blogleaves: fashion inspiration, style news, and all that's new in the world of figleaves.com

My retro romance

2009-11-12T13:51:36+00:00

September's launch of Dita Von Teese's lingerie collectionfor Wonderbra captured this season's passion for vintage fashion. With the colder weather comes a desire for more structured, glamorous design - suddenly we're all quilted satin and shimmering sequins. I headed down to the Dorchester hotel for the press launch and was bowled over once again by just how gorgeous the designs look, but also by the woman herself. Petite and poised as she is, Dita's style still feels sumptuous and left me feeling inspired to revisit my wardrobe for the season.

Nipped in waists are easy to achieve with belts and tulip skirts, but it's with my lingerie that I really want to experiment with vintage looks.

For a playful, 60s feel, Carol Malony'sPowder Puff set polls top of the league. Flirty, fluffy pompoms in powder pink are delectably naughty. Rosy's Retro collection has vintage inspired lace panels but still feels fresh and modern with nude tones and simplified corestry details.

Create indulgently elegant, starlet style with a floor sweeping chemise in silk. Graceful pieces skim your figure, flattering your curves for a sophisticated seductress look.

If your style is more sex kitten bombshell than silver screen goddess, you'll fall for the stunning sets by Miss La La's Boudoir. My personal favourite is the Boit de Chocolat collection in a luscious ruby red. Deep satin briefs are oh-so-retro but turn around for a cheeky revelation - the pleated heart-shaped panel on the rear. Very ooh la la!

If you're inspired by the vintage vibe, there are beautiful purse-friendly pleasers and exquisite luxury designs alike available at figleaves.com

How to Look Good Naked: Prized possesion

2009-11-10T13:08:32+00:00

Every Tuesday evening we like nothing more than tuning into Channel 4’s How to Look Good Naked. The latest series is now well underway and Gok continues to serve up ego boosting lingerie and shapewear solutions for optimum body confidence.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been eagerly anticipating whether any of our figleaves.com favourites will be featured and we’ve not been disappointed with star turns from our leading ladies Pour Moi?, Freya and Wonderbra to name but a few.

Freya Jolie Pour Moi? Opulence Wonderbra gel

We’ve blogged immediately after the show to tell you exactly which products shown you can snap up at figleaves. We’ve also enjoyed chatting to you on Facebook and Twitter throughout and after the show to find out what you think.

The new How to Look Good Naked book is the perfect ink and paper twin for the television show. The book encapsulates all the top tips and expert know-how from the series so you've always got advice on hand to help you look and feel your best.

We’re keen to share this insider knowledge with you so we have ten copies to give away. If you purchase any of the items featured on How to Look Good Naked then you’ll be entered into the draw to win. Simple. Don’t forget to sneak a peek at Style leaves for your How to Look Good Naked inspiration and browse the complete collection of figleaves products featured by our Fairy Gokmother.

Terms and conditions
Competition is open to UK residents and over 18s only.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Qualifying Product. The "Qualifying Product" for this Free Prize Draw is the purchase of one or more featured products from “How to Look Good Naked” as featured in the How to Look Good Naked Style leaves pages.
Qualifying Period. The "Qualifying Period" for this Free Prize Draw is from 3rd November 2009 until midnight 17th November 2009.
Prize. The prize is one copy of the How to Look Good Naked Book.
Automatic entry unless opt-out selected. If you do NOT wish to be entered, please send an email titled NO PRIZE DRAW with your details to competitions@figleaves.com. See www.figleaves.com/prizedrawfor full details.

Firecracking Looks

2009-11-05T10:44:55+00:00

Gunfire, treason, plotting; all this general Bonfire talk has put us in the mood to channel our inner revolutionist. And, no, not in a hands dirty kind of way. We’re talking about a Vivienne Westwood punky twist, or bit of gender-swapping androgyny a la Jean Paul Gaultier. In other words: causing an absolute bang.

There’s nothing more fun (or sexy) than taking something ‘nice’ and toughening it up. Yet whilst the pirate/rebel look has always been popular in mainstream fashion, in the realm of lingerie this has often fallen into the bracket of trashy. Which is why, here at figleaves.com, we have fought your ground to find underwear that pushes conventional boundaries.

For example, one of our favourite new brands, Yes Master combines the luxury of pure silk with mischievous PVC embellishments. Meanwhile more and more designers are transforming traditional satin looks with a modern navy colour scheme, making it just all the more seductive. Check out these just-ins from 6ixty 8ight to see what we mean.

From an oversized ruffle trim to a cheeky keyhole detailing or an unexpected tassel; this is one lingerie look we’re totally loving. Mixing creative integrity with sexiness is indeed the new black. So be it Dita Von Teese's irresistibly provocative collection for Wonderbra, or haute pieces such as the Lecon De Seduction thong from Aubade, we hope you'll be inspired too.

Viva la revolution!

Speaking of the devil…

2009-10-29T18:17:18+00:00

Glowing witches hat? Check. Smelly pumpkin mush? You betcha. Enough candy to keep a postcode worth of kids sugar-high? Why, sure. But why is the day we spend so long getting spooky, so hard to team with being seductive?

It's not that we want to wear Playboy bunny ears- and we're more than happy to leave St Trinians to the teens. But to actually feel like you’ve just fled the circus of horrors or crawled out a can of worms? Um, no thanks. So in the name of having a fabulous Halloween, here are some last minute tips on how to stay gorgeously ghoulish.

Just because, we know as a figleaves customer, you'll always be the belle of the beasts.

1. 1. Go in for gothic glamour

Feeling good doesn’t mean half measures. Think Morticia Adams’ tantalizingly red lips or Cat Woman’s bold smoldering eyes and embrace the look you’re going for. Add a paled out face and statement hair to work wonders. If you get your shoulders upwards right (and it really is as simple as a quick backcomb here, a splash of blood there) the costume will naturally follow.

2. 2. Use it as an excuse to buy something you will wear again…

Put down rash purchases, there is no need. This season is brimming with all the burnout lace, bondage leather and dazzling sequins you could possibly desire. To make it even more easy, here’s a quick peek at our favourites: French Connection’s studded batwing dress, figleaves chic winter maxi and, of course, the leather look leggings.

3. H 3. Have fun!

Embrace toffee apple scoffing, dunk like you’ve never dunked before and limbo like nobody’s watching. Don’t hold back on behalf of your makeup. Just take a Halloween handbag (see tip no.2) stashed with backup supplies.

4. Dim the lights

Just because everything seems to come in acid orange doesn’t mean you must transform your house into a garish mess. Simply light a candle, kill the brights and enjoy your romantically ghost-like layer.

5. Wear fabulous underwear

Yes, we know this one’s a little predictable, but if you’re going to have to don a shoddy wig and haggard witches nose the only way to feel irresistible is by looking exquisite underneath. To be truly vamp match Midnight Grace’s Foxglove set with Aristoc’s deliciously sheer stockings.

There you go: drop dead gorgeous.

Now happy spooking xx

How to Look Good Naked

2009-10-27T21:02:00+00:00

How refreshing it is spending a night in, curled up on the sofa with a man who adores our curves. We love it when Tuesday evenings come around and tonight was no exception.

Our guilty pleasure Gok never fails to let us down with his wittily worded, no nonsense approach to making women feel good about themselves and their bodies. Once again we're thrilled that he used some of our figleaves.com favourites to help him with his body confidence mission in tonight's How to Look Good Naked.

We spotted the Helena dressing gown by Julianne. Styled in 100% silk, it's destined to make any woman feel beautiful every time it touches the skin. Indulge yourselves, we know you deserve it.
Our other figleaves spot of the evening was Wonderbra's gel balcony bra which creates a natural looking cleavage. We love the discreet rose detail which adds a lovely twist to a lingerie drawer staple.

Julianne Helena dressing gown Wonderbra gel balcony bra

These pieces should keep us feeling good until next Tuesday, which in our opinion can’t come soon enough.

Tuesday television

2009-10-27T15:59:43+00:00

We love Gok's shapewear solutions and know you do too. Join figleaves.com for tonight's must see telly when we tune into How to Look Good Naked this evening at 8pm on Channel 4.

A week in Matt's pants

2009-10-23T14:33:10+01:00

Last week, emboldened by the success of Matt Punton’s Hom trial, we decided to set ourselves a challenge. We hoped to succeed where Carrie Bradshaw failed, we hoped... to change a man! (Cue dn dn dn theatrical music)

OK, so the challenge wasn’t quite as dramatic as that. After Matt P did such a U-turn on the Hom trunks we wondered why it was that women have such wonderful and varied lingerie drawers but men seem to stick rigidly to old favourites. With this question in mind off we ran to persuade our HR manager Matt Garrett to get involved.

(Can we convince Matt G to try some ladies lingerie? Sadly not!)

Over the last week Matt G has sported a figleaves basic brief, a Calvin Klein boxer, a Duchamp trunk, a Hom thong, and Equmen shapewear trunks. Here’s his week in pants. . .

Monday. A brief encounter

I’m normally a trunks guy so anything else is a bit alien to me. Today I’ve opted for the figleaves basic brief in navy blue which is actually a bit conservative for me. I usually go for a splash of colour. However, these fit a treat and are actually really comfy. Nice cotton, good amount of elastic to hold everything in... excellent!

I’m giving them thumbs up and I’d definitely consider wearing briefs in the future, maybe more colourful ones but I’m going to get these figleaves basics for the gym.

Tuesday. Boxing clever

Second day in and I’m wearing some Calvin Klein woven boxers which are in a nice striped blue! I am a trunk man, so the last time I wore boxers was in 1998 when someone bought me a novelty pair for Christmas and I begrudgingly wore them smarting at having Santa Clause and Rudolph waving from my groin.

First things first…unlike the briefs of yesterday these bad boys are no snug fit-fest! As I pulled them on this morning I felt like a Welterweight Boxer sparring with myself in the mirror for several minutes shouting Rocky one liners.

The boxers fit well but they’re not an everyday, every man choice. If you’re a bigger build these boxers will give you greater comfort and movement and are a bit airier. Think twice about wearing them to the Gym especially if you’re doing cardio...

Wednesday. Comfort Zone

Today I have been wearing Duchamp’s Basic 2 button trunk and I am happy to be back on familiar territory. The fit is perfect and colours are very on trend. The look and feel of the cotton is of a high quality and by the end of the day they’d maintained their shape and texture.

Trunks are great for loads of reasons. They are practical and versatile; they fit any body shape; they come in more colours and styles than any other underwear, even the waistbands are good to show off; you can wear them under any outfit.

Duchamp is a definite winner for me, so if you like your underwear functional, good quality and with great colours I really recommend them. I’m off to make some purchases!!!!

Thursday. Thong Song

The day I’ve feared all week! Thongs, G-Strings, Micro Briefs are all marmite for men….you either love them or loathe them.

I’m trying on the HOM Fredy thong today and they’re tiny! After three attempts I work out which way up and which way round they should be worn. One false move could be lethal!

When I arrive at the figleaves.com office I’m asked by the bloggers which pants I’m wearing. I look sheepish and twang the elastic waistband. They laugh until they recognise the pain on my face and then smile apologetically saying “Thanks for taking one for the team Matt”.

I’m desperately trying to understand why people wear them. Women wear them all the time. Do women have a higher pain threshold then men? That said, HOM make great pants and really take comfort and fit to a new level. There is nothing wrong with the fabric or quality of the Freddy Thong it’s just that this style is not for me.

We sell lots of thongs so who is buying them and do you find them comfy? Tomorrow I’m wearing Equmens revolutionary precision underwear that supports and holds everything in place…..I’m definitely going to need it!

Friday. A perfect fit

After yesterday's extravaganza I’m in Equmen’s Precision Fit trunks. Firstly they’re trunks and you know I love my trunks, secondly the label states that they are styled for cool temperature control and have precision fit support pouch (no fly) which supports posture and improves form. This all sounds very soothing.....a far cry from yesterday’s Thong!

I was expecting them to feel tight and constraining but they feel invisible on but at the same time supporting. They just look like normal trunks but they have a higher spandex content so they stretch when your body moves. The cool temperature control also works surprisingly well…. These are going to be a guaranteed winner at that gym! I have never worn a better, more comfortable pair of underwear, they are truly the daddy of the pants world….Before I gush too much over these there is a ‘but’! The ‘but’ is the price, at £32 a pair they’re not cheap. If you can overlook the price tag you will get the most comfortable pants ever.

So my week in pants is up and what have I learnt? I think variety is the spice of life and mixing up our underwear drawer as much us the opposite sex does is a good thing. With so many varieties, colours and styles out there go on and mix it up. It's time for us men to take charge of our underwear! Banish the grey and saggy and get down in a variety of styles and colours to match our moods and clothes. Don't be afraid just have some fun....er am I beginning to sound like Gok?!?!

Shaping up

2009-10-22T17:52:10+01:00

It seems like only yesterday that Jerry and I were given our Lytess Slim Wear shaping shorts to trial. The 18 days has been and gone, and after wearing the product for the recommended eight hours a day, six continuous days a week for nearly three weeks, we’re now ready to share what we thought with you.

Jerry and I with our Lytess Slimwear shaping legging

The new range is infused with Caffeine and Shea butter to moisturise and improve skin tone. The brand says that after 18 days you can expect to see a smoothed and shaped silhouette as the technology behind the product works with your body to eliminate toxins and reduce fats creating a slimming effect.

The range comes in a full length legging, a Capri pant and a short. In the beginning we opted for the shorts which were surprisingly light and we were even able to wear them under jeans. We both wore the small to medium size and even though I’m a size 14, I found them comfortable and not at all snug even under my heavier denim.

The shorts are cycling short length so under a knee length skirt they remain well hidden. Under shorter skirts we were flashing a little of our Lytess so we introduced the Capri and leggings into our wardrobes to allow us flexibility when planning an outfit.

The Capri pants are not easy to wear now that there’s a nip in the air but in summer under a dress with sandals or pumps they’ll look great. They are also perfect for the gym as the technology works best when you’re mobile. We both enjoyed teaming the leggings with oversized Autumn knits and dresses and I’ll definitely continue to wear mine throughout the season with winter boots and chunky scarves to stave off the cold. The slight shine on the finish means that I can even pair them with a party dress and heels for leggings with luxe on a Saturday night.

Throughout the trial we kept a close eye on our legs for any signs of improvement. As promised skin was noticeably softer, smoother and delicately moisturised by the Shea butter but it was the slimming effect that we were most amazed by. Jerry lost five centimetres from her hips and thighs and I lost three.

In terms of wearability the items are surprisingly versatile. More importantly though they do deliver on the results front so if you want a comfortable piece of shapewear which you can wear as outerwear for any occasion then these could be the ones for you.

We love to know what you think though so if you’ve decided to try them for yourself, let us know how you’re getting on in our community and back here at blogleaves.

Festive gift shop

2009-10-21T14:51:14+01:00

Our festive gift shop is now open! I know, I know, it's only October, but we've already started our countdown to Christmas in the office (64 days to go) and nothing cheers up a grey day like thoughts of festive cheer...

I've already started stockpiling all sorts of little winter treats and stocking thrillers, from cashmere socks in jewel colours to a bit of sequin action as a treat for... well, myself actually but I deserve it! So, if you're in need of a little inspiration or just a good excuse to cheer yourself up, discover thousands of gift ideas at figleaves.com

On my own wish list, in case anyone's wondering, is a Damaris lingerie set, Levante ballet pump slippers, and the figleaves leather and snakeskin shopper. I don't ask for much! You'll have noticed that I've added in some handy links there for ease of purchasing...

Spread a little festive cheer or write up your christmas list, pay a visit to the figleaves gift shop.

How to look good naked episode 4

2009-10-20T21:01:00+01:00

So did we all enjoy the show? Whether you caught Gok Wan's How To Look Good Naked or not, shop all the items we spotted from figleaves.

Happy shopping!