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Combination of striped print and intricate embroidery resembling henna tattoos.

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We're in W Magazine!

It’s been a few days since the fateful email came through, but we’re still so excited: the March issue of W Magazine has an exquisite lingerie-as-outerwear spread (photographed by Mario Sorrenti, styled by Camilla Nickerson), and on page 249, Made by Niki’s classic black bra is featured. And since we’re one of a handful of places to buy the cult British lingerie label, we’re named in the mag! Check it out on page 249 (below):

What’s better, our new Made by Niki spring pieces just arrived today! They’re called Slinkies, a collection of high-compression shapewear with a seductive edge. We spent all day playing with the minidress, miniskirt, pencil skirt and leggings (I may or may not be sitting here writing this in my minidress and leggings). It’s unbelievable how much they hold you in. Plus, with wedding season coming up, the ivory minidress is the perfect alternative to a bustier or strapless. Removable garters, multi-position detachable straps… Niki’s designs are always sexy and innovative. we’re really glad W Mag finally picked up on her talent!

The Curvy Girl Resurfaces

It’s a wonderful, interesting time for lingerie– the industry is moving at an impressive clip, changing minds and cultural ideals with every new step. Up until recently, the Kate-Moss-Waif was the woman to be. Enter New York Magazine with their stunning latest cover, touting Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks as “the Return of the Voluptuous”:

New York Mag's Feb. 22-Mar.1 Issue

Though we would have loved to see more fabulous lingerie looks inside the magazine, the cover says it all– the womanly silhouette is back, and some of the world’s greatest designers have picked up on the fact that curvy is the new bean-pole.

Case-in-point, Prada’s Fall 2010 runway show that took place just last week:

Bustline darts and ruffles ruled the runway at Prada's Fall show.

Word has it that the folks at Prada airlifted a number of “curvier” models (Doutzen, Miranda and Alessandra, to name a few) in at the eleventh hour to showcase the collection on more average frames. The clothing itself plays up the bust with ruffles and dart detailing, and many of the looks were nipped in at the waist by a skinny belt. The result is a visible shift to using elements of design that complement and play up shapely figures.

All of this suggests that the world is finally picking up on what men and lingerie insiders alike have known all along– fads are fleeting, but the natural female form, with all its twists and turns, is always the sexiest.

Is The Thong Really Dead?

This month, the lingerie cyberworld is all abuzz– the February issue of Cosmopolitan has declared the thong dead and named the boyshort it’s successor. While the news has been met with mixed emotion, at Embrasse-Moi, we can’t help but feel there will always be a place in the world (and the modern woman’s wardrobe) for thongs.

Lingerie as outerwear has been gaining momentum as a trend since it was introduced by designers en-masse a few seasons ago. This concept often means entire outfits made out of slinky, satiny, lacy fabrics that leave little room for undergarment error. Is there a safer bet under a delicate and beautiful (but unforgiving) dress than a basic microfiber thong? Even a seamless, laser-cut boyshort can flip up or roll along the edges, creating problems where it promised to be the solution. No one on our staff can live without their Cosabella Never Say Never stretch lace thongs or Felina’s basic microfiber style. They’re even great under workout gear at the gym.

Cosabella's fabulous stretch lace thongs

We have just one word for those who call thongs unflattering: Aubade. And any lingerie lover can appreciate the look of a thong paired with a waist cincher or garter belt– a fuller coverage style would simply be overkill with these pieces.

Aubade's "Ecrin Sensuel" cincher is perfect with the matching thong

We’re just saying, don’t count the thong out yet: it’s a style that has far too many practical uses, even if everyone’s starting to jump on the boyshort bandwagon.

Bonne Saint Valentin

Love Potion for Two

They say Valentine’s Day is for lovers, and lovers like to have a little fun when the day rolls around. Enter Love Potion, a sensual blend of natural herbal aphrodisiacs. Enjoy alone, or mix with champagne or liqueur. Valentine’s Day or not, this stuff will definitely make it feel like it is…

{Romance}

{Romance}

{Intimacy}

{Intimacy}

{Love}

{Love}

Introducing Passionata Lingerie

Passionata, the flirty new line of lingerie by Chantelle, previously only available in Europe, we are excited to be among the handful of boutiques in the U.S. picked to carry the line!

A little bit about Passionata:
To be a Passionata means to be madly in love each day.  Passionata or the art of asserting a woman’s femininity, was born at the end of the 80s when women, after years of wearing sensible lingerie and unisex clothes, wished to reassert their femininity… Passionata made lingerie affordable and wearable on a daily basis by modernizing fabrics and materials.

Passio from the Printemps-été 2010 collection arrived at Embrasse-Moi today, check it out below!

20091027_passionata-logohearts

{Passio}

{Passio}

{http://www.passionata.com/}

{http://www.passionata.com/}

Washing Your Bras: The Perpetual Dilemma

The most frequent question asked in the shop? “How often should I wash a bra, and how should I wash it?” We believe bras should be washed according to how much you wear them. Our rule of thumb is up to four “gentle wears” (no sweating or excessive activity) before sending your bra to the laundry room. If you wear it once a week, wash it once a month. If you wear it everyday, try to wash it at least once every week or so. Try not to wear the same bra more than two days in a row-it’s important to let your overworked bras take a rest and regain their elasticity.

Hand wash your lingerie ladies! Hand washing will give your bras a longer life and also not wear the elastic out as quick as a machine will. Our favorite lingerie wash is a no rinse delicate wash called Eucalan. It’s a whole new spin on laundry for lingerie!

Step One:
Fill your basin or tub with lukewarm water.

Step Two:
Add 1 tsp. of Eucalan per 1 gallon of water.

Step Three:
Squeeze article gently.

Step Four:
Let article soak for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Step Five:
No need to rinse! Just hang or lay flat to dry.

{Hang your bras to dry}

{Hang your bras to dry}

www.lingerie-confidant.com_bra_on_line

{Line dry your delicate panties to dry}

{Line dry your delicate panties to dry}

{Available in a variety of pretty sents}

{Available in a variety of pretty scents}

On The Rise

When we talk about the “rise” of a panty we are referring to how high a panty comes up on your hips. You can find thongs, bikinis, briefs, boyshorts or pretty much any style of panty in any rise. A quick lesson on the different options you have for panties if you are not familiar with all your choices:

Bikini: with the wild popularity of the bikini swimsuit in the 1960s, this panty has been a staple in most women’s panty drawers for decades. It traditionally provides moderate coverage in the front and back, with high-cut legs.
Tip: look for bikinis with a seam up the center of your derriere to give a rounder bottom shape under clothes.

Anita Vanella Brief

{Anita Vanella Brief}

Brazilian: this is a panty style loved by those who want to elongate their legs or visually slim their thighs. These panties are cut high on the thigh and great if you want a little more coverage everywhere but want to be sexy at the same time.

Aubade Plume d'Amour Brazilian Brief

{Aubade Plume d'Amour Brazilian Brief}

Tanga: a perfect compromise between a thong and a bikini. A tanga usually has equal amount of material in the front as well as the back, leaving you more exposed in the back.
Tip: If you want to avoid panty lines, but do not want to do a thong then this is the panty for you!
Fun Fact: a tanga originates from the early 20th century and denotes a loincloth worn by indigenous peoples in tropical America.

Chantelle Rive Gauche Tanga

{Chantelle Rive Gauche Tanga}

Thong: you either love them or hate them, but these little scraps of material do their job by eradicating VPLs (visible panty lines). The absence of fanny coverage ensures the absence of panty lines!

Cosabelle Thong

{Cosabelle Thong}

G-String: the Tiny Tim of thongs. It is the tiniest thong you can imagine. A small triangle of material is in front, with strings running up your cheek cleavage and across your hips.
Fun Fact: we didn’t think of it first! The G-string originated among the tribal people from thousands of years ago.

Simone Perele Fiji String

{Simone Perele Fiji String}

What is your favorite style panty?

Welcome Baby Liliana!

We finally have pictures of Baby Liliana! Born on Saturday January 9, 2010 at 6:06am. She was 7lbs 12ox, 20 3/4 in. Mommy and Baby are doing fabulous!
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Liliana Elizabeth Iannazzi

17458_1196404748927_1192710327_31116981_7992798_n

The Iannazzi Family!

The Iannazzi Family!

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Mommy and Liliana :)

Mommy and Liliana :)

Welcome Home Baby!

Welcome Home Baby!

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What a peanut

What a peanut

Welcome Liliana!

Welcome Liliana!

Godmother Rebeca and her Goddaughter:)

Godmother Rebeca and her Goddaughter:)

Her first diaper!

Her first diaper!

Take Your Lingere to the Next Level

I found this quiz in a book called Underneath It All by Jennifer Manuel Carroll, take it and find out what lingerie styles best fit your personality and lifestyle. You may fall into more than one category or find yourself gravitating toward more than one style. That’s great! It means you’re open to more options.

Lingerie Style QuizJPLingerieQuiz2JP

Mostly As: Sporty
Mostly Bs: Practical
Mostly Cs: Romantic/Sweet
Mostly Ds: Sophisticated/Chic
Mostly Es: Sexy Seductress

Sporty: Recommendations for you gals who want to “sport” lingerie while still keeping your athletic sensibility include:

  • Sassy, soft bras comfortable enough to sleep in but also designed for support and daily wear.
  • Comfy boyshorts that won’t migrate during the daily routine.
  • Coordinated pajama sets in cheery colors or fun cotton camisole and short sets for spring.

Tip: unless you are playing a sport, you should not be wearing a sports bra! They do nothing but restrict the movement of your breasts, pressing them into a boob omelet-not a tasty look.

To Start: go out and buy a supportive bra that is so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it.

Brands you might like: *Anita * Chantelle *Spanx

Practical: Who says practical has to be boring? Pick items that are functional and fit properly but that also make you feel good.

  • A black T-shirt bra and matching black bikini
  • Comfy camisoles with matching bottoms
  • A thin cotton or modal robe in a soft, muted color
  • Cute print panties that have nude in the pattern to match your nude T-shirt bra

Tips: If you have a black  or nude T-shirt bra buy a bunch of black or nude basic bottoms. You will have a matching set every day without even trying!

To Start: Find yourself a comfortable coordinated sleep set-there are lots out there that feel like a second skin.

Brands you might like: *Le Mystere * Chantelle * Felina * Cosabella * Wendy Glez

Romantic/Sweet: You like to freshen up your lingerie wardrobe, buying something new for each season. Take a look at these items:

  • Flouncy, fun babydolls with floral or patterned motifs.
  • Bras with bows, ribbons, or interesting details and artsy straps to show off.
  • Bottoms with ruffles, details and charm.
  • Prints. Gingham and paisley dots.

Tips: Be creative! If you find a killer deal on a cute camisole or bra, try to match it with a fun pair of panties. This will ensure you wear the item, and you will feel smashing in an unconventional matching set.

To Start: Go through your lingerie drawer and pick an item that you have been saving for a special occasion. Put it on right now!

Brands you might like: * Betsey Johnson * Elle Machperson * Aubade * Huit

Sophisticated/Chic: You, lovely lady, need to wear things that make you feel beautiful. Some elegant recommendations:

  • Bra and panty sets that match perfectly.
  • Lace in all colors and patterns.
  • Chemises and gowns, to sleep in.
  • Long dressing gown or kimono-style robes, to wrap yourself in morning or night.
  • High heels. Very high.

Tips: Always buy at least two pairs of panties to match each bra purchase.

Brands you might like: *Aubade *Simone Perele *Aubade *Aubade *Aubade!!

Sexy Seductress: You more than likely acquired several of these key pieces already. Keep your drawers stocked with:

  • A silk nightgown and robe set, which will ensure you always have appropriate sleepwear when company is over…
  • A silk camisole and tap pants set, for sultry summer nights.
  • A corset or bustier.
  • A pair of fishnets, thigh highs and stockings.
  • A garter belt, of course!

Tips: Don’t feel compelled to restrict your corset to the boudoir. Wear it out, over a skirt or jeans!

Brands you might like: *Aubade * Jezebel *Huit *La Perla *Made by Niki

I scored mostly Cs! What’s your lingerie style?