Lingerie Spring Cleaning For A Cause

I'm in the middle of a career transition right now, so I've been aggressively getting other parts of my life in order too. Like finally cleaning out a few boxes from when I moved into my new apartment (last July, oops), throwing out makeup I haven't used in the past six months, getting rid of clothing that I haven't worn in a year... and it feels effin' amazing to start fresh! Especially with this freakishly warm spring-to-summer transition weather we've been having in NYC lately.

So that also brings me to my lingerie drawer, and out with the old bras that don't fit me properly anymore (yoga the past year has brought me down a size, *sob*). But what to do with them? It was as if the Journelle ladies read my mind when they emailed me about a promo they're doing this week—and for a great cause.

Journelle is encouraging y'all to do a lil' spring cleaning too! Starting tomorrow, Wednesday March 21st, they'll gladly collect your used bras to donate to charity in exchange for 20% off any new bra. They'll also be donating $1 for each bra they receive, and PLU favorite wash creators The Laundress will be donating a gift with purchase too. Pretty sweet, right? So if you bring in three bras, you'll get 20% off three new bras, just make sure you bring them in on the same day. You can only get the promotion on one of the days during the Bra Drive.

This year they're partnering with Free the Girls, which provides job opportunities to women rescued from sex trafficking in Mozambique. The girls & women are given bras that they sell in used clothing markets — bras are a luxury and bring in top dollar there. According to this article on CNN, "the girls can make three times the average wage, more than enough to support themselves and not be trafficked again."

Pretty rad. So what are you waiting for? Oh yeah, probably for Wednesday. Heh. Check out Journelle's gorgeous flyer below for more info!

xo

Tempting Tuesdays: Classic Lace by Simone Perele

Simone Perele Nina Demi-Cup Bra & Boyshort

I have a confession to make: I currently have a gift card to Journelle and I've had it for about two weeks and I haven't bought anything. What is going on?? I mean, there's been a lot going on which is why I haven't used it, but I also couldn't really figure out what I wanted. My fellow lingerie lovah Allison showed me this Simone Perele set she picked up in Paris (so luckay) and I immediately fell in love but couldn't commit. What if there's new Mimi Holliday coming soon? Or Stella McCartney?

Fast forward to this past Sunday and I stopped into Journelle to give this set another once over, and my (apparently very observant) boyfriend pointed out that it was on the mannequin. And it looked amazeballs. The way the lace and silk panels are shaped and lay on the body (okay, the mannequin) looks incredible and it's so obvs why this Nina style is a favorite. I love this fuschia color and quite frankly, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, which is probably why I'm writing this post at 6:50am on a Monday to go live on Tuesday. Le sigh. Life is so hard sometimes.

Simone Perele Nina Demi-Cup Bra, $89. Simone Perele Nina Boyshort, $57. Available at Journelle.com.

An LBL is Always, Always Right

Stella McCartney Florence Acting Underwire Bra & French Knickers

images via journelle

LBL: Little Black Lingerie. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with black lingerie. Especially when it's in the form of this lacy set from Stella McCartney. I may or may not have silently freaked out when I saw this the other week (really, my internal monologue was something like this: "OMGOMGOMGOMG WHYYYYYY IS IT SO PRETTYYYYY") and I haven't been able to get it out of my head ever since.

Gentlemen, if you're reading this particular post, Valentine's Day lingerie gifts are not limited to red and pink, nor outrageously sexy and borderline inappropriate for life in general. Black lingerie may seem ordinary, but LBL's as stylish and classy as this one are a bound to be the perfect gift. Boom.


Stella McCartney Florence Acting Underwire Bra, $105. French Knickers, $60. Available at Journelle.com.

Guest Blogger Wishlist: Mara Millich of Journelle

I first met Mara almost a year ago during one of my (many) visits to Journelle Union Square. I adored her immediately and always look forward to seeing her when I wander into my favorite lingerie boutique (Journelle, follow along here). I was so excited when she agreed to guest blog her holiday wishlist, and it definitely doesn't disappoint. I mean, Mara's really sweet but she's also kinda badass, and so is her wishlist. Check it out. P.S. Congratulations to Mara, who is now a member of the Journelle buying team! xo

1. Myla Gail Balcony Bra and Pearl G-String

images via journelle

This set is the absolute apex of hotness—the kind of lingerie that dreams and “kept men” are made of. Real (trust me, I checked) pearls attached to the most exquisite black lace from London based Myla. If lingerie were a sport, this set would be your MVP.

2. Chloé Bracelet Ankle Boots

image via nittygrittystore

I cannot stop lusting after the British rock star badass-ery of these boots, even after learning that they are from the men's collection. They would be equally adorable with skinny jeans or a skirt and perfectly at home with the hipsters in Williamsburg. 

3. Lelo Flickering Touch Massage Oil

image via lelo

We've had massage oils lubes, liquids and the like before, but nothing compares to this awesome new oil from Lelo. Shake it before you try and you will find that the oil is enhanced with little 24kt gold flakes that make your skin glow. I'm not really a "massage" person but I'll be taking this home simply because of how good it feels (and looks) on my skin. My favorite scent is the Fresh Lily and Musk. The Spicy Clove and Amber has a richer, more decadent, almost spicy scent.

4. Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket

image via j.crew

My mom likes to tell a little story about how 14 year-old Mara put this coat on at Harrods in London, and cried because she couldn't have it. Older, more sophisticated (and employed!) Mara doesn't throw tantrums anymore but still thinks this coat is classic and the perfect mix between being flippant and in fashion. 

5. Wolford Brilliant Tights

image via journelle

My fiancé has gotten to the point where when picking me up from work, he simply plops down in the man chairs, and barely raises an eye to the glorious celebration of womanhood that is Journelle. Last week however, I came downstairs to find him clutching a package of the Wolford Brilliant Tights. Upon approach, he looks up and says "I want you to wear these, but I don't think I could let you out of the house." Enough said.

Shop Mara's wishlist!

1. Myla Gail Balcony Bra, $250. Pearl G-string, $136. Both available at journelle.com.

2. Chloé Bracelet Ankle Boots, €610. Available at nittygrittystore.com.
3. Lelo Flickering Touch Massage Oil, $39.90. Available at journelle.com.
4. Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket, $595. Available at jcrew.com.
5. Wolford Brilliant Tights, $225. Available at journelle.com.

Revisiting the Dutch: Marlies Dekkers, Round Two

So the last time I wrote about Marlies Dekkers (and had a rad giveaway!), I had tried on the Dame de Paris bra in a B-cup because no one freakin' had my size in stock. Wonderful Felicia over at I.N. Showroom gifted me a set—in my proper size—and well, let's just say this is a game changer for my lingerie drawers.

Lace, bows and prints are easy for lingerie. And I love 'em, but they're easy to love because they're also what we expect for lingerie. Marlies Dekkers is harder, it has attitude. But those same characteristics rub off on the wearer—and slightly transforms your personality to be a bit more badass.

I gave up on push-up bras years ago thanks to some "Very Sexy" push-ups that I found to be more like, pillows in a bra that shove my tiny boobs up to my chin and make them looks Not-So-Sexy. But I'll gladly welcome back push-ups back into my lingerie drawers if they're from Marlies.

Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris Push-up Bra, $99. Dame de Paris Thong, $49. Available at Journelle.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Mimi Holliday Panna Cotta Set

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!

Mimi Holliday Panna Cotta Non-Padded Bra & Classic Knicker

images via Journelle

Oh, Mimi Holliday. How I adore thy sweet confections of lace and silk. Especially when they come in this amazing chartreuse color with bone lace accents. Their signature plunge style is a go-to staple for me (let's be honest—small boobies + deep plunge = va-va-voooom—and Mimi's subtle padding totally does the trick, not that VS airbag nonsense ), but this particular bra is unpadded, which could cause some STN* situations this fall & winter. But have no fear, sweater weather is here! And underneath it all is this warm, glowy treat of a lingerie set. Perfection.

*STN = steel tip nips

Panna cotta non-padded bra, $90. Panna cotta classic knicker, $67. Available at Journelle.com.

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.

Tempting Tuesdays: Stella McCartney, You Can Do No Wrong

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!

Stella McCartney Irene Gardening Bustier Bra & Briefs

image via journelle

The Journelle team sent lingeristas in a tizzy last week when they sent out an email featuring this set. Okay fine, I just really mean me and Allison of George PR (I'm sure there are more, I just don't know them). But how could you not think "I WANT THIS ON MY BODY NOW"?

Anyhow, that's all I've got. Really. I mean, this Stella McCartney set is so freakin' gorgeous, anything else I'd say would just be an insult. Just bask in its glowing beauty. Bask. And wish it was yours.

Irene Gardening Bustier Bra, $140. Irene Gardening Bikini, $65. Available at Journelle.

Hump Day Pick: Pretty in (Padded) Purple

image via

'Ello, loves! Did ya miss me? I know there have been a lack of posts the past couple of weeks; I blame a horrific moving experience, my birthday, and the discomfort of not yet having a desk at home so my lovely Mac desktop is on the floor (which is where I lay as I type this now). But I'm baaaaack!

I went to the Journelle semi-annual sale yesterday after work, where I found this Mimi Holliday padded plunge bra (my favorite style, ya know) on saaaale! I love the deep purple color and how it's simple enough to wear as an everyday bra, yet pretty enough to want to wear it all the time.

Journelle mostly had smaller sizes, so if you need something slighter bigger, Underwear in Austin, Texas has a couple left in stock. AND they're offering 30% off all Mimi Holliday pieces through the end of July with the code "mimi0711"!

Mimi Holliday Pompier Padded Super Plunge Bra, $82. Pompier Classic Knicker, $75. Available at Underwear.

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.

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: Valentine's Day Sale Edition

If you're a regular reader, you know that Pretty Little Underthings is obsessed with Journelle. Amazing selections, chocolates & Evian in the dressing rooms, and sweet Journellettes like Mara and Valerie totally make my day. And then there's the semi-annual sale. The incredible sale that makes lingerie dreams come true, which also happens to be going on now.

So I decided to dedicate this week's Hump Day post to three amazing sale picks that are perfect for Valentine's Day—whether you have a honey or not. 

1. Fleur of England Cupped Babydoll

I'm a sucker for eyelash lace and silk that feels so smooth against the skin. The classic pattern is a glamourous alternative to modern-day babydolls and the black-and-white movie glory days when cigarettes where everywhere (but don't smoke, your lingerie will smell!), romance was mandatory, and women always wore lipstick.

Cupped Babydoll, on sale $175 (regularly $350)

2. Andres Sarda Pollock Night Dress

Stunning! It's like Marilyn Monroe meets the Black Swan and dialed down the transparency by 75%. This is a chemise to twirl and swirl in, to feel like a princess in, to love in.

Pollock Night Dress, on sale $180 (regularly $600)

3. Damaris Amoretta Bodysuit

I had to include one for the ladies who aren't the chemise type. I posted a Mimi Holliday version of this bodysuit in black as a Tempting Tuesdays post a few months ago, and this one is more hottie-hot than bisou-bisou sweet, especially in this fiery-red (almost orange) color. If you really want to spice things up, wear it under your date outfit, and watch him go up in flames as you peel off your layers. 

Amoretta Bodysuit, on sale $195 (regularly $390)

Tempting Tuesdays: Beautiful Bras for Valentine's Day

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!

Beautiful Bras for Valentine's Day!

These beautiful bra picks for Valentine's day are a perfect gift for your loved one, or for you to treat yourself.

1. Maison Americano Lace Padded Bra by La Perla

Available at Net-a-Porter.com, $295.

2. Lila Bra by Lascivious

Available at Faire Frou Frou, $139.

3. Lace & Silk Satin Soft Cup Bra by Bordelle

Available at Journelle.com, $140.

4. Elodie Hopping Underwire Bra by Stella McCartney

Available at Derrière de Soie, $120.

Tempting Tuesdays: Hot Bottoms for Valentine's Day

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!

Hot Bottoms for Valentine's Day!

Lace, open backs, hook-and-eye closures, sleek satins—whatever turns you on, here's four sultry picks for Saint Valentine's Day... even if these scream "siren" instead of "saint".

1. Rosalyn Open Back Knicker by Myla

Available at Journelle.com, $106.

2. Stephanee Satin Tanga Briefs by Agent Provacateur

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

3. Rouge d'Amour Boy Short by Mimi Holliday

Available at Derrière de Soie, $80.

4. Grand Prix Hook-n-Eye Brief by The Lake and Stars

Available at Shop-Underwear.com, $60.

Hump Day Pick: Lure or Be Lured Set by Elle Macpherson

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but sapphire-hued lingerie takes "lover" status, especially with patterned mesh panels and unconventional shoulder straps. This plunge bra is perfect for the ladies who are on the smaller side of an A-cup since it runs a bit shallow, but the underwire gives a lil' bit of lift too. I'm all for mix-and-matching lingerie, but this is a set that's meant to be together, forever. Kinda like diamonds.

Lure or Be Lured Bra, $70. Available at Shop-Underwear.com.
Lure or Be Lured Bikini, $35. Available at Journelle.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Moon Landing Chemise by The Lake and Stars

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!

Moon Landing Silk Chiffon Chemise by The Lake and Stars

This chemise by The Lake and Stars has 1. sparkles, 2. a super-sexy cut-out bodice, and 3. their signature hook & eye closure that's supportive enough for the ladies who need it. I saw this on different boutique's sites, but I finally saw it in person at Journelle SoHo and spent more time ooh-ing and aah-ing over it than was probably appropriate. Go try it on. Did I already mention it has sparkles?

Moon Landing Chemise, $195. Available at Journelle.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Between the Sheets Sheer Romance Chiffon & Lace Set

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!

Sheer Romance Chiffon & Lace Set by Between the Sheets

This isn't your Playdate set, ladies, this one's for grown-ups. This set is from Between the Sheet's Specimens of Seduction line, and Layla has made sure that you'll feel like a princess wearing this ethereal set. The lace tucked into the sheer peachy silk bands is as delicate as I've ever seen. This one just feels so perfect for the fast-approaching holidays.

Bralette, $175. Tap pants, $175. Available at Journelle.com.

Guest Blogger Wishlist: Allison Beale's Top Five Picks!

I met Allison, the creator & founder of george PR, back in September during Fashion's Night Out and it's been a total love-fest over Twitter ever since. A North Carolina transplant residing in downtown Manhattan, his lady has got a style and music taste that will blow you away. You need to read her wishlist. And follow her on Twitter. 

On my list this holiday season, in case I’m on anybody’s!

1. YSL Mail Y Wallet

This chic little number touches on my love for travel – and fashion. I love it’s clean lines, whimsical exterior and the fact it forces me to carry my change elsewhere (like my Grandmother did).

2. Zinke Dear Eleanora Chemise in black

I’m a huge fan of Zinke and this chemise is classic but still sexy. And, I wouldn’t mind finding it under the tree.

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Bralet + Panty Set

These flirty florals remind me of oil pastels my Grandmother used to paint for me. It’s the epitome of carefree living.

4. Chantelle Chantilly Demi Bra + Shorty Boyshort

No one – no one – does lingerie quite like the French. (And I’m a Francophone.) I’m also smitten with black lace and this set c’est parfait!

5. Block Lamp (Harri Koskinen, 1996)

This lamp had me at the red cord. It’s such a brilliant design piece and would be perfect on an end table. MoMA, $130.

Shop Allison's wish list!
YSL Mail Y Wallet, $475. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Zinke Dear Elenora Chemise, $158. Available at Forty Winks.
3.1 Phillip Lim Bralet, $115. Panty, $115. Available at Barneys.
Chantelle Chantilly Demi Bra, $105. Shorty Boyshort, $56. Available at Journelle.com.
Block Lamp, $135. Available at MoMAstore.org.

Follow Allison and george PR on Twitter: @abeale10 and @George_PR.

12 Days of Christmas: Brulee Vamp Collection Corset Soft Bra & Boyshorts

On the ninth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me...

Brulee Vamp Collection Corset Soft Bra & Boyshorts

Alright, four more days of Christmas left, and these gifts are gettin' serious. These are seriously gorgeous, luxe gifts that will make any lady smile mysteriously with happiness.

So with that in mind, today's pick is Brulee's Corset Soft Bra & Boyshorts from their Vamp Collection. These amazingly sexy chevron-stitched silk and mesh pieces pose a conundrum: you won't want to take them off, and you'll look so good in them that your lover won't want to take them off, but then what to do? Oh, right—read a book.

Corset soft bra, $107. Boyshorts, $72. Available at Journelle.com.

Previously, on the 12 days of Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... an Eberjey Onesie!

On the second day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Jean Yu Silk-Chiffon Triangle Bra!

On the third day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Thousand Dancers Bralette!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Lounge Lover Travel Babe Set!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Hanky Panky Low-Rise Thong Fiiiiiiive-Pack!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... three pairs of Arlotta Classic Cashmere Slippers!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week Seven-Pack!

On the eight day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Lace Corset Bra from Mink Pink!

12 Days of Christmas: Arlotta Classic Cashmere Slippers

On the first day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... an Eberjey Onesie!
On the second day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Jean Yu Silk-Chiffon Triangle Bra!
On the third day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Thousand Dancers Bralette!
On the fourth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Lounge Lover Travel Babe Set!
On the fifth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me... a Hanky Panky Low-Rise Thong Fiiiiiiive-Pack!
On the sixth day of Christmas, my hottie gave to me...

Arlotta Classic Cashmere Slippers (3 Pairs!)

These lovely oatmeal cashmere slides also come in white and heather gray, so I'd like them all please. Actually, white slippers probably aren't too practical, but honestly they're so freaking soft and comfortable that I wouldn't care. I have yet to have the privilege of putting these on my feet—so far I've only (gently) manhandled a pair at Journelle—but I can't wait 'til I meet a man who knows my feet would love some cashmere.

Arlotta Cashmere Slides in Oatmeal, $88. Available at Journelle.com.