Intimates

We don’t post sales too often on TDO, but this one is too good to pass up. One of our favorite lingerie brands, Brulee is launching a Spring sale, with up to 85% on many of their signature pieces. We’re talking silks, chiffons, teddys, chemises, and all sorts of luxurious separates that can seriously glam up a girl’s loungewear/work-from-home wardrobe. Some prices below:

•   Classic “Boyfriend” Shirt: was $146.00, now $36.50

•   Classic Soft Bra: was $108.00, now $16.20

•   Boudoir Knicker: was $81.00, now $40.50

•   Noir Teddy: was $180.00, now $45.00

•   Noir Pant: was $190.00, now $47.50

•   Vamp Tap Pant: was $86.00, now $21.50

•   Vamp Bodysuit: was $200.00, now $50.00

•   Vamp Cami: was $124.00, now $18.60

•   Vamp Chemise: Was $198.00, now $99.00

Visit their sale here.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever just tucked your regular bra straps into the cups because you didn’t have/couldn’t be bothered with/didn’t like your strapless bra.  I’ll admit I’ve done it on more than one occasion because I couldn’t find a strapless bra I actually really liked. That is, until I came across Va Bien’s Ultimate Convertible Strapless Bra- and now I no longer need to tuck in my bra straps (I can just remove them).

When I wear anything strapless, whether it’s a dress, top or bra, my #1 complaint is that I feel like I constantly have to give it that upward tug.  Va Bien’s strapless bra, however, prevents that problem by hugging you underneath your breasts so that they feel supported- rather than doing the supporting. The edges are also lined in soft silicone which prevents the bra from budging or sliding. With Va Bien, I never have to fiddle with or tug at my bra and that helps keep whatever I’m wearing on the outside in place too.

The bra also features their patented Ultra Lift boned cups that go up to an I, which provides the necessary support for the ladies on the higher end of the size spectrum.  The cup technology also helps add size, shape, and lift- all good things for smaller gals like me.  Finally- a strapless bra that makes you feel confident and makes your clothes look great!

 I’ve been strongly anti-Valentine’s Day for a long time. There’s just so much pressure associated to the holiday, regardless of whether you are in a relationship. Pressure to make sure you live up to the expectations levied by Hallmark, movies, friends, and (maybe) your significant other. Truthfully, I’ve always believed that if you are in a “loving” relationship, V-Day shouldn’t feel that different than any other day. Which is not to say that a dozen lavendar roses or artisinal French-imported chocolates should be expected everyday, but you should feel “loved” all the time.

As for people not in relationships, I don’t think we should allow a holiday to make us feel bad about ourselves. I’ve read that February 15th is the single greatest day for filing divorces. So rest assured that not all the couples you see out and about on February 14th are happy, and there’s probably some chick fuming about her 11:15 PM V-Day reservation to the Olive Garden (per Zooey Deschanel’s SNL skit.) So let’s make this V-Day a way to be good to yourself instead. A few ways to treat yo’self below:

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Poor bras–for all their lace and finery, they emerge scraggly and twisted versions of their better selves from the washing machine. We all know by now that washing bras in the machine is a no-no, but let’s be honest–they’ve crept in there every once in a while.  The Berry Ball is here to make sure that when that urge arises, your precious bras are protected from the wash and rinse cycle.  It’s a hinged plastic ball that opens to fit one or two of your delicates, with small slats throughout for detergent to filter through.  A little scrubbing ball with soft rubber spikes goes into the ball to gently roll back and forth to scrub your goodies once you throw it into the washing machine alongside your other washables.

Warning, the ball does err slightly on the larger side so it doesn’t fit in small washing machines, but medium to large ones fit perfectly fine. I used it on two occasions and loved it–even my laciest bras didn’t show signs of wear and tear and remain unchanged. The only thing I wish is that it could fit more than one or two bras since it’s so convenient.  The Berry Ball also comes with a small mesh Berry Perry bag for washing delicate underwear that you can throw it alongside.  The Berry Ball retails for $14.

Happy President’s Day everyone!!! I absolutely love love love a three day weekend during the winter, when I can just curl up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate on a Monday morning when I’d usually be trekking to work. Today I’m wearing my new Tory Burch Pajama Set which I got for Valentine’s Day, and am feeling so snuggled up and happy that I just had to write about it!

I have an affinity towards long sleeved, button down sleep shirts.  There’s just something about them that is so sexy in an “I’m not even trying” kind of way.  The Tory top is roomy and comfortable, but still very sexy in a playful feminine way.  I actually really dislike long PJ pants, so these drawstring cotton shorts are perfect for me- easy to move around in the apartment, yet still appropriate if I have to pop out into the hallway  for something quick.

I also love all the little detailing from her logo buttons, to the front pockets, to the burgundy trim.   After all, this is by Tory Burch,  who elevates even the most basic items into something charming. Goodbye to the days of  “scrubbing” at home!  This particular set is still available on her website- but be on the look out for new designs and themes.

Another holiday, another panic attack: What on earth is there left to get for the man in your life? Well, a good home-cooked meal should work, but if that’s not your idea of a special gift, I suggest you say “I love you” with:

… a Hot Shave
I recently got the chance to check out Alexander’s for Hair, a mid-range, family-owned, all-in-one spa and salon in west L.A., and I thought, “What a great place to take my [insert any family member here]!” Formerly the male-targeted Reeder’s Barber Shop, complete with beers and flatscreen TVs, Alexander’s for Hair has undergone a recent makeover to suit its growing clientele base, offering more services for both men and women as well as eco-friendly hair products by Eufora and high-quality GRAM skincare by Dr. Bernard Gramlich (you should see his skin!). Helmed by new owner Krissy Smith and her mom Jeanne Phares, the salon has both a small-town feel and a cosmopolitan flair — perfect for those who want luxurious treatment but find super-high-end salons and spas either intimidating or just not worth the extra dough. Best of all, while you’re loved one is getting his Signature MVP Hot Shave, you can indulge in a Eufora Deep Conditioning and Scalp Treatment (free this month with any color service), a fantastic facial, a mani-pedi or a delightful (and affordable) deep-tissue massage (ask for Barbara!). Ah, the perks of co-ed bliss.

Alexander’s for Hair is located at 11515 W. Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles. Call (310) 473-0462 to make an appointment. Readers, mention the code AFHGO through February and you’ll get 30 percent off your service!

… Custom Kicks
If the love (or like) of your life is a label-savvy jet setter who frequently blends street style and upscale threads (or just likes any of the aforementioned), he’ll appreciate the new G3 collection by Ryz, the brainchild of former president of Adidas America and Adidas Japan Rob Langstaff. (more…)

I’ve been hearing for years how fabulous Elle Macpherson Intimates are – from the luxurious fabrics to the fabulously sexy fits. I recently got to try out a few styles, courtesy of Freshpair.com, and I’ve definitely been missing out on this quality lingerie brand all of these years.

The intimates from Elle Macpherson’s line uses gorgeous fabrics that are luxurious to the touch, but still supportive in style (forewarning: the sizing runs small). The Sheer Ribbons style is one of my favorites because of the sheer black stripes edged with lace, which makes it both fun and sexy – so perfect for date night with someone special!  

For a more classic vintage-inspired romantic style, try the Dentelle style. Each color it’s offered in has a contrast trim; the white/nude is perfect for brides out there while the sweet pink dogwood hue could make your everyday lingerie a bit more exciting. Even better, most of these styles come with matching bottoms in a comfortable bikini styles that are still very flattering and girly.

Which design is your favorite? Check out more styles from Elle Macpherson Intimates over at Freshpair.com.