came after Janet Jackson’s infamous nipple slip, and the apparent shock of people when a professor at American University breast fed-her sick child during a lecture, we are reminded that the sight of bare breasts is absolute taboo in society. Is it really that serious? What do you think?
  • Lingerie brand sells out after mention on ‘Downton Abbey’. Lucile, a lingerie brand in the UK, has gotten a boost from being mentioned on the popular series “Downton Abbey”. During a recent episode, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) and daughter in-law Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) briefly mentioned the old-time lingerie brand for a newlywed’s wardrobe. What many didn’t know was that the lingerie brand has been recently resurrected. As a result, the company’s sales have risen 48% and site traffic has risen 60%.
  • Dita Von Teese’s Von Follies lingerie will be available in Europe and shipping globally soon. Dubbed as the “Queen of Burlesque”, Dita Von Teese has announced that her Von Follies lingerie will be available in Europe and shipping globally in December according to Stylebob and ASOS. If you live in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, or the UK, you can pre-order here.
  • Alessandra Ambrosio wil model $2.5 million Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra At the 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Alessandra Ambrosio will have the honor of wearing this year’s Fantasy Bra. Handset with amethysts, rubies and sapphires as well as white, pink and yellow diamonds in 18 karat rose and yellow gold, the bra also boasts a 20 karat white diamond that sits front and center. At $2.5 million dollars, it is an impressive bra and Alessandra feels “honored”.
  • Agent Provocateur to have first fashion show in five years for non-profit Agent Provocateur will have its first show in five years for the Seven Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to combat poverty by empowering women through microfinance.
  • Can wearing a corset regularly become a new trend in dieting? The corset, the piece of garment that holds and shapes the torso into a desired shape, has always acted as an external lap band and has aided people with restricting over eating. This revisited on ABC’s “20/20″ with Deborah Roberts being custom fitted for a corset and wearing it for close to a week to see if there was any change in size or eating habits. Even though she went for only 6 days, she did notice a small change in her eating habits and that her clothes had begun to fell slightly looser.  Yet, with all of the positive, there were a few caveats expressed by the medical community with the biggest ones being that the lungs would be squished 30-60% along with possibly putting kinks in organs. However, this may not be the case. Romantasy Exquisite Corsetry (who fitted Deborah Roberts for her corset), Lucy’s Corsetry, and historical costume blog Mode Historique, all state that the concern of the medical community may simply be unfounded and that the criticism for corsets are simply a remnant of the many perpetual myths surrounding corsetry for years. What do you think?

Mike

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DIY Costuming: 8 Last Minute Lingerie Halloween Costume Ideas

What Katie Did

It’s a common scenario each October: Halloween is suddenly around the corner and you’re looking forward to partaking in some spirited festivities. However you haven’t given much thought to what costume you’ll be wearing and time is running out! Sound familiar?

You can always scavenge the local Halloween shops for an overpriced, sexed up costume that you’ll only wear once, or you can resort to fishing out last year’s ensemble & hope that no one will remember it. But wouldn’t you rather whip up something easy & unique? Sometimes the most economical solution is lying in your wardrobe right now just begging to be discovered.

A little imagination & a bit of creativity is all you need to create your own do-it-yourself Halloween costume when timing is tight. Since many of you are lingerie addicts such as myself, I imagine you have a plethora of unmentionables just begging to see the light of day. And while incorporating lingerie into a costume sounds risqué or salacious, there are many ways to tone down the sex appeal so the focus is on your originality rather then the intimate apparel.

Below are a few ideas that may help inspire you to look beyond the conventional costumes of the past. Dig out your bras, undies, pajamas & slips and start getting creative!

Lalalingerie.com

1) Like a Virgin circa 1984
Channel your inner 80’s diva with a sexy bridal look a la Madonna.

Start with: White corset, bustier or cami.
Try adding: White skirt, white gloves, white tights, and multiple strands of silver chains or pearl necklaces.
Finishing touches: White hair bow or veil, belt with silver buckle, faux beauty mark.
Get in character: Wear with bold, unabashed confidence! Be ready to party, dance and cause a scene with overt flirting & 80’s dance moves.
Sexy rating: HOT

Costumestore.com

2) Billionaire Playgirl
Live in the lap of luxury with a comfy androgynous look inspired my Mr. Playboy himself.

Start with: Silk or satin men’s pajama set.
Try adding: Satin robe, a smoking pipe & sailors cap.
Finishing touches: A cocktail & sexy bunny arm candy.
Get in character: Adopt an air of sophistication & a devilish grin. Relax & casually rotate the use of all your props in a slow & deliberate manor.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM

Halloweenexpress.com

3) Femme-bot
Mix equal parts Stepford wife & 60’s secret agent for a getup that Mr. Powers can’t resist.

Start with: Marabou trimmed babydoll.
Try adding: Satin hair bow, satin gloves & big, teased hair.
Finishing touches: Marabou slippers & inconspicuous gun barrels.
Get in character: Maintain a stoic appearance, head held high with straight posture. Avoid big movements or showing emotion.
Sexy rating: HOT

Costumezone.com

4) Grouchy Grandma
Keep warm & comfy with this granny inspired look that is low maintenance & is the antithesis of super sexy!

Start with: Shapeless nightgown, preferably in a floral or flannel fabric.
Try adding: Hair curlers, glasses & cozy slippers.
Finishing touches: A long-wear cream facial mask & baby powder to give hair a greyish tint.
Get in character: Nitpick & nag those around you. Walk with a slight hunch and complain about non-existent aches & pains. Have some young whippersnappers get you drinks & massage your feet.
Sexy rating: NOT

Barnesandnoble.com

5) Captain Underpants
Provide some comic relief in this kooky costume while enjoying the perks of super hero-dom.

Start with: Men’s cotton tighty whities.
Try adding: A nude colored shirt for modesty & a red cape.
Finishing touches: A toilet plunger & a toothy smile.
Get in character: Believe that you are strong, brave & can take on anything or anyone. All while simultaneously playing up astonishing averageness.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM

Barnesandnoble.com

6) Freudian Slip
Show the literal side of this psychoanalysis term with a tongue-in-cheek homage to the founding father himself.

Must have: Any slip dress will do.
Try adding: “My name is Freud” sticker & a book on psychology (i.e.: The Interpretation of Dreams by Freud or anything written by Nietzsche).
Finishing touches: A pair of spectacles & appreciation for irony.
Get in character: Appear contemplative & deep in thought. Analyze everything & act skeptical at all time.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM-HOT

7) Hollywood Starlet
Pay respect to old-time 1930’s glamour with an outfit inspired by Greta, Bette, Grace & Jean.

Must have: Slinky floor length slip dress.
Try adding: Smoking jacket, feather boa & cigarette holder.
Finishing touches: Sparkling jewelry, pin curls & red lips.
Get in character: Smile & call everyone darling! Move gracefully throughout the room & let your eyes do the flirting for you.
Sexy rating: MEDIUM-HOT

8) Bond Girl
Heat up the party in this simple yet uber sexy get up, long famous for symbolizing a sex icon since the 1960’s.

Must have: A white, tan or orange bikini.
Try adding: A wide white belt, knife holster with rubber knife prop.
Finishing touches: Conch or other large seashell(s) & slick wet-look hair.
Get in character: To be honest no one is going to be paying attention to anything but your gorgeous body so just be yourself!
Sexy rating: SUPER HOT

The possibilities are endless when it comes to DIY costumes & hopefully these suggestions have inspired you to create your own this year. And remember, when in doubt, adding pale skin & lots of fake blood can zombie-fy any outfit into a frightful yet innovative look – embodying the true spirit of Halloween!

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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