Something Blue

Today, dear friends, we would like to present you with a rare treat indeed. Yes ladies and gentlemen, today is the day you will get a peek at Mademoiselle M.'s knickers!

In the window, no less!

       Indeed, those are precisely what they look like...french knickers! Oh lala! Perhaps better known as tap pants or tap panties to most of you fine folks. No doubt you are also aware that this style was the knicker of choice for those feisty flappers of the 1920's and sultry vamps of the 1930's alike.

     Lightweight, luxurious fabric...tasteful lace applique...french seams...button closures on the sides...yes ladies and gentlemen, these are the real deal, french knickers from the 1930's....at least, the pattern itself is!

 

Lace applique on the sides of the leg!

     As I'm sure all of you know, two of the pitfalls of vintage lingerie collecting are price and stability, with many lovely finds being either out of one's price range, or else too fragile to be worn. When Mlle. M. was but a young student, such was the case, however, her desire for beautiful vintage underthings was insatiable. Luckily for her, she was blessed with a sewing machine, a nearby thrift store with lovely vintage textiles and lace amongst the other odds and ends, and a little bit of ingenuity. Thusly, these lovelies were born!

Gorgeous pale-aqua vintage fabric.

   Although the thrill of owning and wearing a "real" piece of vintage is undeniably satisfying and thrilling, there is something to be said for the use of patterns from days gone by to create a "new" piece. Generally, if your sewing skills are up to par, you will be able to enjoy the pleasures of wearing a gorgeous vintage looking garment, without having to worry about damaging or destroying it. Indeed, you can take your piece out for a night of dancing without having to spend the whole time worrying about what all the movement, sweating, and general merrymaking will do to it.

    Furthermore, making your own piece allows you to make alterations to the original. Now, before everyone starts screaming "Treason!" allow me to elaborate. For many vintage lingerie [and clothing!] lovers, size and fit are a major issue, especially with the older pieces, such as those from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. We simply do not shape our bodies in the same way as was done back then, which leads to a great deal of heartache when we find  a beautiful piece who's measurements could never approach our own. Therefore, being able to alter the old patterns to make a vintage looking piece, true to the original in every way except size, is a great blessing.

The instructions used, via Frilly Bits 

      And I shant touch on the pleasures of sewing today, as I lack time to do it justice, but believe you me, they are many and great.Therefore, I encourage all of you, dear friends and readers, to keep your eyes open for vintage patterns in your travels, and to entertain the thoughts, when having a difficult time finding just the right piece to add to your collection, of sewing your own. I promise you will not regret it. And if this post has sparked a desire for french knickers that simply cannot be contained, I would like to direct you to this page: French Knicker Instructions: Frilly Bits

                              

The value of little luxuries

Ginger Rogers 

      Recently, Monsieur N. and I have been doing a lot of talking about the mind-body-spirit connection; about the fact that human beings are one whole, not a collection of fragments, and therefore anything that affects one aspect of our being, really affects our entire self.

      On this line of thinking, we've discussed many things, such as the relationship between food, exercise, companionship and spirituality, and our physical, mental and emotional states. However, what I want to discuss with all of you, ladies and gentlemen, is something that lies a little closer to our collective hearts [and dare I say, underwear drawers! ;] ]

     I have oftimes Without a little self indulgence as such, we are apt to fall prey to all sorts of malaise, be it mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical. encountered a derisive response to my passion/ hobby for lingerie, especially that of the vintage and/or luxury kind. Many seem to view it as a frivolous, wasteful, or even immoral pursuit. However, I beg to differ, I think it is a very necessary part of life to allow ourselves to partake of sensual pleasures. This is especially true in our fast paced, technology obsessed world.

     Here we are constantly bombarded with negative sounds and images, while being separated from our physical senses, and not to mention from each other. It is essential for our well being that we  take time out to relax and enjoy ourselves, to appreciate the finer things in life and indulge our senses. Indeed, I would argue that taking time to indulge our senses is just as essential as getting out to exercise, or eating enough fruits and veggies each day! And indulging the senses is precisely what I am doing through my love of lingerie, be it with the whisper of silk against my skin, the sheer aesthetic beauty of crystal pleated nylon or that firm hug from a favorite bra.
    

A Vargas girl shows us how it's done!

    Now, I by no means am arguing that lingerie is the only way in which one can indulge her [or his! ;] ] senses. Indeed, for others the same needs may be met with a trip to the spa, a day spent in an art gallery, or in any number of other ways. However, I personally find the experience of wearing a fine piece of lingerie to be even more fulfilling than a massage or beautiful painting, because it not only is a delightfully sensual experience, but it allows the wearer to transform herself into a work of art. Such an experience is the height of sensual indulgence, and one simply cannot help but feel divine.

I suppose what I mean to say is simply that lovely lingerie is a valid, and perfectly essential part of the life for those who love it...would you not agree?

               - M. Ziegfeld