Fashion for everyone

Last season, Cynthia Rowley got a ton of attention for her collaboration with Roxy, which unfortunately appears to be a one-time project. I missed out, but luckily, she's taken those body-con shapes and streamlined silhouettes, and translated them into a new bodywear line called Get SLIM. The small selection of pieces appear to have all the practical slimming effects of bodyshapers and control top underwear, without looking anything like the embarrassing grandma-style-girdles that are currently on the market. I imagine these will be perfect for the upcoming holiday season and all of the feasting involved. If you're as lazy as I am (I'm the human equivalent of Garfield the cat), these might be a decent alternative to going to the gym...

All photos by Tom Hines.

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you already know that I'm a lingerie addict. I probably have enough underwear to go for at least three or four months without doing laundry, much to the chagrin of my husband who always has to take the laundry initiative. One of my favorite lingerie lines of all time, The Lake and Stars, just emailed me their Fall lookbook, and even though it's already gotten some major blog love, I can't help but share it again. If you aren't familiar with the line, designers Maayan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker create perfectly modern undergarments which are finished with classic details. The result is lingerie that has all the loving qualities of construction found in vintage lingerie, while departing from traditional shapes and designs. For Fall 2010, they have made their first foray into hosiery, with a number of crotchless stockings that highlight the wearer's derriere, as well as gorgeous metalic gray tie-dye group. Here are some of my favorite images from their lookbook--or at least as much of it as I can show without getting my blog shut down (Blogger/Photobucket seem to be decidedly against bare butt cheeks!). Enjoy!

Urban Outfitter just keeps on killing me with their collaborations. They recently added my favorite lingerie line, The Lake and Stars, to their list of ongoing collaborators, creating a lower priced line called Double and Brass. The name refers to when a tightrope walker would simultaneously play a musical instrument while performing, and became a Victorian expression for taking on a second job. Even though the sister line might be more youthful, and less expensive than the original, it is hardly inferior in quality. The collection features the same beautiful details you will find in The Lake and Stars, such as grosgrain and necktie hook closures, and zigzag stitching along the seams, in addition to possessing the same fun, cheeky flair. The pieces will arrive in stores on May 10th--I cannot wait to get my hands on some of these bra tops and rompers!

The Heloise corset with two-inch spikes jutting from the hips

Since holiday season has started, my inbox has been filled with invitations to store parties and shopping specials. Last night, I stopped by Rogan's Ladies Night to say hi to Elizabeth, before heading over to Agent Provocateur to celebrate the launch of their new demi-couture line, Soirée, and view the collection presentation. What I expected to be a crowded party turned out to be a very intimate gathering, with about thirty of A.P.'s best customers (aside from myself, ha) sitting in a salon style setting. Each of the elegant pieces were paraded past the audience on models built to bring out every lingering body-insecurity you might have buried away, while the well-versed P.R. team described the rigorous handiwork that went into the creation. Highlights included the Heloise corset, studded with a plethora of two-inch metal spikes shooting out from the hips, the Fabiana sheer jumpsuit with detachable pants, and a completely open "playsuit" made out of Swarovski crystal chain. While those surrounding me debated on which piece to have custom-fit to their measurements, I watched as covetous audience member. Although I wasn't one of the lucky ladies having my measurements taken after the show, A.P. did include a nice pair of side-tie panties in the goody-bag, so I didn't feel quite as dejected about the lack of cash/20-inch waist.

The Garinia lace underwear set, crop optional, but suggested

The Elysia evening gown with plenty of cutouts is meant to be worn both inside and out

The perfectly tailored Billy jacket

The Fonda playsuit, which comes with a set of pasties