Let's Talk About Socks, Baby.

I have a confession to make: I finally threw out four pairs of trouser socks that I purchased at Anthropologie in 2009. 

Yes, I know. I was wearing those damn socks for way too long. I just couldn't bring myself to throw them out, because what else was I supposed to wear with my boots? My ankle socks for the gym weren't going to cut it for any of them. So I kept on going until I just couldn't ignore the holes anymore. And I threw them out.

I realized I had reached a point where I wasn't even wearing them that often, and I was wearing said gym socks with my moto boots. So last month during Black Friday sales, I took advantage of Madewell's sale and bought a buttload of socks. And look how cute they are! My feet and ankles are happy campers now.

I guess it's sort of weird, right? The lingerie blogger ignores her feet and suits up in gym socks while wearing La Perla? I don't know—I suppose we all have our priorities and for the past 5 years, they just weren't my feet. I did invest in a few pairs of thin Wolford Velvet 66 socks for the few pairs of boots I have where those old trouser socks and my gym socks were just too bulky, and those were a lifesaver. I'd love a whole drawerful of those if I could. Think of how much space they'd save! But especially worn with boots, these fun socks are indeed like lingerie for the feet—they're just a little bit of fun that only you know about.

Oh, and P.S. all the remaining patterns for the Hansel from Basel x Madewell socks are $5.99 - $9.99 right now, so… you're welcome. x

All images by Esther Kim

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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

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.

A Lil' Story About Control Briefs

No, seriously. Control briefs. More specifically, these puppies by BodyWrap:

image via me

I saw that pair (along with a really pretty rose print pair) at CURVE last February. I loved the retro, high-waist style and the pretty prints that made them look less like the shapewear we've all come to imagine in our heads (Bridget Jones, anyone?). I'm not particularly a shapewear advocate—mostly because I feel like a lot of brands market their products as an alternative to exercising and eating healthy (hint: FALSE)—but I understand a gal's need for a smooth profile. Heck, I have a pair of these Wolfords that I wear under a maxi dress from T by Alexander Wang sometimes because the dress' cotton jersey is so thin that you can see EVERYTHING. Anyway, I loved the BodyWrap stuff and raved about how pretty it was to everyone who would listen (sorry friends).

After CURVE, the lovely PR gals for BodyWrap sent over two pairs of The Must Brief-It control briefs from their Sheer Iridesscent collection, in Organza Red and Diva Dot. After happily parading around in my apartment a few times trying them on, I knew I needed to wear them out for a night on the town. So I did. And I learned a VERY, VERY IMPORTANT lesson: DO NOT WEAR THEM WITH JEGGINGS.

Sidebar: okay, I need to explain why I was even wearing jeggings in the first place. I had started going to yoga and started losing weight to the point where all of my skinny jeans (har har) were too big. I happened to find a pair of jeggings on sale for $9.99 at Urban Outfitters and they ended up being a staple until I finally had time to hunt for new jeans.

As soon as I left my apartment I knew I was in for an interesting night, considering that every time I took a step, my jeggings started to sliiiide down my butt, since the BodyWrap briefs were so slick. I pretty much spent the rest of the night hiking up my faux-jeans every other minute, and stayed aperch a bar stool so I wouldn't have to stand around in fear that my stupid pants were slipping off millimeter by millimeter even when I was standing still.

So yeah. Get these briefs if you're a fan of high-waisted styles and general prettiness, but just don't wear them with jeggings.

The Must Brief-It, $34. Available at BodyWrap Shapewear.