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.

TLP: How did you get started with Hopeless?
Ever since I can remember I have wanted to do something creative with my life. Whether it was painting, drawing, sewing or something else. My mum taught me knitting and embroidery when I was very very young, and I started sewing my own clothes when I was about 14 or 15. I studied art history at uni for a few years, and then in the middle of my degree I quit and went and studied fashion, and immediately knew it was what I wanted to do. I had the idea for lingerie randomly one night just over a year ago. It was just a really really clear picture in my head of what I wanted the brand to be. Kind of a lightning bolt moment I guess. I have stuck to it and am just going to continue working as hard as I can to achieve that picture!

TLP: Sounds like the timing was spot on.
I think it was just the right time. I had matured enough and experienced enough life to be motivated and dedicated enough to really commit to it. I am still very young, 26, (even if that sometimes does feel really old!) and I know there is still so much for me to learn about the business. I think it was just the readiness. I started everything completely from scratch. I knew nothing about the industry, I only had some dress making and pattern making experience from TAFE (ed. Technical and Further Education — see wiki for more details). I spent many many hours researching other brands, writing my business plan, collecting pages from magazines. I really just immersed myself in the lingerie world because I knew that if I was going to do it, I had to do it properly.

TLP: Within your business plan, have you decided on a demographic that Hopeless is trying to reach?

I design for women who like to invest in quality and appreciate vintage styling. The most important thing for me is to create pieces that people will treasure – I love putting effort into details and paying attention to the small things, and my brand is aimed at women who appreciate that kind of work.

TLP: Sounds like you have a guiding vision for hopeless. Do you have any help with the effort so far?
Hopeless is pretty much just me, but I do have a lot of help of family and friends. My sister helps out with running errands and and a heap of other bits and pieces, she plays a great devils advocate when I get over excited about things. My partner is much more financially minded so I rely on him a lot when it comes to all the banking and the less fun stuff.

TLP: How has being based in Australia affected your business plan?
The lingerie industry in Australia is very different to the rest of the world. Australians are much more inclined to wear very comfortable practical underwear – whereas European women are a little more adventurous, so the lingerie business is much bigger over there. That is why I am developing two separate ranges within Hopeless – the silk fancy things, and the much more practical bamboo jersey pieces. I think it is important to have something for everyone and something for your different moods as well. I definitely would like a global brand, but also want to focus on keeping all my production within Australia, as well as all my fabric and supplies.

TLP: How does the Internet factor in? How about Etsy?
The internet is obviously great for reaching far away places. I owe a lot to Etsy, most of my successes so far have been a result of someone seeing my work there. I started it initially as a make-do place to show everything while my website was being set up, but since I started there I have had tens of thousands of people through the shop and have had wholesale business come of it as well. It is such a fantastic platform for people to get their name out and reach to people they would never have found otherwise. I receive comments and messages from people all over the world, and the community is so supportive and encouraging.

TLP: Do you have plans beyond Etsy?
I have a website almost ready for launch, that I think will do well alongside Etsy. I will not be leaving Etsy anytime soon though as the amount of people that come through the shop is huge! I am in the process of finding someone to help me with sewing, so I can spend a lot more time on the promotion and administration side of things. Ultimately I want my own little shop somewhere in Melbourne to start with, and then a few more around the world. I know that is a long way off yet though!

TLP: Do you plan on doing off the peg?
Everything on Etsy is made to order – according to the customers measurements and any special requests like a different trim or colour-way. I also have a couple of stores that I wholesale to – which I guess you could call off the peg. I would like to do more one-off pieces – as I get the most enjoyment from making that first sample. Its when I have to make ten or twenty of the same style that I start getting bored!

TLP: Where do you see Hopeless in five years?
I want Hopeless Lingerie to be the mother brand of a Sleep-wear line, Swim-wear and Bedding and Linen, with a small store in the city. My dreams are kind of endless, I want to do it all.

Catch Hopeless:

• Etsy
• Hopeless Hotel
• MySpace
• Blog

Louise Black has been selling her breathtaking custom corsets (and other special high-end items) online since the year 2000 – and she’s still adding designs to her Etsy shop every once in a while, which means her spot on TLP is well-deserved if you ask me…

Below — my 3 favorite pieces from her Etsy Boutique.

Victorian Anatomical Steampunk Cameo Corset

“The lace trimmed cameo corset is a Louise Black signature item and has been around since 2004. It is constructed from 7 panels of black twill canvas. It’s reinforced with an additional layer of heavy weight canvas for even more cinching power. The entire piece is lined in a decorative cotton layer. The edges and seams are encased in bias tape & lace. This sturdy, under-bust style is more of a decorative corset (not for severe waist reduction/ training), but it will pull in your waist a couple inches and give your mid-section a waspy, hour glass appearance” link

Court Jester Circus Neck Ruff Choker

“This whimsical neck adornment is made from ruffled Victorian cotton lace backed with wide pink satin ribbon. I’ve sewn a second layer of vintage metallic lace down the center front and topped with with hand-sewn antique glass pearls. The center piece is a hand-cut tattered rose made from silk chiffon and pink/gold 20’s metallic lace. I’ve sewn an art deco brooch to the center and trimmed the flower with 20’s silver bugle bead fringe.” link

Marionette Inspired Black Silk Party Dress

The black silk dupioni was all hand pleated by Louise Black, and have been angled chevron style at each seam. The double ruffled collar has been interfaced into the neckline so it stands up high around the neck rather than flopping down (though if you prefer this look, the collar can be pushed down). It is fully lined in satin, has an invisible bottom hem, zips up at the side, and closes down the back with 30 glass ball buttons. The gathered cap sleeves are lined with black and white striped satin and the waist belt is hand beaded. link

Prices for these breathtaking unique creations are much lower than what you’d expect. For example — that corset on number one is for sale at under $150. That’s not bad, is it? Check out her complete shop right here on Etsy!

HMSlatex has been around since 2006. At first, the founder began creating latex clothes for herself to wear while modeling. After she got great feedback and requests for custom creations, she decided to open up shop. Most of her garments are intended to be things that fetishists can wear on a daily basis, and her shop includes both clothing and lingerie (of course, I’m focusing on the lingerie!). HMSlatex makes bras, knickers, tank tops, dresses, and more. You can even choose the color of your garment, since each purchase is made to order. Since you’ll be investing a bit of cash to buy these garments, it may be worth it to you to pay an additional 30% fee to have your picks made to measure.

The descriptively named Vintage Opulence has a definitively unique victorian feel that helps you to induldge your girly, theatrical side. There is no lack of lace, ruffles, or satin roses in this shop! Sarah, the woman behind the shop, hand-makes, dyes, and hand-finishes vintage and vintage-inspired lingerie. Perfect for burlesque stars or just those who wish they were, Vintage Opulence offers extremely feminine bras, girdles, corselettes, bustiers, and waist cinchers in colors like dusty rose, powder blue, lilac, and ecru. I own one of the lacey waist cinchers in lilac and I love it! I am seriously considering the scarlet and ecru waist cincher, because it looks like a perfectly glamorous fit for these winter months. Vintage Opulence is relatively new on Etsy, but be sure to keep this one bookmarked – there will be a whole bunch of new pieces up soon!

Cheesecake Burlesque is like an overstuffed candy store for anyone who likes pasties and nipple tassels. With over 100 different designs, any girl would be hard-pressed to visit the shop without finding something she liked! There are the traditional burlesque styles made of sequins and tassels, but there are also the unexpected ones inspired by Betty Boop, seashells, strawberries, Hello Kitty, yin yangs, furry monsters, ducks, and much more. I can’t possibly describe them all, so you owe it to yourself to make a visit to the Cheesecake Burlesque shop and have a look for yourself. The shop supports The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue, a troop based in British Columbia, Canada. This is a great place to buy your first set of pasties or tassels, as each purchase includes tassel twirling tips, application instructions, cleaning instructions, common problem solutions, specialty double-sided tape, and a Cheesecake Burlesque collector card. If you think you’ve gotten so good at tassel twirling that you could be on stage, visit The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue’s website to apply for their open positions!

The Picnic Tailfeather Bloomer are made of a vintage table cloth. They are lined with organic cotton and feature two tiers of ruffles on the back. These are $26.

For $44.00, Clare is offering a side-tie knicker with vintage cotton and a matching sleep mask. The mask has an adjustable tie in the back that matches the side ties of the bottoms.

These are the Paper Bag Waist Bloomers for $24.00. Clare says “They feature a “paper bag” waistline. They also have cinching down the back and a removable bow with a vintage gold and white button in the center. You can wear the bow as an accessory, or just take it off to wear the bloomers under clothing. These look really cool under super low rise jeans or skirts- it looks like part of the clothing. They are lined with organic cotton and serged with pink thread.”

From Clare’s profile on Etsy she shares that she is a a graduate of Parsons School of Design’s Integrated Design Curriculum. Clare says “My main goal is to make people feel good about themselves. I make garments that accentuate the body, rather than cover it up, push it up, or transform it into something that it never could be. I don’t believe in clothing that is created to solve a problem- the flaw doesn’t exist until you design something for it. I feel that this is one reason why people are so unsatisfied with their bodies. You can buy a garment that will temporarily make you look ‘better’ while you’re wearing it, but when you take it off you’re even more dissappointed than you were in the first place because you realize that it’s not the real you. My lingerie is constructed to frame your body, fit comfortably, and make you feel naturally beautiful as you should.” Clare is eco-friendly by using vintage fabrics and new organic cotton linings. Clare makes everything herself.

Besides Etsy, check out Clare on The Oko Box and a great interview on Crafting A Green World.

First 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.

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 Crafting 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 written 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.

Inspired by her grandmothers’ clothing, one grandmother is artistically inclined enjoying the outdoors and crafts while her other grandmother enjoys wearing stylish designer clothing. Thus, Meadow’s “eco chic collection is founded on the marriage of style and the love of the earth”. In designing her label, Meadow tried to create a line that was respectful both of employees and the earth, was considered in the same league as designer clothing, and was chic but comfortable to wear.

The Summer 2008 collection includes a floral bikini called “blooming bikini” crafted from repurposed lycra with side tie bikini bottoms adorned with pretty coloured wood beads.
The “braided bamboo bikini” is quite pretty with its long braided string ties at the neck and back of the white coloured triangle top. Made of bamboo, organic cotton and spandex, the bikini top and bottoms are lined with mesh. The “kaia bubble dress” fashionably made from soy, organic cotton and spandex, with plunge neckline and keyhole design, bubble skirt, and short styling is perfect for wearing on the beach or partying at the club. And the “lena cami set” of moss green or cream camisole and boy short is rich looking and very unique with the string ties at the shoulders of the camisole.

A cute collection that should be noticed, you must take a look at the rest of Meadow’s bikinis and her little dresses.