The pieces up for review are the “Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Triangle Cross-Back Bra,” the matching “Low Slung Panty” (both in fluorescent pink), and the “Screen Print Baby Rib Thong.” I’ve rated each piece on a scale of 1 to 10, taking in consideration each garment’s overall look, comfort, fit, and price. See the results below!

Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Triangle Cross-Back Bra:

Overall Look: 10/10. One of the great things about American Apparel is that each silhouette (whether it be intimates or regular apparel) is generally available in a wide variety of colors, giving it the ability to appeal to many customers. This bra also comes in black, white, nude, scarlet, sunshine/white, pop purple, magic pink, navy and royal blue. Plus, the new sexy mesh lets the nipples peek through, which I’m sure won’t generate any complaints from the boys.

Comfort: 7/10. Even though this bra is made of a nylon spandex micro-mesh blend, it feels like cotton on the skin. It’s virtually weightless and you can barely feel it when it’s on, which is always a quality I look for when shopping for bras. However, if you move around too much (and haven’t purchased the right size) a breast might pop right out, and since you barely feel the bra to begin with, you will not feel when this happens!

Fit: 7/10. If I were to follow the size chart provided on AA’s Web site, I would have purchased this bra in a medium, which I actually did do about a year ago when I bought the “Cotton Spandex Jersey Cross-Back Bra” version, but that was the incorrect fit.  AA sent me the small this time around, and even that, I would say, is a bit too big, which is unfortunate because the bra only comes in sizes S, M and L. If AA incorporated adjustable straps into the design, this problem would vanish and there would be more support.

Price: 10/10. Using the handy dandy cost-per-wear equation (item price divided by times worn equals the cost per wear) I decided that at only $14, this triangle bra is a super value. It is practical and comfortable enough to wear at least twice a week and it will last you at least a year, making the cost per wear as little as $0.14!

Overall score: 8.5/10

Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Low Slung Panty:

Overall Look: 10/10. This panty has the same appearance qualities as its matching bra: it’s sexy, sheer and available in the same 10 colors.

Comfort: 10/10. These panties manage to be far more comfortable than its matching countertop. The elastic waistband doesn’t dig into the body, which as always is a very positive attribute!

Fit: 10/10. I also wouldn’t follow the size chart AA provides on their Web site for this one — definitely aim for one size smaller. Seriously, I have a, let’s say um, plump butt (I’m Brazilian so there was no way around it!) and would normally buy a medium to get close to full-coverage, but AA sent me the small and it fit perfectly.

Price: 10/10. At only $11, if you wear these babies once every two weeks for a year, the cost per wear is merely $0.42!

Overall score: 10/10

Screen Print Baby Rib Thong:

Overall Look: 10/10. AA sent me a thong in lemon bearing the limited edition “Okay USA” print, and even though I don’t usually like written words on my lingerie, I think this piece is meant to be fun and a reflection of the company’s manufacturing standards, so I like it. Thumbs up. It also comes in nude, brown, orange, pink and lime.

Comfort: 10/10. Let me just start out by saying that I don’t particularly like to wear thongs. Maybe it’s a misconception, but I normally can’t see them as being comfortable undergarments. Perhaps it was the ultra-slim waistband that didn’t dig in to my body, or the fact that it’s 100 percent cotton, but whatever it was, something made me have a change of heart about thongs. In other words, it was super comfortable!

Fit: 8/10. Once again, aim smaller. AA sent me the size 0 and it fit — I normally fit anywhere between a size 3 and 7 in pants (US sizes), and always overlook any size “nothings.”

Price: 6/10. I found this piece a bit expensive at $17. If you were to wear it once a month for a year, the cost per wear would be $1.41, which, yes, is really inexpensive, but like I said I’m not a huge fan of thongs!

Overall score: 8.5/10

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Anything I didn’t cover? Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them!

If you are a designer, a retailer, a label or an importer and you would like us to review a piece from your collection: let us know by sending us an e-mail at info@the-lingerie-post.com, or if you choose to contact me directly, you may do so at bruna@the-lingerie-post.com.

Photos: American Apparel

Designed for independent, confident, and sophisticated ladies, Brulee is chic and elegant and is inspired by the busy lifestyle of Giambi who realized that the market lacked versatile, sexy pieces that traveled well.  Thus tops, camis, bodysuits, and leggings in the collection were designed to provide the wearer flexibility to pair with pencil skirts, skinny jeans, sweater dresses, and more.  Are you ready to indulge?

Brulee will hit stores in Spring 2010 with pieces in sizes XS-XL retailing from $36 to $178.  However, if you just can’t resist, you can contact Brulee directly through their website and a representative will help complete your order!  Go ahead.  Feel sexy.  Feel confident.  Indulge!

This past weekend, I tested out the Commando Cotton Bikini.  I was elated that just like the original Commando, the cotton counterpart was laser-cut to lay flat against my body.  The tagless, low-rise panty was virtually invisible!  Commando Cotton is also available in the Girlshort and Thong.  The $24-$30 price tag is well worth it so buy yours at Bare Necessities today!

Two collections called Moonlight White and Heavenly Pink, a combination of floral and pink solid fabrics, are made up of a chemise, v-neck top, camisole, PJ pants, and robe. Each can be purchased individually or in already made sets. In extra small, small, medium, and large, the garments are quite pretty and look extremely comfortable for sleeping and lounging. The nice part about both these collections is each piece can be worn with another. And the pieces are generously styled with the tops falling down to the hips, the chemise draping at knee length, the wide leg pants to the ankle bone, and the robe to the knee.

Each piece is finished with deep hems, side vents, satin stitching to refine the style… I like it!

Although I am told that the concept in general is “punk-style”, I actually think this is a great looking group of shorts, tees, camis, capris, long pants and underpanties. The “Loungen” set made of cotton and spandex comes in black, checkerboard and dream skull. The dream skull is much cuter than the name implies with its white, black and green geometrical shaped design. The “Boxed Up” elastic waist shorts had me mesmerized with the black and white design. And all of the pieces are mix and match to create a funky look and to ensure the right sizing.

I can understand why young girls would gravitate to this brand.

Panty styles include bikini, boyshort, cheeky, hipster, and thong in cotton, mesh, or lace.  Choose from a variety of patterns, prints, and solids.  Prices for panties range from $7.50 to $10.50, but are also available 5 for $25 or 3 for $24 depending on the style.

I plan on trying a few pairs out to see how they compare to my staple favorites – Commando, Cosabella, Honeydew, and Hanky Panky!  Many of the panty styles resemble these popular department store and boutique brands.  I’m also interested in hearing about the quality and fit of the bras as compared to other brands.  They are out of my size range so I’d love to hear about your experiences.  Please share in our forums.  I’m looking forward to hearing your opinions.

The Harlow High-Rise Retro Leg is available in two styles. The first, made of the softest modal and supima cotton, features a flirty keyhole above sassy ruching. It is sure to evoke your inner vixen! The second, in peek-a-boo princess lace, is the perfect blend of naughty and nice. These styles fit perfectly with the recently redesigned Hanky Panky website!

Look for these styles at Nordstrom department stores, Store of Lingerie in Denver, Colorado, and online at BareNecessities.com. Enjoy!

Bright pinks, bold reds, classic blacks and white, mustard yellow, mixed stripes and cute little patterns all combine to make this a fun-loving, super-comfy collection. Sweet names like “Bonny Print” and “Poppy Stripe”, the company states that their top five best sellers are Bonny Print Boy Fit, Din Stripe Boyfit, Katie Double Stripe, Black Stripe Boy Fit, and Rugby Boy Fit.

All the panties are designed with a wide elastic waistband coloured to complement the rest of the brief in perfect detail. Further, the legs are all cut differently from the very high sexy cut as seen on the Black Stripe JA Cotton Knicker to a longer rounder discreet cut on the Pigeon Boy Fit. Some panties have prints with vertical stripes on the sides, others are solid colours with a printed section in the front, and yet more are solid colours with fancy waistbands.

In order to complete the fun-loving look, the company offers “singlets” (camisoles or undershirts) in a variety of styles, colours and patterns to mix and match with the knickers. Also made of cotton and elastane, ladies can choose from spaghetti straps, racer back and t-back. Singlets are perfect for layering worn either underneath another camisole or on top of a short sleeved tee.

James & August also sells a line of clothing and casual wear. Both the lingerie and street clothing lines are sold at many retailers throughout New Zealand as well as the company’s own website which includes an online store.

Bodas was a new brand to me. With bras, knickers, camis, and more in cotton, mesh, and tactel, the collection is ideal for keeping you cool and comfortable as well as chic. In a variety of colors and styles, Bodas is perfect under clingy summer dresses and sexy summer short shorts!

With wedding season in full swing, I’m sure many of you are purchasing gifts for friends or perhaps for yourself. If you are looking for something a little different, I suggest Letters of Marque. This line proves that the sweet, vintage Victorian look can be sexy too. Soft and sheer with Leavers lace embellishments, it will be hard to choose between the bralette and cami and the bloomers and g-string. The collection also includes a babydoll and bed jacket.

Pretty, pretty! If you are in New York City, visit Journelle for a sampling of each of these collections. If you are out of the New York City area, you will soon be able to shop Journelle online, but in the meantime, check out Araks and Bodas at Lille Boutique and Letters of Marque at Nancy Meyer and Dollhouse Bettie. Enjoy!

And if you wonder how anyone can dress elegantly and scantily at the same time, you only have to review the 2008 collections to get your answer. 100% silk print with lace inlay highlights the Calypso line with creamy colours and glorious floral designs. Who could resist walking around in that beautiful chemise all day?

Take a peek at the Madeleine line and you know that this lingerie speaks of luxury and elegance. Pretty lace, flower details and exquisite finishings around the waistband and legs of the panties as well as the straps of the bras.

The Panache line is more bold and daring in hot pinks mixed with blacks and golds. And if you are looking for something a little more casual but still pretty and feminine, try the Pennyfarthing made of 100% cotton.

Truly, Elegantly Scant is a fabulous lingerie company who exhibits qualities of fun and whimsy, elegance and luxury, and sexy and alluring. Looking forward to the upcoming collections, and will obviously be keeping you posted of those here on The Lingerie Post!