Ask Belle: Valentine’s Day Means Lingerie
Feb 2, 2016
Hi Belle,
Are you going to write a lingerie post for Valentine’s this year? I always seem to pick something you chose, and I know my husband likes not having to go to Victoria’s Secret by himself.
x, PC
I must admit, the lingerie post is one of my favorites. There’s something about lacy undergarments that seems very indulgent, like going for a spa day or eating the extra cookie. Unlike most women, I buy lingerie even when I am not in a relationship. I find that wearing pretty underthings feels very empowering. So if I have an important day at the office, I wear my best lingerie.
For Valentine’s Day this year, here are a few picks in every price point.
Plush. Is money no object? Look no further than Agent Provocateur. The brand is the most luxurious lingerie line on the market. From racy to pretty, their ranges have it all. I recommend the corsets, they’re lust-worthy.
If you love the look of AP, their L’Agent line gives the same look in a lower price point. This raspberry-colored Estella bra is one of my favorites. Like black? This Vanessa bra is truly gorgeous. And the L’Agent playsuits are a nice substitute for the AP corsets.
Posh. Journelle is the best place on the web to find gorgeous lingerie. They have the widest selection of brands, from the relaxed look of Eberjey to the sophisticated style of La Perla (my favorite).
Also, if sultry underpinnings aren’t a practical for you, several of the pieces in Journelle’s in-house line bring lingerie details to everyday pieces. I love this mid-price Dalia bra in a pretty lilac hue. And their Lise t-shirt bra, with just a hint of lace, is one of my favorites.
Want something beautiful with a bit of modesty? Try a chemise or a romper. This plum Clarisse chemise is both pretty and comfortable. And this $86 Only Hearts romper is a fun option.
Practical. Many woman love lingerie, but aren’t willing to splurge on something they will only wear a few times. My favorite spots for affordable lingerie are H&M and ASOS.
H&M offers a variety of colors and styles. This micro-fiber push-up bra in pale pink and black is nice. I love this black push-up bra with scalloped lace trim; the matching thong is equally gorgeous. And this balconet bra in an ash-violet is elegant and feminine.
ASOS has both an in-house lingerie line and offerings from other brands. This Geisha lace long-line bra in rich purple is fantastic. I also like this Leanna half-cup bra in emerald satin and black lace. They also have a wide selection of affordable one-pieces, including this blush-colored, mesh bodysuit.
Plus-size. ASOS Curve has a small range of lingerie. For a more robust selection, Nordstrom carries the Ashley Graham line. I really like this underwire, cage balconet bra in black.
Petite. Most brands and retailers don’t offer lingerie specifically for petite women, as they offer smaller cup sizes. Several petite bloggers, including my friend Jean, rave about The Little Bra Company. For something affordable, the brand offers a line at Target.
Maternity. Just because your pregnant or nursing doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel sexy on Valentine’s Day (or every day). Cake lingerie offers some cute options like this Licorice Twist bra in a dusty rose. Nordstrom also has a few options in stock, including this lacy Panache Sophie bra.
Awesome post, thank you!
The Little Bra Company does not carry cup sizes smaller than A. For AA and AAA try LuLaLu Petites, which has a great selection. Also, it’s not just typically petite women who require smaller cup sizes- there are plenty of us tall ladies who have small breasts.
Hi Heather!
While most bra companies scale down based on a larger average body type, The Little Bra Company, scales based on a petite body type. Indeed, you are correct, the petite customer in the intimate apparel world is not necessarily just 5’4″ and under. We have taller customers who happen to have a smaller band and/or cup size.) Therefore, when designing bras for The Little Bra Company, we size based on a petite body type. Just like a petite pant may fit a petite customer better, our bras fit a smaller-framed, smaller-chested customer better. We hope this helps, and we hope you will try one us on some time!
I love ASOS for lingerie! All of my favorite lingerie sets have come from them. I ordered the geisha lace longline bra that you link to (and the matching panties) in black a few months ago. Word of warning: the bra does not have any type of clasp (it’s a pull-on style) so it’s a little bit difficult to get on and off. If I had to buy it again, I would go up a band size (and down a cup size to match). Also, it doesn’t offer a lot of support. That being said, it is very pretty and laid-back sexy and a good buy for the price!
For ladies with narrow bands and larger cups, Panache is my favorite way to go. I wear a 28G and can find plenty of sophisticated lace bras in their range. For gorgeously made, sexy bras I love Polish brands Ewa Michalak and (harder to find in the USA) Avocado.
Thanks for the research and recs on this. Question, though – on days where you wear lingerie with your work clothes to give you that little personal boost, how do you go about executing it? A lot of lingerie is styled such that it may show under common for-work fabrics either (lace or other ornamental detailing, etc). Do you use camisoles or slips in this case, under your work-wear but over the lingerie, or do you opt for sturdier fabrics and pieces?
I second the recommendation for Journelle. The brands are beautiful and not all of them are extremely expensive. My recent favorites are Le Mystère and Simone Pérèle- both have styles from an A cup to a G cup (and the bigger cup sizes are sexy styles, not matronly ones).