With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about one of Belle’s favorite topics, lingerie. Long time readers of this blog know that I have strong opinions about lingerie, especially for a woman who doesn’t date, because I believe that lacy and racy underpinnings are not just for special occasions, they are for every day.
Wearing lingerie that fits well, looks pretty and makes you feel sexy can boost your confidence and make you feel better about your body. In the spirit of introducing more women to the glory of lingerie, Nordstrom has created a quiz to help you discover your lingerie personality.
I took the quiz and was labeled a “sophisticated seductress.” The label might not suit me, but the choices the site suggested sure did. For participating in the launch of the quiz, Nordstrom was nice enough to gift me a $100 gift card, which I used to help purchase this set:
Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou Set ($162)
Isn’t it stunning? I love the eyelash lace and the pale pink trim. I also love that it’s practical enough to be worn under my every day attire.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, this set from Betsey Johnson, queen of the tulle skirt, comes in at $68 for both pieces. And it also comes in a ballet pink if black isn’t your thing.
So head over to Nordstrom’s website and take the quiz. You can also shop for gifts for him and her, and if you use one of the promotion sites we discussed last week, you can earn cash back or frequent flier miles. Pretty lingerie with a benefit? How can you resist?
And as always, before you start investing in lovely lingerie, you need to know what size you are. I once though that I was a 34B, until I went into Coup de Foudre for a fitting and was informed that I am a 32C. If you’re not lucky enough to have a fabulous French lingerie store in your neighborhood, Nordstrom has expert bra fitters and online resources to help you get into a bra that actually fits you. And you’ll be amazed how a well-fitting bra can chage your posture and the way your clothes fit.
Lastly, I’ve written a guest blog on a new, local men’s style site called Fashion Served Neat offering men tips on how to buy lingerie that their significant others will actually want to wear. Because too many women see lingerie as a gift for the man, and maybe, if men started buying nicer, more comfortable, prettier lingerie we could change that. If you want to read that post (and maybe send it to the man in your life), click here.
I agree with everything in this post! When Im feeling I'll but have to get work done or I just know the day will suck, I slip into some sexy undies & a fabulous outfit. It's an instant confidence booster when someone compliments. Nordstroms does a great job for fittings. I don't know how I went so long without one! I'd reccomend fantasie brand, especially for gals with bigger chests. They mesh & sexy but specially designed to prevent “headlights”. They work wonders for me!
I definitely recommend Intimacy — one opened a year or two ago in the Tysons mall. It's on the pricier side, but the fitting was fabulous and the bras are incredibly beautiful. I feel much more comfortable and look better, too!
Also, I have a personal question, and you can feel free to ignore it. I know you've written here before that you don't date. Do you ever see that changing? Would you want to get married if the right person came along, or are you just not interested at all? I'm just curious because most people say they're not dating “right now,” rather than at all.
cia: I don't know. If I met someone that I really wanted to date, I probably would give it a go. But the longer you don't do something , the harder it is to get started again.
I second the Intimacy suggestion! I had my first fitting at the one in Atlanta while I was still in college. The bras are certainly pricier than what I was used to paying but think about it this way – wouldn't you rather have several gorgeous, well-made, sturdy bras that fit you correctly than have fifteen kind of ok bras that dig into your ribcage or let you sag? I also really have to recommend Intimacy for ladies with non-standard sizes (outside of the 34-38 A-D range). You will not regret a trip there. I am a personal fan of the Marie Jo bras – great support, pretty details, can't tell you're wearing it under clothes.
I second the Intimacy suggestion! I had my first fitting at the one in Atlanta while I was still in college. The bras are certainly pricier than what I was used to paying but think about it this way – wouldn't you rather have several gorgeous, well-made, sturdy bras that fit you correctly than have fifteen kind of ok bras that dig into your ribcage or let you sag? I also really have to recommend Intimacy for ladies with non-standard sizes (outside of the 34-38 A-D range). You will not regret a trip there. I am a personal fan of the Marie Jo bras – great support, pretty details, can't tell you're wearing it under clothes.
I meant to comment on this post awhile back. Thanks to you, I spent upwards of $167 on lingerie at nordies. I don't regret it one bit. Thanks Belle!