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Lingerie Picks for Spring

Looking for some lingerie that ties in with fashion trends for your own matching? Love your lingerie and want it to tie into popular looks for 2008? I've had a great time finding panties, chemises, and a surprise or two along the way.

1. Something Brief and Bright
This is certainly daring for your first spring selection, but here me out: you're buying for yourself and for soring, and there's nothing like a bright color clashing alongside ladylike lace to make your skirts seem a whole lot appealing. Keep in mind that picking up a naughty something from Damaris is a treat in more than just style-- it's exquisitely crafted for anyone looking for international designer goodies.

(Electric Moss Satin and Peach Lace Pieces)

2. Sheer Darkness-- Perfect for Spring
Can't live without black? Me neither-- and I'm still going to get plenty of Spring 2008 lingerie staples this year. Slim, thin mesh is eternally sexy and crosses the seasonal boundaries to work all year long. If you want to purchase a very high quality piece in gorgeous, shockingly attractive lace, you'll benefit from this smart, naughty buy.

This selection truly makes you rethink the whole slip thing.

(Agent Provocateur Cami Slip, $185)

3. Blousy Shorts
Oh my, oh my: these shorts are a trip, and are essential for sleeping on a spring night. If you're the tee-and-panties kind of girl, you can branch out a bit in these whimsical ones in a fun pattern and shape. If you're looking for a way to flatter these for a sleepover, try a slim-fitting racerback top in a soft jersey fabric. Oh, and perhaps a little lace trim and a velvet chocker necklace.

(Dessous by Sophie Simmons)

4. White Lacyness
This demi bra is divine, and it has a total '80s appeal for ultra instant glamor. There's something about the fit, the style, and the general frou-frou appeal that will flatter every woman out for girly pieces for spring. Imagine wearing this bra under a silk top, a blazer, and a mini skirt with a little puff. If you're going to go retro, you might as well do it up right. . . right?

(Elisa La Muse Demi Bra)

5. Tasty Treats
Technically not lingerie, but certainly representing an essential to go along with your bedtime looks. Slip on a satin blindfold when you're up to no good, and make sure to find them in coordinating colors to match. I'd try this blindfold with satin tap pants and French shorts.

(East13 Blindfold)

6. Victorian Elements
Here's to all the women out there who are looking for a little piece but adore that vintage style. This chemise-slash-mini slip combines a short, short skirt with a band of soft lace and and lots of little pleats along the bust area. Just what we need for Gibson Girl Glamor, bumped up into this century. Love the peachy satin color, too.

(SLIP Glam Outlet UK, $200)

Lingerie Buying Tips

Are you looking for an amazing lingerie set, but when you buy one you're usually disappointed in the areas of fit, style, and overall look, now's your chance to find the perfect piece with style. Now that we're looking at satiny pieces for this time of year, let's take a look at some tips to find the very best pieces for your shape and for your taste!

Know Your Brands: There are just some brands that fit better on certain body types-- even though they carry those sizes. For example, Agent Provocateur is best suited for more petite women, despite the fact that they have been extending their sizes. Lighter support and barely-there demi cups are suited for those of us who don't need much in the way of heavy-duty shaping.

Tip: Looking for a good larger-bust bra? Consider the following brands:

• Bigger Bras


• Figleaves
• Miss Mandalay

Get a "Target Fabric": There are some fabrics that just don't work for you, and sometimes you'll buy lingerie unknowingly and then find yourself never wearing it. For me, it's satin-- I like the look, but the fabric itself is too "cool" for a wintry climate. I love the all-season appeal of soft mesh from Calvin Klein and microfiber from Maidenform and Walcoal.

This Wendy Glez Leopard Mesh Pink Lace Triangle Bra has just the elements that I look for in a fun bra: meshy and bright! I could also mix it up with hot pink panties and accessories to create a set in a flash.

Aim for Sexy "Day" Lingerie: It can be a pain to spend money on special occasion lingerie and then have it sit in your wardrobe for a date or event. Instead of investing in lace teddies and bodystockings that can't be worn regularly, try to find bras and panties with smaller, sexier details that can still work in your day-to-day wear if your please-- or at least when you go out.

Suggested Piece: Try these Cha Cha Shorts for a boost when you're wearing a flirty skirt-- they're both affordable and unique.

"Matching" Panties Will Help You Rotate Your Stock: Are you the type who exclusively purchases matching sets? Try to find pieces in solid colors to create your own sets with ease-- try more unusual lingerie colors like navy for a change!

Do you have any lingerie buying tips to share? Let us know!

Jazz Up Your Work Gear with Ease

Do you have a new job? Are you looking for a way to dress up your current wardrobe and make it just right for spring? Thankfully, even in the most understated and professional work environments, you’ll find that there are ways to jazz up your look with simple accessories and smart styling elements.

1. Choose unusually colored pearls. Pearls may be a common accessory at your place of work, but you can get pearls that are natural and irregularly-shaped, or tiny, clustered seed pearls instead. I personally like this unusual Louis Vuitton Two-Pearl Monogram Charm in Yellow Gold, which you'll have for years and years to come.


2. Splurge on statement heels. If there’s one place where you can find an opportunity for expression, it’s your heels. Even if you wear suits, be sure to find pumps and stilettos with interesting design details, even if they must be all black.



3. Toss on a tote. Do you have to carry a lot on our way into the office? Take this opportunity to grab a tote with some style, or at least decorate a basic black one with a tied-on scarf and a few brooches. The Prada Signature Tote has a soft shape, but in basic black, it blends in with anything you have in that closet.

4. Get good post-work shoes. If you must wear heels during the day, your arches can hurt terribly. If you like to slip on comfortable shoes when you left work, get a pair that looks great so you won’t need to change back when you do errands.

5. Find white blouses with delicate details. There’s no reason why you can’t wear a blouse with fun, feminine details, especially if you cover it up with a blazer or a suit jacket all day. Find ruffled or lacy blouses that you actually enjoy wearing, and relish the opportunity to try something a little sexy under your work clothes. Mint Jodi Tanks from Shopbop are just one example of what you can wear underneath a blazer for work: they're simple, but add interest to an otherwise "blah" look.


6. Bank on the best lingerie. If you’re a lawyer or have a similarly restrictive job, wardrobe-wide, shop for lacey camisoles and garters to give you more confidence and add some bounce to your step. Stockings are the same—don’t wear pantyhose when you can wear something that’s three times as sexy and more comfortable.



7. Hair tricks and tips. If your hair is longer, you probably tie it back into a bun or a French twist for work. Instead of using the same old tired hair combs, get ones that are slightly more ornate but still offered in “safe” work colors. This Jeweled hair Clip from Forever 21, shown, is a great compromise that's well within any budget.

Exploring YumDrop.com

If there's one thing I get excited about online, it's new places to pick up lingerie. And with a special day coming up. . . I get to shop double-time, right? Well, regardless of what I wish I could do, I do need some extra lingerie, and I shopped for it over at Yumdrop.com. Read on for my experience over there, and some top picks of my own.

Demi Cups and Designer Styling: Yumdrops offers one of the ebst selection of "designer-styled" pieces that I've found online. The Masquerade Bra and Thong Set features saucy lace and hot pink, much like Agent Provocateur, one of my fave primo lingerie lines. And it looks lovely, too.

Ribbons and Bows: I adore lacey lingeriem but it can get expensive, and fast. Instead of spending a ton on something like the Damaris line (which is gorgeous but $100 or more), I found a similar look over at YumDrop for $25-- for the whole set. I love the Butterfly Bra and Tanga Shorts.

Shiny, Shiny Bikinis: Bikinis have a great deal of bling, too. I was fascinated by the sexiest bikini I think I've ever seen, the Sequin Halter Top and Boyshorts, which somehow makes these bright details look devastatingly demure. (I think it's the bows.)

Retro Looks: Are you a '60s girl at heart? You have to check out the ruffled pieces and low-slung bikinis at YumDrop. I saw a gorgeous white suit with a tiny ruffled skirt, a deep Marilyn halter v-neck, and Hawaiian floral patterns, too.

Unexpected Naughty bits: Barely-there thongs? They've got those, too!

I rate YumDrop a very satisfied "9"! I just wish that they have more in my size. . . many of their items are offered in "combined" sizes like A/B cups and B/C. However, if you're an in-between size, this is perfect. Happy Shopping! You're going to have fun.

The Bra that Does It All?

“The bra that does it all.” That is the claim of the newest invention to come out of the Victoria’s Secret lingerie department: the 100-ways strapless convertible bra.

Okay, so it won’t detail your car, do your taxes, or steam clean your carpets, but this nifty little bra can make some of your less user-friendly summer tops a whole lot more feasible.

How? Just as the name promises, there are actually 100 ways to wear it. This means any kind of skin-baring top you can dream of—halter tops, tube tops, low back dresses, strapless dresses, boatneck tees, one-shoulder tanks—can be accommodated by simply re-strapping, readjusting, and realigning this bra.

Be wary, however, if you’re into the tried and true 2-ways convertible bra (one that is either “on” or “off”). This little piece of lingerie ingenuity is a bit more complicated than your everyday hook in the back, white cotton, full coverage bra.

In fact, it comes with thee separate sets of straps (regular, halter, low back converter) and a plethora of tiny slits where you can change and adjust the positioning of all those straps. It even comes with…and the technophobes among us might want to close their ears or skip ahead to the next paragraph…an instruction manual!

For a limited time, Victoria’s Secret is selling this little number 25 percent off. So its regular price tag of $50 now reads around $35, or a few bucks more if you’re a D cup. Considering how many bras you get out of the deal, they’re really only asking 35 cents per bra! (That beats even the cheapest thrift store prices by a mile.)

If it still seems a bit steep for (admittedly) a single bra, try checking out Ebay. Currently, there are only a few available in a limited range of sizes, but you never know. You might just luck out. And if you can hold off a bit, there are bound to be more and more cropping up on auction sites across the web.

But if you’re one of those people that’s ended up wearing one too many strapless bras as belts by the end of the night and are therefore skeptical of the whole “convertible bra phenomenon,” it should at least be noted that the Victoria’s Secret 100-ways strapless convertible bra is getting pretty high accolades from users. People seem generally happy with the purchase (even with it’s less than desirable price).

The only complaint buzzing around the water cooler is that for all its promises, super low front plunging tops can sometimes still pose a problem. So if those are a staple in your wardrobe, you may want to consider an alternative like the invisible silicone bra—the “ivisi-bra.” This product doesn’t function great as an everyday wear, but for those few pesky tops that make wearing a regular bra (even one like the “100 ways”) problematic, the ivisi-bra offers a great solution.

So go ahead. Don’t shy from those cute summer tops for fear of exposed straps or too little support. Plunge right into those plunging necklines.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin

Lingerie for Summer

I’m enjoying my own little silly revelation right now—I should really be stocking up on lingerie sales all the time. While lots of brands have different vibes that could translate to summer and winter, most lingerie has year round appeal.

My top pick for lingerie shopping has to be Bare Necessities. Whenever I go to the site, I know that I will be able to find exactly what I need, and probably be tempted by scores of other cool things.

Like, for example, Betsey Johnson Intimates, which I found on Bare Necessities today. While in my mind, Betsey Johnson panties are absolutely covered in the brightest flowers, hottest pinks, and biggest bows, they’re very appealing in a sexy-but-understated way.

Take Betsey Johnson’s Eyelet Lace Wide Side Thong, which I did end up buying. It’s perfectly comfortable with a no-show thong back, but it has a wide lace panel in the front with delicate lace, bows, and ribbons (small ones). You can find it in a soft, creamy lace or in a super sexy black with pink accents.

Speaking of things that are subtly sexy, Betsey Johnson seems to have mastered the balconette bra as well. Stretch mesh and slim straps make these bras look positively ravishing, and you’ll get a little taste of Betsey style with rhinestone-scattered straps. Yowza.

If your dresser is bulging with bras and panties, there’s always sleepwear instead. I love the idea of sleeping in a hot little number (especially in the summer), and there were so many strappy nightgowns that you’re sure to find one that you are drooling over. To avoid looking like I’m going overboard, I like to find a nightgown with some novelty appeal, like the Scanty Candy Shoppe Chemise. It has a bright and fun print, but it certainly doesn’t sacrifice any of its feminine charm. It’s just more casual and lots more fun to wear on a daily basis.

Another interesting choice for sleepwear is the Free People Pretty Jungle Boyshort. It’s brief and flirty, but it has the whimsical look that I absolutely adore. The ruffled bottom on the boyshorts is original, too. These will look right at home with other whimsical jammies that you may already have, or will start your collection off nicely.

If you haven’t treated yourself to a nice lingerie set in a while, I recommend swinging over to Bare Necessities soon. Their sale is impressive and divided by your favorite brands to make it easier to shop as fast as you want.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Underthings that Make a Difference

Whether or not you're into control panties and shapewear, there's no denying that can make a serious difference in the way you look and feel in some of your tightest clothes. Perfect for wearing under clingy satin and unforgiving shifts, shapewear can transform things you'd never imagine you could wear comfortably.

Not everyone likes a power panty, but that doesn't mean a slimming camisole won't appeal under certain items, either. Shapewear isn't old-fashioned anymore, and with changes in fabric, cut, and design, you can find one to save for your knock-em-dead dress.

Here are a few of my personal favorite shapewear items, and why:

1.Control Thong: One word: incredible. One of the pesky things about control panties is the fact that they can leave the most horrendous panty lines. Not anymore! Control thongs are high waisted, preventing the dreaded “muffin top” that even the barest thongs can create.

Get one in nude to skim under summer white and still match with every other thing in your closet. If you've never tried shapewear but love thongs, try one under your barest gown. Frederick’s of Hollywood carries them in your basic black, white, and nude.

2.Waist cincher with garters: Waist cinchers are excellent for if you wear stockings. You can wear them with garters and be guaranteed that nothing will start to creep down come midday. Find this shapewear basic at Bare Necessities, Fredericks of Hollywood, or Victoria’s Secret.

3.Belly Ups: Belly Ups were actually intended for pregnant women to keep their pants up, but they're useful for anyone stuck with low rise pants that like to creep down. You can clip them on to your bra and then on to your trousers along the side of your torso. They’re only recommended for bulky shirts and heavy sweaters, but they're indispensable with a pair of uncomfortable low-rise pants that still make your butt look fabulous. Check them out at Bellyups.com.

4.Body Wrap: The Body Wrap is a firm control panty that reaches all the way up to your ribcage, and smoothes any back bumps and bulges you may have. Not only does it flatten your tummy, but it lifts your rear. Perfect with dresses with '50s silhouettes or clingy jersey fabric tunics.

5.Control Tank: I'm a little wary of control camisoles, because they seem to affect the bustline in a not-so-flattering way. However, the Cosabella Bella Tank Camisole, available from Bare Necessities, combines molded cups that simply won't flatten you out.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Victoria’s Real Big Secret

Psss. Victoria has a secret, no not under her clothes or in her 900 retail stores across the US. And it’s not that the store is named after Queen Victoria, everyone knows that. No, hunny, Vicky has a big secret, and it’s all online…her best deals on clothing, lingerie, and shoes for this season are all up to 60% off. Now that’s a sale. It’s not their semi-annual sale that just skims the tax off in their retail stores and it’s not advertised on television, it is Victoria’s real BIG secret, and now it is out.
Now before you run online or search for your latest edition of Victoria’s Secret there are a few things that you should know. First of all, Victoria’s Secret is a retail marketer, not designer of Women’s clothing and beauty products, but is mostly known for her lingerie. This mega retailer with over 900 stores in the United States alone has over 2.4 billion dollars in net sales each year. However, the catalog division, Victoria’s Secret Direct, which is different from the retail stores brings in approximately 870 million dollars annually. A significant difference you might say; however, the secret is the catalogue is a whole lot cheaper. Needless to say, they may sale more in volume, but the price being cheaper means less dollar amount. Now with this in mind, you can not go to the store and try to pick out items and colors and find them in the catalogue. Although the items they carry seem similar they are not the same and the colors are a little different. Believe me, I myself have tried to keep from buying the $48 dollar brassiere in the store, so I just purchase the panties and order the other out of the catalogue. Needless to say, no cigar. The slight color difference is not a match.
Needless to say, there are great items for some times as much as half the cost online at Victoriassecret.com or with Victoria’s Secret Direct. As a true shopper with the catalogue I have learned a few of their trade secrets and developed my own tricks. First, all of the items are going to go on a drastic sale. This is totally different from the retail store, where items almost never hit the clearance rack. But yet, with Victoria’s Secret Direct they will, and it will be a great percentage off. However, the hard part is that you do have to wait. Right now, Victoria’s Secret Direct has winter coats for 50—60% off. Yes, you had to wait till after Christmas, but we still wear coats well into March. And beautiful, trendy and warm coats they are.
The lingerie items are a must. Inside the catalogue you will find negligees and teddies for half of what they sell in the stores. Picking up a quick $12.99 piece on a last-minute trip is always an option with the catalogue; however, this is not the case with their retail franchises. Also here is the place to look for some of the latest designer shoes. It’s like one store shopping for the stylish woman…you can purchase everything with just a point and a click. Victoria’s Direct has such shoe guru’s as Jessica Simpson, Diesel, Zinc, Bronx, Steve Madden, Hale Bob, Betsey Johnson and more. And unlike when these designer shoes are in respective department stores they sell out before they reach their best markdowns, you have a better chance of a great shoe sale with my girl Vickie.
Also keep in mind that when you wait longer for sales that the stock runs low and you may not get your size. As a rule of thumb, do not attempt this technique for out of town trips as sometimes they will say they have things in stock, but will send you an email two days later apologizing. If the item is a must have, than you must not wait. Remember, this is a secret that everyone does not know; it’s up to you to keep our secret just between us.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt