Start 2010 Off With Jenna Leigh

Start your new year off right with one of the new arrivals at Gigi's Closet. My personal favorites are the new matching bras and panties by Jenna Leigh. I can't get enough of those dark blues and purples that make these silky sets a must have for 2010. This 'Malawi' skirt with garters is just $114 at Gigi's Closet right now. Although it may be cold out, Gigi's will always keep you warm in the bedroom.

Days of the Week Panties are Back

I've never been a big fan of days of the week underwear, especially after watching When Harry Met Sally when Sally (Meg Ryan) explains that her boyfriend broke up with her over a never-made pair of "Sundays". The thought of a manufacturer not making them "because of God" — while part of the writing that made the movie so great — was too nerdy for me to bare. However, the set of 7 Mary Green silk boyshorts have changed my mind. Soft and sensual, these panties make days of the week sexy again. They also come in cotton. Get the "7 Ways to Say I Love You" bag of boyshort panties, and then you'll really be set for the mood.

Bra Sizing for the Digital Age

iPhones really do have everything! While I don't have one myself, I've caught many glimpses of my friends' while they whip theirs out to look up subway schedules or restaurants we want to go to or even tickets to concerts we want to purchase. Of course, they can be used for pretty much anything these days, but I'd never thought I'd say they now even have a bra sizing guide. While Gigi's Closet offers their own bra-fitting guide, this is another good source for finding your right bra size — in case you're ever in a bra-fitting crunch.

The new Bra-Fitter app gives you instructions on how to measure yourself, then takes your measurements and offers various bra size suggestions that correlate with them. As if that wasn't enough, it even allows you to convert your size to various countries' standards. And it offers images of how a decent fitting bra should look. All I can say to that is: What will they think of next?

Three Gigi's Closet Bras For The Holiday Season

Finding the right dress for holiday parties can be a difficult task, but finding the right bra can be an even bigger challenge. That's why I've gathered the three best bras to fit any holiday occasion — or outfit — this season.

1. Simone Perele Velia Strapless Bra: This strapless bra stays put with a variety of strapless tops and gowns.
2. Jezebel Women's Coco Demi Push-Up Bra: Don't worry about showing too much cleavage this holiday season because this demi push-up will allow for low cut tops and deep plunging necklines.
3. Fantasie Smoothing Underwire Multiway Bra: Whether you have a racerback or a one strap top, this multiway bra will help solve any bra problem.

Now that you're outfit's figured out, you'll have more time to find the best gifts to bring to the party!

Stocking Stuffers for the Holiday Season

Lingerie makes the perfect stocking stuffer for your sweetheart, whether she prefers items that are sexy chic or sweet and comfy. Here are the Top 5 Stocking Stuffers from Gigi’s Closet that can all fold up nicely into a confined stocking space:

1. Panties are a sexy stocking stuffer choice for any lady; pick lacy black ones or knit boyshort ones, depending on your gal’s preference.
2. Shorts and pants are a comfy option for the every day lounger.
3. Nighties (like the Betsey Johnson one pictured) are a sexy option to add a little excitement in the bedroom.
4. A sexy cami adds a little sex appeal to any outfit.
5. For the eco-friendly gal, pick her up something from Belabumbum. Their bamboo fabrics are one of a kind.

Elle Macpherson Goes European

Elle Macpherson launched her lingerie collection throughout Europe on Nov. 12 in Berlin. To celebrate the launch, the Elle Macpherson Intimates latest Spring/Summer 2010 collection was on display in a series of artistic installations at the Galerie Morgen. The Creative Director of Intimates, Elle Macpherson, was in attendance along with many hip, Berlin fashionistas, including Countess Tamara von Nayhauss, designers Unrath & Strano, opera singer Tobey Wilson and many more. Although the poor economy creates a difficult time for business ventures, this move to Europe shows the amount of confidence behind the lingerie collection. Once the expansion is complete, Elle Macpherson Intimates will be sold in over 30 countries around the world.

Hole in One With The Latest Triumph Bra

Triumph International Japan has done it again. They've invented another quirky lingerie item that would please basically every man in the world: the bra that doubles as a putting green. This corset-like bra unfolds into a five-foot putting mat with two holes that are exactly where they should be if you're thinking lingerie; however, a putting hole with two greens is a bit unheard of, so be creative. Along with the green is a built-in speaker that announces "Nice shot" when you make it in the hole (hopefully, only when used as a green). And the ensemble also comes with a skirt that can be used as a flag for the course, which reads "Be Quiet", in case their were any fans cheering close by. This is the latest gimmicky bra that Triumph has made. Others include the chopsticks bra, the shopping bag bra and the marriage-hunting bra.

Eco-Friendly Lingerie at Gigi's Closet

Gigi's Closet just got greener with its collection of eco-friendly lingerie. One of Gigi's main eco-friendly brands, Belabumbum, makes its intimates out of bamboo. Because bamboo has antibacterial properties and wicks away moisture, it's the perfect lingerie ingredient to keep your skin dry and comfortable. Try on Belabumbum's bamboo bras or a pair of their bamboo shorts, and get maximum comfort while helping the environment at the same time. Being sexy has never been this smart!

Lingerie By Body Shape

Let’s be honest. Not everyone can look perfect in each piece of lingerie put in front of them. Combine these tips on lingerie for your body shape with your own style preference, and you’ll be that much closer to finding a piece of lingerie that will make you feel unstoppable.

If you have (a/an):

Pear/ Triangle Shape

This means that you have a smaller upper body build. Babydolls flatter this body type the best because they are tight at top and loosen out at the bottom. If you are small chested, try a padded or push up one.

Inverted Pear/Triangle Shape

This is the exact opposite of the pear-shaped body. This means you have a larger upper body build. Your shoulders are a bit broader, while your hips are smaller. Chemises work well for this body shape because they tighten in around the hips, showing off that smaller bottom. Also, teddies work well because they already create a v-shape that accentuates the natural one made by the body.

Hourglass Shape

This body type is mostly equally proportioned on both top and bottom. This very feminine shape works well with a corset or bustier. Both cinch in the waist to accentuate that hourglass-figure even more.

Use Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. About 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in America this year, which is why bringing breast cancer awareness to women (and men) is important. That's why Gigi's Closet just got a bit pinker for the month of October. Join the Pink for October campaign and show your support by turning your blog or website pink for the rest of the month. Not only that, get some pink lingerie to bring about more awareness this month. This pink babydoll or pink bra by Carol Malony will help show your support for the cause even more.

Visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website to learn more about breast cancer and how you can help the cause.

Gigi's Closet's DD+ Department Still Popular

Although Gigi’s recently redesigned its website, it still has its popular DD+ department. Many of the brands and designs that Gigi’s Closet offers are for bustier women because, unfortunately, not many stores or brands make larger cup sizes a priority. Brands like Elixir de lingerie, Elomi, Fantasie, Fayreform, Freya, and Goddess all offer cup sizes larger than a DD. So, if you have problems finding bras in your size, check out Gigi’s DD+ department or shop by brand.

Not In Defense of the Slip

A recent blog on The Lingerie Post got me thinking about the history of lingerie, especially its roles in society. While “In Defense of the Slip” defends the use of the slip in today’s society, I think this fashion trend has become quite outdated. Yes, women still wear dresses, and yes, some do wear slips under them. However, I’ve been wearing dresses my whole life, and not since I was eight have I put a slip on. None of the examples used in the blog made me rethink my decision either. Jean Harlow? Elizabeth Taylor? These are beautiful women that made quite an impression in the 1930s and ‘50s, but their use of slips doesn’t exactly encourage me to run out and buy one.

For me, slips remind me too much of my mother and her lingerie-according-to-Emily-Post-type thinking. My mother always told me it was inappropriate to wear a skirt or dress without a slip. Because I never got a straight answer whenever I questioned this “rule”, the idea of being “inappropriate” prevailed. My desire to rebel and the fact that I come from a generation where few people care about being appropriate anymore — and even fewer know the name Emily Post — deterred me from wearing slips under my clothes. In fact, I see women wearing just slips in public these days, and not much more. While I could never go that far, I do enjoy feeling dresses against my skin. It makes me feel free, sexy and a bit more rebellious, especially if I’m wearing a fancy bra and thong set. Of course, my mother never understood why anyone would wear a thong either. But that’s a whole different discussion.

What’s your opinion? Do you defend or not defend slips?

Get the above look by Simone Perele at Gigi's Closet for only $37.00.

Brand New Gigi's Closet

Gigi is finally cleaning up the closet. The online store recently redesigned its site and updated its entire inventory. The site is designed to make things easier on the customer, featuring newer ways to do product searches: by price, by title and even by customer reviews. There are newer products at Gigi's Closet as well, offering even more bras and nighties by your favorite brands. Look forward to more products in the upcoming weeks too, while continues to improve.

Don't forget that Gigi's Closet also offers free ground shipping on all orders.

Life is short. Wear pretty underwear.

Design Bras for Charity!

Although Gigi’s Closet already has a Bras for Charity Drive of their own, Karma Cups: ‘An Uplifting Affair’ is another great charity event to check out this month. On Sept. 26, Bosom Buddy Recycling is helping sponsor a FUNdraiser in Mesa, Arizona, which will feature the Bra-Vogue Contest and Fashion Show. Design your own creative bra and maybe win a $200 prize. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 19, so hurry up, and start designing for charity!

Whether or not you win though, proceeds from the event go to the National Advocacy and Training Network and the Bravery Project. Both charities help support homeless, battered and sexually-abused women.

Look Forward to Spring/Summer 2010 Lingerie Collections

Earlier this month, the La Mode De France fashion show took place in the Meatpacking District in New York. The Spring/ Summer 2010 collections featured brands like Huit, Chantelle, Simone Perele, Lejaby, Elixir, Rosy and many others. Here’s a little preview of what to look forward to for next year.

Madonna Flaunts Fantasie Lingerie

From cone boobs to Kabbalah garb, Madonna’s been known to flaunt some inventive (or just downright strange) outfits. But this time she’s got it right. As part of her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ tour, Madonna has been flaunting her ever-so-hot 50-year-old body in Fantasie lingerie. In this photo, she’s wearing the Belle collection by Fantasie. I have a bra from the Ella collection by Fantasie and absolutely love it. Apparently, women all over the world love it too because over 1.7 million women have purchased intimates from Fantasie. 

Get Madonna’s Fantasie look at Gigi’s Closet for under $60 right now. 

Celebrate National Underwear Day Every Month

August 5 was National Underwear Day. This unofficial holiday is sponsored by underwear company Fresh Pair, which offers discounts, contests and a fashion show in New York City to celebrate the day. Gigi’s Closet carries several of the brands that were featured, including Fantasie, Free People and OnGossamer, to name a few. If you missed out on the big day, celebrate at Gigi’s Closet. You can celebrate your passion for fine lingerie each month by joining the Panty of the Month Club. 

Equality Through Underwear

Wear your underpants on your head. According to Belgian artist Jan Bucquoy, that's all you need to do to be equal. "If I had portrayed Hitler in his underpants, there would not have been a war," the artist claims. 

Bucquoy's "Musee du Slip" or underpants museum is now on display in Brussels.  It features the underpants of famous Belgian artists, musicians and politicians, many of which are neatly placed above a photo of the celebrity's head. Each pair of panties comes with an authentication certificate, guaranteeing they were worn at least once by the celebrity that donated the pair. 

Of course, these undergarments come at a hefty price — unique lingerie always does. Last weekend, a picture of Belgium's Queen Fabiola — a la undies — was sold for 550 euros. Now that's some fine lingerie.

Life is short. Wear pretty underwear.

Tips on Washing Delicate Lingerie

Lingerie can be difficult to wash. Depending on the material and the style, machine washing your lingerie can rip, tear or even shrink your lingerie. That’s why I’ve come up with some ways for you to wash your lingerie without making it a huge chore.

If you absolutely must machine wash your lingerie, due to time or the fact that you just don’t like hand-washing garments, then I suggest getting a lingerie bag (like this one from Forever New) to put your delicates in before tossing them in the machine. Wash on the gentle or delicate cycle and hang dry only!

The best way to wash your delicates, though, is by hand. This guarantees that they won’t rip or tear because they’re being handled by you, and you alone. Using a delicate soap, especially an eco-friendly one, is the best way to go. Harsher soaps or detergents, like Tide, won’t keep your garments as delicate and fresh-looking as you want them to. I suggest using a capful of eco-friendly shampoo mixed with some warm water. A little soap goes a long way, so once you’ve soaked your garments a couple of times, rinse them out, let them air dry, and they should be as good as new!

Elle Macpherson Makes Fuller Cups

I have some good news for all you ladies that visit our DD+ department! Elle Macpherson’s Fall 2009 collection is now featuring lingerie for full cups. That means women with cup sizes of D thru G will now get to experience the colorful, lacey numbers from the Elle Macpherson line. And that includes me, and I'm guessing many of you too!

On sale as early as this month, some styles will overlap, while others will specifically be made for the fuller cup. Elle Macpherson’s unique color patterns and designs make her lingerie something worth waiting for — and now some of us don't have to wait any longer. Here’s to a fuller future at Elle Macpherson!

Visit Gigi’s Closet- to get looks from her past collection. And make sure to visit later for her upcoming Fall 2009 one.

To purchase the pictured looks:

Elle Macpherson Distinction Contour Bra; $65.00 (left)

Elle Macpherson Coranto Chemise; $80.00 (right)

Couture Lingerie Mixes Well With Eveningwear

High fashion mixed with fine lingerie makes for a delicious, sensual runway show. On Monday in Paris, the Fall 2009 Couture runway show featured Christian Dior’s new line of formalwear mixed with lingerie (shown left and below). Models were decked out in long evening skirts matched with bra tops and corsets and intricate jackets matched with garter belts and long black stockings to match. These not-completely-dressed models depicted that of a wealthy socialite’s final moments in front of the mirror before an all-night affair. The lack of clothes make these intricate pieces all the more intriguing by adding a certain amount of sex appeal to what could have been some rather refined outfits. Achieve the same look with some high-end garter belts and bras (shown below) from Gigi’s Closet.

Cheers to Betsey Johnson!

Has anybody tried out the new Betsey Johnson babydolls offered at Gigi’s? I just love Johnson’s sense of style. You can literally see her personality — a combination of girly and sexy — in her designs, making her one-of-a-kind pieces too wonderful to pass up. I, myself, bought the Dot Tricot Babydoll last week, and I love it! It’s extremely flattering with its self-tie belt, tying right below the chest. In fact, deciding which Johnson piece to get was a hard decision to make. It was between the Dot Tricot and two others that I still wish I could afford. The Burnout Lawn Babydoll is just as sensual and beautiful as the Dot Tricot and I love the uneven ruffles at the bottom. And I can’t stop thinking about the Chiffon Babydoll with Rosette that is completely brand new to Gigi’s — as of last week. Betsey Johnson is not afraid to use color and patterns in her designs, which is why a designer like her is a blessing to the lingerie world. In fact, we will soon have a bio about the designer in our le boudoir section, so you, too, can fall in love with the designer’s playful ways!

Gigi’s Voted Best at Undie Awards

The Undie Award Winners for 2009 were announced this week. Over 20,000 women and men voted for their favorite undergarments, and Gigi’s Closet carries winners from the g-string and strapless bra categories. Our OnGossamer g-string and Goddess strapless bra were declared the best g-string and strapless bra of the year!

The OnGossamer Mesh Hip-G Thong is made of soft material and doesn’t ride up when you sit down (which tends to be the biggest complaint about thongs). So, this is a great thong for a combination of sexiness and maximum comfort. Gigi’s Closet offers it for just $14.00!

The Goddess Lace Longline Bra was chosen as a favorite amongst full-figured women; however it comes in all sizes, ranging from 34B to 50FF. Because of its long line bustier feature, it enhances support — especially for women with larger cup sizes — so it’s no wonder why they voted it the best of its kind. You can pick them up here for only $48!

Both of these undergarments are two among several pieces of lingerie that Gigi’s Closet offers with maximum comfort and support because we sell only the finest lingerie at our boutique.

Life is short. Wear pretty underwear.

Gigi's Closet is Back!

In case you never read the press release, Gigi’s Closet is back with new owners! We are continually adding new products to the store and updating the site to make it easier for customer shopping. I also wanted everyone to know that Gigi’s is still actively pursuing the Bras for Charity drive. Women across the country have trouble affording bras, especially ones that fit. That’s why Gigi’s Closet is asking you to send any of your gently worn or unused bras to our location in Lenexa, Kansas. The bras will go to the Salvation Army and help “support” women in the greater Kansas City area. For more information about the Bras for Charity drive (including where to send them), click here.

Coming soon, we’ll have a designer of the month that we’ll feature in the le boudoir section of the site. And because we’re so involved in our DD+ department, we want to add a section dedicated to those women that come to our site looking for larger cup sizes. We want to eventually have a style guide for each body type or maybe have an interactive section for our customers that wear bras with a DD or larger cup size. That way we can post any questions, comments or even stories from women that have difficulty finding larger bra sizes. So, if you have anything for us to post, e-mail us at Gigi@GigisCloset.com. Hopefully, we’ll get some discussions going.

As always, Life is short. Wear pretty underwear.