You might have noticed more lingerie on my Instagram lately. I have always been a fan of lingerie but only in recent years have I come to be an obsessive. I used to think lingerie was only for special occasions, and was happy to lounge and sleep in whatever slobby oversized tee shirts I got from men’s section at the thrift store. It took actually receiving a pair of beautiful pajamas as a gift (green silk ones from Equipment) to realize that nice loungewear can make a lazy day feel really elegant and luxurious.
These days as I am settling into married life, I spend many more nights at home with my husband watching films. I’m a big classic movie fan and I love to see the elegant sleepwear of the 30s and 40s on film. I absolutely love the idea of “dressing for bed”. Who can forget adorable Carole Lombard’s temper tantrum in her maribou trim nightgown in My Man Godfrey? Or Garbo reclining melancholically in a silk satin bed dress? These images were what drove my obsession with lingerie, even from the time I was in high school when I started collecting it. The idea of having beautiful clothes that you wear only for yourself, or perhaps also for the shared enjoyment with the special someone in your life, was irresistibly glamorous to me.
I enjoy my downtime much more when I have lovely jammies, teddies, and slips to wear. I have long since ditched my slubby sleep shirts and feel much more grown up for it. The end of the work day has become a favorite ritual of mine. I love to take my time with my evening skin routine and then slip into a chemise, robe, or even a favorite lingerie set. Depending on what you choose to wear, you can set the mood for romance or a feeling of wickedness.
I started a tradition of buying myself lingerie for my birthday a few years ago. This year I was extra lucky to be in Paris just before my birthday and treated myself to a handmade set from Fifi Chachnil for my annual lingerie purchase. This was a truly unique shopping experience for me. You could hear the hum of sewing machines from the in-store atelier. The set I bought was a high waisted sheer polka dot set, a cheeky retro take on a 1950s high waisted brief. This made for a very special memento from our trip to Paris and has turned me into a convert of the high waisted brief (so comfy and surprisingly flattering)!
My main problem with buying lingerie is that I have a very flat chest and small bust. I can’t do many underwire bras. I am no expert on bra sizing because I constantly struggle to find bras that don’t leave me with gapping. Luckily there are so many lingerie brands now making beautiful soft cup triangle bras that will flatter the flattest of chests.
My new favorite brand right now for petite bralettes is Le Petit Trou. The bra and panty set I am wearing above are by Le Petit Trou and it is one of my favorite sets I own. Lonely Lingerie makes gorgeous soft cup sets that feel really modern and are perfect for everyday wear and come in a wider range of sizes. Lately I’ve seen a lot more soft cup bra halters from brands like Bluebella that are extremely sexy. That is definitely next on my list of dream purchases.
In the last few year the bodysuit has had a huge comeback which I am thrilled about! They make for very sexy loungewear, particularly with a kimono or robe. I worked with Victoria’s Secret earlier in December and fell completely in love with this high cut bustier bodysuit. It gets bonus points for versatility, this suit looks really fabulous worn under a tailored men’s suit.
For my bridal lingerie, I bought a beautiful black chemise and robe from Flora Nikrooz (wearing the robe above). I chose black because white lingerie just isn’t my thing and I wanted it to be something I could wear anytime afterward. The set I chose was the “Showstopper” chemise and matching robe. I found the lace v-back just so irresistable, it shows just enough to make it super sexy. I was very lucky to receive a gift from Flora Nikrooz and am thrilled to have more her lingerie in my reportoire. The floral robe I am wearing in the header image is one of my favorites!
While we all love to ooh and ah over Agent Provocateur and La Perla, lingerie does not have to be expensive. I have a few sets from ASOS and I’ve been impressed with how they have held up over the years. You can get a whole set from ASOS for under 40 dollars sometimes and they have some extremely cute options for all sizes. I am a huge fan of wearing garter belts and stockings and the stocking clasps on ASOS garter belts are some of the sturdiest and most user-friendly clasps I have tried. Gilt and Yoox are my choice for shopping lingerie discounted/on sale. The stock can be more limited which is annoying when trying to buy a complete set, but there are great deals to be had. I also love eBay for vintage Natori lingerie. Bare Necessities has been a recent discovery for me and they offer a bit of everything in many price ranges and size options for everyone.
One more note on investing in lingerie…like I said, I am a big fan of stockings and garters. This year I got fed up with spending money on stockings that would get runs after two or three wears and started looking for an alternative. I found a company called Secrets in Lace that makes reproduction 1950s nylons and I ordered two pairs out of curiosity. Not only do they come in a tantalizing array of styles and colors, but they are 100 times more durable than any regular old poly stockings. I say it is worth the investment. Be aware that this these stockings do not really “stretch” to your legs and you have to buy a size that fits your thigh measurements. I bought the red sheer stockings to go with my Agent Provocateur Poppy lingerie set. A fun pair of stockings can take lingerie you already own to the next level!
I think a lot of what intimidates women about lingerie is the upkeep of washing and caring for your delicate pieces. Learning to hand wash your delicates properly can make your lingerie last for years to come. There are some really lovely detergents just for handwashing that are not only gentle on delicate fabric but smell wonderful. I use the Launderess delicate wash for hand washing not just lingerie but vintage clothes I own that I deem too delicate for dry cleaning. I would recommend investing in a bottle if you are an avid wearer of lingerie. I set aside time to hand wash my lingerie in a deep sink and then hang it dry in my bathroom.
I love the delicate thoughtfulness of this post and the photographs are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for saying my thoughts out loud. I agree completely !
Thank you both! xo
From one lingerie addict to another (especially vintage pieces) I love to see this article! Lingerie should be all about making you feel confident and sexy, women need to bring this staple back! Some of my favorite brands have to be Andres Sarda, Millesia, Christies, and Aubade, especially being a petite build myself.
Exactly! x
Absolutely adorable and the pictures are also simply perfect!
With love, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I also found myself eventually addicted to lingerie. It sort of crept up on me after I bought a few pieces and realized that they actually feel great!
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Beauty! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
So pretty! I love your picks!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Those pieces are so beautiful!
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Such beautiful sets & photos! For a few years, ive wanted to get into nice sets myself. As well as having a chic cover up, a nice kimono to use while at home!
Hayley xx
http://www.5ftlife.co.uk
This is a BEAUTIFUL post. So elegant! I have always loved the feeling that you get when donning beautiful lingerie. Life’s too short to wear anything else. Love your comment about affordable lingerie.
Thank you! There are some really good options at friendly price points.
I can’t tell you how much I love this. It’s great to see beautiful lingerie that works with small busts instead of trying push it up. Definitely bookmarking this for future purchases.
That’s great to know. Thank you for reading! It’s tough to find the right fit out there.
Great post!
http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
Some of my favorite lingerie companies are from Australia. Silent Arrow, Lace Grenade, and Hopeless Lingerie, just to name a few. Also, the exchange rate works in our favor there, so buying high quality hand-made pieces is slightly less expensive. Check out Cristina Aielli, she makes amazing pieces as well. Oh, and Karolina Laskowska just did a collab with Harlow and Fox that looks AMAZING.
Great to know! Thank you for the recommendations. I’ll check them out!
You are inspiring to wear nice lingerie more often. In particular I like that polka dot set that you wear in a couple of photos! xx
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
i loooove these pieces of lingerie
http://7-sevendays.blogspot.gr/
Have you thought about designing your own line of lingerie and loungewear?
Not really, but I’d certainly have some ideas. :)
Where did this shoot take place? Love it!
Some while we were in Paris this past December and the rest around the house.
so beautiful!
xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Again I am delighted that you love these old Hollywood films . It is obvious how they influence your style . A couple of these lingerie shots remind me of a young Rita Hayworth ! Thanks
Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
You look so amazing, I’m digging the retro vibe! Love your photos <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
I’ve never considered buying lingerie before but all your gorgeous pieces have inspired me to!
http://www.yzwears.com
I also love lingerie, my favorite being Agent Provocateur. There a bit pricey, so I have to wait for the sale, but well worth it! I also have a garter set from Asos and it looks great, especially for the price. Great post!
I loved this post, it was so beautiful. You are stunning.
For beautiful soft cup options you should also check out GODSAVEQUEENS, amazing pieces and great quality.
Agent Provocateur had wonderful sales twice a year. A lot of their lingerie becomes on par with Victoria’s Secret pricing if you’re quick enough!
What would you wear to sleep or to lounge around in if it were cold? I also love lingerie and sheer robes though find it impossible to wear only that in the winter.
Love your blog for years!
I think I’m just hot blooded but we also use flannel sheets in the Winter. Plus, Texas. :)
Wow, lingerie is looking sexy.
Absolutely stunning pics! xx
Thank you very much for the unsolicited review of our 100% Nylon Vintage Style stockings!!
You’re welcome! I love them.
your blog about lingerie sets is fabulous we are also online seller of lingerie sets with complete variety.