History of Corsets

By Jennifer Bailey

A corset is a closefitting garment that is worn to support and shape the upper body. It is most commonly used to slim the body and make it curvy. The corset reduces the waist and emphasizes the bust and hips. Both men and women have worn corsets and many still wear them. While women use them to look slender and enhance the contours of their body, men customarily use corsets to slim down their figure.

The history of corsets makes for interesting reading. Women and occasionally men have worn rigid corsets made of whalebone or steel for more than 500 years to enhance or modify their shape and figure. The history of corsets goes a long way back to Greek and Roman women who sometimes wrapped broad bands around their bodies. In the middle ages, the corset evolved into a short, close fitting, laced outer bodice.

Around the 16th century, the corset saw a lot of transformations. It became a tight bodice wore on the inside. These were sometimes made of leather, and were stiffened with whalebone, wooden or steel splints. Slender waists became very fashionable during the 17th century and until the 19th century corsets made with tight lacings and stays were increasingly used by both men and women. By the beginning of the 19th century, the corset became chiefly a woman's garment and it has since evolved gradually to conform to the natural contours of the body.

One might think that the corset has become a thing of the past and is no longer a fashion accessory. The corset did become less popular after the onset of the 20th century and gradually began to go out of use. But one is wrong to think that it has lost its appeal, for the corset is still here after hundreds of years, and has become more fashionable as attractive outerwear.

Thus, women's obsession with corsets continues. And although corsets change in styles and constantly to go in and out of fashion, one can count on fashion designers to continue to include corsets amongst their beautiful creations.

Corset provides detailed information on corset, leather corset, corset lingerie, corset dress and more. Corset is affiliated with Discount Lingerie.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey

'Queen of Burlesque' Dita von Teese to become face - and body - of Wonderbra


Best known for her burlesque show and previous marriage to Marilyn Manson, Dita von Tesse is teaming up with Wonderbra to create a new line. Or as the Daily Mail wrote, It seems a match made in underwear heaven: one of the world's best-known lingerie brands and a woman most famous for parading round in nothing but spangly bra and knickers.

Dita von Teese, 35, the sexy striptease artist who reintroduced the world to the joys of burlesque, is set to become the new face of Wonderbra, it was announced today.

Known as The Queen of Burlesque, von Teese is feted for having rejuvenated the 1940s art of classic striptease and is famed for both her feather fan dance and her "bathtub" show...

...Her designs will draw on 1940s lingerie styles and vintage underwear fashion – a style that von Teese has made her own...

...Von Teese said: ' "I really hope that with this new range, I can share my passion for sensual, wearable lingerie that will add a touch of glamour to people's everyday lives." '

Click on the Daily Mail for the full article.

Boutique of the Month: January ~ A Tropical Affair

How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

I love A Tropical Affair from the depth and breath and height my soul can reach! And let me tell you why...

Situated one block east of State Street in Santa Barbara, A Tropical Affair is a darling store filled with tempting high-end lingerie separated between the naughty and nice side of the store. Both sides are tasteful so the division between sides flows seamlessly. Honestly, all of it's nice!

Customer Service: Alison and Christine, sales reps, were there when I stopped by. We chatted about various lingerie, fit, new items, and they gave me their recommendations. It was a joy being in this store--visually and socially. Alison also recommended that I wear my new Jezebel tutu panties while playing Guitar Hero III, for full effect...undoubtedly a blog will arrive on that shortly.

Store: Delightful. It's a great combination of feeling like you're at the beach mixed with classic feminine elegance. It was easy to shop and merchandised very well. I look forward to when I have more than a half hour to go through all the great lingerie treats in the store.

Website: They're currently updating their website. If you go to: http://www.atropicalaffair.com/ then you can submit your e-mail and they will notify you when their website is complete in February.

Brands: Many divine brands, from high-end to the more affordable Mary Green line. They also have hard-to-find lingerie, in the states, such as Mimi Holiday and just started carrying Badgley Mischka. Below are only a few of brands at the store:
  • Badgley Mischka

  • Dolce & Gabbana

  • Hanky Panky

  • La Perla
  • Jonquil

Overall: Great Experience. Just what I want out of a boutique--fabulous lingerie and customer service. The lingerie quality and variety along with great customer service is what defines a boutique from a regular department store. A Tropical Affair makes me want to go back for another tete-a-tete and have a lingerie shopping spree.

They're definitely doing lingerie right!

A Tropical Affair • 12 East Cota Street • Santa Barbara CA 93101 • http://www.atropicalaffair.com/ • 805.730.1625

Lingerie Body: Post Baby

By now most of you have probably seen Maggie Gyllenhaal's lingerie photos from last fall for Agent Provacateur. What many of you may not know is that at the time the photos were taken, Maggie had an 11-month old child, Ramona, with Peter Sarsgaard. She looks damn good for a woman who just had a baby! Heck, she looks amazing for a woman who has never had a baby! Many of us haven't been as fortunate as Maggie to have such a great lingerie figure so soon after delivery.

What does a woman do who wants to get back in shape after a baby and look fabulous in lingerie?

Step One: Nutrition & Portion Control

If you change a few simple habits regarding nutrition and food portions, then you can have a large impact over time with your figure. Some of the most helpful I've found are the following:
  • Bye Bye Sugar. If you can't go cold turkey, then start off slowly like cutting out all sugary sodas and try eating fresh fruit for dessert

  • After 6 p.m. only drink water or eat fruit or vegetables

  • Watch your snacking. Make sure that you aren't snacking on the left overs from the baby

  • Put your food on a smaller plate, it makes the potion look bigger and will make you think that you ate more

Step Two: Exercise

Get your body moving! If you can run five miles, then do it. But, if you're like most women after a baby, take it at a pace that feels good for you. I know some women who could only walk out to the mail box after having a child and years later have worked up to marathons and triathlons. Sometimes baby steps are best, even for us grown ups.

Step Three: Drink Lots of Water

Water replenishes your body, helps it maintain itself and curbs hunger cravings. It also makes your skin look radiant and glowing. Water is key to loosing weight and looking great!

Step Four: Buy Yourself a Pair of Priceless Panties!

Know that you'll get back to your pre-baby body but treat yourself in the meantime--without the calories! Find a pair of priceless panties that flatter your figure and make you feel like a million bucks. It will do wonders for your self-image and be an incentive to help you loose the extra baby weight!

For more information on Maggie and her Agent Provacateur photos, click on the Daily Mail article.

Congratulations to Maggie for looking so stunning post-baby! For the rest of us, I hope we're all as fortunate as Maggie in our post-delivery days! In the meantime, be kind to yourself, know you'll get your shape back, and celebrate your inner Eve!

Icing on the Cake: Lingerie Accessories ~ Part 2: Stockings

Lingerie Accessories are Icing on the Cake!
Stockings have been around for centuries, going from the ballroom, boardroom and to the bedroom. Not to be confused with panty hose, stockings are commonly held up by a garter belt and come in variety of designs.

Some of the most prevalent designs associated with stockings are:

* seamless
* seam up the back
* fishnet

While these styles are traditionally associated with stockings, now a days, many designers are taking stockings to a whole new level with their designs, colors, and embellishments. Some designers add embellishments such as a diamond pattern sewn in place of a back seam, some have rhinestones over the seams (see image to below right), while others choose an over all pattern woven or dyed into the stockings.

Stockings are a fun, flirty and sexy way to express yourself while still going about your daily business. If you choose a simple, classic pair of stockings, no one has to know that you're wearing them with a garter underneath your skirt. A choice like this can help transition a day at the office to an evening out. In any case, it's exciting for the wearer to know that a garter is holding up her stockings beneath her clothes. It's her own secret.

If you want something a little bit sassier or sexier for the evening, then you can also bring another pair of stockings in your purse to change into later. This is perfect if you've chosen to wear a little black dress to the office with
little black lingerie underneath! A fun set of stockings can dress up work attire or a little black dress, making the evening out an easy transition filled with the promise of excitement to follow.

What is most important when buying stockings?

There are two important elements to keep in mind when buying stockings, buy high-quality and in a size that fits. In doing so, you'll avoid elephantitis ankles caused by drooping stockings that are too big or have lost their shape. It's also better to go a larger size, if that fits, than being caught up in buying a smaller size for the sake of the size. Stockings that are too small have been known to aggravate spider veins.

Where can I find a variety of high quality stockings?

*
www.stockingirl.com/

* www.agentprovocateur.com/hosiery.html

*www.thelittleflirt.com/shop/customer/home.php?cat%5B%5D=&cat%5B%5D=312&search.x=58&search.y=13

* www.pamperedpassions.com/stockings_34_ctg.html


No matter which stocking you choose, remember that it's about enhancing what you already have and feeling sexy and confident. As Rachel Arieff says in her article called Stockings, "...(S)tockings should be a pleasure in every sense: a pleasure to purchase, a pleasure to wear, and sometimes, a pleasure to remove."

Click on Stockings for Rachel Arieff's full article.

Remember that stockings are the Icing on the Cake, adding fun to any day or evening experience!

Sex and the Village: Sexy Lace Lingerie from Koniakow, Poland

By Maciej Szleminski

Koniakow, the 500-year-old village in a strongly conservative southwest part of Poland that produced Pope John Paul II, is almost totally unreachable during wintertime, particularly heavy in terms of snowfalls. For two centuries, the women have hooked thread in intricate crochet patterns to create lace tablecloths and altar ornaments coveted by royalty across Europe. It was an art taught by mothers to daughters, done at home after the daily farming chores were finished, bringing honor and income to the small local population.

Oval or round, made with tremendous patience and skilled tablecloths reached tables of kings, aristocrats, bishops and all those with abundant amounts of money to spend and a desire to live surrounded with splendor and beauty. Koniakow lace decorates tables in Vatican, Buckingham Palace, the White House and many other eminent places.

Then came G-strings. Last fall, some lace makers trying to earn money spun a racy twist to the art, deciding that underwear would sell better than doilies. Since, the town of 3,000 has been in an uproar, neighbor pitted against neighbor over lace thongs.

"Lace making has always been a way for people to earn money here," says the 56-year-old mayor of the village, "But since the strings started, the community has been divided: about money, about morality, about tradition."

Some traditional lace makers accuse the renegade lace makers of greed. Others say the thongs defile tradition, are indecent and promote sex. "Our lace graces Polish altars, the office of our president and that of the holy pope in Rome," says the president of a local craft guild of lace makers who has been working with lace for six decades. "And suddenly, our lace is turning up – I don't dare say where. How did the lace makers of Koniakow come to this?"


"Times are tough," say their adversaries in the conflict, "handkerchiefs and tablecloths don't sell well."

Lace making in Koniakow began in the 19th century when young women began creating caps of white lace to don after their weddings. Soon after, say lace makers, women in the town began to weave tablecloths, altar ornaments, clergy robe collars and other ornaments that adorn Polish religious and family occasions, as a way to supplement their income. Like heirlooms, patterns and lace needles passed through generations.

During communist times, business was good. The community was supported by the state in official craft guilds and subsidized as a nationally recognized art. Orders poured in from state-run stores, prominent officials wanting to use them to present as official gifts and clergy who used the lace in ceremonies and on their clothing.

Things changed when communism collapsed in the late 1980s. The government subsidies stopped and state-store orders dried up. Borders opened to influence and products from the West. People became poorer as they lost state jobs in the former planned-economy.

The scanty underwear some lace makers already were quietly making for themselves started stirring local debate in June 2004. The suddent shift from religious ornaments to sexy lingerie was noted by major news sources worldwide. Magazines as reputable as The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune and the New York Times covered the topic and around that time the thongs have began being available online. Each pair can be made to a customer's specifications of color and design. Although the lingerie is definitely feminine, it stirs interest among men as well, being unique and sophisticated romantic gift ideas.

Maciej Szleminski, Owner of
SexyLaceLingerie.com, the major online distributor of sexy crochet lingerie made from Koniakow lace.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert=Maciej_Szleminski

***
Eve's Apples Note on Article: Images are samples of the Koniakow lace, both traditional and modern versions, added by Eve's Apples (not the author).

Commando or Covered: Perfect Panties for Massage

I have to correct Shakespeare. "To wear panties or not wear panties," that is the real question. At least that's the question I incessantly ask myself right before a massage as I frantically put my lingerie on and off over the next several minutes.

Most of us have had that moment: Naked...clothed...naked...clothed. Perhaps with or without the chaotic display of anxiety. During these times, my mind races like a chattering monkey on 16 cups of coffee.


"If I don't wear panties, does that make me sleazy or vulnerable? If I wear them, do I expose my bum? Or do I cover it? Stop already!"

In order to put this incessant chit-chat to an end, I spoke with Shannon Neels, Owner of Le Reve Day Spa in Santa Barbara, California who gave me the inside tips on lingerie and massage. I asked her the ultimate question, "Commando or covered?"

She looked me dead serious in the face and said, "Commando...But it comes down to the client. She should wear whatever makes her feel comfortable."

Ideally, it's best if the client goes naked for two simple reasons. The masseuse can keep moving with the flow of your body instead of working around your panties. Secondly, it's a freer experience for the client.

Shannon recommends a panty that is as skimpy as possible. This helps when rubbing your hips, low back and buttock areas. The following is a list of panties that are recommended to wear during a massage:

  • Thong

  • G-String

  • T-Back

When you get a massage, make sure that you don't wear your best pair. I never want my massage compromised because I'm obsessing that my panties will turn into an oil slick. That said, don't wear a heinous pair either. If you wouldn't be caught dead in that underwear, then don't wear it. Instead of relaxing, the hour will wear on as you think about being seen in your war torn panties instead of drifting off into oblivion.

Most of all, wear a panty that makes you feel confident enough to let your guard down and enjoy the massage. If you don't feel brave, then try whatever panty makes you feel comfortable the first time. At the next visit, step it up and try something a little more risqué.

Some people have no problem going commando and there are others who will never drop their panties for a massage. Both are okay. Know yourself and choose which ever method (clothed or unclothed) that allows you to feel the most relaxed and comfortable.

Above all, enjoy your massage! You deserve it!

***

Take a look at Shannon's non-profit organization, AngelsList, that volunteers massages and services to people with cancer. It's a worthy gift to give back!

The Virtue of Thongs

Thongs...To Be or Not To Be

I confess. I've loved thongs ever since my ultra hip mom told me I needed to get out of the Dark Ages and wear a pair. Prior to my intervention, like most women, I was afraid of the horror stories that thongs were more like an invasion of dental floss.

All dental visits aside, thongs have gotten a bad rap, making women avoid them like the plague instead of embracing the comfortable, sexy, sleek panties. Keep in mind that there is always a positive side, even with thongs. Over the years I've learned to love them, favoring them over other styles. Here are some of the Thong Virtues that I've found:

Thong Virtues
  1. Hides unseemly panty lines

  2. Panties don't bunch up in the back, making you look like there's a wad in your caboose

  3. Bought in the correct size, they can be very comfortable (I always buy a size larger than my normal size--this keeps me from having the "Dental Floss Effect"

  4. They can be extremely sexy, especially with a bow or detail in the back

  5. Lightweight

  6. Easy to travel with (they take up little space in a suitcase and dry quickly after washing)

  7. Great to wear during a massage (if you don't want to go au natural)

  8. Comfortable to wear during pregnancy (they don't touch your belly and you still feel sexy)

  9. Shows off your legs and bum

  10. They can give you a free, confident, sassy feeling that full cut styles don't
If you still need a little nudge, Buttercup from Tout de Suite Buttercup will prove my point on thongs.

It's hard enough being women, walking around in our normal, imperfect, beautiful, curvy bodies, worrying about everything it is that we worry about each day. The last thing we should have to worry about are annoying panty lines. Panty lines, on all occasions under all types of clothes (business attire, jeans, and yoga pants, for example), are unflattering and totally unnecessary. No matter how perfectly shaped, skinny, toned, and smooth you are, add a panty line and you're booty will suddenly look bumpy, bulgy and indented. It's a travesty, and it doesn't have to be that way. You can totally eliminate the lines and maximize the assets without sacrificing any comfort.

I started wearing thongs about 8 years ago because I thought they were kind of sexy, but now wear them exclusively, not only or even mainly for the panty-line buster effect, but because I find them way more comfortable than any other type of panty.

Click on Tout de Suite Buttercup for the full article.

Special thanks to Tout de Suite Buttercup for their article about thongs!

For a mood altering experience with some Priceless Panties, try a thong!

Poll Results: Your Favorite Lingerie Color is...

Black!

In December, Eve's Apples held a poll asking readers what their favorite lingerie color is to wear. Black swept the poll, revealing that our readers love the timeless, classic, sexy, mysterious color for their lingerie. The following are the full results:
  • Black = 66%
  • Pink = 20%
  • Red = 7%
  • Green = 7%
  • White = 0%
  • Blue = 0%
  • Purple = 0%

New Year Lingerie Resolution



New Year is about celebrating, kicking the dust off of the last year and opening your arms to a fresh start. For all of you who are ready to change your perception of yourself and embrace a transformative year through lingerie, repeat after me:

"I do solemnly swear, being an Eve's Apples' Lingerista at heart, that I will resolve to do the following in 2008...

  1. Celebrate my inner Eve

  2. Wear matching bras & panties

  3. Buy at least two pairs of matching panties per bra

  4. Find Priceless Panties that elevate my mood whenever I wear them

  5. Wash my lingerie in mesh bags so that aren't shredded to bits

  6. Buy thong panties in a size larger so that they don't feel like dental floss when I walk

  7. Throw away any lingerie resembling the remains of a war zone

  8. Buy one nice piece of lingerie on my birthday

  9. I'll look in the mirror and tell myself that, "I love, honor and accept myself just as I am"

  10. Learn to love body parts that society says are my "flaws"

  11. Tell myself that "I'm one sexy kitten" when I look in the mirror

  12. Find out my correct bra size

  13. Find out my correct panty size--no muffin tops here

  14. Throw away any lingerie that reminds me of any bad times with old boyfriends

  15. Keep lingerie that will bring a smile to my face when I'm 80

  16. Get rid of my warm flannels pajamas and replace them with cashmere. If I must wear my flannels pajamas, then I'll wear sexy lingerie beneath them

  17. Buy lingerie that is comfortable and makes me feel like a goddess

  18. Find the color of lingerie that makes me feel sexy and confident. If I don't have any in that color then I'll buy some

  19. Have at least one sexy chemise, baby doll, cami and panty or nightie for bed when I'm alone

  20. Be joyful

Most of all, I promise to always love myself, my body, life and celebrate my inner Eve!"

Lingerie & Bellinis: The Perfect New Year Couple

The most famous New Year couple over the years, standing the test of time, is Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant in An Affair to Remember. You don't have to be a famous couple in order to enjoy the New Year and feel your best. But you do need to know one. A bellini and an elegant chemise are a perfect pair and luxurious way to start the New Year by telling yourself that "You're worth it."

When you look for a chemise, search for soft materials that feel good against your skin. Read the labels and look for satin, silk or microfiber. The ultimate test (I'm fanatical about this) is to rub the material against the back of your hand. If it feels soft, think about how it'll feel against the rest of your body.

Bellinis are a refreshing and delicious combination of champagne and peach nectar (recipe below). Traditionally, mimosas have been synonymous with breakfast-in-bed and brunch for years, but there's something exquisite about bellinis. Just imagine it. You're sipping luscious peaches and champagne from a crystal flute, wearing supple lingerie and...writing your New Year Resolutions.


Does it matter if you have anyone to share it with? It's nice if you do, but the answer is "No." What matters is the way it makes you feel. If wearing lingerie and savoring bellinis makes you feel like Cleopatra, Eve (the original temptress) or the best version of yourself, then indulge.


It's about treating yourself to something sumptuous and decadent while feeling comfortable, confident and joyful being you.

Happy New Year & Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

***
Bellini (Champagne) Recipe
  • White Peaches (yellow peaches or peach schnapps may be substituted if white peaches are unavailable. If you use peach schnapps than do not use water and sugar below)
  • 1 Tbl. Sugar
  • 1/8 c. Water
  • Champagne

Puree two white peaches, sugar and water in a blender. Put 1 part peach puree in a champagne flute (1/4 of glass). Pour in 3 parts champagne. Stir with a long spoon.

Drink & enjoy!