Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr

 Miranda May Kerr is an Australian model best known as one of the Victoria's Secret Angels since mid-2007. She is the first Australian to participate in the Victoria's Secret campaign and also represents Australian fashion chain David Jones. Kerr began modeling in the fashion industry when she was 13, starting at Chaay's Modelling Agency, and soon after winning a 1997 Australian nationwide model search hosted by Dolly magazine and Impulse fragrances.She is married to actor Orlando Bloom with whom she has a son, Flynn.

VIA

Who is Heidi Klum?

 

 Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Her career in modeling began thanks to her friend Karin. She persuaded Heidi in the winter of 1991 to enter a local modeling contest. Although Heidi won the contest in April of 1992, she passed up her first modeling job in order to finish high school first.After Heidi finished high school in June of 1992, she decided to pursue a career as a model. Before making it big anywhere, Heidi hired a lawyer, took out worldwide insurance on herself, and bought a phone that she could use to stay in touch with her parents.Klum began to learn the ropes in the modeling world in Hamburg, Germany. She then moved to Milan, followed by a move to Paris. In the summer of 1993, Heidi began working in Miami and by the fall of that year she moved up to New York City. Klum has lived in Manhattan ever since.

By 1996, Heidi decided to secure a copyright on her name, just in case.Heidi's debut on the fashion runway was in 1997 for Victoria's Secret. The show pushed Heidi into superstardom and she became a recognizable face to the public. That same year she married the celebrity hairstylist, Ric Pipino. They divorced in 2002. By 1998, Heidi became the first German woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, swimsuit edition.On top of modeling, Klum made her acting debut in 1999. She appeared on the television show Spin City, as the love interest of Michael J Fox. Her guest appearance went over so well that she stayed with show for a total of six episodes that season. She has also guest starred on the series, Sex and the City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristen Davis, and Cynthia Nixon. Heidi made her debut on the big screen in the film Blow Dry in 2001. Her co-stars included Josh Hartnett, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Rickman, and Natasha Richardson.In 2004, Heidi gave birth to her first daughter, Leni, named after her grandmother.

 The father was Heidi's boyfriend at the time, Flavio Briatore, an Italian businessman. The relationship did not work out and Heidi began dating the British musician, Seal. The couple was married in May of 2005 on a beach in Mexico and their first son, Henry, was born in September of 2005. In June of 2006 they announced that they are expecting another child.Heidi began hosting her own TV show in December of 2004 called Project Runway. The series is a reality show where up and coming fashion designers compete for the chance to debut their line at New York Fashion Week. Heidi received Emmy nominations for the show in the first and second season. That following year she began hosting a series called Germany's Next Top Model, which was based on the show, America's Next Top Model, hosted by fellow Victoria's Secret model, Tyra Banks.Klum has proven herself to be an avid businesswoman and has come out with her own clothing lines, swimsuit lines, shoes, jewelry, and perfume. Most of her products are available from her official website.In her free time, Heidi enjoys painting. In fact, several of her pieces have been featured in art magazines in the United States. She also created a sculpture in dedication to the rescue dogs who helped in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Perry Steals the Show?

Is anyone going to watch this year's Victoria's Secret fashion show, set to air November 30th? Surprisingly enough, I almost never do. I don't really even have a good reason why. It's lingerie on display, so by rule I should like it. And there's a good chance I won't be doing much else at 10PM on a Tuesday night (although I may have to check the Celtics' schedule). But try as I might, I've always had a hard time finding this show interesting...you know, beyond the zealots who want to shut it down, and the fact that they have to air it at 10PM now, because, you know...the kids. We don't want them to find out about underwear...that could be catastrophic.

Maybe I should say, I have a hard time finding Victoria's Secret interesting. Since I've started blogging, I've almost surprised myself with the contempt I've developed for VS. I shop there, of course. It's hard not to given the convenience, price, and the every-day practicality of some of their product. On the other hand, in my opinion, their attempts at sexy typically miss the mark, their attempts at vintage are laughable, and PINK...what to say about PINK...other than I dream of going store to store world wide and burning each PINK section of every store to the ground.

Hmmm...maybe I should add an 'unhealthy' to the 'contempt' above.

I am convinced, however, that all of this is not lost on the suits at VS headquarters. On one hand they realize they're (undeservingly?) holding gold, when it comes to the fashion show. On the other hand, they have little clue what to do with it, other than 'whose turn is it to parade down the runway in the $2 million diamond bra this year?'.

So they put together side shows: performers of some sort. One year it was a spiffy little Spice Girls reunion. Another year was.......you got me...like I said, I don't typically watch it. When I do, I forget it as soon as I shut off the TV. Which is too bad because, you know, I got $2 million lying around that I can't figure out what to do with.

Which brings me (finally?) to Katy Perry. She is our performer Du Jour, performing with Akon (don't worry, he'll be fully clothed......at least I think). Her two outfits according to reports, are anywhere from "daring" or "provocative" to, uh, "raunchy", allowing her to fit right in, if not, outshine the models who typically wear the adjectives above. And it's not like I can deny my admiration of her tights-wearing ability, after all.

Perry, who needs no lessons on how to market herself, should feel right at home, on stage as the outfits (however you want to describe them) accompany her lovely (if not digitally enhanced) singing voice. If nothing else, VS should find her exactly (yes, he's going to say it) the Spice this year's fashion show needs.

Huh. Maybe I will tune in.

VS Semi-Annual Sale

Unless you've been living on another planet, you're probably aware that this is the time of year when Victoria's Secret holds their semi-annual sale. Here are a few of my favorite pieces currently on sale:

Lace Babydoll -- 17% off

Lace-trim Satin Slip -- $29.50

Point d'esprit Teddy -- 17% off

I Gotta Admit...

Okay. After another week away from the blogging machine, I owe you, the reader, much much more than this. And it is coming, I promise. But for now, I'll be ending the week with one of my least sexy posts ever. Y'all will just have to forgive me for it.

I hate cotton panties. Hate them. Find them useless. Beyond that, I'm not a big fan of Victoria's Secret. I tolerate them due to the fact that they're one of the few lingerie stores in my area I can walk into and shop in and, well, sometimes you need that in-person experience. But, as I've always said, one of the more rewarding things associated with me starting a blog, was that it opened my eyes to the so many different non-Victoria options out there.

So, all of that said, you probably realize by now that I'm going to write about cotton Victoria's Secret panties today. You've probably also realized that I'm going to tell you how much I love them. Life can be funny, can't it?

Amidst the many things I dislike about cotton panties, the one thing I do like, is how they bring me back to a different time. I was five years old (swear it) when I first snuck into a panty drawer only to realize that panties were so much different than what I had to wear. They were cut differently, but I probably didn't notice that as much as the many different colors and patterns. They were also much softer than my "boy briefs" of that time. Needless to say, I had to have them. It would be years later that I discovered nylon and satin panties...but they did little to change my mind about my love for panties.

Fast forward to the present and Victoria's Secret recent unveiling of the not-so-cleverly titled "VS Undies". Hey, they're cotton panties, how creative can you get, I guess. They're the Signature Cotton that VS has always had, but they're redone to be a great deal softer and, bless their heart, stretchier. At the usual 5 for $25, I gave them a shot, and I do love them. There's still nothing exciting about them, but they feel great, and that's sometimes all you need. They're only about 150,000 times better than the PINK collection. Let's put it that way.

At any rate, I'm still all about tulle, lace, and pin up panties, never fear. But these are probably a sensible, if not exciting, addition to any collection. They come in a ton of colors and patterns sizes XS-XL. They're available, in sting, thong, string bikini, bikini, brief, hiphugger, and, of course, boyshort.

Now, about the boyshorts...

Someone needs to help me out with this one. Why, in the many styles and options in panties available, does there need to be a boyshort? We need a panty that mimics the male boxer short (even if they ironically fit miserably on men)? Is it just to mock people like me? I just don't get it. If I never had to wear a boxer short again, I'd be happy. I can't believe choosing it when you're a woman. Oh well...I digress...

In Person

In my continuing effort to re-vitalize this blog, I headed off today to Victoria's Secret for a little lingerie shopping. At this point, almost a month after Christmas, my hope was that their semi-annual sale had been going on long enough that I wouldn't encounter hoards of people diving through various bins of bras and panties as if they would be the lucky ones to stumble across the ideal bra and/or panty at a fraction of its original cost. It was also my hope that, by now, Victoria's Secret would be introducing some of its new product line and I would find something new and exciting.

In the end, they did have a new bra and panty line out that they were advertising as being vintage. It was reasonably nice in terms of laciness, but, as of the moment, they were a bit limited in the size range. Due to the fact that I am a somewhat unusual (unfemale?) 38B, it ain't always easy finding a good bra...at least not at Victoria's Secret. In the end, the salesperson who was helping me look found a few of the biofit bras in that size. While I own one already, it was one of their original ones, so it was worth checking out.

I ended up taking the bra into the fitting room while the salesperson looked around for matching panties. The bra, as expected, fit well. The somewhat pleasant surprise was that she was able to find me a few panties that were more in line with my tastes that what I had been used to finding at Victoria's Secret. They had a bit more coverage and were a see through lace material. Around the waist of one of them (pictured here) was even some lacy fringe material. They're actually quite nice. I'm looking forward to wearing them, I have to admit.

As I left the fitting room, I made my selections. The salesperson commented to me about how she, in particular, liked the see-through style panties. I really had to agree with her.

I'm looking forward to wearing these panties and seeing how they work out. I plan on posting a review or them (and maybe also the bra) in the upcoming days. I'm continuing to hold out hope that Victoria's Secret will return to the store that it was when I first started shopping for women's underwear. As much as writing the blog has helped tune me in to all of the great options in lingerie online, there are still times when I really prefer shopping in person. It's just a whole different experience. Love them or hate them, it's hard to shop, in person, for lingerie and avoid Victoria's Secret at the same time. It just really limits the options.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm supposed to be meeting some friends. If I leave now, I might just have just enough time to run into Wolford beforehand ;).

Reader Review #2 -- The Jacquard Starlet Panty

So my starlet panty review started anew today. Yesterday's review of the Starlet Garter Panty went quite well. After that, I was looking forward to putting these panties on this morning, to find out more about them.

I liked this panty the second I took it out of the Victoria's Secret package, late last week. I think they are incredible pretty in a way that I felt had been missing from Victoria's Secret over the last couple of years. I know I've been repeating that sentiment over and over with my recent reviews of VS panties, but it really had become quite a problem, in my opinion. Sexy didn't have to mean minimal coverage, and often times sexy lost out to trashy when it came to VS styles.

But on to happier times, as in right now. This type of panty gives a designer the opportunity to really create beauty, and this panty is an excellent example of that. The coverage gives a vintage retro look to the wearer. The slight sheen helps to capture attention. Finally, the abundance of lace detail and overall jacquard look give off a sort of feminine allure that one expects to find in panties that cost three or four times this much, if not more.

The panty is 94% polyester and 6% spandex. It has the look of a satin panty and the feel of a nylon panty, however. The waist is somewhat understated with just a small elastic around. The front has some very feminine and very pretty floral lace detail complete with a bow at the top. The panty, of course, is high waist and the back is the same jacquard look as the sides and front (other than the lace). Finally, there is additional lace detail all the way around the leg openings, making this panty just that much more eye catching. Indeed, it seems like the more you look at this, the more you notice about it.

But, of course, these aren't just for looking at...and that's the best part. This panty feels great. It is totally comfortable, not tight at all, as some high waist panties can be. The fabric, itself, is very comfortable as well and, as I can attest, having worn them all day today, remain comfortable throughout the day....even if I can't say the same for my pants, after I got caught outside in a downpour today! It also gives off no noticeable panty line, which I was even somewhat surprised about.

If you find this panty as beautiful as I do, I think you should buy it. You'll certainly enjoy wearing it and feel pretty and sexy while doing so, maybe even in a vintage movie star sort of way. I think this panty is a steal for $20 as it reminds me very much of some of the vintage panties I have purchased from Pandora's Choice at a much steeper price. I am certainly glad these panties have worked out, and look forward to wearing them again, or even buying more. I'm also, once again, finding myself looking forward to new styles from Victoria's Secret. I certainly hope they have more along the lines of these.

Reader Review #1a -- "Glam it Up" Stockings

So, okay, no one told me to buy these stockings. But, hey, if you're buying a garter panty, don't you need some new stockings to go with them (even if, maaaaybe, you have a pair or two lying around the house already)?

I figured, as long as I'm wearing them, I might as well throw a quick mini-review out there for you the reader...free of charge. Yes, this is what I do.

At any rate, as stockings go, these are quite nice. They're not the vintage kind that I spend half the work day drooling over, but they're a good everyday stocking, for literally a fraction of the price that Wolford charges. Not to say these are like Wolford's. They're not quite as nice, but for $8.50, you can't complain.

I got mine in black (okay, and maybe another color or two, but today is black) and they come in three sizes. They claim they can fit you if you are up to 6 feet tall, but that might be a bit too tall. I'm a good two inches under 6 feet and these barely make it past my mid thigh. If you've got especially long legs, and you like your stockings to come high, you might want to look elsewhere.

They are a blend of 86% nylon and 14% elastane. I can't find the denier count, unfortunately, so that's anyone's guess. But they are pretty sheer and sheer all the way to the toe, so if you like stockings even with open toe shoes, these are certainly an option. If you're interested, you can click here.

Reader Reveiw #1 -- The Starlet Garter Panty

When they're not too busy fighting with some of the local universities ,Victoria's Secret can do it right every once in a while. Case in point is the Starlet Garter Panty.

For those readers who might have caught my blog in the early days...way, way, way back in May of this year, this is what I had to say about Victoria's Secret's first invention of the Starlet Panty. Apparently consumers have by and large echoed my sentiment, because in the few months since then, VS has been expanding their Starlet line very aggressively. There have been a few different variations of the panty itself, there has been a garter skirt, and now there is this...the garter panty.

The panty I reviewed in May was VS grown up. Not grown up in a granny sort of way. Grown up in a elegant, refined, classy, pretty (read: all things not PINK) sort of way. This garter panty is grown up in a sexy, seductive, alluring, when-did-you-get-so-attractive sort of way. And I think it really works.

The panty is high waist and a blend of nylon and spandex. It is a see through mesh all the way around except for a panel down the middle of the front, which is reinforced with a pretty lace detail. On the edge of this lacing, and also down the back, is some boning. The panty remains pretty flexible despite this, and not the least bit uncomfortable, even under pants. Also, there is more lace detail around the waist and leg openings of the panty and a bow at the top front. The back is completely sheer and there is some lace-up on the top of the back. The lacework on the legs and waist continues as well around the back of the panty.

The panty has four garters in total. They are detachable, and the straps are pretty thin. That said, the clasps are metal and everything has stayed in place quite well throughout the day today. If I did have a complaint about this panty, it would be the decision to go with four straps instead of six. But it isn't a big complaint. I know many of the garter belts and panties that VS makes are strictly for the bedroom, but this particular one can be functional all day long. And, most importantly, this panty feels great. From my perspective, this a really comfortable, really great-feeling panty.

I'm still a bit surprised when something from Victoria's Secret fits this well. After a few years of being disappointed with anything I bought from there, thinking it would fit well only to get home and find it didn't at all, I can't be more pleased with some of the panties they have come out with lately. There couldn't be a better example than the Starlet Garter panty. If you're a fan of VS, or looking to try them again for the first time, I would recommend this. I'm glad I got a chance to try it, I will certainly be getting some good use out of it.

Very Special Thanks

To all who posted panty requests on my November 6 post. Especially I'd like to thank both Treacle of the must read Stockings Addict blog and Trish who are both eligible for a $25 e-certificate to the Babygirl Boutique.

I appreciate all who I heard from and hope to have another reader participation/giveaway in the future. Next time I'll pick a different type of lingerie to get input on.

In the meantime, I have a few orders out, and soon we'll be getting reviews of the St. Tropez Sheer Heart Knickers and also the VS Starlet Garter Panty and the VS Jaquard Starlet Panty. I can't wait to try all of them.

Hazardous to Your Health???

...so reports multiple media outlets, including ABC News who has noted an outbreak of "rashes, hives, and permanent scarring" from Victoria's Secret bras. This outbreak has allegedly been caused by a presence of formaldehyde in these bras. Some of the affected bra-wearers may potentially respond with a class action lawsuit against Victoria's Secret.

Victoria's Secret spokespeople, for their part, have denied the use of formaldehyde in any of their products. Additionally they claim to "have strict quality control around our products," and have, thus far, refused to pull the bras in question from their shelves. These bras include the Angels Secret Embrace and the Very Sexy Extreme Push Up bras.

Additionally, there is no mention of this on the Victoria's Secret website, and no notice has been sent to card holders as of 10:30AM eastern time. A look at their website this morning has shown a recall notice for a stuffed holiday bear which comes with a zipper "posing a choking hazard to small children," but no mention of the bras in question, at this time.

Public Service Announcement

There are a couple of sales going on worth checking out. Right now Neiman Marcus is having a sale of up to 40% off. That's right, you don't have to be the governor to enjoy all that Neiman Marcus has to offer, including this great bra and panty set from La Perla (pictured here) for 30% off. Just click here to be directed to all the great savings they have to offer. Sale is for today and tomorrow only.




Also going on right now is a 25% off any single item at Victoria's Secret. .
So if you've had your eye on the Retro Satin & Lace Babydoll (pictured here) but didn't really feel like paying the $68 they want for it. Now is your chance to get it for $51. Simply enter the code 25ITEM when you're checking out, and enjoy your new lingerie, at only 75% of the cost. This sale goes through Monday.


Enjoy.