Ladies, let us speak of lingerie – the ultimate weapon in the modern woman’s arsenal. But what to buy? Relax – Lady Friday’s got it, if not you, fully covered.
Everybody who’s anybody in the lingerie world showed up. From Agent Provocateur and the big guns to tiny, bespoke businesses selling the most obscure of all items, it was a mecca for lingerie lovers.
Now, lingerie isn’t necessary to have a good time in bed – far from it. However, it’s a beautiful investment in your own sexuality, for your own benefit rather than purely for a partner’s. As a dirty little secret you can carry with you every day, it’s more convenient than handcuffs and less likely to chafe than piercings.
So what should you invest in, and what’s just a trend that will pass on into oblivion?
MUST-HAVES
A decent garter belt
The move towards vintage-style lingerie – elaborate, peek-a-boo and astonishingly well-made – is a really welcome one. Forget your Bonds undies – let’s get serious. Garter belts, the big vintage lingerie trend, are everywhere on celebrities (Kylie Minogue famously sported one to a gala with a Gaultier creation on top).
While it’s not quite worthwhile wearing them visibly in public unless you’re Taylor Momsen, you still have to pay attention to what you buy. After all, this is right beside your skin. Eloise Monaghan, founder of the boutique Honey Birdette, recommends discernment: buying a garter belt that has a retro feel, properly adjustable straps, and matches what you have in your lingerie closet – and, most importantly, is high quality.
6 belts or four? It’s up to you.
At least one decadent lingerie set
If you’re not a wear-lacy-unmentionables-every-day kind of woman, that’s fine. However, it’s always a nice idea to have at least one investment piece – a bra and panties, good stockings, a corset or corselette, a beautiful slip – to indulge in when you feel the need.
Try to order in-person, but if you can’t, make sure you get properly fitted. Elle MacPherson Boudoir, Pleasure State, Huit and Maison Close are on the upper range of lingerie – but if you’re going to invest, better make sure it lasts.
And, of course, remember to buy the proper bags in which to wash them – and store them, if you’re that kind of person.
Lingerie that can be worn under tight-fitting clothing.
Too often it’s a choice between awesome undergarments and slinky clothes. Those ‘no-seam’ bras and ‘no-line’ underpants have about as much sex appeal as Margaret Thatcher.
Luckily, Kiss Me Deadly UK has a product for all the sexpots who want to be able to wear unwisely tight dresses to their heart’s content. It’s called the Vargas Dress, and it’s damn well brilliant. Look out for slips with similar principles in shops around Australia.
ONE-HIT WONDERS
Novelty underwear
Crotchless, edible, embroidered with your current partner’s initials, whatever – it’s not a particularly good buy. Unless you’ve got a very specific hankering for how you feel in those specific pieces of underwear, you’re better saving up for something that’ll last a bit longer.
Not being able to breathe properly is part of the point of real corsets. If, however, they’re causing you real pain, either lace them less tightly or give up altogether on the concept. Things that tight-fitting are always better when they’re made using your own measurements – test store-bought ones thoroughly, and make sure you can sit down and move without bruising or cuts.
Nipple tassels
Look, I know burlesque is the big theme of the moment, but tassels are not something to incorporate into your regular bedroom arsenal unless your stage name is Kitty Decalour. They’re also completely impossible to wear under normal clothes, and likely to produce nasty little nipple-bruises if not applied properly. Buy if you must, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Lady Friday xx
Taking the pillow talk out of the bedroom, every Friday…
