What to Wear: I see London, I see France

- Christian Dior, The Little Dictionary of Fashion

I was stopped dead in my tracks when I read this the other day. It made me slightly ashamed of my own undergarment collection as there is no way I would consider them refined. Even though these various bras from Target and Victoria's Secret perform their function, they do truly leave something lacking in that regard. I vowed to do something about this immediately, but I wanted to go beyond the banal purchase from Townhouse. I wanted something with a little personality but still refined, which is hard to find when wear a larger cup size.

Here is what I found dear readers! I hope you love these pics as much as I do. Also, since I tend to be on the larger side I did my best to include those items that go up to a D and beyond DD+!

1. Agent Provocateur - Fenella Bra (Sizes 32A-36E; $170.00): Sleek straps, cream satin, and black crepe! What more is there is to ask for in bra that manages to be cute and sexy at the same time? I love how low cut it is and often times as it is extremely difficult to find that in larger sizes. This one is definitely my favorite out of the bunch for what it is worth!


2. La Senza - Maria Bandeau Bra (Sizes 32A-38F; $32.54): The straps on this in the DD+ sizes skew to the larger side, yet they still refrain from being a huge impediment in regards to wardrobe choices. This bra is a fantastic buy as it could be paired with everything from a Tshirt to a sexy top. I mean gives someone a bigger confidence boost than hiding titillating undergarments in plain sight.


3. Kiki de Montparnasse - Muse Corselette Bra (Sizes 32A - 36D; $275.00): My favorite part of this piece is that the clasp is in the front. I know its intended purpose is to make it easier for nocturnal activities or maybe a bit of afternoon delight. For me, it is such a great selling point as I could imagine easily slipping it on in the morning when I am struggling to get out the door. Trust me guys sometimes even us girls have a hard time getting those things on/off. The unfinished look of the design reminds me of old time corsetry, which I am sure is the point when you consider the name of the design.

Oh and I thought I would pass along this helpful tip while I was at it. Many times I have been able to find my cup but not the corresponding band-size necessary. That is where these babies come in: Fashion Forms - Soft Back Bra Extenders ($12.00). You can pick them up at Victoria's Secret and most likely your local drugstore as well.

Thoughts? Places to shop for amazing bras? Leave it in the comments.

Inside Out: Lingerie Inspired Fashions for Spring

"For lingerie inspired looks what matters is that you convey an idea of the unseen and allow the dream" - Stefano Gabbana (Marie Claire - March 2010)

Elegance and illusion are key to making this work this spring, and this is especially so in the case those with a bit of "junk in the trunk".

In order to pull it off, it is essential therefore to find the right balance to avoid becoming a burlesque caricature. Showing too much is sometimes difficult to estimate for a plus sized fashionista, as what it considered a little proportionally for us may be overboard in the opinion of the general public. Remember this is a look about sleek and subtle nods to their boudoir complements - so discretion in this regard is vital!

Caftan Inspired Looks

Caftans are not only one of the most enjoyable words to say in the English language, they are also an integral part of the lingerie category. Originally making their way into boudoirs from the Middle East they now have become a staple in lingerie. Their lose fit and intricate detailing make them a sure fire hit this spring.

Dorothy Perkins - Rise Asia dress: $54.00 (US Size 12 - 14) www.dorothyperkins.com

Dorothy Perkins - Rise Embellished Dress $46.00 (US size 12 - 14) www.dorothyperkins.com

Warehouse - Embroidered Batwing Silk Top $77.00 (US size 12 - 14) www.asos.com

Corset Inspired Looks

Corsets were essential as foundation garments for centuries - well until the bra was finally able to claim its rightful place in the market. Now this season, once again, they are cropping up as outerwear. This is a look that requires some discretion as it can look too costumey if done wrong, and that is why you want to work towards creating moreso the illusion of a corset than actually wearing one.

ASOS - Contrast Panelled Jersey Corset $43.00 (US size 12 - 16) www.asos.com

ASOS - Halterneck Body Con Top $43.00 (US size 12 - 16) www.asos.com

Cami Inspired Details

Camisole detailing is also making its presence known in fashion. Lacey elements about this season and add a touch of femininity and sensuality to almost every category of clothing. In short, it is one of the easiest ways to include some lingerie inspired looks into your wardrobe this season.

Karen Millen - Cutwork Vest: $77.95 (US 12 - 14) www.asos.com

ASOS - Crochet Trim Top: $43.00 (US Sizes 12 - 18) www.asos.com

ASOS - Lace Mono Two in One Dress: $74.00 (Us Sizes 12 - 16) www.asos.com

Sensual Hosiery

stylehive had this great pair of garter leggings by LnA listed as one of the ways to wear lingerie as daywear. Sadly, I was unable to find a comparable substitute in a plus size size range. There are, however, extremely sexy back seam and Cuban Heel thigh highs available in plus sizes in an array of colors/styles. (Cuban Heel hosiery are those items that have a back seam as well as a higher than usual reinforcement on the heel.)

Fredrick's of Hollywood - Color Band Backseam Thigh High Plus: $14 (1X-2X) www.fredricks.com

Hips and Curves - Cuban Heel Contrast Top Stocking: $7.95 (Queen) www.hipsandcurves.com

Hips and Curves - Color Band & Backseam Stockings: $13.95 (1X - 6X) www.hipsandcurves.com

Hips and Curves - Cuban Heel Sheer Lycra Thigh Highs: $7.95 (Queen) www.hipsandcurves.com

If you are like me and thigh highs never stay up for you, I highly suggest investing in a garter belt. It takes the whole anxiety of whether or not your thighs are falling down out of the equation. Just make sure they are not too tight/short or else it will be an extremely uncomfortable fit.

Shoes: Flirty and Feminine or Tough Girl Chic

Elle suggests pairing lingerie-inspired separates with "shoes and bags embellished with flirty, feminine touches". Stylecaster, however, thinks that pairing these looks with "flat boots for a bit of contrast" helps "balance out the look". Either is a great choice, but for me I think that flirty and feminine complements the look best.

Manolo Blahnik - Raia: $995.00 www.barneys.com

Christian Louboutin - Ernesta Bow: $875.00 www.barneys.com

Miu Miu - Bow Pump: $560.00 www.barneys.com

Vera Wang Lavender Label - "Lynette" Satin Ballet Flats: $225.00 www.bloomingdales.com

Valentino - Bow-detail Satin Sandals: $825 www.net-a-porter.com

Love some of these items but sticker shock has got you down? Try www.like.com and www.styleshopper.com. More often than not you can find something similar at a reduced price. All you have to do is enter the designer and product name and it should come up within the search, and from there it should only be a few seconds to find similar items.