New Year's Eve Party Outfits, 2013 Edition

It's been awhile, my dears. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving/Hanukkah and Christmases, and are getting to relax a bit before you all ring in 2014 with a bang! A little bit of vacation + browsing every online shop ever got me eager to a few New Years outfit ideas, seeing as how the ones from 2011 are getting a little bit of attention on Pinterest these past few weeks.

So here we are, a few lovely NYE outfit inspirations for you. xx

Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou Azure Bodysuit

Saint Laurent leather jacket, $5290 / Sea New York leather waist skirt, $276 / Mimi Holliday by Damaris Bisou Bisou Azure satin and lace bodysuit, $150 / Jimmy Choo Cosmic suede pumps, $695 / Charlotte Olympia Dial Pandora clutch, $1895 / Vintage Chanel charm bracelet

Jonathan Simkhai Metallic Bouclé Bustier

Jonathan Simkhai Metallic Bouclé Bustier, $403 / Kenzo faux fur coat / Utzon lambskin pencil skirt / Charlotte Olympia Gummi Bear suede sandals / Charlotte Olympia Archie comic book clutch / Alexander McQueen skull charm bracelet, $320

Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Silk Blouse

Dolce Gabbana sheer silk blouse, $1217 / Saint Laurent classic plonge leather shorts, $2041 / Christian Louboutin Estanodo 120 Booties, $1095 / Valentino Va Va Voom small shoulder bag, $2045 / Saint Laurent Cassandre cuff / NARS Semi-Matte lipstick in Schiap, $24

Cat Ears For Puppy People

Can't say I'm a cat person (I definitely prefer pups), but these new Mimi Holliday cat ears are so pretty they could make any die-hard dog person convert. Made with a new starry lace, they're a perfect topper for any outfit—lingerie or otherwise. 

Bisou Bisou Kiss Lace Cat Ears, $219.31. Available on MimiHolliday.com.

Image via.

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

Pure Instinct: A Thanksgiving Day Animal Print Roundup

Happy Thanksgiving! This year I'm thankful for all of you dear readers, and for having the time this week to clean up the design of PLU a little bit. And again, thank you all for staying with me over the past two years through highs (frequent posts) and lows (not so frequent posts). I'm xcited for what's to come in the future, and I hope you are too!

Now, another thing I'm thankful for: animal prints and the variations on the animal prints. There have been so many cute lookin' animal print pieces out there lately, I had to post a roundup of my favorites. This classic Mimi Holliday set is one of my favorites (and it's on sale!), but read on to see more after the jump—and just a hint, not all of 'em are leopard!

Market Week: A Super-Brief Curve NY Recap

So, this recent market week, I didn't do my usual whirlwind schedule of visiting everyone. There are a couple of reasons for this:

1. Invitations sent out late (like, a week before the event) and my schedule had been set for about three weeks.
2. It's a weekend in August. People travel on the weekends. And sometimes travel in buses that get stuck in traffic on the way back to the city during a torrential downpour. It's exhausting.
3. Brands are spread out. Like, way out. I applaud those who are trying to break free of the Javits Jailhouse—I mean, Convention Center—but when the main event is at the Javits, trekking out there in 90-degree weather is exhausting enough.
4. The realization that brands are paying lots of moola for a tiny booth space for 2.5 days and they need to talk to the buyers and big press, not necessarily me. I like to think that I did a good job of scooting away when real visitors came by, but now I still feel bad. Sorry guys.

So in conclusion, anyone I missed at the other hotels and other market week events, I'm sorry. But the combination of traveling that weekend and possibly being still slightly hungover from a major wedding that Saturday wasn't going to let it happen.

In addition to the few photos below, I stopped/passed by Kriss Soonik (amazing new swimwear collection), Lascivious (pops of colour!), La Fee Verte (sick prints and shorts & PJ pants), Mimi Holliday (amazing neons & color combos), Love & Dream (lovely soft basics), and Zinke (new colors for their basics and an amazing new super-versatile maxi dress). 

A little slice of awesome at ARI DEIN's booth. I want everything. There are prints. And PJ pants. And some chemises I'm dying to wear out one night. Come to me sweeties.

A gorgeous flamingo print from Beautiful Bottoms! So in love with how adorable yet chic this romper is.

BOOM. A gold bra at—who else—Marlies Dekkers. Of course the Lingerie Queen (the nickname I'm bestowing upon Marlies Dekkers) would create something as fabulous as this. It's like, Game of Thrones-body armour-esque.

And finally, yeah-yuhhhh.

Beat the Heat: Summertime Bra Roundup, Part 1

If you live in NYC (the tri-state area, including eastern Pennsylvania), you'll know what I'm talking about when I say "IT'S TOO DAMN HOT TO WEAR A BRA". These seemingly incessant heat waves even continue with thunderstorms that aren't powerful enough to break the miserable weather.

But let's be serious—I love wearing white in the summer, thus I can't not wear a bra. But I do have a few that have been my saving grace these past couple of months, mostly made of the softest mesh and lace that are still utterly breathable and comfortable even as I run around the city dripping with sweat (SO ladylike, I know). Beat the summer heat with these styles (mostly wireless) that won't add another layer of sweaty misery to your outfit.

1. Mimi Holliday Tarte Tartin Non-padded bra, $90, on sale for $63. Available at journelle.com.   2. Only Hearts Whisper Bralette, $58. Available at charlieandlee.com.  3. The Lake and Stars Miracle Box honeycomb mesh & fishnet bra, $135. Available at net-a-porter.com.  4. Only Hearts Venice Lace Bralette, $53. Available at charlieandlee.com.  5. Araks Antonia Softcup, $72. Available at journelle.com.

A Belated-Everything Wishlist

Hello! Bonjour! It's been awhile. I haven't forgotten about PLU, I've just been busy and unfortunately my blog has gotten the short end of the stick. Fortunately, my birthday recently passed and I thought it'd be fun to post a lil' (belated) birthday wishlist because I've been seeing some reeeallly lovely pieces and I can't wait to post them individually. Also because these are all things I wanted for my birthday, I just never told anyone.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Floral-print Bodysuit

An artful floral slash nautical print with bold strokes in a stretch-silk blend fabric. I love Dolce & Gabbana's bodysuits for their loud prints and classic bombshell silhouettes. This would be perfect with jeans and a leather jacket.  $1,245. Available at net-a-porter.com.

2. Mimi Holliday Mojito Set

Y'all know how much I love Mimi Holliday; so much that my birthday wishlist probably would seem like a forgery if I didn't include a Mimi on here! I loved this almost-fluorescent-but-not-quite-because-it's-classier colour the most of the spring/summer colorways, and had to resist the temptation to buy it when I tried it on a few weeks ago. Pair it with a tan (SPF kids!) and a real mojito for summertime cool. Or just hang it up in your room and stare at it.  Bra, $82. Boyshorts, $76. Available at Journelle.com.

3. ARI DEIN Boutique Hotel Demi Gown

In strawberry ice, please! This is lady in the front, and lady-of-the-night in the back. Okay, well she'd have to be a really classy lady of the night. Who isn't really a lady of the night. I mean, at least it's a classy way to show off some side boob and the toned back you've been working on in pilates class. And it's gorgeous, handmade and 100% made in my favorite city, NYC.  $295, available at Journelle.com.

Hump Day Pick: A Pre-Valentine's Tease

Mimi Holliday Frappe Lace and Silk-Satin Bra & Briefs

image via netaporter

I saw this set on at least the first four websites I browsed while looking for items to include in the gift guides I have coming up, and of course I couldn't resist posting this one on it's own. IT'S JUST SO PRETTTTYYYYYY. Y'all know I'm a sucker for Mimi Holliday's plunge bras, and the eyelash lace detail in this set is just to die for. Can you imagine that lace fanning out on your fanny? Bee-yoo-ti-ful. Make sure you do your hamstring exercises to tone and lift your bootay for these gorgeous undies.

Mimi Holliday Frappe Lace and Silk-Satin Plunge Bra, $90. Frappe Lace and Silk-Satin Briefs, $70. Available at Net-A-Porter.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.

Bow-Chika-Bow-Bowww... Let's Talk About Bows, Baby

By that, I specifically mean bows on lingerie. I think I've posted very few sets that involve bows. They're not really my style, they're kind of difficult to wear out without having a hump in your butt, and going to the bathroom can incite fears of the bow dipping into the toilet inadvertently (you know, if it's a big bow). Even these Mimi Holliday bottoms with a little silk ribbon tie in the back are kind of a pain in the butt (haha, pun intended). But alas, that thong with the little silk bow led to the suggestion, "You should get more lingerie with bows." Ugghhh.

The only ones I could think of were from Mimi Holliday. What's a girl to do? Oh right, Google the crap out of "lingerie with bows". Okay, not really but I did find this round up of bottoms with bows in case any of you ladies ever go blank when someone tells you to get more lingerie with bows. Sigh.

1. Mimi Holliday Silk Bow-Back Thong

Available at Shop-Underwear.com, $60.

2. Ophelia Fancy Bow Back Knickers

Available at Faire Frou Frou, $145.

3. Hopeless Lingerie Cheryl Coral Silk Bow Garter Belt

Available at Hopeless Lingerie, $136.

4. Toad Lillie High-Waisted Vintage Inspired Silk Panties

Available at Bella Bella Boutique $95.

Bonus: This gorgeous peach & gold pair from Damaris is available at Faire Frou Frou, and they're on sale for $91.20 down from $228!

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.

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.

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: Fête de Coquine Set by Mimi Holliday

I adore this Fête de Coquine Silk Satin Bra & Lace Thong by Mimi Holliday. The cuts are classic Mimi styles, and the silk and lace details area just right, per usual. The bright raspberry red makes me smile and warms up an otherwise chilly Wednesday. Did ya see the little velvet bows on the bra, too?

Fête de Coquine silk-satin padded bra, $80. Fête de Coquine lace thong, $75. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Hump Day Pick: Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou Rose Set

Mimi Holliday has become a dangerous, dangerous obsession of mine, and the ladies at Journelle know just how to pick 'em to keep me coming back for Mimi. 

My favorite Journelle Mara showed me this bra last month before it went on sale, and I knew it was automatically going on my wishlist. And then I saw the bottoms. And the suspenders. As Rachel Zoe says, "I die."

I'm too scared to go back into Journelle for the sake of my bank account, but Santa—if you're listening—I'd really, like this for Christmas. If you're on Twitter, I can DM you my sizes. Thanks dude.

Bra, $90. Boyshort, $74. Suspenders, $58. Available at Journelle.com.

Guest Blogger Wishlist: Rachel Wentworth's Top Five Picks!

I met Rachel Wentworth when I was in Boston last month visiting a friend. We happened to spot her shop, Forty Winks, and she & co-owner Meredith allowed me to take some photos and post a write-up of their boutique. I asked Rachel what her top five wishlist items are this year, and she picked some snazzy items!

1. MORE of Zinke’s Twilight Panty

While all Zinke pieces are simply beautiful, I’ve gone a little gaga for their ruched back undies. I think it’s because they make my rather, well flat, derriere look all shapely and hot. Thank you Zinke, for giving me something I didn’t think I had.

2. Penguin Clothbound Classics collection

I’m irrationally giddy over these books. In fact, I’ve strategically asked my family and friends for specific titles to ensure that I get the whole collection on December 25th, with no overlap.  I get really conniving and greedy over pretty books.

3. Mimi Holiday Beinvenue Plunge Bra

We actually carry Mimi at our own store, but for some unknown reason, we passed up on this particular gem when we wrote orders. Lesson learned; something this pretty belongs at Forty Winks…and also in my personal collection.

4. Araks Lily Teddy

This Spring, my beloved and I are heading to Cali to visit friends and drink wine. Maybe I’m jumping the gun, but I’m already obsessing over how I’m going to bring this romantic, yet sexy teddy along for the ride. Fingers crossed for success on December 25th.

5. Ikat Pillows from Etsy seller Kyoozi

I found these Ikat pillows on Etsy during one of my monthly “I need to update my apartment” freakouts. Knowing that these might be under the tree this year, really helped calm me down.

Shop Rachel's wishlist!
Penguin Clothbound Classics, $20 each hardcover. Available at your local bookstore, or at Penguin.com.
Zinke Twilight Panty in Slate, $56. Available in-store at Forty Winks, contact them for more information.
Mimi Holiday Beinvenue Plunge Bra, $85. Available at Faire Frou Frou.
Araks Lily Teddy in Fog, $220. Available at Lille Boutique.
Ikat pillow covers, $35. Available at Etsy.com.

Hump Day Pick: Minuit Silk-Chiffon Playsuit by Mimi Holliday

A playful poem for a playful playsuit!

Sweet polka dots in black and white, 

It's not too loose, and not too tight,

If you wake up with your hair messy,

This silk number'll make you feel sexy.

Minuit Silk-Chiffon Playsuit, $130. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Bisou Bisou Lace Bodysuit by Mimi Holliday

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 by Damaris Bisou Bisou Lace Bodysuit

This gorgeous bodysuit is definitely on my "holliday" wish list! Sheer and sexy with an understated elegance, it has the perfect amount of frills to make you feel feminine but not too sugary sweet.

Bodysuit, $180. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

SALE: Bisou Bisou Rouge Super Plunge Bra by Mimi Holliday

Oh, hello. Didn't see you there. I was too busy staring at this beautiful, delicate Mimi Holliday bra and trying to decide if I have a stance on red lingerie. Turns out, I don't. Red or not, I love the lace detailing and the way the bottom scallops would rest against the body. And let's be serious, I look good in red. I just don't wear it that often. Guess I'll have to change that!

Bisou Bisou Rouge Super Plunge Bra, $98 (sale $68.60). Available at Journelle.com.

Chore Damaris by Justin Anderson

A film for Mimi Holliday by Damaris created by Justin Anderson.