Intimates

My latest foray into shapewear led me to Va Bien, and I have to say that I am a fan.  Va Bien has been around since 1979, which means it’s helped out multiple generations of women. Well, while I can guess that my grandmother wouldn’t be wearing anything tight enough to require shapewear, I do! And when it comes to dressing for events, not any shapewear will do, I need stuff that lifts, shrinks, tightens, and slims all while being invisible under my extremely low cut and clingy dresses. So the Va Bien Ultra-Lift Low Plunge Body Briefer, is my go to helper-piece when nothing else will work.

First, notice the plunge down the front.  This baby won’t be peeking out of anything I wear – no matter how low cut I decide to go! Likewise, the back is also very low, which is great because sometimes those tube dress shaped slips just won’t do. This piece also has some powerful sucking action as that double panel in the front keeps my stomach in line.  The body briefer also contains the patenteded ultra lift design.  Molded into the bra cups are basically two “hands” that lift your breasts up so you can make sure that you’re showing off your best assets in that sexy dress. 

All of these features, and the body briefer still manages to be seamless and stay out of the way.  Amazing! You can check out this style for yourself at the Va Bien website or at fine department stores where the brand is carried.

Did you know that the majority of lingerie in the world is purchased by women?  Claire Chambers, CEO and Founder of Journelle does, which is precisely why she conceived the idea of a lingerie store tailored towards women.  The Journelle storefront is elegant and beautiful and that also describes the lingerie sold within, which is personally picked out by Claire herself.

The lingerie here is displayed like works of art, hung along the walls like paintings.  And they really are works of art: melty silks that slip through your fingers, finely wrought delicate laces, and the latest colors of the season.  The selection is woman’s dream: beautiful, functional, and fashionable, with everything from bra and panty sets, romantic slips and nightgowns, corsets, and bathrobes. (more…)

When it comes to seduction, if I have to pull out all the stops, I’ll reach for my La Perla set.  But to be quite honest, I’m not very good with the lace and frills.  Unless I already happened to be wearing such things, I’m not going to pack them up for a sleepover because I’ll just end up feeling silly.   Instead, I go for a subtler and, in my opinion, sexier approach – the guy’s shirt (or boxers).  It’s chic, effortless and helps radiate that comfort and confidence that I think all men find sexy.  I’m obsessed with this look!

But just in case your man hands you his torn college t-shirt instead of his pressed and starched work shirt (or if you’re in between boyfriends), just head to Claridge + King for their version of what I consider a bedtime staple. The nightshirt from Claridge +King is made specifically for you; the tailoring resembles a man’s shirt, but is made for a woman’s body.  It’s just (barely) long enough and falls in all the right places, just hinting at your curves. And if you’re actually planning on sleeping in it, it’s actually incredibly comfy and so cozy if you just take it out of the dryer.

I’ve been wearing mine nonstop around the apartment even without a man to impress.  Shirts start at $89 and are available on the Claridge + King website.

Like many women out there, I wasn’t exactly satisfied with the assortment of bras in my dressers. Some bras lift without giving support, and some do just the opposite. Straps can slip, and I can end up with too much jiggle and cleavage or not nearly enough lift; either way, it just doesn’t look good. And don’t even get me started on sizing! I was fitted once at a popular lingerie chain, and the sales associate informed me that I was “between sizes,” either a 36C or 38C. Yeah, that was super helpful.

Enter Intimacy, a lingerie specialty store that I came across while wandering around 900 N. Michigan Ave. here in Chicago. Intimacy focuses on fashionable lingerie that actually fits well, carrying several European lingerie lines in a large array of sizes. A bra sizing specialist named Anita met with me and really put me at ease by just being pleasant and knowledgeable. She told me that many women unknowingly wear the wrong size bra–straps falling down and the appearance of back fat or “bra bulge” really mean that your bra is not fitting as it should. She fitted me without a tape measure, by just taking into account how I looked in my old bra and my body type. I went from wearing a 36C to a 32E, and Anita recommended a few lacier bras and some contoured bras like I wanted. I was so amazed because I could see the difference right away just under a t-shirt. With the right size band and cup size, my chest felt totally supported. I had just the right amount of lift and cleavage. Best of all, the bras looked perfect under clothes and without. Bye bye, back fat–and hello to a naturally lifted bust, better posture, and a better overall appearance to boot.

Even my boyfriend has noticed and appreciated the difference that Intimacy has made for me, so I definitely recommend making a fitting appointment! You can do this online for the 3 other Intimacy locations across the country, in Atlanta, NYC and Boston. Check out myintimacy.com for more information on Intimacy, including bra fit, bra care, and sizing mistakes!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you have someone special in your life…picking up some gorgeous lingerie is probably on your To Do list. Skip your department store staple and splurge on a lavish set of intimates! Our pick is Parisian-based brand, ERES. The brand is known for their simple, but extremely luxurious and beautiful line of lingerie. They offer a wide range that appeals to the everyday woman looking for a bit of luxury. You’re bound to find something to fit your personality!

If you lean toward items that are vintage-inspired, we suggest the Ethel bra and Basine brief. Available in three hues (Storm, Seigle, Givre), this set is edged in embroidered tulle for a sweet, but sexy style.

Want something more sultry? We like the elegance and refinement of the Troubalante bra. Available in 6 vivid colors, this style is made from a combination of silk and spandex to optimize the balance between comfort and luxury. Calais lace on the edges adds a little sweetness, while the satin will definitely make you feel sensual and gorgeous.

If you’re looking for set that will work beyond the bedroom, try the Beatriz bra and Ines tanga. As part of the Taffeta Plume Ellipse line, the triangular cut bra offers support and comfort. A lean underbust band edged with Le Puy lace adds allure, and the tanga just completes the look.

For more information or retail locations, visit www.eresparis.com.

Lingerie should never be boring – and that’s why we like the intimates from The Lakes & Stars. The lines of the designs are simple, but unexpected details make them ultra flirty.

The “Divorcee,” for instance, is a streamlined set, accented with contrasting signature silk cords and gold flying fish tassels. It’s clearly nautical-inspired, but also retains the vintage elegance that their brand is known for. And the peek-a-boo keyhole detailing…well, it’s a coquettish detail that will put amour in the air!

The Bralette is $77 and the Bikini is $44 at Shopbop.

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There’s something about wearing a fabulous set of lingerie under your clothes that just makes you walk with more confidence and overall, feel gorgeous and sexy. Life & Style has some great options in their latest issue – and we’ve selected some lovely pieces, too! Remember that lingerie is an investment, so indulge in quality and pick up something that’ll make you look & feel fantastic!

- Cookie Set by Agent Provocateur
- Lace Triangle Bra & Lace Boyshort by I.D. Sarrieri
- Entice Contour Bra & Culotte by Elle MacPherson Intimates
- Tulle with Lace Underwire Bra & Boy Brief by Only Hearts
- Annie Silk & Lace Molded Bra & Shorty by C. Gilson
- Chrysanthemum Charm Classic Bra & Tanga by Pfiff Lingerie
- Invisible Stripe Balconnet & Lace Edge Bikini by Gap
- Tangled Love Deep V Bralet & Boythong by Eberjey
- Silk Pink Wheat Aurelie Bra & Chastity Knickers by State of Undress
- Merry-Making Push-Up Bra & Thong by Glamour by La Perla
- Modesty Bralette & Bikini Brief by The Lakes & Stars
- Sleeping Beauty Bra & Knickers by Frankly Darling
- Seduction Pad Balcony Bra & Boyshorts by Beau Bra
- Chinoiserie Push Up Bra & Bikini by Princess Tam Tam
- Partein Plunge Bra & Tanga Skirt by Argentovivo
- Tcha Tcha Set by Huit Lingerie