T.A.L.K.B.O.U.T

Archive for the ‘Lingerie’ Category

Have you ever wondered where or what the origins of babydoll lingerie are? Well, look no further! The babydoll – sometimes spelled baby doll or baby-doll – can trace its origins to the short bed jackets trimmed with lace and the wide variety of bed capes worn by women in the 1930s and 1940s. At the time, a babydoll nightgown had a hemline that came to about 6 inches above the knee. Most still do today.

The name ?babydoll? is said to have come from a 1956 movie by that name (?Baby Doll?), which starred Carroll Baker as a 19 year old virgin. The style of nightgown worn in the movie soon became popular amongst the general public.

Later, the babydoll was transformed into a short day wear dress. Because the style invoked a sense of innocence and youthfulness, the babydoll was soon to be found back in the bedroom, only this time in a more provocative style. Since many babydolls are styled to have a very short hemline, revealing the buttocks, they are quite popular and help to enhance sexual foreplay.

Babydolls have evolved into a very popular form of fine sexy lingerie, playing on fantasies. With their very short hemline, the legs appear longer and some styles draw attention to the breasts by purposely exposing them. Most often a babydoll is sold as a set with a matching pair of panties or a thong. There are also styles of babydolls that are low key in nature and are marketed as a short nightgown and not as fine sexy lingerie worn for a romantic evening.

Today, due to its popularity, babydoll lingerie can be found in fine lingerie boutiques in their own separate category. Some styles resemble those of the 1960s and 1970s, while others vary considerably and are pointed more toward the fine sexy lingerie market.

One style that has gained notoriety recently is called the ?fembot?. This particular style of babydoll lingerie was first seen in the movie, ?Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery?, and features a marabou clad bra with a sheer pleated skirt and a marabou hemline.

Babydolls can be seen with a variety of decorations, from lace, faux fur and ruffles to bows and ribbons. Most have thin or spaghetti straps.

The history of the babydoll is a fairly short one, being a relatively recent innovation. But, it has vaulted into prominence in the fine lingerie market and should continue to be a popular form of fine sexy lingerie for years to come.

by: Dagmar Anderson

Size does matter! According to a recent article in the Washington Post, the sale of plus-sized apparel rose by more than 13% last year. The average American woman now wears a size 14, and companies such as Dove and Nike have taken notice. They are among the first national brands to recently launch major ad campaigns designed to embrace the beauty that comes from having ample cleavage and generous thighs.

At long last, full-figured women have finally come into their own. They can celebrate their shape with more clothing options now than ever before, and lingerie has become one of the hottest trends on the fashion map. You?ve seen it on Desperate Housewives, with the female executive who wears nothing but lacy camisoles underneath her blazer. Would you be able to pull off the same look? Although every body style is different, the basic rules are the same. There is an art to choosing (and wearing) lingerie well. Knowing the secrets to a great fit will enable you to look spectacular and feel great about yourself!

1. All Curves are Not Created Equal

No body is perfect. Supermodel Elle MacPherson has said, ?The breasts go first, and then the waist and then the butt. Nobody ever tells you that you get a butt when you get pregnant.? We all have our flaws, but part of playing up your assets will involve downplaying the parts of your body you are least comfortable with.

If you like, take a good look in the mirror and identify what you love and don?t love about your body. If you dislike your hips or waistline, you will want to draw attention to the upper part of your body. Indulge in bras designed to produce cleavage and accentuate your curves.

If you feel like your breasts are too full but you?ve got shapely legs, then they should become your focal point. A babydoll nightie with an empire-waist will provide support for your top while letting you flaunt what?s below.

If you haven?t yet found a comfort zone, indulge in a full-length satin chemise with an a-line cut and perhaps a flirty slit on the side. If you do not like your upper arms, look for a sheer or color-coordinated short robe.

The key is to draw attention away from what you do not like about your body, and place it where you feel like being noticed.

2. Everyone Needs a Little Support

The best-kept secret among celebrities and those in the know has to do with the latest lingerie weapons, which can keep even the most problematic physiques in check. Modern-day support garments minimize stomach bulge, lift and separate, and produce a smooth contour under your clothes. Best of all, innovations in fabric and design mean that the painful confinement of girdles (and other instruments of torture) are a thing of the past. Look for camisoles with built-in bra support and high-cut briefs that offer hidden tummy panels. Women with fuller, heavier breasts should make sure to look for bras that feature wide shoulder straps. If you are unsure of your bra size, the best gift you could give yourself would be to get professionally sized by someone who works in the lingerie section of a department store. Making sure that you wear the correct bra size serves not only to make you more comfortable, but it can instantly change your silhouette and may even cause you to drop a d!

ress size!

Spanx is one particular company that specializes in producing comfortable, head-to-toe support to keep your curves looking their best. Sarah Blakely, who founded the company out of her apartment, said ?I bought clothes that looked amazing in a magazine or on the hanger, but in reality magnified every panty line and imperfection.? Her brand of footless pantyhose offers maximum control, and even boasts the tagline, “Don’t worry, we’ve got your butt covered!”

Seamlessbody.com is another company that specializes in supportive shape-wear designed for looks and comfort. They feature unique bodysuits that can be worn under your clothes and provide all-in-one support for your breasts, stomach and derriere. Both companies feature plus-sized versions of their products and are conveniently available online.

If you have a belly, choose high-waited briefs over bikini cuts. Not only will they fit more comfortably, but they are great at covering any stretch marks or other flaws and will flatter your shape.

3. Less is More

When it comes to color, keep it simple. A monochromatic look will do wonders to help elongate the bodyline and slim your proportions. In other words, keep the pieces that you wear at any one time as close to the same color as possible. Which shades work best? Dark tones such as navy, burgundy, brown or black will give you a more slender appearance. Another great rule of thumb is to choose colors that flatter your complexion.

It is wise to be cautious of patterns. Some smaller, more discreet prints may add to an outfit, but larger designs have a tendency to ?clutter? or look different when they drape over problem areas you may be want to conceal. This has the unfortunate result of drawing the eye directly where you do not want it to go! If you have a personality that must express yourself with multiple colors or styles, a great way to spice up your wardrobe can come from adding on a couple of flashy, attention-getting accessories.

4. Bigger isn?t Always Better

One of the biggest misconceptions that many full-figured women have is the notion that choosing larger sizes will hide unsightly bulges and ultimately make them look slimmer. In reality, a shapeless, ill-fitting piece will not define anything, either good or bad, and will make your body appear much less attractive than you would look in clothes more suited to your accurate size. It?s fine to shy away from body conscious items. Lingerie pieces should be a natural reflection of your personality. If you have a conservative personality, wearing longer gowns or adding layers to your look will enhance your beauty and allow you to feel sexy without having to bare all. Should you have a more playful, flirty nature, the sky is the limit! Plus-sized lingerie includes stunning camisoles with delicate embroidery, frilly boyshorts that provide excellent coverage while exuding a youthful, sexy vibe, and buttery soft satin chemises that feel utterly luxurious against the skin. It is alway!

s best to try on lingerie before you buy, in order to make sure you will have the best fit possible. But if you are in a time-crunch or browsing over the internet, the best bet is to stick to your true clothing size.

5. Stores are Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Did you know that many retailers who do not display clothing over size 12 or 14 often have the exact same styles in larger sizes on their websites? If you spot a piece of lingerie that you just like but it isn?t in stock, try to find it online. The internet is such a good resource for plus-sized women that countless businesses have opened their virtual stores and specialize in nothing but full-figured lingerie. With a click of the mouse, you can delight in finding an elegant slip or searching anonymously for something more risqu?. Many of these websites offer a multitude of styles for every mood or occasion, and most provide detailed size charts so that you can feel confident in ordering the correct sized garment. Not only do you not have to cope with impossibly thin sales associates, but you can have the freedom to shop from your home, purchase in privacy and even, in many cases, have your items shipped in generic brown boxes so the postman will be none the wiser.

What you wear closest to your skin should delight and comfort you, and deliver a knockout punch to those worthy enough to witness such unmentionables. The secrets to looking great in lingerie serve to enhance not only your outer curves, but allow your inner beauty to filter through as well. According to Wilhela Cushman, beloved fashion writer, ?Just around the corner in every woman’s mind – is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.?

It?s party time and you want to jazz up the evening, add a little more splash and spice to your colorful fiesta theme party or your Las Vegas Night to make it a truly one-of-a-kind event — Why not make it a lingerie party?

Lingerie parties typically come in two flavors. There?s the tamer girls night out version where you hang out with a bunch of your girlfriends and either shop for lingerie or just have a riotous bachelorette evening and then there?s the more naughty kind open to both men and women where everyone can come dressed down to their favorite underwear.

Whatever type of lingerie party you are throwing, keep in mind that it can be a totally decent event and that the tone of the evening is something that you can specify and set down, especially when you are sending out your invitations. A lingerie element can add a touch of daring and adventure to any kind of themed party that you are planning to throw and that?s all the nuance there need be. It can be just like any other generic party except that you?ll have a lot more fun with your attire and gifts not to mention the enjoyment you?ll have playing hilarious games involving lingerie from throwing it around to sporting it on your head.

If you are going for a girls night out lingerie party, just remember that it?s quite similar to a bachelorette party. You can ask your friends to come dressed in their most outrageous lingerie or bring the most hideous pieces they own and have a bunch of laughs over them. With face creams, manicures and a lot of heart-to-heart talk you can also turn this into an overnight affair– Make it a refreshing ?pamper yourself? lingerie slumber party.

Additionally a lingerie home party like this could also be a great way for you to make a few extra bucks. After all, how often is it that you get a chance to shop for lingerie with your girlfriends en masse? This could be a chance for all of you to have some good old fashioned fun giggling over scandalous lingerie, pajama sets, nightgowns, thongs and naughty babydolls. All you?ll need to do is to contact a lingerie party company and they?ll take care of organizing the details. At the end of the day, in addition to everyone having had a smashingly good time, you?ll receive either free merchandise or hostess credits depending upon the company?s policy plans. Can?t get any better, can it?

If you are going for a couples or an ?open to all? type of lingerie party where there are both men and women, make sure to set some ground rules first and send them out in your invitations. You can specify the type of attire for the evening; Make it a sexy but classy affair and in case you are worried about overly revealing costumes, specify that truants will be made to wear clothes! Add tons more thrill and fun by making it a costume lingerie party. For instance–Hunks and Sirens from Underwear hell (Devil theme party), Intergalactic lingerie hunters (space theme party), Mermen & Mermaid?s Castoffs and Superhero?s Bad Underwear Day. Be prepared to see some truly bizarre, laugh-out loud outfits!

What?s great about lingerie parties is that they add a touch of the audacious and elevate an otherwise great party to a truly mind blowing, talked-for-years-after kind of one. The slightly scandalous and sexy undertone can be rejuvenating and can leave everyone feeling like a million dollars. So go ahead and be the talk of the town — Throw a fabulous lingerie party!

There are three kinds of lingerie in the world. There is that used strictly to bring on the act of sex. Fishnet stockings with a sheer camisole set, for example. Or a g-string and a half-cup bra. Then there are lingerie pieces that serve to enhance or control the body’s natural beauty. Corsets, garters, and bustiers are examples. Finally, there is the sexy lingerie. This is lingerie used in the art of romance. Silk negligees and lacy panties, for instance.

Marketing of sexy lingerie is aimed toward the everyday woman, the working mom or career lady who has to spend every day in a man’s world. The lingerie these women want to wear on the weekend doesn’t include granny panties and a T-shirt. It isn’t a trampy, uncomfortable outfit either. They want lingerie that is tasteful and classy enough to wear on a regular basis. And comfortable. If they can’t enjoy wearing lingerie, they don’t want it at all. Men buying lingerie for their ladies need to realize this.

It is important to say here that sexy is a subjective term. It depends really on the psychology of those involved. What one man thinks is sexy might be utterly atrocious and distasteful to another. Take sheer lingerie. One man would find the idea of seeing his lady’s body through the lingerie very sexy and stimulating. Another man would think it too revealing and unimaginative. In order to determine where they stand on the matter, men could answer the following questions:

1. Do you get aroused seeing fully-clothed women?
2. Would you go or have you ever gone to a striptease?
3. When you and your lady get time alone, what do you do first?

This strange set of questions can tell men a lot about what they think is sexy. It will also reveal to them some of their attitudes about the act. Men who climax early during intercourse shouldn’t buy trampy, skimpy lingerie. A sexual encounter shouldn’t be over in five minutes. Men who find themselves aroused in the presence of fully-clothed women usually have a good imagination. A simple body-suit for their women can prove provocative to them. Men who frequent the striptease or the nearby go-go club might need more. These shows desensitize. The sexy or romantic style of lingerie just won’t cut it. These men need to see skin. A thong or backless panties might help some men along. Finally, the last question. On the weekend, after the work week is done, men and women reunite in a more relaxed atmosphere. They have a chance to remedy what might be days of sexual frustration. Men who want sex first won’t need alluring lingerie. A simple bra and panty set will suffice. Men who expect to spend a romantic evening with their ladies before commencing with sex should go for the silk chemise or camisole set.

So, what does sexy lingerie do for a relationship? Depending on what men feel is sexy, it can either lead to or instigate the act of making love. In the lingerie world, sexy style lingerie points to that which is alluring and attractive, without becoming pornographic. It is the comfortable silk or satin nightgown. It covers enough of the body to leave things to the imagination. But since sexy is a subjective term, it has come to include all types of lingerie, whether they reveal nothing or everything.

Silk has a long history, beginning in the Far East. It was harvested with the silk that silkworms create and made into all sorts of different types of clothing. Silk was at one point so expensive that only rich people could afford it. Not so anymore. It has become widespread, and most people will find silk lingerie at their nearest department store.

Silk lingerie is valued for its softness and shiny appearance. It has many variations, and is sometimes known as charmeuse or chiffon. No man-made material properly emulates silk, but fabrics like rayon copy the properties. Rayon is popular because it can be machine washed. Rayon is also valued for its other properties. Unlike silk, rayon doesn?t hold in heat. This makes it popular in hot and humid climates. Still, rayon is not a completely natural fabric, and doesn?t hold the high-esteem that silk does.

Even though it has beauty beyond compare, lingerie made from silk is not easy to care for. It demands special attention. Silk lingerie cannot be washed in detergent. It cannot be bleached either, because bleach is too harsh for the fibers. Washing by hand is the best way to keep the fabric looking new. Just use lukewarm water. Do not twist a silk garment, for it is easy to misshape. Rinse to remove the soap and lay to dry. Make sure you look on the tag for washing instructions. Some newer silks are sturdy enough to withstand a wash cycle.

Silk lingerie is usually embellished with lace or ribbon. This adds a feminine touch as well as an extra treat for the eyes. It can be found online and in local stores. An online specialty shop might offer better prices. Bricks and mortar stores have to pay monthly rental and insurance. Because of this, they cannot afford to lower their prices. Most online lingerie shops can afford to sell their pieces for a lower price, because the sellers sell directly from their apartments or homes. This doesn?t mean to say that online shops are always cheaper. Small shop-owners don?t always buy in large quantities. This is because much of their business is buy-on-demand. The owner of a physical location may buy in larger quantities to save money, since suppliers will offer a discount for bulk purchases.

Lingerie made of silk looks exotic. It forms to the body loosely. Its shiny texture appeals visually, and the feel is soft and smooth. Silky lingerie comes in so many different styles, including everything from the short camisoles to the teddies and longer negligees. It has always been the romantic choice; now that it is affordable for everyone, silk has become the standard in lingerie wear.

When buying silk lingerie, take a good look at the price. If it seems too low, read the label. Some lingerie sold as silk is actually satin. Silk is shiny on both sides. Satin is shiny on one side and dull on the other. This is due to differences in the manufacturing processes between the two. Study the fabric. Are there any rips or tears in it? Does it have any thin spots? Silk is valuable. It will last a long time if it is properly taken care of. Like other things taken from nature, silk deserves our respect and attention.