Vintage Ro Vel For Modern Romance

Vintage Ro Vel lingerie set -- a red chiffon babydoll nightie and panties, trimmed n black lace, and a short black lace tease of a robe.

Please Excuse The Dust

As you probably noticed, I'm doing some cleaning and sprucing-up around the blog.  Let me know if you can't find anything *wink*

"Why Don't They Make Them Like That Anymore?"

It's a lament I've made quite often here. A question asked a lot of me; most recently by Greg.

His question was specifically regarding why bras are no longer built into full slips, but my answer addresses more than that. My answer addresses why bras are no longer built-in to all-in-one girdles and other lingerie pieces -- why a lot of contemporary lingerie just plain doesn't quite fit right.


The simple answer is because lingerie manufacturers are cheap.  It's easier to make less-constructed garments. Not making a true B cup or a 36 band, but making a "hammock" to sorta-kinda sling a breast in is cheaper than going for the fit of a band and a cup.

(This is also why we lost many of the quality touches we adore in vintage lingerie pieces, such as pillow-tabs; properly finished gusset seams -- seams of any kind, really; lace inserts and fine appliques rather than the slapped on lace of today -- just to name a few! This is also why we have so many chemises instead of slips and nighties with waistlines. Oh, I really could go on-and-on-and-on!)

Making a garment that (supposedly) fits more than one size also makes it easier for retailers to stock, inventory, merchandise and sell it. In other words, because lingerie retailers are cheap.

Remember, for the most part, we no longer have the true department stores, or even boutiques, with fitting experts. It's not merely a cost-cutting savings in employees (you need less of them and clerks only need to be trained on the registers, not the merchandise), but fitting rooms are a waste of retail floor space.

It's cheaper to have the customer guess if they are a "M" or "XL" etc., and have it cover them as opposed to fit them, than it is to have them use store service to find an item with a proper fit. (And you wonder why women don't know what their true bra size is!)

Even keeping track of and neatly presenting Small, Medium, Large, etc. is enough work; they don't want to bother with organizing all of the racks by band and cup size.

I know that many retailers, lingerie designers, etc., are going to argue that we no longer need true foundation garments; today's fashion no longer requires or even desires such tailored, fitted looks. But isn't it interesting to think how the popularity of New Look fashions were fueled by the ability to mass market fashions, and how now fashion has become so diluted, and frankly sloppy, by focusing on mass marketing at the expense of fit?

The 1960's ushered in this era. Not only the swinging bra-less hippies and the modern woman who found her panties built-in to her pantyhose, but the forced consumption of cheap crap designed to be temporary. "Plastics" may have been the magical word of the future, but that was because corporations knew they could manipulate Americans into buying something only intended to last today; tomorrow consumers could go buy another one. Flip through the pages of any vintage magazines and catalogs in the 60s and watch how words like "quality" and "superior value" disappear (along with "made in America"). And by the 70s, it was becoming a price-point war; a war nobody wins. Least of all quality constructed garments to fit specific sizes.

I ranted about some of this (in more general terms) at the end of the last part of the recent lingerie blogger series, and I may have to get into some of this in more detail about it again -- because designers, manufacturers, and retailers just aren't getting it.

It's a shame, because there are many of us who would pay for properly sized foundation garments and quality lingerie. We'd love to be able to buy our full-slips, all-in-ones, basques, bustiers, with real bra support. Just like my grandma did. We'd also like to buy nightgowns that fit because they had waistlines, panties with properly seamed leg openings, etc. etc. etc. So keep writing your favorite lingerie designers, your favorite intimate apparel brands and retailers! We might just win yet!

Image Credits: Unknown model wearing Agent Provocateur's Love Basque. Yes, it has actual bra sizes!

You Ask Questions; I Try To Address Them

Sooner or later, anyway.  (My intentions are greater than my available time, but I honestly try to get to them all!)


Kim asks, "You mention that you collect vintage lingerie, but, unless I've missed it, you don't seem to show off any of your collection here... Why is that?"

That's a good question, actually. There are several reasons for it...

I'm a collector with very shallow pockets, so I have a very inexpensive collection. It's quite large, though. I began collecting vintage lingerie when I was quite young; not as young as I was when I began collecting rhinestone and costume jewelry (I began collecting that as a little kid in the late 60's and 70's, so by the time I was hitting the clubs in the 80's, I had the best accessories selection of anyone -- and was quite envied / hated for it). But obviously, a kid isn't exactly encouraged to buy used underwear, so I didn't begin collecting lingerie until I was in my 20's.

Anyway, even though I've amassed quite a collection, I don't feel I have many show stoppers.Which is kinda silly on my part; I'm always thrilled to see what others have, and tell them not to be embarrassed that not every piece is the rarest museum piece.  So why am allowing myself to feel that way?  Who knows.


But this brings up another reason why I haven't shown off my vintage lingerie collection -- a more practical reason.

Taking photos -- good looking photos -- of the items has eluded me. I need a better digital camera, and a mannequin to show the pieces off better. (If you want to help, please hit the donation button!) Once I get a good digital camera and a mannequin -- and some picture-taking practice in, I promise to share some pieces from my collection.

Bouquets Of Calla Lilies

A dramatic yet ladylike buttery cream satin vintage robe by Odette Barsa with has lovely calla lilies appliqued on the sleeves.

Keyhole Cameo Of Lace

A simply elegant ivory vintage Vanity Fair full-slip with ecru lace accents.

A Dozen Red Roses

There's at least one dozen roses on these vintage full-cut nylon Van Raalte panties!

Underpant Art

A pair of knitted human hair underthings by Helen Pynor. (I am doing my best to avoid all pubic hair puns! lol)

Maria Montez Lounges In Leopard Print & Satin

Refinery29's Insider Deal With Ten Undies

I was given the scoop on Refinery29's insider deal with TEN undies:

Pick out your favorite pair of TENs online—in black, white, red, blue, or a fab neon yellow—and we’ll throw in an extra white pair and shipping, gratis. It’s an $80 value, but you’ll only pay $40. There are only 75 vouchers available, and only one voucher available per customer, so click quickly!

The Reserve deal is live till February 2nd - however, it is a limited dealio, so if you're interested in saving on TEN Undies, you'd better go now!

My Steampunk Valentine

Steampunk corset and short cage hoop skirt by The House of Canney.

Vintage Theatrical Wedding

You know what they say, "It's not crossdressing if it's the theatre." *wink* Wedding tableau, circa 1930, Sydney.

Make Her Your Sophisticated Valentine

Antique Lace Border Lounge Dress, Serenghetti LoungeDress, and Animal-Lace Print Maxi Dress, all by In Bloom by Jonquil.

It'll Make You Love Pantyhose

Not to mention the bra and the waist cincher! French Frills magazine, 1961.

"I Think" Links

I'm going a bit judgmental & bossy with this link round-up. *wink*

I think you have some time to spend watching vintage lingerie in vintage films.

I think this is how you'd really make edible lingerie.

I think this would be even sexier with a slip.

I think she needs an apron.

I've posted some of these before, but I think you'd like seeing more of them, again.

I think these would strike any leg-lover's fancy.

I think these are being rolled-down; you?

Pink pinup via Silent Porn Star.

Purr Or Grr?

This vintage black chiffon Glydons nightie has a pair of tiger appliques -- how cute!

Whodunit? Does It Matter?

In case you missed it, Dita made her acting debut on CSI. You wouldn't have missed it if you'd been reading Frank's TV listings at Frankufotos Lingerie.

Ready To Get Your Hearts On?

A very traditional Valentine's Day lingerie gift selection... If only it had a true panty, not a thong...

Maybe It Should Be Called Vanity Un-Fair

Vintage Vanity Fair lingerie was so beautiful, it must have either inspired the other lingerie companies -- or given them the blues. Luckily, Vanity Fair gave us plenty of blues too. *wink*

Remember, White Goes With Everything

Love the neckline on this sheer white chiffon peignoir; vintage lingerie by Jenelle.

"Have Yourself a Color Fling!"

Vintage Chemstrand lingerie ad, featuring slips and pettipants, via Flicker.

If You Love Black Lace... WOW

This vintage Gossard Artemis nightie is entirely sheer black lace with a tuxedo ruffled neckline that can be unbuttoned.

Little Blue Bombshell Bed Jacket

Such a sheer delight, the only real warmth it offers is the heat of your partners desire. But things could be much worse on a cold winter's night. *wink*

Tina Louise & Cast Member

Via The Percy Trout Hour.

Putting A False Twist In Your Knickers (And Other Underthings)

Brooks Peters has something to say about the mispronunciation or words:

I’m not sure when this trend to mispronounce words in order to sound smarter than other people really got started. Perhaps it began with the “Scanties,” those wild evenings in the theatre during the Roaring Twenties when dancers wore nothing but very revealing lingerie on stage. If you love old movies, as I obviously do, you will notice that in the early Talkies, Americans still pronounced “lingerie” in an approximation of the French style: “lan-ger-ee.” But starting in the 50s, it seems, people started saying “lawn-ger-ay.” Pourquoi? Probably because they thought it had an accent on the end, and gave it a needless extra French twist. But it’s a false twist.

Men Have Gold Toe, We Ladies Have Gold Stripe

Gotham Gold Stripe, that is.

This vintage Gotham Gold Stripe pink nylon nightgown has a lovely little waist and lots of delicious details.

Dual layers of sheer white nylon in this two-piece fitted negligée and peignoir set -- both pieces have smocking!

Fabulous sheer black nylon full-cut high-rise vintage panties by Gotham Gold Stripe. Look at the fantastic black lace center piece -- it's an illusion lace style, with sheer pink nylon beneath that lovely lace!

A sweetheart of a nightgown, this vintage Gotham Gold Stripe lingerie features a double layer of nylon (silky white tricot beneath sheer white chiffon overlay), ruched straps, a sweetheart bodice above a fitted waist decorated in red embroidered flowers emphasized with red piping, and three appliques as accents.

From The "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore" Files...

Look closely at this vintage Warner's full-slip with built-in under-wire bra -- that nylon is so sheer, it hardly looks like that bra is attached to the slip!

The Finale Of Behind The Blogs: Talking With Lingerie Bloggers

This is the last part of my talks with fellow lingerie blogers, the fabulous Treacle (of The Lingerie Addict) and Ally (of Guilty Pleasures)... I don't know whether to say "Woot!" because this part is so good, or if I should get a little weepy that it's ending... In any case, this is the finale!

After all this time blogging, what's the one thing you were most surprised to learn about lingerie &/or the lingerie business?

Ally: Lingerie is one of those always surprising things. About lingerie, I never expected leather items to feel as soft as they are sexy. About lingerie business, a couple of years ago I read that Victoria's Secret is the world's largest lingerie manufacturer (not sure if it still is) - I always expected for an European brand to be on top.

Slip:  That's a really good point about leather lingerie -- it often has that severe or hard look, so it's easy to forget that quality pieces are incredibly sensual!

Treacle: Hmmm... the power of marketing and PR in influencing 1) the brands we hear about and 2) what we think of them is probably the biggest shock. I was absolutely floored when I learned that a lot of brands we think of as independent are actually owned by large conglomerates, and that lots of the labels we think of as high end/luxury use the exact same materials in the exact same factories as a lot of budget lingerie. It's really trained me to be a more conscious consumer, and not buy into the hype.

What's the one question that you are continually asked as a lingerie blogger? Not including inappropriate questions that some men feel compelled to ask (I can't imagine that only happens to me lol); but the one question or theme that you feel will always need to be addressed and re-addressed in terms of lingerie?

Treacle: If I'm completely honest, the question I get most frequently is from crossdressing men who wonder if it's okay that they enjoy wearing lingerie. Even though most of my readers are women, I firmly believe that The Lingerie Addict is a haven for lingerie lovers of every nation and persuasion. Anyone who enjoys lingerie (wearing, looking at, or buying) is all right in my book.

Slip: Crossdressers were some of the first people to embrace A Slip Of A Girl (the blog -- but I'm sure we'd hug, slip-to-slip, if we could lol) and I've learned a lot from them, especially about myself.

Ally: Can I address 2 things?

Slip: Sure!

Ally: 1. Regardless of how overrated the topic of bra fitting might sound, we have so many people constantly asking us about the right sized bra and how to choose the proper bra, that I believe it's still a very important topic to discuss - both by lingerie bloggers and also by lingerie retailers. There are still many women who don't know that more and more boutiques offer free fitting sessions and it's one service that should be better emphasized.

2. The lingerie looks for less. There is this cliche that lingerie must be expensive in order to be sexy and comfortable at the same time. In reality, there are so many beautiful items that make you look and feel amazing without costing the Earth.

What's the one thing about lingerie or the industry that you think you will never tire of exploring or writing about personally?

Treacle: I will never tire of exploring and writing about new lingerie designers. There are so many amazing things happening in the industry right now, and I still get crazy excited when I stumble upon a new brand.

Ally: I have a sweet tooth for unique lingerie items that tell a story of love or lust on their own, so I'm always on the lookout for interesting new collections and young talented designers that bring something original to the lingerie industry.


Slip: Here's a shocker: you ladies are looking forward to the next new great lingerie thing, and I'm continually delighted to discover something fabulous from the past. *wink* Seriously, I do get excited to find new brands, designers, styles, too, but resurrecting yesteryear's underthings will never ever bore me.

I'm also continually inspired to think (and blab) about our connections to intimate apparel... How it touches us, our lives, our culture... What it says to us as individuals, what it says about us, how others perceive us and our connections to it -- from individuals to societal norms. No other garment or fashion piece has the same complicated story -- or power.  (Save, perhaps, for shoes lol)

Since turn about is fair play, I then gave the ladies a turn to each ask a question for the rest of us to answer!

Treacle Asked: What’s the one thing you believe the lingerie industry needs to improve?

Ally: From my point of view, the industry needs more events like "Curve NY/Las Vegas" or the "Salon International de la Lingerie" that gather together brands, retailers and lingerie aficionados under one roof. Events where the public gets to see more of what's happening behind the scenes and can connect directly with designers and other people who work in the field are very important to understand the work and passion that go into every single lingerie collection.

As consumers, we take everything for granted and we don't usually care too much about the origin of the things we buy, where they are made, in what conditions and so on. So just like most other industries, I'd also add that the lingerie industry can work more on focusing on local manufacturing and increased social responsibility.

Slip: I have three answers. (Hey, I have been pretty quiet for most of this gab fest!)

1, As usual, you girls are looking forward, while I'm looking backwards... I'd love to see more contemporary lingerie designers and manufacturers to look backwards to vintage and even antique lingerie. Not just the styles, but the fabrics and dedication to creating a quality garment.

2. Make lingerie in the sizes women are. I'm really tired of hearing how hard that is.  Despite my continual swoonability here, I am a pragmatist and I get that it's expensive blah blah blah -- but what everyone, from designers having to re-size proportions to manufacturers having to re-fit the assembly system, is is really complaining about is having to do some work.  Work like this will be rewarded with sales.  No pun intended, but women over size 12, the big busted, etc., are a huge market. Doesn't anyone want to grab a piece of it?

3. Make lingerie in the U.S.A. again.  I say this as an American concerned about our economy; we need to make stuff here again. And I say this as someone who knows that we once had a rich tradition and pride in making beautiful textiles.  I'd like to see that quality return -- and yes, even with my meager budget, I'd pay more for it.  Every time I read about sustainable undies made elsewhere, I get so angry thinking about sustainability here at home and the fact that abusing cheap labor in other countries is the new colonialism; have we learned nothing?

Whew. Ranties over. *wink*


Ally asked, "When was the last time you bought a lingerie item just because?"

Treacle: All of the lingerie I buy is just because.*wink*

Slip: Treacle stole my answer! So, being the good hostess, I had to rethink a bit... I came up with some serious soul searching on why I buy lingerie and I eventually wound-up on the flip side: I never buy lingerie "just because."

There's always some ulterior motive... I want to feel ravishing, I want to be ravished, I want to add a piece to my collection, I need to comfortably contain my breasts from jiggling uncomfortably... There's always some reason. Even if hubby thinks I am rationalizing. *wink*

I really, deeply and sincerely, want to thank both Ally and Treacle for taking so much time to dish about lingerie and blogging with me.  

I know they are fellow fanatics; but I also know how busy they are and that they have their own sites to run. So lingerie lovin' ladies, I thank you!

(And all that said, I secretly hope we can do it again sometime!)

Image Credits:

Trio of sexy lingerie ads via Flickr

1969 Sears catalog page via Flickr

1948 Textron Tricot lingerie ad via Flickr

Price Cut On Hi-Cut Wacoal Brief

Not sure if I've shown you these before, but the Wacoal Hi-Cut Breif is now on sale for only $22.50. You know I love the claret color, but they have them in classic black too. 
(Sale found via Shop It To Me.)

Dress-Up For Big Girls

This is a pretty vintage half-slip by Velma (with a lovely large bow treament!), but that's not why I'm showing it to you...

I love how this photo captures a moment -- a moment when you've decided exactly what you want to wear in terms of lingerie and accessories, but you haven't made the final decision... The decision most people would call the most important one: what dress or ensemble to wear.

But when you start with a few of your favorite things, that perfect slip, those adorable and somewhat prissy pair of gloves, a favorite handbag... You feel like a little girl playing dress-up. And maybe you don't want that feeling to end. So exactly what ensemble should you wear?  ...Knowing that whatever you select will virtually cover-up or seem to diminish what you consider the best parts of your outfit, it seems best to just linger in the moment.

Sheer-ly Sales Delight You

Over the weekend I updated my brands etc. so that I wouldn't miss anything in my Sale Mail alerts from Shop It To Me. (They add brands all the time, so if you haven't updated your styles, stores, sizes, etc. here's a reminder to take a few minutes now and do so!) That might be how I found these sheer tights with lace panels on sale for just $9.99!

It's A Pink Cloud Dream Of A Nightie!

Sweet layers of pink chiffon with sophisticated mocha lace accents; vintage lingerie by Henson Kickernick.

The Intoxicating Power Of Panties

Via Adventure in pants: Green | Flickr.

Textures

Normally I'm rather a snob when it comes to slapping on a pair of black stockings with any old piece of lingerie, but this photo proves there are exceptions to rules.

(Photo via S & M = Smoke & Mirrors.)

Not-So Basic White Vintage Half-Slip

More vintage Schiaparelli; this one a simple half-slip with ruffled scalloped layers of chiffon trimmed in lace along the hem.

"Just The Thing For Fidgety Females"

More ants-in-your-pants panties, this vintage ad clearly also a kick-in-the-pants towards women.

Fashion Designers On A Slab (And Corsetry Too)

You might be wondering why this (relatively clothed for this blog) woman is laying on a mortuary table here at A Slip Of A Girl...

But my pal Deanna posted it along with this tantalizing bit:

And Laura Flook, embalmer turned model come fashion designer. Yup, you read that right. Flook is at Obscura looking for a mortuary table for her fashion shoots. As Ryan says, "One interesting thing about Laura is her devotion to art whether it's a mortician, model or a clothing designer." So devoted, yet this designer of clothing inspired by Victorian-era mourning wear is dreamily flabbergasted when she returns to Obscura in another episode to discover corsets. Admittedly, one of the medical corsets is not the normal corsetry that springs to mind; but she buys one that I've got in my own collection. This Flook is fascinating to me... The way she talks, everything. I hope she returns in future episodes.

And so I had to go see just want she was talking about!

The show Deanna was writing about, Oddities, is now one of my favorite shows! (It feeds my somewhat morbid side.)

Here's a clip from the episode about finding Laura the antique cooling table. And here's the clip where Laura discovers corsets!