Boutique of the Month: June ~ Agent Provocateur

Agent Provocateur...

...where erotic and seductive meet sexy lingerie!

While traveling through London, I visited Agent Provocateur and was taken by the fun and sultry feel to this line. Fortunately, you don't have to travel to London to buy this lingerie. There are stores all over the world, in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong, Middle East and Russia, and if you're a plane ticket short there is always the website.

Store: Swanky. Mirrored furniture. Dark lighting. Walls are lined with with luscious lingerie that inspires you to be an undercover seductress like the store namesake, Agent Provocateur.

Lingerie Philosophy: Owners, Joseph Corré and Serena Rees, "introduced their vision of lingerie avoiding the British prudery that insists on categorising anything to do with sex as sleazy or smutty. The aim was to create an availability of high quality designer lingerie with creative flair to stimulate, enchant and arouse both wearers and their partners."

'A woman wearing a scrumptious pair of turquoise tulle knickers promotes in herself a sexy superhero feeling which exudes itself as a confident and positive sexuality.'

"At the heart of Agent Provocateur is a profound belief in the intimacy of the experience that they offer. Corré describes it as the difference between a mass experience, dictated by market forces and meaningless advertising, and an intensely private, wholly personal experience. This 'personal experience' involves the relationship of each individual woman with the garment she selects, and is realised by the company through quality, service, and an absolute refusal to adhere to fluctuating trends. As Agent Provocateur enter their thirteenth year, the company remains committed to investment in creativity led by pure instinct of that which is beautiful, and of course, that which is erotic. Agent Provocateur leads the way where others follow."

Top Selling Lingerie: The cherry infused line, including the Cheryl lingerie set (bra - $170, panty - $100, garter belt - $196, below right) and the Cherry blue set ($110, below left).

The Nikita black lingerie set is both practical for everyday use as well as sexy. Paired with the wrist ties (image left) it becomes erotic. (Bra - $135, thong - $55, garter belt - $90, diablo hold ups - $40, Xena cuff - $200).

Products: "Agent Provocateur has gone on to design and produce complementary products including books, shoes, jewellery and a very successful house of fragrances and beauty products which is now sold in over 65 countries worldwide." There are additional products, including the bridal line, accessories, swimwear, maternity, E and F cup lingerie and much more.

Website: www.agentprovocateur.com/. Fun and inclusive, including online shopping, newsletters, Club AP, films and Peep Show.

Customer Service: Staff was very helpful and friendly, offering assistance where needed.

Side Note: Kate Moss has been the spokes model for years and is highlighted this season in "Let Them Eat Kate." For clarity on the controversy surrounding Kate's relationship with Agent Provocateur, click on Kate Moss out and Alice Dellal new face of Agent Provocateur.

Whether you go around the globe for an undercover adventure or stay at home for one, Agent Provocateur lingerie and accessories is definitely a playful way to Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

Female Agents: A WWII Film ~ Where Lingerie is a Deadly Weapon

OUT IN THEATERS TODAY!

With the release of the film Female Agents and Agent Provocateur as our Boutique of the Month, it seems that June is the month for agents, espionage, and spies. Many thanks to Telegraph who first told us about the film!

Female Agents stars Sophie Marceau. She "is plunged into things rather more terrible than most: as the leader of a gang of female spies sent into occupied France during the Second World War, she is shot at, imprisoned, betrayed, tortured, and her husband is killed. Inspired by the true story of the women employed by the Special Operations Executive to serve undercover during the war, Jean-Paul Salomé's gripping film suggests you don't have to be male to be a hero and that, used cunningly, lingerie and lipstick can be as deadly as any weapon...


...Female Agents nevertheless prods at an uncomfortable question that continues to haunt the French, more than 60 years after war ended: who resisted and who collaborated? 'It still hasn't been spoken about properly in France,' says Marceau. 'If people - or their families - collaborated, they don't tell you, they keep silent. And I think that has nourished a kind of complex....'"

For the complete article by Telegraph, click on Sophie Marceau: when lingerie is a deadly weapon.




Female Agents' Trailer

Sex & The City: The Movie proved that women have a large voice when it comes to female films, lets see what we can do to have a say about Female Agents!

Beckham in Briefs: Part 2

Oooh la la!

Who would have thought that after Eve's Apples posted Beckham in Briefs, back in February, that there would be more photos later?

We should have known!

Thanks to blogleaves for telling us about the latest Beckham in Briefs image.

The beach never looked so good!

Icing on the Cake: Lingerie Accessories ~ Part 7: Swimwear Cover Ups

The Versatile Summer Essential!

A good tunic is a "must-have" for summer. Not only does it keep you cooler during the day but also provides versatility in your wardrobe. A fun trip to the beach can quickly get ruined when facing a scorching sun burn. With the need for sunblock and skin protection, a cover up is practical preventative solution to sun burn and a fashionable summer accessory!

Last week I visited Faire Frou Frou and fell in love with this Mimi Holliday cover up. I know, no surprise that I would like a Mimi Holliday cover up.

Cover Up (left): Cotton Ruffle Tunic by Mimi Holliday

Why do I love it? The style is flirty, fun, and versatile.

It can easily go from a day at the beach to a sexy, sheer top for the evening. Pair it with cute capris or jeans and you have another look. This style comes in peach, white, and black.

Where to buy it? Faire Frou Frou. With Faire Frou Frou's Up to 75% off Summer Sale, this Mimi Holliday will be a great purchase for your summer fun and evenings out!

How much do I love Diane von Furstenberg? Endlessly.

Eve's Apples highlighted an interview, Diane von Furstenberg: Fear is Not an Option, that she did with Women on the Web and you can see why she is such an inspiration! For another reason to appreciate her, take a look at her cover up to the right.

Cover Up (right): Kleio Cover Up by Diane von Furstenberg

Why do I love it? The cut outs give a fresh twist on a classic look. It's also versatile.

The Kleio can easily take you from day to evening. Pair it with a black, nude, or white body slip beneath it, and it can also be worn as a dress.

Where to buy it? On Diane von Furstenberg's website.

Searching for a sexy, casual look that has good coverage? This Vitamin A cover up could be just the one for you.

Cover Up (left): Space Age Uma Hooded Tunic by Vitamin A

Why do I love it? The long side slit and front tie turns a practical cover up into fashionable, sexy beach wear.

Where to buy it? On figleaves.com.

If you go to the beach, an exotic location or your back yard this summer, make sure that you cover up. Tunics and sun block are key ways to protect your skin from sun rays.

While you're enjoying your time in the sun and summer fun, be sure that you Celebrate Your Inner Eve and live life to the fullest!

Agent Provocateur Video Banned

Agent Provocateur has long been known for creating tempting, erotic lingerie and ads. In March, we posted the Online Game ~ Agent Provocateur that highlights a "Peep in Paris," and it got everyone's panties in a bundle. Below is the European commercial with Kylie Minogue that has been banned in the United States.




What do you think about it? Too provocative? Just the right amount of spice? Let Eve's Apples know your thoughts about it!

A Tribute to Yves St. Laurent

In honor of Yves St. Laurent and his fashion influence on us, I wrote this piece for The Lingerie Post.

"We’re paying homage to legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, who died on June 1 of brain cancer. Over the years, Iman, Catherine Deneuve, and Laetitia Casta have all modeled for him. I remember growing up seeing “YSL” everywhere, in the news, magazine ads and my mother’s and grandmother’s closets. It seems as if he’s been with us forever.

Long known for creating “ready-to-wear,” YSL was a force of design throughout his career. At the age of 21, he was called upon to save the struggling house of Dior. It worked and since then YSL has continuted breaking ground both in both design and soceity..."



Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent
(August 1, 1936-June 1, 2008)

“The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves. But for those who haven’t had the fortune of finding this happiness, I am there.”-Yves Saint Laurent, 1983

For the full article and swimwear images, please click on A Tribute to Yves St. Laurent.

Eve's Birthday Favorites!

To celebrate my birthday, I'm sharing all of my personal favorites with my dear Lingeristas! Have fun and enjoy!

EVE FAVORITES...

Lingerie Brand: Mimi Holliday (image on right)

Mottos:

• "Celebrate Your Inner Eve" ~ Eve's Apples
• "Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing" ~ Hellen Keller
• "Feal the Fear and Do it Anyway" ~ Tamara Mellon founder and owner of Jimmy Choo

Boutique: Faire Frou Frou

Boutique Fitting: Rigby & Peller

Accessory: Fans. I love the versitility of a fan. Pocket fans can go from a wedding, to a night out, to an evening in...ooh la la!

Fashion Blog: La Coquette & InStyle

Blog for Women: Women on the Web (wOw)

New Lingerie Line this Year: Stella McCartney
Stella's line is effortless and flirty (image on left)









Bra: Huit (image on right)

Everyday Bra: Anything by Huit or Aubade

Priceless Panty: Lejaby Follement Sage Thong

Body Creme: Black Current & Vanilla Lotion by Bath & Body Works
This price is right and the scent is heaven!

Aromatherapy: Ylang Ylang

Spa: Le Reve (in Santa Barbara, California)





Hotel: Highlands Inn in Carmel, California

Weekend Vacation: Santa Barbara, California (image on left)

Worldly Vacation: Anywhere exotic and relaxing that involves the sand, sea, and a spa!

It doesn't have to be your birthday to indulge in one of these goodies and Celebrate Your Inner Eve! In my case, I'm going to enjoy as many of them as possible during my birthday month!

Swimwear ~ Runway 2008

For some fun and fashionable swimwear going down the runway this year, take a look below at the YouTube videos!

Movie Review: Sex & The City

Liz Smith declared, "Sex's Party Was a Bang That Would Make Samantha Jones Proud."

With such excitement and promotion over Sex & The City: The Movie, everyone wanted to know if the movie could live up to everyone's expectations. After all, it led the box office on opening weekend, surpassing even Indian Jones. Since the movie release, the Jimmy Choo Atlas Sandles have settled and the movie has received mixed reviews. What did Eve's Apples think about the movie? Read below and find out.

Lingerie: Oh so fabulous. The "Lake & Stars" romper worn by Carrie (image on the right) can be found at http://www.figleaves.com/ for 149 British pounds, which is a little under $300.






Expectations: Carrie was expected to lose her happily ever after, and she did. I won't tell you how it ends because that will ruin the twists and turns after she loses it. The funny thing about expectations is that no one will ever be able to live up to them. I find it best to go in with no expectations when I see a film, then I'm always pleasantly surprised.

Love Factor:

• Love, love, love Charlotte. In my opinion, Kristin Davis steals the show with her Charlotte-isms
• Love that Carrie wears a bird in her hair to get married, all in the name of "fashion"
• Love Samantha's sushi incident
• Love the relationships and characters. After all, that's who we came to see
• Love that the audience clapped at the end. Despite some critics slamming the movie, the fans still appreciated and enjoyed it

From a Film Maker's Perspective: The beginning was a bit slow as Carrie planned the wedding, but necessary in order to bring the whole audience up to speed--in case there was someone who didn't see the show. I was disappointed that we lose track of Big while Carrie grieves. On the positive side, the sets are stunning and filming is beautiful. Wait until you see the apartment that Big buys Carrie! The fashion is one for the runway. The banter and humor between Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda is great and true to each character.

Overall: It was longer than a typical movie which I found satisfying since I tend to watch a few Sex & The City episodes back-to-back. I felt fulfilled going on a roller coaster journey filled with haute couture, travel, bridezilla moments, relationships, and emotions.

If you like the show and want a fashion-packed movie where you can spend time with some of your favorite characters, then you'll enjoy this movie.

Poll Results: What are the Best Travel Panties?

Thongs

In our Eve's Apples Poll, our traveling Lingeristas liked thongs better than other panties for travel. Here are the results:

• Thong = 50%
• Bikini = 25%
• Boy Shorts = 25%
• Commando = 0
• Granny Panties = 0
• Doesn't Exist = 0
• Rather Go Au Natural = 0

Decidedly Delicate: Washing Care for your Underwear

Special care should always be given when laundering your delicates. Here are a few Eve's Apples tips to keep in mind when you're washing your lingerie:

1. If you have time, wash lingerie by hand or send it to the dry cleaners. Both will extend the life of your lingerie
2. If you wash lingerie in the machine, make sure you put it in a lingerie bag. It will ensure that your delicates don't rip, snag, or get twisted up with other clothing
3. Wash with similar colors. I can't tell you how many times my fine french lingerie has changed from pink to purple thanks to a pair of jeans
4. Never put lingerie in the dryer
5. Never wring out lingerie
6. Always read the instructions on the care label

For more information on how to launder your delicates according to fabric type, click on Pampered Passion's article Apparel and Fabric Care.

While we have laundry on our brains, thanks to Faire Frou Frou for deciphering French and telling us about the incredibly girlie limited-edition Chantal Thomass washing machine. Made by Vedette, according to Madamoiselle Frou Frou, "...there are only 300 limited edition machines available, for 850 euros each. The machine is decorated in pink silk and black ribbons. It appears that proceeds from the sale of the machine benefit an association called Paris Tout P'tits."

I like their thinking. If you have to wash clothes, you may as wash them in style! It's a sure fire way to help a good cause and Celebrate Your Inner Eve at the same time!

Knickerpicker Revamps Website

Do you remember Fashion Plates as a child? If so, KnickerPicker is more fun than Fashion Plates and very helpful as an online shopping tool for lingerie, swimsuits, and active wear.

Eve's Apples wrote a post about KnickerPicker launching last year called, Shop Lingerie Online: Usinig Interactive Fashion Plates. The whole concept behind KnickerPicker is a stroke of genius! On the website you can choose a model with your body type and she'll try on clothing for you. As a result, this allows you to see what the clothes would look like on your body type without having to undress in hideous store mirrors.

Recently, KnickerPicker revamped their website, adding more models and hundreds of swimsuits, active wear, and lingerie. What this means is that you can choose from more body types and clothing. All of it makes for an easy and fun interactive shopping experience.

Go onto http://www.knickerpicker.com/ for painless and playful online shopping, and Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

Priceless Panties: Boy Shorts or Thongs?

According the June issue of InStyle Magazine, readers prefer boyshorts over thongs by 70% (boy shorts) to 30% (thongs)!

What are the best boy shorts?

Each year, www.herroom.com has a contest on the best lingerie of the year. The following are the award winning boy shorts on Herroom.com:

Above are the award winning Barely There Flawless Fit and Natori's Femme Hipster Panty.