Hump Day Pick: A Lil' Birdy Told Me

image via anthropologie

I saw this beautiful mint-green set by Beautiful Bottoms at Anthropologie the other day and I loved it's quintessential lingerieness. Silk and ruffled edges, and the sparrow print is quintessentially Anthropologie. This set was sitting next to another beautiful floral set by Beautiful Bottoms, and quite honestly, there was no way you could pass them without taking a better look.

These lil' birdies told me that they want a nice home to go to. Are you that nice home?

Beautiful Bottoms Passerine Bra, $98. Passerine briefs, $52. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Hump Day Pick: Swept Asea Set by Samantha Chang

Hellooooo seafooooam! I saw this set in Anthropologie before I saw it on the site (which might be a first), and I immediately melted. It reminded me of this Only Hearts cami that I love (and wear all the time), so no wonder I was so drawn to it. And yes, I will admit that I have looked at it during the subsequent three trips I made to Anthro. Samantha Chang is a new line that Anthropologie picked up this season, and after seeing this set, I'm looking forward to seeing what other beautiful pieces are to come!

Swept Asea Cami, $88. Boyshorts, $48. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Say Hi to Thursday: Weekend Gorgeous in Jenna Leigh Neutrals

Say Hi to Thursday, a special day of the week when there's only one more work day before a glorious weekend awaits. Pretty Little Underthings will showcase a weekend-perfect piece we'd love to wear.

Kyoto Soft Cup Demi Bra & Hipster by Jenna Leigh

I think a common misconception about my blog is that I own every single item I post, which is not possible (yet) but I do like to make it clear when I actually own a set I post (or have at least tried it on). So here's the truth about this gorgeous Jenna Leigh set: IT'S MINE!

I tried on the bodysuit version of this a couple of months ago and almost cried (not really but I was sad) because the cup size was too big for my A's, much like the Key Lime set I tried on at Anthropologie. But then fate intervened: a bit of cash I had set aside for something special, a 30% off coupon from Journelle AND they had this set in stock... in my size. A quick phone call with Susannah (who is amazing!) to double check sizing and it was in my shopping cart mere minutes later.

What you can't see from the site is this really simple detail in the back of the bra:

I know what you're thinking, "Umm... it just looks like two extra bra straps on either side to make the back clasp." No. It's not. Well, yea, ok it is, BUT you have to take my word for it when I say that it adds just a liiiittle something extra sexy when you're wearing it. The entire bra is so simple and neutral, that this extra detail makes it that much more special.

Oh, and check out this other detail: the back of the closure is PADDED!

I don't know if you can tell from that photo that it's a little bit squishy, but really—it's a little detail that I never knew I wanted in a bra.

Oh, and the bottoms? Let's just say that they'll make your fanny look AWESOME. The little strappy cutout detail on the back of the waistband add a little bit of contouring. Who knew briefs could actually be kinda hot?

Soft-cup demi bra, $100. Hipster, $76. Available at Journelle.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: The I-Want-Swimwear Edition, Part II

Tuesdays will feature a lustworthy lingerie set and a suggested retailer. I think we all need a little something beautiful to at least look at to get us through the week. Hope you love them as much as I do!

1. Mara Hoffman Aztec-print Balconette Bikini

I saw this in a recent issue of SELF magazine, and I fell in love... (and it may be the reason I skipped a bagel and had oatmeal yesterday morning). I adore the contrast between the ruffle detail and the super-graphic bold print. Plus the halter strap is removable, which is always a plus. I like choice.

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $220.

2. Rosa Cha Ruched Printed Swimsuit

Who doesn't love figure-forgiving ruching and a bright floral print? Check out the awesome cutout detail in the back too. This one can also double as a bodysuit, so throw on some high-waisted trousers (I told you, I'm obsessed with high-waisted) and your favorite heels, et voilà—a killer summer look that won't limit this suit to just the pool.

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $350.

3. Camilla and Marc High Sun Bikini

I love how this color-blocked bikini reminds me of a certain t-shirt everyone seemed to have in the late 80's. The little bow details give it a sweet touch, and look—high-waisted done right!

Available at Anthropologie. Top, $88. Bottom, $98.

4. Diane von Furstenberg Pan String Bikini

Your basic string bikini with a print composed of different colors that normally wouldn't seem to go together, but DvF somehow makes it work. ...Probably because she's DvF, but whatever. I love that despite how the print has darker colors, the bright green is what catches my attention.

Available at Barneys, $185.

5. Eberjey First Mate Bikini

I mean, c'mon. If you can't understand why this one is just so completely adorable, I don't know why you read my blog. Ok, sorry that was kind of mean. But really—this preppy swimwear done right. A rope halterneck for nautical stripes? Yes, please. The option to wear this as a bandeau top instead of a halter? Yes, please! Well done, Eberjey, well done.

Available at FortyWinks.com. Phoebe Top, $74. Camilla Bottoms, $62.

Hump Day Pick: High-Waisted Loveliness

If you're a new reader (hello!), there's something you should know: j'adore high-waisted anything. Jeans, shorts, skirts, and of course, lingerie. Lucky me, there's tons of styles this season for high-waisted, NON-shapewear bottoms! Here's a roundup of five high-waisted bottoms I love—all at different price points.

1. Hopeless Lingerie Shelly Coral Modal Jersey Knickers

Available at Hopeless Lingerie, $70.

2. Agent Provacateur Cindy High-Waisted Net-Lace Briefs

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $170.

3. Anthropologie Silhouette Brief

Available at Anthropologie.com, $48.

4. Only Hearts Stretch Lace High-Waist Panty

Available at OnlyHearts.com, $24.

5. Elle Macpherson Obsidian Frances Culotte

Available at Journelle.com, $50.

Hump Day Pick: An Icy Blue Ogiku Set by Lou

This week is all about the embroidered details, apparently. This sky blue set traces flower petals onto your skin, though the color makes me think of clouds. It's a departure from the brightly colored springtime sets I've been posting, but it's been chilly in NYC lately and it's supposedly snowing this week, so let's just go with the flow and look at lingerie that reminds me of glaciers (and polar bears, yay!).

Check out all the variations on this set on their site. There's an adorbs hipster bottom, and bridal white, slate grey and raspberry colorwaves too. No A-cup bras at Anthro, sadly, but you B+ ladies are in luck!

Ogiku bra, $118. Ogiku thong, $64. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Hump Day Pick: Cyan and Chantilly Set by Lavit + A Happy Birthday!

I have a confession to make: I almost didn't post today because I'm so, so exhausted. But I saw this set on Anthropologie's site and I couldn't come up with a good enough reason to NOT share it with you lovely readers!

I love that greenish-blue hue—someone once mentioned to me that you rarely see green lingerie that's not a hideous shade—but this is just so springlike and a gorgeous reminder of how this manic-depressive  winter will be over soon enough. Thank goodness.

But lastly, I want to dedicate this post to my dear sister, who turns 25 today! Although she thought my blog was too scandalous at first, I thought she'd like this one 'cos it's just too adorable not to like. Happy birthday seastar, I love you!

Cyan & Chantilly Bralette, $68. Boyshort, $48. Available at Anthropologie.

An Only Hearts Valentine's Day!

Last Thursday, I happily attended an Only Hearts trunk show at Anthropologie SoHo and it was just as lovely as you would imagine it to be. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the Anthropologie ladies as well as the Only Hearts team, and it was really exciting to hear about how Anthro is stepping up their intimates game in a way that other RTW retailers really should really pay attention to.

Kaya & Helena Stuart

I also got to meet Helena and Kaya Stuart, the completely adorable mother/daughter design duo behind the label, and talking to them only made me love their line more. I loved telling them how I wore the all-lace cropped cami with a high-waisted skirt and I realized that for them, hearing how other people wear the pieces and make them their own is a big part of what makes their jobs so enjoyable.

Hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day, regardless of whether you're single or attached!

xoxo,

Esther

I still can't get over this completely adorable bronze set. Bra, $48, bottoms, $32.

Enjoying Jacques Torres white hot chocolate

(L to R) Marcy, Meghan, Lina of Anthropologie

The all-lace cami that I adore

Helena!

Absolutely adorable silk shorts ($48). There's a camisole too ($72)! 

Visit the Pretty Little Underthings Facebook page to see more photos of the event!

Hump Day Pick: Sweet Pieces for a Sweet Valentine's Day

In full recognition of the fact that not every woman feels 100% at ease in sexy, sultry lingerie, I wanted to dedicate a post to the women whose style is more of the sweet, beautiful category. These will still make you look and feel amazing, and that's what's most important!

1. Sugared Grapefruit Bodysuit by Eberjey

Sweet lace with hot pink details make this soft bodysuit an everyday piece—you won't want to only save it for special occasions anyway. I think it'd also look so pretty with a long tulle skirt for an outfit pairing.

Available at Anthropologie, $72.

2. Spree Camisole and Shortie by Elle Macpherson

I'll be honest, the lacy back of this camisole totally hooked me. I love how ordinary cotton becomes a bit fancier with the lace details and prettifies it into something extraordinary. Also comes in black!

Camisole, $87. Shorties, $40. Available at Shop-Underwear.com.

3. Folie Teddy by Mimi Holliday

Leopard print can be really intense, but not on this beautiful silk romper! The sheer silk, frilly detailing on the shorts, and the desaturated print makes this teddy just a baby step towards jungle animal, while keepin' it classy.
Available at Derrière de Soie, $140.

4. Icon Lace Bodysuit by La Perla

Oh, heyyy! This gorgeous bodysuit has black buttons all down the back (you need to see it) and a nude mesh panel in the front. Wear it under your special Valentine's Day outfit, or with high-waisted bottoms to make it your special outfit!

Available at Net-a-Porter.com, $570.

Say Hi to Thursday: Key Lime Set by Jenna Leigh

Say Hi to Thursday, a special day of the week when there's only one more work day before a glorious weekend awaits. Pretty Little Underthings will showcase a weekend-perfect piece we'd love to wear.

Key Lime Set by Jenna Leigh

I'M TIRED OF WINTER ALREADY. I just want sweet sunshine and warm weather again. But it's only January, so I know I'll have to be patient. Luckily, Jenna Leigh made this super-cute, super-sunny set for Anthropologie and it'll have to hold us over until we get some real sunshine again. 

Sizing note: a small may not fit properly in the bust if you're an A. Larger A's/Small B's might have some luck, but none for smaller than that, sadly. I love long-line bralettes so I was a little sad when it didn't fit right in the cups, though my bank account cried for joy. (Yes, I tried it on—I couldn't help it. It was just sitting there, looking so bright and cheery! Don't judge. You would've done it too.)

Key Lime Bralette, $78. Key Lime Hipster, $68. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Hump Day Pick: La Baker Set by Hanky Panky

Who knew that Hanky Panky, creators and purveyors of the world's most perfect thong, could get this cute? Floral lace sweetens up naughty neutral-colored mesh, and the black trim gives the set strong outline on your body if your skintone matches up. (But really, who other than cartoon characters can call that color "nude"?)

La Baker bra, $58. Bottoms, $40. Available online at Anthropologie.com.

Say Hi to Thursday: Classic Ballerina Cami by undrest

Say Hi to Thursday, a special day of the week when there's only one more work day before a glorious weekend awaits. Pretty Little Underthings will showcase a weekend-perfect piece we'd love to wear.

Classic Ballerina Cami by undrest

I have a confession: I still really, really love Anthropologie. I used to buy the majority of my wardrobe from there when I worked for Free People (the employee discount is amaaaazing), and then after, scoured sale racks to find amazing deals on pieces I had spotted earlier. And now that my office is back across the street from Chelsea Market, the Anthro there has become a dangerous place for me.

Okay, I'm exaggerating. But you know what I mean. A top secret shopping hint: they have THE best sale rack, though not as large as other locations', but because they have a wider variety of sizes and you can find pieces that are sold out online and in other stores. Like the amazing Irina Cardigan that they magically had in my size and 50% off.

But they also had this cami by undrest on sale too. It's not on the website, and I don't recall it ever being there, but they had plenty of them on the sale rack. Retail price was $68, slashed down to $19.95. Which is fantastic, since undrest has it listed on their website for $80.

I won't pretend I understand the intricacies of retail pricing, I've been out of that game for awhile. All I know is that I have an amazingly soft, comfortable and light new cami to spend all weekend in. And after surveying the sample sales this weekend, if Anthro still has 'em in my size I might just get another one.

P.S. There are matching tap shorts on undrest's website!

Cami, $80 on undrest.com. On sale, $19.95 in-store Anthropologie, West 15th Street & 9th Avenue. 

Hump Day Pick: Conduit Lace Cami by Wendy Glez

I first saw this cami at Anthropologie when I was searching for a bridal shower gift for my cousin. After feeling how soft it was, I quickly abandoned the pieces I picked up from her registry and decided on this camisole instead. I usually don't like to stray from the registry, especially since there's a reason why the bride-to-be chose particular items, right? But the seemingly cheaply constructed bra and panty sets she had asked for paled in comparison to the delicate lace details and softness of the jersey fabric of this camisole.

Just FYI for my family and close friends, it's on my holiday wishlist. Hint hint. There are matching bottoms too...

Conduit Lace Cami, $68. Bottoms, $38. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Color Stories: Going Green

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I was thinking about what I should post this week and realized I haven't done a color story in awhile, so I'm gonna go green today.

Green is an interesting color for lingerie, I think. Most retailers have the standard white, black, pink, red, black, flesh tones, purples... but green is pretty rare. Sometimes the styles are terrible or the hues are awful, but I found a few sets that will make you say "wow!" for different reasons.

1. Olive and Eve set by Amulette: Delicate, lacey swirls in a comforting moss green, and the straps have tiny little flutter sleeves! Pick this one up to feel like a sweet goddess.

Bralette, $78 and briefs, $68. Available at Anthropologie.com.

2. Spree Lace Bra and Briefs by Elle Macpherson: this is the standard Elle bra that comes in different colors. It's comfortable, basic and an everyday staple! Paired with the briefs, it can transform into special set for a late-night rendez-vous.

Spree Lace Bra, $62 and briefs, $30. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

3. Malizia Sirena Demi Bra and Bikini Briefs by La Perla: The queen of haute lingerie, La Perla never disappoints with super sexy cuts that are also comfy. The extra scallop trim on the sides of the bikini transform an otherwise ordinary bottom into a piece that will make you feel like a mermaid!

Sirena Demi Bra, $109 and briefs, $59. Available at LaPerla.com.

4. Delirious Triangle Bralette and French Briefs by Eberjey: Basic, flirty and comes in every color (well, almost). Perfect for lounging around in on the weekend when you don't want to leave your home, at least I think so! (Note: The real color is closer to the yellowish-green on the briefs. The photo on journelle is a bit wonky, I think).

Triangle bra, $38 and French briefs, $30. Available at Journelle.com.

Bump Your Boxers and Upgrade Your Shorts!

Confession: I used to be a big fan of boxer shorts as loungewear. Like, you know, the cute ones from places like American Eagle that are cut for girls and have fun prints on them. They were pretty much a sorority/college staple, and I probably still have a pair stashed somewhere.

But let's face it: college days are way long gone and it's time to grow up. Tons of loungewear designers are coming out with adorable shorties that are just as comfy as they are sexy, and you won't even give your boy boxers a second thought. Here are a few that really love:

1. Classic Collection Short by Brulee: luxe, soft jersey with a gorgeous gold button detailing. The cut of the shorts elongates the legs and a stretchy waistband keeps it comfy. What's not to love?

Classic Collection Shorts, $56. Available at Brulee.net, also comes in cream.

2. Better in Sweater Shorts by Trovata: fitted knit cotton with a tiny patch pocket on the right rear. The pink belt adds a touch of sweetness, though you'll probably want to remove it if you sleep in 'em.

Sweater Shorts, $48. Available at Anthropologie.com.

3. Talia Track Shorts by Fleur't: Super-soft, semi-sheer rayon/spandex blend with satin details to keep things comfy and feminine.

Track Shorts, $58. Available at Shopbop.com.

4. Silk Contrast Tap Shorts by La Fee Verte: stretchy silk comes in a gorgeous cream/black contrast design to keep things interesting. I'd say these are definitely meant for a special night in with your man, or when you've had a long, stressful day and need a pick-me-up when you come home. At this price, you might want to indulge yourself with both colors options!

Tap Shorts, $35. Available at Journelle.com. Also comes in black with cream trim.

SALE: Understudy Bralet & Hipsters at Anthropologie

I was looking at these the other day because my cousin's bridal shower is coming up, and OMG, now they're on sale! I think these are another take on ruffle bras—gorgeous bralets that are perfect for peeking out under deep-cut shirts or cardigans. Wendy Glez's set is delicate, playful and so in-season in a rich plum color—and now even more irresistible at this price.

Understudy Bralet, $48 (on sale $19.99), Understudy Hipsters, $44 (on sale $19.95), available at Anthropologie.com.

Super Fun Leggings to Keep Your Legs Warm

It's getting chillier in NYC and I've been finding it difficult to go outside with bare legs. I tried it on Monday and was freezing when I got home (and drenched thanks to a surprise thunderstorm!), so I think it's time to look for some lovely leggings to dress up my bottom half this fall!

1. Gauze Leggings by Anthropologie

Available at Anthropologie.com (online exclusive), $38. Also available in peach, light grey and neutral.

2. Bifractional Leggings by VPL

Available at Barneys.com, $195.

3. Stretch Lace Leggings by Only Hearts

Available at OnlyHearts.com, $46.

4. Striped Leggings by M Missoni

Available at Shopbop.com, $195.

Tempting Tuesdays: Pull-the-Blinds Set by Jenna Leigh for Anthropologie

Tuesdays will feature a lustworthy lingerie set and a suggested retailer. I think we all need a little something beautiful to at least look at to get us through the week. Hope you love them as much as I do!

Pull-the-Blinds Set by Jenna Leigh for Anthropologie

Love this set from Jenna Leigh's collaboration with Anthropologie. It has underwire for support yet the sheer mesh of the cups is so sultry!

Bra ($72) and bikini ($60) available at Anthropologie.com.

SALE: Nadia Set by Undrest

How gorgeous is this Nadia bralette and tap short set by Undrest?! I would get just the shorts if I could but they're sold out except for large sizes. So ladies, if you're a large or don't mind wearing an exceptionally fancy pair of boxers, snatch 'em up now!

Bralette (sale $79.95, reg $158), tap shorts (sale $99.95, reg $198) available at Anthropologie.com.

SALE: Jenna Leigh for Anthropologie

I was just browsing through Anthropologie's intimates on sale and noticed that one of Jenna Leigh's Smokeblossom set is on sale! I especially love the little ruffle details on the bottoms. Don't you think the soft colors are just perfect for fall?

Bra (sale $59.95, reg $98), bottoms (sale $49.95, reg $78) available at Anthropologie.com.