has us all wearing the same damned underwear
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The mass appeal and accessibility of America's largest lingerie brand has us all wearing the same damned underwear. Sue us if we want a little bit of originality down under.
Victoria's Secret has a monopoly on our private parts, and we get it. It's accessible, relatively affordable (so we tell ourselves), full of options—and synonymous with some of the hottest models on earth (Heidi! Giselle! Naomi!). Who doesn't want to think of herself as an Angel or Very Sexy woman who enjoys a Secret Embrace? But while these styles are flattering and fashionable (some of us around here have yet to find a better strapless bra than any of the VS numbers), they're not the only unmentionables around. Sirens' recurring nightmare: New guy sees skivvies for the first time, thinks, “Hey, my ex wore those last New Year’s when we did that one thing on the hotel balcony …”
So we set out to find some awesome lingerie that has nothing to do with Vicki, but still fits, keeps its shape, supports what needs supporting, and looks damned cute. (And some of which is absurdly affordable to boot.) Here are our faves:
Gap Body
Stretchy cotton, lace, and satin that fits like second skin and is almost always on sale. We recently bought three bras for $50 (yes, three!) and five pairs of supercute hip-hugger lacy panties for $20. Even at retail price, you're walking out with something fab for under $40.
Elle MacPherson Intimates
Why not trust a Victoria's Secret model to make some awesome lingerie alternatives? The prices are on par with VS, and sometimes higher, but worth what you're getting: Handmade-looking lace and satin sets, bustier bras, garder-belt sets that aren't even close to Frederick’s of Hollywood skanky, and curve-flattering boy shots that are so pretty you'll run around the house in them just asking for a surprise visitor. (Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and online at BareNecessities.com.)
Felina
Speaking of gorgeous, original intimates, you’ll love yourself in these nature-inspired creations so much you won’t want to take them off, even for him. The LA-based company makes everything from practical seamless and padded push-up bras to the cami-and-panty sets that we are total suckers for. And hey, if they’re good enough to be featured on Oprah, they’re good enough for us. (Available at boutiques around the country and online at DesinerIntimates.com.)
Hanky Panky
You'll want to live in these stretchy, lacy numbers, including the “world’s most comfortable thong” (which we’re taking their word on, as we are decidedly anti-thong) and some awfully scrumptuous boyshorts. And don’t even get us started on the babydoll nighties, chemises, and pajamas that make us wish we still had sleepover parties to go to. The bridal collection, incidentally, also has us hoping for a shower invitation, and we really don't normally do that. (Available at Bloomingdales.com, Nordstrom.com, and FreshPair.com, and at boutiques around the country.)
American Eagle Outfitters
The casual-basics retailer’s Aerie line offers an overwhelming variety of adorable cotton underwear at ultra-affordable prices—and cute bras perfect for gals on the small side. Teens and college girls, after all, are the target demo here, but if you brave the loud music and giggling customers, you get flirty pieces for a bargain. Plus you can pick up some great T-shirts and denim minis while you’re there.
Mary Green
When we first spotted Mary Green’s sheer, lacy boyshorts and matching camisoles in a random Hawaii boutique, we stocked up for fear of never seeing such comfort, beauty, and affordability in one place again. (Not to mention sweetly surprising color combos, like bright red and pink, turquoise and celadon.) And yet we were oddly distressed when we found the line a year later at our local Urban Outfitters, kinda like when our favorite indie bands hit it big. But that hasn’t stopped us from going back for more Mary Green satin, cotton, and lace boyshorts and briefs in all kinds of colors, perfectly fitted camis to match, and even a few of their triangle bras (of the cute-but-pointless variety). (Available for purchase at MaryGreen.com or at Urban Outfitters.)
posted by LeBlues @ 12:40 PM,
