La Senza

As you know lingerie is the foundation to your day.  Its the first thing we put each day and can often change your mood from 'ho hum' to 'va va voom' in an instant.  Now not every gal every day can afford to run around in La Pearla but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the supermarket 10 pack brief set either.  If you keep your eyes peeled you can find some great everyday wear with the right hint of 'va va voom' that doesn't make you wallet cry either.  

My current addiction is picking up cute little pieces from La Senza.  So far I have managed to pick up a few bras for only $30 (normally around the $80 mark) and panties for $10 as there is a massive sale on currently.  However even at the higher price point these bras are worth the investment as the cleavage they can create are a much cheaper and safer option than plastic surgery. 

The cuts do range from a bit of coverage to full on "WOW" cleavage which is great as you can wear them as everyday bras or for a special occasion.  Plus they also stock a good range of strapless bras as well, a must with many of the tops I wear in summer.  The fabrics are nice and soft, a must for my everyday bras, as well as prints that let you express a bit of your inner pinup everyday.

So next time your wandering around a shopping centre to jump in for a look as you never know what you could find for your inner vixen.

 

Oh no I have just stumbled upon some new essentials I think are a must for making this winter a bit more beautiful and hopefully warm as the warmth of the autumn sun is fading fast here in melbourne and winter is settling in very fast.  

So in an effort to keep warm and keep a smile on my face I jumped onto the Peter Alexander website.  If you unsure what I'm talking about they are on of my long standing favourite PJ store.  Its probably been 10 or 15 years since I first discovered Peter's designs back in the days when the only way to get their stuff was mail order.  Now if your lucky you can actually walk into Peter's dream world in one of his stores.

Now comes the hard task of finding my winters must have, sure I'll grab a few pairs of flannel PJ's as I don't think I've gone past a winter or christmas without picking something from there.  People close to me even know if you are drawing a present blank a Peter Alexander gift card will always bring a smile to me.  

Top 3 picks this winter (so far....) are  

 

Miss Daisy Gloves

$30.52 AUD  70% Wool, 20% Angora, 10% Nylon 

These classic knit gloves feature pretty bow detailing which are sure to brighten up your wardrobe this Winter! And in this weather there is no such thing as having too many sets of gloves if you ask me.

 

Thick And Fluffy Top

$50.92 AUD 100% Polyester

Now who can go past a jumper that is so super soft and can be worn around the house or out and about as it will surely keep you warm and snug. The jumper is slightly longer in length at the back and features a pink penny dog applique. It just says cuddle me doesn't it, plus you can pick one up in pink, grey and cream....see one for ever mood.

25 Year Celebration Penny Dog

$39.02 AUD Cotton with Polyester Trim

What could be better to celebrate 25 Years of Peter Alexander than the mascot herself, just like in real life this Penny is cute, cuddly and will be your friend for life...and who doesn't need one of those.

So with my shopping list in hand its time to go and start trying on if you ask me.

A happy pre-valentines day for all

As January draws to a close I find myself marking of the calender getting excited for Wednesday 8th February 2012. Nope its not a birthday, anniversary or anything like that; in fact its the day that Dita Von Teese lingerie range is released in Target stores across the nation just in time for Valentines day.

With range that captures her signature style you will be able to find just the right mix of iconic vintage styles, sizes for lots of different body types and a reasonable price. Who could ask for more for Valentines day. Ok so maybe having the range delivered to you with a bottle of Moet but hey lets get back to reality. So all we need now is for Target to start stocking Dita's stockings as well. Well a girl can dream.......See you at Target

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese

The other day I found out some blissful news to start my 2012 off with a big smile. Target Australia was announced as the exclusive Australian retailer of the upcoming lingerie collection designed by international style icon, Dita Von Teese. *SWOON*

I'm still yet to see any of the designs from the collection which will be in Target stores across Australia from early February 2012 but no doubt with a name like "Von Follies" by Dita Von Teese I am sure they will be amazing. The collection claims to "encapsulates an iconic vintage feel" which includes overwire bras, high waisted briefs, garter belts and lovely corsolettes. Not to mention the range claims to be available up to an E-cup and briefs up to size 20, and prices starting around the $80 mark. Needless to say I am waiting with baited breath and saving my pennies for some major lingerie shopping in the new year. And I promise as soon as I hear or see anymore news I will pass it on to you my dear readers.

Dollhouse Bettie

Now I've spoken about Dollhouse Bettie before but I thought it was about time I updated everyone on a couple of the stunning new pieces they have in stock.

First up is this beautiful slip with links to Vanity Fair, the legendary lingerie company that has been making fabulous confections for over 100 years. This perma-pleated delight is fashioned from nylon tricot and features a double layered chiffon bodice. Scalloped lace trims the neckline and underbust while a matching lace insert adorns the six inch pleated chiffon hem. Style is complete with adjustable ribbon straps. The design was produced in a range of hues and they are offered in a variety of colors and sizes.

Of course I couldn't go past this stunning Lily overbust corset from Burleska which has been imported by Dollhouse Bettie. With traditional construction methods, high quality components and beautiful styling make this a must have for corset lovers. Steel busk and boning offer fantastic structure and tight lacing capabilities, expect an immediate two inch reduction on your waist size. Ivory taffeta comprises the outer layer, style is fully lined in sturdy black woven cotton and reinforced with twill tape. Garter loops are provided for additional versatility, as well as a modesty panel if you choose to wear the garment with full coverage. Adorable box pleated black taffeta trims the bust and hip line, contrasting black casing highlights the structure of the panels and creates a slimming visual effect. Style is finished with a demure taffeta bow, strong satin ribbon and metal grommets allows vigorous cinching.

So jump online and start shopping everyone

Gossip Girl - Lingerie and Sleepwear

Well since the release of Series 3 of Gossip Girl I have not only been able to

a) watch all of season 3 in a week
b) indulge in my love of fashion
c) indulge in the fashion of Blair Waldorf
d) be super excited to see slips and stunning lingerie worn by my favorite character

So apart from the normal intrigue, plots, plans, love affairs and all the rest that makes up Gossip Girl I am adoring the fashion of Blair Waldorf. Ok so it wasn't going to be that hard for me to fall in love with her style again. Especially after the last season when I ended up buying one of her dresses for myself. But this season I'm swooning over the lingerie and nightwear she has. Slips, teddies, french knickers, torsolette's (also known as a basque), stockings and silk gowns. Yep I'm in heaven.

All I will say is if you love a little lingerie then borrow these DVD's from your local DVD store or friend (yep you will have one who has this as a guilty pleasure) sit down and enjoy. Blair brings back the style and seduction that lingerie is to a vintage gal in a modern way. It does give me faith that old style Holly wood Glamor is alive and well in TV land.

I've added this little clip I found to give you a taste of the Gossip Girl style and entice your lingerie desires.
XOXO TikiDoll

Vintage 1940's Wedding fashion

Now its no secret I love vintage fashion, especially slips. I was given this great link regarding 1940's wedding fashion/slips. After watching it with a massive smile of my face it made me wonder why we a) don't wear slips anymore and b)what happened to quality. Even my collection of slips (except one or two) are true 1950's pieces which look just as great as the day they were made. Plus with a slip on your silhouette looks flawless, there's no "oh dear windy day" moments. So have a watch and maybe keep your eyes peeled when next you go shopping for lingerie.

The Dollhouse

A quick sneak peak for all you corset lovers and lingerie fans of the new range The Dollhouse is stocking. This new - soon to open its doors to all - Melbourne store has a fantastic range of stockings, corsets, dresses and extras.

There is a style for almost everyone. So whether you wish to channel your Inner Pinup, Gothic Goddess or cheeky gal next door you will find what your after.
Like this stunning number. A great piece for anyone wanting a 'basic' corset.


Or maybe you need a set of wings to prove your an angel, or to finish off that outfit for christmas.
Or maybe a cute retro number with just the right amount of cheek?

As soon as I have more details I will let you all know where to go and what's on offer.

Viva la Dollhouse!

Classic Lingerie for the Modern Gal

The modern world like to take inspiration from the past and these classic little numbers from Bendon are no exception.

"The company revolutionised the lingerie industry with a radical approach to design. Rather than force women’s bodies in the restrictive corsetry of the time, the company looked at the way the body moved and pioneered lingerie that could ‘bend on’ the body." according to Bendon team

Personally I just adore these prints that are just the right mix of woman and girl.

Not to mention TEMPTRESS! So go and check out your local lingerie stores for these great designs.

Pleasure State

While out with Ms Firedoll last weekend she re-introduced me to an old favorite and their new collection. Pleasure state is one of my favorite lingerie houses because a) i adore the designs, b) the fit perfectly and c) the more I talk with my dolls the more I find I'm not alone in the love of this house.

This stunning little piece was Ms Firedoll's favorite and I can see why, when you can have a silk kimono that doubles as lingerie and dress what more can you want.

So head to your nearest supplier (for many thats Myer) and start trying on.

Kitten D'Amour

What can I say except divine inspiration! This latest collection is a wonderfull world full of classic charm and cute to boot gowns. Lets just say there was way too much for me and I went a little into over drive and tried on almost everything….twice.

Apart from the fashion that captivates me every single time I go in to the store, I simply adore this seasons inclusions of mood boards in the displays. Personally I’m a big fan of the mood board as it can really help to get your thoughts together plus I have always found them great fun to make. So to have a few in-store to really help express the ideas and themes behind the collection was a wonderful touch.

The store itself isn’t exactly big, however they have provided one thing that I am very particular about. It is this one simply thing that can let any store, lingerie or otherwise down…..fitting rooms. So many places seem to build fitting rooms as if they were an after thought. In my perspective (and having working in retail fashion I have seen both sides) the style, size, shape and location of fitting rooms can make or break a woman’s shopping experience. Without the right mirrors, lighting and often ‘feeling’ people can leave your store actually sadder than when they came in. I used to know one brand who’s stores had the worst mirrors around, unless you went to one specific member of their group. 9 out 10 store mirrors would make you look ill or 10kgs heavier except for one stores, funny how that store always seemed to do better than the others. Thankfully at Kitten this is not a problem. Big fitting rooms welcome you and your entourage (if you shop with one) so you can try and play with the fashion, which means you will walk away with much more than you thought you intended.

The staff know their cuts well and can put together pieces with skill, and much more than that they listen to you when you give your reasons why something didn’t work for you. For instance I told the beautiful young lass that I loved these two very different dresses; one a semi baby doll and the other a fitted pencil dress, however one was a little tight in the wrong places and the other a bit big. She then went round the store and grabbed me new selection, explaining why these new dress would work, and offering me alternatives to my original including finding a skirt and halter top version of the same print which would compliment both my top and bottom and allow me to mix and match with more. Its with this simple skill of knowing your products that you can ‘soft sell’, however selling isn’t something that this store needs to do.

So with well versed staff and fantastic clothing it was time to get lost in the fashion. Thankfully I had KendieDoll with me to help save the bank balance but i still walked away one very happy little doll. Watch this space for shots of the outfits.

And before you ask yes I did try on everything on this wall, plus a huge amount of stuff from the other walls.

Welcome Ms Jones

Another amazing find this last week is that of Sally Jones, a designer which seems to be based in Burleigh Heads of all places. These are gorgeous pieces that just make you want to slip on a pair of kitten heels and pad around your beautiful penthouse sipping champagne and breaking hearts. Or maybe that’s just me.

These divine works of feminine art first captured my eye while on my last morning of shopping indulgence. You know when you just can’t go past that window of pure beauty and just have to force yourself to spend a few minutes inside. Ok a few minutes more like an hour or so playing dress ups and touching every piece. It does make me wonder why Ms Jones is not down here in Melbourne, or at the very least not so clearly out on display with such finery for all to see.

These pieces have that old Hollywood glamour feel to them and yet when they are in your manicured little hands its still seems just right; even if you’re not Marilyn Monroe. With flattering cuts, sparking accents and lush fabrics they are VERY HARD to walk away from; but really why would you walk away from something so amazing. It’s been a long time since I have found an Australian label that has really caught my attention like this and been spot on for the style I’m looking for and yet here it is hiding in Queensland. It seems all good things at the moment are lurking up here waiting to pounce like tigers onto the fashion world.

Well I take my nightcap off to this house of design and look forward with baited breath for the next installment of heavenly creation.

Dollhouse Bettie

I just adore finding new places to buy lingerie.... look what i've found Dollhouse Bettie

Letters of Marque Noir Washed Silk Tap Panties

I love it when you can find designs you love from another like minded people. So may be I will have to convince MrJ that this little doll does need a trip to the USA for more pretty things. This items are divine and have that fantastic blend of vintage, retro and va va voom for my tastes. I highly advise you jump online and get shopping.


So if your up in San Fran why not drop in. Dollhouse Bettie is located right in the heart of the Haight Ashbury shopping district in San Francisco, California:

Dollhouse Bettie
1641 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday - 11am to 7pm Sunday - Noon to 6pm

In this heat

In this heat I am struggling with my love of stockings. I have invested in some stunning pairs from various providers but with the heat wave in Melbourne its proving a little harder to wear everyday.

So many of you may ask why since the invention of pantyhose or tights would anyone want to wear stockings unless you are trying to rev up the engine of your partner.

Well for me personally they make me walk taller, smile more and generally feel spectacular. There is just something special about walking around knowing that under your dress/skirt is the this silken pleasure is there, only for you and for those you wish to share it with.

I do firmly believe that lingerie is the foundation of you day, so with the right beginnings anything is possible.

I can only advise that ladies its time to hit the shops and grad a pair of stocking. Stay ups or true stockings and walk tall in your beauty.

down the rabbit hole

Necklace - Made by C
Make Up - Benifit and Mac
Slip - Peter Alexander

Well just its nearly been a month since I hit the net, damn you daily work and internet shortage. But now I'm back and ready to indulge. So whats been going you may ask that has caused me to get stuck in the real world. Well.....I've been at a lingerie and sleepwear conference. Oh yes a few days to play with so many pretty things that my suit case could hardly fit all the yummy samples I brought back. So I will also be posting some conference images etc.

Well as you can see by the above shot this month I'm going for a bit of a darker look, plus I'm joining in the month long test of NO JEANS. A group of gals and I are trying to break the cycle of women always wearing jeans. So for all of november and december jeans will be put to the back of the wardrobe unless worn to work in (and since I don't actually plan on doing any manual labour during these months I think I'll be fine)

But the coolest thing I think for me is tomorrow is Halloween. Sure its not a big thing over here but it is my wedding anniversary and a great excuse to dress up.

So everyone go raid that sexy wardrobe you know you have and have some fun this weekend.

Luv & Lashes to you all