Me Cave Woman

This vintage faux fur nightgown by Henson Kickernick has open sides to look like a fur pelt (no comment on the status of the view of your pelt). It may seem rather costume-y, but role play is fun and you probably won't need to club your mate and drag him off by his hair to get him into your den. Unless he's into that sort of thing.

Bond-Eye Swimwear: Lingerie Shapewear For The Beach

Bond-Eye Swimwear offers up to a cup size F in most of their bikini tops and tankinis, including styles with underwires, for great support and shape on the beach. Shown here: Tangier Black Shape Enhancement Bikini Top and the curve-flattering Tangier Black Shape Enhancement One Side Tie Bikini Bottom.

Free Cacique Panty, Anyone?

Get a free Cacique panty from Lane Bryant when you fill out this quick form. The printable coupon expires 5/3/10. (If you don't have a store near you, you can get a discount shopping online.)

Jayne Mansfield Loved Links

I love links, don't you too? Here, let me thrill you with links you're bound to love!

OMG, hungry kitty retro bikini panties!

Via kissmedeadlier @Twitter, news that Hepburn and Leigh has free postage worldwide -- and that Ayten Gasson has sale items at 75% off!

Page through Frederick's Of Hollywood history.

Gonna be in Minneapolis tomorrow night? Plus-size model Ashley Graham, star of a controversial new Lane Bryant lingerie ad I mentioned (but which frankufotos did a better job discussing), will appear at Mall of America on Thursday night for the re-opening of a redesigned Lane Bryant store. Graham and two other Lane Bryant models, Tonya Pittman and Lizzie Miller, will mingle with shoppers from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tonight's Quick Lingerie Inspirational

Lingerie takes you places.


Good heavens, even the runs in the stockings are sexy!

Vintage Sheer Turquoise Peignoir With A Chiffon Rosette Clasp

If you believe that turquoise is the color of the year, then you'll want to snap up this baby! (Even non-believers want this!)

A Hem That Piques Interest

The hem on this vintage nylon half-slip is quite delectable! (And, yes, I'm using the word "pique" correctly.)

Panties Or Ranties? It's A Trick Question; You Might Not Be Able To See The Answer For The Trees

I'm a big believer in the science of color. And of course I love a good lingerie story, so I enjoyed this bit from the April 15 episode of The Tyra Show, "Mexican ladies have a very interesting New Year's Day tradition; they buy a new pair of underwear in a specific color to represent what kind of year they'd like to have. Red, symbolizing love, has been the frontrunner for years, but was beaten this year by yellow, which is said to represent money."

And then Tyra asked an all-important lingerie question: What's the Best Color Panty to Wear So That One Can Get Laid?

Tyra made the question even easier to answer by breaking the subject down to just three possibilities, Black, Red, or White, for her expert, Andrew Trees. According to Trees (who I'm not sure is really an expert on color, or anything else, as we shall see), the answer is "White."

According to Trees, Black can be "too depressing," Red can be associated with "emergencies" (which made Tyra giggle & do an eyebrow wiggle -- but I don't want a rushed lover, thankyouverymuch), but White, "despite it's association with youth and purity" is associated with love-making and is "non-threatening."

Um, first of all, Trees, the correct answer is: Any panty a romantic partner is lucky enough to see a woman wearing is indeed the best colored panty to get laid; providing she says, 'Yes.'

Does anyone think that a sexually mature guy or girl rejects a lay based on the color of panties?

*snort*

Dear Mr. Trees, if you or anyone else is intimidated, depressed, triggered into an anxiety attack over the emotional "emergency" urgency, or otherwise deterred from fornication based on the color of lingerie, well, they should seek some professional help. Seriously. And it would probably be best if they told their sexual partner that they have such strong irrational reactions to colors, lest a girl's bra strap slides into view.

I can understand intimidation, premature ejaculation, and the like based on seeing a woman in her intimate apparel (it's happened to me, and I've been most understanding); but to be motivated to sexual rejection based on the color of panties is more than absurd. If you were any sort of a professional or expert, you'd know that. Sheesh.

If you think I think Trees is a weeny, you might want to check out some of the other stupid stuff he says and how other's feel about him. This guy's starting to make Steve Ward look smart -- still horribly misogynistic, yes, but smarter than Trees.

Now, ladies & gents, go forth and enjoy panties in all colors of the rainbow.

Image credits: Photos of Jasmine ruffled side-tie panties by Corsetry by Angela Friedman -- and since they are custom made, you can order them in any color of silk charmeuse you'd like!

Make It A Lingerie Mother's Day With Julianna Rae!

It's been over 3 years since I mentioned the lingerie of Julianna Rae, and that's a shame because it's lovely, luxurious lingerie -- and practical too, because these are pieces women can really wear. In fact, Julianna Rae is my top pick for gifts for mom this Mother's Day -- and that was before I knew that Julianna Rae is currently offering free shipping and complimentary gift-wrapping for Mother's Day presents!

I wholeheartedly recommend the ultra feminine cami and tap pant sets -- practical enough for "underwear," and sweet enough to sleep (and seduce) in.



Also, mom probably needs a pretty new robe. It's the sort of luxury thing we just don't spend money on ourselves... Even if our current one is probably pretty wash-worn and grungy! (If we got a new one at Christmas, it's probably too warm for spring and summer.) And don't worry if a robe seems too practical and therefore as forbidden as the gift of a toaster; robes from Julianna Rae are sumptuous and epicurean, making them perfect gifts.



Need more suggestions? Check out Julianna Rae's gift guide.

Don't forget the free shipping and complimentary gift-wrapping for Mother's Day!

Sometimes Blue On Black Does Mean A Thing

Hey, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, check out this vintage Louis Jean Model nightgown. It's a glamorous study of contrasts, with scalloped black lace bodice over two layers of cool blue topaz nylon (sheer chiffon over slinky opaque).

Maidenform History Lesson

Did you know that the red-lined silver cape used in the Maidenform Ultimate Push Up bra photo is the very same cape used in the 1961 "I Dreamed I was a Knockout" ad? I know because Maidenform tells me so. See more of the famous "I Dreamed" vintage ad series.

It May Be A Vintage Half-Slip, But It's Full Of Slippity-Do-Da!

This black vintage half-slip has a control top and pleated sheer skirting to play peek-a-boo with the built-in black garters.

Vintage Panels Of Floral Lace

A very sheer black peignoir over a black nightgown with peek-a-boo panels of black lace -- yummy!

Michelle Phillips, Smoking Hot In Peignoir

These Panties Quack Me Up!

Quack Back some encouragement to your gal pals with customized duck panties! Each duck panty comes with the Zivah the duck who has "just the right amount of cuteness and spunk to make every woman smile" delivering your selected phrase, such as "Celebrate, "Knock Em Dead," "Splosh On," and my favorite, "No Peep Shows" -- a get well greeting for those going into the hospital.



Cheaper than flowers, less calories than candy and more fun than a card, the panties sell for under $20.

The Thrill Of Shoping eBay's New Fashion Portal

A couple of weeks ago, eBay launched it's new fashion portal, seen as the new Fashion tab in the main site navigation. I mention this in case you, like I, nearly missed it. I usually enter the mega marketplace via Women's Vintage Clothing, Lingerie search to begin scroll-shopping by subcategory and specific searches, but there are some super exciting things about the new Fashion area which may change some of my online shopping habits.

First of all, vintage fashions are included; use the "see all" option, and vintage will be shown along with women, men, kids, baby, and brand offerings. Sure, I prefer vintage, but mixing modern with vintage is especially helpful when you need a bra in your size, a specific (and perhaps hard-to-find) color or item.

Second, whichever category, subcategory you choose, whatever search you preform, you'll now have several options in viewing your results. You can shop as you always have via the classic rows, or use the image gallery or snapshot views. The snapshot view, like traditional window shopping, is purely visual experience (mousing over the images gives you a larger view and some more details).


In gallery view, when you find an item you like, you can click on "Quick View" for a pop-up bit of information, including a bit larger image, additional auction or buying information, and an amazing "More Like This" link.



When you click that amazing "More Like This" link, you'll be taken to automatic search results -- results obtained by using the visual characteristics of the images to find items that are similar in color, shape or pattern. Here's an example using a pair of sheer black vintage Van Raalte panties:



This may not be completely spot-on (hey, it's it Beta!), but it's remarkable! (And incredibly addictive to play with; wallet and heartstrings, beware!)

Somehow, via the magic of pixel and data mining sciences (or whatever it is - Merlin's mind, maybe?), you end up capturing an essence... A mood. And that's largely what browsing and window shopping in real stores offer. This aspect of shopping, of the visual meandering browsing experience as opposed to organized searching by keywords, has been greatly been missing from online shopping -- until now.

Kudos to you, eBay, for bringing more of the joy of browsing to shopping online. 'Cuz sometimes a girl isn't sure what she wants, but she knows it when she sees it!

Slinky Silk For Ladies Who Love Real Vintage Lingerie

This ecru silk gown from the 1940s has lace, a hip pocket, and ties in the back but it's those wide shoulder ribbons that really capture my romantic fantasies.

$3 Corsets?!

OK, so your 3 bucks will only get you iron-on corset appliques -- but you can still wear them. And pretty much anywhere too.

High-Five Friday, Lingerie News & Views Edition

1. You probably heard about the BIG problem with the latest Cacique lingerie (Lane Bryant) ad, but the story continues... You can start here and follow the update links for the latest details -- and then determine for yourself if selling "Plus" is as much of a minus as being average size and being called "Plus."

2. At Bobbins & Bombshells, Karen shares the retro looks found in the March issue of Russian Vogue -- yes, there's lingerie!

3. You know that I don't like whale tail sightings -- or worse yet, actual butt crack. And you know that I'd advise wearing full cut panties, or bikini styles, with some properly fitting jeans. Butt But now there's the "Backtacular". (Via Racked.)

4. I'm not sure if this next bit of lingerie news is better or worse than butt crack patches... A Japanese lingerie firm, Wacoal, wants women to "emancipate" themselves from their panties -- not to sniff them (this time), but to have women wear "fundoshi" instead. And what's "fundoshi," you ask? It's the Japanese word for loincloth. If you're curious, you can read about it here.

5. Preaching to the choir, I know, but I would be remiss if I didn't point out Queens of Vintage's vintage lingerie guide. This is my favorite part -- a quote from Denise Whitely, of Pink Girl Vintage Lingerie on the adoration of vintage lingerie:

To the savvy vintage enthusiast this is an easy one; vintage lingerie means glamour, high-quality and attention to fine details! Ladies used to purchase lingerie in boxed packaging, gently wrapped in tissue paper with the manufacturers guarantee that they'd be delighted with their products.

If you ask your grandma, she'll tell you how she hand-washed her stockings and returned them to the original box every time. Vintage is made to last; I have pieces in my store that are over 50 years old and look brand new. Today's lingerie is mass produced so that it is really nearly disposable.

Nearly disposable indeed.

Yet it's still better than butt-crack patches and loincloths.

Have high-fives to give? Find out how to give your High-Five Fridays here!

Hearts & Flowers

A fresh & flirty vintage read & white garter belt -- and guess what? It's cotton!

Get Up At Dawn

Dawn, Sophia Dawn. Like James Bond, she specializes in undercover work *wink*



Vintage German postcard via Truus, Bob & Jan too!

Marilyn Monroe Blues

If you, like I, were disappointed when Warner's (Warnaco) discontinued their Marilyn Monroe line of lingerie, here's your chance to snap-up one of the stunning blue flocked nightgowns.

Purrrrrr

This sexy nightgown from the 70's features slinky leopard print nylon with sheer peek-a-boo "cut outs."

Sheer Dilemma

These vintage full cut panties are so sheer that it begs the question, muff or buff? Even a thin landing strip is gonna be mighty visible beneath such light colored sheer chiffon...


Notice the lace trimmed leg openings with a tiny blue rose too!

A Floral Slip That Smiles Back At You

This vintage half-slip has golden yellow flowers -- with smiling faces on them! You might be tempted to call these golden smiling flowers marigolds, but I think they are pansies *wink*

Dreamy Nylon Sighs 'Round My Thighs

Lovingly dreaming of the sheer nylon chiffon wisps ruffled around the legs of these vintage powder blue panties by Luxite.

A Green Lingerie Debate Just In Time For Earth Day

Organic Planet designer Tiffany Tassano on being environmentally kind:

All of your old clothing can have a second life (with the exception of your underwear, please). You just need scissors, needle, thread, and some imagination or you can let OrganicPlanet do the work for you. However, if you want to purchase something new, look for renewable and organic materials, like cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo.

All clothing can be recycled or re-purposed except for lingerie?! *snort* I don't think so...

I cherry-picked this quote, keeping it from the eco-friendly tips from Project Ethos artists and fashion designers post to make this one, because it pertains to lingerie & a debate Shelley (of Sweet Cherry Vintage Lingerie) & I were recently having.

Shelley felt that even simply dying vintage slips is undesirable -- a sin, even -- but I've seen too many imperfect pieces and even bland pieces (like generic white slips) that would benefit from embellishment and even being turned into other things entirely. Sometimes it's the only way they will be adopted (sell).

Eventually Shelley conceded that there were indeed cases in which vintage lingerie could be dyed, altered, up-cycled, etc., but the point still merits discussion.

I'm not trying to pick on Shelley or Tiffany or anyone else; but I have to say something.

Many people think of vintage lingerie as just "used underwear"; we know better. Buying vintage is good for many reasons. But we have to balance our lust for preserving the past with the need to preserve the future. And it's better to recycle vintage lingerie, to salvage what is already here and make it desirable, than it is to send literally tons of vintage pieces to landfills.

Whew! I feel better getting that off my chest. (I'm as passionate about our planet as I am about lingerie; after all, you the need the former to collect the latter!)

The "Baby, Oh, Baby!" Vintage Babydoll Peignoir Set

Sheer white chiffon and black lace vintage babydoll peignoir set made by Linda Lingerie in the 1960s.

Sunny Day, Chasing The Clouds Away

It would be difficult to be in a bad mood wearing multiple layers of nylon chiffon -- but when it's this vintage yellow popcorn chiffon peignoir set by Mistee, it would be nearly impossible!

Morning Wood

Natalie Wood, that is. In a very pretty peignoir. *dreamy sighs* It's enough to make you want to go back to bed, isn't it. (One way or another *giggle*)




Vintage German postcard via Truus, Bob & Jan too!; found via the new & improved Kitschy Kistchy Coo 4.0.

Pretty Lace Accents, All In A Row

Pretty ivory fitted bloomers by Project Ethos designer Eleonore Santos of Garden Party Clothing. Maybe you'll see these pretty panties at the event tonight?

(The designer shared her thoughts on wearable fashions in my group interview of six Project Ethos fashion designers -- maybe you'd like to check that out too.)

An Interview With Stacie May Fashion Designer Stacie Taylor

As promised, an exclusive interview with one of the fashion designers participating in the April 22, 2010 red carpet Project Ethos event, Ms. Stacie Taylor!

Stacie Taylor is the San Diego based independent designer behind Stacie May. Her timeless fashions are inspired in part by her appreciation of the past; not just vintage fashions, but antique and vintage collectibles and art too. Stacie's got a flair for experimentation with fabrics, and a way of making cuts that compliment curves, so I was excited to ask her some questions.

Hi Stacie, I'm a lover of vintage style, and have been so for years, so I understand the appeal of it -- the details, tailoring, etc. But can you attempt to explain how vintage inspires you and how you balance that as a designer creating new fashions, not copying old ones?

It is my belief that all designers are inspired by vintage design in some way or another. Some use the inspiration in a more evident way and for some it's not as obvious. What I like to do is use certain features and details of vintage styles and incorporate them into my pieces in a more modern way or sometimes it's that the style is more modern but the fabrics are more vintage.

There are very few things in fashion that don't already exist. It's only how they are utilized, applied, and manipulated that is inventive.

I totally agree!

I see a lot of the 60s in many of your creations, especially the mod patterns; and the 70s in the "hanky hem" angles. Is that the period or decades you are most enamored with? Or is that just what inspired the latest collection? (Any tips on what to expect next in terms of future collections and their inspiration?)

There is definitely a good amount of 60's and 70's influence in the Stacie May collection with touches of other decades. I tend to like a lot of the flattering cuts such as the a-line cut for skirts and dresses and wide leg pants which are directly related to those two decades. I am, however, truly inspired by all decades of fashion.

One of my pieces, the Audrey May, though heavily Twenties-inspired, has sleeves that take you all the way back to the Renaissance Period!


As the new collection evolves, there are clearly hints of 60's and 70's influenced pieces as well as some 50's, with fuller skirts and smaller waists. There will also be a touch of some 80's as I bring back a new version one of my personal favorites from childhood, the satin roller skating jacket!

Obviously, as a lingerie blogger, I'm a believer that foundation garments are the true foundation of fashion. As a designer -- and a woman -- do you agree? If so, which foundation garment do you believe is most invaluable?

Any foundation garment that makes the wearer feel pretty is most valuable. Whether it be a lacy bra, sexy bustier, fancy panties, or even Spanks! Whatever makes a woman feel good wearing it is priceless in my book.

Currently there's no lingerie in the Stacie May collection -- any plans for foundation garments or sleepwear in the future?

I'm often asked that, I think because some of my pieces have a very feminine style that is reminiscent of lingerie. I would definitely not be opposed to the idea of a possible future lingerie line.

There are actually a few pieces in the current Stacie May collection that sort of teeter on the edge of being such. The Sharon May and the Reversible Robe Jacket have both been suggested as possible loungewear pieces.




The Tracy May is made of a wonderful soft knit fabric that actually feels like you are wearing sleepwear.



I really like that your clothing can be worn -- it's not impractical stuff you "covet and closet." While your shop offers what most of us would call the standard retail rack sizes, not "plus sizes," you do offer custom sizing. Do you design with the average woman in mind, both in terms of livable clothing and sizing, as opposed to art you hang on a hanger?

I do try to design with the average woman in mind, such as myself, while still achieving a unique and creative look. It's been somewhat challenging to do so in a bit more casual town such as San Diego having a design style that's a little on the dressier side. My next collection will incorporate many more separates and everyday pieces as well as elegant dresses so that SD and all women don't feel like they necessarily need a specific occasion to wear one of my pieces. I offer custom sizing because not all women have the exact proportions of standard sizes. There is nothing I love more than to make a piece that's custom to a specific woman's measurements.

What's most thrilling for you as a participant in the Project Ethos event?

Honestly, the most thrilling part of participating with Project Ethos aside from the excitement of the show itself, has been the refreshing feeling that the PE team genuinely cares about promoting designers, artists and musicians. They have shown that they will do everything they can to help that along with the only motivation being that everyone involved is successful! With Team Ethos, I have felt like I have been adopted into a new family.

Thanks, Stacie, and good luck!

If you'd like to adopt pieces in the Stacie May collection, go to www.staciemay.com to purchase &/or to sign up for the mailing list to receive updates on the latest news (like news of future lingerie pieces, maybe?) -- I did!

PS Etsy fans, the designer also has an Etsy shop.