The fabric Sexy Period uses has 3 layers that accomplish this task. There are 2 absorbent layers (closest to your body) and 1 leak resistant layer (furthest from your body). The absorbent layers capture and wick away liquid to keep your skin dry, while the leak resistant layer traps spills and prevents leaks. The inner fabric layers are also black, so you don’t have to worry about yucky stains.

When we first introduced you to the line in that original post, I wondered how these panties would be different from OnGassmer Luxury Liners (which have unfortunately been discontinued now). Well, there are two big differences that make Sexy Period a far superior product as far as I’m concerned: 1) the designs are actually pretty darn cute and attractive, and 2) the leak-resistant fabric covers almost the whole panty (not just the gusset). This makes it not only more effective (I imagine), but also a lot more attractive because the whole section of the design is the black leak-resistant fabric, not just a random black section of fabric in the crotch.

I ordered a Blossoming Beauty bikini for myself, and I really like it. To be honest I haven’t had an occasion that really tested the leak-resistance powers yet, but it is reassuring to have that extra backup protection in case I ever do need it.You can see more or purchase at SexyPeriod.com.

In the meantime, we will reveal the amazing collection that resulted from that experience, Arabesque, but first, we wanted to congratulate Josh for being invited to the first ever fashion law bar committee of the New York City Bar Association!  What an honor!

And now, Arabesque…

Arabesque, the latest addition to the Layla L’obatti collection, is stunning.  Made of opulent, midnight blue silk paired with tea dyed lace and complemented by exquisite ivory cotton silk, each piece in the collection is inspired dually by the elegance and grace of a ballerina and the rich and vibrant culture of the Middle East.  This video, featuring the lovely Susan Coffey, encapsulates that vision.

Some images of the collection are featured below.  My personal faves are the playsuit, robe, and caftan although they are all stunning!  Let me know what yours are!  Pieces in this collection will be available by the end of summer.  We’ll let you know where, of course, so stay tuned!

RICHPR is one of the leading PR agencies in the fashion industry, particularly with lingerie.  The tagline “Let RICHPR expose you” is more than a double entendre!  This boutique firm specializes in media outreach and does a phenomenal job of connecting the brands with the editors, reporters, writers, producers, fashion stylists and bloggers.  RICHPR ensures that both up-and-coming as well as established brands get the exposure they deserve.

Owner and founder, Lauren Rich, and her team, are the epitome of professionalism, sophistication, and creativity!  They recently hosted me, along with other media representatives, at a press preview for the Autumn/Winter 2011 collections for BRULEE, Affinitas, Parfait by Affinitas, Second Base, and Sassybax!  No RICHPR preview would be complete without a theme and this time was no exception!  The theme ‘Enchanted’ was carried out in every detail making for a magical experience.  In this intimate setting, I was able to view the upcoming collections that you will be seeing in stores in just a few months.  While nothing compares to seeing and feeling the luxurious laces, sensuous silks, and chic chiffons for yourself, I hope this footage will capture the essence of the loveliness that is to come in just a few months!  Let us know what your favorites are!

And since a TLP video wouldn’t be complete without a little musical accompaniment, we hope you love (and let us know how much!) the ‘Enchanted’ worthy song by our friend, Ramzi.  Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Currently, Straps and Strings carries about 24 brands including Lise Charmel, Damaris, Chantelle, Cosabella, and Simone Perele (with others in the works!) not otherwise sold in India.  Returns and exchanges are next day delivery is guaranteed to most cities in India.  Head over to Straps and Strings today where an End of Season sale is in progress.  With discounts up to 70%, you can stock up on all your favorites!

Let us know what you purchase!  And don’t forget to ‘Like’ Straps and Strings on Facebook!  (Us too, if you haven’t!)

DirectorySexy grew out of several ideas as well as things I noticed about lingerie in general. I noticed that when a woman wore lingerie she loved, she exuded far more confidence, which we all know equates to sexiness!  In addition, I grew tired of almost endless searching to find the right styles and brands for my better half.

I wanted to provide a place where lingerie lovers, retailers, and designers could find new lingerie, new companies, and new styles quickly and easily.  DirectorySexy was born out of this notion: to help those seeking lingerie.  Plain, simple and to the point.

Companies, both boutiques and designers, are placed into any number of about 20 categories. Each company profile page has various information included about the company.  Depending upon what information I can find about the boutique or designer, I’ll include a history, company background, and reviews if possible.

DirectorySexy’s Lingerie Categories:

• Bespoke
• Boudoir
• Brick & Mortar
• Bridal
• Burlesque
• Corsets
• E-Boutiques (designer only)
• Eco-Friendly
• Every Day
• Fetish
• Full Figure
• Lingerie Accessories (coming soon)
• Loungewear
• Maternity
• Nightwear
• Retro
• Role Play
• Shapewear
• Sports-Activewear
• Stockings
• Swimwear
• Vintage

In addition various sets of links are provided for each company.  Designer entries include Current Collections and Purchasing links, while Boutiques include Departments (i.e. Bras, Bridal, Hosiery) and Designers In Stock.  Designer entries also display in what countries their designs are currently sold and the list of Brands/Labels they produce.

Social networking links are provided when the Designer or Boutique has accounts on those Social Networks. Networks include: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Digg, StumbleUpon, Tumblr, YouTube, Mixx, Delicious, Yelp and a few others. Additional Links, called “Extras” are links to cool stuff like Videos, Sizing Guides or interviews listed on the company’s website.

Of course images are included with absolutely every company profile.  A list of current styles the Designer produces or the Boutique carries in stock are listed according to their style category. Style Categories include: By Occasion, Bra Styles, Panty Styles, Lingerie Styles, Corset Styles, and Shapewear Styles.  This way a visitor can look for specific styles.  This will soon be a sorting option for all categories.

And that’s DirectorySexy in a nutshell.  I have a lot of new features planned I love feedback and suggestions.  I want DirectorySexy to be shaped by the people who use it, the wonderful designers and boutique owners I have met, as well as the lingerie industry at large.  Feel free to drop me a line on the site or message me on Twitter or Facebook for more information.

Samantha Chang is available at Journelle, La Mode, and Kaori’s Closet among other retailers.

Hopefully this lovely robe will be at these retailers soon if it isn’t there already!

From Lelo, we interviewed the lovely Eliane Said who showed us the absolutely elegant Sussurra collection recently launched by the brand best known for their pleasure objects.  You’ll be hearing more on TLP about this collection, but pay special attention to the kimono (my fave!).  Just glorious!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hanky Panky lent us their Glam Guru, JD Breen, who showed us some best sellers and talked trends.  Did you know that Hanky Panky is more than just their signature thong?!  And speaking of the thong…stay tuned to the end of the video for a little tidbit!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Our other two interviews featured two of New York’s premier young designers – Layla of Between the Sheets and Ari of ARI DEIN.  Get a glimpse at their upcoming brands, discover their inspiration, and learn how they make it all work (yes, Tim Gunn would be proud!).  Also, learn a bit more about each of them as individuals.  Are they loyal to the iPhone or Blackberry?  What superhero powers do they secretly desire?  Where do they see their brands in 5 years?

We love these ladies and know you will too!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The video interviews are a new territory for TLP, so let us know what you think!  We hope you enjoy this peek into the world behind the brands.  Stay tuned to TLP for more on what’s to come – new finds, trends, photos, and more!  Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter and keep the conversation going.  Maybe one of your questions will be asked of the next featured industry insider!

What I love the most about this collection is that it is fashion forward and edgy.  While I like that so many shapewear brands are doing pretty, lacy pieces, I love that Cynthia Rowley went the way of edgy, mod, geometric designs.  You’ll pay a hefty price for each of these items which retail from $130 to $260, but I’m confident they are worth every penny.

Slim is available at Journelle and on the Cynthia Rowley website.

What was your inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection?

For Spring/Summer 2011 I was inspired by summer love, those timeless innocent moments on the beach, in the sand, on the boardwalk and out at an amusement park that we look back and remember fondly. I wanted to make an airy, colorful, and light collection that you could make more of those summer memories in, whether kicking back on your porch with some lemonade or iced tea or thrown over a swimsuit beach or poolside. There is something magical about summer memories that have this dreamlike, they’re endless and live on forever.

I got a crazy idea to shoot at Coney Island, I had only visited it twice since I first moved to New York, but the moment I thought of my own nostalgic moments at Venice and Santa Monica beach in California, Coney Island was like the grittier NYC version of that for me. All that aside for a made in New York brand this historic New York landmark just seemed like the perfect backdrop for a SS11 campaign!

How will this collection differ from the previous collections?

We’re introducing two new groups for SS11- “Play a Spell” which consists of airy cotton voille and delicate lace trimmed pieces and “Frolic & Play” another crossover collection of an light luxe slub knit that could be worn over swimwear or as RTW and also functions as lounge or sleepwear and merchandises back to some of our basics really nicely.

Since we at TLP always seek to give you the latest information in the industry, when it was leaked last week that Between the Sheets would be featured on an upcoming reality TV show, we decided to ask Layla about that as well.

How did you first hear about the show? What prompted you to audition?

Actually, we were approached a while back, and at first we were a bit hesitant as to whether we could stand to step away from our business to be a part of this, but in the end we decided it was an opportunity a fledgling brand like ours could not turn down. After all we want to give this baby of ours wings to fly!

Do you think the show will give more exposure to the still growing lingerie industry?

I can’t say much about what went on- you’ll have to tune in to watch, and in truth I don’t know what the final product will end up like. That was another hesitation for us, anytime you are on a reality show there is a certain amount of risk involved, and even more when it is a pilot season and there is no history for what the show will be like. I do hope/believe that you will get a true vision of the work that goes into making a product, and the humanity that is behind the brand. I hope that viewers with each episode will see what a risk designers take when they step out into an industry dominated by well funded heavy hitters, financially and emotionally speaking.

Speaking on lingerie specifically it has always been my goal to have lingerie recognized as a fashion category alongside ready to wear, couture, etc. We have whole floors in department stores devoted to lingerie, and our own specialized trade events/shows and yet the fashion industry at large tends to treat lingerie like a sleazy cousin when there is so much more to the lingerie industry than that. I think that our being cast as part of this first season should send a message that lingerie designers are out there, and making some beautiful clothing, and that is a message I hope comes across.

We believe we have leaps and bounds to go to grow BTS into what we hope it will be, our Fall season surpassed our launch by so much! I think the economic fears are easing and as we have been around for more than one season and add new groups we continue to meet new boutique and store owner who are interested in our playful spirit and unique products!

Thanks to Layla for sharing what she could.  I know I’ll be tuning in!  For more details on the show, see here for the leaked article about the show which will air on the Sundance Channel.  For now, keep up with BTS on Facebook and Twitter and enjoy these lovely pictures of the collection.

Hanro's Little Love tank top and bikini

ShopSmart magazine has just come out with the results of a telephone survey asking 1,000 women about their relationship with, and habits around, their lingerie. Here are some of the top stats from the survey:

• Women own an average of 21 knickers
• 10% of women own 35 or more pairs
• 46% of women favor the brief style
• 56% of women fold their panties
• 27% just toss them in the drawer
• 1 in 10 women will “go commando,” leaving the house without underwear
• 29% of women said their favorite pair of panties is white
• 21% of women’s favorite pairs are black
• 2% have a favorite pair that is red, and only 1% have a favorite pair in green
• 47% of women feel sexier and more confident when wearing a “special” pair of panties
• 27% say their mood is affected when they wear unattractive of ill-fitting underwear
• 25% have at least one pair of underwear they would be embarrassed for someone else  to see
• Half of women have problems with fit – the most common problems are wedgies, underwear not laying flat under clothes, and not enough coverage in the rear

The most important pieces of information I see here are 1) Women’s moods are affected if they’re wearing lingerie that isn’t pretty or comfortable, but 2) That doesn’t stop women from wearing lingerie that isn’t comfortable. Even though they know that they feel more confident in pretty lingerie!

Ladies, I think we all know what this means. It’s time to reevaluate your lingerie drawer. Toss out everything that pinches or pokes or gives you a wedgie or doesn’t have the amount of coverage you like (too little or too much!). Re-invest in more of the styles, colors, and fits that make you feel amazing. A great day starts with a great pair of panties.

What is your favorite style – you know, the kind that always looks and feels wonderful and puts you in a good mood? Are you holding on to any lingerie that never makes you feel good?