Tempting Tuesdays: Bondage without the Bondage

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!

Tempting Tuesdays is baaaack! Well, at least I'm hoping to bring it back. Especially when it's this sexy—strappy velvet and mesh, only in the way that Myla can do it best. This one's definitely going on my Christmas wish list.

Myla Velvet 1/3 Cup Bra, $140. Velvet Mini, $85. Available at Journelle.com.

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.

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.

Tempting Tuesdays: Floral Lace All Over, Thanks Agent Provocateur!

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!

Agent Provocateur Sidonie Floral Lace Set

images via net-a-porter.com

Agent Provocateur makes some of the hottest (by that I mean, amp-ed up sexypants) luxury lingerie on the market, and when I saw this set on Net-A-Porter.com, I did a double-take when I saw those bottoms. Holy cannoli, cutout briefs. I've seen cutout high-waisted briefs before, but on regular ol' granny panty style bottoms, seeing cutout bottoms is a first for me. These aren't for your granny. Unless your granny has like, really incredible taste in lingerie.

Floral lace? Check. Super-hot cutout bottoms? Check. A garter that makes the whole ensemble look freaking incredible on your body? Hell to the yes. In fact, I think the garter is what really makes this set look so amazing together. Take a looksee here and here. Convinced now? Kthnxbye.

Sidonie floral-lace underwired bra, $190. Sidonie floral-lace garter belt, $170. Sidonie floral-lace cutout briefs, $170. All 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.

Tempting Tuesdays: Luxe Lace Because You Can

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!

Luxe Lace by Rosamosario & Deborah Marquit

images via various sources, see polyvore items for details

Soooo yeah, Monday night, I was just doin' my routine scroll through my standby fashion e-tail sites and I did a double take when I saw this black lacy number, because I had done a quick rundown of Net-A-Porter on Saturday and couldn't believe I missed it! And you know what? A piece that fun and pretty deserves a whole outfit. I imagine I'd probably throw on a low-V chemise on underneath as well (like this favorite from The Lake and Stars) since it's prreeeetty see through, but you get the idea. I've blinded you with the glowingly fabulous Deborah Marquit set before, but I thought if you were going to just wear the chemise + bra & undies, then you may as well go with something bright and punchy. Yeah, that's right, punchy.

For details on the other items in the set, visit Polyvore.

Rosamosario Kate Mini Chantilly Lace Dress, $620. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Mid-Summer Swimwear Roundup, Yee-Haw!

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!

'ello, ladies! Hope everyone's summer has been going just fiiine. Can you believe it's July 19th already?? One of my close college friends told me that her grandmother always says, "Summer is almost over!" right after the Fourth of July. Pretty depressing statement, huh? But have no fear—I want to keep summer going for as long as possible, so here's another swimwear roundup from one of my favorite curators of fine swimwear, Net-A-Porter!

Also, I'll be announcing another giveaway tomorrow JUST FOR THE NYC/Tri-State FANS that is kinda sorta related to this post (and one that I'M really excited about), so stay tuned!

1. Agent Provocateur Amylee Printed Bikini

Printed bikini top, $180. Printed bikini briefs, $140.

2. Zimmerman Thistle Mesh-Paneled Halterneck Swimsuit

Halterneck swimsuit, $270.

3. We Are Handsome The Bather Printed Bikini

Bandeau Bikini, $230.

4. JETS by Jessika Allen Prairie Floral-Print Cutout Swimsuit

Cutout swimsuit, $250.

5. Bronzette Striped Bandeau Bikini

Stassy bandeau bikini top, $195. Loretta striped bikini briefs, $150.

Tempting Tuesdays: Hermès Ain't Just About the Birkins

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!

Hermès Swimwear

I was taking a walk last night—my usual loop around the Upper East Side—and I love walking down Madison Avenue at 11pm because no one's around. I walked past Hermès and loved the rotating oversized bangles in the Madison-facing window, and I was about to keep walking but then I noticed these fancy ladies in the East 62nd Street-facing display. How could I resist? I'm all about swimwear these days.

The maillot isn't listed on the site (guess this is where I say "price upon request" as the glossies do), but that anchor chain-print bikini on the right is (in a different color) and it'll definitely set you back a pretty penny (or like, a shit-ton lot of pennies). So if you are going to splurge on Hermès swimwear, then you know, take care of it and don't go near the elements like chlorine-y pool water or sand or sea water or anything that might let you have fun. Actually, just stand in the window display and that way you won't ruin your schmancy swimsuit.

Classic two-piece bathing suit in anchor chain print, $600. Available online at Hermes.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Decadent Leopard-Print Mesh by Laura Urbinati

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!

Leopard-Print Mesh Triangle Bra and High-Waist Undies by Laura Urbinati

Hellooooo momma! I was in Creatures of Comfort this weekend and I spotted (hehe, no pun intended) some Laura Urbinati mesh pieces in solid colors. I probably wouldn't have given them a second glance, but after touching them I can't get them out of my mind. Seriously, some of the finest, softest mesh I've ever seen or felt, and it's airy enough to make you forget you're wearing anything at all.

I love this leopard-print set because it's so abstract that it almost looks like flowers, and the scallop trim gives it a dainty touch. If you've been on the fence about animal-print lingerie, then this is the kind of print you'll want. The bra comes in an underwire version too, if you need the support! Rawr indeed.

Leopard-print Mesh Triangle Bra, $135. Leopard-print Mesh High-Waisted Undies, $110. Available at Creatures of Comfort.

Tempting Tuesdays: Lacy Loveliness in a Bodysuit

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!

La Fleur Lace Bodysuit by Kiki de Montparnasse

I scored the Absinthe teddy at an Araks sample sale a couple weeks ago, and I've been wearing it as a bodysuit with trousers, high-waisted jeans, a maxi skirt, anything, everything because it just looks SO AWESOME (if I do say so myself). 

So now that you know I've been wearing the same thing over and over, I needed to show you this amaaaaazing lacy bodysuit from Kiki de Montparnasse. Look at the additional photos on Net-a-Porter, particularly this one:

HOW AMAZING IS THAT?! I love that the bodysuit itself is such a lovely neutral color, and the purple lace pattern draws all the attention (well the plunge back does too). There's a zipper back there, in case you were wondering how to get it on. Snaps at the bottom so you can actually pee (did American Apparel learn this yet?), adjustable straps, and soft cups with underwire—the bodysuit trifecta.

Oh, and did I mention how awesomely gorgeous it is?

La Fleur Lace bodysuit, $395. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Deborah Marquit's Fabulous Fluorescence

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!

Deborah Marquit French Lace Set

I had another post planned for today but a certain turn of events prompted me to change it at the last minute to this fabulous, fluorescent yellow set by Deborah Marquit. Chances are, right now you're probably squinting to see the details (because I sure am just trying to type this!) but you can't deny that this color just makes you smile. This isn't even about the style (though the French lace is gorgeous), it's about the color and how something so bright makes me giggle a bit in it's obnoxiousness. And we all need a daily giggle. Further proof that lingerie makes you happy.

French lace balconette bra, $195. French lace briefs, $110. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Marni's Summer-Pretty Silk 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!

Marni Printed Silk Bra & Briefs Set

You probably know by now that I'm a total sucker for prints, and Marni got me again with this summer-pretty set. I love how the print either looks like an abstract floral or a pretty badass rope chain. I'm all for either one, especially on such pretty silk. It's a perfect bra to wear under an slightly oversized solid tank—it's got all the detail you need to dress up an outfit. Well, maybe add some delicate jewelry but let this bra be the star! Pair the briefs, throw on a pleated maxi skirt, and revel in the knowledge that you're wearing one hell of a fab lingerie set and let that coy smile carry you through your day.

Printed silk bra, $235. Printed silk and cotton blend briefs, $185.

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.

Tempting Tuesdays: Carine Gilson Loveliness!

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!

Carine Gilson Thème Egérie Silk Crepe de Chine Set

My big sister from my sorority came up to visit a couple months ago and we spent a gorgeous day brunching and shopping. She's been purchasing very ladylike clothing lately, pieces with delicate details and sometimes ruffles. She kept saying, "I want to be lovely." I laughed every time she said it (and I think she said it at least 20 times).

But if you really think about it, it's possible to draw differences between something you'd describe as "cute", "pretty", and "lovely". I think most of the pieces I post are "cute" or "pretty" (occasionally "gorgeous!"), but this Carine Gilson set is definitely lovely.

Blush-pink silk and such delicate lace that seems to gently enswathe your body? Yes, please! This is definitely a classic set for special occasions, and one you'll keep for years.

Silk Crepe de Chine Bra, $385. French briefs, $410. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: Feuillage Tulle Set by Jean-Paul Gaultier for La Perla

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!

Feuillage Tulle Set by Jean-Paul Gaultier for La Perla

Happy spring! Gaultier does it again with this intricately detailed, peacock-blue-green set that makes me wish for warmer weather (the tease we got in NYC this past weekend wasn't enough). With briefs decorated to look like leaves are growing from your ladybits, and a bralette made of sheer tulle and detailed with silk twill, you can look like Mother Earth when she's on lovermoon.

At this price point, this set is definitely not for the faint-hearted (or those who have their wallets on lockdown), and only for the diehard La Perla / Gaultier fans, but looking is always free. 

Triangle bra, $590. Tulle briefs, $395. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Tempting Tuesdays: ARI DEIN Boutique Hotel Pajamas

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!

Boutique Hotel Pajamas by ARI DEIN

Yes, you read that correctly. PAJAMAS. From ARI DEIN. And they look amazing. These are NOT your boyfriend's pajamas. I mean, let's face it—the slob probably just wears boxers to bed anyway (okay, okay, I'm sorry for dissing your man, but I'm NOT THAT SORRY).

Anyway, these beautiful, silky creations also come in brand signature peacock purple, but this set is called "tainted white", which of course made the Soft Cell song play over and over in my head, and I like it, like it, like it. All silk, all the time, with a sexy yet classy cut that'll flatter your shape.

I just want to wear these while I sit on my couch and sketch while drinking hot toddies. Yes, multiple hot toddies. Seems the perfect plan for a rainy or snowy day while we wait for spring to finally come back to NYC.

Boutique Hotel Pajama Top, $374. Pajama bottoms, $286. Available at AriDein.com.

And now, cue the music (I know you saw this coming; if you didn't, then you need to read this blog more regularly):

Tempting Tuesdays: Araks Absinthe Teddy

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!

Absinthe Teddy by Araks

I know this is part of their fall collection, and it's named for an intense alcoholic beverage, but this lush green (pun intended) makes me excited for spring! A gorgeous texture combo of cotton crepe and silk charmeuse with thank-god-you-can-pee snaps, it's perfect to pair with skirts, shorts, or jeans. The scoop back will make people look twice when you take off your cardigan, too.

Absinthe Teddy, $220. Available at Araks.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: Nichole de Carle Westminster Silk-Satin & Mesh Bodysuit

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!

Westminster Silk-Satin & Mesh Bodysuit by Nichole de Carle

HOLY MOLY. I totally had something else planned for this week's Tempting Tuesday, but I got an email from a bride-to-be asking if I knew of any retailers who carried Nichole de Carle, or if I could recommend any similar lines. Did a quick search for her and ended up finding this mega-hot bodysuit from a Nichole de Carle collection exclusively for Net-a-Porter.com.

And wow. Just, wow. If you read my blog regularly, you've probably noticed that I prefer to post product shots rather than worn on models, but I think you all need to see what this looks like on. I love the lines in the design and how structured it looks, but still has such an airy touch from the mesh & strategically placed cutouts. 

It's so functional too—detachable straps and detachable briefs make this super versatile. You could wear it as a bodysuit, or as a corset sans straps, or just wear the briefs! And with a see-through mesh panel on the bum, who wouldn't love that?

Bodysuit, $225. Exclusively at Net-a-Porter.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.