The Lingerie Post » Lingerie Books http://www.the-lingerie-post.com The most beautiful lingerie and swimwear in the world... Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:38:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie and Sexuality http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2010/02/an-intimate-affair-women-lingerie-and-sexuality/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2010/02/an-intimate-affair-women-lingerie-and-sexuality/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:59:31 +0000 Marissa http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/?p=9406 An Intimate Affair bookEven though the holiday gift giving season has come to a close, a good gift idea is never a bad thing (and after all, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!). This book by Jill Fields, An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie and Sexuality is the perfect item for a man or woman that has an interest in lingerie and the history of undergarments.

The book explores lingerie as manufactured garments, cultural icons, and functional undergarments. It touches on a detailed history of bras, corsets, drawers, and black lingerie from introduction to modern day.  Fields also talks about lingerie as presented in the media and the sexual psychology of lingerie brands.

A review on goodreads.com describes the book as, “Jill Fields’s engaging, imaginative, and sophisticated history of twentieth-century lingerie tours the world of women’s intimate apparel and arrives at nothing less than a sweeping view of twentieth-century women’s history via the undergarments they wore. Illustrated throughout and drawing on a wealth of evidence from fashion magazines, trade periodicals, costume artifacts, Hollywood films, and the records of organized labor, An Intimate Affair is a provocative examination of the ways cultural meanings are orchestrated by the “fashion-industrial complex.”

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2010/02/an-intimate-affair-women-lingerie-and-sexuality/feed/ 1 Underneath It All http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/11/underneath-it-all/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/11/underneath-it-all/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:00:32 +0000 Kelly http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/?p=8963 Underneath It All

Underneath It All

I have heard a few people mention the new book Underneath It All: A girl’s guide to buying, wearing, and loving lingerie so when I made a recent book order, I decided to throw that in my cart as well – and I’m glad I did. Underneath It All was written by lingerie boutique owner Jennifer Carroll and lingerie lover Kathy Schultz. The book itself is small (it could easily be slipped into a handbag) and a quick read (it probably took me about two hours over the course of a day). But what about the contents?

Underneath It All is probably best for someone new to lingerie or someone who is trying to overhaul her lingerie wardrobe. While the book does talk about the benefits of wearing lingerie as part of your everyday life (You look good! You feel good!) it seems that most of the information is centered around helping you pick which pieces to buy and wear. In the beginning of the book you take a sort of lingerie personality test, which is then used to help you identify the styles that might best suit your lifestyle and tastes – including what might catch your eye and also which specific brands may be good to start underneathitallamazonwith. Underneath It All also discusses which shapes and styles are best for your body type, so you can nail down your most flattering choices. Of course I was happy when correct bra sizing was discussed, and surprised when I saw a whole chapter devoted to choosing lingerie according to your significant other’s tastes – it’s an area that isn’t often focused on in other lingerie guidebooks. Once you’ve learned what to look for, the back of the book features a helpful directory of some lingerie boutiques (sorted by US state) as well as online retailers

In short, this is a helpful book – I’m happy to add it to my library and I’m sure I’ll be lending it out to friends. But it might be best suited for those just starting on their lingerie-loving journey – old hats may not learn much in the way of new information.

If you’re interested in purchasing or reading an excerpt from the book, visit the book’s website at UnderneathItAllTheBook.com, or get it online at Amazon!

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/11/underneath-it-all/feed/ 0 Lingerie: A Lexicon of Style http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/08/lingerie-a-lexicon-of-style/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/08/lingerie-a-lexicon-of-style/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:00:43 +0000 Kelly http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/?p=7024 Lingerie: A Lexicon of Style is a book written by Caroline Cox, the Principal Lecturer in Cultural & Historical Studies at the London College of Fashion. As a fashion historian, she has the background to talk about the cultural and historical aspects of our underwear.Lingerie: A Lexicon of Style book I recently purchased this book and enjoyed reading it over the course of several days. Lingerie: A Lexicon of Style touches on many of the larger categories of lingerie (corsets, bras, panties, shapewear, sportswear, etc.) and discusses the place undergarments have had in history and in modern culture in terms of political movements, fetishes, and our daily lives. The text is well illustrated with more than 200 color photographs, perfect for a coffeetable book.

This book is great for someone who has already developed a love of lingerie. It provides food for thought about why we have given up and adopted certain pieces, how modern society percieves and wears lingerie, and what the future may hold. I will say that I had one problem with the book – you are constantly reminded of the text’s age. The book was published in 2001, and most of the pictured styles (especially panties) are obviously dated which can sometimes be distracting. Overall however, we are featuring this book on TLP because I think it will be a great addition to any lingerie lover’s library! You can purchase your own copy in the used book marketplace of Amazon.com.

See past books we have discussed by clicking here.

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2009/08/lingerie-a-lexicon-of-style/feed/ 0 Make Your Own Lingerie http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/make-your-own-lingerie/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/make-your-own-lingerie/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:16 +0000 Kelly http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/make-your-own-lingerie/ I have to admit that I’m not so good at handicrafts. When I try to sew I mess up even simple hems, and I feel accomplished if I manage to crochet a scarf that is straight across. But many of you are skilled in these kinds of things, and this post is for you! With a little help from people who have done it before, you can become a lingerie designer in your own home!

diy_sexylittleknits.jpgFirst up is Sexy Little Knits, a book of twenty-four patterns for anyone who likes to knit or crochet. The book was authored by Ashley Paige, whose knit swimwear designs have clothed Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani. The book includes summer clothing in addition to camisoles, bathrobes, sleepwear, bikinis, and one-piece bathing suits. You can buy the book from Amazon.com.

Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie

There are plenty of books out there with patterns for sewing your own lingerie. One book that comes highly recommended to me is Kwik Sew’s Beautiful Lingerie. The included patterns for slips, camisoles, briefs, panties, teddies, nightgowns, and robes can be easily made with either woven or knit fabrics. There is also a detailed section on the use of lace as well as other hem finishes and trims.

If you’re not ready to invest in a book just yet (or if you’re ready to get started right now), check out diy_easyeco.jpgCrafting a Green World’s article on how to create a sexy set from an old scarf and some wide ribbon. “DIY: Easy Eco Lingerie!” was written by Leslie Richard, owner of The Öko Box eco-friendly online store. These instructions look easy and are focused on using what you already having lying around your house to create a pretty set instead of going out and buying a new one. This is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence because it is kind to your pocketbook and kind to the environment!

Last but not least, I also found some online instructions for creating your own set of pasties. “How to Make Pasties” was diy_pasties.jpgwritten by Miss Cedar, who experimented with the process while making pasties for her friend’s burlesque troup. This looks so easy that even someone like me could handle it! A quick trip to a simple craft store is all you need to invest. Tassles optional ;-)

If you don’t have the time or talent to make your own lingerie, but you still want that handmade touch, check out our archives of lingerie you can buy on Etsy.

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/make-your-own-lingerie/feed/ 0 Limited Edition Agent Provocateur Font Story and Knickers http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/limited-edition-agent-provocateur-font-story-and-knickers/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/limited-edition-agent-provocateur-font-story-and-knickers/#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:15:30 +0000 Rene http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/limited-edition-agent-provocateur-font-story-and-knickers/

If you are looking for the narrow demographic crossover between designer lingerie and typography, House Industries has a limited edition package for you. After twelve years of living with the same logo, Joseph Corre said, “We needed to move on. House Industries was an obvious choice. I knew they would retain the goodwill we had already developed in the word mark but deliver something authentic and original. I was right.”

Besides the logo, House Industries created a corset shape containing the roundhand AP logotype, redrew the signature Agent Provocateur lacy legs, and created an exclusive typeface for the company. The whole process was documented in a commemorative book and an exclusive pair of their side tie knickers with more of the delicious font created by House Industries. The package is $75 and quantities are limited.

Visit the House Industries store to secure your pair.

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2008/09/limited-edition-agent-provocateur-font-story-and-knickers/feed/ 0 The Lingerie Handbook http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2007/08/the-lingerie-handbook/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2007/08/the-lingerie-handbook/#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:00:29 +0000 Kelly http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/brands/hanky-panky/the-lingerie-handbook.html The Lingerie HandbookI picked up a new book on a shopping trip over the weekend, and I barely put it down until I was done. I could not, in good conscience, keep this information from readers of The Lingerie Post! The Lingerie Handbook was written by Rebecca Apsan, owner and founder of La Petite Coquette boutique. It is a comprehensive and very well-written guide to the world of lingerie – including bras, panties, hosiery, shapewear, and slips. Apsan’s attitude about lingerie (that it can and should be worn every day – a sentiment I certainly endorse) is positively addicting. First of all, she gives you the basics for every category – e.g. photos and descriptions of all different kinds of panties, how to put on shapewear and hosiery, and how to find a well-fitting bra (a section I hoped would be a bit more fleshed out, but it was still quite good and encouraged women to get a professional fitting, which is always a good idea). Each section also includes a history of the pieces and scattered trivia. Did you know that the traditional bow found on the center gore of bras dates back to a time when even fine ladies bathed only scarcely? They would put ribboned sachets in their cleavage to put off a more pleasing aroma. Now there is no need for that, of course, but the custom has been passed down until it is now just a small bow still found on many bras.

The photos include very popular brands, such as Le Mystere, Spanx, Hanky Panky, and Lunaire (I only wish she gave information on the pieces shown, because there are some real beauties I wouldThe Lingerie Handbook love to track down for myself!). Plus, the book is very new which means the information is all very up-to-date. I highly recommend this book as a superb reference for any lingerie aficionado. The information is thorough and presented well. If you’re not a lingerie fan yet, you’ll soon be one after reading Apsan’s infectious appreciation for all kinds of lingerie! What a great resource!

My only disappointment was the difficulty I had in locating the book on La Petite Coquette’s website. I had to put an item in my cart before a link was provided on my cart page, underneath the items I was ordering, for the book. Even then, no page is available with any information on it. However, the trouble may be worth it because you get a discount of a few dollars by ordering there instead of another retailer.

]]> http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2007/08/the-lingerie-handbook/feed/ 4 The Lingerie Handbook by Rebecca Apsan http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2006/10/the-lingerie-handbook-by-rebecca-apsan/ http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2006/10/the-lingerie-handbook-by-rebecca-apsan/#comments Sat, 28 Oct 2006 16:54:22 +0000 Mandolina http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/lingerie-shops/the-lingerie-handbook-by-rebecca-apsan.html The Lingerie HandbookThanks to Krista over at Life in the Girl Lane, we just found out about an interesting publication by Rebecca Apsan, owner of La Petite Coquette. Obviously we had to share this information with the rest of you lingerie-lovers out there…

Here’s what the writers have to say:

“The Lingerie Handbook, by renowned owner Rebecca Apsan with Sarah Stark, is the definitive guide to everything about underthings. Nothing like this has ever been written before! [...]

You’ll find practical tops-to-bottoms tips, historical tidbits and how lingerie can change both your look, and your outlook. This is a bust must-have if your bra is ever uncomfortable, if you’ve worn the same size since college or just wondered why bras are so expensive anyway. It covers (and uncovers): panties, slips, sleepwear, shapewear, stockings, tights, garters…from what to wear under there to the art of dressing to undress (with tips for men!). Also, care & upkeep, how to stash, what to trash…and where to begin!”

If you’re interested in reading this book, it’s available for a special promo price of $9.95 in stead of $13.95 with any purchase at La Petite Coquette…

Thanks for the heads up Krista!

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