3 Days Left ~ Wash & Wear Contest

For all of you who haven't entered the Wash & Wear Contest, where you can win a free pair of Hanky Panky Panties and mesh lingerie laundry bag, the deadline is August 1, 2008 at 5 p.m. (PST).


To enter, click on Eve's Apples' Wash & Wear Contest.

Anonymous Celebrity Panties

My dear Lingeristas, let me introduce you to Alias Lulu, writer extraordinaire of this Eve's Apples column, Anonymous Celebrity Panties. She'll be posting about intimate lingerie belonging to celebrities, allowing you to guess "That Famous Celebrity Panty!"

This post is all in fun. It's to put a smile on your face and see how people in the public eye are celebrating their inner Eves.



The Anonymous Celebrity Panties...


"Gentle readers:

Allow me to introduce myself.

I'm made of black leather.

I'm not your Friend.

I like whips & chains!

Seriously, the very sight of me sends men and women shivering (wicked laughter ensues).


Children like me.


I love my brother.

Who am I?"

Post your answers in the comments section. Scroll to the bottom of the blog to find out whose Celebrity Panty is speaking above.

ANSWER:

Angelina Jolie's Corset

Icing on the Cake ~ Lingerie Accessories: Part 8 ~ Honeymoon Essentials

With all the chaos of wedding planning and pending nuptials sometimes the most basic details, like packing for the honeymoon, gets overlooked. Below are some essentials to make your last minute details to make your life easier and honeymoon more enjoyable.

Honeymoon Essentials…

• 2 Chemises or Babydolls
• 1 Sexy Black Bra, matching Panty, and Garter Belt
• 1 Versatile T-Shirt Bra
• Several pairs of Priceless Panties ~ that match the bras
• 1 Sassy, versatile Black Dress
• 2 Swimsuits ~ while one dries, you can wear the other one
• 1 Pair of Jeans and/or 1 Pair of Black Pants ~ made of wrinkle free material (usually a rayon and/or lycra blend) that can be dressed up or down
• 1 Skirt ~ made of wrinkle free material to travel well
• 2-4 Versatile Tops ~ that can be worn during the day or dressed up at night
• 1 Light Weight Sweater, Jacket, or Cover Up
• 1 Tunic or Cover Up ~ for the beach (if you’re traveling someplace sunny and sandy)
• 2-3 Sets of great Jewellery ~ that will dress up any outfit
• 3 Pairs of Shoes ~ dress shoes, sandals, and tennis shoes
• Kama Sutra Oils and/or Massage Oil
• Candle (matches purchased on site)
• 1 Book (paperback)
• Personal Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, tampons/pads, medication (birth control pills, aspirin), and baby wipes (great for a quick freshening up between flights)
• Buy lotion, shampoo, and conditioner at your honeymoon destination ~ it's less to pack and lighter to travel without them

The Francoise Lingerie set by Agent Provocateur (image top right) can be purchased at the website: Bra ~ $155, Brief ~ $85, and Suspender ~ $90.

The Kama Sutra Love Essentials (image on left) can be purchased at The Lingerie Diva for $23.40. It includes The Original Oil of Love, Love Liquid Sensual Lubricant and Sweet Honeysuckle Honey Dust with feather applicator.

Of course, you can add anything you like to the essential list. But these are the basics. Hopefully the simple check list will help all of you make an easy transition from crazed bride to a happy honeymooning newlywed!

100 Posts ~ Celebrating Your Inner Eve!

"To Celebrate Your Inner Eve is to embrace all aspects of being a woman, the sweet, the smart, the sassy, the savvy, and the seductive, with confidence!"

To share my excitement of 100th Eve's Apples post, I'm highlighting one of our first ever articles, Priceless Panties: Mood Lingerie. For me, priceless panties and how they make me feel is one reason, of the many, that inspires my love of lingerie and this blog.

Onto "Priceless Panties: Mood Lingerie"...

An old boyfriend once told me that nothing is more attractive on a woman than confidence. I say, "Nothing is more attractive than a confident woman in luxurious lingerie." For me, wearing a beautiful matching bra and panty set in a sumptuous fabric against my skin makes me feel sexy any day. It's never mattered to me whether or not my boyfriends ever knew that I was wearing special lingerie or not, or even if my husband does now. What has mattered all along is that I've known!

The right kind of lingerie will set me up for the day. If there's a day where I feel like hell warmed over, I'll look though my precious, color-coded lingerie drawers only to find my mood lifting. Once I slip the silk over my body, the decision is made. Today is going to be good! Over the years, I've noticed, that I tend to gravitate towards certain colors and sets based upon my moods. The following is what I've found according to my mood:

Bra Color & Mood

• white = fresh, new beginnings
• black = meow, confident, nothings getting past me today
• red = sexy vixen, sassy, watch out
• pink = sweet, loving, tender, kind
• blue = calm, mellow, steady
• green = grounding
• brown = stylish, serious
• orange = artistic, creative
• flower print = girlie
• stripes = fun-loving, sporty

How I feel about lingerie reminds me of the time I tried on a $250,000 necklace at Tiffany's. The ladies with me were encouraging me to try on the necklace. I thought, "Why? I don't even like diamonds." I begrudgingly tried it on, only to be shocked at how such a small, delicately crafted piece could immediately alter my mood.

Once it was on my neck, I felt it...the feeling can only be described as a symbiotic blend of craftsmanship, beauty, and elegance. And I hadn't even I looked in the mirror yet. I can still feel the light, countless karats effortlessly draping over my collar bone and the polished metal gliding over my skin. It was as if the necklace were made just for me. And when I saw it on myself...well, I don't have to say anymore. It was a priceless experience. In that moment, I finally knew why they say, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend."

The right lingerie can have the same mood altering affect. Although, for a lot less money. Whew! Lingerie can...enhance parts of my body that I never knew could look like that! What it does for my confidence, even if I'm the only one who knows it, is priceless!

What can you do to have your own mood altering experience with lingerie?

Take Inventory

Start taking notice of which lingerie you gravitate to throughout the month. See if there is any specific lingerie that you wear when you're feeling happy, sassy, or romantic. How do you feel when the lingerie is next to your skin? Is there any lingerie that makes you feel bad?
Does it remind you of an unhappy time with an old lover? A bad point in your life? When you were a weight that you didn't like? If so, GET RID OF IT! You should only wear lingerie that makes you feel good about yourself! Wearing lingerie that makes you feel bad is the kiss of death. Lingerie is the closest thing next to your skin. The lingerie that you wear will affect how you feel and how present yourself to the world....

For the rest of the post, click on Priceless Panties: Mood Lingerie.

Once you get your special set of lingerie, you'll be amazed how such a small piece of clothing can lift your spirits. As my version of that infamous commercial goes...

• Bra ~ $48
• Expensive Diamond Necklace ~ $250,000
• The Way Luxurious Lingerie Makes Me Feel ~ PRICELESS!

Celebrate with us! Put on a pair of your favorite lingerie and tell us how it changed your mood!

Images on this page are of vintage Life Magazine covers. They can be purchased at http://www.art.com/.

Poll Results: What is the "Must~Have" Lingerie Accessory for Summer?

Commando Panties!

According to our Eve's Apples poll, you like Commando Panties over other summer essentials. The results are as follows:

• Commando Panties = 37.5%
• Strappys ~ Fashionable Bra Straps = 25%
• Fan = 12.5%
• Body Jewelry = 12.5%
• Other = 12.5%
• Bra(g) = 0%
• Convertible Bra Straps = 0%
• Lingerie Tape = 0%

If you haven't tried Commando Panties, they're extremely comfortable and there are no visible panty lines. This makes them ideal for wearing under tight, silhouette, or silky attire. I'm such a fan that I'm wearing a pair this weekend to a wedding.

Low Rise Girl Short Panty in black (image left) is $26-28. The Low Rise Thong (image above right) in camouflage is $20-22. Panties come in a variety of colors, including Buck Naked Nude, Baby's Got Black, Evil Eye Blue, Cupcake Pink, Good Girl Grey, Leopard, Red Hot, and more.

Commandos can be found online at:

• BareNecessities
• HerRoom
• Faire Frou Frou
• Neiman Marcus

If you want to Celebrate Your Inner Eve and don't want to go completely without underwear, then check out Commando Panties to get the same sleek effect.

Boutique of the Month ~ La Petite Coquette

Located in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, La Petite Coquette is a boutique that comes recommended over again by celebrities, professionals, students, and women from all walks of life. For over 25 years, Rebecca Apsan, owner of the boutique, has been hand-picking lingerie, gathering a wide variety of ecelctic, luxurious, comfortable, and beautiful lingerie so that clients feel like they are getting one-of-a-kind pieces.

Aside from the fabulous lingerie, what I love most about this place is Rebecca's love of lingerie and helping people. It's evident everywhere, whether it's at the store, on the website or in her book called The Lingerie Handbook. Rebecca is clearly a pioneer in getting people to Celebrate Their Inner Eves!

Store: Located up the street from New York University, the boutique offers a wide range of sizes and selection. Attractively decorated as a boudoir, it's their aim to make clients feel comfortable.

Customer Service: They specialize in customer service and high quality lingerie. Even men are encouraged to come in and shop for their significant others. The boutique has built up a steady clientele with both women and men.

Rebecca says that part of the reason for success is that, "We also offer honest advise on what works for you—and what doesn’t. This builds trust—like getting advice from a friend rather than a salesperson."

If you aren't in the New York area, you can go online and Ask Rebecca for confidential advice.

Brands:

• Chantelle
• Cosabella
• On Gossamer
• DKNY
• La Perla
• Mary Green
• Nina Ricci
• Princess Tam Tam
• SPANX
• Wolford

Website: Fun. It's designed like you're in a dressing room. You can enter the virtual store, see the store windows, as well as shop by brand, product, or specialty. There is also a way to shop based upon bridal lingerie, being a "curvy girl," or for gifts.

Side Note on Bra Size: I found a review online by Bostonista that commented on the stellar customer service at La Petite Coquette and where the author thought that she was a 34A and wound up being a 32D. For the article, click on TMI or Bust: Shopping for Bras.

For an Eve's Apples article regarding this exciting phenomena, click on Another "Ah-Ha Moment": Breast Shape Affects Bra Size.

If you'd love more advice from Rebecca than you can get in an afternoon visiting her store, she came out with The Lingerie Handbook. I can't recommend it enough. It has all the vital tips and information that a woman needs from finding her size, body types, and laundering your delicates.

For more information on La Petite Coquette...

Click on Eve's Apples Review of the Lingerie Handbook.

Or click on Rebecca's Interview with Style Counsel.

It's Rebecca's love of lingerie and helping people feel good about themselves that comes through loud and clear! In her words, "What’s Not to Love? It’s very satisfying to hear a customer share with me how much I influenced her self-esteem...That makes me feel wonderful. Happy faces, customers telling me that they were moved in some way, having been transformed by their experiences here, those are the things that satisfy me most."

Rebecca has found a way to Celebrate Her Inner Eve and helps her clients do it everyday! Keep up the good work!

Breast Shape Affects Bra Size ~ Part 2: Eve is Not Alone

I'm not the only one to have experienced conflicting bra measurements given by lingerie professionals! Amelia, Editor of The Frisky, got her bra size tested too, and it looks like she encountered the same results that I did when traveling through London.

To see Amelia's quest for her bra size click on the video below.



In the video above, Amelia gets the same bra sizes (36A and 32C) that I did from fitters.

Here is a good rule of thumb when getting bras in other countries: U.S. and Australian cup sizes are the same. U.K., France, and International cup sizes are one size larger than U.S. sizes.

In knowing this, I'd be willing to bet that Amelia's ability to wear "C" and "D" cups, when for years she thought she was a "B" cup, is due to her breast shape.

Why do I think this?

Back in May, I posted that Breast Shape Affects Bra Size, after I visited the coveted Rigby & Peller boutique in Knightsbridge. Prior to visiting the store, I was told (in the United States) that I was a 36A. After visiting Rigby & Peller, Tanya, my fitter, gave me the earth-shattering news that I was a 32C!

For more information on Rigby & Peller, click on Boutique of the Month ~ May.

There is hope if any of you still don't have a comfortable bra fit, are in between sizes or were tape measured without luck. Click on Eve's Apples' post Breast Shape Affects Bra Size to help you figure out your correct size.

Above all, Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

Invasion of the Granny Panties

I had a laugh reading this post by The Diva on The Diva Survival Guide. I think it expresses how many of us Lingeristas feel when we go to our lingerie drawer only to discover the unthinkable.

"After my shower this morning I happily sauntered to my dresser and opened my "intimates" drawer only to discover to my horror that while The Diva in me has been away, the drawer in question has been unceremoniously taken over by...

...GRANNY PANTIES!!

It seems these evil things have been killing, maiming, consuming and/or otherwise raping and pillaging my other undergarments right into extinction...."

For the complete post, click on Invasion of Granny Panties.

Say "No" to Granny Panties, and Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

Custard Creams ~ Lingerie Treats by Patrick & Skinner

I'll be the first to say that "Lingerie is dessert" and "Lingerie accessories are icing on the cake".

When I saw the new release of Patrick & Skinner's Sweetie Shop Line featuring Custard Creams, lingerie inspired by your favorite sweets, I knew they were onto something.

They look good enough to eat! Just look at the delicious lingerie in the images!

Custard Creams come in Rhubarb, Apple, and Banana. Don't you just want to take a bite?!

If you like this line, in the words of Patrick & Skinner, "The patisserie is now open for your over indulgence." The image (left) with green apple lingerie is Apple & Custard. The bra is £170.00 and the brief panty is £120.00. The image (bottom left) is Rhubarb. Tempting and delicious, the bra is also £170.00 and the brief panty is £120.00.

As a special treat, in August Eve's Apples Lingerie Blog will have a giveaway contest for you, thanks to Patrick & Skinner!

Check back with us in August for further details so that you can Celebrate Your Inner Eve and indulge in your sweet tooth!

If you like the Custard Creams, Patrick & Skinner also has their equally delicious Chocolate Indulgence line.

The Virtues of Hand Washing Lingerie

Back in the "olden days," all you could do was hand wash lingerie. Along with technology came new fangled washing machines that did the work for you. But it doesn't mean it's better.

There are countless stories about lingerie being torn to shreds in washing machines, turning from pristine white to scandalous scarlet (thanks to a red towel), and losing it's elasticity. If you are like many people and don't want to take your lingerie to the dry cleaners, the other option is to hand wash your dainty delicates.

I definitely wouldn't wash these Damaris White Lace Corset Knickers (on right) in the machine! Panties can be purchased on sale at Faire Frou Frou for $159.60.

The Virtues of Hand Washing...

1. They keep their shape
2. Lingerie lasts longer
3. Colors don't fade (unless you dry them on a clothes line in the sun)
4. No more expensive bras and panties resembling rags
5. No more crying over the one and only bra you loved resembling a World War II bombing
6. Bra straps keep their elasticity
7. Panty waist bands keep their elasticity too
8. Seams are less likely to become frayed
9. While washing, you won't loose any panties to the sock and panty gods
10. Boyfriends, husbands, dads and other do-gooders on the laundry front can't be blamed for ruining your prized unmentionables

If this isn't enough to convince you that hand washing is the way to go, you can get a mesh lingerie laundry bag to put in the washing machine. It's better than washing your delicates with any old sort of clothing and hoping for the best.

To win a free mesh lingerie laundry bag and pair of Hanky Panky Panties, enter the Eve's Apples' WASH & WEAR CONTEST.

By hand washing or using a mesh lingerie bag, you can avoid horrid, traumatic laundry mishaps that have left me giving a eulogy to my recently departed lingerie. My lingerie eulogy usually goes something like this:

"Good bye, dear lingerie. I loved you while you were here. Gorgeous as you are, I was lame and put you in the washing machine. The spin cycle no less. Not even on 'delicate.' If I was a seamstress goddess, I would resurrect you into your grand splendor, but alas I'm only an affectionado of fine lingerie, not fit for basting a bra band. You'll be greatly missed, especially at parties, homecomings, and getaways. And most of all by me."

To avoid the melodrama of saying "good bye", dear Lingeristas, please wash your panties and bras by hand or with a mesh lingerie bag. After the lingerie is washed, remember to NEVER put your lovely ladies in the dryer. For more tips on washing your lingerie, go to Decidedly Delicate: Washing Care for Your Underwear.

Many thanks to Lisa Bouwer for her image of the romantic looking clothesline. For more of her images or to purchase them, please go to Lisa Bouwer Photography.

In the meantime, enjoy your lingerie and Celebrate Your Inner Eve!

Figleaves 70% off Sale

For those of you who missed Figleaves' 50% off Sale...now it's 70% off!

The great part about this sale is that Figleaves has high quality, pretty, comfortable bras at really amazing prices. I've been e-mailing my friends all week with bras that they simply have to have because the prices are so good!

Celebrating Your Inner Eve feels so much better in a fabulous bra that is next to nothing to buy! Take a look at Figleaves.com before your size is gone!

Swimwear Evolution

In honor of the bikini's birthday, Eve's Apples is posting a YouTube video, From Bloomers to Bikinis: Women's Rights Through Swimwear. In it, you'll see the progression from the first swimsuit, to the bikini, to the modern racing suit.

Evolution? You be the judge. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Bikini!

The Bikini Turns 62!

The best day of the year is celebrating your birthday! 62 and the Bikini has just gotten better with age! Thanks to Mandolina from The Lingerie Post for telling us about this important day!

According to Beachwear.cc, "On July 5, 2008, the bikini will celebrate its sixty-two years of existence. Considering the mass objection in the 1940s and 50s to this new skimpy bathing suit, it is hard to believe that it is so old. And while times have been tough and sales fluctuated up and down through the years, today there are so many bikini companies it makes one wonder how another bikini can be designed that can itself unique.

Indeed, one of the first ways in which designers created different bikinis was to make them smaller to the point of micro. The government inadvertently helped with this aspect as fabrics were rationed during the war. This gave manufacturers the chance to reduce the material used in a bikini. Today, bikini creators need no excuse to make their designs smaller...."

For the complete post, click on Bikini Celebrates Sixty-Two Years.

Click on the Vintage Fashion Newsreel: Swimsuits 1952 video below for more bikinis and swimwear.

Lingerista Lifestyle: Sangrias & Summer Lounge Wear

Winding down from the 4th of July?

If you need to take a break, kick your feet up and settle down after the festivities, here's a good recipe to relax and still enjoy summer:

• Get into a cozy lightweight robe, chemise, or babydoll


• Pour a glass of homemade Sangria (see recipe below)


• Light some candles on the back deck (preferably a few citronella ones too)


• Sit back and take a deep breath


• Watch the sunset or look at the stars

Now that is what I call enjoying the moment and "Celebrating Your Inner Eve!"

Trellis Babydoll Top and Tap Pant in the image (right) is by Christine Vancouver. I've seen both pieces in person and they're pure Heaven!

They can be purchased at Faire Frou Frou for under $150. According to Madamoiselle Frou Frou, "The babydoll top can also be worn as outerwear - just layer it over a neutral cami and you're set! Note that the Trellis pieces are not currently available online; just at our Studio City boutique. If interested, please e~mail us (Faire Frou Frou)."

For my notorious Sangria recipe, to top off the evening, look below...

Eve's Infamous Sangria:

2 Oranges
2 Lemons
Grapes
Strawberries
Blackberries
1 Cup Sugar
1 Bottle White Wine (dry)
1 Bottle Red Wine (dry)
Blackberry Brandy ~ A Splash

Combine the sugar, wines, and brandy in a large pot. Squeeze the juice of 1 orange and 2 lemons. Stir.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is preferred.

Add a sliced orange, strawberries, grapes, and blackberries. Serve.

Enjoy!

Happy 4th of July ~ Send a Sultry E-Card!

Spice up the 4th of July with an erotic e-card, compliments of Agent Provocateur.

Agent Provocateur, our adventurous, former Boutique of the Month, has an equally exciting website that caters to the imagination. Below are two of the four e-cards that you can send to a special someone.

Images are of the Lucie E-Card (above) and the Holly & Natasha E-Card (below).

Other cards come in Shazaam (bondage inspired) and Crystal (blond on blond).

Click on Agent Provocateur E-Card to send an erotic card to someone near and dear.

WASH & WEAR CONTEST

ENTER TO WIN!

What is your most embarrassing, horrific, or humorous experience that happened when washing your lingerie?

We want to know!

The best story will win a FREE PAIR OF HANKY PANKY PANTIES AND MESH LINGERIE LAUNDRY BAG compliments of Bare Necessities!

For me, I spent hundreds of dollars on luxurious lingerie for my honeymoon. While traveling, I saw my new honey (aka: husband) pulling out my lingerie from the dryer along with his jeans. My once exquisite, sexy, sultry lingerie was now purple, blue, and doll-sized.

Prize: One pair of the award winning Hanky Panky: Signature Lace Thong ($18) and a Bra Saver Mesh Bag ($8 or two for $11.99). If you haven't tried either, here is your chance!

To Enter: Leave a comment after this post with your lingerie washing mishap. The best story wins!

Deadline: August 1, 2008 (5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time)

To find out what Eve's Apples thinks about Hanky Panky panties click on Poll Results: What is the Most Comfortable Thong-Inspired Panty. For washing tips, click on Decidedly Delicate: Washing Care for Your Underwear.

A special thank you to Bare Necessities for donating the prizes!

For more information on Bare Necessities and the fabulous lingerie carried on its website, please go to: http://www.barenecessities.com/.

Click on 50% Off Sale for Bare Necessities lingerie specials on now!