Some girls collect designer shoes, while others collect designer handbags. Me? I collect designer lingerie.
Two years ago, I moved to Los Angeles (for a short six-month stint) and landed a job working at Nordstrom in the lingerie department. Prior to holding this job, I cared very little for lingerie, let alone anything that cost more than $60. Within a few weeks, however, I quickly developed a soft-spot for high-quality lace, unlined bras, and oh yeah, Agent Provocateur, after visiting the store on Melrose for the first time.
While its price point is high, Agent Provocateur lingerie is by legions the most comfortable, well-constructed, durable, and gorgeous lingerie I’ve yet to encounter. For the past two years I’ve amassed 5 bras, one bodysuit, and a few other extraneous items and I hardly ever wear anything else. When Agent Provocateur announced its winter sale, I couldn’t resist picking up a few extra pieces.
Sadly, this Aliyah demi-bra is going back! It just didn’t fit properly, which turned out to be a huge disappointment. I love the leopard-print tulle and the black elastic trim. I also just realized that I photographed this one inside-out! Oops!
This snakeskin lace bra is so intricate, and the fit is so snug and comfortable! My boyfriend commented that it looks itchy, but I’ve been wearing it for well over two hours now and can’t feel it at all. The lace is beautiful, intricate, and most importantly, soft.
My favorite piece out of my new loot, however, is the Maschina bodysuit. The entire thing is a dark nude tulle with a thick (it almost feels embroidered) barbed wire pattern. In one word, it’s “hardcore.” I have a penchant for things that juxtapose the macabre and the delicate, and this bodysuit embodies that aesthetic perfectly. I’m heading out to Target tomorrow to buy a long black cardigan (if they have any?) to throw over this so I can wear it out as a top!
I also love the faux leather (pleather?) bow! The perfect touch.
When it comes to lingerie, my largest pet peeve is when I hear girls say they can’t justify buying nice things because they “don’t have a boyfriend” or “have an a-cup.” Ridiculous! I don’t think everyone should go out and buy an Agent Provocateur bra (though I highly recommend it!), but I do believe that gorgeous underwear is ultimately meant to only be enjoyed by one person, and that’s the wearer. In the end, it’s about comfort and a new kind of confidence that comes only from yourself- that under your business suit, or Zelda hoodie and sweatpants (my current ensemble), you’re wearing something simultaneously comfortable and beautiful, and only YOU know it. There are those who can only understand confidence gained from others’ approval, and then those who understand that confidence can also be gained from keeping your own secrets.
January 23, 2010 at 3:55 am
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Hello. I was reading someone elses blog and saw you on their blogroll. Would you be interested in exchanging blog roll links? If so, feel free to email me.
Thanks.
January 23, 2010 at 4:01 am
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“There are those who can only understand confidence gained from others’ approval, and then those who understand that confidence can also be gained from keeping your own secrets.”
AMEN! i couldn’t agree more with this. well spoken.
okay, that snakeskin is even prettier than the photos on the website. i absolutely love it!!!
January 23, 2010 at 3:23 pm
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That barbwire detail is so nice!
January 24, 2010 at 7:34 pm
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I love Penny Arcade and women who love lingerie. You are a goddess
January 24, 2010 at 8:09 pm
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gorgeous, i’ve been checking out the ap sale for a couple of weeks now but have still not ordered anything. i have never bought from them before so unsure on the fit. so so pretty though, it’s a good addiction to have.
January 24, 2010 at 9:01 pm
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ammmaazing!
January 25, 2010 at 4:01 am
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Personally I think this is the best one to collect
January 27, 2010 at 4:10 pm
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the box looks cute to me :p
February 4, 2010 at 4:56 am
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Luxirare just made a post with this same bodysuit. http://luxirare.com/chain-stitch-jacket/
Did you ever read those reverse formspring entries where you asked us questions?
February 10, 2010 at 5:54 am
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I have just recently made my first AP purchase and now I don’t know if I can purchase any other brand. They make a amazingly beautiful and supportive items – even for larger cups sizes like me!
February 12, 2010 at 10:04 pm
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such an understandable addiction! if i had the money, i would DASH to buy lovely, delicate bits and pieces from Agent Provocateur! though, with the new underwear-as-outerwear trend, i suppose now is the perfect time to indulge in expensive undies! aha.
http://fanfareforlibrarians.wordpress.com/
February 14, 2010 at 8:20 am
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Wow! Great pieces! Love the second bra!
Greetings from Rome!
January 19, 2012 at 2:25 pm
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Looks very nice!
I agree with the fact that nice lingerie is just for oneself as well, it does makes you feel better than just wearing old panties and such. Now Agent Provocateur is not really available in the Netherlands as far as I know but a lingerie set of €80,- is still quite a lot of you ask me! Only one days when you feel really rich ;)
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