Lingerie's Humble Beginnings

Just how did lingerie come to be? Corsets thrived during the ancient times in Greece. The first corset was made in Crete at around 2000 BC. Its purpose was to emphasize a woman's bust while creating an impression of a smaller waist and exaggerated hips. Corsets would sometimes be embellished with a brooch or a pin. It would take several years before leather and wool were introduced.

In Rome, women wore loincloths that could pass as panties. Sometimes, they would also wear breast cloths or bras made of soft leather to cover their breasts. Other fabrics available then would only be wool and linen or a combination of both. Only the rich could afford silk which was imported from other countries like India.

The Middle Ages saw medieval women wearing close fitting clothing similar to what we call chemise, or shift or smock today. The garment would be paired with leg wrappings. During winter, women would be sporting elaborate petticoats that instead look like a skirt than an undergarment.

Incorporating reed or willow rods in women's petticoats during the 16th century helped a woman's posture to be more upright. This was the farthing ale that became increasingly popular as years went by and were later replaced by 'pair of bodies' or corsets. The construction of the corset has a stiffened bodice that was to be exposed in public while another decorative bodice underneath it was stiffened with whalebone, reeds, buckrams, or canes. These corsets were straight-up-and-down-shaped unlike the hourglass-like ones during the Victorian period.

Looking For a Classy, Sensual Robe? How About a Vintage Japanese Kimono?

Everybody needs a robe. Whether you use it for bathing, lounging around at night over your jammies, lounging around the pool or just lounging around period, a robe not only keeps you warm and dry but can also be a great fashion statement, a way to express your unique style and fashion sense.

And what could be a more unique and classy robe than a vintage Japanese kimono? And you don't have to go to Japan to find a great kimono, they are easily found online these days.

I love it when I see an actor in a movie wearing a kimono as a robe like Sandra Oh in "Under The Tuscan Sun", Michelle Pfiefer in "White Oleander", and Miranda Richardson and Polly Walker in "Enchanted April".

Most kimonos are made of silk although some synthetics can be found. This is something to take into consideration when thinking about the care involved with a vintage kimono. Since most vintage kimonos are also lined with silk you really can't wash them without risking shrinkage, so they do have to be dry cleaned, something to consider if you are sensitive to dry cleaning chemicals. If so then a synthetic fabric would be a better choice since those usually can be washed. Or you could find an unlined kimono and wash it very carefully and line dry.

Another great option is the Japanese cotton summer kimono called a Yukata. These are very popular in Japan to wear during the hotter summer months and are also used as bathing robes. This is also a great option for men as cotton kimonos are available in a wider range of sizes than silk kimonos.

Unless you are a size 14 and under you will have a harder time finding a vintage silk kimono that will be roomy enough to be comfortable. There are two reasons for this. One is that since the Japanese people are so small on the whole there really isn't a demand for larger size kimonos. And the other is that the silk fabrics that vintage kimonos are made from are much narrower in width, which is why kimonos have a seam down the back.

But contemporary kimono manufacturers are making larger kimonos so you might want to find a new kimono instead of a vintage one if you are a plus sized gal.

So if the only robe hanging in your closet is your basic cotton terry cloth or perhaps your dad's old cast off, think about updating your lingerie wardrobe with a gorgeous vintage Japanese kimono.

The Secret Lives Of The Lingerie Ladies

There's something about lingerie. A drawer full of silky underwear adds sparkle to the greyest day. Likewise, the secret knowledge that you're wearing something slinky brings that same sparkle to your eye, whether you're wearing jeans or a business suit. They say, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But this isn't strictly true in the case of lingerie; it's often the case that the beauty is in the mind of the wearer. Whilst others might guess what lies beneath, there's a pleasure in the fact that no one else knows - unless, of course, you choose to share...

With the recent revival of Burlesque (or though some would argue that it never really went away) there's never been a better time to indulge in draping your frame in the most seductive lingerie. Glamor is back.

Like wearing your favorite lingerie to work, the joy of burlesque comes not from what is seen, but rather from what is suggested. The skill lies in a certain glint of the eye, a secret smile, a wiggle of the hips when you think that no one is watching - or, perhaps, because you know that they are. Whilst there has always been an element of the risqué and saucy about Burlesque, it's current popularity has seen it lose its sleazy edge. It's now OK to be sexy, and indeed, a bit risqué and saucy, without feeling like a cheap extra in a strip club.

Whilst full corsets, feathers and nipple tassels might not be for everyone, burlesque is, as much as anything else, an attitude and a state of mind. With the right attitude, every bedroom can transform into a boudoir and every girl becomes a showgirl. Whether you prefer virginal white lace or racy red and black satin there's a certain irresistible 'something' that guarantees to put a spring in your step when putting on underwear brings a smile to your lips.

Perhaps the rise and rise of burlesque in recent years might simply be a reaction to 'ladette' culture. After all, who wants to imitate the worst in male behavior when there's so much more fun to be had in celebrating the feminine? Nowadays, it doesn't take a fool to recognize that rather than being confronted with an eyeful of alco-pop fueled bare chest, it's more appealing, and far classier, to suggest a hint of silk or satin and the promise of what may lie beyond...

Stepping into luxurious underwear by day, or night, needn't be for anyone else. First and foremost it should be a 'me, me, me' event. True beauty comes from within, and there's no better way to connect your inner beauty with the outside world than the feeing of wearing something that you love, close to your skin. Of course, if you choose to share this with a certain someone, then let the fun begin!

So, perhaps it's time to throwaway all your washday-grey undies and bring your inner diva out play.

Take A Walk On The Wild Side With Leather Lingerie

Want to feel sexy? Want to try something different and fun? Want to look great and feel great and try something new? Leather Lingerie is the answer!

Leather lingerie is unique and distinctive. Not only does it look great but also it feels great to wear. Leather becomes soft and supple as it warms up to the temperature of your skin.

Leather is durable too. It has long been used to protect the fragile human skin from the elements, not to mention that it has been protection the cows for a long time as well.

Leather looks sexy too. Black leather is the most popular color for sexy lingerie. Black leather lingerie paints a picture of the female body unlike any other material can.

There are many other materials that you can choose from including cotton, nylon, silk, polyester and the list goes on. None of them can come close to the feeling of wearing leather lingerie.

If you like wearing leather lingerie, you may also be interested in another unique material that has made it's way into the lingerie realm. You may have guessed it but if not, I'm talking about vinyl lingerie.

Vinyl lingerie can have a similar appearance to leather lingerie, but since vinyl is a type of plastic, the similarities mostly end there. Vinyl is shinier and doesn't have the same natural feel as leather.

That is to be expected of course, as vinyl is man made and leather is made in nature, by our friend the cow.

Leather lingerie can help to let loose those primal instincts that are laying dormant inside of you. It can bring out the real animal inside of you and this can help create a sensual and exciting experience unlike others you may have felt.

So be creative and try something new and exciting. Get yourself some sexy leather lingerie and let your wild side out!

Product Review - Anita Under Wire Nursing Bra

One of the more famous nursing bra brands, Anita creates the Under wire Nursing Bra that gives comfort and shaping for new moms. It has under wired lace cups which are also molded to give your milk-filled breasts the support they need. Each seamless cup has the patented Kwikklip that allows you to open and close one side at a time easily with one hand. What makes the Anita Under wire Nursing Bra stand out from all other nursing bras is the unique Anita Memo, a movable pink marker that helps remind you which side was last used for breastfeeding.

The Upside: Breastfeeding moms will love the look of this Anita nursing bra - it doesn't look like your ordinary nursing bra! The lace cups add a touch of style and femininity. The under wires offer support to your breasts which may feel heavy during these sensitive months. And it gives your breasts some lift and separation, unlike bras that don't have under wires.

The Kwikklip feature is very helpful for breastfeeding moms as it allows them to open the cups one at a time - this means more privacy while nursing your baby. Plus it gives them ease since the Kwikklip makes it easy to open and close the clasps with just one hand while you're holding your baby with the other. And because of the Anita Memo that you can shift from left to right, moms will always have a reminder which side your bundle of joy last fed on.

The Downside: Since the Anita Under wire Bra has lace cups, it doesn't absorb excess milk as much as a usual nursing bra with thicker cups do. It's a bit too transparent compared to ordinary nursing bras. You can't wear it under thin shirts without worrying about it showing through.

Moms may also feel hesitant about wearing nursing bras with under wires, fearing that they may disrupt the flow of milk. They may also feel limited about its sizing as it only goes up to a cup F size; women with larger cup sizes would have to find another bra. And at almost $60, the Anita Under wire Nursing Bra seems to be a bit pricey for some.

The Verdict: Moms who are keen on breastfeeding their baby may want to invest in the Anita Under wire Nursing Bra. Not only does it make breastfeeding a breeze, but it also gives new moms the support and comfort they need especially during these sensitive months. It's stylish in looks, too - unlike the other nursing bras sold today. It may seem a bit expensive for a bra, but the benefits you and your baby will get will be worth it.