Ooh La Latex is made by an experienced latex designer based in London. While the garments are offered in standard sizing, they can also be made to measure-for free! Ooh La Latex takes requests for custom items and can also alter designs a bit (for example, if you wish to have a different color). In addition to lingerie, they also offers latex clothing and accessories. You can find Ooh La Latex on Etsy or at OohLaLatex.com.

We know that you are inspired by vintage couture gowns.  How do you take that inspiration and translate it into your designs?

Oh, to sashay around in evening gowns! I was definitely born in the wrong era. I am smitten with the over-the-top decadence of vintage couture, particularly of the 30s and 40s, and how they transform the wearer into femme fatales. While many of these gowns are quite simple, it is the exquisite tailoring and attention to detail that make all the difference. I look to incorporate these techniques into my work, such as pin-tucking, narrow rolled hems, fastidious top stitching, and french seams.

Also, I love how vintage gowns often have one knock-out feature, providing a dramatic silhouette. I translate this unexpected impact into my work, such as ruching on the cheeky backside of panties topped with a large sash. The emphasis is all about feeling empowered through glamour, and also enjoying the feminine and playful side of donning such fancies.

What materials are your favorites to use?

I work exclusively with silk. The sheen and color saturation of silk charmeuse is just gorgeous and provides a luxuriousness that is unparalleled. Future collections, though, will include more silk chiffon as I’m interested in how it both has body yet hugs the figure. Also, I’m able to play with different textures with chiffon and enjoy how the transparency offers yet another design element.

Do you have a favorite piece in your current collection?

My favorite, at the moment, is the Tie One On garter belt. I love the flirtatious bows and the feeling of being all wrapped up like the perfect present.

What’s been your greatest success since launching?

I have been incredibly fortunate to attract the attention of some wonderful people in the industry. These bloggers and boutique owners have been so very kind in championing my little fledgling label. I am especially proud to work with Faire Frou Frou and Bella Bella Boutique who were early supporters when I first launched last spring.

Your greatest challenge?

Up to this point I’ve been a one-woman show, designing and producing each piece individually by hand. I am working on a production and merchandising strategy before releasing subsequent collections so that I can confidently grow and sustain my
label. And I’m relocating to Seattle during this period as well. Things are inordinately busy right now but I feel so privileged to have attained the successes I have in the last few months that I am thoroughly energized and up for the challenge!

What effect has social networking had on your business?

Social networking has made all the difference for me in launching my label. Not only has it provided a platform to promote Toad Lillie, it has been an amazing way to connect with other designers, to be part of this growing community of impassioned talent.

Where do you see your business headed in the next year?

In the next year I plan on exhibiting at the lingerie shows here in the U.S. which will hopefully provide Toad Lillie with more exposure. My goal is to secure a few key stockists here in the U.S. and perhaps internationally as well.

The next five?

In five years I’d like to see Toad Lillie with an international clientele, also branching out from boudoir bra and panty sets into luxe lounge wear pieces and bridal.

Thank you, Laurie!  We appreciate your candor and look forward to seeing Toad Lillie’s continued expansion.  If you want to stay up to date on Toad Lillie, don’t forget to Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter!

Ruffles! Bows! Satin! Lace! Ruching! Ribbon! Tulle! Flowers! Silk! Feathers! Looking at these photos make me feel like a kid in a candy shop. It’s all just fun!

Toad Lillie is the creation of Laurie Shapiro, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute’s Fiber program. Toad Lillie is inspired by couture fashion, hollywood glamour, and vintage gowns. Every Toad Lillie piece is made to measure and sewn by hand. You can purchase Toad Lillie at the brand’s etsy page or on the Faire Frou Frou website.

Obviously this is something of a marketing stunt – but I love it. Plus, it gives me a chance to plug our own little twitter-page located at @TheLingeriePost. Follow us too, will you?

By the way. Gabby’s other work is well worth mentioning too. She makes loads of tattoo-styled stocking, designed to be worn with a garter belt. All stockings, socks and tights are made at the designer’s home – and still sell under $25. Long live Etsy!

Valentine Bloomers by Mascherina — $45
Mascherina is a costume designer turned lingerie designer whose work has appeared in such high end boutiques as Kiki de Montparnasse and Coco de Mer.  Her work is all about the fantasy of dressing…and undressing.

Pink Nylon Heart Hot Shorts & Strappy Bow Bralette by ClareBare — $90
A graduate of Parson’s School of Design, ClareBare was recently featured in Bust magazine.  Her design philosophy is centered around making women feel good about themselves, and who can disagree with that?

Bridgitte Babydoll by Gilda & Pearl — $104
Even though Gilda & Pearl is now available on Figleaves, some of their designs are still exclusive to Etsy, like this frothy wisp of a gown derived from a vintage 1950′s pattern.  Delightful.

Little Red Riding Hood Corselette by Kiss Me Quick — $199
The word “Va-va-voom!” comes to mind when I see this delightful girdle dress.  Fashionable and functional, Kiss Me Quick promises to bring out the burlesque babe in every woman.

Victorian Underbust Corset by La Belle Fairy — $299
One can’t talk about high-end lingerie without mentioning at least one corset maker, and La Belle Fairy is that person on Etsy.  Custom made and reasonably priced, she offers a range of styles to fit every figure.  I recommend starting off with a nice basic one, like this black coutil underbust.

Check out Treacle’s blog called Confessions of a Lingerie Addict, if you’re not a fan like us already, that is (she’s giving away Hanky Panky, by the way…)!

A gorgeous Naval-inspired silk lingerie collection. All hand-made, all extremely decadent… We asked Gabrielle about her inspiration:

“…the third Hopeless range entitled “The Voyage” – based on Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Taking inspiration from the sharks teeth, the blood in the ocean and the waves of the sea. Basically I spent a lot of time looking at stills from the film, and got inspiration from unlikely places. I feel the best way to make something new is to look in unexpected places, and there are so many ways to interpret that information. Always in my mind as well is creating flattering shapes, for a range of different figures. This is something I am really trying to master in my fitting and pattern-making. I want there to be something in each of my collections for every type of body shape. I want to try and make every woman believe she is beautiful, and pretty silk things can help!”

Shopping and more info both on www.hopelesshotel.com.au and their Etsy shop!

Hypsipyle Leather Corset by Antiseptic Fashion

If you’re intrigued, head over to Antiseptic Fashion’s Etsy shop to see more uncommon corsets and leather bedroom accessories. Antiseptic Fashion plays with asymmetry and cutouts – two things not often seen in the corset world – which would make any of the pieces a standout addition to your lingerie collection.

Vollers Corsets

The English corset company offers corset-inspired jewelry to compliment any outfit. Vollers jewelry can often be found in the product shots for the corsets themselves! They currently offer earrings, necklaces, and bracelets highlighting details that can be found in corsets, like the lacing or front clasp fastenings. Click here to see more or to purchase.

Etsy

Of course unique jewelry always makes me think of Etsy! There are several sellers on Etsy selling lingerie-themed adornments, including JewelParlour and Ottobone.

Thomas Sabo

With Thomas Sabo charms, you can make a bracelet or necklace with the available lingerie-themed charms (among others). Charm bracelets have eight charm slots available, while the pearl, stone, and leather bracelets as well as the necklaces can hold up to three charms each, so you can accent the lingerie set with your birthstone or other charm.

Oak

Lastly, Oak has a necklace available with a charm designed after the iconic cone bra worn by Madonna.

Do you know of any other jewelry designers with lingerie-themed designs? If so, please leave a comment!

The latest Gatsby collection was inspired by iconic starlets of yesteryear: Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, Vivien Leigh, Veronica Lake and Josephine Baker. In keeping with the Gatsby theme, the styles are reminiscent of the 1920s and comprised of silk, vintage lace and antique buttons. I used art nouveau motifs in the machine embroidery on some of the styles. The color palate was inspired by the beautiful magnolia trees that were in bloom at the time I made the collection.

Sarah doesn’t sell the Gatsby line at her boutique. Instead, she uses Etsy for these very special pieces. The Veronica is $250 US and the full set for Clara Bow is also $250 (knicker, bra, suspender belt).

All photos from the Gatsby collection were taken by photographer Lisa Warninger. Visit her at www.lisawarninger.com. Photos of Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, Veronica Lake, and Josephine Baker are believed to be in the public domain.

On the left is Follet Hipster and Arm Spats. Brown paired them together for the elegance in the lightness of being. The material offered is your choice of color in cotton jersey. Get the set for $35. On the right is the Guardhers for $55. The suspender belt has four belts with mitten clips to bind with your stockings or tights.

On the left is the “Halther” in black satin with thick ties. Pick it up for $50. On the right is a romper inspired by 1920s playwear. It is made from ivory silk and cotton. Pick it up for $135.

On the left is the Nitesprite set for $50. It is made from black circus stripe cotton jersey. On the right, is a classic stocking from Under the Root. They can be clasped to a garter belt or tied to your thigh. Get them for $65

Photos courtesy of Under the Root. Keep up with the brand and enter frequent literary trivia questions and learn about weekly deals by following the blog at musingsusingsandloosethings.blogspot.com.