Though it’s almost the end of January (already???), it’s still not too late to make a New Year’s Resolution. While getting out of debt, exercising regularly, and learning a foreign language are all popular–and admirable–goals, we ladies can’t forget about the importance of our lingerie either. After all, without the right undergarments, it really doesn’t matter what we wear on top.
This month, I’ve asked three of Seattle’s most fashionable women–Burlesque Artist The Shanghai Pearl, Stephanie Percy of La Bijou, and Shalonne Foster of Fashion Network Seattle–to get intimate and share their lingerie resolutions with the rest of us. I think you’ll really enjoy what they have to say, so let’s get started!
The Shanghai Pearl
1. Organize! My lacey things are currently spread out over two chests and 11 drawers. I’m going to put aside an afternoon and get organized so I don’t waste any more time looking for that particular particular.
2. Care! (especially of my vintage articles and fancy nylons)
3. Limiting the purchases of things that aren’t my size! This one is going to be hard for me since it’s SO hard to pass up amazing vintage pieces. I just want to bring them home with me. I have too many beautiful things that I rarely wear because they are just a wee bit small but I went ahead and bought anyway because they were on sale.
Stephanie Percy of La Bijou
1. Resolve to have a proper fitting bra, regardless of size. Bra cup size and shape fit each woman differently. Strap length and width add to the complexity of bra fit. Embrace these bra differences and rediscover yourself.
2. The tantalizing tush …. be playful with your knickers! Whether it be a g-string, thong, tanga, brazilian panty, full panty or boyshort…experiment, explore, and enjoy all of your knicker fashion options. Resolve to have a full array of choices for your tush.
3. Express your inner-self. Release yourself of black and nude and revive your inner woman with lime, tangerine, strawberry, plumb, lagoon, aqua, and butterscotch!
Shalonne Foster of Fashion Network Seattle
1. Buy one sexy piece of lingerie that isn’t black- I currently own only two pieces of lingerie and they are very safe. As part of my goal is to get in better shape, the perfect way to reward myself will be a great piece of lingerie that accentuates my new figure.
2. Take more of an interest in learning about lingerie. As the owner of Fashion Network-Seattle, I spend a lot of time researching and talking about fashion. Yet oftentimes I forget about lingerie which is the base of an outfit and can be just as beautiful and detailed as the outer garments. I think this year is the perfect time to learn more about what is underneath it all.
3. Find someone to see me in the lingerie. One of my goals this year is to make more time for a relationship and invest into my personal life. 
If you’re anything like me, some of these lingerie resolutions might sound very similar to your own so why not share your lingerie resolutions for 2011 with us in the comments?
Artwork by Gil Elvgren.
There are only a few days left until Christmas, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably still scrambling to find those last minute gifts for the special people in your life. But if you’re lucky enough to know a lingerie addict, I can help make gift giving just a little easier.
Take a look at my three fave lingerie inspired stocking stuffers. All are considered luxury items, are available to purchase now, and, if you choose next day shipping, can arrive just in time for the holidays!
Why don’t you tell me your favorite in the comments?
Mary Green Silk Satin Sleep Mask–$15.00
Streetzie High Heel Bunny Slippers–$63.00
Luxe Innovations Silk & Lace Lingerie Bag–$55.00
The Lingerie Addict is a monthly blog feature all about your underthings.
Well it looks like winter has finally arrived in Seattle. As a Georgia native, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the weather here, but I will admit the one upside is that I can wear as many tights, pantyhose, and knee high socks as I want for the next 6 months.
If you’re also a fan of hip, haute legwear, then this article is perfect for you. Take a look at my 5 fave local (or almost-local) places to buy your hosiery!
Nordstrom–Founded in Seattle in 1901, Nordstrom is my first place to start my tights shopping. The best thing about living near the flagship store is that we Seattlelites get exclusives available nowhere else. My fave pick is the Nordstrom Backseam Patterned Tights. They combine 3 of the hottest looks for Fall–florals, fishnet patterns, and a backseam.
Wolford–Wolford opened it’s first Seattle-area boutique at the Bravern in Bellevue earlier this year, and it’s already become a popular spot with local fashionistas. Though Wolford tights may seem expensive, believe me when I say they last forever. As an added bonus, they feel amazing. If you can only afford one pair this season, splurge on the Leo tights in hot pink/black. They’ll warm you right up…in more ways than one.
The Sock Monster–A relative newcomer to the Seattle scene, locally-owned boutique The Sock Monster just opened in Wallingford a few months ago. They carry dozens of fun and funky knee high socks from Portland based label, Sock It to Me, and at only 3 pairs/$20, they’re super affordable too!
Lille Boutique--While we’re on the subject of Portland, I can’t make a list of tights without talking about this luxury boutique just a few hours south of us. Lille Boutique carries tights from more well-known brands like Wolford and Gerbe, but they also have the distinction of being one of the few distributors of Les Queues des Sardines tights (a handprinted French label) in North America. These tights are extremely limited edition, so if you like something, better buy it right away!
Sock Dreams–We’ll finish up our list with a spotlight on Sock Dreams, another retailer in Portland. Contrary to the name, Sock Dreams sells everything related to legwear…from socks to tights to legwarmers and even sock garters. I recommend splurging on something from the Japanese label, Tabbisocks. Their 5-toe socks and tights are oh-so-cute.
I hope this article helps with your legwear needs. Please feel free to leave a comment here with your thoughts or write me anytime at thelingerieaddict@gmail.com
The Lingerie Addict is a monthly blog feature all about your underthings.
I’m sure it doesn’t surprise anyone to hear that Seattle isn’t the most stylish city in the union. And really, who can blame us? Nine solid months of rain, wind, and drizzle every year don’t bring out the fashion sense in anyone. But if there’s one place Seattle excels, it’s in the lingerie stores. Our fair Emerald City is blessed with a bounty of beautiful boutiques carrying a variety of treats for every taste and budget. Here are 5 of the most popular.
Nancy Meyer–As the oldest lingerie boutique in Seattle, Nancy Meyer has a well-earned reputation for “firsts.” Not only were they one of the first boutiques nationwide to import La Perla lingerie, they were also one of the first to open a dedicated webstore. Go here for some of the most luxurious lingerie labels in the world, from the aforementioned La Perla to Carine Gilson, Lascivious, Bordelle, Eres and more. Note: While the brick and mortar store is excellent, the online store has even more selection.
Zovo–The very first thing I noticed when visiting Zovo was how “warm” it was. Using a color palette of browns and golds, the boutique manages to feel comfortable, intimate, and spacious all in the very busy hub of University Village. Zovo carries European designers in a range of sizes ( including big names like Freya, Fleur of England, Stella McCartney, and Panache), and also stocks upscale sensual products from brands like LeLo and JimmyJane for those who want the complete experience. Note: Don’t follow the directions to here from Google Maps. Just go to University Village and look for the Tiffany’s.
BelleFleur–With a new location in the hip neighborhood of Fremont, BelleFleur has a very casual, American sensibility. BelleFleur stocks loungewear and swimwear in addition to lingerie, and also carries a nice balance of popular brands like Betsey Johnson, Le Mystere, and Blush with less well-known (but still equally exciting) names like Maison Close. Note: The owner, Jennifer Manuel Carroll is also an author. Her pocket lingerie guide, Underneath It All, is a must-read.
Ann Marie–Located in the slightly out-of-the-way neighborhood of Madison Park, Ann Marie has a soft, delicate air While they do carry high end labels like Valery, Lisa’s Folly, and Rittratti, Ann Marie seemed to specialize more in sleepwear with a variety of nightgowns, bedjackets, robes, and chemises available. Note: If you’re fan of vintage-style tap panties (which are definitely making a comeback), this is your place.
Wild at Heart–Because you can’t be good all the time, Wild at Heart’s reasonably priced assortment of cupless bras, patent leather dresses, corsets, and hosiery (all available in curvy girl and misses sizes) makes them the place to visit when you’re feeling a little naughty. Note: Take advantage of their very knowledgable staff and top-notch selection of other bedroom “accessories” while you’re there.
As you can see, Seattle has plenty to choose from. So get out there and get shopping!
Photo Credit: Faire Frou Frou
The Lingerie Addict is a monthly blog feature all about your underthings
Every month it seems like there’s a brand new lingerie designer on the scene. With so many options, it can be hard to wade through the masses and find what works for you. I believe that’s why so many women (myself included) keep buying from the same brands…because we know they work and we know they’re safe.
But sometimes it’s good to change things up, and to help you do that I’ve come up with a list of five different lingerie personalities. At the end of each personality is a link to a brand that I believe embodies that particular style (and which, hopefully,you’ve not heard of before). As always, I welcome your perspective. Let me know what you think of the personality types in the comments below!
Sexy Siren–The sexy siren (a.k.a. the “Silver Screen Seductress.”) is all about the glamorous days of old. Think floor length robes, silk slips, and fine lace bra sets. For the Sexy Siren, lingerie is the point; everything else is just window dressing. And it goes without saying that whatever the Sexy Siren wears has to be of the very best quality; anything less than luxurious simply won’t do. Sexy Sirens will want to take a look at the UK brand Fleur of England, and specifically the collection Keepsake.
Comfy Cutie–The Comfy Cutie wears lingerie, but she prefers to feel like she isn’t wearing anything at all. Soft, unstructured pieces that let her body move and breathe are ideal for the Comfy Cutie, and even better if they’re constructed of naturally soft fabrics like bamboo or silk.. Sophisticated but uncomplicated, the Comfy Cutie should check out Brulee, a handcrafted line out of New York City,
Kinky Kitten–Whips and chains and corsets, oh my! A daring diva unafraid of anything, the Kinky Kitten will often try lingerie that intimidates the average woman. Open cup bras don’t scare her, nor does any lingerie with word strapless, backless, or crotchless in the title. Lascivious is a good fit for the Kinky Kitten…even if you only want to be one for a night!
Basic Betty–People often confuse basic with boring, but really the Basic Betty is a woman who understands the practical side of lingerie and sees no reason to muck up a perfectly good thing with sequins, ruffles, and bows. The Basic Betty’s focus is on fit, not fashion, and the simpler the silhouette, the better. Basic Betties might like Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers, which features colorful fabrics in simple styles.
Vintage Vixen–The vintage vixen loves crinolines, Mad Men, and victory rolls. Wasp waisted dresses are her thing, and she wears retro accessories like gloves, stockings, and fascinators with no irony at all. The Vintage Vixen is an expert at finding things in garage sales, flea markets, and clearance bins, but if she wants something a little less used, Secrets in Lace (which was making bullet bras and garter belts even before they came back in fashion) is the place for her.
So…what your lingerie personality? Tell me in the comments!
Image Credit: Neryl
The Lingerie Addict is a monthly blog feature all about your underthings
Illustration Credit: Noemi Manalang
Hi everyone! My name is Treacle, and I’m the lady behind The Lingerie Addict, a haven for lingerie lovers of every nation and persuasion. The chicas at Girl Power Hour have asked me to share my unique perspective about the world of underthings here on their blog and I’m delighted to do so! I definitely want this to be an interactive column, so if there’s something you want me to talk about in a future article, please don’t hesitate to leave your suggestions in the comments. I promise to read them all!
One of the things I’ve found myself asking a lot lately is “Why Lingerie?” Why is it worth talking about? Why is it worth spending money on? Why is it worth wearing in the first place? That may seem like a strange set of questions, especially coming from a self-avowed lingerie addict, but I believe they’re relevant to every woman. Just what exactly is the point of lingerie?
Most lingerie advertisements focus on how we look in our underwear, especially on how we look to our significant others. Think of the Victoria’s Secret “What is sexy?” campaign. Or the Agent Provocateur commercial with Kylie Minogue riding a mechanical bull. Or even the recently controversial Lane Bryant ad where the model, Ashley Graham, puts on her fanciest lingerie in preparation for a romantic evening with her paramour. The promise behind each of these campaigns is “You too can look this sexy for your partner if you just buy our lingerie.”
There’s nothing wrong with that approach, of course. After all, who doesn’t want to look good? But to me those commercials miss the big picture. Lingerie isn’t just about how you look. It’s also about how you feel…even if no one ever sees what you’re wearing underneath your clothes.
Lingerie gives every woman a way to express the sensual side of her femininity, no matter what environment she works in or what her public face has to be. It’s a little secret between you and your knickers drawer, a secret that makes you walk a little straighter, smile a little wider, and just feel all around more confident.
Better still, lingerie is an affordable indulgence, even in the midst of a recession. Maybe a La Perla bustier isn’t in your budget, but a pair of black fishnets are. An Agent Provocateur nightgown might break the bank, but a few cheerfully colored thongs wouldn’t. That Aubade bra set would set you back a couple hundred, but a comfy bathrobe doesn’t have to. In an economy where deprivation is the new normal, lingerie can give instant and accessible gratification, in much the same way cosmetics do.
So how would you answer the question “Why lingerie?” What does it do for you? What are some of your favorite purchases? And what do you think about the reasons I gave for wearing lingerie up above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
