Back in the 1940s and 50s big knickers were all the rage, but when the sixties came along they got replaced with bikini-style pants and later with the dreaded thong. They had a mini-resurgence in 2001 when Brigitte Jones revealed her granny pants to the world, but they were strictly seen as shapewear and definitely not to be seen (especially if Colin Firth was the person likely to be seeing your knickers).

A strange thing seems to have happened over the winter though, big knickers now seem to be very much back ‘in’, and with good reason. There’s certainly nothing granny pant-ish about the high-waisted knickers from Agent Provocateur, they’re fabulous! So get rid of those dreaded dental floss thongs girls and let’s get back into some big knickers!

• Mimi Holliday Luna Belle Corset High Waist Knicker
• Von Follies by Dita Von Teese UK Deep Rich Turquoise/Black Stretch Lace High-Waisted Brief
• Chantelle Paris High-Waisted Brief
• Von Follies by Dita Von Teese Red Spot Embroidery High-Waisted Brief
• Agent Provocateur Margot Brief
• Agent Provocateur Mercy Suspender Brief
• Agent Provocateur Gene Brief
• Saks Fifth Avenue – Paris High-Waisted Brief
• Agent Provocateur Cindy Brief

[drumroll please…]

Siobhan Marie!

Congratulations Siobhan, we’ve passed your details onto Steel Orchids and they’ll be in touch with you about your prize, shortly!

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One of these dresses costs £41 and the other costs £357, but can you tell which is which? Either way sequin dresses are everywhere this party season! Which dress would you choose?

Left: Sequin Dress with Long Sleeves by TFNC

Right: David Meister Sequin Dress – Open Back Sleeveless

• Bracelet length 15cm.
• Sterling silver
• Red and black enamel ladybird design
• Lightweight and comfortable for a child to wear
• Presented in a beautiful pale blue organza bag

How to enter

For your chance to win this pretty bracelet simply tell us your favourite item of jewellery from SteelOrchids.com and post it in the comment box below.

If you would like an extra entry you can also post your favourite item on Steel Orchids Facebook page.

We’ll pick a winner after entries close on Thursday 22nd November 2012. The winner will be announced on this blog soon afterwards so don’t forget to check back or subscribe!

Competition rules:

• Competition starts on 24th October 2012 and entries close at midnight GMT on Thursday 22nd November 2012
• We will contact the winner shortly afterwards and pass their details onto Steel Orchids who will send out the prize directly.
• There are no country restrictions, prize can be shipped worldwide.
• We respect your privacy, we never give your personal data to anyone else and only contact you if you have won the competition.

Good luck everyone! If you would like to offer a competition prize on our blog, please let us know :)

This competition is also listed on: ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions and Loquax Competitions

Thanks to everyone who entered our latest competition to win this beautiful crystal-studded corset. I’m delighted to announce that the winner is…

Charmaine Brown, we just loved the ditty she wrote about her favourite corset!

Want to feel sexy and stylish too?
Then choose a corset just for you.
The Corset Bodice, black and red,
Is far too good to wear in bed!
But it’s my favourite, ‘cos I’d be
Naughty but nice, definitely.

Congratulations Charmaine, we’ll pass your details onto Corsets UK and they’ll contact you directly about your prize!

New competition coming tomorrow, so don’t forget to check back or subscribe!

Mix 1920s inspired pieces with modern items and you’ll get it just right. Mix a classic fringed flapper dress with matte black tights and some black ankle boots and you bring this look bang up to date. Accessorize with long necklaces, art-deco inspired jewellery, beaded clutches and embellished headbands, then get partying!

Which pieces do you like best?

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Interestingly a male friend of mine (who is a massive leg fan) has been gently coaxing his wife to also do the same and embrace more of her figure and take the length of her skirt up. So, there must be something in this ‘no ankle length’ skirts rule. If you are on the shorter side like me, the shorter you go with your skirt length the better…

Apparently, according to this magazine article, long skirts are a mix of ease and glamour. Mmmmm, unless you have a massive split up the skirt, I really don’t see how they can be glamourous. The problem with long skirts is you tend to disguise any nicely shaped legs.  Even the most tailored of tailored long skirts, once it has passed your hips and back side, starts to mask your legs. Unless you are very badly over weight – and I mean very badly over weight, most people’s legs are a positive asset for them.

If you want to wear a long skirt, make sure that it finishes just below the knee, as this will ‘flatter’ your figure…

How many ‘maxi’ length skirts and dresses do you own? Do they honestly give you a super-feminine shape?

I’ve been finding that ever since I did the ADF intermittent fasting diet, and lost half a stone, many of my old favourite clothes are hanging off me a little. So, I went into Pepperberry and walked away with their fantastic print jersey dress. This dress has a flattering scoop neck, which is on the right side of demur. It also features a flattering waist band. When I put this dress on I really felt like the belle of the ball. It’s nice enough to dress up for work or dress down for play. According to the very helpful shop assistant this dress is in their top 5 sellers – and I can see why. Don’t wait for the sale, as I don’t think this dress will be available to be marked down.

This dress would be great for girls (like me) who are apple-shaped and have a bit of tummy they want to hide away. It shows off your shoulders and legs and the textured material is great for hiding any lumps and bumps. Think I might have to get myself one of these before they sell out!

Not sure what body type you are? See our guide here.

I just came across this dress and thought it would be perfect for you girls out there who are lucky enough to have straight body type. It has a colour contrasting nipped-in waist and enough frills and flounces to give you an hourglass figure without looking too girly – what do you think? Good choice?