Panty Monday: The Drawer Hits a Milestone

I have a couple of exciting things to report today. The first is a change I decided to make comes with a big assist from everyone who's been voting in my polls in the sidebar. According to two different polls, 44% of you would like to see me talk about panties more (I know. Makes sense, given the name of my blog and all) and only 4% of you liked 'Money Saving Mondays' the best. I'm with you. I like the idea of that weekly post at first, but I got bored of it. Enter: 'Panty Monday'. Can't wait to see the first post. Oh wait...I'm typing it right now.

The second thing is on a much more selfish note...but I'm equally excited about it. Today is my 500 post. This blog looks a lot different from when I started it almost 3 years ago, but I've enjoyed every day of it. Hopefully you'll all still visiting here when I get to 1,000.

Anyway...in an effort to return somewhat to my roots, I'll kick this new weekly segment off with something I used to talk about endlessly...vintage panties. They're still my favorite for all the lace, nylon, detail, and coverage. Really, what's not to like. Nobody does them better than Dollhouse Bettie...still my favorite for vintage lingerie in general.

Mary Green Nouveau Retro White Silk Pantie

Retro 60s Sheer Ivory High Waist Panties

Parfait Charlotte Red High Waist Retro Pantie

Rago High Waist Full Cut Satin Brief

Blush After Party Calypso Polka Dot Hipster

Fatale Attraction

A few weeks back, my 'One of Three' post was all about San Francisco's Dollhouse Bettie. I posted three unique pieces of lingerie from the dollhouse, and the Blush Femme Fatale Pinstripe Garter Pantie, was the eventual winner. Knowing what I know about Dollhouse Bettie, I'm positive that I would've been happy reviewing any of the three pieces. As it is, I couldn't be more happy to be reviewing the Garter Pantie.

Where to even begin? I'm pretty sure that this is one of the more comfortable well-fitting panties you could ever find. The pantie is a combination of nylon and elastic, so it has a similar feel to a quality pair of tights. Just like tights they are incredibly soft and smooth, as well as body-conforming.

The pantie is a brief-style but does not rise super high on the waist. It ends up sitting just above the hips. It is a gray color with a soft, small elastic waistband. Red pinstripes descend down the garment all the way around, except for the middle panel, where the stripes are horizontal. On either side of the horizontal panel is a pretty gray ruffle that is done in an ultra soft mesh. Finally, there are four adjustable garter straps that are connected to the pantie.

I wore the pantie with vintage black stockings. Because the stockings were 100% nylon they did not have much stretch, but the garter straps are adjustable and had more than enough extension to connect to the stockings and then adjust back to a comfortable spot. The connectors on the garter straps are hidden by gray ribbons. Looks-wise, it is very nice, but they can get in the way a bit when attempting to connect the stockings, particularly in the back. Other than that very small issue, I have no complaints whatsoever.

The garter straps can also be removed very easily allowing the garment to be worn just as a pantie. If done so, the pantie fits just like a regular brief and still looks quite nice. It's a good option, but stockings go so well with this pantie it almost doesn't seem right to wear it that way.

The fabric content breaks down as 80% nylon and 20% elastane. Again, I can't stress enough how soft smooth and comfortable this is. It's available in small, medium, and large. It costs $29.25. As with anything I ever tried from Dollhouse Bettie, it is of very good quality. If taken care of, it will last a long time. Hand washing and air drying is an absolute must. It's a versatile piece so it's well worth the money, in my opinion. It also has a matching bra so it makes a very nice set when paired with the perfect stockings.

One of Three

This week, I'm all about the dollhouse. Dollhouse Bettie, that is. For those who might not know, Dollhouse Bettie is an outfit in San Francisco's famed Haight Ashbury area that specializes in pinup and vintage style lingerie. Being a New Englander, I've never actually set foot into their store (sadly, I knew nothing about them when I went to San Fran a few years back), but their website is a sight to behold. It is stocked full on any kind of lingerie you can imagine, much of it inspired by the styles of the early part of last century. I made three selections from their wide variety of throwback goodness. Now...which to choose?

Thanks, as always, for all of your outstanding comments last week. It was a close win for the Hot Sox Fern Lace Stay-Up Thigh Highs. I think it's a great choice and certainly looking forward to giving them a try.

On to this week:

Blush Femme Fatale Pinstripe Garter Pantie

Admittedly, it took me a while before I ever tried a garter panty. I always figured I'd prefer the versatility of keeping the two pieces separate. But I've been more than pleasantly surprised by the ones I've tried. The Femme Fatale Pinstripe Garter Pantie might be the sexiest I've ever seen of an inherently sexy undergarment. Unlike some garter panties that are meant to be worn strictly in the bedroom, this piece is built for day long wear. It is high waisted and made from a blend of nylon and elastane allowing for optimum fit and maximum comfort. Despite this, no sexiness was sacrificed, in my opinion. It has a sleek gray look with burgundy pinstripes. A center patch is sewn in with horizontal stripes and is aligned on either side by pretty ruffles.

It has an elastic waistband and cotton gusset. The garters are also detachable, but, this piece screams for a sexy pair of stockings, does it not? The garter pantie is available in small, medium, and large. It costs $29.25.

Julia Sleek Sapphire Blue Satin Garter Bustier

Quite honestly I was looking at posting the matching panty originally. It was the blue color and satin finish that caught my eye. But when the page with the panty linked me to this bustier, I was stunned. Is this not a beautiful piece of lingerie?

The Julia Sleek Sapphire Blue Satin Garter Bustier has padded cups with inserts that are edged with ruffles. The cups meet together in the middle with a bow. Boning descends down the garment on both the front and the back. It comes to a scoop bottom with a ruffled hem. There are four removable satin garter straps which have a bow on them. The satin straps are adjustable and the piece closes in the back with 14 hook and eye closures.

The bustier is made from polyester micro satin and spandex. It comes in a wide variety of sizes based upon bra size. It costs $56.25.

Mary Green Nouveau Retro White Silk Teddy

This is a really unique piece of lingerie. It is a combination cami and knicker that is made into a one piece. Once again, I have fallen victim to something shiny. In this case the radiance of this piece as well as the promise of silk has me wondering just how good this feels on.

The Mary Green Nouveau Retro White Silk Teddy is made of a stretch silk material that offers comfort in addition to great feel. In addition to the white silk, it also has a generous amount of gorgeous lace detail. The cups are almost completely covered by a wide band of pink lace. At the bottom of the garment, the pattern repeats around the two leg openings. It also has adjustable shoulder straps at the top. It also has a snap closure in the gusset.

Aside from the trim, the teddy is silk and lycra. It is available in small, medium, and large. In addition to the white, that is pictured here, it is also available in a blush and black color. It costs $68.75.

So this time around we have three very different pieces from one outstanding retailer. As you can probably see from the pictures, they are all extremely sexy. The question to you is: which one is best? It's all a matter of what type of lingerie you like best. I know I could never pick from among these three.

One of Three

First a quick update. I ran a similar post last week involving tights, and I thank everyone who chimed in on my three selections. Ultimately, I settled upon the Trasparenze Capriccio Tights. As soon as they arrive and I get a chance to wear them I will give them a review for all.

In the meantime, this week I am looking at panties. I want something brief-like that is also classic, sexy, and has plenty of sheerness. Once again I have narrowed it down to three possibilities and, once again, I humbly seek reader advice as to which of these I should buy.

Playful Promises Miss Showgirl High Waisted Brief

I have not purchased anything from Playful Promises before, but one look at the Miss Showgirl High Waisted Brief has me thinking that this may be about to change. I stumbled upon these recently while browsing La Magia looking for new styles and stopped dead in my tracks. This showgirl is a showstopper.

There is quite a bit to like about these. They possess many of the attributes of the vintage pin up girl panty that I am always a huge fan of. They have a high rise that ascends to just below the navel. Despite the coverage, they are made from a sheer material that leaves little to the imagination. Finally, they have four vertical columns of stitching, two in the front that end with pink buttons in a keyhole detail.

The panty is a lilac color which makes them even that more unique as this style is most often done in black. The stitching and the buttons are both florescent pink, while the keyhole detail is outlined in lilac satin. Are these panties not completely gorgeous? They are available in small, medium, and large and cost £13 ($21).

Kiss Me Deadly Alouette Brief

I have had the opportunity to buy a few different items from Kiss Me Deadly, and they are all among my favorites. Kiss Me Deadly, who often draw inspiration from classic literature, claims that the theme behind the Alouette line is a Hans Christian Anderson story that's "full of female characters and great quotes". I must confess, I last read Hans Christian Anderson about 15 years ago in high school, but I can find no fault with the finished product, born from the Anderson image.

While also briefs, the Alouette has less coverage than the Miss Showgirl. It sits lower in the front, while still providing a good deal of coverage in the back. It is done in rose laden black lace. It also has a large pink bow in the back. As you can probably see from the picture it is very sheer, save for a lace overlay across the front. It is described by KMD as the most glamorous basic you should own. Who am I to argue?

It is part of a set that also includes a plunge bra and waist cincher with six removable straps. Of course the set wouldn't be complete without a pair of stockings, which KMD can provide as well. The briefs come in small through extra large and cost £16.25 ($26).

Mary Green Nouveau Retro Blush Silk Pantie

When it comes to classic retro lingerie, few do it better than Dollhouse Bettie. That would most certainly include the Mary Green Nouveau Retro Silk Pantie, pictured here in Blush color. Mary Green is a San Francisco designer who sells much of her product through San Francisco-based Dollhouse Bettie. Judging by the silk pantie, I'm going to really like Mary Green.

This is a high waist panty done in a 'retro full cut'. It's done in luxury stretch silk charmeuse. The website boasts that they are one of the most comfortable "to show up on the scene". The silk material tells me that they're going to feel great. They are further embellished with stretch lace inserts that descend down either side of the front of the panty.

Exclusive of trim they are made entirely from silk and lycra. They are available in small, medium, and large and can fit up to a 42 inch hip. Finally, they cost $31.25.

As you can probably tell, I am madly in love with all three of these styles. Which to choose? Well, that is up to you. As always, I am looking forward to hearing any and all opinions on these.

All Frills

Vintage. Sexy. Girlie.

Nobody can combine the three adjectives above in quite the way that Dollhouse Bettie does. In short, I want to buy everything on their website. Of the purchases from them that I have made, I am madly in love with them all. I look forward to their lingerie updates the way some people look forward to the next episode of their favorite television show or a new record from their favorite band.

Among the latest updates, Dollhouse, is making a serious effort towards going vintage. Not just in a re-creation sort of way, mind you, but authentic in every sense. Case in point is the 50s Vintage Frilly Nylon Chiffon Panties. Now the name probably says it all, but hey, the picture certainly doesn't hurt.

In addition to the 100% nylon, there is lace detail that circles each hip bone and continues into a circle of frill in the middle. There is also a flower in the center of each hip bone circle. The leg openings are also very frilly and the panty is semi-sheer. These panties are gorgeous.

They're apparently only available in size 5 and cost $129. They come in only mint color. Personally, I can sometimes be a 5 but am usually a 6, so I'm not comfortable shelling out $129 for something that may not fit great. But they sure are nice to look at. Hopefully they do find themselves a good home.

Bettie Ruffles Some Feathers...

New at Dollhouse Bettie is the Victorian Lace Ruffled Rumba Pantie. Now, believe it or not, I do not actually own any ruffled panties. But these certainly have me intrigued.

It's got what looks to be about 5 rows of elaborate lace encircling the panty. Dollhouse Bettie claims that these are softer than most of the Rumba Panties available. Finally, they look especially cute because the white lace covers a bright red material. The color combination really works.

They're available in small to extra large. They cost $21.

Should I get these? Do I need these. What kind of panty person am I if I don't even have a pair of ruffled rumbas in my vast collection?

Thick With Irony

Dollhouse Bettie has recently unveiled their Gangster's Moll Pinstripe Fishnet Stockings. They describe these stockings as "a gender bending twist on the classic menswear pinstripe". They are, no doubt, inspired by the pinstriped suits worn by the legendary gangsters of the 20s and 30s (Tommy Gun sold separately?).

Whatever your inspiration, these stockings are both attractive and inexpensive. As such, they are certainly worth taking a closer look at. They are fishnet stockings, but they are made out of a combination of nylon and lycra, so they boast a better fit, at least according to the website. In addition, they can be worn with or without a garter belt, but the belt is recommended for longer (day long) wears.

The stockings come in only one size, but they claim to fit up to height's of 5'10" and weights up to 160lbs. They should have a good amount of stretch and claim to have good durability. The pinstripe pattern begins right at the toe and continues all the way up to the lace top. The top is done in a very lovely lace pattern and should have enough stretch to fit an athletic leg. All in all the stocking is really well done from an aesthetic standpoint.

The stocking comes in black only, but costs a mere $7.95. It its quality matches that of typical Dollhouse Bettie products than this is an absolute steal.

Of course, I can't help but think to myself...if these stockings are a "gender bending twist", what does that mean when I am wearing them? Are they really made for me? Hmmmm...

Dollhouse Does It Again

This is just in from one of my favorites, Dollhouse Bettie. It is the Blush Fleur de Peau Microsatin Pinup Pantie. Yes it's a mouthful, but is it not an eyeful as well?

Now I own several pairs of pinup panties from Dollhouse. Each one I've purchased has been better than the last. I could definitely see this one keeping that trend alive.

This is a panty that sits high on the waist, settling in just below the belly button. It is said to be smooth as silk, though made from microfiber. It is an absolutely gorgeous soft pink color with two roses stitched in just below the waist of the panty on the left side.

The best part? It is a ridiculously affordable $22. Perfect for spring, I may need to get this panty now.

From Bettie...For the "Girly Girl in You"

...okay...go on.

One thing you can always count on from Dollhouse Bettie is a unique perspective on vintage lingerie. This is the kind that will take you back to the 20s, 30s, or 40s and really make you feel glamorous. It is also sure to get you excited. The kind of excited where, when you order it, you can't wait for it to arrive and when it arrives you can't wait to wear it.

The latest in wow-inducing pretties from Bettie is Chanteuse Ruched Silk Pinup Shorts. With a name like that I probably don't have to even give you a picture...but don't worry, I will anyway.

It is a stretch satin material and full coverage, dropping pretty far down to the leg. This panty ends below the hip and probably about a quarter of the way down the thigh. It also starts at the waist above the belly button...what fantastic coverage! It has button closures all the way down the left side and finishes with a frilly lace detail at the leg openings.

The body of this panty is pleated and ruched quite nicely. It does not get much prettier and much more feminine than this. The website suggests that this could even be worn as outerwear. That would probably be for only the most daring of us, but it is certainly something I'd love to see.

Want to see more? It is available here in a sizes ranging from XS-L for $139.50.

A Very Special Thank You...

...to three people from three of my very favorite blogs: Treacle of Stockings Addict, Stocking Vixen and Sheen V. I very much appreciate your comments and look forward to wearing and reviewing your suggestions. I am definitely intrigued by both pairs of tights and the pair of stockings that were chosen for me. It will be a lot of fun wearing them.

The orders are on their way out so look for your reviews to be posted here very shortly. Once I receive my orders and I've reviewed everything, I'll throw the names in a hat and pick a winner. Once again, the lucky winner will have their choice of a Dollhouse Bettie gift certificate or a pair of Wolford tights. Odds of winning....uh...1 in 3.

Good luck and stay tuned!!

One of My Absolute Favorties...

...pinup and vintage lingerie seller Dollhouse Bettie, is having quite the impressive sale. I hardly even know where to begin.

First, between this Wednesday and December 24th, they are selling all new holiday and vintage items, as well as select regular items at 20% off. Second, they are giving a 10% discount if you donate to Toys for Tots either in person at their Haight St. store in San Francisco, or through the Toys for Tots website. Just forward a copy of the donation confirmation email if you buy online.

Finally, if you are lucky enough to live near their store, they'll be putting a new item on sale every hour on Friday. For those of us who shop online, they'll be doing the same thing on Monday December 1st. So keep checking back, it'll be well worth it.