Whisper Sweet Little... Stockings!

Hold onto your garters, ladies, because these Gabriella Sheer Stockings sure are something! Ultra sheer 15 denier black Nylon/Lycra stockings with beautiful French lace just below the welts followed by elegant embroidered leaves! The ultimate in ladylike legs, these stocking whisper of festivities to come... To those invited close enough to partake of them, of course *wink*

Of Lingerie, Tattoos, & The British? (And Horrifying Confessions That End In A Challenge)

Hey, remember when I asked you what you thought about tattoos? Well, it seems you, my dear blog readers, are just a big ol' slice of Britain (which some of you are! lol) because even though we are "lingerie fetishists" (remember, that's what folks call us!) and my question related specifically to tattoos and lingerie, the overall response (in comments and emails) was very similar to (perhaps a bit stronger than) the results of a recent British survey: In the Ask Jeeves survey, 47 percent of men stated they find ink on women a turnoff.

I know it's definitely fuzzy math, but if I factor in the responses of women (both in the Jeeves survey and to my post) and the swinging comments of the gender fluid, and then subtract a bit for those defending women's rights to decorate themselves in ink (because to many feminists, the very subtext of the question is rather sexist), I find that we "lingerie fetishists" are just a wee bit less likely to delight in the sight of a woman with tattoos wearing lingerie. ...Does that make us more British?

(As I've previously stated, I have a tat of my own and personally believe in individuals rights to be individual as well as equality between men and women; but I find the concept of beauty, its expectations and norms, interesting. If you're interested in such debate and commentary, you can read the comments there -- and a similar, but older, discussion at AskMen.com.)

Now, when I read about this survey, and considered (admittedly via the aforementioned fuzzy math) the possible implied connections between lingerie lovers and the British, I was once again reminded of how, as an American -- OK, an "Ugly American," even -- that I have some perceptions about the British, especially regarding lingerie and fetishes in general. I've often thought of discussing such things here at A Slip of a Girl, but didn't want to offend anyone -- or seem like I'm forcing others to appear equally ignorant *wink* However...

Now that I'm thigh deep in discussing fetishes at that fashion fetish event, I find myself bumping and grinding up against such notions again. So, here goes...

Now, before I dissolve into the flames of shame (and more!), I'd like to make two things clear:

1. I state that these are perceptions -- and the only thing saving them from being assumptions, which would make an ass out of you and me, is the fact that I know these are "things I think" which probably have no basis at all in reality.

2. I'm sharing this with no ill will -- as a way to start a conversation.

Now I'll go first and confess. *deep breath in, then out* Here goes -

As an American woman, I have the perception that you Brits, male and female, are far more interested in vintage or classical lingerie, such as girdles and garter belts (Oops, I mean suspenders!) than those of us in the US (especially men in the US, who fancy such monstrosities as thongs and going braless).

I doubt anyone has more of a love of shoes than American women (more of a shopping thing than an actual sexual fetish), but I fancy that British men are home of the shoe fetish (and perhaps dream of shopping with shoe-obsessed American women).

I also dreamily operate under the perception that you Brits are more what I call "traditionally kinky," more understanding and tolerant of such things as d/s, power exchanges & spankings.

(If I'm being terribly honest, this means that the combined perceptions fuel quite a number of fantasies of being stripped down to my delicates, placed over a British man's knee, and improperly spanked!)

I know this all is indecent, both in terms of fantasy and stereotypes... But there; now I've confessed.

I have dared to share first, and now I ask that you, dear gentle and kind blog readers, share your perceptions about those of us in the US in terms of lingerie, fetish, and kink.

In fact, I open it up to all countries. And if you'd like to provide actual studies &/or survey data, that's very welcome. As is purely anecdotal evidence and stories about your own country or other countries. So long as there is nothing stated or shared in a malicious or mean manner.

For those of you brave & daring enough, I'd like to challenge you to respond either by commenting or posting at your own blog/website and leaving a link as your comment.

(Those brave enough to share win my admiration and 100 Slip of a Girl Bonus Points, the latter of which may or may not have any actual value *wink*)

Again, this is about sharing, learning, and, OK, perhaps arousing; it is not mean-spirited. (And I will delete offensive, hateful things.) So, are you feeling brave?

What culturally stereotypical notions about lingerie, fetishes and sex do you have?

Images via Eiknarf & S & M = Smoke & Mirrors.

PS My apologies for such a poorly written and hasty post -- I just didn't want to chicken out again *wink*

Vintage Ad For Fetish Custom Corst & Other "Unusual" Items

Via Klaudia's Shoe Fits I found this old ad with a shoe and corset which temptingly offers "Theatrical Shoes: Made to order and anything of leather normal, bizarre, unusual and theatrical styles."

"Take One Before Retiring"

A 1972 print ad for Formfit Rogers lingerie, featuring nightgowns designed by Margit Brandt.

Window Display for Lingerie

Window Display for Lingerie is the title of a 1920s work by Paul Klee which depicts, and therefore helps us to explore, sexual fluidity. You can -- and should -- get the whole fascinating story here, from my friend Silent Porn Star. Oh, how I wish I could see the painting in color!

Calling All Powder-Puff Girls

This vintage powder-puff blue nylon crinoline with white lace charms me with the white floral flocking on the tulle overlay... Crinolines can have that stiff "Keep your distance, Sir!" formality (you know it's true!) but that soft flocking is awfully "Come hither and touch..." isn't it? Smashingly seductive!

You'll Need A Cami For This Vintage Camisole

This vintage nylon Olga camisole is so rich in lace up the front, that you'll need another camisole beneath it. ...Or not, if you're into showing off. I don't presume to know what you like to do *wink*

Can I Get An "Amen!"

In 1962, apparently with some supplemental co-op ad dollars from Penny's for their 60th anniversary, Chemstrand ran this fabulous lingerie ad -- with a pretty cat, no less -- to drive home a point we all know: Nothing but nylon makes you feel so female.

The Forgotten War, Forgotten Lingerie

The seller of this vintage bra and panty set says it was discovered in a US serviceman's Korean War mementos.

Like the similar WWII lingerie, the bra top is embroidered with the words "Sweet... Sour... Don't... Touch" on the cups of the bra. The panties have "Keep Your Pants on Till I Get Home" embroidered on the seat, along with floral design.

Knickers That Knock You To Your Knees

As if sheer black nylon vintage Vanity Fair panties weren't enough to excite, these panties have black lace over glittering metallic gold lamé (or it could be guimpé; I cannot see the threads to be certain). Now isn't that glamorous? Such fancy pants make me too weak to stand.


The seller calls them "boy cut," by which I believe they mean the rather squared leg appearance; but these are completely charming authentic vintage full-cut hi-rise panties, complete with a devastatingly sheer scoop of sheer black nylon over the backside.


The seller also says:

These are not marked by a Schiaperelli tag, but are made with the distinctive Schiaperelli lace design, and have the same chiffon tag as she uses.

The Wonderful Thing About Crinolines, Is That Crinolines Are Wonderful Things!

Their tops are made out of tulle
Their bottoms are made out of springs
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!
But the most wonderful thing about crinolines
Is the wearing of one!

The wonderful thing about crinolines
Is crinolines are wonderful for chaps
They load men with vim and with vigor
When they land in their laps
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN
But the most wonderful thing about crinolines
Is there's always another one!

Crionlines are wonderful fellahs.
Crinolines are awfully sweet.
Everyone elses is jealous,
And that's why I repeat...

The wonderful thing about crinolines
Are crinolines are wonderful things
Their tops are made out of tulle
Their bottoms are made out of springs
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!
But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers
Is the wearing of one.
Yes, and sharing one.
(GRRrrrrrr...)

***

While this little ode to crinolines -- especially vintage varieties -- is obviously a play on Tigger's Song, by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, this little lingerie parody is written by me; so if you share of copy, please credit me!

Image credits: Vintage dusty rose nylon lace ruffled crinoline slip; sexy netted and black lace vintage crinoline; vintage hot pink and white lace ruffle crinoline petticoat slip (in XL 2XL!).

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

Then comes (we'll call her "Mary") in a baby carriage.


Vintage lingerie model in baby carriage photo via The Smoochy World of Mrs. Muddle; found via S & M = Smoke & Mirrors, where I find lots of cool things.

An Open Letter To "Lingerie Designer" Geren Lockhart Regarding Her Frankenstein-Monster Underpants

Dear Geren Lockhart, Founder and Creative Director of Geren Ford,

Please stop murdering lingerie.

While I'll admit I know next to nothing about you or your line, I was appalled to see your "Hawks by Geren Ford Flutter Brief" at UrbanOutfitters.

You've taken a lovely bit of lingerie, the tap pant, and turned it into some boxy, baggy, polyester short. Seriously; it's not as lovely as those jogging shorts we wore in the 70s. The rigid geometrically squared shape of those, at least, had the indecency to show exactly how not-square the female human hips and behind are. True, women may have looked a bit like sausages stuffed into those shorts, but, much like women in the 70's wearing men's vests, the whole point was to show how curvy and female you were. But you, with these "flutter briefs," you've intentionally gone and pegged the round female form into a far-too-voluminous square-hole of baggy underpants.

In fact, the only way your "briefs" are indeed brief in any way, shape or form, is in the lack of fabric running north and south. I realize, to my continued dismay, that the rise of low-rise jeans meant placing high-rise panties and other lingerie pieces on life support -- but what on earth possessed you into thinking women wanted anything to do with baggy boxer shorts left sagging -- not fluttering -- around their hips as they, in their attempts to stretch the least amount of elastic, ether threaten to fall off or, far worse, ride painfully up their crotches?

These things are an abomination. They are unflattering and uncomfortable; neither suitable for wearing beneath clothes by day or to sleep in by night.

You should apologize -- immediately and publicly -- for such horrors. And you ought to reconsider your career, if only to recommit to the idea of intimate apparel for women.

Sincerely,
Slip of a Girl

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Make frothy, sweet, nylon and chiffon layers of lingerie lemonade! Mary Barron did once, with this vintage babydoll and matching panties set. Yummy, yummy, yummy!

The Bride Wore Rhinestones

She knew she'd need to dazzle with something other than her sparkling wit on her wedding night, so she wore this Van Raalte Sheerio nightgown in bridal white nylon with rhinestones placed on the sheer white chiffon. (There's lessons there for many married women too lol)

Bluebirds Of Happiness On Your Underpants

Tweet Sweet vintage full-cut panties of pink nylon with a pair of bluebirds appliqued above the leg opening. Is my heart fluttering -- or is that just the bird wings?

Lingerie As A Prop

I get that film and photography are businesses, but, still, it makes me sad to see lingerie reduced to just a prop as opposed to being adored for what it is... *sigh* Anyway, here's another vintage example; this time two photos showing different ladies posing at different sittings, each wearing the same fancy black slip.



(OK, it could be a nightgown; but with the stockings and shoes, it seems more link lounging attire to me.)

Can you imagine how the young women posing would have felt? Certainly the discovery that you and lord-knows-how-many-others wore the same slinky lingerie to be photographed would be worse than wearing the same dress to the same event!

Images via Femina at LJ.

PS It might be the same shiny satin bed linens too -- and heavens! Why didn't anyone steam the satin boudoir drapes?!

Want To Get Boned By Vintage Saks?

It's unfortunate that the seller of this vintage boned corset girdle from Saks Fifth Avenue didn't take better/larger photographs... Or spell Saks correctly. But the lingerie is too pretty not to show off. It's a pretty pink silk chiffon with pointed black lace strips which hang like flapper fringes from the hem, slightly concealing the garters. Yummy! (PS If you're interested, you'll find info on dating vintage Saks labels here.)

How About A Refreshing Tangelo?

This vintage babydoll set with matching ruffled leg bubble panties makes my mouth water! If you were wearing it, I'm sure somebody would squeeze you *wink*

Vintage Lingerie Figurine Makes My Heart Sing!

Made in Japan and cute as can be!

I've Got The Ana Beatriz Barros Blues

I wish I knew where Ana Beatriz Barros shopped -- or at least that the photos I find of her were properly credited, including shopping information. (I'm note even sure if these are bra and panty sets or swimsuits?) Since I know more about yesteryear's fashions, models and magazines, if you know anything, please, help a girl out.

Rrrrita Grrrable

I mean, Rita Grable *wink*

More Praise For Big Butts

Nike promotes celebrating big butts too.

Golden Vintage Harvest (Don't Let It Slip Away!)

Now wouldn't this vintage two-tone Vanity Fair full slip be pretty to wear as a dress to a late August/early autumn wedding or other special occasion?

Elaine Reynolds

Elaine Reynolds in pretty sheer (and I mean that as in it's both really sheer and real pretty!) peignoir; via RETrOZONe.

Joan Crawford Flashes Her Bra

Miss Fussypants says, "Is it just me, or does she have Bette Davis tits?" LOL (I have no idea which movie this is... Anyone else know?)

Suzy Shane

Sexy Lingerie Starting At $12 Is Real At Secret Moments

In case you've heard the rumors of SecretMoments.com and their lingerie starting at just $12, it's true! While most of the items at (or even lower) than $12 are panties, it's worth checking out. I asked Sophia Hangs of Secret Moments to talk about the online lingerie store and it's philosophy:

Though we live in a business world all concerned with making money, there are still some spots in this planet where not all is business but a passion and an understand on the customer needs.
Though it is optional to extra importance to the customer needs, the professionals at SecretMoments.com understand that a business of Intimate Apparel needs extra care of the customer needs.

“Intimate Apparel business shouldn’t be considered as just all other business you have out there. This is not all about selling stuff and making a huge sum of money. This is all about giving total importance to the ultimate care of the customer’s Secret Moments. We understand the needs of Intimate Apparel and all our products such as the Plus Size Lingerie, Underwear, G-strings etc reflect our understanding and the customer satisfaction” according Sophia.


Sophia added that, “The Intimate Apparel is what makes every woman in this world attractive than ever before. As you know, there are many different types of Sexy Lingerie to choose from and the perfect choice can be made only if you understand your body shape. In fact that is the reason why there are options called Plus Size Lingerie. The perfect choice can be made with expert advice too and we will happily provide advice to our customers if needed as well.”

Speaking about the affordable pricing of all the Lingerie available at SecretMoments.com, Sophia said, “All our products are very sensibly priced. We don’t want to restrict being looking sexy in the sexy lingerie only to the women with a huge wallet. In fact looking good has nothing to do with the wallet does it? As you see, we have Sexy Lingerie ate prices starting from $12”

Sophia had a special discount that she wanted to highlight. “Despites the cheapest pricing, we are also offering a 50% discount on all the products available in our shelves this season”. Secret Moments is generous enough to make this discount applicable for even the new items featured in the “On Sale” section. On the move, Sophia had to say, “If you are looking for Intimate Apparel that can make your special moments really SPECIAL MOMENTS, where else can you go? We know how to make real special moments with Intimate Apparel and we have been with it all these years.”

Naughty Vintage Stocking Postcards

Antique postcards with risque themes -- and stockings! -- from Globalhistory Postcards.

You're "Sheer" To Go "Dotty" For This Panty Sale

Via my Shop It To Me Sale Mail alert, news that Bloomies has Betsey Johnson's sheer Helenca Dot bikini panties on sale for just $6.30 each!

Your Boyfriend's Face On Your Stockings

This may not be exactly what you were dreaming of when you read this post's title, but it's still pretty frickin' awesome!


I've heard that in the 1920's it was popular for Flappers to wear stockings adorned with pictures & designs -- including images of their boyfriends and even crossword puzzles -- but this is the first documented photo I've seen. This vintage photograph is from Decades of Fashion, by Harriet Worsley, who also shares the following information:

A Baltimore girl wears her boyfriend's photograph on her stockings. As hemlines rose, attention was focused on stockings and shoe fashions. Ribbed and patterned stockings were fashionable, such as checked tights for sports, and stockings were made out of cotton, wool, silk or rayon. Patterned legs would be popular again, but not until they accompanied mini-skirts in the Sixties.

With today's technology, it's a wonder we aren't offered options to personalize our hosiery...

See also: stockings by Tattoo Socks.

Another Retro Van Raalte Teddy

This Van Raalte teddy is straight out of the 1980's. That might confuse those of you who recall (and are once again being sold on) the "trashier" punk-esque looks of the 80's. But you must remember that there was also, on the other side of the fashion pendulum, a return to ultra feminine fashions, such as Laura Ashley etc.

While I did not myself wear the ultra femme and frilly fashions, I did quite enjoy the rich offerings in ladylike lingerie for lounging, sleeping and playing in... There was then such a luxurious feast of teddies, tap pants and camisoles. *dreamy sigh* I hope that with this 80s re-do, we'll find more of such things too.

Get Your Stockings Ready To Rhumba!

With this vintage garter belt of ruched sheer chiffon nylon lace. Each of the four metal garters is backed in sheer chiffon for your comfort -- and less snag on your panties.