Ask Belle: Lace Is in the Air
Jan 28, 2014
Hey Belle,
Want to tell you that I absolutely live for your blog…keep up the awesome work! Today, I was wondering if you could give good suggestions for lingerie/intimates. I’m a little tired of Victoria’s Secret, hate Fredrick’s, and want something kinda fun and more earthy. I don’t mind if it’s a little pricier or something that’s from out of the country. Free People seems to be the kind of style that’s catching my eye, but I’m open for others. Let me know what you think when you can.
Thank you, SW from Atlanta
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this topic seemed an appropriate one to discuss.
If you’re new to buying lingerie, I suggest going for a fitting. Your area Nordstrom or a local boutique like Coupe de Foudre in Penn Quarter can help you find out what size you need. Why go for a fitting? Because if your not comfortable in what you’re wearing, you won’t feel sexy.
One of my favorite places to buy lingerie is Anthropologie. They carry a lot of pieces that are a bit more unique and relaxed than what you’ll find at most retailers. I especially like that they carry some vintage-inspired pieces. Their Carina set is a good mix of structure and bohemian. This corset set is also a lovely choice, but my favorite is this lacy bodysuit.
If you’re attracted to the look of Free People, I recommend a brand called Eberjey. This lace-trimmed teddy is a pretty, relaxed piece. I own their racerback lace bras, and they’re lovely. And if you want something pretty for every day, they also make a lace-trimmed, racerback camisole.
Another Free People-like brand would be Hanky Panky. In addition to their fabulous bare thongs, they also make soft, lace bras and cute one piece items.
Lastly, if you adore the look of Agent Provacateur, they’re now producing a less-expensive diffusion line called L’Agent. You can buy a simple lingerie set or add accessories, like garters and hosiery. The price is either similar to or just above Victoria’s Secret, but the quality is much better.
Where do you go shop for lingerie? And do you like to wear it regularly or just on special occasions? I’m a bit of an odd duck because if I have a big meeting or an important occasion, I like to build the perfect outfit from the foundation up.
I wear nightgown and dressing gown sets from Soma. They’re stretchy and comfortable, but still have a bit of lace for sexiness. You can find pretty good sales on their website.
I love Nancy Meyer and Journelle. Some of the price points are a bit high, but I wait for the sales and then pick up some new pieces. Beautiful lingerie!
I really like the Cosmopolitan line at JCPenney for less expensive bralets and skivvies.
I buy most of by bras (along with getting fittings) at Intimacy. I go to the Boston store but I know they have other locations, and some online shopping options. The staff are always very professional, helpful and low pressure, and the selection of sizes is great. I used to wear a 34B from Victoria’s Secret and they put me into a 30E–it was such a tremendous improvement.
I did a fitting at Nordstrom to find what I like & what worked for me first- Chantelle, Simon Perele, La Perla. Online I have ordered from Bare Necessities and FigLeaves, and have great luck with RueLaLa and Gilt running deals on brands I like. 6pm.com and Nordstrom Rack are great sources- lots of Hanky Panky and Chantelle deals to be found. In person, I shop at a couple local lingerie stores. I like wearing nice underpinnings all the time. Not complicated underthings, nice & comfy ones!
For prettier lacy things for those of us above a dd/e DKNY Signature lace has pretty baby dolls, tanks etc. that match their signature lace line.
Depends on your sizing. If you are on the smaller-average side (both in band and cup size) then brands like Marie Jo and Chantelle are fantastic. If you are more busty like me (or have a larger band sizes – even with smaller cups) then my favorite is Prima Donna and their younger line Twist. These bras don’t come cheap ($100-$160), but they are gorgeous, last forever and really give you the support you need. I was a poor college student (and now a poor graduate student) but the quality is truly incomparable!
One extra benefit is that they are usually sold in more boutique type stores that often have better customer service and customization options available. At my store in Denver (SOL – Store of Lingerie), I brought a bra in 6 years after I bought it with a wire that popped out. Their seamstress fixed it right up – no charge. Awesome!
I too love SOL in Denver, they have amazing sales (all panties were $10.95, even online recently) and their service is amazing. I used to go to another boutique shop in upstate NY, and I still have bras from there, years later. Don’t forget to get a good detergent. Also, Adoreme.com seems to have decent quality for the price.
I LOVE Eberjey and have 6 or 7 sets already. Most of their bras have little support for bigger cups, but are wearable under certain material and dresses in warmer weather. I have found them on sale on ShopBop and HerRoom and I would never pay full price for a bra+panty combo. Beautiful colors and strong lace! Any knit material is always super soft.
Cosabella makes cute lacy things for the smaller-chested; as a slightly bustier person, I’ve had great luck with Eberjey: the lace used in their nightgowns and bralets is strong enough to be supportive, but delicate enough to be sexy.