14 February has been known as Valentine’s Day since 496 AD, when Pope Gelasius declared it the day of Saint Valentine. In 1969 this day was annulled from the General Roman Calendar by Pope Paul the VI.

In the Middle Ages, when the courtly love flourished, 14 February started to be known also as the romantic love day, when people celebrated the love and affection between two sweethearts. Since those time Valentine’s Day has been considered the day we honor love.

Valentine’s Day Lingerie

On Valentine’s Day it is a custom to compliment the loved one with greeting cards and gifts. These gifts should be intimate tokens of love that offer pleasure to both the giver and the receiver. There are many gifts that enter this category, including Lingerie.

You don’t have to read too many Valentine’s Lingerie Gift Guides to know what lingerie gift your partner would love to receive.  As my dear friend Petra wrote in a recent guest post, the answer is right in front of you: buy the lingerie that stays true to who you are and the rest will come naturally.

This is where we can help with some suggestions.

There are hundreds of Lingerie Designers and Brands that offer gorgeous Valentine’s Day lingerie for all styles, personalities and budgets. I hope you will enjoy the Guilty Pleasures 2012 Valentine’s Day Lingerie Picks.

Valentine’s Day Lingerie For the Cozy

For the woman who prefers her lingerie soft, comfortable and  soothing.

Cozy Lingerie selections for under $50 value from Figleaves, Hips and Curves and Panache:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Cozy Lingerie selections for under $100 value from Claudette, Lola Haze, Eberjey and Curvy Kate:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Cozy Lingerie selections for those with no budget limitation from Zinke, Fifi Chachnil, Natori and Beautiful Bottoms:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Valentine’s Day Lingerie For the Romantic

For the woman who prefers her lingerie to express passion and sophistication, grace and elegance. 

Romantic Lingerie selections for under $50 value from b.tempt’d, Affinitas Intimates, Oh La La Cheri and Burdel:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Romantic Lingerie selections for under $100 value from Blush Lingerie, Ayten Gasson, Cosabella and EA Lingerie:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Romantic Lingerie selections for those with no budget limitation from Marika Vera, Between the Sheets, Fleur of England and Brulee:

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Valentine’s Day Lingerie For the Temptress

For the graceful women who prefer erotic lingerie when practicing the art of seduction. 

Temptress Lingerie selections for under $50 value from Toad Lillie, Maison Close and Coco de Mer.

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Temptress Lingerie selections for under $100 value from Nichole de Carle, Aubade, Agent Provocateur and Mise en Cage. 

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Temptress Lingerie selections for for those with no budget limitation from Agent Provocateur, Bordelle, Made by Niki and Atsuko Kudo.

*Click the thumbnails below to see images in full size and link to the shops that sale each lingerie piece selected. 

Happy Valentine’s Day Shopping!

If vintage Champagne is more your speed than vintage knickers, I am happy to recommend a completely current hosiery pairing for your Valentine’s Day look more fully in tune with your more contemporary vibe:

Stay-ups.

Stay-ups are fast as the pace of the life we lead, gliding on from toe-tip to thigh-top in a heartbeat. Stay-ups work with clingy, body-con fashions, clean as a whistle under tight knit dresses, unseen beneath the tightest bandage skirt, no belts peeking out from low slung waistlines. Stay-ups are convenient for calls of nature. Stay-ups don’t get involved in the whole garter straps outside-or-inside-the-panties debate. Stay-ups, stay up, standing tall on their own, as independent as you.

I swear, if Steve Jobs had gone into the hosiery business we’d all be wearing stay-ups except they would be called iStockings.

Stay-ups are here to stay. They pair the red-hot sex appeal of bygone times with more contemporary, liberated lusts for life. They go nicely with other healthy lusts too.

One of my favorite hosiery vendors, Philippe Matignon has an assortment of stay-ups that pair with Valentine’s Day as well as Champagne pairs with popcorn. I have notes on two models here.

If your approach to a night out is subtle, I recommend the Dentelle (pictured above), a 20 denier sheer, half-boarded, sandal-toed and simply, dressy black sheer. With a matte, satiny finish, this Lycra / Elastine blend has all the cool feel, comfort, and durability characteristics you would expect from a premium European brand. Four beautiful inches of  intricate macramé lace crown the stocking leg and keep them surely in pretty place.

The fit is superb with just elastic enough that they hug the leg without tugging or budging the scallop fringed eye-candy even a fraction. The full inch of silicon gripper in two strips distribute tension evenly. Unlike lesser stay-ups that I have lived to regret wearing, these embrace without pinching. More importantly, they go hours without any adjusting. My Dentelle’s were tested through a 12 hour day. They finished the day precisely where they started. No adjustments, and not a single moment of fear of a wardrobe malfunction.

If your approach is a little more provocative I suggest two things:

1. Choose the Melodie stay-up, and
2. Be sure that your date gets a good look at you from behind at some point in the evening. Perhaps as you walk to the ladies in between courses at dinner.

Melodie is a finer, dressier 15D sheer with a little more shimmer than the Dentelle. Melodie also possesses the hypnotic charm of a simple, sexy back seam. I have always been mad for back seams. You can go the whole evening forgetting what you are wearing, but no-one else in the room will.

Melodie is topped off with the same class of elastic lace top as the Dentelle, with one arresting difference. The stocking top is two-toned with the introduction of romantic, Valentine ready red.

Love, love, love the red, the possibilities are limitless. Introduce other red elements into your under dressing. Scarlett nails. Ruby lips. Accessorize with Louboutin’s. Decorate the bed with rose petals. Yes, the possibilities are limitless, but one thing is perfectly predictable: It will be a red hot Valentine’s Day.

Now, while your date is a reserving your dinner table, you should visit Philippe Matignon and choose your stay-ups for the evening. Take a look around at the ready-to-wear lines too, all sorts of sexy for the rest of your body. You will also find a fabulous assortment of PM hosiery at HerRoom, Peek Brooklyn and other select online venues and boutiques near you.

I am not kidding about Champagne and Popcorn either. They pair like a dream. Take my advice, skip desert this Valentine’s Day dinner, cab home, nuke a bag of popcorn, take the bubbly off ice, pop the cork, pour a flute and taste.

Then kiss.

You will want to thank me for this advice too, but don’t. There will be more urgent needs to be met.

There will be Stockings.

Think about the evening a moment. Dinner reservations, a different fragrance, a necklace not seen for long months wakened from a dark, plush, velvety bed. Valets hopping, doors held open and chairs slid gently beneath you at a candlelit table. Time does not stand still on Valentine’s Day. Time flies backwards at the speed of light to the day you met, last month, last year and further still.

However long ago that day was, Valentine’s Day takes us all back to a more romantic moment, a more romantic era. Valentine’s Day has an air of nostalgia to it. Valentine’s Day feels just a little vintage.

And there is no single garment that says romance, evokes nostalgia, and has vintage vibe quite like a pair of stockings is there?

I rest my case. There will be stockings. It is merely now a question of which ones.

We can quibble politely friends about whether they are traditional stockings fastened to a beguiling garter belt or silicon strip stay-ups. We will not, however quibble about tights. Tights get the night off on this big night. Are we agreed? I thought so.

Today then is the first of a pair of reviews of Valentine’s Day suitable hosiery. Pretty things that are amped up just a bit. Hosiery from mills that are not run of the mill. Lets start with a lovely new offering from a favorite old friend, StockinGirl.

I am a long time StockinGirl client. I was introduced years ago when I won an online giveaway from the fabulous Couture Carrie. I have written glowing things about them here on Guilty Pleasures and way back in the mists of time as a guest author on Treacle’s indispensable Lingerie Addict. Be advised, I am a fan.

No pussy-footing around here. StockinGirl is furiously focused on Stockings. They do mine bygone times for inspiration, but are not stuck in the past. Current and contemporary, rooted in the here and now, all grown up and still ready to misbehave nicely. Classic, yes. Kitsch no.

I wore a new and very celebratory StockinGirl model, Marissa, pictured above, out for New Year’s Eve (the other Hosiery High Holiday). My legs received more complements than I could count. Admittedly I also lost count of how may glasses of wine I inhaled, but I am quite certain that I do owe Marissa a good measure of credit for the complements. I do have nice legs, yes, but they popped like Champagne corks with Marissa’s help.

They are, in some respects, typical of StockinGirl stuff: well made, non-stretch, all nylon stocking with a  reinforced toe. And now the departures from the typical:

Cuban Heel. Full double-dark sole and heel tapering sexily upwards a good 5 inches or so north of heel socket, surely visible above ankle straps, but narrow and subtle, not at all loud and brazen.

Back Seam. Hand sewn and dye matched to the stocking yarn. Again, subtlety and sophistication are the gorgeous effects here. Attentive, refined eyes will notice you walking away. Heads will turn, but not snap.

Welt. Double yarn, modestly dark and finished with a true keyhole notch at seam top. What does the keyhole do? Practically nothing. It does however prove that there was a caring, skilled person at the sewing machine. It is a quality hallmark.

Where the quality shows best though is in the feel. Most all-nylon stockings, even the very finest, have a characteristic hand feel that is coarse relative to contemporary, everyday Lycra-enriched hosiery. This is not a bad feeling. Just a different feeling. Marissa however has a surprising yielding feel. The thread has been treated in some clever way and the result is a pliable, warm, Chambray softness that still slides and glides on and around your legs as only an all nylon (or silk I suppose) stocking can.

Which brings me back to looks. Marissa gives off a graceful glimmer in night light, and especially under close inspection by candlelight. Marissa is not a day-to-night look. This is a dinner-to-dawn look. Sophisticated, subtle, pretty and provocative. Valentine’s Day appropriate, pitch perfect even.

Choose from go-to shades of black and nude, a newly introduced pale silver and a completely come-hither violet (above). Mine are silver, and they absolutely light up the LBD. If you are even close to borderline size-wise, get over it and go up a size. Tall and curvy girls are beautifully catered to here as well, which is to be applauded. Dynamite comes in big packages too, yes?

StockinGirl has dozens of other Valentine’s Day options from value to premium price points, including the custom, personalized Cheryl’s and Ruby’s (pictured above) Yes, your own name stitched in at stocking-top you cheeky thing you. Go ahead, drop a hint and find how how smart and motivated your man is. Look around for lingerie and accessories with the same now vibe too, including a broad selection of garter belts if you need something to hold your new stockings up.

Next up, the Valentine’s Day Time Machine will whiz us back up to the future with a look at Stay-ups that are more vixen than vintage. Stay tuned.

In that spirit I’ve started the Top 5 Italian Luxury Lingerie Brands series that will tell the story of 5 designers I have much appreciation for. Part one was dedicated to Ritratti Lingerie. In Part 2:

Meet Cotton Club and RCrescentini

Cotton Club brand was born in 1981 with the mission to offer women a different lingerie style than what was available at that moment. From the very beginning their signature has been lingerie that glamorizes the body and the mind, made of precious high quality fabrics, refined to the very last detail.

Today Cotton Club is one of the most important Italian lingerie brands, owned by Roberto Crescentini. Their products are sold through specialized boutiques in USA, Russia, East Europe, Japan, China, Arabic Countries and Australia.

There are 4 important collections that have made Cotton Club so famous in the industry of luxury lingerie.

1. The most famous of all is the original range, COTTON CLUB. Over the years different lines have been launched as part of this collection. But 3 of them have caught the eye of the entire world.

The Cotton Club Basic line is the simplest lingerie line of all, offering women the utilitarian lingerie sets, made of smooth cotton, microfiber and micro tulle. What I personally enjoy most at this classic line is its youthful spirit, and its timeless elegance that never go out of fashion.

Click on the thumbnails to see more images of this line in full size. 

The  Cotton Club Silk line is the cherry on top for those who are addicted to silk lingerie, as myself. Produced mostly with natural or stretched silk, this line’s beauty captures all the smiles of your senses from the first touch and projects them to the lightness of your stride.

It gives that sense of seduction power we often yearn for but don’t always find so easily. Tell me, who doesn’t love a little silk and lace to satisfy their softer inner-feminist side?

Click on the thumbnails to see more images of this line in full size. 

A personal favorite is the third line,  Cotton Club Sweet Elisir, a synonym with an elegant, smart, and comfortable look that makes it incredibly appealing to all women. A sensual mix between cotton and lace, comfort and seduction, that connect instantly to all our senses and transform any day in a beautiful day. This line will be available in 2012, which means soon. Until then, I invite you to enjoy the most beautiful pieces of the collection.

Click on the thumbnails to see more images of this line in full size. 

2. The COTTON CLUB SWIMWEAR is the second collection this brand is known for. It reflects the timeless classicism of femininity and seduction, as well as the avant-garde character that corresponds to the women of today. The 2012 line will be launched in the next months, but until then we get to enjoy the beauty of the 2011 line.

The best part was saved for last. The next 2 collections are the result of Roberto Crescentini’s pure genius. His open-minded vision and personal interpretation of beauty, elegance and seduction have left an original mark on the Italian luxury lingerie industry.

3. The collection that has received the most appreciation from our Facebook fans is the RCrescentini Private Collection. This range has always been wild and unpredictable, but at the same time elegant and daring. Created for the unmistakable, highly personal style, this is what sexy lingerie should mean in all translations.

This line does not surprise you with colors, but with luxurious lingerie accessories. See the 2011-2012 RCrescentini Private Collection to have a visual understanding of this brand’s essence.  Pure silk animal prints, combined with sheer lace embroideries and Swarovski crystals make a match made in heaven. This year’s theme is ‘flame’ so each piece of lingerie is delicately embellished with stunning flame inspired motif forms.

Click on the thumbnails to see more images of this line in full size. 

4. The last of the 4 collections is RCrescentini Beach Couture, rich in colors, prints and delicate fabrics. Its message is quite simple: the body is a sanctuary for the goddess inside each of us and we can show it when we wear swimsuits that reflect our beauty, personality and sensuality.

The 2012 Collection will be soon launched in stores. If you are not convinced by the photos, find the opportunity to try on one of their print swimsuits, just for the fun of it.

Shop Cotton Club and RCrescentini lingerie:

- At Cotton Club Online Boutique (you must create an account first)

- At Amazon Cotton Club e-shop

- At Mio Destino

- At Cazar.de

I hope you will agree with me that when it comes to lingerie, the Italian charm is addictive. If Part 1 and Part 2 haven’t convinced you yet, I promise that by the time we get to Part 5, you will be completely enchanted.

The Top 5 Italian Luxury Lingerie Brands series will (hopefully) help me share at least a small fraction of this happiness with all of you, dear readers and fans. I will let you discover them one by one and then you can decide the order of your preferences. I personally love them all, equally and forever.

Meet Ritratti

Ritratti was founded in the 80′s by Delmar SpA, a powerful name in the Italian textile industry. The indisputable success of the brand was determined from the beginning by its clearly outlined style and the undeniable quality of the textiles used. They are known as the first Italian company to add embroidery on the stretch tulle, which continues to be a distinguished mark of their luxury lingerie quality.

They have collaborated with almost all famous Italian fashion houses, such as Gucci, Dior, Armani, or Prada.

Ritratti Lingerie Lines:

Ritratti Sensation: The line that has revolutionized the idea of comfortable, flexibile and stylish lingerie. Its secret? Lycra Black Fiber developed by R&D laboratories.

This is the line where we can find the bra styles that have increased this brand’s popularity all over the world for the past 2 years:

- The Star-Cup and Ev.A bra styles for a naturally enhanced bust, with minimum coverage but maximum support.
- The Soft-Up cup bra style, with oil-filled pads that add 1 size to your bust.
- The Flexible XT Bra (5 bras in 1) that you can wear any time with anything.
- The Skin-Cut briefs and thongs that eliminate the undesirable lines under skirts, dresses or jeans.

There are 2 other famous collections from the same line : Ritratti Sensation 2.0 and Sensation Dreams (click on the thumbnails below to see more photos of these collections)

Ritratti Beachwear: the line that offers women stylish swimsuits. Its secret? Beauty lies in colors, elegance and comfort.

This has been a successful line for many years, and fans (such as myself) appreciate the mix of styles they include in each collection.

In the next gallery I’ve selected few of my favorite 2011 Beachwear styles. 2012 promises to be even better.

Ritratti Milano: or the sophisticated lingerie line. Its secret? Ethereal color and styles combinations, precious materials, and passion for lingerie.

I believe that the designers behind Ritratti offer their best for this line. Take a look at their latest collection for example, Ritratti Milano AW 2011/2012.  Elegance, class, refinement and seduction can barely describe the true essence of this collection.

How to find a boutique that sells Ritratti near you? It’s simple. Go to their Facebook page.

I recommend to see also one of my favorite lingerie boutiques: Bella Bella Boutique. (click here for the boutique URL)

I’ve read this saying recently: In Milan fashion is always “fashionable”. It may because they are located in Milan, but Ritratti has and always will be fashionable.

I look forward to discovering what your favorite Ritratti line or style is. So please leave a  comment and tell me all about it.

PS:  The Italian word “ritratti”  means “portraits” in English. Beautiful,  isn’t it?

1. Hips and Curves

Deal: Semi Annual Sale

Brands: Hips and Curves

Where they ship: United States, Rest of the world

Link: http://www.hipsandcurves.com

End Date:1/31/2012

2. HerRoom

Deal: Up to 70% OFF at Clearance Sale

Brands: Aerin Rose, Affinitas Intimates, Allegro, Alo, Anita, Anne Klein, Annette, Aria, Arianne, b.tempt’d by Wacoal, Bali, Barbara, Barely There, Bendon, Berkshire,  Betsey Johnson Intimates, Biatta, Blush,  Calvin Klein,  Chantelle, Charmed by Maidenform, Cosabella, Diesel, Dominique, D&G,  Donna Karan, Eberjey, Elomi, Ellen Tracy,  Empreinte, Falke, Fantasie, Felina, Goddess, Hanky Panky, Hanro, HOTmilk, Huit, Jezebel, Natori, Maidenform, La Perla, Le Mystere and many more (1435 total styles)

Where they ship: United States, rest of the worlk

Link:  http://www.HerRoom.com

End Date: 1/31/2012

3. Bra Smyth

Deal: Up to 50% OFF for selected brands

Brands: Aerin Rose, Anita, Chantelle, Conturelle, Eberjey, Elixir, Fantasie, Grenier, Hanky Panky, Hanna, Hanro, Huit, Lejaby, Lise Charmel, LOU Lingerie, Moving Comfort, Pure Lime, Simone Perele, Spanx, Va Bien, Wacoal.

Where they ship: United States, Rest of the world

Link:  http://www.brasmyth.com

End Date: 1/31/2012

If you know about other great lingerie sales that take place in January, please let us know.

Deal: 50% OFF for Selected Lingerie Collections

Brands: Agent Provocateur

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world

Link:  http://www.agentprovocateur.com

End Date: 1/31/2012

2. Bare Necessities

Deal: Up to 60% OFF (Clearance Sale)

Brands: Anita, Barely There, b.tempt’d by Wacoal, Cake Lingerie, Calvin Klein, Chantelle, Cosabella, Elomi, Falke, Fantasie, Fauve, Freya, Hanky Panky, Hanro, HOTmilk, Hue, Jezebel, La Perla, Le Mystere, Miraclesuit, Natori, Oscar de la Renta, Panache, Playtex, Ralph Lauren, Va Bien, Wacoal, Wolford.

Where they ship: United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, APOs, FPOs and DPOs (free Shipping for orders over $70 – to US only)

Link: http://www.barenecessities.com/

End Date: 1/31/2012

3. Debenhams:

Deal: Up to 50% OFF (Clearance Sale)

Brands: Gorgeous, Debenhams, Wonderbra, Fantasie, Freya, Presence, Ultimo, Reger by Janet Reger, Triumph, Sloggi, Adore Moi by Ultimo, Andrea Bucci, Aristoc, Atlantis, By Caprice, Cake, Charnos, Elomi, Emilio Cavallini, Falke, HOTmilk, Jonathan Aston, La Senza, Lepel, Maidenform, Miraclesuit, Pretty Polly, Shock Absorber, Totes Ultimate

Where they ship: France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Link: http://www.debenhams.com

End Date: n/a (while stock is available)

4. Ann Summers

Deal: Up to 80% OFF

Brands: Ann Summers, Knickerbox

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world (free shipping for orders over £35.00)

Link: http://www.annsummers.com

End Date: n/a (while stock is available)

5. La Senza

Deal: 70% OFF

Brands: La Senza

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world

Link: http://www.lasenza.co.uk

End Date: n/a (while stock is available)

6. Figleaves

Deal: Up to 50% OFF Sale

Brands: After Eden, Aguaclara, Anita, Atlantis by Panache, Aubade, Baku, by Caprice, Charnos, Chantelle, Eberjey, Eda, Elixir de Lingerie by Lejaby, Elomi, Falke, Fantasie, Fauve by Fantasie, Fayreform, figleaves, Fleur of England, Freya, Gilda and Pearl, Ginja, Gossard, HOTmilk, Huit, Jamu, Jonathan Aston, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Lea, Lejaby, Lepel, Levante, Lytess, Made by Niki, Magicsuit, Mary Green, Masquerade, MC Lounge, Melissa Odabash, Mimi Holliday by Damaris, Miraclesuit, Miss Mandalay, Moontide, Naturally Close, Naturana, O Lingerie, Panache, Passionata, Pour Moi, Playtex, Pretty Polly, Princesse Tam-Tam, Rasurel, Rosy, Royce, Salinas, Seafolly, Spanx, Speedo, Tommy Hilfiger, Totes, Transparenze, Triumph, Triumph Essence, Urban Knit, Vitamin A, Wacoal, Wonderbra, Yummie Tummie, Zoggs

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world

Link: http://www.figleaves.com

End Date :1/23/2012

7. MYLA

Deal: Up to 50% OFF on Selected Lingerie and Sleepwear Collections

Brands: Myla

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world

Link: http://www.myla.com/

End Date: n/a (while stock is available)

8. Wolford

Deal: Up to 50% OFF Sale

Brands: Wolford

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Rest of the world

Link: http://www.wolfordshop.com

End Date: n/a (while stock is available)

9. Frou Frou Lounge

Deal: Up to 75% OFF (End of the Season Sale)

Brands: Undrest, Ayten Gasson, Aloe Loungerwear, Julianne, Else, Ell & Cee, Fleur of England, The Lake and Stars, Beautiful Bottoms, Myla

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, International (free shipping for purchases over £150)

Link: http://www.froufroulounge.com

End Date: n/a

10. Myriam Girard

Deal: Up to 40% OFF For Selected Lingerie Items

Brands:Myriam Girard

Where they ship: United Kingdom, Europe, North America, International

Link: http://www.myriamgirard.com

End Date: n/a

Oh well, no need for questions because Brulee does not neglect brides-to-be. Instead, it makes them shine in fabulous bridal underwear. Ever since Guilty-Pleasures.org was brought to the virtual world, I’ve had the opportunity to witness many bridal collections. Well, not many are still in my memory.

What I most appreciate in a lingerie collection is the unity, a specific style that reverberates throughout the entire range. Well, Brulee has it. Kristian Giambi is one of the most minimalistic designers in the lingerie industry, but it’s definitely not simplistic.

They say less is more. Couldn’t agree more. If I were to get married any time soon, I would definitely be bound to try on this splendid bridal chemise. I can’t even find the words to explain. It may be the white silk and cream silk trim that convinced me. I mean, look at it. It’s the definition of delicacy. Crisscross straps are the unexpected detail that highlight the upper back which let’s face it, is one of the sexiest parts of a women’s body.

Ready to say ”I do”? Why not do it in this “I do” teddy? You can’t refrain from loving this cream chiffon banding and open back teddy with an exquisite crystal button detail and of course, adjustable straps. Seems like a good wedding choice to me!

Brulee also created a cami in case you are looking for one. Bias cut white silk and cream chiffon trims make this cami look simply gorgeous. Not to mention the shorts that complete perfectly this bridal attire.

Feel like anything’s missing? Nope, nothing is missing because Kristian Giambi didn’t forget to add a one of a kind silk robe with piping detail. This robe has the perfect simplicity that reveals your sensuality and utter beauty. Sounds like a convincing package to me!

So far, Brulee succeeded to keep me hooked. The SS12 Bridal Collection is definitely one extra proof that sustains my convictions. Brulee is definitely a keeper.

Click here to shop the collection online. Or click here for the list of lingerie boutiques that have Brulee in stock.

And do tell us what you like most from the SS12 Brulee Collection. We love reading your comments.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2011! We look forward to a better 2012 with all of you by our side.

May the presents you receive this Christmas include at least one piece of lingerie from the Guilty Pleasures lingerie list we’ve presented to you this year. We know that such luxury goodies would bring happiness to all lingerie lovers.

Happy Holidays!

Darling friends, let’s not forget, at this special time while we are styling for all of this Holiday “Joy” about the whole “Comfort” thing too. And my but a little comfort is welcomed just now when you think about it. Party season has us perched up in tall strappy sandals that leave the toesies cold, shape wear with ties that bind, and fitted dresses that leave us shallow of breath (hopefully the boyfriend is too, of course). And the endless running around, stalking pedestrians in the mall parking lot for an open space, long lines, packed flights and half the world and most of your workmates with the sniffles or some other gift they would gladly sneeze, cough or handshake your way.

I love it all, really, but honestly there comes a time when I am screaming for the couch, the Bach Cello Suites, a fire, a serious book and a frivolous mag. Pure Petra-time. I have a good bra option for these quiet moments, and for a few other places too. Take a tranquil moment with me my dears and meet Coobie.

Cute name. I kind of get a subliminal whisper of  “comfort for the boobies” from it, and yes, Coobie does deliver comfort in good measure.

The original Scoopneck model (pictured above), is a stretchy nylon/spandex, cool cotton feel bra-top that pulls on and snugs into place, no wires, no stays, no hooks and eyes, no reaching for the clasps or setting of straps. Coobie bra wings and back are broad and smooth, no hardware digging while you are busy blissing out on the sofa. The ribbed elastic band gives easily and the thin, adjustable cami-straps keep things in place without much fuss. Up front, light, removable, contour pads provide a spoonful of shaping, modesty and warmth. Full coverage cups in a variety of trim and color finishes with a little elastic ruching at the center-gore have a minimizing, smoothing effect.

In short, pitch perfect for the fleecy sweatshirt, the flannel PJ bottoms and the furry slippers. There is however, pretty please, more, much more to us than this happy slacker state. How far off the couch can Coobie go with you?

Pretty far it seems. Team Coobie has rounded out the range nicely. The original Scoopneck bra is available in 30+ colors and patterns from Baby Blue to Zebra. Pick a color story and tune up a tunic in a heartbeat.

For a little more pretty, girly bit of detail, the Lace Trim models peak and wink in V-neck pullovers, all sorts of cardi’s and big blousy tops.  Again, a nice assortment of color and pattern to choose a look from.

And for those days that you simply do not want any weight, let alone the weight of the world on your shoulders, go strapless with the nice assortment of bandeau styles. The bandeaus rely on top and bottom band elastic trim to stay in place, and provide a supportive shelf with contoured cup linings. The Bandeau passed my foolproof strapless stress test (run up the stairs with the laundry basket, pull on a sweater, remove, repeat and bound back down the stairs fluffing hair back out with both hands) well enough.

These are all good looks for casual days. Coobie is showing slightly dressier strides too now with the very pretty and still just as comfy Lace Bandeau. Unlined, unpadded, wear it solo under low cut tops, or if you want a little more shape, wear this over the Coobie Bandeau, or your favorite strapless number for an extra measure of modesty and style.

I think that come summertime, the Coobie will be a nice option when the days get a little warm and sticky for a full cami top. Coobie fans might feel inclined to check out their range of full bra-top camisoles. I suspect they will have much of the same sort of virtue that I have found in my tested models.

Now a word on sizing. Coobie standard lines are, wait for it … one-size-fits-all. Let me take a minute to define all for you. I am a 34b, and the Coobie worked really well for me. I thrust my busty, best gal pal (love you A!) into a Coobie when we got together yesterday. She is a 36D, and while she shared my enthusiasm for the fit and general feel, she felt as though the straps were too thin and dug in a little too much. She has so much more dimension, shape and weight to support, she does ask a lot more of her bras than I do. So in fairness, be cautious if you are a medium banded girl with more than a C Cup of kindness.

Coobie has broadened the range for bigger banded girls and seems to be on the right scent. The Full Size Scoopneck model, sized for 38A – 42DD does have wider, sewn in straps. In theory this should address that particular issue. The full size Scoopneck would probably be about right for the 36D too. If you decide to go that way, and it doesn’t work, do 2 things for me would you?

1. Keep the label on while trying your Coobie. They have a generous, comforting return policy, and
2. Let me know what sort of Comfort and/or Joy you get from your Coobie (or any other intimate place) this Holiday Season in the comments below.

Enjoy the relaxing times ahead. I will be back in January urging you back into all sorts of more brazen bras for Valentine’s Day. Get lots of rest darlings. You’ll need it ;)