La Petite Coquette Lingerie Blogette

Valentine's Day 2013: Is Your Lady a Bardot, a Bellucci or a Bruni?

Bonjour, Coquets et Coquettes! The big red day is almost upon us, and this year we take inspiration from three of Europe's most legendary little flirts to give you a few lingerie ideas for an evening full of romance and intrigue. So without further ado:

One is a girlish iconic model/actress/singer from the 50's, another is a fresh-faced model and former First Lady of France, and the third is an Italian bombshell actress and overall manslayer. Three European broads who share little else in common but a palpable elegance and sex appeal.

So fellows, which type is your dearest?

 

A Bardot type will appreciate the froufrou femininity of a few ruffles, bows, and other embellishments. The Lisa's Folly Blondie Skirted Thong, Aubade Fleurs d'Afrique Demi and Frances Smily Can Can Girl Chemise all fit the bill.

For the Bellucci, provocative styles in rouge and black are sure bets. Try Pleasure State's Gilded Genie Teddy, Lise Charmel's Nuits d'Ete collection (in-store only by calling 212-473-2478), or Aubade's Love Circus Demi.

The Bruni is all about beautiful drape and the balance between lovely and racy. For this gal, we love the idea of a bondage-inspired floral set like Aubade's Lady Erotic collection, Jane Woolrich's ivory babydoll, and Aubade's Boite a Desir Open Babydoll.

 

Wishing you all the sexiest, most romantic Valentine's Day this year!

February 6, 2013: Legwear if you Dare

Salut, Coquettes! When Punxsutawney Phil forecasted an early spring this past Groundhog Day, it only meant one thing to us lingerie mavens: sooner than later, it will be time to retire this season's amazing hosiery! Which is why we think it's a perfect time to test our own legwear limits. Here are some looks that have piqued our interest and inspired us to take the conversation beyond sheer vs. opaque, black vs. nude:

If you're new to the idea of eyecatching legwear, start easy with the classics: a seamed stocking or tight (Wolford's Individual 10 Backseam tights are a favorite) is prim and proper with a sexy little seam they'll only see as you're leaving.

We love Chanel's cheeky little play on the backseam from their Fall 2008 collection.

Or, you can always go one bolder with a bow backseam on a fishnet. Wolford's Marilyn tights take this effect to a new level with real bows; and, when paired with a classic black pump, are guaranteed to make your legs look, oh, about a million miles long.

We will always love a good swiss dot. Always.

Lately we're all about the faux suspender look, which we're starting to see everywhere and especially on some of Hollywood's most famous stems.

 

Rihanna lets her Pretty Polly faux suspenders peak out. Pretty Polly's Super Suspender tights are a similarly provocative style. And did we mention how amazing these look when the clothes come off?

Fishnet? Check. Bows? Check. Faux suspenders and thong pattern? Check and check. It's a little bit shocking how sexy this style by Erica M. is. Definitely on our radar.

Then of course, one can always have a little fun with color. How beautiful is a sheer red stocking with moody blue and grey tones?

And though it may skew a little Halloween, there's something striking about this orange with black tattoo detailing from Zohara:

Bejeweled legwear is a little on the impractical side, but it's undoubtedly stunning to look at. On the utopian dream that is the Marchesa spring runway, tights come crystal-embellished:

A front seam made of little silver paillettes, perhaps?:

It's a bit kooky, but there's something lighthearted and charming about using your hosiery to represent your favorite world cities:

For the artistically-inclined, Jonathan Aston proposes tights that are just a step down from owning your very own Jackson Pollack:

And we would be totally remiss if we didn't celebrate the sheer beauty and exoticism of our own Atsuko Kudo's couture latex stockings. Trust us, coquettes, this is not your average scary sex shop latex. This is pure art:

So hurry, darlings, while the chill is still in the air-- and have a little fun with your legwear!

 

December 31st, 2012: Resolutions for Your Sexiest Year Yet

Bonjour Coquettes! Bonne année et bonne santé! This week, in the spirit of new beginnings this new year, we've put together a few thoughts on how to make some refreshing changes to your lingerie habits and your overall "little flirt" lifestyle. Four resolutions to consider as you ring in 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 18th, 2012: Cruise Swimwear has Arrived!

Bonjour, Coquettes! While the weather outside is indeed frightful, we at LPC are doing everything we can to see the light at the end of the tunnel-- visions of Tahitian sun and sand dance in our heads as the New York winter soaks and blows us around. What's more, our cruise collection has just landed in-store via our brilliant brands from Colombia and Brazil, and the stunning lineup only serves to feed our vivid daydreams. Here, we give you a peek into the trends and styles we have exclusively in-store that, like us, just might make you plan an impromptu tropical getaway in spite of yourself:

 

 

It's a swim season full of embellishments, Coquettes-- intricate beading, rope detail, and sequins en masse have found their way onto your bikini. These are perfect particularly if you're headed somewhere flashy and high-glamour, as this type of suit was made for a good poolside catwalk.

 

Tribal prints make an appearance every year, but we're really loving this season's sophisicated color palates as an update to an old theme.

 

 

Hellooo, sailor! The best thing about this year's nautical styles are the small unique details: Vix's rope detailing and Agua Bendita's cheeky sailor pinup motif. Sexy swashbuckler, anyone?

 

 

We'll spare you the jingle about certain polka dot bikinis; suffice it to say that dots and stripes are a timeless look for coquettes of all ages.

 

Be sure to stop in while sizes are still available, and happy daydreams, darlings!

December 10th, 2012: LPC Welcomes Atsuko Kudo

Bonjour, coquettes! The boutique is all abuzz this week over the very special latest addition to our arsenal of sexy. Ladies and gentlemen, connoisseurs of coquettry, let us introduce you to Atsuko Kudo Latex Couture:

Japanese-born Atsuko Kudo's designs come to us straight from her atelier in London, where Rebecca first fell in love with her one-of-a-kind pieces. And when we say "latex couture," we mean it-- her work is bespoke, made to measure entirely of latex rubber with amazingly innovative treatments and prints.

The line consists of a wide range of minidresses and lingerie, but for those might not be ready to (literally) slip into a shiny black catsuit, Atsuko makes the most precious accessories like chokers, pasties and berets that you can now find exclusively in New York at LPC:

 

 

You may even recognize a few of her creations on the bodies of some of entertainment's boldest vixens:

 

 

Beyonce in Atsuko Kudo in her "Telephone" music video

 

 

Jennifer Lopez in Atsuko Kudo for a 2011 L'Oreal campaign

Lady Gaga wears an Elizabethan gown by Atsuko to meet the queen of England

 

 

Christina Aguilera in Atsuko for her "Not Myself Tonight" video

 

 

Eva Mendes in Italian Vogue

 

So, good for Beyonce and friends that they can strut around in front of the camera in exotic rubber outfits, but what's the appeal of latex for the common woman, you ask? It's all about the supple, slippery feel of the material and its ability to warm the body like nothing else, keeping you and your lover quite warm under the collar, literally. Latex also hugs your form in a really flattering way-- think a much sexier (and, dare we say, more effective!) version of Spanx. Of course, it's also about transforming the wearer into a superhero of sorts, putting her "into a different head space," as Atsuko Kudo creative director Simon Walter Hoare explained to us one recent morning via Skype. 

And the result? Sexy, sexy, sexy on a new level. Watch below as Atsuko and her team create a superhero out of lace-printed latex lingerie, with commentary by Atsuko and Simon.

 

 

We leave you with this thought about latex lingerie, chères coquettes: Abandon everything you think you know about yourself and your lover, and step through our door to find out how latex can actually be as beautiful and delicate as French lace, with about a hundred times the intrigue and sex appeal.

November 26th, 2012: Seduction in a Little Black Box

Bonjour, Coquettes! The gift-giving season is officially here, and already we're delivering sexy little black boxes all over the country filled with stunning lace confections. This year, we're especially inspired by Aubade's alluring gift sets, appropriately named Boîte à Désir ("Desire Box"). There are nine different boxes of sultry little underpinnings and accessories that promise to add a little spice and intrigue to the holiday this year:

Inspired by this idea of gifting a medley of instruments of pleasure, we've put together a few of our own "desire box" ideas that would have even Pandora taking a second peek under the lid. Whether your coquette is a sophisticated type, a little on the wicked side, or an artistic soul, we have all the tools of temptation to build a compelling little lingerie collection:

The sophisticated coquette likes to feel feminine, luxurious and unique. Stick with interesting but relatively classic color palates in lingerie, lace accessories, and throw in a fragrant, relaxing massage candle for good measure.

If your lady has a little bit of a dark side, encourage her to explore it with the help of a few of our favorite British designers. This season, Myla offers the most uniquely-detailed bustiers that money can buy, and Paul Seville will have both of you hot under the (handmade leather) collar with his bespoke harnesses, cuffs, belts and paddles.

 The artistic coquette deserves to feel one-of-a-kind, especially in the bedroom. Lise Charmel's showstopping lace and swarovski necklaces complement their amazing high-drama lingerie sets, while our other favorite Brit, Jane Woolrich, hand crafts the world's most special and intricately-designed silk chemises and gowns.

Wishing you luck and lust in your holiday gift search this year!

October 18th, 2012: Lingerie Tricks and Treats

Bonjour, Coquettes! Halloween is in the air (and in our fabulous window), so it seems only fitting that such a fun, creative holiday receive its due credit on our blog as well. With so many unique, wearable pieces in the shop right now, the possibilities for a knockout costume are endless. Here, we imagine a few options, straight from our racks:

THE CAN CAN DANCER

Whether you're of the Moulin Rouge persuasion or are looking to go a bit more vintage, shopping this look is a no-brainer at LPC.

A beautiful bustier, a pair of stockings (feel free to have fun with patterns and prints here), a full skirt and a few sexy accessories pull the look together. Also, since you'll likely have to kick up your skirt once or twice throughout the night in this costume, make sure your knickers are to die for.

 

THE FELINE FATALE

This is a go-to Halloween disguise, but we recommend putting a Bettie Page spin on it in order to stand out from the rest of the kittens that will be roaming the streets on October 31st:

 

THE FRENCH MAID

We're just guessing, but you probably won't get around to doing much cleaning in this costume...

Another classic disguise made even naughtier for our racks by the masterminds at Modern Courtesan and Hanky Panky:

 

MARIE ANTOINETTE

Like the woman herself, this costume is complex and requires a certain level of extravagance to execute.

The best option here is to go for fine British corsetry and big (we mean big) hair. For a modern spin on the Dauphine, draw inspiration from Kirsten Dunst's portrayal and opt for a lacy black Venetian mask:

 

THE BEWITCHING TEMPTRESS

Easy, sexy, and a little bit dangerous, there are so many directions to take this look.

Whether you choose to err on the side of witch, devil or vampire, keep it black, red and bold all over:

Happy costume hunting, Coquettes!

 

October 8th, 2012: The Outer Limits of Lingerie

Bonjour, Coquettes! With Halloween fast approaching, we thought we'd shake things up a bit. Instead of showing you the finest frills money can buy as we normally would, this week, we showcase some of the wildest (and in some cases, scariest) lingerie we've ever set eyes on, as well as some similar and more wearable looks you can find in our drawers at the shop.

Our first in this strange lingerie series could easily spark another round of crusades:

 If weekend jousting isn't really your thing, but the idea of metalwork on lingerie piques your interest, we have just the thing. May we suggest something with tasteful hardware and fewer sharp edges, courtesy of Marlies Dekkers:

And, watch for this new little confection from Ms. Dekkers later on this winter:

We move on to a cautionary image that depicts the hazards of DIY lingerie:

Drop the Bedazzler, Doll-- the last thing you want to do is blind the poor chap once you've got him in the boudoir. You can still razzle dazzle him, but keep it simple and classy, Stella McCartney style:

 

While we adore so many of the cagey, bondage styles we see, if you're not careful, the look can come off a bit too conceptual and downright tangly:

The key here is simplicity in chaos. Bordelle's minidress is hot as hell with a tangle-free strappy effect that only requires you to slip in, zip up the back, and let the power play begin. 

 

More concrete than any grainy UFO snapshot, the next piece in our journey through uncharted lingerie territories is all the evidence you'd need to conclude that we are not alone:

A lady must always be vigilant of clever little men creeping up their backseams. Give the poor guy's arms a break by slipping into a pair of fishnet Wolfords with a ladder effect made of delicate mini bows:

 

Next, a rather unusual play on the term "catsuit..."

If anyone can turn this unfortunate look around, it's the creative geniuses at Aubade with their sexy "Boite a Desir" kit. Kitten ears, bowtie, g-string, action:

 

Then of course, there will always be the looks that even we, in our infinite acceptance and passion for boundary-pushing lingerie, have no words for:

Disney nipplets-- perhaps not the greatest idea for a brand extension?

... Well, at least it's supportive...

 

There it is, Coquettes! Hope you had a few laughs and got a few wild inspirations!

 

À bientôt!

The Rise of the High Waisted Knicker

Bonjour, Coquettes! It seems like every autumn, lingerie designers put more and more emphasis on the elusive high-waisted brief. Like Russian caviar or a fine Rocamadour cheese, high waisted briefs are a delicacy, but also an acquired taste. Here, we shed some light on just who can wear them (everyone) and how to execute (always with a man-slaying pair of heels):

One of the most fabulous things about high knickers is that they can take so many forms. From innocent to racy, vintage feminine to sporty, this type of panty is incredibly versatile. 

On the one hand, high knickers are gorgeous when dressed up with ladylike embellishments: 

Bows and floral details give high knickers a flirty French baroque quality.

 

High briefs in sheer lace with stay-up stockings whisper "come hither." Add fur coat for maximum opulence.

The always-classic chantilly lace knicker accessorized with pearls. Can a high-waisted panty get any more perfectly French than this?

  

... Apparently it can! Mariner stripes, a Twenties fishnet (underneath your knickers, genius!) and a veiled beret, and voila! You may as well be strolling down the Champs Elysees eating macarons.

Or, if simple and sleek is more your aesthetic:

Supermodel Daria Werbowy turns down the froufrou factor in a basic, streamlined high brief. Minimalist perfection embodied.

And, if anyone has any doubt as to the sex appeal of the oft-misunderstood high brief, we submit as evidence any waist-grazing style by the clever ladies at Bordelle: 

Straps, cutouts, and spikes, oh my!

 Though it may seem hard to believe, coquettes of all shapes and sizes can pull off a high brief. In this style, tall, slender body types like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoy visually enhanced curves:

And on shapelier figures, the high brief visually streamlines and draws the eye up to a tiny waist. Simply put, the high-waisted panty is a curve optimizer!

The lesson, dolls, is this: every lady can and should experiment with a high-waisted knicker, if only to test its powers of seduction on unsuspecting gentleman callers. 

September 17th, 2012: Off the Runway / Into the Boudoir

Bonjour, Coquettes! Fashion month has begun, and each day brings several gorgeous new reasons to be excited for Spring 2013. While we're loving the looks that came out of New York last week and continue to emerge from London this week, we're noticing that a lot of the trends for next spring are already happening in lingerie this fall. That means two things: One, instant gratification, no more seeing the collections and waiting six months to get the look. And two, you can feel clever for two seasons in your new underpinnings because they'll still be perfectly on-trend come spring!

Here, a few of our favorite looks and the pieces you can find at LPC right now:

Grey appears everywhere in lingerie this season, and is having a moment in legwear as well. The richest shades have a bluish tint that set all skin types aglow.

 

Animal prints never fall out of favor on the catwalk, and neither do they in our drawers! 

 

Opulent, sophisticated burgundies are a welcome alternative to basic red and still come with the same powers of seduction.

 

Here again, it's all about infusing a little blue into an ordinary shade of green. Suddenly, it's love.

 

September 10, 2012: Lingerie Astrology

Bonjour, chères amies! We've crossed the threshold into September, and our stunning fall collections have begun to find their way onto our racks. This week, we're turning to the stars to show that there really is a sexy little treasure for every personality at LPC.

Let's start off with the birthday Coquettes:

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22):

Always beautifully composed, the Virgo gal has a demure, lady-in-waiting quality. Pastels, lush fabrics and feminine details are perfect for her.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):

Libras love to surround themselves with harmony and beauty. With the scales as their symbol, Libras tend to be very civilized, refined and fair people. In lingerie, opt for the perfect balance of beauty and practicality. Lise Charmel's Dolce Desir bra is a lovely alternative to basic black, and Cosabella's Dolce cami and short set is equal parts luxurious and flirty.

 

 

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

A secretive sign, Scorpios are always observing. While it's true that a Scorpio coquette can pack a powerful sting, she really sees opposition as a healthy challenge. 

Make your lover rise to the occasion in classic black lace from Harlequin, and throw in a few sexy accessories to up the stakes a bit. A Maison Close spanker and Booty Parlor's bonding tape will do just fine.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

The Sag symbol is half man, half animal, and Sagittarians are known for having close ties to both their animal and spiritual sides. The two natures make for an explosive and intriguing combination in the bedroom. We love Chantelle's Icone in snake print and Tuileries in cocoa, which literally hit the shop yesterday and took our breath away right out of the box.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

Capricorns are known to be highly successful, disciplined business types. Take a break from all the hard work and kick back in something that's soft, comfortable and sexy all at once. May we suggest: Eberjey's Jade teddy or the Delirious bralette and panty set.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

Aquarians are forward-thinking, artistic types, and belong to the most poetic sign of the zodiac.

Fall's deep, moody jewel tones are striking and sophisticated. Our favorites: Lou's Picadilly bra and panty and Frances Smily's aqua silk set with robe.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

The Pisces lady is gentle and generous. Sometimes, when faced with a lot of choices, she finds herself unable to make a decision.

Keep it classic, simple and gorgeous in a floral set from Stella McCartney.

 

ARIES (March 21 - April19)

Aries are creative and at times spontaneous. As a fire sign, they are known for their passionate personalities.

Opt for graphic details, a little push-up (Huit's Equivoque Magic Air bra fits the bill perfectly), and of course, anything sheer.

TAURUS (April 20 - May20)

You, dear coquette, are the bull sign, and as such, everyone recognizes your natural strength. However, lesser known fact: you are also very much a lover, and with these two qualities working at once, you have a natural ability to teach.

Romantic lace and pearls with a naughty edge are in order. Try Hanky Panky's lace teddy (open bottom!) and Bracli's pearl thong. And, a little education in the boudoir never hurt anyone-- introduce an instrument of pleasure and see what a willing student he becomes! 

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

Geminis are highly adaptable and flexible broads. Under the sign of the twins, you have a dual nature-- two personalities, you might say.

Flaunt your duality in the ultimate naughty-and-nice set-- Frances Smily's pristine ivory silk and lace cami has a matching knicker whose innocent first appearance gives way to a slightly taboo and extremely sexy open crotch design.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

Cancers are traditionalists and tend to really appreciate their down time at home. In lingerie terms, this translates to luxurious fabrics and exquisite, timeless tailoring.

Jane Woolrich's silk gowns are simply works of art. For a more relaxed look, Eberjey's Bardot sleep shirt is heavenly. La Perla Studio's Manhattan Cocktail bra and panty set is elegant, comfortable and fuss-free.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Leos are dynamic, fierce,and loving, and are the natural-born leaders of the zodiac. They are very perceptive and easily able to influence others.

We would be completely amiss if we didn't sing the praises of Marlies Dekkers for the Leo vixen. Her avant-garde designs are a true LPC favorite, and you can catch our owner Rebecca, resident Leo, in a colorful Marlies Dame de Paris any day of the week. Maison Close's Belle de Nuit set is high-drama and glamour with chain fringe embellishments and a very cheeky bottom.

 

August 29th, 2012: Have Lingerie, Will Travel

August 17, 2012: The Case for the Matching Panty

Bonjour, Coquettes! This week, we’re inspired by a fitting room confession: many women simply can’t bear to buy a bra without the bottom to match. Some will even insist on two bottoms per bra, since panties tend to wear faster than their cup-sized counterparts. As lovers of what lies beneath, we wholeheartedly accept this rule. Here, some of the compelling arguments in the case for the matching panty:

 

THE RENEGADE TAXI SCENARIO

We hear about it all the time: the horror of a crosswalk run-in with a reckless cab on the very day you thought you could get away with your last-pair-in-the-drawer granny knickers. What will the handsome, chivalrous paramedic think of such an unfortunate choice of underpinning?

Careful, Coquette! However, if misfortune does befall you in the crosswalk, we bet our money that help will be on the way faster than you can say “matching black lace tanga.”

 

THE SPONTANEOUS TRYST

In the busy life of the modern vixen, who can afford to risk passing up a sexy rendezvous on account of not having dressed the part?

The man may say he was too busy to notice, but trust us, he noticed.

 

THE SUBWAY GRATE MISHAP

This is a classic bind, one we’ve all experienced on a crowded city sidewalk where sometimes the only option is over the grate. Rumor has it that Joe DiMaggio was unhappy about the attention his then-wife Marilyn received for this legendary photo op; imagine his disappointment if she hadn’t been ready with a cute coordinating bottom!

 

Speaking of unpredictable gusts, the pin-ups illustrate other scenarios where the matching bottom is critical:

Fall is quickly approaching, Coquettes, and with it come the mischeivous winds of change!

 

Labor day is just around the corner; a lady can never be sure just when a busy travel schedule or that last-hurrah barbecue will put her in a vulnerable spot!

And finally, perhaps the most important occasion of all to be well dressed underneath:

 

THE THRILL OF KEEPING YOUR OWN SEXY LITTLE SECRET

... the knockout set, only to be revealed at the right time to a deserving (and preferably unsuspecting) audience.

Sneak Peek: The Laciest and Raciest of Spring 2013

Salut, petites choux! This week we’re reporting from deep in the lingerie trenches, otherwise known as market week. It’s the time of year where lacy, innocent little numbers battle it out with dark and dangerous ensembles for space on our spring racks (no pun intended!). From the thousands of bras, panties, chemises and bustiers we’ve seen so far, here are a few of the trends that have emerged victorious:

 

  

 

Nothing like a bolt of color to add a little zing to a lingerie drawer full of neutrals. Neon is the new nude, coquettes!

 

 

 

This season more than ever, lingerie designers are daring us to cover up in order to bare all:

 

 

We're pretty sure it's been scientifically proven somewhere, but just in case, let us confirm: sheer is unbelievably sexy! Transparent fabrics are the lingerie equivalent to the keyhole he can't resist peeking through. We're guessing here, but her infamous sheer minidress just may be the reason that 70's icon Jane Birkin was able to hang on to French playboy Serge Gainsbourg for more than a decade.

 

 

 

Our favorite brands are also looking to the Iberian peninsula for an update on traditional red underpinnings:

 

Almost every collection we saw featured a heart-stopping crimson number or a print you might expect to find on the tiled walls of the Alhambra in Granada. In a color this stunning and alive, a lady has only two options: give in to the beat of a good bulería or play seductive matador to a bullish lover.

 

  

 

And finally, what's old is new again:

 

Hand-sewn scalloped edges, 1920's drop waist hemlines, conical bras and peplums aplenty: the latest lingerie incorporates all of the most precious details of the past. These time-honored silhouettes lend their femininity and elegance to anyone who slips them on.

 

 

 

 

 

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