The New Years Eve Outfit Dilemma

CONGRATULATIONS! You survived Christmas, and it seems we did too, which is the perfect reason to celebrate. Well done. 

But wait. Theres more. The celebration of the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, also known as New Years Eve! Before we start complaining about the onslaught of the Olympics, it's one last excuse for a worldwide party, and thousands of women (and, I assume, men) are already starting to panic about what they could possibly wear. 

There is always the old faithful, but you wore that last year.. and the year before. Perhaps this is an excuse for a new old faithful, or something new and eye-catching because 2012 will be GREAT and you will definitely be keeping all those New Year Resolutions! 

So, why not consider something a little bit different this year? Something none of your friends will be wearing AND you will be bang on the underwear as outerwear trend (bare with me here..). 

Here is one idea: We styled our luscious black silk shirt and satin pencil skirt with one of our underbust waspies for a classy, yet eye-catching outfit.

Not only does the waspie and the curve of the pencil skirt create that classic hourglass figure, but this could be dressed up or down as much as you like! 

 

Wear this outfit with black stockings, bright red shoes (either small retro heels like our Pin Up Couture shoes, or if you are feeling really naughty, these fierce Bordello shoes!) and a statement chunky ring or necklace. 

The Underwear as Outerwear trend has been going strong since 2010, seen on celebs and fashionistas worldwide. This article over on The Lingerie Addict explains the do's and don'ts of this look and when it is done right, it looks amazing.

For example, here is The Only Way is Essex's Maria Fowler rocking some of our lingerie at the amazing The Box nightclub!

Teaming a longline bra with a black waspie and skinny jeans looks stylish and gives a little bit more to a casual look.

Overbust corsets look stunning if you happen to have lost your shirt - whoops! Team with a black pencil skirt for a vintage tease. 

Christmas gift review: I Dream of Genie

When I first delved into Playful Promises Autumn Winter collection, Genie was the line I was most excited about. The delicate lace was what captured my imagination, the sweet bows and the opaque fabric giving glimpses of flesh was ideal.

 

I realised I had to wait a longing four and a half months before I could get my hands on these beauties as they weren't in store yet! Oh the broken heart I experienced!

In these four and a half months I tactically planned which Genie set I would get first. It would have been pure gluttony to have strolled into our boutique and demanded all three colours with both bra styles. No I had to be cunning and patient.

I decided the mauve Genie was my ultimate favourite, a stunning colour, perfect for the Autumn season. I would get the mauve brief and underwired bra first, and then gradually build up the collection, investing in the black Genie and then the nude.

Luck fell upon me; I was offered the mauve Genie underwired bra two months in advance of it being in store! It was just a sample, slightly washed out, but perfect. I wore this every day at the Playful Promises trade-shows. It was noticed by several buyers and perhaps even sealed the deal on some occasions.

Finally August was upon us and the Autumn Winter collection was imminent.

I skipped down to the Playful Promises boutique and the green eyed monster took over me an I purchased the Black and Nude Genie in the same transaction! I chose the black underwire bra and matching brief, and the nude triangle bra and matching brief.

Damn – I forgot the mauve brief!

 

The underwire genie bra is one of the most comfortable bra's I've ever worn. I can never feel it's there, it can almost be unnerving to stop and wonder whether in my haste each morning I actually bothered with the bra.

But it's there. The ruched  bra straps are actually very subtle under clothes and  offer a cheeky glimpse of what lies beneath.

The underwires fit perfectly, a really comfortable cup, that clearly I can't feel. I personally don't require much support, however after adjusting the straps I feel I am sturdily strapped in and that the bra provides as much support as a lacey bra can offer.

The brief is stunning. I love the gathered detail on the back, it's very subtle but really finishes the brief. The back is a comfortable satin and the front is the matching lace to the bra and soft-cup bra. The brief is cut a little risque, not quite Brazilian, however I feel the cut is flattering on my shape. The black and nude brief could be matched to so many more lingerie sets, classic pieces and must-haves in your lingerie drawer.

The triangle bra is perfect for bumming around the house. Very saucy, again this soft-cup bra is comfortable and fits like a glove and cheekily offers glimpses of what lies beneath.

This classic collection of lacy bras, soft-cup bras and briefs is ideal for anyone in need of a new bra and brief set. Comfortable and well-fitted this set will take you from day wear, sitting at your desk in the office, to official events giving you confidence in how you look all the way to after work dates – the cheeky inviting lace promising fun in the boudoir with your chosen mate.