Knickers is on hiatus, as Danae and Alison pursue other projects. You can still find us on Facebook, where we’ll keep you informed about gorgeous lingerie! And don’t forget to check out our Do-It-Yourself Bra-fitting guide!

xoxo,
Danae and Alison

It’s time for us to take a break!

Our Spring Break

While the rain is pouring down today we are still catching glimpses of the brightly coloured spring flowers! We are taking a slightly longer break than usual and will be back after Easter. In the meantime we hope you enjoy Danae’s recently taken photo of the beautiful daffodils in Edinburgh. And of course you can check out Katie’s bargains page!

Alison & Danae xxx

Homepage Image: Chantal Thomass

It’s Mother’s Day in the UK this Sunday and I’m sure we’re not the only ones to experience the annual dilemma of whether we should go for the usual flowers or branch out to something a bit different. At Knickers we always have ideas when it comes to gifts and Mother’s Day is no different. Whether it’s Mothering Sunday where you live or you’re looking for a present for your mum (or mom) for any other reason, night and loungewear is perfect – if you keep to the rules! It doesn’t have to be boring but our advice is: go for pretty and practical and avoid flimsy or flirty! With that in mind, here are some of our favourite luxury picks for mums this season:

Favourite Soft Touch

Figleaves Soft Touch Camelia Pyjamas US $82.50 UK £50

Luxury Silk and Cotton

Vivis Long Blue Silk Nightdress £145/$193
Derek Rose Pyjamas £84.50/$112

Both available at Pink Camelia

Long and Sumptious

Julianne Long Silk Robe $259/£145

Use code KNICKERS10 to get 10% off – for a limited time only at Julianne.

Light and Comfortable

Dotty Cotton Pyjamas £19
Vintage Cotton Pyjamas £14

Both available at Charlotte&Co.

HOMEPAGE IMAGE
Grazia’lliani at Pink Camelia.

We’ve just experienced the first proper sunny weekend of the year! A walk on the beach, a stroll through botanical gardens and sipping a coffee sitting outside all contributed to that feel-good factor during a blue sky and sun-drenched couple of days. Perhaps it’s the body’s reaction to a good dose of vitamin D that gives you that anything-is-possible feeling (when else does the thought of living in a rustic abode in the middle of nowhere make sense?), who cares, at least Spring has finally sprung! Wellies and sunglasses ditched and with (mostly) sense prevailing, it’s now back to urban living and luxury lingerie – or rather, legwear.

Nearly Nude

Nude tights have been a no no for me over the years: they’re either too shiny, too thin or just don’t look right. I’m an opaque girl and love thick tights, even when the sun is out. If I want to go nude I get my legs out of tights (which is not very often in bonnie Scotland). Don’t get me wrong I love looking at nude tights and have plenty of pairs kicking about, all tried and put straight back into a drawer. My theory is I feel too naked when wearing nude, which is probably the point, except with my skin tone naked doesn’t necessarily equal attractive – especially when harsh winds take the temperature down by a further ten degrees.

Hot Hosiery

I’m proud to say hot legwear began its comeback in Scotland, a sweeping statement perhaps, but when Bebaroque brought out its first collection of printed and embroidered tights, the world of legwear became a darn sight more exciting. Having jumped on the bandwagon, we’ve seen a whole host of other designers and labels bring daring designs to our shelves over the last few years. I’ve always been a fan of snazzy tights and having experimented with anything from stripes, flowers and bright colours, I now know a little less can definitely be more.

Nearly there legwear looks undoubtedly hot on some and less so on others, however now the likes of Bebaroque and Wolford are bringing us designs to die for, even nude-no-no die-hards like me are softening. Who could resist (tasteful) stars and sparkly rhinestones?

Taking The Plunge

If nude’s never been your thing, it’s worth taking a look at some of the hot new designs on offer. As with anything, quality is going to make a big difference: it’s not about spending a fortune, it’s about spending wisely! I love pretty much anything by Bebaroque, one because they’re great for longer or bigger legs (one size appears to fit all in their case) and secondly, just when you think legwear can’t get any better, Bebaroque prove you wrong. Wolford, often seen as the crème de la crème of the legwear world, doesn’t have to break the bank, and you’re guaranteed to get a great pair of tights. If you do want to go all out nude, check out French label Cervin, who do the most fabulous authentic, 1950s nylon stockings, and German brand Falke cleverly do nude tights in different shades and up to size XXL.

Having seen what I’ve been missing I’ve decided, my new season resolution is to take the plunge and go nude!

Featured Products

Wolford at Tights Please (first image): Nola Tights, £28.
Bebaroque (second image): Sadie Tights £59.95; Maude Tights, £195.
Cervin at Hepburn & Leigh (third image): Tentation Stockings £22.
Henry Holland at Tights Please (above): Superstar Gold Tights, £15.

Not long ago I chatted with a woman in a bar: open-minded, full of happiness and fabulously vivacious she was a breath of fresh air! She loved her job, adored her partner and was devoted to her (nearly grown up) daughter. We talked about pretty much anything and everything, and naturally the subject of Knickers emerged. It was then I noticed something change: although she merrily chatted to me about personal facts, she shut down at the mention of lingerie. Perhaps it was the final glass of wine that did it, but after hearing the dreaded what’s-the-point-lingerie’s-made-for-skinny-people phrase, I’m inclined to think it was more than that.

All Shapes And Sizes

I often wonder about the effectiveness of discussing who is to ‘blame’ for why far too many people believe they won’t look good in lingerie. Surely there are more creative ways of sticking up two fingers (or one, depending on where you come from) to those who continue to brainwash us with the balmy idea, that it’s only people of a certain size that will look good in lingerie. It only takes a short visit to your nearest art gallery to see how body shapes have changed in the fashion zeitgeist – which body shapes we celebrate really is just a sign of the time.

We consider ourselves lucky at Knickers that we’re different shapes and sizes; not only does it mean we have a different perspective when writing and reviewing, it also reinforces our individuality. That’s not to say we’re never envious of those petite frames who look amazing in skimpy scants, or of those enviably curvy ladies, but with the knowledge that the grass is always greener, we embrace what we have. With that in mind we write our articles, and encourage anyone we meet (including strangers in a bar) to go with what they have, and enjoy it!

Variety Is The Spice Of Lingerie

As our regular readers will know, we will sing the praises of any lingerie – providing it’s not tacky or taking the proverbial ****. What we look out for are innovatory designs, great fabrics and detailing. Whether the designs are made for larger or smaller people is immaterial. While we realise anything outwith today’s perceived norm is considered niche, we hope that the more awareness is raised (by expressing our demand), the more we will recognise sizes at each end of the spectrum as being ‘normal’. Yes, we know there are issues surrounding fabrics and fit, but if we think back to only five years ago, when Knickersblog first aired, an awful lot has happened in the lingerie market. Bra sizes have increased in range, as have underwear, swimwear and loungewear sizes. And although, when we type certain words into our search engines, our screens can throw some pretty nasty stuff at us, in general we’re seeing a more positive attitude to variations in lingerie sizes.

Feel Fabulous!

The question remains: who is telling us what size we should be in order to look good and why are we listening to them? Is it the media, the designers, the government, or our peers? The last time I listened to someone tell me what I should look like was at school (or was it university?). The majority of us are drawn into the bizarre following of size trend. Surely as adults we can make up our own minds: as long as we look after ourselves and accept who and what we are, confidence will flow – there’s no great secret attached to it. We can feel good in lingerie whatever our size and assets.
Now all we need are more designers to bring us fabulous lingerie, because there’s still a big market out there just waiting to be filled!

Featured Lingerie

Variety Is The Spice Of Lingerie, clockwise from far left:
Nicole Gill -Odette; Freya at Bravissimo ; Fleur of England – Sweet Nothings; Curvy Kate; Velda Lauder at Glamorous Amorous; Di Murini – Rowena.

Feel Fabulous
Wundervoll

Homepage
Bex Paul in Velda Lauder at Mio Destino.

Loving lingerie doesn’t mean we continuously fill our already over-laden lingerie drawers with even more lingerie! However we are very lucky to attend trade shows and see and touch the newest collections, even those collections not yet available (ok, we admit we do make up a wish list!). We know you are as keen to see the newest and most fabulous lingerie as we are, so we love to bring you footage from the latest shows. We brought you the first video last month and, as promised, here is the second video from this season’s Lingerie Collective, featuring Miss Mandalay, Lascivious, Bordelle, Fleur of England, Fred & Ginger, and Lola Haze!

The Lingerie Collective Autumn/Winter Video!

And if you missed the first video, you can catch up here!

Homepage Image

Miss Mandalay

While we’re on the subject of sleepwear, I’ve been road-testing a new label out of Australia for the past two months, and I think I’m finally ready to deliver my verdict.

Jacaranda Lane “Touch of bling” short sleeve nightie

The verdict: Easy to dismiss at first, but a wee star that I can’t live without now!

I have to confess that I nearly passed over Jacaranda Lane when its creator Helen e-mailed us to say hello. It’s not that there was anything bad about the lingerie, but compared to the labels we normally cover, it just looked so simple – her site shows a pared-down range of knickers, nighties, and PJ’s, all in simple, classic shapes. Conscious that I was perhaps guilty of erring on the Vixen side of our Virgin to Vixen lingerie personalities, I accepted her kind offer to send over some samples.

Since Helen’s package arrived, I’ve worn nothing but my Jacaranda Lane nightie around the house. To me, this nightie is everything you always wanted out of a “boyfriend tee,” but rarely get. I’ve worn countless “sleep shirts” over the years that end up fading, losing shape, wearing out, or just generally looking scabby after prolonged use. This nightie, however, just keeps ticking along. I’ve mercilessly washed it, then not washed it for weeks, I’ve worn it ceaselessly, I’ve slept in it, lived in it, cooked in it, and still it looks just as bright and perky as the day I opened it. It might not be the laciest or most seductive thing I’ve owned, but the low back and v-neck cut is very flattering, and holds its shape very well. It’s reliable, attractive, colourful, and really, I just love it.

Helen also sent through a pair of briefs, and I’m happy to report that I love them too, though I can’t comment as much on their longevity since I’ve worn them less. I love the style of her knickers – there’s something a wee bit 80′s throwback about her designs (especially for the high-waisted briefs), and her colourful designs and prints just make me want to smile when I wear them.

Jacaranda Lane’s offering has echoes of Elizabeth Cotton when that label first started — both focus on using high-quality fabrics, simple designs, and letting the quality speak for itself. Jacaranda Lane’s website and photography still lacks some polish, but don’t let that put you off of giving this label a try – in my experience, you’ll be delighted to discover this hidden gem!

Many years ago I worked with a woman who had the most incredible figure: her energetic, curvy body was the envy of most of the other females – the men just stared. One afternoon while chatting, I asked what bra she wore (the lingerie thing goes way back), it was difficult not to appreciate how incredibly up-and-out-there her bust looked! She replied she was wearing a (not very exciting) Marks&Spencer bra. She agreed a well-fitting bra was essential, but it was her mother’s advice to wear a bra at all times – even at night – that she felt helped maintain such a fine bust. We wouldn’t recommend wearing your underwire bra at night time but we have some options we think you’ll like!

The Science Bit

Bravissimo Silk Nightdress

Having taken part in the very insightful bra-fitting course at Mya Blue , I was taught that it is the Cooper’s ligaments that can let us down, especially if we don’t wear an adequately supportive bra. As someone who used to be a bra size 28 A I know it is perfectly possible not to wear a bra while jumping around – jumping in today’s size 32 E without a sport’s bra is not an option (and believe me, a 32E is not as big as you think). Those with larger proportions will know there’s nothing comfortable about leaving the girls to their own devices.

We harp on about wearing a well-fitting bra while we go about our daily business, but what happens at nighttime? Boobs may be beautiful but magical they ain’t!

The Comfort Debate

Goddess and Wacoal

We’re very aware that some find bras so uncomfortable to wear during the day, the last thing they want to do is to continue to wear one throughout the night (not to mention the reaction you might get from a non-bra-wearing partner). Naturally the pull on our ligaments during the night is no where near as intense as it is during the day, depending on…no let’s not go there. Never the less, containing a bust can be quite a feat when wearing certain nightwear. Since my former colleague gave me her mother’s wise advice I have worn support during the night. Mostly I will wear a secret support vest, a bralet or a soft, non-underwire bra.

Support For The Girls

Lepel Secret Support Vest

Type ‘sleep bra’ into your chosen search engine and you’ll find a whole host of options for nursing mothers; in spite of the frustration of finding little else but maternity or nursing bras, it does prove a point: during pregnancy and nursing women will often wear a bra at all times – including the night. The matronly bra-fitter, who fitted me with the most unattractive (yet very well-fitting) maternity bra, advised me to wear it at night as well: it gives added support and will stop the ligaments stretching. She must have been right (or I was gifted good genes) because very little happened in the sagging department after both pregnancy and nursing.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Ayten Gasson

Luckily it’s not necessary to wear a nursing bra when you have no need, and we certainly don’t want uncomfortable or restrictive garments – so don’t go too tight when you’re choosing! On the boutique lingerie front Ayten Gasson’s gorgeous silk bralets and soft-cup bras (above) are a fabulous way to gain support, as well as look incredible, while you’re slumbering. Larger brands like Bravissimo, Lepel and Wacoal among others provide great, non-restrictive options for bed-wearing support. Bravissimo’s simple silk nightgown (top image), which goes up to an H cup, is great for support, comfort and is darn beautiful – perfect if you’ve been looking for a good night’s sleep with the girls!

Featured Products

Bravissimo Silk Nightdress, £69 (top image);
Goddess Soft Bra at Figleaves £26/$41 And
Wacoal Bralet at Figleaves, £15/$24 (second image); Lepel Secret Support at Figleaves, £22/$35 (third image); Ayten Gasson Daphne Soft Bra, £52 And Matilda Soft Bra, £26 (last image from left to right)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Image by Ellen von Unwerth

Whether you’re head over heels with your Valentine or feeling the love in life, we wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day! From the girls at Knickers xxx

Our Love Letter To Paris!

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here’s our video from this season’s Salon de la Lingerie, in Paris!

Homepage Image

Ellen von Unwerth ~ Revenge

If you’ve left Valentine’s Day to the last minute, don’t worry! We’re running a just-in-time competition that will give you £50 to spend at the gorgeous Playful Promises site — the winner will be drawn on 14th February, and you and your Valentine can choose your favourite set together! What better than the gift of lingerie shopping?

How to enter

To enter the competition, just tell us what you’d buy with your £50 from Playful Promises. You can enter up to two times, by linking to your favourite set on Twitter, then Facebook. Here’s how to make your entries:

Enter Now!

Ready to go? Start by visiting the Playful Promises site to pick your favourite set, then use the links below to visit our Facebook and Twitter pages:

Visit our twitter page and @reply to enter – don’t forget to follow us!

Post on our Facebook Wall to enter again! (you’ll need to “Like” us first if you don’t already!)

The competition is open to anyone that Playful Promises ships to, which looks like pretty much everywhere. You can see the official rules here. What are you waiting for? Go enter now!

Another Playful Promises Competition!

Playful Promises are running a competition of their own, giving away a photo shoot with photographer Terry Mendoza and a £100 voucher, all to transform you into a “pinup princess!” They are looking for someone who represents the everyday woman, and wants to turn themselves into a pinup star! You can see all the details and how to enter here.

Valentine’s Guide now live!

Finally, we’ve got even more gorgeous v-day goodies for you – Alison has been busy picking out stunning v-day gifts for every girl from the Virgin to the Vixen! You can browse her picks here:

• Virgin
• Cozy Cutie
• Olympian
• Sophisticate
• Romantic
• Flirt
• Vixen

Not sure which personality applies to you? Just take our quiz!

Don’t forget to enter our competition, and good luck!

The Vixen loves to take seduction up a notch and she wants to do it in style. She’s comfortable with herself and isn’t afraid of trying something daring. Whether it’s leather, lace or latex, it has to be luxurious!

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Fräulein Kink – Ravish Me Handcuffs

Available at Fräulein Kink, £135

Mint Siren – Strap High Waist Knickers

Available at Mint Siren, £88

Tom Banwell – Leather Heart Mask

TomBanwell Heat Mask available at Etsy, $39

During the day the Sophisticate is all pearls and perfect hair, but come the night she wants to let her hair down and relax in something just as stunning as she is. The Sophisticate has impeccable taste, and loves to be treated like royalty.

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Mimi Holliday – Piece De Resistance Lace Body

If you’ve never given Lingerie as a gift and you’re afraid it might go wrong, don’t worry. This lace body is, as its name suggests, a prize piece and your Sophisticate will adore you for it!

Mimi Holliday – Piece De Resistance Body available at
Mio Destino UK, £70
Mio Destino US, $114

MC Lounge Silk Balcony Bra

MC Lounge has come up with this gorgeous silk bra set, complete with tiny heart, to make sure even a Sophisticate can go red! And if bra sizing seems too complicated, why not just go for the bottoms?

MC Lounge available at
Figleaves UK
Figleaves US

Luxury Pick – Les Jupons de Tess, Paris Lace Jacket

The French find it difficult not to be sophisticated, especially where lingerie concerned. Your Sophisticate will adore this beautiful Paris Lace Jacket by Les Jupons de Tess, and you’ll love your Valentine wearing it!

Available at Faire Frou Frou, $315

The Cozy Cutie loves comfort and style; she wants to look sexy in practical, non-fussy lingerie and loungewear, and, of course she wants to look beautiful!

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Juicy Couture Valentine’s Playsuit

If you want to give your Valentine traditional red, this Playsuit by Juicy Couture is the perfect way to get cozy and cute in one!

Juicy Couture Valentine’s Suit available at
Net a Porter UK, £100
Net a Porter US, $98

Figleaves Repose Cashmere Dress

Soft pink will definitely hit the spot with a Cozy Cutie whose lingerie drawer prefers pastels and your Valentine will love the luxurious cashmere!

Available at Figleaves US , $206
Figleaves UK, £125

Snoa Lingerie – Greta Gown and Oona Wrap

New, made-in-the-USA-label Snoa Lingerie is just what the Cozy Cutie has been looking for. Warm, cozy, luxury lingerie – and all made with ethical fabrics!

Available at Snoa Lingerie
Greta Gown, $110
Oona Wrap, $150

The Flirt wears lingerie that is sassy and, of course, flirty! Whether it’s bold in colour or bold in design, above all, the Flirt wears her lingerie with confidence – and loves an audience!

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Mimi Holliday Frou Frou Thong

Available at Faire Frou Frou, $72

Miss Mandalay – Gigi Frill and Leopard Bow

Miss Mandalay up to G Cup at FairyGothMother, £40 (bra) £23 (Knickers)

Les Jupons de Tess – Slipdress

Les Jupon de Tess available at Cazar, Euro 189

The Romantic needs to be wooed with candlelight, poetry, and of course, beautiful lingerie. She loves soft, flowing chiffons, luxurious silk and exquisite lace so she can look wondrously beautiful while she listens to your romantic words.

Elle Macpherson – Fly Butterfly Fly

Tried and tested, Elle Macpherson’s D-G cup bras are well-fitting and pretty. Your Romantic will love your quality choice with added lace and romance factor!

Elle MacPherson Fly Butterfly Fly D-G cup available at
Figleaves UK, £38
Figleaves US , $62.70

La Lilouche Silk Coco Valentine Garter

Love the thought of giving Valentine’s Day Lingerie but afraid you’ll get it wrong? This handmade garter by La Lilouche is a perfect gift if you want to give lingerie without going full-on!

Available at La Lilouche on Etsy, $40

Luxury Pick – Shell Belle Couture Seduce Me Gown

Looking for a luxury gown for your Romantic? One of our ‘Best New Designer Picks for 2010′ Shell Belle is wonderfully romantic and delicately glamorous – watching your Valentine open this will stay in your memory for the rest of the year!

Shell Belle Seduce Me Gown available at Glamorous Amorous, £185

The Olympian is always on the go and doesn’t have time for frilly designs or needless lingerie – she wants something that looks good, practical, and that can work indoors or out on a run. She loves simplicity, with clean, modern lines and geometric shapes.

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Hopeless Lingerie

Hopeless Lingerie available at Faire Frou Frou, $75

VPL – Beckham Bra and Undi Set

Available at Catriona Mackechnie, $85 (bra) $75 (Briefs)

Wundervoll – Raphia Soft Bra & Boyshort

Available at Catriona Mackechnie , $125 (shorts) $160 (bra)
and
Cazar (other styles available)

The Virgin’s drawers are full of white cotton bras and knickers; she likes to feel beautiful without feeling uncomfortable or baring too much flesh. Sexy simplicity and nothing too fancy is the lingerie Virgin’s motto.

Not sure what your lingerie personality is? Take the quiz!

Sonata Lingerie Essentially Linen Pyjama

Sonata is known for its luxurious lace and silk and we’re delighted the label has now added cotton Essentials. These white, linen pyjamas have been made with the Virgin Lingerie Lover in mind, and we’re certain your Valentine Virgin will love you for your choice!

Sonata Essential Linen Pyjamas available at Glamorous Amorous, £120

Charlotte & Co – Silk Wool Camisole

If you’re looking for a gift to make your Virgin feel a little bit of luxury every day, why not go for this Silk-Wool Camisole from Charlotte&Co? Valentine’s Day for the Virgin Lingerie Lover is all about simple luxury!

Available at Charlotte & Co, £25

Stella McCartney – Sam Partying

A little more playful than your Virgin’s lingerie drawer is used to? The simplicity of this Stella McCartney Playsuit will suit any Virgin who loves unfussy lingerie with a luxury label!

Available
in the US at Faire Frou Frou , $195
in the UK at Net a Porter , £105

The Glam World

Writing about lingerie is fun: we get to look through reams of glamorous images, we use our virtual platform to bring you the crème de la crème of lingerie and designers, and now and then we have the pleasure of reviewing beautiful pieces. One of the questions we’re asked most frequently is: Why don’t you design your own label? In fact we ask ourselves the same question, usually on the tube or metro, after we’ve been submerged in the wonderful world of lingerie trade shows.

The People

We love trade shows and we love the people behind the labels. Once we’ve extricated ourselves from heavy bags of promotional propaganda, we can relax, chat and wander around looking at whatever takes our fancy. Ok, so it’s not quite as floaty as that; we work hard at these shows, they’re tiring and we’re in bed way before midnight. Thoughts of glamorous parties, champagne and gorgeous outfits are firmly in our dreams the minute our heads touch the pillows. This year we braved it on to the glitzy streets of Paris, after accepting an invitation to the Secret Square Club for the überglam, Parisian Maison Close party – and still we made it into bed by midnight.

The Salon de la Lingerie in Paris is the big show in the lingerie world: big, small and do-people-really-wear-this-stuff labels are all at the show to do the same thing – sell. The lingerie world reminds me a whole lot of the ballet world (I escaped), the end product is fabulously glamorous to look at. But whichever label you choose to look at, make no mistake, there’s hard slog behind it.

The Real World

Photography for Shell Belle by Jason Knott

Over the years we’ve learned to stick to what and who we like, that way our time is used wisely (and our feet thank us for it at the end of the day). To hang out with some of the most talented people in the industry is pretty cool. Not only do we see, feel and occasionally try on products we adore, we get the stories behind the designs, and see the efforts made to bring the designs to life and to the show. It’s this that answers our question time and time again: yes, designing is fun; yes, it’s amazing to be part of the glamorous world; yes, the people are wonderful; and yes, the end product is droolingly fabulous – and we get to see all of it, admire it, write about it and then go to bed!

A Look At Lingerie In 2011

It’s not just Paris that provides us with a tantalizing look at the coming year’s collections. The Lingerie Collective in London has swiftly become one of the best places for retailers who are looking for fantastic, established and up-coming luxury lingerie labels. Take a look at our video from this season’s Lingerie Collective!

Homepage Image

Fräulein Kink

Salon de la Lingerie 2011

After three days looking at beautiful lingerie, meeting fabulous people and a visit to an exclusive party in Paris, we’re back!
While we catch our breath here’s one of our favourite moments from this year’s Salon de la Lingerie: the Maison Close burlesque performance with the incroyable Mamzelle Viviane!

A Burlesque Performance for Maison Close by Mamzelle Viviane!

Homepage Image: The beautiful Celine Pinckers.

The fabulous Lingerie Collective have now packed up their collections in London, but we need not fret, it’s time to cross the waters to Salon de la Lingerie in Paris. We’ll be back next week with news, updates, photos and videos – until then, here are some treats!

Chantal Thomass – Ligne Maliceuse

Check it out at: Chantal Thomass

Burdel – Queen of France Babydoll

Check it out at: Bella Bella Boutique

Maison Close – Cabaret Royal

Check it out at: Maison Close

Aubade – 1958

Check it out at: Aubade

Homepage Image: Fifi Chachnil

While the majority fight to banish the blues at this time of year, why not embrace them!

Relax Into It

Variations of the colour blue have been around since we can remember, it’s just that we have a tendency to forget about it. Ever since I wore a navy pleated skirt, as part of my school uniform, I wondered whether I would be committing an outrageous crime of fashion if I wore navy blue again: unless I wanted to look part of a group of school kids or a champagne-drinking regatta club, navy was a no no.

So when last year blue made its ‘come-back’ on the catwalks, my forbidden love for blue was able to flow freely once more. No longer were the addition of gold sailor buttons on blue clothing de rigeur (though we still like to see them on the odd occasion), and those does-it-look-like-school-uniform thoughts could be scribbled out of memory (unless that look is called for).

Short and Sharp

Navy blue in particular can give us the same sharp look we get from black; it’s that elegant, smart, clean look that makes it incredibly appealing. While black can quickly flip from clean to dirty, navy can be dragged through a hedge and it would still look great.

One of last season’s favourite blues was Ayten Gasson’s Catherine , which has a timeless, full-on 1940s glam look to it without trying too hard. Another favourite is the simple, silk robe by MC Lounge (above) that fulfils that short, sharp contemporary kick that does the talking without us having to utter a word.

Keep It Comfortable

If the blues are to be our friend, comfort is of the essence: who needs scratchy when smooth does the job so much better! Blues can comfort and soothe, and as with any colour, it pays to find the piece that will keep you wearing and wearing it.

A Lighter Look

Blue doesn’t always mean dark: lighter varieties of the colour give that sense of floaty freedom we often yearn for but don’t always find. The Mad Men/retro phenomena that’s hit us over the last few years has again given more and more people the idea that light blue can be cute – and sexy. A Betty Draper style cape, like the one above, is definitely going to appeal to more than just those who follow the TV series. Even if you feel like throwing off those darker colours, you don’t have to throw away blue!

Take It Easy

Apparently red and green should never be seen… (according to my great grandmother) – colour combo myths are as passé as making sure you don’t wear a skirt above your knee: blue goes with pretty much any other colour. Anyone who tells you you can’t wear blue is probably suffering from the same is-it-fashion-is-it-school uniform dilemmas I had. And anyone who tells you blue and black don’t go together – no doubt the same!

Cervin stockings, which incidentally are made in France – and they know a thing or two about fashion – come in all sorts of colours, and their electric blue with black seam stockings are shockingly gorgeous. So if you’re still fighting the blues, why not try a pair, you might find you change your mind!

Images

Homepage image: Toadlillie Bewitching Hour; Top Image: Mimi Holliday Etoile de Nuit ; Second Image: MC Lounge at Glamorous Amorous; Third Image: 3.1 Phillip Lim at Net a Porter ; Fourth Image: Alice jacket by Fairygothmother; Last Image: Cervin Stockings at Playful Promises.

Happy New Year From The Girls at Knickers!

Wishing everyone a successful and happy 2011!

Alison, Danae and Katie xxx

We saw some fabulous, new designers during 2010 – here’s a look back at some of our favourites!

La Lilouche

La Lilouche from around £70
You can currently enjoy 50% off the beautiful designs – enter WINTERLOVELIES at the checkout!

Alison reviews La Lilouche Ophelia Bodysuit

Shell Belle Couture

Shell Belle from £50

Ari Dein

Ari Dein from $255

Ari Dein on Knickersblog

Maxine’s Of London

Maxine’s of London from £80

Toad Lillie

Toad Lillie Lingerie from $55

Toad Lillie on Knickersblog

Nicole Gill

Nicole Gill from around £60

Nicole Gill on Knickersblog

Snoa Lingerie

Snoa Lingerie from around $120

Snoa Lingerie on Knickersblog

Streetzie

Streetzie’s Bunny Slippers $63

Main Image – N de Samim at Glamorous Amorous
Homepage Image – Fleur of England at Mio Destino

As the Christmas countdown reaches its last few days, we take a little look at some of our favourite pieces from this season:

Tallulah Love Vintage Skirt

Tallulah Love Vintage Skirt £150

Kiam-Lian Cleaver

Available at Kiam-Lian Cleaver, around £46

Animal Instincts by Fred & Ginger

Fred & Ginger Animal Instincts Collection from £65

Nuisette by Chantal Thomass

Available at CAZAR, Euro 269

Bel-Ami by Maison Close

Available at Faire Frou Frou $95

Homepage Image

Toad Lillie at Faire Frou Frou, from around $100

We love to think everyone adores their body, but realistically we know everyone has bits that are bigger or smaller than they would like. With Christmas party season in full swing, we have a few tips on how to look good in your party dress – whatever your ‘problem’ area!

How Not To Get Your Knickers In A Twist

Whatever we’re wearing we want to be comfortable, right? Yes. Ok, so we might have to endure tighter fabric for the night, but it’s all for our own good! If we have wobbly bottoms, sticky out tummies or other bits we’d rather smooth down, the best thing is to invest in some great shapewear. We agree, there are so many brands and styles to choose from, so how do you know which is best for you? Identify your ‘problem’ area and decide what support or pull-in power you need. Go for firm support rather than lightweight for maximum help and always get the size closest to your dress size. Assuming you’re not going for the tied too tightly sausage look, never buy shapewear a size too small, it won’t work!

Miraclesuit have some great shapewear with good pull-in power – they don’t purport to be a sexy garments, but boy will you notice the difference when you pull on your favourite party dress. We also love Maidenform for its Waistnipper, which trims the waist and pulls in a less than taut tummy; in fact, if you check out their online store you can even filter shapewear by ‘problem area’ – perfect!

If you’re on the search for good-looking shapewear (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t), take a look at Mission Control: great name and great shapewear! Our favourites are the Hi-Waist Brief – we don’t call these Superhero pants for nothing: they look ultra cool and because the fabric is souper douper, it actually pulls you in. We also love their Boudoir Range (above image), which is a little more gentle when it comes to pulling in, however you’ll be hard pushed to find better smoothing knickers – and they’re darn sexy!

How To Get Noticed

Most of us love to get noticed – as long as it’s for the right reasons. If you’re looking to get yourself noticed at this year’s Christmas party, remember to get things into perspective. Boobs spilling out of a blouse isn’t a good look, especially when you are trying to impress. Smart, elegant and a hint of fun is a much better look when it comes to the office party. When shapewear won’t pull us into the shape we want, why not go for a corset? Regardless of your shape you will look a stunner.

Remember our recommendation when buying shapewear? We recommend doing the same when buying a corset – especially when it’s prêt-à-porter. We also recommend going for as good a label as you can afford. Vollers, a long established label from the UK, is a great start and you can get yourself an overbust corset for around £123, in a range of gorgeous colours. Another all time favourite is Velda Lauder, whose corsets have been seen on the likes of burlesque star Dita von Teese and the beautiful Sugarbabes as well as featured in Robbie Williams’ Love Light video. You can now get yourself kitted out in one of Velda’s ready to wear underbust corset for £120 – and we can vouch for the four-inches-off-your-waist promise! Wear it over a gorgeous blouse or shirt or even a dress and you’ll look amazing – though we do advise wearing a well-fitting bra for support and decency. (nipple tassels can be kept for the boudoir)

We also love the Cabaret corset by What Katie Did (above image); we’re not suggesting you go for the frilly pants and top hat at a public party (though they do look darling), however if you’re looking for something special to accentuate your sparkle, it’s an elegant option that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood!

Don’t know how to lace a corset? Check out our video with Velda Lauder!

We ladies love to please (most of the time) and one of the most common reasons for women to buy ‘sexy’ lingerie is to please her partner. Now and again we love to rise up, rebel and choose lingerie to indulge our own Vixen fantasies!

Fräulein Kink

Fräulein Kink has got to be one of the best names I’ve come across – it conjures up some fantastic images just hearing it! The name isn’t the only fabulous thing about this label: its creator, Miss Nicole, who packed her bags and left the dizzy lights of New York to settle in cool Berlin, has designed a collection of accessories to make even the faint-hearted fall in love with bondage. All hand-made with the utmost comfort in mind, Fräulein Kink offers collars, cuffs, as well as leashes and bodysuits. If you’ve never felt brave enough to take the plunge into your secret fantasies, this is your chance – the über sexy Fräulein Kink awaits you!

Available from Fräulein Kink, prices from £135.

Obey My Demand

Leather is one of those fabrics normally reserved for jackets or serious erotica. A first class De Montfort graduate, Leanne Brooke made sure her collection dispelled any myth that leather couldn’t marry luxury and lingerie, without being sleazy. Obey My Demand is an incredible combination of strict leather and soft silks and chiffon. For anyone who loves full-on contemporary yet classic designs and is desperate to try leather without compromising their femininity, Obey My Demand is the label to go for!

Enquiries and orders at Obey My Demand

Kiss Me Deadly

Kiss Me Deadly may be an established label, however their ability to reinvent never diminishes! KMD are the type of label you can dress up or down – there seems to be an inbuilt fantasy opportunity with every collection, which makes it very much desirable! Its designer, Catherine Clavering, is one of those people you are unlikely to shock and her lingerie reflects her open mind and ability to understand what people want. The newest addition to the KMD collections is the made-in-the-UK Cherie Teddy; you may think you’ve seen every style of teddy you need to, but this has an edge to it that shouts ‘don’t mess with me (unless I say so)’. Simply put, it’s a great choice for those who love a little silk and lace to satisfy their softer inner-feminist!

Limited edition Teddy available at Kiss Me Deadly £50

We’re into the second week of the big freeze in Scotland. To say it’s chilly is a serious understatement, as is to say: the country is rather under-equipped when it comes to sudden snowfall. I throw my clothes on so quickly in the morning I’m not sure I’ve even seen a glimpse of my underwear for the last few weeks, so thinking of skimpy lingerie isn’t exactly a priority – even for a passionate lingerie lover! Luckily a new label has given us hope during these shivery times.

Snoa Lingerie

We can all relate to those times, when as even die-hard lingerie lovers we emerge with jumper, socks and sweat pants – all oversized – to cope with cold evenings. The chances of seduction on such evenings are pretty much nil. When one chilly day in Paris we met up with former documentary film-maker, Anh Oppenheimer, we immediately adored her idea: to design gorgeous-looking lingerie that keeps you warm!

Snoa is the answer to all our snowy dreams (as well as the name of a dizzy Nordic dance), with its eco friendly and toasty warm fabrics – all designed to make you look and feel gorgeously warm. Soft modal, delicate wool, bamboo fleece and silk-hemp have all been used in Snoa’s inaugural collection, created by Anh and her business partner, Susan Robinson, in San Francisco. If you love lingerie and you want to keep warm, Snoa will transform you from fleecy frump to scorching stunner!

Snoa Boutique Launch

Snoa Lingerie recently launched their online Boutique so wherever you live in the world, you can keep cosy and glam with gorgeous night and loungewear. With prices from around $118, we know this ethical and eco-friendly label is going to go far and it’s most certainly at the top of our must-have list!

The Knickers Christmas Guide

Christmas has crept up again, and with it our Christmas Guide 2010! As ever our guide is packed with luxurious delights, to make it simple for you to choose that all-important Christmas gift for your loved one. Afraid you’ll get it wrong? Just take our Gift Quiz and you can’t go wrong!

How To Use The Knickers Christmas Guide!

First take our Gift Quiz to find out her lingerie personality, then choose from the selections in the Gift Guide. For example: if your result is a Sophisticate, you’ll find the gorgeous Fleur of England suit above listed amongst the picks!
We’ve tried to find something to suit all personalities, sizes, and budgets, but we would love to hear your feedback on the guide in the comments. We would also love if you could spread the word by tweeting about the guide and posting the link to Facebook – men everywhere need to learn about good lingerie gift-giving!

Homepage Image Ell&Cee at Glamorous Amorous

We’re loving the new look Glamorous Amorous boutique with their drooltastic choice of designers and lingerie! Bodysuits are at the top of the trend list right now and if you’re on the search for the perfect suit then check out these amazing pieces we found at Glam Am.

Ell&Cee Lace Body

Ell&Cee are pushing all our buttons in the right direction with their current collection. Their Tangerine Bodysuit is just so darn sexy and will be a winner with anyone who is in possession of smaller boobs. It’s sized in dress sizes so it makes it a little easier for those who are afraid of buying in cup sizes.

Ell&Cee Bodysuit available at Glamorous Amorous (£91)

MD Loungewear Hunt Body

With a hint of costume about it, Modern Courtesan’s Hunt Body is one of those forgiving designs that will appeal to those whose ‘problem’ areas are their tummy and arms. We’re giving the thumbs up to the billowy chiffon, silk drapes and beautifully cut-out cleavage enhancing neckline!

MD Loungewear Hunt Body available at Glamorous Amorous (£190)

Lascivious Midori Body

When everyone has gone home and the private dancing is imminent, get this baby out of your drawer. Lascivious, whose always get it just right, have yet another incredible bodysuit on offer. The design makes it a choice for those who are confident about their body and don’t mind sharing a few open moments!

Lascivious Midori Bodysuit available at Glamorous Amorous (£124)

Nichole de Carle Onyx The Last Testament Body

If you’re looking to make an impression that will last, this rather beautifully-named Onyx Last Testament Body, is one of the most divine pieces. We love that it goes up to a (UK) size 16, is made to order and will give you pleasure just looking at it!

Nichole de Carle Onyx The Last Testament Body available at Glamorous Amorous (£225)

Kriss Soonik Kristel Suspender Top

Not strictly a body, because it doesn’t attach underneath, but it’s just too gorgeous to leave out. Kriss Soonik is an absolute wonder when it comes to designing cutting edge lingerie and loungewear. If you’ve been following Kriss Soonik from day one, you’ll see what we mean! The long arms are a particularly welcome sight to us (who have got our thermals out already) and the suspender detail is one hell of a cute (and practical). The hung-up-on-you style is an absolute stunner and with a not unreasonable price-tag it’s totally worth it!

Kriss Soonik Kristel Suspender Top available at Glamorous Amorous (£79)