The Obsidian collection ranges in size from 32 A – 36 DD and includes bras, briefs, bikinis, thongs, and chemises in materials such as lovely leavers lace, sensual silk georgette, and magnificent mesh.  Details such as embroidery, buckles, and bows gives each piece character along with the Obsidian signature, a bright blue strip on the inside of each strap (look for it in the photos!). 

Bras retail from $80 – $105, panties from $40 – $50, and slips and chemises from $125 – $135. 

The women’s collection is sold throughout the U.S. and worldwide.   There is also a men’s collection (not pictured here) that is sold internationally, but not currently in the U.S. market.  See below for photos including my favorites Ava, Lauren, and Rita.  Enjoy!

Ava

Lauren

Rita 

Elizabeth                                                                               Rosalind

Greer                                                                                      Sophia

It’s a stretch to really call Under The Root lingerie, but it feels wrong stigmatizing it as loungewear too. On her website, Jennifer seems to be struggling with the issue as well, creatively avoiding the issue by calling her creations “structures”.  To quote the Under The Root site:

“The structures are designed to connect wearers with their personal charm, burlesque nature, conscious responsibility and utilitarian character. [...] Each handmade structure reflects a use of materials guided by the grace of our human bodies. The designs display the nostalgia of the vintage eras they represent and the functionality and advancements of the twenty first century.”

It’s amazing to see the evolution from the previous collection, especially in the very delicate “Ivory Tower Playsuit Romper”. Please do head over to the lookbook of the whole collection at www.undertheroot.com/lookbook.

Whether or not we can call this lingerie – I don’t care: I’m loving these vintage “structures”.

The result was the stunning Fall 2009 Couture runway show. Models strutted down the catwalk in outfits that reminded me of socialites not yet finished getting dressed for elaborate brunches or formal nights. They wore pairings such as voluminious jackets with garter belts and stockings, sheer crinolines, skirts with full slips, blazers with tap pants, ballgowns that revealed girdles, and dresses cut high enough to expose the skin between panties and stockings.

The models and the lingerie reminded me of many pieces from Secrets in Lace, so if you want to recreate some of these looks, I’d recommend checking there first!

The fall collection features the Basic group which includes seamless contour bras (cleavage enhancing, demi, and wireless) and matching panties (thong, boyshort, and low rise bikini).  Perfectly functional for a smooth look under your daytime looks, yet fun enough to wear on a night out.

In addition to the basics, Dereon Intimates also has its print collection, Animal Lace.  Be naughty and nice in this flirty set that combines a spicy leopard print with a sweet, chartreuse lace.

In addition to bras and panties, Dereon Intimates also features sleepwear and loungewear including yoga pants, shorts, sleepdresses, tanks and camis – cozy, comfortable, and sexy.

Dereon Intimates are not only appealing to your eye, but to your wallet as well.  You can look sleek and chic (in quality pieces nonetheless) without breaking the bank!  Bras retail from $28 – $42 and panties from $10 – $14 at department stores throughout the U.S. and online at dereon.com and HerRoom.  Stay tuned for more from the Spring and Summer collections which are guaranteed to please with their bright colors, prints, and patterns, and sexy silhouettes including the Weightless collection featured in Beyonce’s If I Were a Boy video!

The award winning Best Coordinated features a fun and flirty pastel rainbow colorway. This festive set is accented by delightful straps with sassy little bows on the bra, playful, side-tie ribbons on the panty, and a bejeweled peace sign on the bum. The Best Fashion Couture set features a pink bra adorned with pink rosettes. The bra also features the same jewel spangled ruffles that edge the panty. These (and the other pieces in Carol’s collections) are not for the tame! Fortunately, if you are on the tame side, you have time to work up your courage to wear these pieces as they are both a part of the Spring 2009 collection (to see more from the Fall 2008 collection, click here).

Carol Malony is available at department stores and boutiques worldwide including La Petite Coquette and Isabella Fine Lingerie.

For the award show, Affinitas will be featuring their entries into the Best Daywear, Best Fashion Lingerie, and Best Seamless. The Best Daywear entry is a cami and hipster set from the light and summery Sandra collection. The clean white background with pops of baby blue, pale pink, and grass green will be sure to keep you looking (and feeling) cool on hot summer nights. In the category of Fashion Lingerie, the entry is from the flirty Helen collection. A bustier and matching skirted thong feature a number of intricate details from embroidered overlays to simple bows. The Grace plunge push-up bra and corresponding hipsters are contending for the title of Best Seamless.

Check back in August to see how Affinitas fared in the award show. In the meantime, find out more about the numerous other attractive and affordable Affinitas collections on the Affinitas website. The website also provides a number of online retailers stocking Affinitas with a specialty store list coming soon!

Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, both professional models, established the line in 2003 and opened their New York City showroom in 2005. Very specific in what they have designed and the direction their clothing takes, Jovovich says, “We’ve taken the bedroom into the streets, but tried not to be too literal about it.” Hawk adds, “We don’t want to make people feel like they’re walking around in their underwear, we want them to feel like this is a great dress that I could wear a lot but still feel sensual in.”

And the Summer 2008 Collection does not disappoint. A meticulously and intricately designed line of luxurious pieces reminiscent of past eras, the collection is rife with summer beauty and fashion pizzazz. The delicate Emily cocktail dress with pretty tie closure robe resembles a fine negligee while the Zoe B Dress in pink with white polka dots and bloomer styling around the bottom of the dress and waist sash both make the dress pretty enough for a garden party. The Florence Dress is a gorgeous night shift style dress with fabulous crochet down the front of the dress and the hem making this cool enough for a hot summer day.

While it is true that Jovovich-Hawk is not a typical lingerie line but rather a clothing line inspired by boudoir type dressing gowns and garments, it is important to add to any luxury lingerie discussion as the line shows the significance of lingerie through the ages.

One of my favorite groups in the collection is Charmant. Both the bras (full cup, demi, and push-up) and the panties (bikini, thong, and lace short) incorporate a unique, corset-esque lace up detailing. This sexiness is balanced with sweetness with delicate bows adorning the pieces as well.

Couture is a one-of-a-kind group that is couture indeed! Each piece, a combination of silk and lace, looks like a work of art! This, paired with scalloped edging and rich colors, makes for quite a masterpiece.

Allure, Lou’s basic bra, is more than basic. Featuring molded foam cups that conform to your original shape, this classic bra is accented with Swarovski crystals.

Lou Lingerie can be found at a number of retailers worldwide. Look for these and a number of other sassy styles online at Figleaves and BiggerBras.com.

Breadth of Serenity is just that indeed! A clean, white double layered mesh is topped with a vibrant, royal purple scrolling embroidery, which immediately transported me to the Mediterranean in my mind! The group has something to offer everyone. The lightly lined balconette bra accomodates cups A-D, while the lightly padded full coverage bra fits C-F cups. Both feature the delicate, scalloped straps as well as the coordinating organza bow with a crystal tear drop charm.

Bottoms include a g-string hipster, bikini brief, and boyshort. All of which include the organza bow detailing in addition to their own unique elements including additional embroidery, pleating, and a key hole. In true Pfiff style, you’ll not only look fabulous from the front, but from the back as well! The group is complete with both a camisole and chemise. Mix and match to create new, opulent looks every night of the week.

For the ultimate in sophistication, Dramatic Entrances pairs a soft, tactel microfiber with Leavers lace and mesh. The palest green is accented with an inky black in a group reflecting the Art Deco style. Again, amazing detailing is featured throughout and sizes A-F are provided options through the fashionable demi padded push up bra and lightly lined full coverage bra.

The tanga features a unique, lined mesh cut out detail in the back as well as a double banded side while the wide-side thong features detachable garters! For more coverage, choose the hipster. Additional options include a lightly padded underwire bustier and a chemise with an adjustable tie back. This group is so fantastic and detailed, it could have been called Dramatic Exits as well!

Of course, the Pfiff year-round, continuous collections (including Lavish Bouquet and Moments of Seduction) are always available in stores.

To purchase the new collection, you’ll have to wait a few more weeks, but the continuous collections and Autumn/Winter 2007-2008 are currently available in department stores (including Macy’s West) and boutiques. Online, shop at Star Boudoir.

More to come on the Autumn/Winter collection!

“Make Up Room” and “Let’s Go Dutch” are two of the groups are hitting the stores this month and next. In addition, the signature (and much coveted) “Opportunity” trench coats are now available in long and short! The timeless trench coats, perfect to wear out – or in (over your sexy bralette and garter brief, of course!), are limited edition. So purchase yours today! The Lake & Stars is available in boutiques across the U.S. and Canada (including brick and mortar and online favorite, Faire Frou Frou) as well as online at Shopbop.com and Activeendeavors.com. See The Lake & Stars website for a full list of stockists.

Enjoy!