Holiday Wishlist: Jill H., Writer

Esther's Note: I want to introduce you all to Jill, one of PLU's new team members and a writer at a luxury fashion & beauty company. Girl has brains, sass and impeccable taste—and a gift for punning on the fly. If any/all of that + her holiday wish list isn't enough to make you want to be her friend, then God help you. Enjoy reading her first post on PLU! xx

1. Stella McCartney Georgia Glowing Bodysuit

A little lace never hurt anybody, right? I’m a sucker for feminine details, especially when they’re balanced with bolder touches, like these striking, geometric panels. Layer this bodysuit under a dress, a cashmere sweater, basically anything you want… and boom, you’re in bombshell mode.

2. Chantelle Mouvance Demi Bra and Boxer Brief

Refer back to part one about the lace. This chic grey set is just the right amount of playful, with deco adornments and touches of gold. The perfect way to upgrade the everyday.

3. Proenza Schouler Printed Silk-Georgette Mini Dress

Let’s do some math: this dress + a leather jacket + some rag & bone Newburys + a red lip = one serious party (sorry for the long equation, but it’s important to keep the mind sharp). The monochromatic palette makes this drop-waist style endlessly versatile, perfect for any time of year.

4. Dressing for the Dark by Kate Young

Call me a cliché, but seeing the golden Vera Wang gown that Michelle Williams wore to the ’06 Oscars is still one of my favorite red-carpet moments (you know you loved it, too). So if Kate Young, the celebrity stylist behind said red-carpet appearance, wants to release a book about iconic fashion moments in film and unforgettable eveningwear, I’ll certainly be reading that.

5. Byredo Mini Candle Set

Ahh, time to relax. And what better way to relax than with a crazy-elegant trio of candles from Byredo? The black wax and black glass add instant ambiance, even before you strike a match. I think they’ll look great on my coffee table next to that Kate Young book…

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Shop Jill's Wishlist:

1. Stella McCartney Georgia Glowing Bodysuit, $200 at Journelle.com.
2. Chantelle Mouvance Demi Bra, $82 and Boxer Brief, $45. Both at Journelle.com.
3. Proenza Schouler Printed Silk-Georgette Mini Dress, $1250 at Net-A-Porter.com.
4. Dressing for the Dark by Kate Young, $45 at Amazon.com.
5. Byredo Mini Candle Set, $120 at Net-A-Porter.com.

Are Bows The New Polka Dots?

I feel like I've been seeing bows everywhere lately, and as much as I feel like they're too feminine a motif to allow into my late-20s wardrobe, I figured there's no harm in succumbing to them for lingerie.

Images via.

I first saw this Stella McCartney Tammy Tickling set (and bodysuit!) when I visited Journelle's Grey Lady at The Standard during NYFW, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. BOWS.

So of course, when I saw this look on the runway at the Chanel S/S 2014 show, the stark black and white pattern amongst the colourful palette stood out to me even more. Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to reinvent the usage of a Chanel symbol into an adorable pattern. BOWS.

Photo by Esther Kim

It's a sign, right? A sign that I definitely need bows in my boring, stark, late-20s wardrobe. Definitely.

Stella McCartney Tammy Tickling Bra, $70. Tammy Tickling Panty, $37. Available at ZapposCouture.com.

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!

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.

Guest Blog Post: JOURNELLE X STELLA McCARTNEY FNO

So, last month's FNO event at Journelle with Stella McCartney was supposed to be my high point in my fairly short blogging career, but due to my duties as a bridesmaid that weekend I was unable to attend. I realize how overdue this post is and how silly it seems to post a write-up of an even that took place a month ago. However, my dear fellow lingerista Allison Beale generously wrote an amazing review of the event and some key points of the new Stella collection, AND she took some incredible photos. So here y'all are. Enjoy!

I have to be honest, there are few words that get me up and out the door (quickly, mind you) like “Stella McCartney event at Journelle”. That little sentence made braving the high-heeled hordes that typically takeover Soho on Fashion’s Night Out more than worth it.

Well, that sentence and the fact my lingerie partner-in-crime, Esther, asked me to cover the event. I mean, how could I say no?

I’m not sure there’s anyone out there who is a bigger fan of Stella McCartney lingerie. (If there is, please keep it to yourself. I want to win this one.) Aside from being the daughter of rock royalty, the woman is a genius. Her eponymous line is known for ultra-flattering long-line bustiers, come-hither demi bras, high waisted panties, low-slung bikinis and lace, lace, lace! With each piece more exquisite than the next you can’t help but feel it was made with love, and created just. for. you. (Perhaps you remember mine + Esther’s borderline unhealthy obsession with the Irene Gardening bustier summer 2011?)  For FNO, Journelle was debuting McCartney’s new, eco-minded, sliiiiiightly more budget conscious but ever-so-stylish line “Stella” to a small—read VIP—crowd.

The event had all of the makings of a great night. First off, there was an ever-so-slight chill in the air, so naturally I needed my leather jacket. Then, when I walked in to the shop the DJ was spinning Temper Trap's ‘Sweet Disposition’—an epic entrance/exit song). With the stage set, of course the first person I saw upon entering was my favorite shopgirl Carrie. Finally, there was the lingerie…



“Stella” may trend as a more basic line but the seductive shapes (balconnet, plunge, molded underwire, strapless + supernatural) and styles of python, lace and interesting tonal textures are anything but. Though the collection is meant for everyday wear (it’s promoted as one of the lightest + most invisible collections on the market), Stella—in its styling—is every bit as luxe, romantic and fashion forward as its sister brand. I should know as between cocktails and lingerie gos' I managed to inspect each piece from the new collection.

Here are a few informative gems about Stella: 

1. There’s an eco-friendly element to the collection, which is made of French Calais lace + silk with organic cotton gussets and recycled metal hardware. So now you can go green even with your lingerie. 
2. Stella’s secondary focus is on comfort (let’s assume primary is on style). The bra cups come in 8MM foam making them 25% lighter than your average bra. Hello lightweight lingerie! And all the pieces are incredibly soft. I’m not usually a big fan of comfort in fashion, but I think Ms. McCartney is about to change my mind.

My hands-down favorite is the Stella Plunge bra in nude + black lace that promises to be as comfortable as it is sexy. (Try as I might I cannot get enough lace in my lingerie drawer.) 


And while we’re at it, I’ve never been one to turn down Stella’s signature Leopard print so why start now?


For layering, and yes, I guess for sleeping, the Stella chemise in Python print will be my new go-to item.

It should be mentioned here that the gals at Journelle really know how to throw an event complete with a killer soundtrack (‘Private Eyes’ mixing in with a little Outkast and MJ for good measure) and delicious cocktails. For the truly ambitious there was an Instagram contest with the winner taking home a sick goodie bag of—what else—Stella. Now, I am usually a pretty voracious ‘grammer BUT it just so happens that Journelle is the only place in the city where Verizon goes on strike. At least on my iPhone. Thanksverymuchforthatbytheway. So no [free] Stella for me.

However, I will be back for this little number. It’s the Stella McCartney Cherie Sneezing (yes, sneezing) in fuchsia, available in October. Maybe I’ll Instagram that. (Kidding.)

 Puzzle pins from Stella McCartney's Winter 2012 Campaign

x ab

All photos courtesy of Allison Beale.

FNO Giveaway: Stella McCartney Tourist Knickers!

GUYSSSS, Fashion's Night Out is right around the corner! I know you're all busy preparing, so I'll make this quick:

Journelle is offering up a pair of these adorbs Stella McCartney Tourist Knickers ($45 value) to one lucky Pretty Little Underthings reader. Want to enter? Head over to Facebook and I'll pick a lucky winner at random by Thursday September 6th at 5pm. (It's a speedy giveaway this time!)

Not a PLU fan on Facebook? Just hit 'Like' and you can enter to win. Good luck! xo

image via Journelle

Fashion's Night Out 2012: The Only Place You Need to Be

Alright kids, Fashion's Night Out 2012 is looming upon us. After we're back from Labor Day weekend, September 6th be here before we know it. So while you're making your plans on which parties to hop to and fro, here's really the only one you need to go to so you can prioritize your schedules.

Yes, it's true! Journelle is hostin' a little party at their Union Square location for all of ya'll with Stella McCartney's team. One of my favorite lingerie lines + my favorite boutique = a match made in FNO heaven!

You'll be there to fête the launch of Stella McCartney's new basics collection with refreshments and nibbles, and pre-order items that will arrive later in the season. If you purchase some Stella, you'll get a pair of tourist knickers (while supplies last) AND there'll be an awesome-sounding gift bag with a Stella chemise, perfume set and Falabella wristlet (valued at over $700).

Stella McCartney Tourist Knickers!

So save this invitation below and mark your calendars—Stella McCartney's new basics lingerie line is coming to town in style. I can't wait to see it! 

And for those who won't be able to make it to FNO or don't live in NYC, stay tuned on PLU for a chance to win a pair of the Tourist Knickers, courtesy of Journelle!

All images courtesy of Journelle.

The Summer Playsuit Roundup / Sale Edition

One of the things I love about The Outnet is that they always have fabulous items on sale. Yes, sizing can be limited, but that's part of the fun—it's a shopping scavenger hunt. Only the clever emerge victorious. The online savvy are rewarded. You get the idea.

So when I was browsing through today and saw all these adorable playsuits, I knew I just had to dedicate a post around them. Because you know, it's still freaking 90 degrees out with 200% humidity and we still have to wear clothes, but would prefer to wear as few clothes as possible but still look cute and not trashy. Some are meant to be categorized as lingerie, and others are meant to be outerwear, but I loved the versatility of these six playsuits in particular. Enjoy, and happy size hunting!

[left] Stella McCartney Sam Partying Playsuit, $195 - on sale for $93.60

[right] By Malene Birger Cellux Playsuit, $355 - on sale for $170.40

[left] Aubin & Willis Hurstdene Playsuit, $170 - on sale for $68

[right] Dessous Antonia Playsuit, $190 - on sale for $76

[left] Diane von Furstenberg Alysa Playsuit, $225 - on sale for $112.5

[right] Marni Tiny Diamonds Playsuit, $485 - on sale for $97

Pretty Little Everythings: Summer Weekend Wear

Another edition of "If I had an unlimited budget for my wardrobe", summer weekend edition. And the Stella McCartney long-line bra that has saved so many of my work-wardrobe lingerie dilemmas. Happy Friday, loves! xo

Tempting Tuesdays: A Stella McCartney Beige Bra & What Not To Do At Work

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 Maria Bouncing Set

image via journelle.com

A few weeks ago I posted about the beautiful Chantelle set I got at Journelle with my discount code for participating in their bra drive with Free the Girls. So, this is the other one I settled on (bra only, no knickers but you know how I do—gotta show you the set!)... and it was kinda tough. I wanted a nude bra since one of the ones I had donated was my go-to Elle Macpherson beige bra and I needed a simple beige one in my repertoire. But you know, even with 20% off, a $150 bra isn't an easy decision to make. But I did it, especially once the sales associate told me that they did have it in my size, and I figured, "I'm celebrating spring, a new job and a new phase of my life—this calls for a new... beige bra." Yeah.

What's pretty cool though, is that you can remove the straps to make it a strapless bustier-style bra, or a racerback! Just make sure that the straps are adjusted to the correct length and they're not too loose. Otherwise it might slide out in the front and hang out of the sleeve of your silk blouse when you're walking to the restroom at work and leave people staring at you, puzzled... and you're wondering if your eye makeup is smeared all over your face when in reality, your bra strap is hanging out of your sleeve and you don't realize it until you're in the stall. 

"Aw, fuck."

Good thing no one else was in the restroom.

But otherwise, it's a really, pretty bra. Stella McCartney long-lines FTW.

Stella McCartney Maria Bouncing Bra, $150. Maria Bouncing Bikini, $70. 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.

Dear Santa (Part I)

An Open Letter to Santa Claus

Hi Santa! This Stella McCartney Madeline Celebrating set is beautiful, isn't it? It's at the top of my Christmas wishlist. The name is perfect—I want to celebrate the holidays while wearing the Madeline Celebrating set! I love the long line and the gorgeous paneling details, and let's not get started on the mesh sides.

images via journelle.com

You can pick it up at Journelle (btdubs, I'm the mayor of the Union Square store, holla) and I'll leave you some delicious milk & cookies. Like, homemade cookies. Not that pre-made Nestle Tollhouse garbage.

Thanks! Love, me.

Stella McCartney Madeline Celebrating Contour Bra, $115. Madeline Celebrating French Knicker, $55. Available at Journelle.com.

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.

Say Hi to Thursday: A Little (or A Lotta) Rawr for the Weekend

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.

Marguerite Riding Bralette & Briefs by Stella McCartney

image via

When I first saw this set a few months ago, I luuurrrved it. The bralette style softens the "wild child" stigma of animal print and keeps it from crossing the line into trashy territory (psh, please—as if Stella could ever create something trashy). The wide band keeps it comfy, but the fun leopard print has potential for your inner animal to emerge. Rawr. 

Bralette, $90. Bikini, $45. Available at Faire Frou Frou.

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.

12 Days of Christmas: Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week

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

Come on, you can't say you didn't see this one coming! A seven-knicker set for the seventh day of Christmas? Of course! These aren't your 5-year-old's day of the week undies. These beautiful cotton-silk blend bottoms have a delicate lace trim and different embroidered flowers for every day. 

They come in this fun little box so you'll always have a place to store them. And don't worry—if you wear Tuesday's on a Sunday, no one will know. Maybe.

Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week, $195. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Stella McCartney Clara Whispering Satin 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!

Stella McCartney Clara Whispering Satin Bra & Thong Set

This week's Tempting Tuesday is dedicated to my dear friend Deborah! This gorgeous Stella set reminded me of another I posted last month that she liked. Even though the white/ivory colors give this one a bridal-ish feel, she's been talking a lot about weddings lately, so I think it's perfect for her. Love you Deb! 

Clara Whispering Satin Contour Bra, $140. Satin Thong, $60. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Stella McCartney Wants You to Be a Mermaid for Halloween.

Okay, maybe not really but how gorgeous is this set? I love the scalloping—a detail we've seen in her ready-to-wear collection over the years. I first saw this in one of the fashion mags from this month (can't recall which one) and a bit of digging also found...

...A PLAYSUIT!

or romper, whatever you want to call it. Either way, it's silky, smooth, and oh-so-pretty. I mean, I'd probably wear that for halloween. It definitely covers up more than most Ricky's costumes do anyway, right?

Bra, $125, Briefs, $60, Playsuit, $195. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Stella McCartney Lulu 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!

Stella McCartney Lulu Reading Soft Bra, Bikini & Thong

Bra ($95), thong ($45), and bikini ($45) available at Journelle.com.