I've been on an unplanned hiatus for a while, due to:
life (living an openly poly relationship means a lot of talking to relatives about "but how does that work"),
work (we don't have enough people so that means I'm doing a bit more nightshifts than I planned to) and
politics.
By politics I mean, the catastrophe that is Europe's failure to deal with refugees, mainly atm Syrian refugees. edit 14.09. - Germany (see BBC reports) and Austria closed the borders. Bavarian Minister Seehofer (see BBC reports) explains it's partly due to the soon starting Oktoberfest, which led to the twitter hasthag #oktoberfestung - a mix of the Oktoberfest and german word festung which means fortress.
Many see the closing of the borders as a failure of the European Union. /edit
I know that by now that also reached international media, so if anyone of you has questions or even better wants to help: this indiegogo is made by friends, I know them personally, they made this especially for people wanting to donate even small amounts of money but can't come to Vienna in person. I know this is a lingerie blog, but this is HUGE. I need to adress stuff like this. I won't apologize.
BUT, this will be the only post about this on the blog, I will update it though - if you are interested in this or want to help please just follow me on twitter I'm @denocte, I a) post a lot about it and b) can direct you to the right people that tweet about the stuff that's happening atm.
Please get informed about what's happening: For now I just want to give a quick overview, the situation changes every few hours, so it's hard to give you some hard links. or even hashtags that won't be trolled in a few days.
This is a great short video coverage about the journey of regugees to Europe, where they actually talk WITH REFUGEES not about them only - in English by Austrian TV puls4;
To get informed I recommend checking twitter and facebook pages of refugee help organisations as they often have the fastest info
Hashtags
#nickelsdorf - the border village of Austria, where thousands of refugees arrive daily from Hungary #röszke or #roeszke or #roszke - one of the detainment camps in Hungary where they put refugees #trainofhope - stuff about bringing refugees from the border of Austria/Hungary to Germany or wherever they need to go, organising food, places to sleep, translators, medical help at the different train stations #carofhope - how to help by giving refugees a lift #marchofhope - follow the different marchs of the refugees escaped from detainment camps, trying to reach Austria by foot #refugeeconvoy - planned convoys of private cars and buses to get refugees out of Hungary #traiskirchen - the refugee camp in Austria that is drastically filled with too many refugees and violates human rights #oktoberfestung - started after German border closing on 13th Sept.
mostly German:
@HBF_vie Self-organised group, taking care of the refugees at Vienna main train station
@migrationAidHu - tweeting from hungary
@rosaantifawien - tweeting about the whole debacle
@nofrontexvienna - dito #WelcomeNaseeb - Naseeb tweets his journey of three weeks ago in Realtime.
English:
@WienTV - mostly Vienna based, tweeting in English @balazscseko Freelance Journalist, tweeting from Hungary, in ENGLISH, german, hungarian
@pascoda - tweeting translations of important tweets
On www.refugees.at you can have an overview about what's needed in Austrian hotspots on this website with twitter live feeds of the different cities.
refugeeswelcomepad.wordpress.com this is an ongoing project and gives a lot of links and info, it's basically the go-to site for a lot of stuff. e.g. for how to get legal advice and counceling, in various languages including English, French, German, Arabic and Farsi. Includes phrasebooks for health etc.
You want to help the Refugees trying to get away from Hungary but aren't near enough for hands-on help?
If you got some money to spare, consider donating to this indiegogo campain: Get Refugees to Germany. You can donate even small amounts of money which will go directly to buying train tickets for the refugees. I know the people behind this. It's the real thing.
so, this is all stuff about Austria and Germany, because that's where my focus is directed at the moment because well, i live here, this is where I get most my information from. This doesn't mean that there isn't still the huge problem of refugee boats crossing the mediterranean Sea where a lot of refugees don't live to tell the tale. Because politics want "secure borders" not alive humans.
My plea is: PLEASE, if you want to get involved, if you want to help: Search where you can help in your country. See whether you can donate clothes, money, expertise. And speak up against the rightwingers and Nazis trying to get the refugees to please just die somewhere else where we don't see them. And get informed what the refugees near you NEED, don't just make decisions for them. Fight.
We can do something. We need to do something. Take care of yourselves,
Das kleine Indie-Label ParaNoire Design ist mir ja schon seit jeher ans Herz gewachsen. Ursprünglich eher auf Mode ausgelegt entwickelte sich ParaNoire in den letzten Jahren immer mehr zur Wäschemarke, auf die eins zählen kann:
Vor allem die hübschen Bralet Wäschesets für kleinere Brüste sind mein absoluter Renner - besonders weil es sie auch in weiten Unterbrustumfängen gibt!
Bisher konnte ParaNoire Design über ihren Etsy Shop gekauft werden, aber jetzt betritt ParaNoire Neuland: zum ersten Mal kann ParaNoire Design jetzt in einem Ladengeschäft gekauft werden!
Und zwar gibt es seit 15.09.15 das Bralet und Panty Set NIXIE exklusiv bei Brafinette in Berlin zu kaufen.
Die Kollektion wurde für und mit der Inhaberin von Brafinette, einem Berliner Wäscheladen der auch super Brafitting Beratung anbietet, entworfen.
Die wunderschöne Türkise Spitze mit Muschelmuster passt toll zu den pinken Akzenten: An Trägern, Wäschegummi und Schleifen wird hier frech kombiniert! Und so passt finde ich der Name NIXIE auch echt gut - eine richtige Meerjungfrauenkollektion <3
MIRANDA Bralet in einem vollständig überarbeiteten Schnitt (es wurden u.a. Cuptiefe und die Bandunterkante angepasst) - entspricht laut ParaNoire Design ungefähr dem Schnitt der mittlerweile verfeinert wurde, den ich auch bei diesem Set schon habe und reviewt habe - jetzt ist er halt fertig und perfekter <3.
Bralet No. 1 by ParaNoire
NIXIE by ParaNoire Design
Das Bralet gibt es um 45€ in folgenden Größen zu kaufen:
Für die kleinen Cups werden im Laden die Größen vorrätig sein: (erste Zahl entspricht Unterbrustumfang in cm, zweite Zahl entspricht Brustumfang in cm)
70/79, 70/81, 70/83 (70AAA-A)
75/84, 75/86, 75/88 (75AAA-A)
80/89, 80/91 (80AAA-AA)
NIXIE by ParaNoire Design
Panty
CHARLOTTE Panty (der klassische ParaNoire Schnitt) den ich auch bereits zuhause habe und nur empfehlen kann, wenn eins ein “größeres” Höschen tragen will aber eher nicht zu High Waist Schnitten greift.
Um 29€ gibt es das Höschen in folgenden Größen: (Größe bedeutet Hüftumfang in cm)
Größe 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106 (34-44)
NIXIE by ParaNoire Design
Größenspektrum und Nachbestellen:
Evi von ParaNoire sagt:
“Da unsere finanziellen Möglichkeiten für diese Kollektion nicht unbegrenzt sind, haben wir beschlossen, uns zunächst auf die Größen zu konzentrieren, von denen ich am meisten verkaufe, bzw. auch das positivste Feedback bekommen habe. Ein Tipp: wenn die eigene Größe NICHT in unserer kleinen Größenauswahl mit inbegriffen ist, ist es natürlich taktisch klug, zeitnah die eigene Größe zu bestellen, auch um uns ein Signal zu geben, dass diese Größen gewünscht sind! Dann sind sie vielleicht nächstes mal direkt mit dabei :)
Für die Bralets sind Größen 65-80 AAA-C, sowie 85-AAA-B und 90AAA-A kein Problem, die Panties können im Prinzip in den Größen von 32 bis 52 bestellt werden (86-134 in ParaNoire Größen nach Körpermaß)
Die Teile sind mit dem ParaNoire Größensystem ausgezeichnet, also werden Braletgrößen nach Brust/Unterbrustmaß in Zentimetern bestimmt, und die Höschengrößen nach Hüftumfang in Zentimetern.”
Außerdem kann noch ein "Upgrade" zu den Panties bestellt werden: nämlich die Spitzenapplikation, die auf dem ersten Foto zu sehen ist. Ich hab die Applikation in meinem Vorrat entdeckt, und sie hatte zufällig die perfekte Farbe, allerdings hatte ich nicht mehr genug auf Vorrat, um alle Panties damit zu bestücken. Agnieszka hat aber eine der Applikationen im Laden und man kann sie mal „ausprobieren“ und ggf. über sie bei mir nachbstellen - und das ganze ohne Aufpreis!
NIXIE by ParaNoire Design
NIXIE by ParaNoire Design
Ich finde die Kollektion wunderbar, und bin schon total gespannt wie sie ankommen wird bei euch! Ich komme leider nicht nach Berlin in der nächsten Zeit, aber ich würde mich sehr freuen wenn ihr mir Bescheid gebt, wenn ihr die liebe NIXIE in freier Wildbahn getroffen habt <3
Have you ever bought or searched for skintone underwear, be it bras, knickers or hosiery, before? Considering you are reading my blog chances are high you have.
Here’s what comes up if you search for a bra in the colour option “nude” and size 34C (I picked a common size for high street brands) at massive online underwear retailer with a rather well picked selection of nice lingerie brands: figleaves.co.uk.
Results were a couple of pages long, this is a screenshot of the first and second page. Do you notice anything?
Figleaves "nude"
Figleaves "nude"
I did the same with brastop, looking for bras in bigger cup sizes, again picking the option “nude” in the colour menu.
Brastop "nude"
And again at Victoria’s Secret …
VS "nude"
… and H&M.
H&M "nude"
Do you notice anything? Do you think one of the bras would match your skintone? I’m not talking fit or style preference here, just colour.
Yes? Oh, then I guess you’re white. Because if you look at the bras again you don’t only see a lack of racial diversity in the models, but also that “nude” equals “beige” in lingerie world.
And because I KNOW people will argue “d’uuh then just search for “brown” bras” - I did. Here are the results.
Figleaves "brown"
Brastop"brown"
H&M brown
VS brown
Not so many bras suitable as nude underwear when you pick “brown”, huh?
(Also, VS, you need to learn colours. In what world is lilac brown? And no, there’s not a brown colour version if you click through the link.)
And if you pick black the results are just all over the place, as every bra with a bit of black lace is labelled to pop up too when searching for colour black apparently. I spare you the pictures here.
This short demonstration is just a tiny tiny fraction of a huge problem in fashion: The negligence of POC’s needs for suitable fashion. And it doesn’t really get more basic than nude/skintone underwear - but as you see, even this poses a great problem if you are not white and can wear beige or rosé tones.
So let's get real:
But this post isn’t just another Thinkpiece on Race written by a white girl(™) - it should be about one of the most awesome brands of the last year that just turned one year old: Nubian Skin.
Nubian Skin
When you look at their About Section you see, someone was fed up with the choices fashion gave her:
About Nubian Skin
A nude bra and skin tone hosiery are the basics of every woman’s wardrobe, at least in theory. For many women of colour, finding suitable skin-tone hosiery and lingerie has not been an option. Frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her ever-expanding wardrobe, Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’.
“Empowering Women. Embracing our Colour.”
That said, she subsequently put together one of the most interesting businesses in the lingerie world of the last few years with their HQ in London, and in just one year in business they are already stocked in US (Nordstrom, Bluestockings Boutique), UK, Portugal, Nigeria, at Asos and shipping worldwide.
Offering nude underwear and hosiery for women of colour in four different skintones (Berry, Cinnamon, Caramel, Cafe au Lait) and already many different styles, they launched with quite a splash.
Since starting their company Ade Hassan’s business grew rapidly and gained fans and customers worldwide, which shows mainly two things: A) She’s doing a really good job and B) she is hitting the nail on the head with her products and filling a hole in a market that underserves WOC in some of the most basic fashion needs.
As a white woman I literally didn’t think how it would feel if I couldn’t just buy a nude bra in H&M or any high street lingerie shop. I grew up in white as white can be Europe and it shows how inert racism is in our fashion and culture. I was totally oblivious.
I’m of course not a qualified person on the topic of race. But I was not brought up to be sensible to what POC were going through in terms of institutional racism, and now I see how vital and it is to have brands such as Nubian Skin to erase the normalization of whiteness which is still perpetuating racism and contributes to make the lives of POC harder than they should be. Browns are nudes, too!
Selection
At their webpage they have an easy to use section where you can navigate between their four main lines:
The Essential line, including two seamless bras ( A t-shirt bra and a convertible bra), and three different kinds of seamless knickers (briefs, shorts, thong)
Essential T-Shirt bra Berry by Nubian Skin
The Lace Collection: A lace push up bra and lace shorts
Lace Push Up Bra Cinnamon by Nubian Skin
Hosiery
Hold Ups Berry by Nubian Skin
Panties
Nubian Skin Thong and Convertible Bra Cafe au Lait by Nubian Skin
So all in all, that's a rather big range of items, don't you think?
When it comes to bras they are starting at underbust size 30 (YAY) offering Sizes from 30-40 A-DD - a solid basic sizing range for a newcomer brand.
Yes, if you’re big busted you won’t find a bra from Nubian Skin YET. But every company has to start somewhere and seriously, if you count those sizes this is already a lot. Plus they even already offer different styles of bras:
A padded T-Shirt bra for 29GBP, a Strapless Convertible for 34GBP and a Lace Bra for 39GBP!
In their essential range you can find briefs and shorts for 14GBP, thongs for 13 GBP and in their lace range shorts for 18GBP. Sizing range for panties is S-XL.
Besides Bras and Knickers Nubian Skin also launched hosiery offering tights for 8,50 GBP and hold-ups for 10,50GBP.
So, to sum up: Nubian Skin offers three different kinds of bras, 4 different pairs of knickers, tights and hold-ups, in four different skin tones. With their cheapest bra starting at 29GBP and their lace bra topping at 39GBP they are offering their products in a rather affordarble pricing range. In my opinion, this is a launch worth every splash it got.
Dear Nubian Skin, I offer you all the best for your future - you are what's needed in the lingerie and fashion world.
If you are interested in reading a review for Nubian Skin then watch this space, I got my dear friend Anne (@FrenchHeaux on twitter) the Lace Shorts and Tights and she will do a review on my blog, yay! I would've gotten her a bra, but her size isn't yet made. Also, all the thanks to her for helping me write this blog post without causing microaggressions or fucking up. I really appreciate it, thank you.
xoxo denocte
stay up to date with Nubian Skin (Also how great is that corporate design with the different browns? someone really knows their stuff.)
I love Kiss Me Deadly. I love Murder Mystery stories. I love a good idea getting its funds by crowdfunding. I LOVE THIS KICKSTARTER.
So, Kiss Me Deadly launched a new Kickstarter to fund their new Retro Noir Collection. As Catherine from KMD said, they learned a lot from their first kickstarter where they funded swimwear, and so this one went off with a headstart and it looks very promising already! The collection consists of two bra set/knicker/girdle series - the Angelou and the Pankhurst, matching slips, two different robes, two different gowns and corsets. And you can combine these items to match your budget!
So, what is it all about? With a goal of 10.000GBP Kiss Me Deadly can launch their new collection "Back to Black". If you like their style and especially if you need bigger cup sizes than this one is for you: This retro lingerie collection means there are bras and longlinebras available up to G-Cup (band sizes will be 32-36, check their sizing table because they use the +4 method).
Why should you back their kickstarter?
a) They know what they're doing. The turn around time until you will have your final product in your hands is not very long (expected shipping date is April 2016) and they are experienced in the world of lingerie making, so you can trust that unless something unforeseeable happens, they will live up to their promises - be it quality, shipping dates or other promises. They have backup plans in case something goes wrong, they really thought this through. They are pros.
b) You get really good deals if you have set your eyes fixed on one of the items. For example I've always wanted a floorlength nightgown for a long time now, and now I have the chance! I pledged 70GBP (+10GBP for shipping) which let me choose one of the following four things: Between two different nightgowns and two robes I picked a bias cut satin one with a V neckline, which has a retail price of 99GBP. For the 70 perk you can also get one of the robes, which would retail at 115! So, great savings opportunity even if you only buy one item.
And yes, I will need to shorten that gown, a lot ;) (I'm tiny.)
Leonie V neck
I think the perks are really well placed, starting from 1GBP going up to 2500GBP you can really indulge (the 500 perk would be my DREAM come true. Gimme.) or just show your support, or find that one item and save money. There's this really good graphic to show you what choices you have - to see the explanations for the perks please check out the kickstarter.
Perks
And because KMD obviously didn't want to do just another lingerie kickstarter, they not only shot awesome product pics for their samples but also a short film noir series to showcase the lingerie. With that Cell Block Tango feeling, murder mystery included!
The first two episodes are already online (both are in the kickstarter link, I'm not sure if I manage to embed them), make sure to check them out! You can even win a corset by sharing who you think is the murderess - was it Catherine, over discussions of just another beige girdle? (I hear you Catherine. Beige, always beige!) Or was it Morgana, cold blooded killer? Or Maz, with the steamer? And there's always Jess too... It feels like lingerie Cluedo! Don't forget to share the kickstarter link and add the hashtag #KMDkillerstyle to be considered in the drawing!
So, if you liked the videos and the whole ideas behind this awesome project there's always tiny perks too, you can show your support by pledging as little as 1GBP! Every penny helps when it comes to crowdfunding.
Disclosure: I got this custom bra set as a gift during my stay with Eva.
Leo Leo Lace Kitty
A month ago I spent a long weekend at ParaNoire Design Headquarters and today I'll review the set she made for me during my stay!
I bought the leo stretch lace a while ago and already made some small accessories for myself but I thought it would be the perfect fabric for a nice supercute underwear set, so I brought it with me on our #bracation. Together we decided what patterns to use and then Evi made a bralet and knicker set for me, adding some of her flower lace and a lace application. This set might even make it to the ParaNoire shop in a limited edition, because I gifted the remaining leo fabric to Eva - for Panty Science!
We also had a lot of fun taking some pics of the set - I'm wearing stockings that are about 80 years old, I really have to show them to you one time because I love how well they are made. Also the bright pink cat ears are one of my latest goth cutesie additions to my wardrobe, I bought them in a goth store in Helsinki which is basically a dream come true for goths tbh.
The bralet is based on the SYL pattern that's already available in some beautiful soft cotton jersey combinations in the ParaNoire shop. These knickers are a bit cheekier version of the SIRAN knickers. Because my butt is just too fabulous ;)
Leo Leo Lace by
Bralet SYL
You choose your ParaNoire items after your measurements, not dress size. We picked the size 70/79cm because I already own some of her bralets in that size that are a good fit. Maybe I'll take the next one in 70/81cm because I'd like to try and have a bit more coverage and my current bust circumference is about 81,5cm - my boobs have a life of their own, y'all...
The SYL bralets are made from stretchy fabric and meant to be just pulled over your head. This means you of course won't have the same support as in a bra, but well, if you buy a bralet I guess you already are ok with that ;)
Leo Leo Lace Kitty
The soft stretchlace is one of my favourite things to wear on my skin (which might be why I brought it with me. I'm a genius right ;) ) and in this style we paired it with soft pink elastic for the straps (fully adjustable) and edges. The lace is put on top of the stretch lace so even if you have the lace part in the front of the bralet you still have the soft leo lace on your skin. To finish it off there's a flower tassle in the middle of the bralet as a little extra cute cherry on the top!
Leo Leo Lace Kitty
Knickers SIRAN (cheeky)
These are my first SIRAN knickers, or to be exact SIRAN"cheeky" knickers. I wear a lot of lace knickers since half my knickers drawer consists of lace knickers by - sadly now out of business - Who Made Your Pants?. So I'm used to having no elastics, no VPL, nothing that can tuck into my tummy or bum. This said I am very happy with the comfort that SIRAN provides. We chose size 98cm for my lovely 97cm butt. My butt is very happy in these! The elastic is really not tight at all so even for my sensitive tummy skin I like these panties a lot. The back is cheekier than I'm used to in regular panties - I usually either wear hotpants or brazilian cuts - and it took me a while to get used to seeing my butt in them^^ But I like them. We used the same lace as in the bralet as a layover on the front of the knickers, and put another one of the supercute flowery tassel thingies in the middle. The back of the knickers is sheer because we really love sheer knickers.
roar!
Eva found some of her lace applications in bright pink that was exact the right shade to place on the back of the knickers. She also uses similar ones on some of her LIZZIE hipster knickers and also on the knickers available at Brafinette in Berlin.
So, the googly eyes weren't really part of the design but they just fit soooo well it looked so funny so up to now I still haven't taken them off. I'm only handwashing these items atm and so far the eyes haven't come off - I love to be silly sometimes <3
Googly Cat
All in all this is my perfect pink dream come true. The inofficial name of this set is Leo Leo Lace in Hot Hot Pink - the day Eva made this set we first dyed my hair and the colour is called "hot hot pink" ;)
This is only the first blog post of our #bracation - I will write more about my stay there and I plan on doing at least one more post where we go behind the scenes and check out how the gorgeous ParaNoire pretties are made!
I hope you like this set as much as I do, it's the first time I had a set custom made and I think I might have a new favourite set now. Pink. Leo, Lace. Yes. That's me.
And here's another outtake: Kitty cuddling Eva's Dog ;)
Some of you might remember that my tablet, including my blog posts on my ParaNoire Design #bracation, broke down on my way back from Germany. Which led to a bit of a blog-writing depression one might say. But I got a new tablet, actually I even got a newer model now, and am able to blog while commuting again! yes! go me!
So today I’ll write a review that’s looong overdue:
I recently found out why it took me so long to review these gorgeous pieces: I’m having a much harder time to write about something that’s awesome and perfect than to rant and trash talk. So, I really should take writing lessons! And please bear with me, I know this is not my best piece of writing. But it's better than I LOVE IT K THX BAI which was, not gonna lie, my first draft.
Karolina Laskowska
It’s safe to say that Karolina Laskowska is my favourite underwear designer. Ever. In the years I followed her career it was impressive to see how she already started her business while she was still in college and built a brand and name - a force to be reckoned with! Also, from what glimpses I caught of her as a person she just really rocks. And long haired metal chicks are always something good for the world.
When she is not elbow deep in gorgeous lace or vintage kimono silk for her collections she's also seen creating beautiful bespoke pieces. In 2014 she then won the "New Designer of the Year" award of the UK Lingerie Awards, she is a regular columnist for The Lingerie Addict and blogs about lingerie, corsets, vintage underthings and more on her blog Knickerbocker Stories. And her family has quality pics of their dog which totally made my day.
There are rumours that she also sleeps and eats, but I'm not sure whether those are true ;)
I already reviewed one piece by Karolina Laskowska on my blog, many moons ago. Last time it was a sample piece bra of her pre-college era.
This time I’m proud to be able to show you one whole set and a bra, after college era, and I can say MIND BLOWN!
For me this whole set has quite a personal story and value. When I was still in college I already set a goal: Once I’ll get a job, I’ll buy myself a Karolina Laskowska set.
Full Price. Because
a) I deserve a treat and
b) she deserves that people that can actually for once afford her stuff buy it full price. Girl’s gotta eat!
Ania
October last year I started working and with my first full paycheck I went shopping and chose the since discontinued “Ania” set in off white-blush. For reference: It is similar to the "Ela" set, bra available for 130GBP, harness knickers for 110GBP, but had no bows. I don't quite remember how much I paid but it was somewhat around that range too.
Considering my rather voluptuous butt I asked Karolina which size I should pick for the knickers and we decided on a size L. I chose the bralet in size small.
Karolina Laskowska Ania
Fit
The bralet is pretty tight on my ribs and since I have very protruding floating ribs I can place the horizontal straps really nice around them and they stay put. Non-standard body perks! :D The band of the bra is made from three rows of soft elastics, and they are sitting rather tight. It is closed with a (unusually soft) regular bra clasp in the back. I don't think it is too tight on me, I like it if strappy lingerie sits tight, but maybe a size M would have sufficed band-wise (but then I would have had problems with filling out the cups ;) )
I have bottom heavy and very shallow breasts and I can fill out the cups nicely when I tighten the straps. I'm sure that they will also fit someone with more boobage though, this is a really nice piece to customize in my opinion. I especially love that you can not only adjust the shoulder straps but also the additional straps above the cups. With boobs being so diverse it would be almost impossible to make a bralet that fits most when adding these straps. By making them adjustable Karolina created an almost perfect cup!
The satin shoulder straps are fully adjustable and you can really customize the fit to your preferences - do you want a bit of a lift from the bralet? Or a more comfortable hugging-you look? Everything possible.
The high waist straps on the knickers are again fully adjustable, so it's easy to position them exactly where you need them. Of course they stay put easiest if placed in your waist, but with a little fashion tape I'm sure you can place them a bit higher or lower too! This also means that it doesn't matter if you are on the heavier or lighter side of your size, because it's easy to customize them to a nice fit.
Karolina Laskowska Ania
Looks
This set might not be something you wear under work clothes if you - like me - have to change into scrubs or other work clothes. I’d rather not have my colleagues spill something icky on myself while wearing them, thank you very much! They are toooo valuable. I love to wear this set underneath something simple, where maybe only the straps above the cups sometimes glimpse through under a low neckline. A gorgeous set like this one is like armour to me!
The knickers and the cups of the bralet are sheer (everything is better sheer. ok maybe not everything. but a LOT of things are better when they are sheer) and I just love how cute butts look in sheer lingerie! The chantilly lace is beyond gorgeous and everything is just so perfectly made, no missed stitches, everything just perfect!
The blush and off white colours give the set a bit of a fairytale feeling in my opinion - I feel very much like a self rescuing princess in them! On the first glance the lace looks almost white, but it is in fact blush. And gorgeous. (This is me in my "this is too pretty for words" phase. Sorry!)
Which also led to the idea of the pics I took for the Karolina Laskowska Selfie competition this spring. (Pics by my boyfriend, Editing by myself)
Kiss the Dragon
Self rescuing princess, mother of dragons, in the Austrian Vineyards wearing Martens. That’s how I roll.
Snakes are just Earth Dragons anyway
Being a bit self conscious about parts of my body it was a new experience of having the knickers with straps accentuating my hips and waist - I usually don’t like that on me - but wearing these glorious undies I just can’t NOT like myself.
Well, I entered the competition and actually won a runner up prize, a voucher over 50GBP!
Liliana
Using this voucher I then proceeded to buy another Karolina Laskowska bra I’ve ogled since I saw the lookbook: The Liliana quarter cup bra.
Being small busted has a lot of disadvantages too, but also some perks. One perk is that, very often, quarter cup bras look great on us smallbusters (although they often do look more like half cups ;) ). I really wanted a matching pair of knickers but since iirc only the thong was available in my size at that time and I was already stretching my budget with the (on sale) bra, I ended up buying the bra on its own.
Karolina Laskowska
Fit
Considering my very wide breast base and shallow boobs it's always a bit of a hassle to find a well enough fit in a bra with wires- if you don't know what to look for. Thankfully I spent enough (ahem, maybe too much) time considering a lot of factors that go into my “perfect” fit so I knew I had a big chance of finding a good fit in Liliana:
* I chose a size M, which should be a good fit wire wise after talking to Karolina.
* Yes usually the cups might be too big/deep for me but considering the quarter cup style of Liliana and my bottom heavy breast shape I was fairly sure that I would fill the cups out.
* Although the Liliana is not bandless in the front it sports a very interesting underbust band in the back: The bra band in the back is entirely made from straps! ~adjustable~ straps! with gold parts! Which meant that the band would most likely fit ;)
These factors make the Liliana a rather perfect bra: I can adjust the bra band to the length I need, the wires are a good fit and my boobs love the cups. This is truly perfect. I
But you don’t just have to believe what I say, I also have pics! yay! It took some creativity to choose how we wanted the bad and evil nipples to vanish so I am able to share the pics on Facebook too ;). I mean, nipples, those bad bad things! I can cut through your computer screen with my laser nipples! beware!
Ok. Anyway. Because I’m classy like that I have two different pasties for these pics, first are the very ~serious~ googly eyes that truly give the luxury lingerie what it needs. Yup. (I had way too much fun with these. Don’t ever allow me near googly eyes). And for the not thaat classy pics I planted tiny strawberries on my boobs because strawberries are awesome and I like the colour clashing with the lace! (Pics by Eva, Editing by myself)
Karolina Laskowska and Between the Sheets
Karolina Laskowska and Between the Sheets
On the pictures I’m also wearing the Between the Sheets - Leopard Play robe I bought in summer. I’m practically living in it, it is one of the best purchases I ever made. It is on final sale for 67,50$ and I can highly recommend it! It is sheer and depends on the lighting how you perceive it: all black, a light shimmery gold, sheer, or when the light is in the right angle the gold print really stands out. It’s so comfortable to wear, either over undies or even over nightwear. All year round loveliness. It feels like you're not wearing anything because it's so light, and in summer it's nice and cool but when it's getting colder it's still warming you. Magical. I think it's the leopard print doing the magic;)
Karolina Laskowska and Between the Sheets
Karolina Laskowska and Between the Sheets
The knickers are cheap ones from Hunkemoeller *oops*
Karolina Laskowska Liliana Bra
Here you can see that, of course, there can be a bit more boob in a cup, but it still looks very nice. You can also see that the laces are two different shades, which is even more awesome in person!
In case you haven't noticed, it's not even two more weeks till christmas. That means that if you want to order lingerie as a present it's getting really close now! But fear not, for I made an awesome #giveyourmoneytowomen last minute lingerie post listing all my fav shops who offer GIFT CARDS, and most of them via e-mail so it's a super fast and thoughtful present!
Focusing on shops, brands and awesome people I know and care about I want to encourage you that, instead of giving a random piece of H&M underwear to the lingerie lover in your family or friends maybe gift them a gift card or voucher from one of these brands, led by awesome and rad women! Girl bosses run the world!
Vote with your money, give your money to women (check out the hashtag #giveyourmoneytowomen on twitter), small business this christmas! (Thank you Anja from my favourite german lingerie blog Everyday Boudoir for this title - also check out her blog because she always finds the nicest brands!)
When it comes to brick and mortar stores and brafitting services this post focuses on my German and Austrian clientele, because this is where I know my girls ;) And because I know how much joy a wellfitting bra can bring. Also, that often a little money towards that nice bra can be really nice! So why not give a gift card to that nice boutique in your town, that favourite designer, that awesome onlinestore? Led by kickass women?
Or, do you have that one friend that always wanted to get a brafitting but somehow never got the chance? Then maybe a brafitting voucher would be a great idea! But please, please, don't give it to someone that is happy with their bras (and that you think is in the ~wrong~ size) and that you want to change. That's not a gift, that's patronising. We don't want that! Rather give it to someone that you know will appreciate it.
(The following shops, boutiques, brands and brafitting services are mostly ones I already bought from or, when it comes to the all over Germany ones, I heard good things about and where I know the owners. Most of them focus on traditionally seen as female underwear.)
If you klick the title I linked directly to the page where the gift cards are offered. The amount listed is the smallest amount available for a gift card.
Bluestockings Boutique (USA)
from 10USD
our favourite LGBTQIA inclusive onlineshop for Lingerie - from affordable to luxury prices, super inclusive, and totally asskicking awesomeness. Also the best lookbook there ever has been made on this nice earth.
Kleine Körbchen German Onlineshop focused on small bust bras, from 20€
OnlyHer.eu Germon Onlineshop and Boutique, from 25€
Virgin Lace by Kiss Me Deadly, Knickers available for 19GBP
Brands and Onlineshops
AIKYOU
small bust Bralets, they also have a new series made for women who have undergone mastectomies or wear prosthetics!
from ab 20€
Kiss Me Deadly
from 25GBP
Also featuring a lot of cool other indie brands that often don't have gift cards available, so that's a shop and brand in one. and we loves it.
Iris Bra
Gift cards available in the boutique, per mail and postal service
26789 Leer
Körpernah
three boutiques, gift cards available in store (and separately for the onlineshop)
Liebhabereien
30159 Hannover
Gift cards available in the boutique and per postal service
Na Und Dessous
Gift cards available in the boutique, if you contact them also per mail
33602 Bielefeld
OnlyHer.eu
from 25€, can be bought online and is usable in store and online
13581 Berlin
Only4women
Gift cards available in the boutique and via mail
21335 Lüneburg
Petit Boudoir,
Gift cards available in the boutique
60318 Frankfurt
Wäsche Paradies
Gift cards available in the boutique
01612 Nünchritz/OT
whew, that's quite a lot!
If you give the gift of nice undies this year, maybe check out these awesome people - I'd love to hear back from you what you thought of the stores, boutiques and brands I picked!
Know of a brand or store that offers gift cards and totally should be here? Then just drop me a message and I'll check it out!
I first got my eye on Daniela Paradeis when my friend and blogger Anja from Everyday Boudoir shared a pic of her designs on facebook. When I clicked through I saw that the designer is located in Vienna! Whaaat! OMG! Undies, luxury lingerie, in Vienna? Which is like totally not that far away from me (about 80min by train)?
So I read the website from front to back and soon it was a done deal - I had to get to know this brand better. A few e-mails later Daniela and me found a date for a meeting in her studio. In the end of November, after a stressful day I spent at job stuff in Vienna I stumbled into her studio - looking stressed and only half as elegant or luxurious as I hoped.
But the designer doesn't only convince with her perfectly sewn lingerie but also a genuine positivity and kindness. I was welcomed with hair like a lion and a stunning smile and the next moment I already had vegan cupcakes and tea. noms.
Bon Bondage by Daniela Paradeis
Her CV is a work of art, which she'll explain later herself in the interview because I'm honestly having a hard time translating all the different schools and jobs she already did. After all her colleges, jobs and internships she was then in her late twenties (!!) and looking at that life of hers the next logical step was her own brand. (To be fair, I really think Daniela's days have more than 24 hours. Has to be. No other way. I mean how.)
And no, it's not a pseudonym or stagename, her name really is Paradeis (not Paradise! it's like the Austrian Word "Paradeiser" which means "Tomato" by the way, and "Paradies" means "paradise" so all in all this is like the perfect name and I love it). And no, her first name is not Vanessa. Again, wrong Paradeis ;)
Many new designers start their brands with small collections, but Daniela Paradeis is different: With a whopping FIVE lingerie collections, one loungewear collections and accessories she launched her brand in autumn of 2015:
Daniela also kindly answered some questions I had about her awesome life, work - and feminism:
Considering you are still very young you already saw a lot in the world of design - tell us a bit about your career milestones!
After five years in art school, focused on textile design, I went to fashion college, where I learned how to use the prints, knits and wovens to create actual garments.
During my training I was able to gather quite a lot of experience in fashion. I made costumes for ballet, cabaret and operetta, sewed bags out of used bike tubes for a small Viennese label, worked at Paris Fashion Week for a Menswear designer and designed an airline uniform. When there was time I did custom made evening and bridal wear… somehow in between I found my one true love: Lingerie!
After a couple of years as designer and creative pattern cutter for an Austrian lingerie brand the industry seemed a bit dull to me and I moved to Italy to attend the Master of Fashion Design Advanced at Polimoda in Florence. To work on my very own collection after my very own ideas was a big inspiration and starting my own label has been my dream since then.
After graduation I spent one season at a lingerie brand in London and then moved back to Austria, where I developed collections for an Austrian lingerie brand. I did not only design lingerie and create patterns, but also attended trade and trend shows, wrote spec sheets, tech packs and sewing instructions for the sample machinists in Austria and the factory in China, controlled quality, supervised fittings, wrote press texts, designed the packaging and styled at photoshoots. The next logical step was to do all that - but for my own, small brand, my ideas and my collections.
jewels by Daniela Paradeis
When was the turning point for you that you decided to embrace lingerie?
Having a number of jobs, internships and projects in fashion I was long searching for that niche that really got me. When I did a lingerie internship it was ‚love at first job’. Lingerie, for me, is the perfect combination of everything fascinating about fashion: Functionality, fit, precision, but also tiny details, an ode to the human body and the really important part of psychology.
No other piece of clothing has so much influence on the psyche of a person than the lingerie they wear. Lingerie is the most intimate of fashion. It is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. Only when your underwear fits perfectly, your outerwear looks stunning.
Bon Bondage by Daniela Paradeis
Designing underwear in Austria - not an easy step. What do you emphasize in order to be able to compete in a conservative market like Austria?
I make lingerie and loungewear for people who love and appreciate one of a kind, made-to-measure or limited items from small indie brands. If they wear outerwear that is handmade by a local designer or from ethical manufacturing in Europe, they (hopefully) will want to wear sweatshop-free (and animal- free) –yet sexy- underwear from a local manufacturer as well.
Since lingerie unfortunately is extremely underestimated in Austria, I often get asked what distinguishes my label from big lingerie brands and why my lingerie is much pricier. A lot of people here in Vienna are surprised that there actually is a girl, who is able to sew a high quality bra with foam cups, removable straps and/ or cookie inserts, lined with organic cotton,... all by herself. Only when I compare the time, money and effort put into my lingerie with the time, money and effort put into their outerwear, they understand that this kind of lingerie has its price
Lingerie is the ugly duckling of Austrian fashion. Since there is no actual Austrian (indie-) lingerie scene, people never really thought about underwear from local designers. There is a lot of work to do and I take this road gladly, I’ve always loved a challenge!
I hope to be successful here by working as authentically and transparently as possible, using ethical and vegan materials made in Europe, supporting local businesses, developing innovative patterns, high quality craftsmanship, and always thinking of new stuff to inspire the Austrians ;)
Bang Bang Bombshell by Daniela Paradeis
Feminism and underwear - how does that relate for you?
After all these years in the (male dominated) lingerie industry, I always try to avoid a context between sexism and underwear. Women are way too often degraded to sexual objects, especially in the lingerie sector and I want to avoid this typical „sexy bunny“ image in my look book shoots.
I approach lingerie from a very personal, female side and show a woman, who wears lingerie for herself; a woman, who feels strong, confident and at ease in her body and shows that with/because of the high quality lingerie she’s wearing. If a man (or a woman) falls for her then, that’s not a disadvantage of course;)
Sexy lingerie doesn’t have to be anti-feminist though. I just don’t want to show a hypersexualized perfect being whose only purpose is to please a man, longingly waiting for him or lying in bed wearing high heels.
Of course my target audience isn’t limited to women or people with breasts, and it has nothing to do with sexual orientation and gender identity. First and foremost I want to inspire people to wear lingerie for themselves, for that feeling you get when you are comfortable with yourself. I don’t stop at aesthetics, I also emphasize comfort and support for a positive body image.
I’m always surprised, how many people “don’t need pretty lingerie” because they don’t have a partner at the moment, or that they “will invest in nice lingerie only after their diet”.
My lingerie doesn’t pair with sizing norms. I think of all body types. The natural forms of every single body - no matter the size - should be celebrated and my lingerie isn’t made to change bodies, but to help them be more confident.
A high waist panty for example doesn’t only put a proud smile on your face when you see your own (sheer) backside, but also a more confident stride when you know, that the silhouette is perfectly supported. My plunge bras for example come lightly padded with removable cookie inserts, so you can emphasize your assets- sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less.
Since I produce every item myself only after the order was placed, I am able to go through possible insecurities with my customers individually, not only with personal appointments in my studio in Vienna but also with orders from the webshop. In this way the lingerie can be fit to the person and not the other way around.
Recently I got an order from a guy, who saw one of my panty designs at his girlfriend and wanted a similar item especially for himself.
Feminism in its prettiest form!
Bon Bondage by Daniela Paradeis
Lookbooks
I'm completely smitten with the lookbook pics. Yes, sexy pics. Yes, "conventionally attractive" models. But it lacks the male gaze, the models aren't presented as a sexual object for the MAN (TM). The gorgeous girls aren't waiting in bed with high heels still on - and that's completely intentional. I mean, come on, how often do you spend your time in lingerie and heels in bed? In real life? not so much.
The two models also don't do any of the queerbaiting groping, there's no "hidden" fantasy of lesbians for the men to have "something to think about" in these pics. I LOVE these pics.
Quality and craftsmanship
All items are got to look at or try on I immediately noticed the impressive quality. No open seams, everything smooth so you often don't even see any seams from the inside. A signature look is that very often Daniela creates styles that work without a seam in the side, as seen in the Signature Body: The pattern is so well created that there's no side seam under the arms which makes the whole garment look even more elegant. Same works for the High Waist Garter Knickers from the Bang Bang Bombshell which makes every bum look simply amazing.
Considering fabric choices Daniela Paradeis stays true to herself and doesn't use any fabrics of animal origin. All the laces and other fabrics are of the highest quality, which is also led by personal experience: In her jobs she sometimes worked with cheaper items and saw, that this could sometimes lead to a flare of neurodermatitis. This settles the choice for - mostly European - top quality.
The bras are made with removable push up pads. Often I hear people saying "whaat, push up, isn't that like totally anti feminist?" Uhm, no. If you decide to wear push up bras, that's completely awesome! It's your choice to wear or not wear padding. The pads used for Daniela's bras are bigger and pre formed, not like for example H&M pads, and are also ideal to compensate different breast sizes. Or, if you want to, to push.
At Daniela Paradeis every item is handmade to order - which also means, that she can cater to some special needs and wishes. When I was at her studio I immediately fell in love with the Midnight Lace set - and tried it on in one of the sample sizes available (75B, knickers size L). Some knowledgable glances and notes later she planned slight alterations to ensure a perfect fit for me (more room for my thighs because THUNDER THIGHS, a wider wire and a bit shallower cup). As I'm writing this the set is already miiine and it is perfect - which also means that it definitely deserves its own review. But I just HAVE to show you this quick snapshot we took when I picked it up! Italien tulle, Austrian embroidery, vegan leather.
Midnight Lace
Celebrate her birthday:
And, because Daniela has a big birthday coming up - get 30% off on your order with the code "Happy Birthday!" on February 8th! I'll leave it to your imagination which birthday she's celebrating ;)
I owe you this review for over half a year. I've been a bad blogger. BUT I'm super active on social media, I recently also caved and joined instagram - come find me at @kurvendiskussionen over there! - and I am now officially a facebook person too. So, yay? As I've planned a LOT of German only posts in the near future this pic fest is English only.
Anyway, after my short and super awesome holiday in London - which deserves its own blogpost - I'm motivated to write ALL the things. So I'm starting with reviewing this darling set i bought last year from Angela Friedman's Fairytale by AF line!
Angela Friedman makes gorgeous luxurious lingerie in her studio in North Carolina (which, btw, if you sign in to her Newsletter you get 10% off on your first order. You're welcome.) and besides making her high price works of art she also launched a lower budget and super cute line - Fairytales by AF. The Fairytales line is super pastel, super frilly, super fun, super girly, super cute. The Fairytales Line is available via her website and also her etsy store.
For transparency: I bought these with my own money, yadayada.
pastelgoth
As for the whole pastel lingerie trend as well as the pastelgoth scene I do have some problems with it. If you google it or search for it on instagram or pinterest 99% of pics you get are thin white girls, (with pastelgoth maybe throw in thin asian girls) mostly looking veeery young, with big eyes, mouth open, looking longingly in the camera. Eh. Thaaat’s not so much my thing. I personally have a big problem with it when someone presents lingerie on models/lookbooks that are made to look like children. Reasons should be understandable I guess. (For example there was an editorial a while ago by Morgan Lane which was… I’m sorry I just have to say awful and tasteless).
There’s nothing wrong with dressing for your inner child obviously, I mean, I’m the one with the Aristocats Marie PJs, I get this. But just leave me alone with your scantilly clad models looking like the only thing they have in mind is the D and that could just as well have a “highschool girl” or “barely legal” stamp on their forehead.
ok. So, that in mind I, just for the fun of it, tried to take pics in this whole pastel lingerie traditional cutesie white girl theme.
I failed because it made me super uncomfortable. Also, I’m white, but comparison to the typical pastel lingerie themes stops there. Nevertheless here’s me trying to look as doe eyed, childlike as possible and FAILING horrendously because I just don’t like it.
But this was of course not the intention of seriously getting the pics done like that. When I took these pics in March there was one day of some snowfall and of course I had to use this!
So, here’s me bringing the goth back to pastelgoth and having fun with snowflakes.
snowfairy-06b.png
Style
girly. pastel. sheer. pastelgoth!
The bralette and knickers (also available in high waist) are available in three colourways: light pink, turqoise and violet.
I went for turquoise because LOVE and also mermaid.
As the description says: These items are sheer. As in really very very sheer, completely see through. I think it’s the sheerest set I own and I own quite some undies by now.
Comfort
They are amazingly comfortable. The sheer nylon reminds me of high quality stockings or vintage lingerie which has this special feeling on your skin in my opinion.
What impresses me is how soft tha bra clasp is, it feels so fluffy on my skin! The straps are thin and adjustable. All seams are super soft and non itchy or scratchy, which I think makes a big bonus for this set.
Sizing range:
The knickers are available from XS to XL and the bralette goes from XS-L, with the XS being approximately a 30B/C, S a 32 B/C etc. I wouldn't recommend this specific set for bigger busts but I'm sure if you just contact Angela Friedman you can work something out!
This bralet is clearly made for the smaller busted cuties amongst us, with just a minimum amount of fabric and it’s more intended to look cute as to do a lot of supporting work.
Fit
I went for a size S in the bralet and size L knickers. The original set came with high waist knickers which I just can’t stand seeing on myself, although I love them on other people! So I got a customized version with regular raise knickers instead of high waist, which is perfect for me! Funnily enough, by now these knickers are also readily available. Yay for knicker choices!
Although I wear a size M in most high street brands I definitely need the size L as recommended in the Angela Friedman sizing chart for my measurements. Be sure to check the chart before you buy, otherwise you might spoil yourself the comfort.
The cups of the bralet are maybe a tiiiny bit big on me but all in all it fits very nicely, I have a wide-ish ribcage for my size so an XS would have been too small.
Quality
Superb as always with Angela Friedman's items. Tiny, delicate stitches, neat, gorgeous. The nylon fabric is smooth and soft and such a difference to all the other fabrics I’m used to wearing when it comes to lingerie!
Which also means you have to be extra careful when it comes to long pointy nails or cat claws - as with nylon stockings there’s the possibility of pulling the fabric. So you gotta treat this set nicely and hide it from your pets! Also never ever wash it with any items that might damage it. This set really is handwash only and gently!
Do you like pastel undies? Would you go full ruffle or sheer and plain like I chose my set?
The Underpinnings Museum photography by Tigz Rice Studios
The Underpinnings Museum - no people in space without our underpinnings, who knew! It was the craftsmanship of lingerie seamstresses and company Playtex who built the first space suits. Didn't know that? Me neither - until I watched the video pitch for the super awesome kickstarter that started today: The Underpinnings Museum.
Their kickstarter describes it like this:
As frivolous as it may seem on the surface, underwear plays a pretty important role in people's lives. Documentation of lingerie in the larger world of fashion isn't as extensive as other areas, and it is important to document these beautiful objects for the future. These delicate garments are a finite resource that cannot last forever: in many instances, century old silk is already fragile and beginning to shatter. The online museum offers a perfect platform to record these items before they succumb to the ravages of time.
Why should you care?
SO MANY REASONS. This following list was my first draft that I wrote and I initially wanted to delete it but it kinda still says it all:
historical stuff
women's stuff - from a feminist perspective.
frilly stuff
pants
throw moneys at awesome people
I think it goes without saying that I absolutely adore lingerie and underwear. What people who know me only from my blog might not know is that I'm also an amateur seamstress (as in, I don't know what I'm doing but I love doing it) and super interested in a lot of crafting. And especially interested in all the tiny details that go into our clothes, our musical instruments, whatever! An online museum detailing all those tiny things, showing the history of our underwear - especially from perspective often forgotten: women's view on women's stuff (who knew that would be a thing in the fifties? ;) )
1950s lace ruffle merry widow underpinnings museum photography by Tigz Rice Studios
So, who is behind this project?
Three of my favourite people in the lingerie world, each of whom with their own special view and expertise.
Karolina Laskowska - one of the best lingerie designers of our time in my opinion. Since she already won a ton of awards for her designs that might not be only my opinion ;) Also she knows stuff about historical lingerie that just takes my breath away. Collects old lingerie and gets a bit crazy about tap pants.
Lori Smith - BSc Textile Design and Design Management, and MA History and Culture of Fashion
You know her from her blog, her numerous witty tweets and, if you are located in the UK, have maybe already heard one of her talks about the history of underwear.
Tigz Rice - In the lingerie world mostly known for her amazing lingerie and boudoir photography. She's also a self confessed lingerie addict (aren't we all!).
Ein von The Underpinnings Museum (@underpinningsmuseum) gepostetes Foto am
What will the museum be like?
A resource for lingerie lovers around the world - since it is online, it is easily accessible for all of us around the world. and for free! The museum, once kickstarted, will be creating revenue from sponsors and selling merchandise. It will show awesome historical undies and help us find out not only about all the pretty stuff, but also really interesting things that are often forgotten in regular museums: Like, underwear and periods.
Why do they need our help?
An online museum needs great pictures, and great pictures need - manneqins. This is honestly something I did not think of before talking about this museum. But yes, you do need different silhouettes for displaying different garments of different periods - it's clear now!
They have a great chart on how they plan to spend the kickstarter money - check it out.
I think this picture description is rather cute:
1920s slip, photographed on Karolina's bedroom floor and badly in need of professional photography to even begin to do this piece justice. Part of The Underpinnings Museum collection.
20s Slip
What is in it for you?
Starting at 3GBP I believe there are pledges suitable for everyone. Show your support by acquiring post cards, keychains or tote bags. If you have a bit more money to spare then why not order silk knickers with the "Underpinnings museum" logo on it?
And, if, like me, you like to sew, there's absolutely no getting away of this awesome and non-expensive perk: The digi 1 pack will deliver THREE original patterns taken from garments out of the collection: a 1920s bandeau, a 1950s spiral stitch bullet bra and a 1950s cathedral boned bra. Plus high resolution pictures. I mean COME ON I NEED THIS.
Ein von The Underpinnings Museum (@underpinningsmuseum) gepostetes Foto am
During my stay in London this summer I had the absolute pleasure to meet Karolina Laskowska - and have her show me the V&A lingerie exhibition. It is AMAZING what this woman knows about lingerie. Did you know there was a specialty machine thing to do the flossing in Victorian Corsets? Or that Lingerie seamstresses helped sew NASA suits? Or that the spiral stitching on 50s bras was done with a specialty machine too? No? Me neither! Until I met her.
On the Underpinnings Museum facebook page there are already two live video talks (more to come!) where Karolina shows and talks about some of her items that will be displayed in the museum. You can re-watch the first one here on their page.
I asked the three initiators of the project about, if they could pick whatever they want, what would be the garment they would love to be able to showcase in the Museum:
Lori:
I'd choose the bustier Madonna wore on the cover of Like a Virgin. I would love to see it up close, look at how it's made and compare it to corsetry from the 1950s.
If this is of any interest to you then why not consider backing this project? The pledges are awesome, the whole idea is amazing. If you want to spend some money you can not only help this wonderful resource come to live but also get yourself some awesome stuff - and if you don't have any money to spare at the moment please consider sharing this project. Tell your friends, tell your peers, spread the word.
Personally I opted for the calendar, the digi pak with three patterns, and a keyring. This really is a project close to my heart so I hope that a lot of people will feel the same way about this!
All pictures in this blog post are the property of the Underpinnings Museum.
This is one of my harder reviews to write. Little story time! I got the Sammy set, graciously provided by Playful Promises, plus more stuff I bought (Jessica Bodysuit and Anna Sequin cape), in August. Right. The August that's almost half a year ago now. I took pics of this set in Autumn. I've never written the review until now. Reasons for this are two main factors:
A) I work too much. Really, truly, too much. I'm happy if I find enough time for something like a private life, for cuddling with cats, my partners, pole dance. Not so much time for really sitting down and working on a blog post for a couple of hours. (Yes, that's how long a blog post takes me.)
B) The Sammy set is truly truly perfect. And I just don't really find any words other than PLS LOOK IT'S GORGEOUS LOOK HOW GREAT MY BOOBS LOOK which might not be very professional. But, on the other hand, when exactly did I try to fool anyone of being a serious blogger? (If you are still under this impression I can only suggest you follow my instagram @kurvendiskussionen where I show how super professional I am. Also there are cats. Because life without cats doesn't have any meaning.
Long story short: I suck at being a blogger at the moment. And this is also the reason why this post is English only.
Transparency note: I got the Sammy set sent to me by Playful Promises free of charge. All views are my own. I also bought the Jessica bling bling bling bodysuit and the Anna Sequin cape which are AWESOME and if you like bling they are perfect.
OK, rambling. Let's talk about Playful Promises
Playful Promises are killing it this year. Their tag, "Playful Promises is a London designed lingerie brand, which mixes quirky, directional design with all things playful, flirty and even a little bit dirty." already says a lot about their aesthetics, but not so much about their drive: This is a brand with awesome women in charge. Creepy men in their facebook comments will be dragged. There are videos on feminism on their walls. These are people actively trying to make the lingerie world a bit more inclusive, one bum at a time. Which shows, for example, in their sizing politics:
They are one of the very very few indies who offer a gazillion sizes:
core sizes, XS-XL, 30A-36D
full bust sizes, 28-36 DD-G
curve sizes, UK 18-24, bra sizes 38-42 B-G
+and also have items they offer in all three of these ranges (I just counted the bra sizes they offer for the Karine bra: 51. FIFTYONE. That is HUGE.), but they also have two mini brands worth noticing:
They also launched the now already well established Peek and Beau (sizes 32A-36DD, UK 8-16)
and the newly launched Bettie Page Lingerie (sizes UK8 –18, and bra sizes 32-34 A-DD and 36-38 B-DD)
The first drop of AW2016 featured gems such as the Sammy Set I'm reviewing today (core sizes only), but there's also more AW16 stuff like the glorious Karine Lace Set - which is available in core, full bust and curve sizes! So, lovers, take note - this is a set that might very well be available in your partner's size. And we all know that christmas is just around the corner! And spring summer 17 is also starting to appear online, so be prepared for MASSIVE style crushes.
Karine curve.jpg
Sammy
Sammy - Black Halter Crochet Bra
The bra is available in 32A-36D (some sizes already sold out on the Playful Promises Shop Page but might be available at other vendours such as Hepburn and Leigh or Kiss Me Deadly)
I opted for the bra in size 34A which ended up being a good fit. The wires are fine concerning wire width, there is a bit too much room for boobs in the bra top (because I need much wider wires and at the same time shallower cups than most brands use because my body is... weird? special? I'll opt for special.) But that is nitpicking at a veeery high level because the fit is great! The halterneck features a super cute bow in the neck that you can't see in most product pics, it adds a special touch in my opinion.
The lace placement on the boobs is perfect in my opinion. In my case it perfectly covers my nipples except if I'm doing sporty stuff (which of course I did in one of the pics and my boyfriend didn't notice when he took the pics lol) in which case the top is a bit loose (because I would need a 32A top with the wires of a 34B which doesn't exist). If you don't have special boobs like me you will most likely not have that "problem".
The mesh feels soft and non-scratchy on your skin and the satin fabric lies nice and flat. There is nothing I can say about either the construction of the optics of this bra that would be remotely not-good. This really is my season favourite.
Sammy
Sammy
Sammy - Black Crochet Brief
The brief comes in XS-XL (only L and XL available at the Playful Promises Shop, look at Asos for the other sizes! )
Although I am really not a high waist person when it comes to picking out undies for myself I love this one. I ordered it in size L (widest part of my hips is 99cm). When I first tried the knickers on I was a bit sad because the knickers were too big and I contemplated sending them back and exchanging them for a smaller size. In the end I opted for keeping them BECAUSE I am super sensitive in my tummy area when on my period and so I usually end up wearing boring loose fitting knickers these days of the month. So now I have gorgeous sexy knickers that don't cut into my tummy and I can feel sexy as hell every day of the week ;) This also explains why the knickers don't show the perfect flat smooth fabric in my worn pics.
When you are ordering these knickers for everyday wear I would suggest ordering a size down!
Sammy
The back view is super cute. The satin strap around the waist looks awesome peeking up underneath a blouse. I think it looks a bit like a lingerie belt! The mesh back is just gorgeous and definitely makes your bum look the best ever. Black mesh over naked skin, it just doesn't get a lot better than that.
Jessic
Jessica Bodysuit
I chose the size M for me in this one because S would be too tight on the Bum, L too big on the top. M works really well! The bust part is underlayed with non-seethrough fabric whilst the rest of the bodysuit is sheer. Yes, that also means the knickers part ;) It's an incredibly versatile piece, you can both wear it at home for a sexy night in or pair it with a nice skirt or jeans and wear it as outerwear!
The bling means this really is an item you have to take care of. Wash and dry it carefully. This bodysuit also comes with a few spare blings so if you do lose one you can easily fix it with a few stitches!
Jessica
The bum is sheer in this item too and I love it <3
Jessica
Stay up to date with Playful Promises (and yes you should subscribe to their newsletter because there might be discounts, sneak peeks and giveaways in there ;) )
I love that although this main blog has hit a dry spell I know that you are still here, waiting for updates. And today I'm happy to say that, yes I'm still here too! I made a big decision a while ago to quit my job and start working somewhere else - which means going from a very intense workload to a regular 40hrs week. And I can - not - wait.
I have so many plans for this blog, for my life, for you! It will be glorious.
I promise you, it will be worth waiting till summer because I have some awesome projects in the pipeline!
So long, why don't you head over to my instagram, twitter or facebook - where I am still talking, rambling and posting about lingerie a lot? Hope to see you there!
And to give you some lingerie candy, I'll just repost a few of my instagram pics so you can see what I've been up to the last weeks.
How I can look when I get my pictures taken by one of the best photographers in the lingerie business, Anna Swiczeniuk: (wearing Daniela Paradeis Lingerie)
don't stare I'm trying to win - Rainbow Knickers by knickerocker
Queer as in fuck you - it's pride month! Let's talk about queer lingerie.
Most of you know that I'm queer, but for the record: Hey! Listen! I'm queer!(bonus points to those who got the reference.)I've been queer all of my life, although I didn't really realise it until I was 15 - and back then I still thought of it as a phase. After meeting the first big love of my life, who happened to be a woman, and that I completely and totally didn't realise that this was not a crush but full blown love because heteronormativity told me it just couldn't be and I'm too young to know that anyway, it took me a while to realise that. Well, now, almost 15 years later, I definitely know I'm queer. Also, I met her last weekend and I still got week in the knees. ALMOST 15 YEARS LATER goddamnit. (and, S, if you read this: Hi! I love you.)
I'm bisexual and currently living in two heterosexual relationships, but guess what, being with a man doesn't make me less queer! Yes, I know, mindblowing! Sending lots of love to all those not being seen because they are seen as straight and don't feel validated. I see you, I know how this feels, you're still queer, I love you :*
In Austria pride is not such a big thing yet but we do have some bigger events, especially in the cities, the biggest being the Regenbogenparade in Vienna on the 18th of June. Both a big party but also the chance to publicly remember and protest all the discrimination and hatred. We're not only celebrating our identity, we're celebrating all those who fought so we could be here today. And all those who still fight, all of us who are still alive against all odds and all of those who are not.
And since we're a lingerie blog, I of course want to talk about some of the amazing queer people in the lingerie industry that inspire me and topics about queerness in the lingerie world that are dear to my heart. There have been some great articles written by people much more eloquent than I am, so I'll link some of them here:
A truly perfect article on homophobia in the lingerie industry and why everyone is quiet about pride by the wonderful Jeanna Kadlec, owner of the one and only queer lingerie online boutique Bluestockings Boutique.
Wondering about what makes lingerie queer? Yeah, me too. So did a couple of other people when we were talking about queer lingerie on the Bluestockings Blog two years ago. It's long, so you can read part one here and part two here. It includes quotes by yours truly, Cora Harrington and Rose Wednesday from The Lingerie Addict, Lori Smith from Rarely Wears Lipstick, Caro from The Lingerie Lesbian and two currently inactive bloggers: Jilly from JilliesFrillies and The Technicolor Lover.
Considering that most of the brands talked about when talking about queer lingerie are US or UK brands I chose to spotlight some lesser known queer brands and lingerie people from Germany deserving of our love and business!
This soon to launch brand from Berlin is founded by Heidi, who identifies as lesbian. I can't tell you how excited I am about this brand! Their goal is to make lingerie for E-J cup finding its inspiration from the Berlin fetish scene. I know, the strappy lingerie style is already mainstream - but not for bigger busts (some exceptions apply of course). I love their images and am very excited about their launch. Be sure to follow them on social media to be up to date and check out their website!
I asked Heidi whether and how being queer influenced her lingerie business:
How being part of the queer community influenced my business Being lesbian and engaging with the queer community significantly shaped my views on my body and body positivity. In my teens and twenties (when I still thought I was straight) I was very uncomfortable in my own skin. By most “standards” I was too big – my thighs were too fat, my arms were too chubby and my boobs were definitely too enormous to be considered desirable. This changed when I realized I was attracted to women and plunged headfirst into the Berlin queer scene. It was a different environment. The pressure to be stereotypically beautiful was strangely absent. I could dress masculine, feminine, or anything in between; wear a bra or let my boobs bounce unsupported; wear makeup or just go without – it really didn’t matter. The people around me had other values: tolerance and respect. With time I learned to love my body and increasingly explored my sensuality. During a night out in Berlin’s BDSM scene I was amazed by how freely women of all shapes and sizes were chasing their desires. Not one of them was self-conscious. I wanted to share this experience with other women who might be struggling with their bodies the way I did, and encourage them to embrace their passions. At the same time I wanted to make lingerie for the curvy woman who is already proud of her body and indulges her wild side. And so Pique Lingerie was born.
Sybari by Pique Lingerie
Model: Heidi
Photographer: Maria Vaorin
Unartig Corsetry
Poppy corset by unartig
After the pics of this poppy corset went a bit viral in the corsetry and lingerie world I think most of you already know this corset, but do you know who made it? It's made by unartig bespoke corsetry, founded by owner and designer Lotte Peters. Her workshop is located in Hildrizhausen, in the south of Germany. You can see more of her work on her website or on social media.
When asked how her queerness (Lotte is bisexual) influences her work, she answered:
"Meine Neigungen und meine Offenheit anderen gegenüber spiegeln sich auch in meiner Arbeit wieder: Viele meiner Kunden sind Transgender, (heimliche) Fetischisten oder oft auch Menschen, denen ich mit meiner Arbeit zu einem neuen Körpergefühl verhelfe, unabhängig von Geschlecht, Alter oder Figur."
"My sexuality and being openminded towards other people are seen in my work too: A lot of my customers are transgender, (in the closet) fetishists or often just people, who I can help towards a new body image with my work, indepent of their sex, age or bodyshape."
Lotte
male corset vest by unartig
Tight Laced
Sabrina
Designer and Owner Sabrina is queer and her openness and body positivity radiances through her work. Offering a big sizing range and being unapologetic about the fact that she is plus size, bald and queer she's one of my heroines. She is still rather new in the lingerie world (her brand launched in 2016) but with her focus on mass customization and a big sizing range I hope that she'll be a force for change for the next years! As a plus size queer woman her view on lingerie is an important one that I'm happy to support. I especially love the editorial shots that are some of the best lingerie pics I've ever seen and so refreshing in a world full of objectifying lingerie models. Her choice of models, with the bald and edgy "Das Sommerle" as the main model, a heavily body modded model and a plus size model as some of her first models for her brand is not only rare but also brave to start with a diverse cast especially when you're a new brand.
You can buy her stuff through her website and online shop and every now and then there's the chance to visit her in her atelier. Follow TightLaced on social media to stay up to date!
When asked how she would describe herself, she chose the umbrella term queer:
Ich verstehe mich als Mensch und tue mein bestes andere Menschen so anzunehmen, wie sie sind. Ich biete auf Anfrage Maß und Sonderanfertigungen an, wenn ich fuer den Menschen, der gerne etwas von mir haben moechte nicht die richtigen Schnitte oder Groessen dabei sind. Mode und Design werden die Welt nicht im grossen Stil aendern, aber ich moechte mein moeglichstes dazu beitragen, dass meine Kundschaft durch meine Arbeit ein Stueck Schoenheit und selfconfidence/selfawareness erhaelt, egal, wie andere Menschen sie vielleicht wahrnehmen.
I see myself as a human and I'm doing the best I can to accept other humans the way they are. I do custom and bespoke work if my customer can't find the style or size right for them in my shop. Fashion and design won't change the world on the big scale, but I'm trying my hardest to help my customers feel beautiful and confident and self aware, no matter how other people might see them.
Eva from ParaNoire design sees herself as queer, and, after some thoughts, added an “can I just say It’s complex”? Yes. Yes you absolutely can. So many people think that being queer means one thing and is super easy to categorize (mostly they think it means gay. Like, gay is the only acceptable thing of being queer. Nu-uhhhh.) ParaNoire Design is located in Hamburg and although it's still on a lower schedule due to Eva's recovery after an intermezzo with cancer there's some of ParaNoire's signature styles to be shopped via her etsy shop.
Eva says:
ParaNoire makes beautiful undies for humans of all sizes, shapes and genders. No matter if you like super-girly, frilly bloomers, sultry sheer lace sets, a versatile and simple staple for your everyday wardrobe or a very special customised piece made to your very own measurements. I do it all, and I love what I do.
my custommade Leo Leo Lace Kitty set by ParaNoire
ALEXA Khaleesi edition by ParaNoire
These were the four brands I really wanted you all to get to know, all of them deserve a much bigger audience and our support! Did you know them yet? Are there other brands with queer owners I should check out?
Hi lovelies, my birthday is coming up this weekend! And there's a new season of Game of Thrones out. Are you watching? I'm rooting for the dragons. May the dragons reign and kill all humans.
So what better to celebrate my birthday: Marvel at the glorious costumes of Game of Thrones, show you one of my new fav knickers because DRAGONS AND give you a discount code for them!
If you want to celebrate my birthday with me you can save 29% on your ParaNoire Design order: just enter the Promo Code LIZ29 in their etsy store for 29% off! Also, guess how old I'm turning? ;)
As many of you know I'm often working with ParaNoire Design when it comes to helping out with social media or being a voice of reason ("buy the new shiny fabric? - yes buy the shiny" - OK maybe I'm more an enabler) and a fit model for them.
Leo Leo Lace Kitty - custom bralet set
I recently got the chance to try the new ALEXA knickers in the limited edition "Khaleesi" colourways and they are sooooo soft that I'm still in awe! I've already tried a lot of the different ParaNoire Design cuts and so far I've never been disappointed. The bralets work lovely for smaller busts and the knickers are available in a huge sizing range leaving no bum uncovered!
ALEXA Khaleesi
Fit notes
I got the ALEXA knickers in my usual ParaNoire size, 98cm, and they are spot on sizewise. You order the knickers going after your widest bum measurement, which is in my case 99cm. The ALEXA features a cheeky cut on the bum and a simple low cut front with an unusual geometrical insert - being an amateur seamstress I have to say I marvel at the accuracy of that triangle tip! In super stretch jersey! Teach me queen!
The wide elastic trim used on waist and legline has a nice dim shimmer and is super soft without cutting into your soft bits. More like a hug. A baby dragon hug. The geometrical cut works perfectly with the subdued and soft shades of the scales fabric. It's like, a baby dragon fresh out of it's eggshell - not yet big and threatening but tiny and super soft with shimmering scales in the sunlight.
ALEXA Khaleesi
I want more scales on my underwear. Scales are awesome. Usually I used to associate weights and dieting with scales, but now scales = dragons which is honestly so much cooler.
The ALEXA Khaleesi edition comes in two colourways: rosewood (what I'm wearing) and vanilla/cream. The subdued colourways also work great as "nude" lingerie for light and darker skin if you want to be an undercover dragoness! A friend of mine recently ordered the other colourway and it looks just as lovely in person.
The soft shades work great if you're a pastel lover like me (yes, I'm a bad bad evil trve goth. I like pastels). The fabrics are super soft and thin which makes them really comfortable to wear but please note that you need to be careful to not ruin them with sharp fingernails - or cat (dragon?) claws! I also noticed that, due to the really soft fabric, the knickers are not forgiving to hide any shaving stubbles. Tiny super short hairs peek right through.
ALEXA Khaleesi
Oh, you're wondering what's on my boob? Glad you asked! It's a sticker from the Segelrebellen - a non profit organization doing sailing trips with young (adult) cancer patients. They took my dear Eva sailing a couple times now and it gave her soooo much joy so be sure to check their organization out!
ALEXA Khaleesi
Have you tried any ParaNoire Design lingerie recently? How did you like the fit! And - rosewood or vanille, what would be your choice?
[disclosure: I got the swimsuit free of charge from ukswimwear.com, all opinions are my own.]
I recently (ahem, a few months ago) got the opportunity to pick a swimsuit from the
ukswimwear sortiment to review. It was a hard choice, because there are a) a lot of nice styles available and b)
I'm between sizes when it comes to onepiece suits - small boobs and big butt and all that.
I loved browsing the site since I never really looked at higher price swimwear before. I love luxury lingerie, but swimwear
always remained functional only - until now! Since I started to do more aerial classes (I do pole dance, aerial
hoop and aerial U-silks/hammock) I am feeling more and more comfortable in skimpier work out gear. That's why the ukswimwear
team and me decided that I will chose a garment that I can not only use for swimming but also for workout - I do a lot
more workout than swimming ;)
I ended up choosing this
Gottex Cut Out Style Swimsuit in a size UK 10, which is a compromise: I would need the 8 for my boobs and the 12
for my bum. It retails for 95GBP.
Cocktail Party
I never heard of Gottex before and omg, I really should have! The israeli company designs gorgeous luxury swimwear, with
incredibly intricate designs in the higher price range. I am absolutely stunned by this
laser cut design retailing for 390GBP for example:
Dusk Onyx
I'm particularly delighted to see that Gottex also goes up to a UK dress size 26 in some styles which is not that usual for higher price items! They have a lot of pieces that make me want to lie on a white sandy beach with a big hat and a cocktail in my hand. I like.
As for my Cocktail Party Swimsuit it's the first time I dared try anything with a cut out. I'm usually a bit selfconscious about my belly area, but on the other hand - who.cares. I need to work on my self esteem anyway. Because, newsflash, being body positive doesn't mean you always have to love your body. I don't. I just try to be ok with it, which is already a pretty hard fight. Long story short: I decided to challenge myself and go for the cut outs!
I'm not bendy
The cut out takes guts to try it (sry for bad puns I can't help myself) but I have to say I like it! As mentioned above the swimsuit is too small around the bum which means I get major muffin top - not something I'm comfortable with displaying - but on the other hand, as soon as I'm on the pole or hoop I really don't care about where my fat is located. I mostly concentrate on breathing.
The cups of the swimsuit are padded which is a good thing if you are small busted like me - I would not fill out the fabric in the cups otherwise. This is of course a smaller problem if you don't have such a large difference between your dress sizes in bottoms and tops as I do! The pads are not meant to be removable.
Considering this is the first time I've tried out a high quality swimwear item I have to say I'm considerably impressed by the quality of the fabric and stitching. There really is no comparing to my usual H&M bikinis :D The fabric is a very nice Polyamide (72%) and Elastane (28%) blend, very smooth and a deep matte black. The whole swimsuit
is fully lined with a smooth black net fabric that provides additional support and helps from stretching out the main fabric too much. The padding for the cups is neatly worked into the lining so you don't see any padding on the outside which is a very nice touch.
detail of the cups
detail of the lining
Considering that I often have problems with bodysuits being to short in the torso (although I really am not tall, it's just
that most UK brands make ridiculously short bodysuits) I'm delighted that this bodysuit is comfortable even when moving
around.
The swimsuit is adjustable with the bows in the back, once for the band and once in the neck, which makes it easier
to adjust to your body and is the reason why it fits me so well even if it's not my ideal size.
Thank you ukswimwear.com for providing me with this gorgeous swimsuit, it made me try out something new!
