Spring Underthings from Myla, Stella, and Valery

My annual spring wardrobe purge means out with the old, in with the new, starting with the foundation. Some refreshing brassiere finds to prettify the underwear drawer:

Mint satin + dainty shell pink lace are so rococo. Myla Isabella Non-Padded Balcony Bra, $200

Blush silk straps + black mesh with velour overlay = divine. Stella McCartney Florence Acting Underwire Bra, $105

At first glance I thought it boring, but in person there's something very lovely and Downton about this steel blue/gold lace number. Valery Elisabethan Rose Balconnet Bra, $175.

Images: www.journelle.com

Fantasy Friday: 3.1 Phillip Lim's Perfect Kimini

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

How could a girl not feel gorgeous in this blush colored silk "kimini" (mini kimono?) by 3.1 Phillip Lim? It's like a modern-day version of the old Hollywood dressing gown. How I'd love to luxuriate in it's silky folds! And it would pair perfectly with Rosamosario's lace shorts. $495 @ Net-a-Porter.

Photos: www.net-a-porter.com

Winter Indulgences

My antidote to cold wet days involves cranking up the heat, curling up on the couch with a decadent mint hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, and ordering up a movie. Some perfect pieces for luxe lounging:

Beautiful, blush-colored silk shorts. Rosamosario Piccola silk-crepe and lace shorts, $150.

A supersoft baseball tee. J. Crew drapey stripe baseball tee, $39.50

Sweatpants never looked so chic. J. Crew skinny ultra-lounge pant, $49.50.

Photos:
1) www.net-a-porter.com
2-3) www.jcrew.com

Rediscovery of the Week: Deborah Marquit at Steven Alan!

It's been over two years since I became a devotee of Deborah Marquit's exquisitely lacy, fluorescent creations, treating myself to a royal blue set that had me at bonjour. I recently fell in love all over again upon discovering that Steven Alan now carries select pieces from her line. The website currently offers her French lace bra and undies in violet (shown), pink, and black. I happen to think that pretty black bras are a dime a dozen, so if you're going to go Deborah, you should really try her fluorescents. The delicate lace looks all the more lovely when rendered in shockingly vivid hues. While they don't come cheap, you won't regret it. Ms. Marquit has really mastered her craft -- the fit is amazing and the fun, unique colors are a total mood-lifter.

Deborah Marquit French Lace Cup Bra, $175, and your choice of thong or boy-leg brief, $65 and $125 respectively.

Photo: www.stevenalan.com

Stocking Stuffers for Her: Lovely Neutrals

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Underwear Evangelism: Gilly Hicks Down Under Undies - 5 for $25!

My friend Marlo recently introduced me to Aussie-themed lingerie label Gilly Hicks via an email blast announcing a 5 for $25 sale on underoos from their Down Under collection.  Since I'm a sucker for pretty underthings, the prospect of saving a small fortune on said underthings sent me over the moon, so I soon found myself perusing the website in pursuit of this dream. Gilly Hicks did not disappoint. Before I knew it,  I had snatched up ten lovely bikini briefs, boy shorts, and thongs in mesh, lace, cotton, and myriad combinations of the above, and burst into the living room to spread the gospel to my roommate. Save a few printed styles I didn't much care for, most of their underwear looked to be the perfect combination of casual comfort and sex appeal, making it a great everyday go-to. They've even managed to somehow render boring old cotton styles into things of beauty.  Mine are due to arrive mid-month, and I can't wait to see how they turn out in person. Some favorites, below:

Drew Cotton Short. Regular price: $16.

Keary Mesh Short. Regular price: $18.

Whitley lace thong. Regular price: $18.

Whitley Lace Boy Bikini. Regular price: $18.

Emmett Lace Cheeky Short. Regular price: $20.

UPDATE: FYI, As a commenter pointed out, Gilly Hicks is an Abercrombie and Fitch-owned company.


Photo credit: www.gillyhicks.com

Sitting Pretty: Plum Pretty Sugar's Covetable Loungewear

I went through this seemingly endless day in a fog, dragging myself through the motions and quelling the urge to curl up into a ball under my desk for a nap. I've shared my hibernation fantasy with you before, but more and more, perhaps due to a recent bout of illness, I wish I could make it come to life. Cozied up in my apartment, away from winter's chill, I want to escape into a world of comfort, warmth, and color. I want the aroma of yummy treats emanating from the kitchen, tea to sip, soup to slurp, Wes Anderson's color palettes flitting across the TV, and a record player scratching my favorite tunes. Such an agenda needn't require getting dressed, so my outfit of choice for enjoying said activities would be one of these lovely kimono-style robes by Plum Pretty Sugar.

Knee-length Silk Habotai Robe, $124 on Etsy.

Knee-length Darling Jardin Bleu Robe, $62 on Etsy.

 Photo credit: plum pretty sugar

Underwear Obsession: Jenna Leigh's Malawi Collection

I'm a girl who loves fine underthings, always gravitating towards undies trimmed in eyelash lace, relishing design details such as a unique bra closure, and favoring thigh highs to tights, even in the most punishing weather.  I find that with all the covering up that goes on in winter, my desire for the racy and lacy increases tenfold, and I'm suddenly stricken with the impulse to don slips, fussy brassieres, and even the occasional garter belt under all those layers. 

In Europe, it is quite easy to find beautiful lingerie of this nature at even the lowest of price points and I've always wondered why it is that we can't import that concept over to the U.S. of A. Then I discovered Philly-based label Jenna Leigh.  Lingerie designer Jenna Blatstein creates the loveliest underthings that not only function as wearable objets d'art, but also provide a girl with adequate support. Best of all, her stuff is priced to move, at just a touch less than a Cosabella or Elle Macpherson would cost you, making it a sweet indulgence without the guilty conscience.

Jenna's been getting some love from the press lately (see both October and November issues of Elle), and if you have yet to see her Malawi collection, then I shall tease you no further:

Stretch Silk Satin Malawi Demi Bra in Midnight Blue, $85.

Stretch Silk Satin Malawi Triangle Bra, $74. A perfect at-home option for when you don't require an underwire.

Love the vintage/modern look of the undies. $69.

An honorable mention goes to the Namos collection for its lovely deep plum hue as well as the retro white strapless bra from the Capri collection.

Photo credit: www.jennaleighny.com

Hibernation Fantasy: Ballet Russe from Eres

If it were up to me, I would spend my winters in hibernation, lazing about the apartment in the cashmere ballerina sweater, high-waisted hotpants, and legwarmers pictured below. Lured by the scent of delicious baked goodies emanating from my apartment, you would come visit to find me in full makeup with hair coiffed to perfection. I would explain to you that Maribel, my hairdresser in Brooklyn, now rode the subway over to make house calls for me, and what with being home all the time and all, I'd developed deep friendships with the Avon and Mary Kay ladies, who never left me wanting for product. I would be sipping a hot cup of Mariage Frères from one hand while firing off orders for any one of my five Etsy businesses with the other (after all, I'd have to find a way to generate $$$ in order to afford all of the droolworthy furnishings from the Design Within Reach catalog, which I would amass until my apartment threatened to burst with Mid-century modern). Finally able to sit still long enough to make it through my extensive collection of Pilates videos, I'd be in the best shape of my life. Forced to entertain myself, I'd have picked up several languages (courtesy of Rosetta Stone) and read every major work of literature written since the dawn of humankind. We would probably talk films, since I would have made substantial progress on my Netflix queue.


Eres Ballerine collection in Aube, inspired by the Russian ballet, available at Eres stores worldwide. They don't list prices online, and you can bet that means it's expensive as hell.  I'd splurge on just one piece (either the ballerina sweater or the legwarmers) that work both indoors and outdoors, or hit up a real ballet store to replicate the look on the cheap. I'll investigate and keep you posted on my findings.

Photo credit: www.eresparis.com

Flirty Little Indulgences

I live far too close to lingerie boutique Journelle than is healthy for my wallet, and I've often found myself at their register with plastic in hand and head hung in shame as I give in to their pretty little temptations, fully aware of the Ramen-and-hot-dogs diet I'll have to take up to afford the damage. Founder Claire Chambers sure knows how to pick 'em. I can't afford even one of these lovely items at present, but my independently wealthy, fantasy alter ego can, and this is what she's after:

Horribly impractical but so terribly beautiful.  The Lake & Stars Truce Romper, $252.

I'm pretty sure the Greek goddesses wore underthings that looked like this. Damaris Ophelia soft bra, $160, and bow knicker, $140.

 

This Jean Yu-designed silken robe is the ultimate in luxury lounging. Matters of Leisure Townhouse Mini Robe, $358.

Charming blush-colored, silk-accented pyjamas are reminiscent of Old Hollywood starlets.  Myla Claudette Pyjama top, $148, and pants, $130.

 

Photo credit: journelle.com

Legs for Days

After witnessing every possible permutation in the legwear category over the last few years, there isn't much in the way of tights or leggings that elicits more than a yawn from me. However, as winter winds down and I find myself bored of all the variants balled up in my closet, I figure it can't hurt to take one last peek around for something to put the spring back into my step. Some ideas:

Semi-sheer burnout leggings allow you to play a game of peekaboo with passerby, but are still tame enough for everyday wear. Alternative Apparel Burnout Leggings, $58.


I'd feel compelled to dance in these. No idea why. They just make me wanna. Insight Galaxier Leggings, $38.


I'm often made fun of for the fact that I insist on wearing thigh highs on an almost-daily basis. Say what you will of my impracticality, but I'd rather risk feeling a cold breeze whisk up my skirt than glimpse that unsightly center seam I so often see on women who wear regular tights under fitted clothing. I love the gorgeous band on these. Falke Lunelle 8 Peacock Stay Up Tights, $49.
Photo credit:
1) www.80spurple.com
2) www.80spurple.com
3) www.shopbop.com

Winter Cozies

Long, slouchy cardigans and shearling-lined jackets would be welcome additions to my wardrobe right about now. As the winter season wears on, I grow less inclined to buy the fashion-y, faux winter pieces (cutout boots and short-sleeved coats never kept a girl warm) and find myself gravitating towards anything that looks like it might offer some sort of chill-proofery.

Tobi provides some examples worth checking out, especially since you can get 30% off through Dec. 1 by entering code "WEGOBBLE" at checkout. All prices listed below are pre-discount.


Velvet Gisela Jacket, $152.


Mink Pink Cable Guy Tunic Cardigan, $86.


BB Dakota Skye Sweater, $70.


For a bit of contrast (and fun), pair with pretty underthings. Le Mystere Isabella Memory Foam Bra, $82.


Matching Le Mystere Isabella Thong also available, $34.
Photo credit: www.tobi.com

Those Were the Days . . .

At three weeks, I'm now a working girl, officielement. Though I'm incredibly happy about this, I'm going to indulge in a nostalgic look back at my last day of pre-employment freedom by telling you the story of all the lovely things I did on that glorious day, and of course, all the lovely things I bought.

I set out on a crisp, crystalline morning (in those days, if you recall, "morning" meant 11 or so) towards the Lower East Side, trawling the shops and just poking around, semi-aimlessly. I was excited at the prospect of finding hidden treasures in the very 'hood I avoid like the plague on Saturday nights, for it's an entirely different and rather enjoyable place if I'm not sandwiched between Bridge and Tunnel at a crowded bar or enduring the sight of overdressed young ladies drunkenly flagging down taxis. In the quiet, I discovered that the LES must be incredibly hungover in the mornings, as it doesn't like to wake up early either -- neither Dulcinee nor Edith Machinist were open until after noon.

I decided I'd have to get my vintage boots fix after a leisurely (albeit very early) lunch, so I headed over to Bruschetteria, where I was the only customer. They lavished so much attention on me that it kind of felt like my birthday in there. I pronounced both food and service glorious, and headed down the way to Foley & Corinna to find a sweater coat I'd fallen in love with. I was ecstatic to discover that they had just one and happily handed over the plastic while trying to pry my eyes away from their enticing jewelry display. I couldn't go overboard, as there was damage left to be done. Onward, to the boots!

I had no luck at Dulcinee this time, but I put down my contact info, should any size 7 1/2 vintage Ferragamos come their way. I probably spent over an hour at Edith Machinist before finally walking out with a great pair of red leather boots, which I've been wearing like they're some sort of hopeless addiction. I decided that with the way my luck was going, I should just steer clear of the rest of the shops and focus on making it home safely, lest I give in to the kinds of impulses one should not be having before the first paycheck has landed in the checking account.

And I almost made good on that responsible thought. I was mere blocks from home when I ducked into American Apparel to replace my standard white beater, and ended up, as always, walking out with everything from underwear to winter gear. A live DJ was spinning and the NYU crowd was out in force. One of them tried to sell me her gift card.

Oh, broke students. You can no longer count me among your ranks.

Foley & Corinna Military Sweater Coat, $468 @ French Corner SoHo. Sadly, the photos don't do it justice -- you have to try it on.



You can't have mine, but here are a pair of reddish-brown boots available on Etsy for just $63.

American Apparel Micro Mesh Low-Slung Undies, $11.
Photo credit: 1-2) www.frenchcornersoho.com 3) www.etsy.com 4) www.americanapparel.net

Dainty Drawers

One of my favorite places to window shop in the city is Lyell, a tiny little space on Elizabeth over in Nolita. It's usually pretty spare, as it was on my last visit (I guess they're getting ready for new merch to arrive), which helps conjure up a private boudoir feel, and it's the kind of place that calls to mind faded wallpaper and the scent of your grandmother's perfume. Emma Fletcher's finely made, vintage-inspired clothes are delicately suspended on rich mahogany hangers, and the sweet salesgirls make it a pleasant place to browse wistfully and imagine what kind of tea you would have sipped and the company you might've kept 60 years ago. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do. Filmy blouses, wool pencil skirts, vintage shoes, and lace-trimmed intimates await.

From the S/S '08 lookbook.

I'm not so into frilly, floral undies, but this lovely set is sweet without inducing nausea. I like the combination of the vintage print on a clean, streamlined design, and almost wish it were a bathing suit. Lyell Floral Bra Set, $195 @ Refinery29.

Photo credit: www.refinery29.com

Underwear as Outerwear

I've waxed obsessive about The Lake and Stars before, after which Maayan Zilberman, one half of the duo (is she the Lake or the Stars?), wrote me a little thank you note for the mention. It's really nice to see designers who aren't too cool to appreciate the blog love. I'm still in love with the line, and even more so after learning that the people behind it are sweethearts, which, sadly, is a rarity in this industry, especially after a brand has already generated a certain amount of buzz and won the praise from many an editrix of high-profile glossies. While I'm still searching for their famously perfect trench (beginning to think it's a legend, as I've called up nearly every place I can think of with no luck), I've found another little gem this season.

The Make Up Room bralette is meant to be seen. It's sexy enough to share space among your drawer full of racy underthings, yet sporty enough to peek out from beneath a tank or slipdress without embarrassment. I love the crisscrossing neon straps in the back and think they should definitely be exposed. Try it with a top or dress that dips down really low in the back. $95 @ Active Endeavors.


Photo credit: www.activeendeavors.com

Addicted to Bras

Even though I just went on a crazy underwear spree, I just can't seem to get enough when it comes to racy underthings. I've always had a thing for undies and have been particularly prone to making rash impulse purchases (like stepping out to get a croissant but getting distracted by the display in the adjacent lingerie store and walking out with a $400 bustier that I will wear exactly twice). However, since moving to NYC, the compulsion has gotten out of control. I now think nothing of wearing garter belts (love the Cosabella Pearl) to hold up my Wolford thigh highs . . . on a random Tuesday. It's because beautiful little lingerie nooks and boudoir-styled boutiques abound here, many of which carry labels with limited availability outside of Europe. An investigative report on New York's best places for la ropa interior is in the works, but for the rest of the gals who don't live here, here are some options worthy of a European vacation (countdown to my Eurotrip is at just under 5 weeks -- just get here already).

Aubade La Tentatrice demi cup bra, $100 @ Figleaves.

Wundervoll's convertible strapless, price and availability unknown, but I'll look into it.


Masquerade Antoinette Bandeau Bra, $98 @ Bare Necessities.

Lascivious Pout balcony bra, $210 @ Coco de Mer.
Lascivious Belle balcony bra, $215, and suspender briefs,@110 @ Coco de Mer.

Photo credit: 1) www. figleaves.co.uk 2)www.wundervoll.de 3) www.barenecessities.com 4-6) www.lascivious.co.uk