Style and  ‘sense’ have long been warring concepts, and perhaps that is why we simply adored Chanel when she came along; she freed us from these constraints, and advised us that girls should be classy and fabulous –always.  With this in mind, let me assure you that “Beauty is pain”, and “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too”, are ridiculous concepts.  With a little negotiation, you can find something aesthetically ravishing and yes… comfortable, too!  Sometimes, even the art of diplomacy has its place in fashion.  Let’s take a peek at some lingerie styles with a reputation for discomfort, and how they can actually be ‘pretty yet practical’.

The Corset

Yes, the corset has a history of leaving countless women literally breathless, but its’ descendants are of a much gentler temperament now.  Although some ladies do still wear corsets to achieve small waists as of yore (like Cathie Jung!), we now know corsets as incredibly feminine undergarments that softly shape and enhance the feminine figure –I know I stand a little more elegantly, a little more straighter, when I’m wearing one.  Perhaps even Chanel would approve… This seductive, deep violet ‘Midnight Kiss’ corset by Blush is sure to support your curves, and leave your admirer breathless.

The Thong

This complex bit of fabric needs a deal of ‘getting used to’.  But once you do, (and with the right size) you will avoid those horrid undergarment lines, and feel incredibly saucy, too.  The surprisingly comfy Florence String by Change of Scandinavia is not only about looks, but luxury — a perfect way to test a new style!

Lace

Some women find the feel of lace chafing against their skin.  If you love lace, but have sensitive skin, try wearing quality styles that keep the texture to a minimum or that offer a barrier or lining between your skin and the lace.  This racy, lacy and sheer number from the Bra Doctor’s Brigitte collection is made with a soft lace that doesn’t irritate in the least.  And with lace on the exterior and lined on the inside, Triumph’s “Lace Allure” bra definitely lives up to its name.

Underwire Bras

Yes, more often than not, wired bras are hugely popular because of their ability to help support and shape a fantastic figure, but some women do find them uncomfortable.  (Also, did you know that with tighter security measures at the airport, underwire bras can cause ‘inconvenience and extra scrutiny’ at the checkpoint?  Who needs the extra hassle when you’re travelling?)  Wearing a wire-free bra doesn’t mean you have to forsake looking cute or sassy… because this little lacy wire-free number by Blush Lingerie will prove that theory wrong and far exceed your ‘Great Expectations‘!

What are your thoughts, ladies?  Are you convinced that fashion can achieve a balance between style and comfort?  Share your thoughts with us on Twitter and on our Facebook page — we are always excited to hear from you!

 -Cathie-
cathie@nowthatslingerie.com 

Image Credits & Sources:

www.weheartit.com

Midnight Kiss Corset by Blush
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=222041-midnight-kiss-satin-and-lace-strapless-corset–blush-lingerie

Brigitte Semi-Sheer Lace Thong by Bra Doctor
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=40019r-brigitte-sheer-lacy-low-rise-thong-bra-doctor-lingerie

Lace Allure bra by Triumph International
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1906-lace-allure-full-support-bra-triumph-lingerie

Florence Thong by Change of Scandinavia
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=29708338_change_of_scandinavia_florence_string

Great Expectations Wire-Free Bralette by Blush
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=221510-great-expectations-sheer-lace-and-satin-wire-free-bralette-blush-lingerie

With May just around the corner, it’s time to start packing up those bulky Winter clothes and get your wardrobe ready for Spring!  Maybe you already have your Spring/Summer wardrobe stashed away, ready to be flaunted under the sun, but if you’re like the ladies I know, you’re waiting to pick up those few new pieces that really flatter you.  Here are some of my suggestions to get the sensual silhouette that’s perfect for your body type.  Don’t forget!  You don’t have to have a perfect body to love and wear the latest fashions; you just have to select clothes that are flattering to your unique shape!

1.  Curvy

If you have a beautiful voluptuous figure, the 1950s should be your go-to decade.  Thanks to designers of the era like Christian Dior, the ultra-feminine fifties look was dependent on a full bustline, small nipped waist, and rounded soft hips.  You should look for dresses that provide a fitted bodice and a waistline at the natural level, with a full knee length skirt. It is a versatile silhouette; pick a pretty floral for daytime, or a sophisticated black for night.

Chanel, Spring 2011

2. Thin

If you are naturally thin, you should be looking to past decades like the 1920s, when young and androgynous fashions were in style.  This Spring, there were many Twenties’ references on the high fashion runways.  If you are slim, you can definitely wear the straight-cut, tubular shapes that don’t cling to curves.  Thin women also have the luxury of wearing menswear-inspired silhouettes very well; if you are adventurous, you can always wear a tailored pantsuit in lieu of a dress for a super chic look.

Prada Spring 2011

3. Tall

Having long legs is a definite asset for Spring 2011.  Many designers showed 1970s-inspired collections (think of Marc Jacob’s signature line, and Louis Vuitton’s collection).  With a tall figure, you can wear the 70s-style, high-waisted trousers really well; team them up with wooden platforms for a retro-inspired look.  Also, the long maxi skirts of the seventies are making a comeback; these are super flattering on a tall body, and are a great way to beat the heat of Summer!

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

4. Short

The short woman should look to the 1960s for sartorial guidance this season.  With a petite frame you should keep hemlines above the knee to avoid looking stumpy.  The sixties were famous for the miniskirt; they are flirty and fun but also help to visually lengthen legs.  Pair a miniskirt with some ballet flats for an easy summertime look.  Also, the ankle-length cigarette pant of the early Sixties works well on a small frame, and is office appropriate.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2011

Want to ask me about fashion?

E-mail me! alexis@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo sources:

Chanel: www.style.com

Prada: http://rawdenimbar.blogspot.com/2011/01/trdb-spring-2011-runway-drool.html

Marc Jacobs:  http://bedazzlesafterdark.onsugar.com/Marc-Jacobs-Spring-2011-RTW-10998853

Phillip Lim: www.style.com

1920's Silk and Lace Brassiere

The modern age began in the twenties, and women played a more active role in society than ever before.  This was the era of the ‘flapper,’ the young woman who drank, smoked and partied in illegal speakeasy clubs wearing knee length skimpy dresses. Ladies also engaged more in sports, and many designers like Jean Patou and Coco Chanel made simple, androgynous, streamlined dresses for active lives.

1920's Bra and Girdle with Garters

The fashionable woman of the twenties was very boyish, youthful and ‘a la garconne.’ She wore her hair cut short in a bob, and had no physical curves; long, lean and tubular was the order of the day.  Fashions were meant to hang straight from the shoulders, and not cling to breasts and hips whatsoever.

5063 Minimizer Wireless Bra by Naturana Lingerie

Bras of the twenties were minimal and bandeau-style; they were worn with girdles that covered the hips and attached to stockings, with panties worn underneath.

Women would wear a slip over all of their undergarments to help create the tubular ideal. If you were not naturally thin and gamine, there were many undergarments designed to minimize curves and flatten bust lines (some actually contained rubber that stretched over the breasts).

Twenties lingerie is some of the best and most beautiful of the twentieth century. Fine silks and satins, intricate laces, and decorative trimmings like tiny flowers were all fashionable. Pastel colors seemed to predominate; maybe this is due to the fact that women were showing more skin than ever before, and a pale bra strap would not be as noticeable. That being said, the twenties was the era of the ‘vamp’ in film, so black lingerie was definitely available for the more adventurous woman.There are many great retro 1920s style bras available today, but they tend to be best for the more small chested.  If you are full figured, there are many minimizing bras available that would look great under twenties style tunic dresses.

301610 Emma Wire-Free Bralette by Blush Lingerie

Phyllis Tortora & Keith Eubank, Survey of Historic Costume, 4th Edition, 2006.

Featured Image Credits

http://www.vintagefashionclub.com/1920s-fashion.html
http://www.fashionstyle-s.info

Score this super chic look in a wallet-friendly way.  Check out Arianne’s Iris collection, which offers a layered look complete with miniature ruffles for an eye-catching yet discreet appearance.  You can wear the sensual knee-length dress to your next party or dinner engagement, or pair the top with your favorite pants before you go dancing this weekend.  Both are lined for opacity and offer wider straps to help hide your bra underneath, and the shape of the bodice is extremely flattering, sleek and sophisticated.

Plus, check out Arianne’s elegant, exceptionally versatile Eve top with ruffles along the neckline, or the Nora silk collection with satiny ruffles along the neckline and down the front of the bodice.

Check back next time to find out what’s up with hemlines this season in Skirting the Issue!

Or see my last style blog: Sheer Sophistication.

Questions about fashion and beauty?
e-mail me at lisa@nowthatslingerie.com.

]]> http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/style-ruffle-mania/2010/03/12/feed 0