Wednesday 27 April 2016

WOW HOW TIMES CHANGE AND SO HAS OUR INTIMATE APPAREL!!



I know I can hear you say ‘everything changes’ but one of the things that have really changed compared to yesteryear is our underwear and our attitude to our intimate apparel! Take for instance the corset it has not only changed in style but it has changed in job too!

In Katherine Medici’s day the wife of Henry II of France you were not allowed to attend court unless your waist was less than 15 inches so the corset literally reeled you in to that size!! Ouch! Hold your breath ladies!!
Let’s wind forward the clock a little to 1930s .....

It was recognised that corset manufacturers should pay much more attention to the shapes and sizes of women. They realised that the bust, waist and hip measurements of women varied and were important measurements that had to be considered. No longer could they depend on a woman’s bust or waist size alone.  As at this time sizing was worked out from casual measurements and popular sizes of women is it any wonder you could hear women complain every day that their corsets were killing them! In 1930 the corset was very much there to do a job and definitely not intimate apparel that should ever be seen!!

Wind forward even further to 1950s.....

Although the corset was certainly not a new invention in the 50s The Merry Widow corset changed our feelings about the corset forever! It conjured up wild thoughts and naughty ideas for that era! This was not just a strong support corset to hold everything in the right place, especially our wobbly bits and flatter the waist, oh no this was something never seen before! This was wild, sexy, forbidden and wicked and it was all the fault of the film The Merry Widow when the lovely Lana Turner spent most of her time in the film frolicking and dancing around in a sexy corset! This new piece of shocking and sexy underwear coincided with the film in 1952 by MGMs Musical Production ‘The Merry Widow’ and this sexy little black number of delicious black satin and lace was born two days after the first showing of the film in New York. The Merry Widow had gorgeous lace panels at the sides and had a zip closure at the back covered by a hook and eye fastening.

This was the turning point for women all over the world to become liberated in a new world of sexuality. This kind of openness had never been seen before and sent shock waves throughout the world. It caused a frenzy and proved to give an unparalleled incentive to women all over the world to rush out and buy a replica. This was a new era and helped to create the idea of sexy lingerie!
Times they are a-changing fast forward to today!!

Aubade Lingerie

Today the corset is worn to surprise and tantalise and is considered luxury lingerie! We now consider it an essential part of our bridal lingerie collection created in beautiful silks and lace with a cute matching garter and the traditional addition of blue flowers or other little adornment. Our Aubade ranges specialise in beautiful designer lingerie and the bridal lingerie is stunning!

Jane Woolrich Corset C66.1

Diki Jasmine Basque

Corsets now come with beads, crystals, ribbons and bows and in all sorts of materials including lace, satin and silk. They also come in all colours portraying a certain look for its wearer. Specialists like Jane Woolrich and Diki who create stunning corsets and show in all the fashion capitals of the world use Silk and intricate Lace within their made to measure lingerie ranges.

Corsets are now not just intimate apparel any longer as they are also now worn as outerwear!! This is quite often with a pair of our favourite jeans in the Summer or under a smart jacket with a skirt or tailored trousers for evening wear and do not look out of place at all. No-one even raises an eyebrow nowadays although can you imagine the looks of disbelief on the faces of the ladies in1950 not to mention Katherine De Medici!!

Thursday 21 April 2016

SPRING IS UPON US


AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE TURNING TO: flowers peeping up from the ground, new shoots on the trees, birds whistling a merry tune and the sun shining brightly (occasionally).  It is getting warmer, well a few days at least. Gone are the dark cold winter days as the nights get lighter and brighter.

So, during these beautiful Spring days and nights our thoughts turn to leisurely romantic walks in the park? Um ...  Picnics in the countryside? Um   What could it be?? 

NEW LINGERIE, of course!


The Madras colour print so typical of the Caribbean is reminiscent of a far off land full of colour and excitement. The three quarter bra is in a pattern of multi-coloured squares inspired by the summer Creole trend. This gorgeous bra is sure to fit perfectly into your designer lingerie collection.

The softness and suppleness of fabrics and shapes guarantees optimum style, comfort and fit. The delicate undulation given to the soft cotton re-embroidered in creates a slightly textured effect and evokes the charm of Broderie Anglaise. Decorative rickrack braid has been added to the straps This gorgeous three quarter cup bra is stunning and the cups are in 3 parts with transversal cut and vertical seam (giving really good support) with the top in embroidered braid and bottom which is lined in embroidered width. The embroidered cups are cotton lined to ensure softness and between the cups is Lycra® cotton and intricate lacing with a cute fixed satin bow. The back is created in strong Lycra® cotton.


Aubade Oh Shelly Shelly Plunge Bra


Light and scintillating, this collection is a firm favourite and is an easy to wear everyday beautiful bra which is in two really fresh springtime colours Cloudy Sky: slightly blue-tinged lilac for this very fresh springtime and Sweety: softness and romance for this powder pink.
This bra features gorgeous Jacquard shell lace cups with a tulle under-band. It also features two cute bows at the top of the straps and a stunning larger bow with a mother of pearl bead highlighting the centre of the bust. The slightly-silvery small sequins on the lace make this pretty range truly romantic and poetic.


Aubade L'Insoumise Bandeau Bra
Aubade L'Insoumise Bandeau Bra

Romantic and Seductive ... Answering every woman's desire this collection really stands out made from beautiful Leavers Lace, satin stitch tulle luxuriously embroidered with arabesques and Italian crepe fabric  in Nacre (Mother of Pearl colour) . Just so perfect for your bridal luxury lingerie collection.

This gorgeous bandeau bra features shell cups covered with beautiful lace, with superimposed embroidery on the sides and a bewitching large bow at the front at the centre of the cups. There is also extra inner silicon elastic to give good shape and extra support as well as making sure the bra stays firmly put! The bra comes with a set of removable straps so will suit all styles of your special wedding dress. The back and the underband are made of Italian Crepe and it has adustable straps and back ensuring the perfect fit. This stunning bra will be a perfect addition to your stunning bridal lingerie collection.

Wednesday 13 April 2016

SONATA RAPALYTE BRAND NEW GORGEOUS RANGES FOR S/S 2016 JUST FOR YOU!



We are thrilled to be able to offer the brand new range from Sonata she has really excelled in her individual designs! 

In February 2010 the company was ranked second out of all the designer lingerie brands by Intima magazine, the leading lingerie and swimwear publication in France.

Straight from the Catwalks of London, New York etc comes the new Secret Garden Collection for Spring/Summer 2016 from famed Sonata Rapalyte.
The best-selling designs which Sonata Rapalyte is synonymous for are her beautiful and unique bodysuits and these styles are also being worn as outerwear with a matching or and look fabulous!!

View our Sonata Lingerie range here

Sonata Lila Plunge BodysuitThis timeless and romantic body is innocent and very delicate. It is handmade from a sensual floral patterned lilac lace with pure silk satin turquoise trimmings. It is delicately sensual and totally gorgeous as well as being exceptional sexy lingerie that you will love to wear. It is the ultimate in lace lingerie.



This gorgeous plunge bodysuit is handmade with delicate and romantic floral patterned Solstiss lilac lace and 100% turquoise silk satin trimming. This delicious body opens at the front with exquisite and sexy silk satin covered buttons.  This truly is a romantic and beautiful piece of luxury lingerie. This is stunning designer lingerie that can be worn as loungewear or outerwear to suit your mood! You choose!                 

Sonata Vanda Long Sleeve BodysuitThis gorgeous bodysuit is cut to flatter and emphasise your curves. It is handmade from beautiful silk satin, the softest silk chiffon and is offset perfectly with a stunning light red mesh. The bodysuit opens at the back with a luxurious silk satin bow and has silk satin covered buttons at each cuff with a leg of mutton sleeve. This is a stunning body suit that is sophisticated and has bags of style and is the ultimate in luxury lingerie. It can be worn as loungewear or as outerwear whichever suits your mood!
There are so many amazing bras, bodysuits, knickers and robes to choose from so do take a look and twitter out your favourite.