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.

Tags: agent provocateur, lingerie