Valentine's Day Romper Roundup

Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, so most of you are probably going out on a Saturday and staying in bed late the morning over. And what better to wear when sleeping in than a romper? The three-piece lingerie suit is great for the night before, but you'll want some comfort the morning after. Here's my roundup of playsuit favorites that'll put you in a good mood on Feburary 15th, no matter what happens the day before.

From top, clockwise from left:

1. Eberjey Plume of Love Teddy
Even though you buy it for Valentine's Day, the soft cotton jersey and muted feminine detailing will make this a perennial favorite.

2. Only Hearts So Fine Low-Back Bodysuit I have this bodysuit and love how versatile it can be. The lace detailing on the bottom makes this lingerie-as-outerwear-friendly so you can wear it with jeans/skirts/whatever and let it just look like a tank top. Friendly in the front and a party in the back with a deep scoop.

3. Else Lingerie Baklava Cut-Out Bodysuit For the ladies who love patterns, the geometric motif on this bodysuit gives a super-modern mood while perfectly placed cutouts are flattering on everyone. Wear it under an oversized buttondown and let yourself unbutton one more than you usually do.

4. Free People Midnight Hours Bodysuit 
A perfectly paired combo of lace and mesh. Deep V front and back is universally flattering and makes it another great contender for innerwear-as-outerwear.

What to Expect at This Year's Journelle Warehouse Sale

Yours truly was lucky enough to score an invite to Journelle's Warehouse Sale VIP shopping preview last night to survey the goods before the sale opens up today at 9am to the public. This year they moved it to the space at 260 Fifth Avenue, best known to lingeristas as where the La Perla sample sale usually happens. The offering is even bigger this year than last, and with champagne flowing for VIPs last night, it helped ease the transactions a bit (but at least I still managed to stick to my budget—within a range of 50 cents, but still, within my budget).

What to expect:

- PUT EFFORT INTO HUNTING FOR YOUR SIZE. I found a few 34-band bras on the 36 racks.

- Bins of patterned Wolford stockings, marked down to $25 flat
- Bins of La Fee Verte silk bottoms (shorties, undies, boxers) in a great assortment of patterns
- Racks of La Fee Verte rompers, robes and camisoles
- Stella McCartney, Myla and Lascivious are on racks on the right side (if you're facing into the space), past the cash wrap; both bras & bottoms are hanging on the racks
- Racks on the left side (if you're facing into the space) are packed with Elle Macpherson, Mimi Holliday, The Lake and Stars (so many items from TLaS) and Simone Perele; matching bottoms for these are in bins sorted by size in the row of tables that run through the center of the space. A few bras and undies from Bodas are here too in black and pale pink colors (sizes seemed limited)
- Timpa bras & bottoms are on tables near the La Fee Verte bins
- A few Arlotta cashmere robes (my dream) are on racks near the back
- A few Eberjey jersey robes on racks near the center of the space
- Clearance bins in the back of the space near the fitting area
- Fitting room is communal, lots of big mirrors and you can only take in 10 items at a time

Phew! I think that covers the big points that stood out to me. I scooped up my dream birthday wishlist  Mimi Holliday Mojito set for a total of $79 (let's remember the bottom itself retailed for $76), an Eberjey fleece-lined robe sample for a fraction of the retail price, and an amazingly comfortable Bodas set—let me just say that I have seen the light and I'm not turning back.

Journelle Warehouse Sale
260 Fifth Avenue, at 28th Street
January 15-18, 9am-7pm / January 19, 10am-4pm

A jumble of La Fee Verte bottoms

One of the two The Lake and Stars racks

A Stella bralette that didn't make the cut

Journelle cares about you

Snuggle Buddies for the Impending Winter

I don't know about anyone else, but I felt like us NYC-ers were enjoying a pretty nice Indian Summer well through October until Hurricane Sandy hit. Now it's freeeezing (not to mention the bizarre snowstorm the other week), and all I can do is stare at my closet and lament the lack of cuddly sweaters and cozy things to wear while I freeze in my room (I'm in a corner unit so two walls exposed to the wild Manhattan winds).

Thus the idea for this post was born: pajammies and robes and comfy knit things to snuggle up in this winter. Well, at least things I'd want to wear while curled up in my bed catching up Elle, Hearst, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and W that I haven't caught up on since September issues—many of which I have yet to dig into... like, I'm making some progress but c'mon guys, I could use those September issues as weights.

From top to bottom:

Sonia Rykiel Wool-Blend Cardigan, $1395. Available online at Net-A-Porter.com.

Marni Silk Pajama Shirt, $660. Available online at Net-A-Porter.com.

Julianne Jeanne Luxury PJs, $268. Available online at Journelle.com.

Eberjey Heather Jersey Top, $75 and Drawstring Pants, $75. Available online at Net-A-Porter.com.

Stella McCartney Clara Whispering Silk Robe, $325. Available online at Net-A-Porter.com.

VPL Shift Cardigan, $495. Available online at LaGarconne.com.

NYC Sample Sale: Eberjey!

Hey you guys! One of Pretty Little Underthings' favorite brands, Eberjey, is having a sample sale in NYC next week! Camis, babydolls, pajamas, undies and swimwear will be 50-70% off. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by on Thursday December 8th & Friday December 9th and pick up some holiday gifts for your loved ones (or yourself!).

I'll actually be going this year and will be there on Wednesday morning to check out the stock, so stay tuned! I'll let ya know what you can expect. xoxo.

Eberjey Sample Sale
Thursday December 8th, 9am - 7pm
Friday December 9th, 9am - 4pm
40 East 34th St, Suite 1215
(between Park & Madison)

Hello, Sweet Weekend

Good morning, lingerie lovers! I just took an incredibly hard studio cycling class at the gym and of course, I thought the perfect way to shift gears (hehe) in my morning would be to browse what's new on Journelle.com. And I'm so glad I did. I'm totally dying for this gorgeous ivory Eberjey set with bone lace trim. 

I suppose it could be bridal, but I think it's more Snow Queen than trousseau. Perfect for fall, even more perfect for winter. Picture it: this Eberjey set under a gorgeous robe, snuggling in front of a fireplace. ...Or just under an amazeballs sweater dress and keep it your secret from the rest of the world.

Eberjey Starlight Bralet & Briefs

image via journelle

Starlight Bralet, $50. Starlight Briefs, $32.

Wet Hot Eberjey Giveaway: And the Winner Is...

Ashley!

I love going to the pool in the summer too, though since moving to NYC they've been scarce! Congratulations! Look out for an email from me today.

Thank you to everyone else for entering, and stay tuned because I've got a couple more giveaways coming up in the next month or so... xoxo.

Wet Hot Eberjey Summer — The Giveaway!

I believe in the gloriousness of summer. Beach days, tan lines (always wear spf!), humidity, platform sandals, adorable shorts, laying out in Central Park until the smothering humidity is too unbearable and you feel like you have sunstroke and need a strawberry Frozen Fruit popsicle and you stumble over to the cart on 5th Avenue and 66th Street and eat said popsicle on the curb while the ice cream man tries to make sure that you're not going to pass out on the street and tumble into the bus lane… oh sorry, just reminiscing a bit.

 

(left) Eberjey Beach Glow Laiz Top & Valentina Bottoms; (right) Eberjey Beach Glow Mimi Top & Allie Bottoms

Both sets available at shopfortywinks.com

So to welcome the month of June, I'm thrilled to announce Pretty Little Underthings' new giveaway with Eberjey! They're generously offering an adorable swimsuit to one lucky winner from their Beach Glow collection. And you, the possible future lucky winner, get to pick the top and bottom you want (as long as they have the piece in your size in stock, of course)!

Images courtesy of Eberjey

The Beach Glow collection is shimmery, shiny and while the separates come in solid colors, it's anything but ordinary. There's something for every taste in the variety of top styles offered, and you can mix and match colors too!

So here are the mandatories to enter the giveaway (and follow them or your entry will be tossed out!):
1. Like Eberjey on Facebook
2. Like Pretty Little Underthings on Facebook
3. Tell me what YOU love about summer
4. Leave your email address

Extra points for:
5. Follow Eberjey on Twitter (@Eberjey)
6. Follow me on Twitter (@e5thelove)

Giveaway will close on Friday, June 10th at 12pm EST! Good luck!

Sample Sale Time!

Lesson learned: don't plan a vacation for this particular week, because I'm missing out on yet another Eberjey sample sale as well as an event hosted by The Lingerie Goddess! But if you're in the NYC area Thursday May 19th & Friday May 20th, definitely check this out — and let me know if you find any cute swimsuits to wear Memorial Day Weekend!

Eberjey Sample Sale
40 East 34th Street, Suite 1215
(Between Park and Madison Aves)
+ view map
Thursday May 19, 9AM to 7PM
Friday May 20, 9AM to 4PM

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.

Say Hi to Thursday: A Perfectly Striped Eberjey Set

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.

Eberjey Vintage Stripes Set

So, it's currently 1:30 am at the time of this writing, and I'll be honest—the temptation to just go to bed was so strong. But I decided to browse through one more lingerie boutique's site and... BAM. This Vintage Stripes set from Eberjey was just BEGGING me to be featured today. And I gave in, because it's so adorable.

I think stripes can be tricky. Not because of that ye olde "horizontal stripes make you look fat" nonsense, but because if they're not the correct proportions, they can look tacky and cheap. But Eberjey did stripes so, so right here. The slight ruffle trims make this just so pretty. And the BOW! Do you see the bow?! It's all just so... honest and casual and perfect for the weekend. That camisole would be perfect with white jeans or shorts too!

By the way, does this set make anyone else long for summertime?

Vintage stripes cami, $56. Vintage stripes knicker, $34. Available at Forty Winks.

CURVE NY: Day 1 Highlights

Thanks to the encouragement of Brulee Lingerie's Kristian Giambi, I registered as press for CURVE NY  to preview the A/W 2011 collections. Yesterday was day one, and as a first-timer, it was definitely interesting. I didn't have cards on me (slap on the hand for that one), so thank goodness that people recognized the name of my blog, otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to take as many photos as I did, especially at Eberjey.

These are just a couple of pieces that really caught my eye yesterday, and stay tuned tomorrow for today's recap (hint: PLU favorites ARI DEIN, Zinke & BTS Lingerie!).

La Fee Verte

There were so many gorgeous pieces for A/W 2011 from La Fee Verte! I wanted to take pictures of all of them, but you'll just have to wait. Lots of lacy pieces, but also some gorgeous colorblocked silk pieces that come in different color combos.

This French lace bodysuit is so dreamy. It comes in different colors too, but I adored the soft pink/nude combo.

It's like a sheer, intricate, gorgeous spiderweb all over your bitties. Yes, I said bitties, what?

Affinitas Intima

I was walking by the Affinitas booth and was drawn in by this bright rose-print bra. Definitely my favorite from the spring collection!

BodyWrap Sheer Iridesscent

So you guys know that I don't really write about shapewear, but holy moly these are adorbs! I saw these prints in a catalog a few months ago, but today was the first time I got to see them in person. I'm not gonna lie, I would totally wear these—the yellow pair is just so cheery and I love the print, and the rose print is a bit more dramatic but not musty feeling. 

Eberjey

So right before I saw this swimwear at Eberjey, I saw some at Huit that I thought was cute. Then I saw this swimwear rack and made a beeline for it before I realized it was Eberjey (I guess I just naturally have good taste, haha... just kidding, kind of). I asked a rep if I could take photos and she said, "Only if you give me a card." ...aaand I kind of froze (and berated myself in my head for not getting my cards settled sooner), until she saw my badge and read the name of my blog and said, "Oh! I love your blog! Go ahead," which was pretty nice to hear.

I. Want.

I want this too. Who's gonna stock it?!

I've learned my lesson with white swimsuits - good for laying out but not great for the sand and beaches, but I thought this was just so simple and pretty that I may just break my "no more white swimwear" rule and go with it.

All in all, it was a really interesting day and I got to see the full ranges of a lot of brands that I normally only see select pieces from, like Arlotta Cashmere and Huit. Stella McCartney, Marlies Dekkers, Mimi Holliday/Damaris, Only Hearts and Simone Perele were perpetually busy, and none of them had a free minute whenever I passed by. Tuesday should be interesting, so stay tuned for today's recap!

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.

It's Swim Time!

Though I do love snowboarding, the blizzard last week made me long for the summertime and beach days, and it feels so far away. Good thing boutiques are already stocking swimwear for those winter-time getaways, so if you're lucky enough to escape the cold for a weekend or so, you might like this pretty little swimsuit!

Wild Pansies Francine Swimsuit by Eberjey

I'm a fan of bandeau tops 'cos I like to avoid unflattering tan lines that peek out of my tank tops, and the floral print on this one is simple without being boring. The cheeky bottoms are ruched and sassy, and the adjustable sides give you a more customized fit. Love!

Francine top, $74. Bottoms, $62. Available at Forty Winks.

12 Days of Christmas: An Eberjey Onesie!

On the first day of Christmas my hottie gave to me...

Graceful Edges Bodysuit by Eberjey

Hehe, get it? A onesie for the first day of Christmas? Cheesy jokes aside, this adorable bodysuit is sure to please any of the ladies on your gift list. The super-soft jersey and sweet lace details practically guarantees no re-gifting! The bow is just so perfect too, isn't it?

Graceful Edges bodysuit, $68. Available at Anthropologie.com.

Caring For Your Pretty Little Underthings

I was at Journelle Flatiron last weekend picking up a couple of pretty things. At cash wrap, the woman who had been in front of me paid, then started debating the travel-size bottles of The Laundress Stain Solution and Delicate Wash. 

She seemed skeptical and her guy just shrugged his shoulders, so I told her, "Definitely try it—it's really effective and it's a lot gentler on your lingerie. And it smells good." 

"Well, I usually just use shampoo," she said.

"Oh, I used to do that too, but depending on what type of shampoo you're using, it could have a lot of unnecessary chemicals and ingredients that could damage your lingerie," I said. "When I realized that, I converted to this stuff."

"Very true. Okay, I'm sold. If I'm spending this much money on my bras then I might as well use it, right?" 

RIGHT!

These are my two go-to washes for my lingerie: Eberjey Pure Delicate Wash & The Laundress Delicate Wash. I bought The Laundress one wayyy back in February (seriously, that's how long it's lasted me!) and received the Eberjey over the summer one as part of a Journelle goody bag when they were celebrating their new site launch. 

I'm a bit more liberal with how much of the Eberjey wash I use than directed on the label, whereas a little bit of The Laundress wash goes a very, very long way. Both are equally as effective, so I think preference comes down to the scent. They both have very soft floral scent, though the Eberjey one is a tad bit sweeter. What I do love about the Eberjey wash is that the scent lasts on bras for days, even after they've been worn, and my entire apartment smells like the wash while my lingerie is air-drying.

I know it seems like a lot of work to hand-wash and air dry all of your intimates. It does take some effort, but I'd rather hand wash them than pull destroyed lingerie out of the washer/dryer. Your bras have an average life span of 5-6 months (depending on how often you wear them and how they are stored), and throwing them into a machine is guaranteed to make the elastic break down even faster. 

Also, as the daughter of a dry cleaner, I also have an aversion to throwing anything silk into a washer, so I'll take the time to wash my lingerie by hand. Spend a little money on the wash and save a lot by not having to buy replacement underthings when the washer eats them!

Eberjey Pure Delicate Wash, $18. Available at Eberjey.com.

The Laundress Delicate Wash (Lady), $19. Available at SOAP.com.

Eberjey's NYC Sample Sale

Pretty Little Underthings favorite Eberjey was smart. Very smart. They scheduled their sample sale for après-Thanksgiving. This week has been a flurry of Araks, La Perla & Hanky Panky's sample sales, but in a few weeks, the attention will be on Eberjey. 

So for you lucky NYC-based readers, you have some time to set aside some funds in case there's something there you might want. The flyer below promises camis, briefs, babydolls, thongs, pajamas and swimwear at 50-70% off, so definitely stop by to see what you can scoop up. If not for yourself, then at least for your loved ones as a gift!

Eberjey Sample Sale
231 West 39th Street, Suite 1102
Thursday 12/2, 8:30am to 7pm
Friday 12/3, 9am to 5pm

Heatin Up: Eberjey Bettina Romper

My management company finally turned the heat on, and I have the windows open all the time now. It's sweltering in my apartment, leaving my desires for comfy robes to settle in the dust and moving onto cute little rompers like this one. I know that complaining about heat is extremely bratty, but it feels like a humid Manhattan summer day in here.

So yes, I wouldn't wear the hat with it while I skip around my apartment, but who wouldn't want a super-cute onesie like this made of super-fine jersey? Just be sure to wear an apron if you're cooking—oil splatters aren't sexy.

Romper, $70. Available at Eberjey.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.