Showing posts with label Agent Provocateur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agent Provocateur. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The Sexiest Pink Tights You Will Never Want To Take Off


Pink isn't just for little girls. The color does allude to innocence, but that's why they're so sexy and playful. What really turned me on to pink thigh-high stockings was the Bebe 2009 Holiday Campaign Ad featuring Olya Ivanisevic....Purrrr. I LOVE Russian girls...and boys ;)

The only horrible outcome to all this is that I was too late. Bebe sold out of these lovely tights I believe before I even got a chance to buy them. BUT you can find pink tights everywhere! I found some Fuchsia colored tights w/seam on Agent Provocateur's website ($40).





And there are tons of pink tights on ebay too...I might just go stocking crazy!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Crazy About Neon


Agent Provocateur Fryfly

I don't know if it's just me, but I've become seriously crazy for neon colors (especially pink and lime green!). Neon is the new spring color trend and I love it! I've already allowed myself to get lime green Pleaser glow-in-the-dark platform heels, lime green Nike AirMax2009+ running shoes, and a lime green strapless bra from PINK, but very soon neon will slowly work it's way from my accessories to clothing pieces.

I recently got the March issue of Women's Health to see if I would want to subscribe to the magazine after seeing a well put together workout outfit, and saw the most amazing neon yellow bandage skirt from Express. I've given up on Express for a while but now they've definitely renewed my interest. I couldn't find the same exact image I saw in the magazine but I found other ones on the Women's Health website...


Herve Leger Skirt


Elizabeth and James Pumps



Adidas by Stella McCartney Jacket

Besides Express, Adidas and American Apparel are great places to find neon and lame.




Amber Richard wearing long sleeve mini dress for American Apparel

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Agent Provocateur Ads


I love beautiful things. Agent Provocateur makes beautiful things. But what I love most about AP is that they know how to market it to women. Even if I can't bring myself to buy their merchandise, their advertisements are free! Not only is the caliber of their products artisinal, but the attention they place into their advertisments is very close to art as well. While some of their ads are more fun, some remind me of Dolce & Gabbana Ads. Those are my favorite.






Napoleon Bonaparte's mistresses...




The Dolce & Gabbana-esque Ads...I love the complexity and chaos.





Maggie Gyllenhaal for Agent Provocateur...



Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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!