Underwear Out Where?

Hello Lovelies, Heather here to share with you my favorite trend obsession: Lingerie as outerwear. Yes, as in, outdoors! I know we all absolutely love our dainty little underpinnings and spend all our money on the fabulous little bra and matching panty or bustier we just can’t live without, but it always seems like such a shame to only be able to wear it behind closed doors, doesn’t it? It’s time to open the doors and let the sun shine on that sexy little number! Lingerie as outerwear is popping up everywhere on the runways, trend websites and blogs everywhere. Although it has been making it’s appearances since 2008, it has only in the past year become the most popular trend. So I thought I’d do a little research on my own and share with you some of my favs.

First, may I remind you, I don’t mean run around the city in your bra and panties, I mean doll up that drab suit of yours with a sassy bralet and high-waisted pant. Or even better, for a night of cocktails try wearing that vintage camisole or slip you have collecting dust in the back or your closet with a little sweater jacket and some heels and you are ready for a night out on the town. Now that I've done enough talking, let me show you some looks, spanning from Dior Couture to inspired street wear and all the in between…

Celebrity Street Trend

My favorite thing I have been obsessing about is mock suspenders. Many companies have made attempts, but I must say that House of Holland is the original, and nothing beats original. WhoWhatWear posted this photo showing Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Daisy Lowe and Taylor Momsen and Byrdie Bell flashing some stockings.    

           

House of Holland Suspender Tights

Sofia Lindberg in Purple House of Holland Suspender Tights

Street Fashion: House of Holland Garter Tights

These House of Holland tights are high quality, meaning you can wear them more than once without getting a run, and only cost around $20, which is what you would pay at any department store for those one time use stockings that barely last through the day without a snag or run. 

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2009

The Christian Dior Couture Fall 2009 Collection is one of my favorites from the runway over the last few years. It is the perfect combination of the classic Dior 'New Look' and vintage style lingerie making for a flashy and yet glamorous look of lingerie as outerwear. Organza skirts and tap shorts reveal garter straps, bright bubble skirts matched with satin bras... ahhhhh. 

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2009

My favorite from the collection is the nude, corselette with garter straps underneath the most beautifully tailored shear number. A vintage girdle is probably the easiest piece to dress up…

Byrdie Bell

Here, Byrdie Bell literally wore a vintage girdle as a skirt with a simple button up, and voila! I got this photo from Vintage-Rouge, they seem to have the right idea saying the girdle skirt is genius. I originally found Byrdie's girdle skirt on Now Magazine, but they put her on the "Worst-Dressed" list, whatever. 

Antonio Berardi Spring 2010 RTW

Antonio Berardi Spring 2010 RTW

Antonio Berardi's looks are a great alternative for those who want to mix up the biz wardrobe. I love the mix between sexy and business, a clean cut tailored suit looks stunning with a simple little bralet or bustier peeking from underneath.

VPL 'Strainer Bra

Speaking of peeking from underneath, the VPL 'Strainer Bra' is the perfect bra to layer under that sheer blouse or under a deep-v tank, or even alone on a hot summers day.

Milla Jovovich "Character Driven" NY Times Magazine

Milla Jovovich "Character Driven" NY Times Magazine

Milla Jovovich was recently in the NY Times magazine in this photo shoot "Character Driven," with some fabulous high-waisted panties, the most risqué of the lingerie as outerwear looks. But I mean, hey, if you got it and you aren’t afraid to show it, flaunt it! Of course, not everyone is going to run out of the house in their panties, but it is definitely a look celebrities have been running around town in lately.

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller was seen prancing around town in a pair of her own panties! She pulls of this look great and understands the concept of show only one or the other, legs or cleavage. If you are going to leave the house in a pair of underwear, cover the ta-ta’s!

Now that I have shared with you all the things that I would love to run out of the house in, go root through your closet and find some frilly little things to mix into your wardrobe.  You will impress everyone, including yourself, at how fabulous you can look out in public in your underwear!

---Xoxo Dottie's Intern Heather

Photo Credits: Accessory Report Garters from WhoWhatWear, House of Holland Suspender Tights from House of Holland, Sofia Lindberg from Fashionising,  Street Fashion Garter Tights from Chictopia, All Christian Dior Haute Couture photos from Style.com, Byrdie Bell from Vintage-Rouge, Antonio Berardi photos from Style.com, VPL bra from Polyvore, Milla Jovovich photos from NY Times Magazine, Sienna Miller from Honey & Pie.

Pin-Up Party Round TWO!

Dottie's Delights is crazy with events and we hope you are able to share in them with us!  But, I must admit the Pin-Up Photo parties are definitely my favorite!  We love transforming curious ladies into real pin-up queens and showing you that anyone can be a glamorous vixen!  We are still holding hostage most of our results from our last shoot in February, but I have one great teaser photo to share as we promote the next party coming to you THIS SATURDAY!

 

Photo by Jane Gaspar Photography, Models: Kimberly Lynn & Kayleigh

The best part?  A very rare opportunity -- this even it totally FREE!  No appointment necessary!  Shoots and makeovers are on a first come, first serve basis.  And if you like the results from your shoot (which trust us, you will), images can be purchased at a very special limited event pricing!  This will be a "mini" version of the shoot, but there is still plenty of fun treats and surprises to be had!

Please join us Saturday, April 9th from 10am - 7pm at The 900 Shops on the 5th floor (900 N. Michigan Avenue) for all these perks and more:

*pin-up hair 'dos by Mario Tricoci Salon

*Makeup touch-up plus tips & tricks from Benefit Cosmetics

*mini photo shoot w/ Maypole Studios 

*Wardrobe provided by Dottie's Delights (and Audey dresses for the lingerie photo-timid)

*Dazzling hair accessories will be available from the new line of Love, Lulu Mae exclusively for Dottie's Delights -- The Glamourette Collection!

*Booze-infused cupcakes served pin-up style by the gorgeous "labettes" from Sweet Vee's Laboratory

*Vosges chocolates truffle tasting from 4-6pm!  Special gifts w/ purchase!

*All issues of Retro Lovely magazine will be on sale and available for pin-up inspiration!

*Lots of great props to set the mood, including THE MOST AMAZING PINK HEART SHAPED TANDEM BICYCLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SHOOT WITH.  THERE ARE ONLY 10 IN THE WORLD, ONLY 2 IN THE U.S.!  

When you see it, you will be glad you did not miss this.

We will not only have the Lily Collection available for purchase, but we will also have past collections and special sparkle pieces available to special order and to play with in your shoot! 

 To RSVP: go here

***Please note, because all of our bras are made on a special order basis, we do not have every size available.  If you would like to make sure we have your size available, please send me an email here to make a custom order or to inquire about availability on existing pieces.  Our girdles and garter belts have a size range from XS-2X and our panties go up to an XL***