Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas Stockings


“The stockings were hung by the  chimney with care in hopes that Saint Nicolas soon would be there.”
12
A quote from my favorite Christmas story/poem “ The Night Before Christmas”. The story that has been read to me or I have read every year of my life. In truth I know it by heart but I love the old images in the book far too much to miss.

We all love this story and most of us partake in this quaint Christmas tradition of hanging stockings Christmas Eve. In my house on Christmas morning the Christmas stockings are always a wonderful treat.
Have you ever wondered how it all began?

The stockings or hose pictured in this fantastic ancient painting show you the style of the stockings of the day. We will never know for sure but here is the legend behind the Christmas stockings.

It is thought that around 300AD a kindly young bishop began the quest of leaving secret gifts for needy people and disappearing without thanks. His fame grew until he was named Saint Nicolas.
darley-illustration
It was common in days of old to leave stocking to dry overnight pinned to the hearth.

A nobleman mourning the loss of his wife was said to have thrown away his fortune leaving his 3 daughters without a dowry and thus unable to marry. When the generous Saint Nicolas heard of the girls’ predicament, he rode his white horse past their house, in the dead of night on Christmas Eve and tossed little pouches of gold coins into the chimney. By chance they fell into the stockings hung to dry and were found Christmas morning.

Thus began the Christmas Stocking tradition. The legend of Saint Nicolas made it’s way to Holland where he became Sinterklaas  leaving treats in wooden shoes. Eventually the legend hit North America where he became Santa Claus filling stockings with presents.

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Bra Bling–Top 6 stocking Stuffers

We are seeing bling on everything fashionable this season, why not your bra as well?

Quick, tell the Santa in your life that these little treasures are great in a stocking. Gorgeous Crystals and Rhinestones catch the light and glimmer even in candlelight or the glow from a Christmas tree.
I think it is fashionably fun to have a hidden sparkle that shows only during movement. Maybe you will surprise your Santa with a hidden bling.

Have a look at my top 6 bling choices.

crystal bra strap bow clipscrystal heart bra clips
#1 – Crystal Bows                          #2 – Crystal Hearts 
These clip on crystal decorations for your bra straps are my first and second choice because they are so unique. They can be clipped on at any spot. How fun if you have a Christmas outfit that may show the bra strap.

Packaged in a black faux suede gift pouch.

4 strand crystal bra straps  double row crystal bra straps
                                                #4–Double Row Crystal  Bra straps

Fantastic crystal bra straps that replace your every day bra straps. in order to use these you need to have a bra that has removable straps. These are generally called convertible bras.
These decorative straps are quite thin for a plus size woman. There is not a lot of support.
These straps would be best for a special event type usage.

If you want to do a bit of hand sewing and have a black bra strap they can be tacked on top and look great.

Each set is packaged in a jewellery style box and has a gift pouch for protection when being stored.
red bra strap with crystal heart   black bra strap with crystal squares
#5 – Red Bra Strap with Crystal Heart

Fun and inexpensive bra straps with crystal decorations. Just a little flash of bling to dress up the Christmas Holidays.

These are used in the same way as the crystal straps above. These, however, have a bit more support.

HO HO HO

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Unique Plus Size Bra and Panty Set


SATURDAY STYLE – Plus Size Mocha Bra and Panties

Plus Size Mocca Bra and Panties This set one of my personal favorites!
Fantastic European made Plus Size set by Tatiana.
The lace is gorgeous and the combination with the soft cream colored lycra created an elegant set.
You very rarely see brown shades in lingerie. I love the cream and brown combination.
This is a wonderful special occasion set.

Plus Size Mocca Bra
This is a beautiful bra for sizes 36E - 40E.
It is an underwire bra with wide set straps leaving an open neckline. The lower part of the bra has a very slight padding.
The straps are slender and the back band has 1 set of of hooks.
Plus Size Mocca Bra
With the heavy embossed lace it is easy to overlook the small detail that make this bra so special.
Notice the cute, thick little bow at the center front.
How adorable!

plus size full brief
The panty is full cut to the waist but the high cut leg opening still gives a seductive look.
The curved inset of the lace shows a slimming shape on the front.
The lace has a solid look but is soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.
Panty sizes XL – 3XL.
The back of the panty is ultimately plane. No frills or lace to obstruct a smooth line over the butt.
A generous cut allows this panty to offer full coverage.
mocca back
I am calling this a set although each item is sold separately.

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

And the Winner is….

Yahooooooooo

The lucky winner of the gorgeous Purple Corset is ……..

Brenda Larsen

Congratulations Brenda. I hope you will enjoy this corset over the holiday season and a long time to come.

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest and who continues to follow along on my blog.  

corset contest


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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Red Plus Size Garter Belt

SATURDAY STYLE – Garter belts in wild colors

I am inspired by Follow Friday (#FF) on Twitter. This is a day to share your likes with your followers. I enjoy seeing what my followers are reading.

I thought it would be interesting to spotlight one garment a week that is noteworthy. With holiday events and Christmas shopping upon us, this may give you some ideas.

Here is the first presentation.

Tisha Garter Belt  -  Retro Styling

520purple   CS520-TISHA-RED

Feature Details of Interest

  • Available up to size 7XL
  • Wonderful colors – Red, Purple, Black and White
  • 6 garters for holding the stockings in place
  • Adjustable garter length
  • Smooth design that will not shadow through clothing
  • Extra support panel over the hips and tummy for slimming
  • A great option if pantyhose fit you poorly
  • Fun and festive!
  • Stockings available in nude, black, RED, white
  • European made using high quality fabrics and fastenings
Click here to Check them out …..

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Decorate a Room with a Curtain Corset

Exploring the corset – Day 11

Corsets with a twist for home decorating.

Two styles of decorative curtain tieback with a historic corset detail.
I stumbled upon these corset accents for curtains. These would be a great addition to a romantic room.  The trick is that it is a pattern so you can make them yourself.

paulagracedesigns.blogspotDSC01972-187x250
The designer, Liz Ware, created these patterns for use in her own custom drapery studio. She found that many other studios were also interested in offering unique items for their clients. For this reason she began producing patterns.

Fortunately for us, she also offers them to the public. As a pattern drafter and professional sewer myself, I was impressed with the details as well as the design. I love how the pattern above changes dramatically with the use of different fabrics. Same design, distinctly opposite atmosphere.
paulagrace2
One pattern includes both styles shown, short and long.

Here is the description of the pattern:
Corseted Tiebacks - Pattern 2002
Two fabulous tiebacks, reminiscent of
feminine corsets.  One view laces up
the front through grommets, the other
view features button and ribbon
closures at the center.  Perfect for the
dramatic dining room or luxurious
boudoir.  Package includes patterns
and complete instructions.
$32.00


If you are crafty,  creatively adventurous and a sewer you can purchase this wonderful pattern and make these for your own home. Check out her website.  http://www.detailspatterncompany.com/

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Corsets by Dior

Exploring the Corset – Day 10

Christian Dior Paris Runway Show 2010.

Ultra feminine with old world French charm.  Gorgeous delicate lace over champagne colored silk. Although this was presented in 2010 it could be from years past.  I am taken by the romantic shape and elegant style.

The pure silk French dance pants ….what can I say? I want a pair.
ss10-christian-dior-2010
Adding the corset to a floating skirt Dior creates a young flirty gown.
ss10-christian-dior-39a
This tone on tone variation has the glamour of the 1950’s golden age.
A sophisticated look.
ss10-christian-dior-35a
Is it my imagination or does this poor girl have a bandage on her knee? 


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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Corsets in Hermes Spring 2011

Exploring the Corset – Day 9
Hermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 lVJs9AI009_l

If you are an avid follower of fashion you have probably already seen the pictures from the spectacular Hermes Spring Runway Show at Paris Fashion Week.

If you are anything like me you will never tire of admiring the best of the best from Fashion Week. Enjoy these!

This fashion show incorporates so many things that I adore. The beautiful models dressed in Spanish influenced fashions, walked the runway as majestic horses performed as a backdrop.

Hermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 mS9CVp0e2vNlCorsets have made a huge comeback this season being shown by many designers.

Hermes head designer Jean Paul Gautier, one of my long time favorites, has presented corsets in a new light.  

He is showing exquisite leather corsets with minute details worn as an outer garment. You can just imagine how luscious they must feel to wear.

Hermes is out of most peoples budget but that should not stop you from recreating the look within your budget and modifying the look to suit your lifestyle. 
Hermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 tRLWa2lyGBelHermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 FSOxBYZ6jaMl
I love the waist corset over the fine, sheer floating dress. The combination of extremes makes a perfect match.
Hermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 8KEp_V3Zl3ql    Hermes Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 azaUL86clk1l
I was able to meander through Hermes Paris just days before Fashion Week. It was all energized with excitement and the fashion elite in Paris.

The store itself is like a museum.
paris 2010 1276
No where else can you admire handmade saddles one moment and   Kelly Bags the next.

If you have a moment check out the Hermes website. There is some fun stuff there. Click on the saddle photo to see the making of a saddle. Quite fascinating.

http://lesailes.hermes.com/gb/en/



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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Plus Size Stockings–A Great Corset Accent

Exploring the Corset – Day 8

plus size stockings

No corset is complete without stockings.

This fun and sexy lamp proves the point. This lamp sits on the desk of a lingerie shop in Paris…..too adorable! Just perfect for the decor.

Stockings match a corset to a tee. All corsets come with detachable garters for stockings. I recommend Berkshire that creates a gorgeous line of stockings in plus sizes.

These are not fishnet like the lamp but a beautiful sheer lace top  or shimmery  thigh high style. The stockings come in black and white.

berkshire_hosiery_4909My favorite style, just because they are so unusual, is their unique stocking with a lace garter built in. This style comes in black, white and RED!
Remember that  the garters on the corset are removable so this style is a perfect fit.

Stockings are an everyday choice for many full figured women. Because plus size panty hose are often poor fitting, a stocking is a logical option for comfort.
The holiday season is coming and with it the time to dress up.

You may not want to wear a lampshade but you might like to experiment with a corset and stockings.


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Monday, November 15, 2010

Satin Corset Rainbow

Exploring the Corset – Day 7
lvg0874-red-satin-overbust-corset-backThe holiday season is sneaking up fast. I want to showcase a wonderful, easy to wear, great for Christmas corset.
Satin corsets come in a rainbow of colors.  A gorgeous, historic corset really becomes outstanding in a vibrant color.




lvg0874-shapercorset-white-satin-bridal-overbust-corset-back-3 Feed your inner siren, wear a corset in a color that enhances your passion.
* Wild Red
* Pure White
* Warm Orange
* Midnight Blue
* Sultry Black



lvg9074-orange-satin-overbust-corset-back-1
Satin not only looks fantastic but has a practical function as well. The weave of satin creates a slippery outer surface.
When satin is woven the threads loop under one and over 3. This puts long slim threads on the surface the fabric.
Your gown or dress will not stick to this corset.  It is a smooth surface and luxurious to the touch that lets your gown fall as it is intended to do.
lvg0874-blue-satin-overbust-corset-back-5

Choose a color to match your outfit or match your personality.
Start planning your formal outfit from the underwear out.
The beautiful satin corsets you are admiring are made to fit up to a waist size of 48”.



lvg0874-black-satin-overbust-corset-back-1The heavy steel bones create a straight, smooth and slimmed down silhouette. You will find a corset can reduce your size easily by 2-3 inches.
The more you wear a corset the tighter you can lace it. Your body must get accustomed to the support.


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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Pure Chocolate Corset

 Exploring the Corset - Day 6

This is real!

Corsets made from pure chocolate…. Not just one but two corsets made from chocolate.

chocolate corset Moscow
  This model is back stage in Moscow preparing for the runway at the Salon du       Chocolate show.

 This highlights a wonderful fashion innovation as well as extreme chocolate making skills.

 Notice the bows on the shoes are even made of chocolate.



chocolate-corset
    This delicious corset  is the ultimate in chocolate couture.

The Salon du Chocolate began 13 years ago. It is a showcase for hundreds of European chocolatiers where they let their imagination and creativity, go wild.

Although the biggest show is in Paris, there are also shows in New York, Tokyo and Moscow.

Fashion and Chocolate! What more do you need?

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