Erotic Fashion

When I was looking for platform pole-dancing/stripper heels online I stumbled onto Forplay Catalog. What appealed to me was that they offered a huge (HUGE) selection of erotic fashion including: lingerie, clubwear, dresses, costumes, exotic wear, shoes and swimwear. It's basically a one stop shop. Forplay's website is clean and the models are hot, which make you want to buy their merchandise even more. After a great amount of deliberation, I finally picked a pair of see-thru, platform, peep-toe heels that had silver straps adorned with fake diamonds. I've used them for the classes I took at Sedusa Studios and I love them. They have so many styles it's hard just to choose one. Right now I'm actually obsessed with their swimwear right now. But I'm making myself wait one more day to be absolutely sure I want them. I'm practicing some sort of self-control right now.

Another great online website is 3Wishes. They have sexy Halloween costumes, lingerie, shoes & boots, and accessories. Absolutely sexy. I've never bought anything from them before because I have an issue with getting the right size in Halloween costumes. I'm too petite for most costumes, but it's fun to look and get ideas. For you full-bodied babes out there, check it out! They have tons of different themes and then tons of variations! I guarantee you that you'll be on this website for a while just perusing the different costume options. What's also great about 3Wishes is that they are constantly updating their website with new merchandise and the models are hot. You will never look at the Spirit store the same way again.

Grooming: The Brazilian Wax

Warning: This might contain too much information.

Two years ago I was a stingy college student who spent next to nothing on grooming expenses. So when I decided to go bare down there of course I decided to do the job myself. I went to the local drug store and bought a box of Sally Hansen's Lavender Spa Body Wax Hair Removal Kit for $10 (a lot cheaper than a professional Brazilian wax that averages around $60-70, not including tip!). Lets just say it wasn't successful. It took me forever and I didn't even have the guts to do everything. But I definitely built up my tolerance for pain! No joke. Now when I go in to get a Brazilian wax I don't break a sweat. To me it's comparable to going to the dentist.

At the time I was waxing myself in college, I didn't know anyone else who ever got a Brazilian wax. Although I had a boyfriend at that time, he could actually care less if I was waxed or not. The motivating factor was basically to groom myself. And I actually I love the look and feel a Brazilian wax creates. There's no tuft of hair that separates you from your panties or swimwear, lingerie looks sexier, and now you can wear those see-thru panties the right way.

If you're thinking about getting a Brazilian wax for the first time, I should inform you that the first time you see yourself bare you're going to have an averse reaction. You're used to seeing hair and now it's gone. But it's not like when you shave off all your hair like Brittney did and it still looks bad after some time. That look will never look good Brittney. You will get used to it, trust me. And then you'll love it and need to do it all the time.

So since I'm still cheap about grooming myself, I was thrilled when one of my girlfriends introduced me to Pampered Nail by Tammy in San Francisco. I've been there twice and both times were good experiences. She has excellent reviews on Yelp. I think she's still at 5-star status. Unlike most spas and hair removal shops, Tammy prices her Brazilian wax at $25-30. Yes that is an amazing deal. I've haven't found a better deal out there. She uses a combination of hard & soft wax and tweezes if necessary. (Soft wax is the type of wax that is applied on hot and is removed with a cloth. Hard wax is applied on hot and is left on until it cools so that it can be removed like a cloth strip.) If she thinks you need it, she'll even apply a numbing agent on you. If you're stingy like me, this might be the place for you.

The plus side of getting Brazilian waxes regularly is that eventually your hair will thin out and it will be less painful. Now it's not absolutely necessary for me to get a professional wax, since I can actually do touch-ups with my wax kit at home. But everyone is different. Just one note of advice...don't shave yourself if you've already got a wax. Why? Because it'll just make your hair thicker. If you have issues with razor burn and ingrown hairs, PFB Vanish is actually highly recommended and Tammy uses it.

I'm actually due for one...I'm just being cheap again.

NY's Resolution: To never give up on my dreams & to always remember to be naughty.

This is the time of year when we all reflect back on 2009 and think about how we can change our lives for the better next year. I honestly have no regrets and am thankful for all of the good luck I have had this past year. I allowed myself to freely pursue any interests and it was extremely rewarding. It was rewarding in the sense that it was a confirmation of my strengths and put me on track to pursue a goal after being lost for months. Not only do I now have a dream worth pursuing, but I believe that I could accomplish it. It'll probably be the most difficult task I try to accomplish in my lifetime, but definitely the most rewarding!

Do you wonder what this dream of mine is? It's definitely juicy. Why else would it be on this blog? Well world, what I really want more than anything else right now is to become a small business owner of a "gentleman's club". I always knew that I had that entrepreneur spirit in me, since I used to toy around with the thought of running my own hotel or spa or becoming an interior decorator. But opening a gentleman's club is my best idea yet. I have to do a lot of research to determine the possibility, but it doesn't hurt to have a dream.

Well I hope that everyone has a safe and pleasant New Year's eve celebration! Cheers to a new year and new opportunities!

2010 New Year Goals:
1. Take steps to bring me closer to opening my own "club": become an expert pole-dancer, work PT as a pole-dancer, buy my own pole...
2. Save, save, save money...unless it's for the AP black latex stockings I'm coveting (see below! So Yummy!)
3. Research competitors & industry. Translation: frequenting gentleman's clubs and burlesque venues!

Calling all 32AA Busts

My newest life-changing discovery is the 32AA bra. Having a close to nothing bust makes it difficult for me to shop in mainstream lingerie retailers such as Victoria's Secret, which caters to basically anybody with a B, C or D cup. Although Victoria's Secret PINK offers 32AA bras, they are offered only online. If you're an avid online shopper, than I suggest you take a look at VS 'newest collection, Victoria, which 32A demi bra fits me like a dream (Victoria Demi Bra shown below, priced at $38). If you'd rather shop in store, VS 'Intimissimi collection runs in European sizes which tend to run smaller. But I stray ...


While unintentionally wandering into American Eagle's Aerie section, PINK's competitor and copycat, I found a box full of 32AA bras in the dressing room! At that point, I have never tried on or even seen a 32AA bra. After trying on all the styles, I found that I preferred the Abigal push-up/convertible bra the most. This bra did what other 32A push-up bras failed to do, make me look bigger, naturally. And I filled in the bra entirely. Unfortunately, there weren ' t any available in the store but AEO was willing to ship them to my place for free! Since I'm a fan of instant gratification, I decided to put off getting the bra to shop for other things in the store instead. I still think of this bra and use it as my standard now for my perfect fitting bra.


Although Agent Provocateur doesn't carry 32AA bras, it is a European lingerie retailer so the sizes run a little smaller. When I tried on the 32A bras at AP (Lace Maiden Bra shown above, priced at $170), I was actually surprised that they fit me so comfortably. These 32A bras are not anything like the ones you find in mainstream retailers. They are a lot more revealing, form-fitting and sensually designed. They are show pieces and works of art. The one shown above actually has a convertible halter strap that just looks delicious. If I ever bought anything from AP, I would most likely frame it and adorn it with garlands.


Lastly, I'd like to add that I've actually heard of a lingerie boutique that specializes in small bra sizes. Lula Lu Petite Lingerie, located in San Mateo, specifically caters to petite women carrying bra sizes ranging from 30AA to 38A. From Yelp reviews I have read that they even carry AAA cup sizes! Even though I have never been to her boutique myself, I highly recommend this boutique as a substitute to Victoria's Secret if you're petite. I've measured girls before who would fit a 30A bra but since VS doesn't carry that size, they would have to settle for the next available size. We shouldn't have to settle!


The owner of the boutique has definitely discovered a niche that is much needed. She has ton of press coverage and the prices are comparable to Victoria's Secret merchandise. The different brands that she carries are Mary Green, Honeydew, Wacoal, L.Z., Biatta, Hanky Panky, The Little Bra Company, Fleur'T, Timpa, Spank, Bodas, Playtex and her own line, Lula Lu Petites. If you're struggling to find a bra that fits you, Lula Lu might be the right place for you!

My Favorite Bras for...

...everyday: Victoria's Secret Biofit & PINK Wear Everywhere Push-Up Bra
...a fuller cup: Victoria's Secret Victoria Demi Bra & American Eagle Abigal Bra

The Mother Ship: Agent Provocateur

I first heard of Agent Provocateur when reading a GQ article that was advising guys to buy gifts from a less obvious lingerie shop. At that time, I was totally absorbed in the wonderful world of Victoria's Secret and couldn't imagine a better lingerie retailer. Years ago I did my research and found their website when Maggie Gyllenhaal was modeling for their merchandise. My first two reactions were, it's expensive and it's not as aesthetically pleasing. I haven't returned to Agent Provocateur's website until recently, and I see major improvements.


For those of you unfamiliar with Agent Provocateur, it is a high-end, London-based, artisanal lingerie retailer. For most of us American blue collar and even white collar folks, sticker shock is unavoidable. Most people already view Victoria's Secret merchandise as pricey, but walk into Agent Provocateur and you'll find knickers ranging from $55-140 and bras for $130-220. I'm currently coveting the red Love Basque from their Classics collection that's $370, not including panties or hosiery (shown in cream below). These aren't intimates you buy from any lingerie retailer and wear on any occasion, but investments like those expensive optical frames, watch, purse or boots you got. Or maybe that's just me. Although I am a loyal Victoria's Secret customer, artisanal French hosiery and Leavers lace has a pleasant ring to it.


After watching Agent Provocateur commercials on youtube, my favorite one is "Love Me Tender, or Else..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYuG3jgytqY), I decided to make it a point to visit the only Bay Area store blocks away from San Francisco's Union Square. Even though a friend told me about her negative experience at AP I was still very excited about viewing the lingerie in person, intimidating sales people or not. In comparison to all the VS stores I've been too, AP is relatively smaller but the decor and lush dressing rooms made up for that. I was immediately assisted by a very friendly sales associate who was more than eager to help me find styles I liked in my size. This service was also transferred into the fitting room which she walked into to help me dress and undress into different bras. I tried to hold my surprised expression because perhaps these services are normal in AP stores or other high-end lingerie boutiques. It turned out that her help in the dressing room was amazing. After I got over the fact that she could see my nipples, she was able to finish the snatch in the back of the bras, provide recommendations on how to wear the bras, and her expert opinion on every style. Although I didn't buy anything, it was a great experience especially since I wasn't pressured to make a purchase.


If I haven't convinced you yet, than maybe I need to do a little name dropping. In addition to Maggie Gyllenhaal, other celebrities that have advertised for AP are Dita von Tease, Kylie Minogue and Kate Moss. If you're in downtown, stop by and take a look at their assortment of nipple tassels!

Repackaging the Sex Shop: Good Vibrations

I can't exactly remember what my girlfriends and I were looking for when we decided to go to Good Vibrations on San Pablo in Berkeley three years ago, but I do remember the surprisingly welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. Imagine the Borders sex section expanded into an entire store replete with knick knacks and a media section. It was my first sex shop experience, and for my first it was a gentle introduction into the raunchy world of S&M, self-pleasure, sex toys and porno. I clearly remember not buying anything, but at least the environment was comfortable enough for me to leisurely peruse the store wall to wall without worrying about onlookers on the street gawking into the store (windows are blacked out). For some silly reason I was interested in finding a DVD featuring a three-some...I quickly found out that I wasn't ready for anything resembling a menage a trois after taking a look at the front and back cover! There's not enough gay in me. According to a friend, you rarely find a gay Pisces. I guess that rules out girls for me. You can't say that I didn't think about it once or twice.

Now I remember! We went to Good Vibrations to find penis shaped cookie cutters for my friend's birthday party! Being the reserved and shy girl she was, it was extremely fun chanting "big dick! big dick!" while she attempted to shove all the penis shaped cookies down her mouth. I could only imagine what her boyfriend was thinking.

For a less traumatizing sex shop experience, I recommend finding a Good Vibrations near you. I believe the original concept was to create a safe and female-friendly environment for people to explore sex-enhancing toys and disassociate itself with the dirty shops you see peeves go into. Unlike other sex shops, they advocate safe sex and sexual education. They also had fliers at the counter advertising local pole dancing classes if I remember right. Maybe if I'm feeling adventurous one of these days I'll pop into Good Vibrations and take home something worth hiding.

Third Time's a Charm: The Gold Club

I know that I'm probably a little bit late in the game, but I have to admit that I've never been to a gentlemen's club or strip club before. I know, it's shocking right? Well my excuse is that being with a guy makes me completely insecure about myself and totally puts me off to the idea of hot, full-bodied, and confident women stripping in front of me or anyone in general. I realize now that I'm just being a hater. Now that I have an intro to pole-dancing class under my belt I've been dying to go see moves on the stage. I keep thinking to myself, that could be me on the stage. I know my other friend thinks the same too.

One of these days when my friend and I get our acts together, we will make that trip to the Gold Club in San Francisco. I Yelp just about everything and the Gold Club was the classiest venue I found. Not to be mean, but we don't want cheap tricks and old farts. I've already made two attempts to go to this place. When I finally go, you'll definitely find a review here.

Exercising is Fun Again: Pole-dancing

It's been a few months since I've last taken a class at Sedusa Studios (in Campbell), but I vividly remember my Intro to Sensual/Pole Dance experience. Luckily I was able to find a friend who was equally interested (if not more) in learning how to pole dance so that I didn't have to awkwardly stand in a room full of strangers for my first time.

Even though the class was only one hour, it totally changed my perspective about performing for an audience whether it is for one person or a room full of people. Carole Whitsett, the owner and instructor for the class, emphasized throughout the class that it is sexier to move painfully slow than to the beat of Brittney Spear's "Womanizer." There's nothing more visually captivating than a confident woman gently caressing herself as she moves slowly toward you. Ever since that class I've been hooked to songs with slow beats to them. My current faves are "Sour Times" by Portishead, "Starstruck" by Santogold, "Black and Gold" by Sam Sparro and "New Resolution" by Azure Ray. I'll compile a more comprehensive list later full of songs for your varying strip-tease styles.

In addition to learning about attitude and posture, we took home with us one pole move and a short sensual dance routine. Even though my arms aren't meant for upper-body exercises, I didn't find the bow-tie move difficult to master. The more difficult task was walking slowly on my tip toes in platform heels without tipping over completely!

If you're just looking for a taste of what pole-dancing classes are like, I recommend you try out Sedusa Studios' intro class since they focus on one move and teach you a routine you can take home.

Highlights from the class:
1. Slow down.
2. Make every move graceful.
3. Don't be afraid to touch yourself.
4. Feed his fetish. Walk on your tip toes. Slowly.
5. Don't use mirrors to practice. You radiate sexy when you feel sexy.

I'm looking forward to using my own pair of platform heels I specially ordered from Forplay for taking pole dancing classes one day (shown above). I hear that Poletential (in Redwood City) offers some good courses that really tone up your muscles. Hopefully I'll find the time and money soon! Single or taken, every girl should give pole-dancing a try.

Reasons why every girl should give pole-dancing a try:
1. Instantly boosts your sexual confidence
2. Adds a secret weapon to your deadly arsenal
3. Tones your body & encourages you to stay physically fit
4. Gives you a good excuse to buy those platform heels you've been coveting

In Border's Sex Section: Burlesque/Fetish and The Art of Tease

I stumbled upon this treasure in Border's sex section while I was searching for a gift in the psychology section. It was the only one left on the shelf, and it spoke to me cover to cover. It only took a couple of page flips for me to become convinced that I needed this book. While I've only had the time to read her first few pages, I already know that Dita von Tease's Fetish and the Art of the Tease/ Burlesque and the Art of the Tease is a wealth of information. She shares her first memories of lingerie, history of burlesque, and tips of the trade. If you're not so much into reading, the book is also filled with pages of inspiring photos of her in extravagant costumes. It's difficult for me not to tear them out and frame them!

DIY Boudoir Photoshoot

What was the inspiration for my spontaneous and amateur boudoir photoshoot? My brand new over-the-knee leather boots a.k.a. "Fuck Me Boots." I personally believe that every girl must own a pair. Even if you are broke you can afford the ones I got at GUESS? which are 40% off now. Grab them while they're still there! You can wear them three different ways (1) over-the-knee, (2) folded under the knee and (3) scrunched. It's basically three shoes in one! Since the heel is relatively short (3.5 in), they're not a pain to walk in. Did I mention that I get at least 2 compliments when I wear them? They are head turners girls. I was shocked when a young cop kept staring at me while I was waiting for the cross-walk. Seriously, once you have them on you don't even have to try anymore. They do all the work for you.


So enough with the boots. I decided to accessorize my "outfit" with a fabulous faux fur stole I bought recently to wear to the Lady GaGa concert. (I love you Lady GaGa!) So in just my boots and fur stole I ran back and forth from my camera every 10 secs creating magic. I'm not naturally beautiful enough to look flawless in photos so I Microsoft Office Picture Managered the heck out of them. MS Picture Manager is my new best friend.

For all of you ladies with long distant boyfriends who need some reminding of how hot you are, all you need is a camera and computer. Remind them ladies. Give them another reason to pay for that plane ride home for the holidays. And buy those boots.

The Blogger Virgin Has Been Deflowered

Coquette Society is a blog completely dedicated to seeking, experiencing and reviewing everything to do with lingerie, pole dancing, burlesque, S&M, gentlemen's clubs, sex shops and music in NorCal. This is my Pandora's box of sex, glamour and erotic fashion. And I hope to use it to learn more about local shops and venues while at the same time providing a resource for women of all ages who want to experiment with something new or learn how to create a memorable evening.