What's In Your Undie Drawer?

Over at the Dayton Daily News, Kelli Wynn's got an interesting article about the surprises found in underwear drawers:

Lucille "Aunt Cile" Hickman-Herald of Trotwood left more than personal items in her lingerie drawer when she passed away in August 2008 at the age of 95.

She left a bundle of newspaper clippings and periodicals that told the history of her family, Dayton and African-Americans.

It's not all that surprising to me because our undie drawers are like our nightstand drawers -- and sometimes our nightstand drawers are our undie drawers: we keep all sorts of private, intimate things in there.

It's all about access.

Proximity to our beds... Proximity to our private needs... Our intimate physical and emotional needs. And desires.

And it's also about who doesn't have the access.

Once I had my first kid walking about the house, I started keeping special things in my drawer of delicates. My paper planner, my address book -- things I feared she might mistake as "just paper" and color on or something. I just knew she wouldn't want to look at momma's underpants!

The family has continued to grow (as has my lingerie collection!) but nobody goes near my lingerie drawers. (Well, hubby might... He swears he doesn't, but I have my suspicions lol) Anyway, none of the kids want to go near mom & dad's undies, so stuff stored along with our underpants is also avoided.

Because those drawers are off limits, I started keeping other unmentionables in my panty drawers. ...My vibrator vibrators, erotica, dirty magazines, porn videos, anything private that didn't have any real monetary value went in there... (No jewelry etc. because I figured that robbers & burglars would check the nightstand and undie drawers first -- and I wasn't going to help them. In fact, the plethora of pornographic objects ought to delay them long enough for the calvary to arrive. And then, even though they likely won't have arrived via horseback, they'll be mounted police. Heh Heh.)

Anyway, blog readers, I wonder what you keep in your undie drawers, in your nightstands...

Confess the truth and you'll be entered to win my latest contest!

What can you win?

A digital copy of the first volume of Coming Together: At Last.

Coming Together: At Last is a two volume collection of interracial erotic stories edited by Alessia Brio, with an Introduction by NY Times Bestselling author, L.A. Banks. This copy comes to us courtesy of dear friend of the blog -- and talented perv author -- Jeremy Edwards, whose story, Francine's Kid, is included in the volume.

Seems fair -- dirty secrets for dirty stories, right? *wink*

How do you win?

It's easy, just tell me what you've got stashed in your undie drawer &/or nightstand!

I'll randomly draw one winner from the entries.

You may enter one of three ways:

Email your answer to slipofagirl@gmail.com along with the name/id you'd like used should I mention your entry here at A Slip of a Girl.

Post your entry as a comment -- if you do this, please make sure I've got your email address, because if you're the winner I'll need your email address to deliver your ebook.

Post your entry at your blog -- if you do this you must include in your post both a link to this post & to the official Coming Together: At Last page and email your link as an entry to me so that I do not miss it (and have means to deliver your book should you win.)

This contest is open to adult readers of A Slip of a Girl.

Entries must be received/posted on or before midnight, central time, March 5, 2009; as that's when I'll draw the lucky winner.

Hey, and while Jeremy & I are delighted to give away this copy, please consider buying a copy -- all proceeds from the sale of the anthologies benefit Amnesty International!

Corset Lacing Lines Along Your Bum

The Corset Connection now offers this unbelievably sexy Diva Skirt with Back Lacing. *swoon*


I know it looks so sexy, in part, because it's worn by the beautiful Bianca Beauchamp -- but honestly, open corset style lacing along your backside and a train? Who wouldn't look unbelievably sexy in this skirt?

Oh my! I not only want this, but I'm thinking I should be buried in this. Or at least have it packed along as a change of clothes...

That certainly is my idea of heaven, anyway.

Lucky ducks who get to buy this dream, please note that the link to color swatches isn't working right -- I do think this is the page with the fabric & color options. (And please do let me know if you get this or another gem at Corset Connection! I'll be happy for you while I'm a little sad for me -- I can do both, I swear! *wink* Don't forget to tell them who sent you there either!)

She Must Be A Real Blonde

Poor Pattycake doesn't seem to understand what garters are for. *wink*

Silk Cocoon

Pretty lingerie from Silk Cocoon. (An interesting name, Silk Cocoon... If you look this good as the pupa in the silk cocoon, imagine your naked butterfly self!)

Sexy pink silk hipster panties.



This pretty silk nightdress is influenced by the styles of the 1920's -- I love the fluttery georgette shoulders & hem as well as the delicate floral embroidery done by hand. So feminine & sweet.

Of Dushku, Marlow & Rumpelstiltskin

The shopping credits on this next photo of Eliza Dushku in Maxim (see parts 1 & 2) include Free People sweater & Catriona Mackechnie lingerie -- the latter of which isn't even a lingerie brand, but a seller of many lingerie lines. :sigh: But if that was frustrating, I couldn't even see where the lingerie ended and the sweater began.



I contacted Free People. Their website's 800 number is really only for assistance with orders -- and decidedly not to place orders of sweater styles worn by Eliza Dushku.

I tried to get the press contact; my telephone operator had no idea what I meant. I asked for the corporate offices; they aren't allowed to give that out (not on her script), so she referred me to the website's contact form. Ugh.

Knowing that Free People is part of the Urban Outfitter's family, I tried the corporate site. I called their Philadelphia, PA number. I explained that I wanted the media or PR person, that I wanted information on a sweater seen in a magazine, but I was told that I could not be connected to anyone without knowing their name.

I can only conclude that, like nearly all the rest of the folks with apparel to peddle, the Urban Outfitters retail family does not want press.

They do not give you access to such a department online. They will not assist you when you go through the effort to call them -- at several numbers. They won't list help, offer help, or help in any way unless you know the names of staff members.

I told this all to the woman who answered the Urban Outfitter's corporate number.

She hung up on me.

I did not swear; I didn't yell or call her names or otherwise behave like a jerk. I was obviously frustrated -- in that mystified "how stupid can a company be" way.

(Tell me, how's that Rumpelstiltskin public relations working for you, Urban Outfitters? Think it will help you meet the demands of today's consumers in today's economic marketplace?)

But I guess I still greatly underestimated how stupid that company can be because I was shocked when she hung up on me.

I mean here I am going to great lengths to help promote their products (something Maxim should have done in the first place), something the manufactures and retailers should be helping me to report (if not announcing it themselves), and I'm being hung up on? Honestly!

It was personal now.

I called back. I asked the same unidentified female voice for Tedford G. Marlow. (He's the "President, Urban Retail" and I figured he'd want to know what sort of cluster-fuck this all had become.)

She wanted to know why; I slowly said that I had a problem with Urban Outfitters retail division and wanted to speak to the president. Silence. I thought she hung up on me again, but instead there was another female voice -- a recorded one. I had been sent to some unknown extension, the recorded message of which said neither anything about Mr. Marlow or what the hell this woman did.

This time I hung up.

Because if I was going to have to tell the story of what had all just happened for like the hundredth time, I wanted to be sure I told it to someone who was going to give a damn.

And I'm guessing that's you, you darling blog reader you.

Oh, and yeah, I'm using every email address and contact form I can to relay this story to parties who should be interested. From investors and board of directors to shoppers and fashion bloggers. The folks who could -- who need to -- do something about such marketing messes and customer service blunders likely won't do anything. They should, but they won't.

So it's up to me -- and I know where I won't be shopping.

On Finding The Lingerie Eliza Dushku Wore In Maxim

The hellish things I do for you.

Since I'm kind enough to both show you the pretty pictures of Eliza Dushku from Maxim and to try to compile better shopping information for you than Maxim provides, you should really thank me.

Like I said, the info on the cover & the photo shared in the earlier post was anything but helpful. Does anyone really think stating "C'N'C Costume National bra" is all that helpful? It's not.

There's absolutely no information at the C'N'C Costume National shopping site regarding lingerie... It's a badly constructed site which makes shopping a pain. No press section or media contact either... I can't even see the other C'N'C site because they rely too much on fancy flash that my PC can't see. And the blogs (both the official company blog and the designer's blog) suck ass.

I tried to move on... I, your loyal lingerie blogger, did my best to call, email & use website contact forms. But I didn't find out much, just able to get in the ballpark with La Perla briefs and Hue thigh-highs.

I don't expect the retailers to know which items were featured in Maxim (though, after spending years in retail myself, I'm betting they would love to know -- it certainly would assist sales!), but where the hell are the lingerie companies themselves? Why are they neither promoting the beautiful Eliza Dushku wearing their goodies in Maxim, nor making contact information available so that you can find out?

Up next, Eliza in Ashley Paige lingerie.



It's certainly beautiful, but I can't find any mention of lingerie on her website at all. (Oh, and warning! There's music embeded on each & every page of her site except the store pages -- you'll need to scroll to the bottom to turn it off if you're sneaking a look-see at work.)

I called and spoke with the delightful Rei at Ashely Paige, who, pending a look here at the photos (which may lead to corrections), says that the company doesn't sell lingerie.


Ashley Paige lingerie did strut down the runway in Fall '08, but apparently the intriguing vintage glam inspired pieces didn't make it to production, let alone retail outlets. Even more confusing then that the tuxedo-esque bra and panty set should show up in not one but two photos of Eliza Dushku in Maxim.

If that's all still a mystery when I had help, well, what's coming next is mind-blowing...

Eliza Dushku Lingerie Shoot In Maxim

In my March 2009 issue of Maxim -- yes, that's right, I'm a Maxim subscriber -- photos from the interview with Eliza Dushku.



I'm going to try to give you what shopping information I can about each of the Dushku photos -- it's not easy to do. (The details of which are to follow in part two, a nightmarish post to be filed under "Ranties".)



Shopping: Eliza wears a black bra by C'N'C Costume National (no lingerie yet found on the website), black La Perla briefs, and black Hue thigh-high stockings.

Interestingly, Maxim gives the same exact limited (lame) credits for the cover lingerie, "C'N'C Costume National bra, La Perla briefs and Hue thigh-highs," even though it's clear that the neither the bra nor panties are the same -- and Dushku obviously is not wearing stockings on the cover.

Stay tuned for parts two & three -- yup, there will be more hot photos!

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright.

In the forest of the night,
What immortal hand or eye.
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?


In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

Black Lace Bra Weakness

Why, why, why is the Betsey Johnson Women's Rebel Rose Bump It Up Bra not made in sizes larger than a D cup?



Yes, I know I need another black lace bra like Superman needs Kryptonite -- but come on, it's black lace roses on my breasts and little tiny bows! How am I not supposed to want it?

I'm not not supposed to, that's how.

But speaking of black lace bras and lingerie Kryptonite...

What is it about impossibly impractical black lace bras and how they make me go weak in the knees -- and weak in the wallet -- to the point that I could wear a different one a day for over a week (10 days, to be exact) and yet I still want more? (For example, the percentage of black bras on my wish list is insanely high -- but don't let that deter you from giving me black bras, like the Felina "Ria" Unlined Lace Demi Bra, as gifts!)



I'm not sure if black lace bras are my ultimate lingerie weakness... I'm apt to go drooling, swooning insane over most of the varying forms of lingerie. But black lacy bras seem to be the easiest lingerie urge to give in to... Is it the lower price (as compared to foundation garments, nighties etc.) or the smaller space they take up? Or is there some sort of chemical put in black lace -- like the addictive chemicals tobacco companies put in cigarettes -- which makes black lace bras like crack?

I can't be the only one with this weakness, can I? You tell me. Leave comments -- and hey, I'm even giving one of those poll thingies a try, so "vote" your answer if you'd like. (Poll is located at the top of the left-hand sidebar.)

Smoking Hot Smoking Jacket

This vintage quilted smoking jacket by Taylor Mode is so sexy! The black and contrasting rose really play up the structured points -- which plays up your curves. You could easily live in this -- as is at home, with some fine tailored trousers out & about... Or maybe just some lovely lingerie and stockings?

Evangeline Lilly's R*Favela Lingerie Raises Funds Along With Self-Esteem & Arousal

Lost star Evangeline Lilly is selling personally selected lingerie to raise money for charity -- 10% of the proceeds go to Task Brazil. Task Brasil supports unfortunate children, teenagers, pregnant girls and their babies in Brazil by providing them with secure housing away from the streets, where they can find comfort, love and affection in a place they can call "home", ensuring that all of their basic needs are met and that they are provided with the necessary tools to go on to lead rich and fulfilling lives. Task Brasil runs Child Sponsorship, Placements and Ecotour programs in support of its projects.

"I'm offering beautiful Brazilian-made lingerie as a fun and enticing way for you too not only invest in yourself, but in the poor and abandoned children of Brazil," Lilly says.



The intimate garments, including antibacterial garments, garters, and tiny babydoll-esque camisoles inaccurately called teddies, are part of her R*Favela Lingerie line which is made in Brazil.



All items purchased through the collaborative effort between Lilly, eBay Giving Works, and Auction Cause include a signed 8"x10" photo of Evangeline Lilly and a thank you letter signed by Evangeline.

The wild pattern "teddy" Lilly is shown wearing is called Secret -- there are matching bra and panties too.

"Wear Sexy Underthings Just For You"

Alessia of Relationship Underarm Stick hates Cosmo (you can keep up with her rants here), so she sent me this scan from the March 2009 issue in which Cosmo goes out on a limb and reports what every reader at A Slip Of A Girl knows: Wearing Sexy Underthings Makes Women Feel Sexier & More Confident.



The insulting icing on the cake? This brilliant discovery was reported in the section called The Single Girl's Bible, which, according to Alessia, actually includes three-step instructions on How To Hang A Picture -- with illustrations!

And There's A Satin Blue Ribbon

But that ribbon is nearly meaningless when you notice the sheer black bodice, the wide black lace, the keyhole back and the grace of bias cut rayon rushing to the floor on this vintage nightgown.

Men Will Make Passes At Pastel Silk Covered Asses

Think spring -- vintage silk bra and tap pants sets pastel blue and sunny yellow.

Mia Ciara In Black Lingerie

More photos of Mia in this gallery -- via Roue Ataraxia.

1940's Queen Of The Boudoir

This stunning vintage dressing gown of purple iridescent taffeta leaves no doubt who is The Queen. (If they don't believe you, swish around the room angrily.)

Vintage Fashion & Vintage Lingerie Myths

Hip-hip Hooray! Jaynie tells the truth about buying vintage fashions -- including defending vintage lingerie! Now go thank her and tell her how wise she is.

Searching My Fingers To The Bone For Handbra

Everyone has sent me a copy of this hand bra photo:


Months of researching has gotten me no closer to its origins, maker, or, as some of us wish, a place to purchase it. For awhile it looked like your options were:

a) to purchase the prank hand bra that's literally full of hot air (there's no way inflatables are holding my girls up)

b) to buy a faux leather faux hand lingerie set

c) tracking down this bra with hand prints embossed inside the bra

or d) befriending an artsy inventor type to make you your own spectacular hand bra (and if we had those, we'd have had the hand bra -- and so much more -- already).

I guess you can say that I'm not easily deterred though... I still kept looking for a pair of manufactured hands to hold your breasts. I'm cool -- and obsessive -- that way. *wink*

But it paid off because look! A Skeleton or Zombie Hand Bra!


The leather bra is shown with this underbust Victorian corset -- and hey, it's available in a greener, creepier claw version too.

Lily Damita in Lingerie

A 1936 Hill "Cinema Celebrities" tobacco card from England featuring Lily Damita in lingerie.

Good (Enough) Lingerie Housekeeping

In the February issue of Good Housekeeping, in a section titled Good (Enough) Housekeeping: Simple Solutions For Smart Living, tips on organizing "underwear, etc."



Page 25 discusses sorting & clearing out your drawers for your drawers and suggests drawer dividers -- specifically Drawer Nooks Dividers and clear Bra Boxes. This reminds me of all the vintage lingerie boxes you can find at thrift stores & garage sales -- while many of those are sized for the smaller drawers of vintage vanity tables, they still can suffice.

On page 26, another style of drawer dividers -- these are spring loaded. (Most irritating that Good Housekeeping only identifies the items in their shopping section on page 118 by 800 number; thank me for searching for you!) "Trouser socks plus nylons and stockings (in snag-preventing zip-seal bags and grouped by color) fill out the drawer."

Personally, I dislike putting stockings in plastic baggies -- not only does it seem so... so... "Eeiiwwww", but sometimes my stockings (and other lingerie items) are a tad damp when I put them away (not by design, but with damp hands from hand washing etc., sometimes I make mistakes) and I prefer to let them breathe.



They also recommend this "bra saver" for washing.

Other advice on this page:

Toss scented drawer liners and sachets whose oils can stain your lingerie. Instead, tuck in an empty bottle of your favorite perfume. Wrap it in a handkerchief to ensure that it doesn't give off anything but a hint of scent.

Note: This is great if you have a single signature scent. If you have several favorite perfumes, as I do, I suggest skipping scenting your scanties -- in the drawer *wink*

Toss worn-out bras. How can you be sure they're done for? Go by fit: You should start hooking the bra on the first (or loosest) hook; then move in as it stretches. If it's loose on the tightest hook -- or if the straps won't stay up and can't be readjusted -- it's time for a replacement. (Got the opposite problem -- a new or gently worn bra you no longer want? Donate it to your local women's shelter.)

More ideas for ridding yourself of unwanted unmentionables is here, here, and here.

Good Housekeeping also says you only need 5 to 7 bras to cover your wardrobe needs and "you really only need enough undies to last between wash days."

As if!

A Real Luleh Of A Sale

At Macy's One Day Sale (today only) you'll find the Luleh "Satin & Lace" Demi Bra on sale for $21.60 and the Boy Thong is just $6!

Flora Nikrooz Sale

Speaking of Flora Nikrooz... GiGi's Closet has Flora Nikrooz on sale! If you aren't familiar with the lingerie line, you should note the classic styling and special details, like the beaded jeweled appliqués at the base of the straps on the pleated cups of the Crystal Charm Gown.




And how about the lovely pink & black Diva Chemise? Certainly swoon-worthy!

Still Pleat-ing With You

Not just about lingerie with pleats, but like my thoughts on vintage bed jackets, why not consider lingerie as day wear options?

Take these two pretty accordion pleated babydolls -- a retro red chiffon accordion pleated babydoll by Vanity Fair and a more modern Flora Nikrooz babydoll with Crystal Pleats and pearls. Wouldn't they be grand paired with pants? You could be ladylike with a matching red & white (respectively) bra and cami set -- or, a la the 80's, wear a contrasting sexy bra beneath them.

An Open Bottom Invitation

A poem I just wrote, inspired by this vintage Charmode all in one girdle:

An Open Bottom Invitation

Modest and chaste,
Powernet & boning ensures everything in its place.

Pink and girlie,
The soft color & curves of sweet femininity.

Little satin threads,
Seemingly aimless they swirl & scroll...

Little satin threads,
Your eyes see a pattern without a reason.

Little satin threads,
Your fingers find a means to touch & trace...

Little satin threads,
Lures to an open bottom secret place.

Whip Me, Pleat Me, Make Me Buy Black Vintage Lingerie

Accordions are funny old instruments to most of us, but accordion pleats? They beg our fingers to play... Check out this vintage Vanity Fair gown with a large sweep of accordion pleats. (I must admit, there's more to admire about this lovely gown than the pleats -- look at the detail work!)






This vintage Vanity Fair gown has more traditional pleating which may require some special effects lighting to really see the pleats -- but the fit (and inquisitive fingertips) proves they exist. Stunning!

Romancing Her Panties

I found these cool 'movie reel' canister tins via Jaynie's Oscar party post -- wouldn't it be a great way to present your leading lady a pair of panties? Yes, yes it would!



(Yes, that's a hint that we love post-holiday gifts too *wink* And you'd do well to remember that.)

The Model

This pretty lithograph of The Model by Raphael Soyer captures the lovely moment of teasing modesty.