Dan's Papers - August 29, 2008

Fashionable lingerie started in the early 19th Century with corsets, bras and girdles, and the fad has continued with a vengeance since then, moving from under garments to major fashion statements for all to see. And while we all have preferences when it comes to undergarments - from the basic to the risqué - in my opinion, sexy lingerie is a must and even those conservative women should own at least a few pieces of alluring lingerie.

Over the years we develop a sense of what brands and styles work best for us. The key is to choose items with support and comfort. Believe it or not, it's estimated that 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Perhaps we don't take the time to check what a perfect fit should be? Most lingerie stores recommend making an appointment for a proper fitting -essential to finding your accurate size. Aside from discomfort, wearing a cup size too small or big, or wearing a 34 when you're really a 36 won't look very attractive. Bumps, bulges and overflowing breasts due to a bad fit are not sexy. Choosing the correct size enhances or minimizes the areas of your choosing.

There are variety of lingerie companies, from moderate to high-end. International designers and makers such as La Perla (Italy), Strumpet & Pink, Guia La Bruna (Italy), Carine Gilson (Belgium based), Agent Provocateur (UK), Frankly Darling (UK) and Huit (France) have strongly influenced the lingerie market in recent years. Each company or designer has managed to tap into a different dynamic that has allowed them to focus on key items. Whether they specialize in panties, sleepwear, nightwear, bras or corsets, they each have something unique to offer.

Imagine the days when women wore knickers? Not very sexy by today's standards. But Strumpet & Pink has "reinvented the knicker." This company offers the most elegant and feminine knickers you'll ever see. With names like Swans Tale, Little Bow Peep, Maidens Belt and Princess and the Pea, were looking at lingerie couture at its best. Check out their designs at www.strumpetandpink.com.

Locally, there are a number of lingerie boutiques that carry a vast array of elegant underwear and sleepwear. Complements (with stores in Bridgehampton and Southampton) offers a beautiful selection of lacey, silky, sexy pieces. Shopping at a specialty boutique allows for a one-on-one experience. The sales associate has the skill and the time to focus on your needs and will help you feel at ease with your selections.

You won't be disappointed walking into Bonne Nuit in East Hampton - another high-end lingerie boutique that offers a variety of luxurious undergarments and sleepwear.

Of course, Victoria's Secret (in the Bridgehampton Commons) offers a wide variety of bras, panties and lingerie at affordable prices. Through fashion shows, gorgeous models and great PR, the company has dominated the mass market. In 2004, Tyra Banks modeled the world's most expensive bra: the 70-carat Fantasybra boasted 29,000 diamonds, and 275 hours of labor. How can you top that?

Some women prefer to wear thongs while others like to wear briefs. For those who prefer diamond thongs, Triumph Int'l designed a pair of studded thongs in black lace with a floral pattern in diamond studs. They can be yours for a mere $122,000.

If casual comfort is your choice, check out undrest.com for some of the softest panties made of Supima cotton and cotton cashmere. Styles are offered in soft colors like white, rose and menthe.